June 29, 2021

Britney's Plight Takes Flight, And Putin's "Troops" Speak Out


Britney's Plight Takes Flight, And Putin's "Troops" Speak Out
The "Troops of Putin" speak out in support of Britney Spears's freedom Screenshot from “Отряды Путина Soc Sprav” on YouTube

On June 23, pop singer Britney Spears appeared in court to denounce the controlling behavior of her father, doctors, and managers, and to request that her father’s guardianship over her fortune will be terminated. She is not, however, the only one speaking up in her defense.

A group of middle-aged Putin supporters known as the “Troops of Putin” (Отряды Путина) published a video decrying her maltreatment. Why the "Troops of Putin" felt the need to chime in on this specific issue is beyond us.

“We are the troops of Putin. We heard today about Britney Spears  – it is such a horror! How this poor girl was mocked for 13 years! How did she bear it all? Finally, she has expressed her wish – to be a person, not a slave, and not be a nobody. Such a horror. No leaving the home… How is it possible? A healthy, normal woman. Everyone loved her, in all countries…”

The woman representing the group could not comprehend how Britney “did such a thing that she was deprived of everything.”

Britney was originally placed under the guardianship of her father in 2008 after she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. However, in her court appearance, Britney claimed that she was forced to work seven days a week for many years while under the influence of potent medications and was also prevented from marrying and having another child.

While they perhaps do not grasp the full extent of Britney's situation, the sympathy of the Troops is heartening in a time where so many are facing restrictions outside of their control. “You must give her freedom. You are magnificent, you will survive it, you are brave! Hold strong, girl!

 

You Might Also Like

Alsou Safina, singer

Alsou Safina, singer

She may be just eighteen, but she has been ruling Russia's pop charts for two years. Alsou Ralifovna Safina (known to her fans as simply Alsou, pronounced “all-soo”), daughter of Lukoil's first vice-president Ralif Safin, has taken the music industry by storm. 
Russia's Pop Queen
  • October 21, 2020

Russia's Pop Queen

How well do you know this classic Russian and Soviet musical icon?
Russia's Pop King
  • November 03, 2020

Russia's Pop King

Are you familiar with one of Russia’s most well-known musicians?
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

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.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
October 09, 2011

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

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...

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.

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.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, 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