United Russia deputy curses critics, later apologizes
Municipal deputy Yekaterina Aratova from Dubna in Moscow Oblast has become a topic on Telegram channels. Videos have surfaced online where she tells opponents of landscaping to «go to the forest» and claims that «Slavs don»t know how to work«. All of Aratova»s statements are accompanied by profane language.
In one video, the current head of the local United Russia faction commented on the landscaping of Chernorechensky Forest in Dubna. Using a lot of profanity, she spoke out against those who are outraged by the tree cutting.
«We live in the city of Dubna. If you really need nature, damn it, and don’t need civilization — go to the forest! Right damn it to the forest, to any village — about twenty minutes towards Rybinsk, there are many abandoned villages there. There you can love nature, hug a birch tree, I don’t know, enjoy the bushes,» — Yekaterina Aratova said.
The woman then added that she «let off steam, expressed her position» and doesn«t regret anything.
In another video, she commented on the mass departure of Tajik citizens from Russia and «took a swipe» at those who were happy about it.
«Guys, damn it, what should I tell you, damn it. All our wonderful Slavs either don’t know how to work or don’t want to. Who sweeps your yard? A Russian? Write in the comments, do something at least! Is there really a Russian person who doesn’t drink?» — Aratova responded.
Yekaterina Aratova was also reminded of a video she posted on social media. There, the woman published a compilation of failed takes — possibly from a campaign video. In it, she actively swears. Yekaterina Aratova has now closed this account: it«s impossible to check if she deleted the video or not.
After the old videos spread across social networks, Yekaterina Aratova published a response — this time without profanity. In it, she explained that the videos were recorded a year and a half ago, when she was not a deputy.
«I was just an active resident. I want to apologize to everyone who watched this video. I shouldn’t have recorded my opinion in such an emotional manner — and this won’t happen again. I want to remind you that a lot has changed in this past year and a half: I was elected as a deputy and I became a representative of the party,» — the deputy explained.
Next, she listed everything she has done in this position and hoped for understanding. MSK1.RU attempted to contact Yekaterina Aratova for comment, but she hung up the calls, and read a message in the messenger but did not respond. Whether her position on migrants, as well as on opponents of landscaping and tree cutting, has changed is unknown.
The chairman of the Dubna Council of Deputies, Alexander Rudenko, refused to comment on the scandal to MSK1.RU, saying that he will soon make an official statement, without specifying when and where exactly.
Yekaterina Aratova is 39 years old, she was born in Novosibirsk, and graduated from the Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management there. In 2009, she moved to Dubna, and from 2011 began engaging in public activities. In September 2024, she was elected as a deputy of the local council.
Last year, State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina stated that ‘Moscow ends at the Third Ring Road,’ and expressed bewilderment that people live ‘in some Biryulevo’. Municipal deputies from Biryulevo responded to the former figure skater’s words.
