April 17, 2026

A Protest on Ice


A Protest on Ice
Tuktamysheva. "Figure skating," YouTube.

During a recent a figure skating tournament, world champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva took to the ice with her mouth taped shut. Her hair was dishevelled, and her costume consisted of what looked like a half-torn, grey, long-sleeve shirt, beneath which black underwear and tights were visible. Tuktamysheva performed a dance full of drama and expression, dedicated to gender-based violence. In the first part, she appears to be trying to dodge blows, run, and even crawl away from her abuser, while in the second part, she finds her own path, her dignity and the ability to defend herself. 

Tuktamysheva was participating in the “Russian Challenge,” organised by the Russian Figure Skating Federation in conjunction with state TV network Channel One, which broadcast it. The anchor attempted to smooth things over by saying that the performance was dedicated to “toxic relationships.” Tuktamysheva didn't comment, but the following day posted on Instagram, explaining that the difference between these concepts is “enormous” and that “the problem of domestic violence is far more serious.” She also wrote that victims of physical abuse must become visible and must speak out about their experiences. 

In Russia, prior to 2022, such a statement might simply have been a striking comment on an important social issue; but in today’s climate of accelerating patriarchal tendencies and the worsening of the situation with gender-based abuse due to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, it comes across as both unexpected and bold. “We still haven’t passed a law on domestic violence,” the figure skater wrote, venturing into the rather dangerous territory of criticising the current system.

Yet Tuktamysheva's statement cannot really be called political, because she did not go beyond stating and expressing facts. Like many public figures in Russia, Tuktamysheva draws no conclusions, nor does she ask why those in power not only tolerate violence but also condone and decriminalize it. On stage, Tuktamysheva rips the tape off her mouth, which is meant to symbolize liberation and the regaining of the gift of speech; real life, however, is still a long way from that, and one has to choose one's words with extreme care.

You Might Also Like

To Avoid Infanticide
  • January 21, 2026

To Avoid Infanticide

Russian churches are holding anti-abortion services, which will now become an annual event.
Women's Rights in Wartime
  • March 04, 2025

Women's Rights in Wartime

Women's rights activists face increased pressure and reduced domestic violence resources in Russia.
Returning Home to Kill
  • April 29, 2024

Returning Home to Kill

More than 100 persons have been killed by returning Russian soldiers since the beginning of Russia's War on Ukraine.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

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.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

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.

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