'I never hyped patriotism': Blogger's Mamayev Kurgan stunt triggers probe

The scandalous act of throwing a banknote into a fountain at Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd has led to a major blogger being investigated under an article on the rehabilitation of Nazism. While Svyatoslav Kovalenko was apologizing to those offended by his controversial stunt at the memorial complex, the matter reached the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin. Here is everything known about the high-profile story.

Who is Svyatoslav Kovalenko?

On his social media, Svyatoslav Kovalenko presents himself as a “sports blogger, fighter, philanthropist, and businessman.” His life is followed by more than 550,000 subscribers on one social network. The blogger openly talks about his journey. According to his videos, he spent about five years in prison — the sentence was related to banned substances. In everyday life, he worked as a cashier at a chain store and later connected his life with sports. Svyatoslav has repeatedly posted joint photos and videos with the famous American MMA fighter Jon Jones.

On his page, Svyatoslav also frequently mentions a loud incident involving him. In 2020, according to open sources, a crowd of Chechens attacked him after the blogger claimed one of them was not an authority for him. According to Svyatoslav, it was the only time he was knocked out.

“Who will grab it, who will grab it?” The video in question

However, Svyatoslav Kovalenko gained nationwide fame after a walk on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd. Recently, a video appeared on his social media showing him throwing 5,000 rubles (about $65 at current rates) into the water near the “Stand to the Death” sculpture.

— As they say, wishes come true. I made a wish, — says Svyatoslav. — People usually throw small change here, I decided to throw 5,000 rubles, there it is.

While Svyatoslav stood aside and watched, visitors to the memorial complex tried to retrieve the banknote by any means possible. One man succeeded. To do this, he took off his shoes, climbed over the edge of the pool, practically dove into the water, and retrieved the money.

City residents sharply condemned the blogger«s controversial act and its consequences. Many called for not only Svyatoslav Kovalenko but also those who tried to retrieve the money from the water to be held accountable.

“No hint of insult.” What did the blogger say?

After the incident, V1.RU correspondents managed to reach Svyatoslav Kovalenko. The man said he was originally from the Astrakhan region but often visited Volgograd and had been to Mamayev Kurgan since childhood. According to him, he had no intention of hurting anyone«s feelings, especially in such a sacred place.

— There are cameras all over Mamayev Kurgan, and near that pool too. You can see that I came up, looked for change in my bag, didn«t find any, put down a 5,000-ruble note, stood with a friend for about three minutes, and went for a walk, — explained Svyatoslav. — I went up, walked around for about an hour, and when we were coming back down, I said: “Let»s go see if the banknote is still there.” At that moment, it had already attracted attention. I thought: let«s step aside, film it, and see what happens. We stood for about 5 minutes, during which we filmed the video, and then left. Initially, there was no idea to record anything.

“I never hyped patriotism.” Apology

After the publicity and the law enforcement response, the video filmed on Mamayev Kurgan disappeared from Svyatoslav Kovalenko«s social media. However, an apology appeared instead.

— I would like to clarify the situation that is being discussed on the internet today. Let me say right away that I had no intention of filming any pranks or experiments in this sacred place. When I come to my hometown, I always visit Mamayev Kurgan; it is a place of power for me, as is the hero city of Stalingrad as a whole. So please don«t blow this out of proportion. I never hyped patriotism, let alone such sacred things. If I offended anyone with this act, I apologize.

Investigation under the article on the rehabilitation of Nazism

The resonant video also reached the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, who took control of the situation. Investigators are currently conducting a check under Part 4 of Article 354.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, “Rehabilitation of Nazism.”

“There was nothing in my actions to fear”

V1.RU correspondents asked the blogger how he reacted to the Investigative Committee«s check and how his life has changed since the incident.

— I learned about the check from news sources. My life hasn«t changed so far. As for the legal review, I think it»s normal for something to be checked when there«s a public outcry. But there was nothing in my actions that would make me fear this article, as it has nothing to do with my actions. I had no motive. The check will pass, and everything will fall into place.