A Russian soldier who threatened Putin with an army mutiny racked up 10 million Instagram views. Who is he?

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   Russian Veteran Alexander Lunin Detained After Mutiny Threat

   Alexander Lunin, a soldier from the Voronezh region and Ukraine war veteran, posted a viral video threatening a military mutiny. He demanded a live televised meeting with Vladimir Putin to discuss alleged torture and abuse of soldiers. Lunin was subsequently detained by Russian authorities for 11 days.

   What's confirmed:

   • Alexander Lunin is a veteran of the invasion of Ukraine from the Voronezh region.
   • Lunin posted a video on June 25 threatening a military mutiny if he was not granted a live television meeting with Vladimir Putin.
   • The video alleged that thousands of soldiers were tortured in pits for refusing suicidal orders or refusing to give money to commanders.
   • Lunin claimed high-ranking officials from the security services and Defense Ministry asked him to act as their messenger.
   • The video received nearly 11 million views in less than one day.
   • Russian authorities detained Lunin for 11 days after he appealed to the Russian leader.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Police seized electronic devices during a search of Lunin's home.
   confidence 90%