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Russian ex-soldier asks Putin for public meeting over army claims

Viral videos by Aleksandr Lunin draw millions of views as he demands a televised confrontation with the Kremlin, alleging abuse within the military

A Russian ex-soldier has publicly challenged President Vladimir Putin to a televised, face-to-face meeting, claiming he wants to reveal “the truth” about conditions inside the country’s armed forces.

Aleksandr Lunin, a former serviceman active on social media, has drawn widespread attention after posting a series of videos that amassed 11 million views in less than 24 hours. In his appeal, he calls for a direct encounter with Putin at the Kremlin, to be broadcast live.

In the same messages, Lunin warns of “very serious consequences” if the meeting is not granted, including the possibility of mutiny, with “military forces using their weapons against the presidency.”

He says he intends to present evidence of systemic abuse, describing “dozens, hundreds, thousands” of soldiers allegedly held in underground cells, subjected to torture and mistreatment. According to Lunin, these measures are used against those who refuse what he calls “stupid and suicidal orders” or decline to hand over money to commanders. He claims such soldiers are ultimately listed as missing.

Lunin also states that he recorded the videos after being approached by three men—whom he identifies as linked to the Defense and Interior ministries—who asked him to deliver the message to the president following a previous post earlier this month.

Originally from Voronezh, Lunin is reported to be 39 and to have served in the war in Ukraine with the 150th Motor Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army. He was wounded in combat and has suffered multiple physical and psychological injuries.

According to available accounts, he changed his surname in 2023 from Pustovalov to Lunin. Since 2019, he has reportedly taken part in several combat operations across different conflict zones, holding the rank of junior sergeant.

In December 2022, he joined the Sudaplatov volunteer battalion, formed by pro-Russian authorities in Melitopol in southeastern Ukraine, eventually commanding a reconnaissance platoon. He received training as a mortar and artillery operator and spent extended periods on the Kursk front, where he was injured.

In 2025, Lunin says he was forced to leave the Bars detachment after publishing a video alleging that two soldiers had been sent on a mission without rifles. He now receives a pension and, since March, has posted more than 700 videos on Instagram, many reportedly sent by soldiers at the front.

In a subsequent video, Lunin insists he is not bluffing. He says that if anything happens to him or his family, it should be taken as a signal for action, describing it as a potential trigger for widespread violence. At the same time, he denies leading any rebellion, stating he was chosen to deliver the message because he “cannot be taken.”

He later softened his tone in a third video, saying he has nothing against Putin personally and shifting his criticism toward pro-war bloggers.

The Kremlin has responded cautiously. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the administration is aware of Lunin’s appeal but has not yet reviewed the videos. He described the language used as “strange” and said further comment would follow only after a full assessment.

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