Kathrine Frich
Public disagreement with the Kremlin has become increasingly rare in Russia, particularly since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Cultural figures who once shaped public debate now largely avoid political confrontation, aware of the risks involved.
That is why moments of unscripted criticism stand out sharply, especially when they occur inside state controlled forums.
Unexpected intervention
Alexander Sokurov, one of Russia’s most internationally acclaimed film directors, sharply criticised Vladimir Putin during a televised meeting of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights.
The session was attended remotely by the Russian president and is typically tightly managed to prevent dissent.
Sokurov is best known for films such as Russian Ark and Faust, the latter of which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
His remarks quickly drew attention online due to their unusually direct tone.
Foreign agent law
During his address, Sokurov condemned Russia’s so called foreign agents legislation, which is used to target individuals and organisations deemed hostile by the state.
“Every week, we watch with concern to see who has become a foreign agent, or how these terrifying definitions are applied,” he said.
“They just name them, make various claims against a person, and then that’s it, it’s all over.”
According to Russian law, those designated as foreign agents must submit detailed financial reports and label publications with official disclaimers.
Censorship and youth
Sokurov also criticised the growing restrictions on public debate, arguing that the country lacks open political dialogue with younger generations.
He said Russia does not know how to speak honestly with students and schoolchildren and suggested the state fears such conversations.
“If we don’t change how we work with young people, we won’t get far,” he warned. “It will be a total dead end, an absolute regression of the entire state system.”
Putin appeared visibly unimpressed as the director spoke.
Final rebuke
In closing, Sokurov referenced a past statement made by Putin about Russia’s place in the world.
“You once said: ‘Why do we need a world if there is no Russia in it?’” he said. “Why do we need a state where there is no opportunity to get an education?”
The exchange was widely shared on social media, where observers noted how rarely such criticism surfaces during Kremlin hosted events.
Sources: Russian state broadcast, Express.
