Full Breakdown
Kremlin Says It Will Review Veteran’s Viral Video Alleging Torture and Murder in Ukraine
6/26/2026, 10:41:40 PM
Allegations Prompt Kremlin Review
On June 26, 2026, the Kremlin said it would examine a viral Instagram video by Russian veteran Alexander Lunin. Lunin accuses Russian commanders in Ukraine of torturing and murdering soldiers who refuse “stupid or suicidal orders” or refuse to hand over money. He warns that without a live-TV audience with President Vladimir Putin, “the army would turn their guns on the Kremlin.”
Video Reach, Claims, and Context
Lunin, a Voronezh-region veteran, recorded the appeal in combat fatigues. Though Instagram is banned in Russia, the video attracted over 12 million views in 24 hours. He alleges that thousands of Russian soldiers are held in pits for refusing orders or money, that they are tortured before being murdered, and that commanders later label them missing in action.
Official Statements & Responses
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said officials have not seen the video but have been notified of its existence. He declined to comment, calling the wording “rather strange” and stressing a need for review before response.
Criticism & Opposition
Lunin’s video directly challenges the military hierarchy, alleging systemic abuse, cover-ups, and demanding accountability from senior commanders and the Kremlin.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The video offers no evidence, victim names, or identified perpetrators. Russian authorities have not verified the claims, and the Kremlin’s pending review leaves them unsubstantiated. It is unclear whether Lunin acts alone or represents a broader dissenting faction.
Why It Matters
If substantiated, the claims could erode troop morale, fuel public skepticism, and pressure the Kremlin to address alleged misconduct. The video’s rapid spread shows that even banned platforms can shape internal discourse under state censorship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You know, we were indeed told that such an appeal exists, but we haven’t had a chance to look at it yet, so I wouldn’t want to comment on it.” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman
- “But judging by what you’ve said, it contains some rather strange wording, so we need to look at it first,” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman
- “He said that if he did not get a personal audience with Putin on live TV soon, the army would turn their guns on the Kremlin.” — Alexander Lunin, Russian military veteran
- “In the video, Lunin alleged that thousands of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine were being held in pits for refusing to carry out “stupid or suicidal orders” or for refusing to hand over money to their commanders.” — Alexander Lunin, Russian military veteran
What’s Next
The Kremlin has pledged to investigate the video, though no timeline has been disclosed. Lunin’s demand for a televised audience with President Putin suggests a potential escalation, while Russian officials may seek to limit dissemination of the appeal.
