A woman’s 30th birthday celebration in Arkhangelsk turned into a scene of chaos when masked men stormed the nightclub, physically and verbally assaulting guests. Katya, the birthday celebrant, recounted being subjected to homophobic slurs, hearing violence erupt around her, and witnessing her mother being ordered to the floor. This aggressive intervention was orchestrated by Russkaya Obshina, a vigilante collective rapidly gaining prominence in Russia. The group actively seeks to enforce President Vladimir Putin’s declared mission to eradicate perceived Western liberal influences and promote traditional, family-centric values across the nation.

Such raids often see the participation of local law enforcement alongside Russkaya Obshina members. Following the incident at Katya’s party, the group disseminated a video online, claiming they were searching for evidence of illegal LGBT “propaganda.” Although no such evidence was found, Katya was interrogated and later convicted of blasphemy due to a red neon crucifix-shaped light in the venue. Russkaya Obshina, identified as the largest among Russia’s nationalist organizations, has dramatically escalated its activities in recent years, with a significant number of raids involving police. The group targets a wide array of locations, from nightclubs and hostels to shops and even abortion clinics, scrutinizing them for activities they deem to violate traditional values or legal norms, often subsequently lobbying for prosecution. Migrants are also frequently targeted, with the group’s online presence often featuring racist language in posts about them.

Evidence suggests Russkaya Obshina receives financial backing from charitable foundations operated by individuals closely associated with the Kremlin. Financial documents point to sugar magnate Igor Khudokormov, whose agricultural conglomerate Prodimex has significant trade ties with the European Union, as a major benefactor. Experts like Tom Keatinge from the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) raise concerns about companies trading with Khudokormov given his alleged funding of a group involved in anti-human rights activities and supporting the war in Ukraine. Another alleged funder is Sergei Mikheev, a media commentator reportedly linked to Kremlin and intelligence operations, though Mikheev denies his foundation ever transferred funds to Russkaya Obshina. The group also maintains strong ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and has even formed a joint military unit on the front line in Ukraine with the Espanola brigade, a far-right regiment.

Over the past two years, analysis of Russkaya Obshina’s social media channels indicates the group has conducted over 900 raids, with more than 300 involving law enforcement. This surge in activity aligns with the Russian government’s intensified push for traditional and nationalist values, particularly following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite its collaboration with police, Russkaya Obshina operates as an unregistered entity, unlike official civilian patrol groups. Critics, including registered patrol leaders like Sergei Ognerubov in St Petersburg, condemn its unregulated and intimidating tactics, which legal experts like Alexander Verkhovsky suggest could constitute illegal acts. For individuals like Katya, whose life and career as an events organizer have been irrevocably altered by the group’s actions and subsequent legal repercussions, the rise of such vigilante groups has brought profound fear and disruption. The Russian embassy in London, however, frames the group’s public support as a reflection of growing interest in national culture and historical traditions.