Pussy Riot Protests Ubiquiti Over Alleged Support of Russian Military

On March 27, 2026, the Russian feminist group Pussy Riot staged a protest at the Manhattan headquarters of American technology company Ubiquiti. The protest aimed to highlight Ubiquiti's alleged role in facilitating Russian military operations in Ukraine, which Pussy Riot claims has contributed to numerous documented war crimes. Co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova presented evidence, including footage from Russian military Telegram channels, showing soldiers using Ubiquiti Wi-Fi bridges to establish communication on the frontlines.

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Tolokonnikova articulated the group's demands, which included urging Ubiquiti to comply with U.S. sanctions, acknowledge the use of its products by the Russian army, and collaborate with Ukraine to prevent such usage. The protest followed the disabling of SpaceX's Starlink service for Russian military use, which had previously provided critical satellite communication capabilities. In contrast, Ubiquiti's Wi-Fi bridges, while useful, are more susceptible to disruption and do not offer the same level of connectivity.

Kyiv Independent

Ubiquiti has a history of legal issues regarding compliance with U.S. sanctions. In 2014, the company settled allegations for over $500,000 related to violations involving its wireless equipment reaching Iran through intermediaries. This background raises questions about the company's current practices and its accountability regarding the use of its technology in conflict zones.

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Following the protest, Pussy Riot reported that Ubiquiti's partner company, Square, deactivated the account used by the group to sell merchandise. Tolokonnikova criticized this action, stating, "Going after Russian feminist activists in exile, but not after Russian war criminals. Cringe." This response has sparked discussions about the implications of corporate actions in relation to political activism and human rights.

Kyiv Independent

While Pussy Riot's protest has garnered attention, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of targeting technology companies in the context of international conflict. Critics may argue that focusing on Ubiquiti diverts attention from broader systemic issues contributing to the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the impact of such protests on corporate policies remains to be seen, as companies often navigate complex legal and ethical landscapes.

Rolling Stone

As of the latest reports, Ubiquiti has not publicly responded to the protest or the specific demands made by Pussy Riot. The lack of a statement from the company leaves open questions about its stance on the allegations and its commitment to compliance with international laws regarding military use of technology.

Rolling Stone

The protest by Pussy Riot highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the use of technology in warfare and the responsibilities of corporations in conflict situations. Future actions by both Pussy Riot and Ubiquiti may further illuminate the intersection of corporate accountability and human rights advocacy in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Rolling Stone