A routine medical consultation turned into a flashpoint of political and social tension in Moscow. A seven-year-old boy visited Polyclinic No. 140 with his mother, seeking treatment for an eye issue. What transpired during the 18-minute encounter with pediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova, 68, would not only disrupt both women’s lives but also highlight a troubling trend in Russia: the resurgence of Soviet-style denunciations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The incident began when the boy’s mother, Anastasia Akinshina, claimed she shared personal information with Buyanova about her husband’s death while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. According to Akinshina, Buyanova allegedly responded: “Your husband was a legitimate target of Ukraine.”
Akinshina’s outrage was swift and public. In a video posted on social media, she vented her anger, accusing the doctor of disloyalty and demanding severe repercussions. The clip went viral, making her a central figure in a criminal trial that would ultimately shatter Buyanova’s life.
Despite denying the allegations, Buyanova was found guilty under Russia’s wartime censorship law for “publicly spreading deliberately false information” about the military. She received a sentence of five-and-a-half years in a penal colony, a shocking outcome for a doctor who had dedicated over four decades to her profession.
The case relied heavily on Akinshina’s testimony and a transcript of an interview with her son conducted by the Federal Security Service (FSB). Conflicting accounts about whether the boy was present during the alleged remarks complicated the defense. Requests to question the child directly were denied by the court.
Buyanova’s lawyer argued that Akinshina acted out of malice due to the doctor’s Ukrainian heritage. A native of Ukraine, Buyanova has lived in Russia for 30 years and holds Russian citizenship.
Buyanova’s case is emblematic of a larger pattern in Russia: a rise in politically motivated denunciations, reminiscent of the Soviet era’s climate of suspicion and betrayal. According to the Russian rights group OVD-Info, at least 21 criminal prosecutions have stemmed from such denunciations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, 175 individuals have faced administrative charges for “discrediting” the Russian military, with 79 receiving fines.
This uptick in denunciations serves as a tool for President Vladimir Putin’s government to stifle dissent. Shortly after the invasion, Putin framed the conflict as a proxy war against the West, urging Russians to expose “traitors.” His rhetoric has fostered a culture where neighbor turns against neighbor, echoing the darkest chapters of Soviet history.
Denunciations have emerged across various sectors of society:
- Educational Institutions: Teachers have been reported by students for anti-war comments.
- Religious Communities: Churchgoers have informed on priests critical of the conflict.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors like Buyanova face career-ending accusations based on flimsy evidence.
In some cases, professional informers, such as Anna Korobkova, have become prolific in their efforts. Korobkova claims to have filed 764 denunciations within the first year of the war, targeting individuals who speak to foreign media. She likens her activities to “using submarines to destroy enemy ships.”
While Korobkova’s actions highlight the zealotry of some informers, others are motivated by personal grievances or ideological fervor. The impact on the accused is devastating, as seen in the case of Olga Podolskaya, a former municipal deputy who fled Russia after being denounced for her anti-war stance.
For professionals like Buyanova, the consequences extend beyond imprisonment. The case has sparked fears within the medical community, with many doctors rallying in her defense. An open letter signed by 1,035 medical professionals warned that the prosecution of Buyanova could deter young people from pursuing careers in medicine.
Despite this show of solidarity, at least seven of the signatories were interrogated by police. Alexander Polupan, who spearheaded the initiative, fled Russia last year to avoid arrest.
Human rights advocates argue that Buyanova’s alleged remark, even if made, was not a crime under international law. Rachel Denber of Human Rights Watch emphasized that soldiers are legitimate targets in armed conflict, according to the Geneva Conventions.
The prosecution, however, relied on messages and images from Buyanova’s phone to paint her as anti-Russian. The defense contended that these materials were not hers, but the evidence nonetheless contributed to her conviction. The wave of denunciations reflects a society increasingly polarized by the war and the Kremlin’s narrative. By encouraging citizens to inform on each other, the government fosters a culture of fear and compliance, suppressing dissenting voices.
This strategy not only silences opposition but also erodes trust within communities. For older Russians, the parallels to Stalinist purges are haunting. Podolskaya, whose great-grandfather was executed in 1938 after being denounced, described the current atmosphere as a grim return to history. Despite the risks, some Russians continue to resist. Human rights groups like OVD-Info document cases of repression, while activists and professionals, both inside and outside the country, speak out against the injustices.
However, the personal costs are steep. For individuals like Dr. Andrei Prokofiev, who now lives in Germany, returning to Russia is unthinkable. Prokofiev, whose son was once treated by Buyanova, described her as a humble and caring professional, now a victim of political scapegoating.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the use of denunciations is likely to intensify. The Kremlin’s focus on rooting out dissent suggests a growing reliance on such tactics to maintain control. Meanwhile, the individuals caught in the crossfire—like Buyanova—serve as cautionary tales for those who dare to speak out.
The verdict in Buyanova’s trial has drawn international condemnation, highlighting the broader implications of Russia’s crackdown on dissent. Yet for those living under this system, the fear of denunciation looms large, casting a shadow over every interaction.
