Russian journalist Ana Korobkova has been tirelessly denouncing compatriots who speak out against the war in Ukraine since its beginning in February 2022. In an interview with the BBC, she stated that she feels joy when those who criticize the conflict are punished for her reports.
According to the BBC, new censorship laws were introduced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Korobkova often reports people for “discrediting the Russian military,” an offense that can result in a fine of up to 50,000 rubles (US$560) or five years in prison if committed more than twice. Since these laws were introduced, OVD-Info, an independent Russian human rights group, has recorded over 8,000 cases against individuals accused of discrediting the Russian army.
Korobkova mainly targets media personalities, especially those who appear in international media like the BBC. One of her targets is anthropologist Aleksandra Arkhipova, who has been reported seven times by Korobkova. Arkhipova considers reporting as her mission and believes that Korobkova’s actions have contributed to her being labeled as a foreign agent by the Russian state in May. However, Korobkova hides her location and continues to write accusations against fellow Russians. “I have a lot of work,” she told the BBC journalist in a message.