Russia's chilling new documentary warns youth against dissent amid security crackdowns
A new FSB-backed documentary, Predatelstvo, has aired in Russia amid rising concerns over internal security. The film centres on Daria Trepova, who was sentenced to 27 years for assassinating pro-Kremlin blogger Vladlen Tatarsky in April 2023. Directed by Andrei Medvedev, a former crime reporter turned Kremlin ally, the production targets both domestic and international audiences with stark warnings about dissent and foreign influence.
The documentary features interviews with prisoners accused of carrying out 'terrorist' attacks allegedly ordered by Ukrainian intelligence. These segments are paired with warnings from Russian security services about the dangers of opposition. Trepova's case serves as the focal point, illustrating the severe consequences of defiance against the state.
Predatelstvo was released just before the February 6 shooting of the GRU's deputy head, an incident that further exposed Russia's struggles with internal security threats. The film's timing aligns with a recent Kremlin decision to lower the age of criminal liability to 14, allowing children convicted of terrorist activity to face up to 20 years in prison.
To strengthen its message, the documentary includes commentary from two high-profile figures: Alexander Perelygin, a pro-Russian Ukrainian military expert, and Andrey Bezrukov, a former SVR agent deported from the US. Perelygin's anti-Ukrainian narratives target Western and African audiences sceptical of NATO, while Bezrukov's experience in America delivers warnings to the US and Baltic states about alleged CIA-backed 'colour revolutions' and hybrid warfare.
The FSB has intensified its crackdown on young people suspected of sabotage, using intimidation and harassment to suppress dissent. Since 2022, over 2,500 youths—allegedly influenced by Ukrainian nationalists and international groups—have been detained for destructive activities. The documentary explicitly warns Russian youth against involvement in such actions, emphasising the risk of severe punishment.
The release of Predatelstvo reflects the Kremlin's growing concern over internal opposition and foreign influence. With stricter laws now in place and security services actively targeting young dissidents, the documentary serves as both a warning and a tool for deterrence. Its international commentators and focus on high-profile cases underscore Russia's efforts to control narratives at home and abroad.
