What Do You Meme?
Memes are Russians' outlet for outrage, protest, and despair
Six months into the invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s political and economic life has changed significantly. New repressive laws forbid Russians from calling the war in Ukraine a “war,” the government blocks websites and social media and large companies have left the country. Protests are impossible.
With little space to speak out freely, Russians have turned to comedy to reflect the current situation.
The Moscow Times compiled some of the most popular memes from social media and cartoonists.
With little space to speak out freely, Russians have turned to comedy to reflect the current situation.
The Moscow Times compiled some of the most popular memes from social media and cartoonists.
"New Laws" "Russians"
https://t.me/lentachold/51589
"Russian Internet" "VPN"
https://t.me/lentachold/51502
The Ship of State is not Sinking
Cartoonist Eva Morozova from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk used her “ugly universe” comics to reflect the new reality in Russia.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbLCydJs7EW/?hl=en
Stalin's Legacy
In the last century Stalin tried to destroy the Ukrainian nation and people.
https://t.me/saraselka/4290
Political Literacy
Policeman: "Hello there!"
Mother: "What do you say to the policeman?"
Child: “The 51st Article of the Constitution protects against self-incrimination.”
Mother: "What do you say to the policeman?"
Child: “The 51st Article of the Constitution protects against self-incrimination.”
https://t.me/saraselka/4292
For Everything Else, There's Mastercard!
Mastercard suspended its operations in Russia, giving new meaning to its famous slogan.
https://t.me/saraselka/4300
A classic meme.
https://t.me/saraselka/4313
“Good morning, are you awake? Six years in prison for extremism.”
The term “extremism” is defined very loosely in Russian criminal law and is more often used against anti-Putin activists.
https://t.me/saraselka/4315
What’s the difference between Russia and a vibrator?
A vibrator has changeable regimes.
https://t.me/saraselka/4343
“For passengers back from Ukraine and women who will give birth to more children.”
The human losses of the Russian army are estimated at between 5,000 and 45,000. But pro-war Russians play down the death toll saying that “women will just have more babies.” This imitates a metro sign.
https://t.me/anthro_fun/1370
How it started. How it's going.
A famous painting of a horse was reimagined in a Ukrainian meme page mocking the performance of the Russian army in Ukraine.
@uamemesforces / Twitter
