A Russian Aerospace Forces Su-57 Felon flies over Dubai, UAE, during an airshow in November 2025. The Su-57 has been seen regularly in airshows, but has yet to be seen on the battlefield in Ukraine. (Shutterstock/Manoj Kumar Tuteja)

As the Kremlin Praises the Su-57 Felon, Russian Milbloggers Aren’t Convinced

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Russia’s independent military bloggers, which have long supported the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, are beginning to sour on the war amid battlefield setbacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly lauded the capabilities of the Su-57 Felon fifth-generation fighter jet, declaring it the best fighter aircraft in the world. Putin and other Kremlin officials have touted its advanced stealth technology, its supermaneuverability, and its multirole capabilities.

Yet few outside the walls of the Kremlin are buying the hyperbole—and the group of skeptics has increasingly included Russia’s independent military bloggers, or “milbloggers.” This is notable as these individuals, who are active on the social messaging app Telegram and other platforms, have been seen as offering a rare example of open criticism and honesty as Putin has cracked down on the free press in Russia.

These online personalities have survived Russian censorship until now because of their general support for the ongoing war in........

© The National Interest