Z-niks and Military Bloggers
Russia’s Uncivil Online Society
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
In the spring of 2026, a wave of criticism directed at the Kremlin swept through Russia’s uncivil online society. Many of the so-called Z-bloggers — previously seen as staunchly loyal to the Kremlin and commanding audiences ranging from over a hundred thousand to, in some cases, more than a million subscribers —
distinguished themselves by voicing sharp criticism of the situation in Russia. While they had once served to amplify every statement from the political leadership, many now demanded that the war against Ukraine not be continued in its current form. The regime initially responded with concessions, only to then proceed in the usual fashion with repressions against some of the leading voices of this online uprising. For the time being, this has significantly curtailed the anti-Putin activities within this milieu. Yet the conflict continues to simmer.
(Osteuropa 3-4/2026, pp. 49–62)