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‘We are ready to be punished’: Russian TikTokers apologise for video in front of flaming oil depot blown up by Ukraine

Two Russian TikTokers were detained after a video of them in front of the burning Sochi Oil Depot, destroyed in a Ukrainian strike, went viral.

Published on: Aug 5, 2025, 12:21:46 IST
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Two Russian TikTokers who were detained after sharing a video in front of a flaming oil depot destroyed during a Ukrainian strike have issued a grovelling apology. Reportedly, they said that they had made a mistake and were ready for their punishments under Russian law. In recent times, the country has implemented strict laws regarding social media content, especially those that show Ukraine’s success in any manner.

Dasha Vladimirovna, 21, and Karina Evgenyevna, 19, were detained for their video in front of a burning oil depot in Russia. (Screengrab (TikTok))
Dasha Vladimirovna, 21, and Karina Evgenyevna, 19, were detained for their video in front of a burning oil depot in Russia. (Screengrab (TikTok))

The influencers were paraded in a Russian court. Following this, they issued an apology. “We sincerely apologise for filming the video against the backdrop of a fire and posting it on a social network. We did not post the video with the intention of insulting or offending anyone,” the TikTokers said in a new video, reported the Sun.

Also Read: How Indian influencer with 1.3 millon followers evaded arrest for 10 months in honeytrapping case

They added, “We pledge not to make such mistakes again. We are ready to be punished under Russian law.”

Why were the content creators detained?

The two content creators recorded a video of themselves in front of a burning oil depot after it was hit during a Ukrainian drone attack. The influencers are identified as Dasha Vladimirovna, 21, and Karina Evgenyevna, 19.

How were they detained?

“During Internet monitoring, a publication was found showing two girls filming a video against the backdrop of a fire in Sochi,” read a report shared by authorities after the video of the TikTokers’ in front of the flaming plant went viral. “The police have initiated an investigation, measures are being taken to identify the girls, and their actions will be legally assessed."

Also Read: Young men attack train passengers for social media fame in Bihar, now behind bars

According to a Sun report, the duo was detained later. There was reportedly a cry from pro-war outlets for their apology, which they later issued.

A Ukrainian outlet, as per the Sun, mocked the incident. “Russian zoomers are happy about the burning oil depot in [Sochi] - a new location for selfies. Ukrainian defence forces will definitely try to create as many such locations as possible.”

"Sochi suffered a drone attack by the Kyiv regime last night," the governor of Russia's Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratiev, said on Telegram, cited the outlet. He said there were no victims.

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

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