Kathrine Frich
A small shop in southern Russia has become the focus of a political row after displaying a poster critical of President Vladimir Putin.
The incident has drawn attention to rising tensions inside Russia as nationalist groups take an increasingly active role in policing dissent.
The episode was reported by the independent outlet SOTA.
A blunt message
The poster appeared in a store in the town of Buzuluk, in Russia’s Orenburg region. It featured a photograph of Vladimir Putin alongside a sharply worded message about rising prices.
“Prices rose in 2026 thanks to this man!” the top caption read. Beneath the image, a second line added: “Feel free to express your gratitude!”
Photos of the poster circulated online, quickly attracting attention beyond the local area.
Nationalist reaction
The display angered members of the nationalist group known as the “Russian Community,” according to SOTA. Founded in 2020, the organisation supports Putin’s policies and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The group has grown rapidly and now claims around 150 regional and municipal branches across the country, including one in the Orenburg region.
Members of that branch reportedly decided to intervene directly.
Representatives of the movement visited the store and demanded that the poster be taken down.
Lines they won’t cross
In a statement quoted by SOTA, the Russian Community argued that the poster crossed legal and moral boundaries.
“Freedom of speech does not mean the right to publicly humiliate and insult the government,” the group said.
“This is not a ‘joke’ or a ‘brilliant retort,’ but a direct violation of the law, fueling disrespect for state institutions,” the statement added.
Nationalists described the poster as a political action rather than satire, calling it an “insult to a representative of power.”
Pressure on authorities
According to SOTA, the shop owner refused to remove the poster despite the demands.
In response, members of the Russian Community called on law enforcement to inspect the store.
It remains unclear whether police will take any action or whether the incident will lead to formal charges.
Sources: SOTA, O2.
