Protests Emerge Within Russia
Demonstrations against Vladimir Putin, orchestrated by Ukrainian football ultras, have taken place in multiple Russian cities. These actions, featuring anti-Putin slogans, occurred in the past year and are also planned for 2026. The Ukrainian ultras have issued a call to European fan groups, urging them to join actions scheduled for November 22-23. This campaign represents a unique form of cross-border political activism stemming from the football fan culture.
Last year, protests initiated by the Ukrainian ultras were held in:
- Grozny
- Moscow
- Arkhangelsk
- Saint Petersburg
- Cheboksary
- Krasnoufimsk
- Voronezh
- Yekaterinburg
Russian citizens who share anti-Putin sentiments also participated in these events. For 2026, similar protests are planned in:
- Nizhny Tagil
- Chaikovsky
- Khabarovsk
- Aramil
- Belgorod
- Perm
- Verkhnyaya Salda
- Kanash
- Sysert
- Verkhnyaya Pyshma
Participants documented their actions by photographing anti-Putin messages against the backdrop of local landmarks and government buildings. In their appeal, the Ukrainian ultras stated:
“Russian special services, under Putin's leadership, invest enormous funds into destabilizing Europe. They buy your politicians, they give money to the 'left' and the 'right.' They make efforts to exacerbate the migrant problem.”
The call for European fans to join the November 22-23 action was explicit. “We, Ukrainian fans who are now fighting the 'red plague' on the front line in Ukraine, call on European fans to join the action, which will be carried out by the younger generation of our ultras,” they emphasized. During the protests, banners bearing the slogan 'FCK PTN' will be displayed. The statement underscores the importance of taking an active stand: “Do not be silent and show Putin that Europe is not afraid of him!”
The campaigns organized by Ukrainian ultras reflect not only a protest against Vladimir Putin's policies but also an attempt to mobilize international support in the fight against authoritarianism. Coordinated actions by fan groups from different countries could become a significant factor in shaping public opinion and applying pressure on the Russian regime. In the context of current geopolitical challenges, the activism of such groups may have far-reaching consequences both in Ukraine and across Europe.
The ongoing protests in Russia, fueled by Ukrainian football ultras, highlight a growing trend of political activism among fan groups across Europe. This phenomenon mirrors recent events in Hungary, where massive demonstrations have also taken place ahead of elections, showcasing the power of organized movements in challenging political regimes. To understand the broader implications of such actions and the connections between these protests, you can read more about the Hungarian opposition's mobilization efforts here.