Russian Officer Retracts Threats After Jail Term

Russian soldier Alexander Lunin from the Voronezh region has been released after serving an administrative detention sentence. The officer came to the attention of the authorities after posting a video addressed to President Vladimir Putin.

According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, Lunin accused Russian commanders fighting in Ukraine of torturing and killing their own soldiers. He also warned that if Putin refused his request for a personal meeting, the military could turn its weapons against the Kremlin.

The video was later removed from his social media accounts, along with 17 posts from his Telegram channel. The content disappeared on 9 July, shortly after his release.

The 39-year-old has since walked back his remarks, insisting he was not calling for a coup. He said he had merely wanted to provide Putin with accurate information about conditions on the front lines. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said officials were aware of the video but had not yet reviewed it, describing its language as "rather peculiar".

Lunin's detention followed contact with pro-Kremlin activist Vitaly Borodin, who invited him to Moscow. After Lunin stopped communicating, his home was searched and a court sentenced him to 11 days in jail for allegedly displaying extremist symbols.

(max)