June 24, 2026

Panic in Penza


Panic in Penza
Women blocking a white van in Penza. Vazhnie Novosti, Telegram.

On June 17, a Penza Oblast resident uploaded a video showing women attempting to stop a bus near the military draft office, screaming that authorities were rounding up men illegally. Upon further investigation, independent newspapers and human rights activists found that this was not the first time raids of this kind occurred in Penza.

Penza resident Natalia Solomina posted a video to her VKontakte page showing women physically blocking a bus. They said between tears that their husbands and friends were beaten and forced to sign military contracts. The men, who were escorted by military personnel, did not respond as to whether they had volunteered in the army or not.

The Penza Ministry of Interior confirmed the raids and said the recruits were residents who had obtained Russian citizenship but not enlisted in the army on time. "These raids are planned and conducted periodically throughout the region," the ministry said.

The next day, June 18, authorities set up military checkpoints. Traffic and riot police were posted on roads in Penza, stopping individuals and traffic. According to the independent outlet Veter, detainees were sent to the military registration office, beaten, and forced to register in the army.

Ivan Chuvilayev, a representative of the movement "Idite Lesom("Go to the Forest"), told Veter that human rights activists have received four complaints from Penza. According to the Chuvilayev, authorities are argeting the socially vulnerable, such as debtors, alcoholics, and former convicts, and rounding them up. After being taken to jail, they are told to either face criminal charges or sign a contract with the military. According to Chuvilayev, such raids are illegal.

Olga, a Penza resident, told Veter, "In the [local social media] chats, there is panic everywhere, people are in panic, they actively write: 'Don't leave there, don't go there.'" She said that many residents, including herself, have witnessed or know someone who has been affected by the raids. Her elderly neighbor's son was detained while coming home drunk. He was set free after his mother complained and said he had diabetes. A friend of Olga's was hosting a show at a bar when he was rounded up. According to Olga, he was released through the intervention of influential contacts. Oleg, a Penza taxi driver, said he has seen the military outposts set up on the road and avoids them. He told Veter that, "since 2022, we have gotten used to worrying: for us, that is a 'stable' state."

In September 2025 authorities conducted similar raids, detaining and inspecting 80 men. Only 2 signed a military contract.

You Might Also Like

QR, Codified
  • June 21, 2026

QR, Codified

The Russian State Duma is implementing a universal QR code payment system.
Let the Law of the Sea Decide
  • June 22, 2026

Let the Law of the Sea Decide

An arbitration case between Russia and Ukraine over maritime rights has finally concluded, with the tribunal siding with Russia.
The Man Who Saw Too Much
  • June 16, 2026

The Man Who Saw Too Much

A new translation of works by Vasily Grossman that are as powerful as they are essential to read.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

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.

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.

Moscow and Muscovites
November 26, 2013

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

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.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

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