The only Russian I am frequently and actively paying attention to is Alexei Yagudin. When Russia attacked Ukraine, I checked his Instagram - I found the black square I expected to find, and “please stop this fuckery! There is no other way to name this situation”. I tried to read responses but found them hard to translate. The most liked responses however, where negative, with the essence of, “you and your show-biz friends just come to the border and we’ll show you, you with a house in EU”, etc. It is hard to say if this mirrors the sentiment in Russia, but I would guess your famous Boris is active on these Instagram accounts also.
The war torments and kills Ukrainians, but is or will become a disaster for most Russians too. What does it cost a Russian celebrity to post an Instagram post like this? Plushenko is quiet. Many close friends of Yagudin are quiet. (On Instagram, that is). Alexei of course, can not stay quiet, can not bide his time, all though he has so much to loose. Today he posted again:
“Friends, now one of the most important aspects in life has become simple human communication. I, like many of you, continue to do what I love most, figure skating, spending lots of time with family, supporting friends. But know - each of you is incredibly important to me! I really appreciate your consideration and want to continue sharing with you what excites and inspires me. There are many opportunities to stay in touch, but I decided to be original and invite you to my public in CLASSMATES! Subscribe to my public in CLASSMATEs - I will be sure to run it for you regularly and honestly! The link can be found in my profile header. Stay connected, don't get lost!“
I understand this as him giving his followers a way to communicate about what is happening. Maybe. I hoped he would not be passive, and I hope he will be safe, and his family too. Alexei is a very intelligent man. This is a translation, but he knows words and their meaning and how to use them. I think he will loose his tv-shows and a lot more. I think he will fight for a new Russia. And this man is strong.
(Yes, I know what he said).