Ukrainians take over Insta channel
Lesser wants to bring “real news” to Russia
03/08/2022, 3:10 p.m
A new media law in Russia makes independent reporting on the war in Ukraine almost impossible. Long prison sentences are threatened for reports that go against the Russian line. The biathlete Erik Lesser does not want to accept that and offers creative possibilities.
Biathlete Erik Lesser continues his solidarity action on Instagram after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After the ex-world champion initially gave his channel to his Ukrainian biathlon colleague Anastasiya Merkuschina for 24 hours, the Ukrainian tennis pro Sergei Stachowski now shares photos. “This is my Kyiv. As you can see, these are not military buildings. Russian rockets are killing civilians here,” wrote the 36-year-old to a picture of a destroyed skyscraper and demanded: “Bring your soldiers home.” Stachowski had played at the Australian Open a few weeks ago, but traveled to his home country after the invasion and is now involved in Kyiv.
Lesser wants to use his reach “so that more people in Russia can get real news.” Due to the new media law, independent reporting by journalists on the Russian war in Ukraine is no longer possible. Reports that go against the Kremlin’s official line of a “special operation” in Ukraine are severely punished. There is a risk of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Because of an aid campaign for his Russian colleague Eduard Latypow in January, Lesser was followed by around 30,000 fans from the largest country in the world. After his action, around 10,000 “unfollowed” him. Nevertheless, the Thuringian, who ended his career after the season, gained many followers from all over the world. If it was a good 117,000 last Saturday, it’s already 157,000 followers. The 33-year-old announced that he would continue to make his Instagram channel available to Ukrainian athletes.
On his sporting farewell tour last weekend, he provided a surprising highlight with a furious final lap. “I took my heart in my hands and I’m more than proud of myself,” said Lesser, overjoyed after second place in the pursuit at the end of the World Cup in Kontiolahti. In the finish area he shook his head in disbelief because of his performance explosion. “I’m surprised myself. It’s difficult for me to say goodbye,” admitted Lesser on ZDF. With 20 perfect shots, the Thuringian, who will retire after the season, started an impressive comeback from twelfth place.