May 06, 2021

What a Dud


What a Dud
A Volkov in Deepfake clothing. Screenshot from Leonid Volkov's response to a Deepfake video using his persona YouTube Post by Русское вещание LTV7

On April 21 the Latvian television program Panorama broadcast a video of Leonid Volkov, the current head of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s headquarters, announcing that the prominent Russian journalist, blogger, and YouTube star Yuri Dud would soon be taking over his position.

The video, however, turned out to be a Deepfake.

On March 16, Latvian member of Parliament Rihards Kols received a letter in the mail allegedly posted by Volkov. This “Volkov” offered to speak with members of the foreign affairs committee of the Latvian Saeima regarding the situation of political prisoners in Russia. Latvian representatives agreed to the meeting, which proceeded on March 23.

Kols only became aware of the antics when Ukrainian members of parliament also reported meeting with the fake Volkov on social media. The pranksters are presumed to be the infamous pair Vovan and Lexus, a pro-Kremlin duo who have targeted other world leaders and prominent figures with silly scandals – like the time they posed as Vladimir Putin in a chat with Elton John.

It later emerged that the Volkov Deepfake had faked out Estonian and Lithuanian members of parliament, and even tomfooled Tom Tugendhat, head of the British parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

Tugendhat presumed that the pranksters targeted Navalny’s team because the Kremlin fears the strength of the current opposition movement in Russia.

As Volkov clinched it on Facebook after the scandal erupted: “Welcome to the Deepfake era.”

 

You Might Also Like

Snowmen Acquitted!
  • March 12, 2021

Snowmen Acquitted!

All charges against a group of snowmen, embroiled in a recent controversy, have been dropped.
Not a Snowball's Chance
  • February 05, 2021

Not a Snowball's Chance

One wouldn’t expect it to be an issue for a snowman to be left out in the cold, but in the village of Zachachye in Arkhangelsk Oblast, four such fellows were found wanting for warmth.
The Family Panties
  • January 18, 2021

The Family Panties

Quarantine might have gotten many of us used to hanging around in our underwear, but Russian film director Vitaliy Mansky took his to the streets of Moscow.
Smoking Underpants
  • December 22, 2020

Smoking Underpants

In an astonishingly brazen operation, opposition politician Alexey Navalny pulled the ultimate punk on FSB operative Konstantin Kudryavtsev, who allegedly tried to kill him.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955