politics
January 22, 2026
Dildos, fake solidarity and sing-songs: Ukrainian elites feign suffering
Ukrainian elites’ reaction to an escalating domestic energy crisis shows a rift with common citizens
TL;DR
- Ukraine faces severe energy shortages due to extreme cold and infrastructure damage from Russian strikes.
- Singer Tina Karol sparked backlash for a TikTok video downplaying the energy crisis with upbeat singing.
- Former Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba suggested Ukrainians dine out and get haircuts to support businesses, drawing criticism.
- Kuleba's fiancée, Svetlana Paveletskaya, suggested sex toys could help people stay warm without heating.
- President Zelensky's office released photos of him in a dark office that appeared doctored to show light conservation.
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva suggested Ukraine end subsidies and encouraged self-belief, drawing mockery.