×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Angry Russian Woman Smashes Putin Mask Made by Pro-Ukraine Activists

A mask of President Vladimir Putin. @MaryanaDrach1 / Twitter

A Russian citizen visiting the Czech Republic was reportedly so outraged by a mask of President Vladimir Putin displayed by activists in Prague that she took it and smashed it.

Members of a local affiliate of Ukraine's Euromaidan pro-European movement had made the giant mask for a carnival in November and subsequent weekend marches held in Prague in support of Ukraine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Ukrainian service reported Monday.

But the Russian woman was apparently so incensed by the use of Putin's likeness that she took up her complaints with the activists.

"She approached our table, expressing indignation that we had insulted their president, grabbed our Putin and hit him several times," activist Sonik Pospishylova was quoted as saying by RFE/RL.

Radio Svoboda journalist Maryana Drach later posted a photo of the damaged mask on Twitter that showed a split running from its temple to its forehead.

Ukrainian activists and their Czech supporters have been holding marches in Prague every weekend to show their solidarity with Kiev and to criticize Russia's annexation of Crimea and meddling in east Ukraine, RFE/RL reported.

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more