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Ex-officer Lunin posts viral video accusing army torture, warns mutiny

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alexander Lunin posted an Instagram video accusing commanders of torturing soldiers who refuse suicidal orders, which drew 12 million views.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they have not seen the appeal and called its wording strange.
Because Instagram is blocked in Russia, the video could be seen only via a VPN.
Lunin warned that without an audience with President Vladimir Putin, the army might turn its guns on the Kremlin, yet his appeal gave no evidence and left him unknown.

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Story summary

Alexander Lunin posted an Instagram video accusing commanders of torturing soldiers who refuse suicidal orders, which drew 12 million views.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they have not seen the appeal and called its wording strange.
Because Instagram is blocked in Russia, the video could be seen only via a VPN.
Lunin warned that without an audience with President Vladimir Putin, the army might turn its guns on the Kremlin, yet his appeal gave no evidence and left him unknown.