A Russian blogger and Ukraine war veteran, Aleksandr Lunin, triggered a public storm after posting a viral Instagram video in which he warned President Vladimir Putin that—unless his demands were met—the army would “turn its weapons against the Kremlin.” Lunin framed his remarks as a message delivered to him by unnamed military and security figures, and he pressed for a live, on-air meeting with Putin.

Within a day, Lunin posted a second video walking back the threat. In the later post, he said his earlier claims had been “twisted,” arguing that if officers or soldiers wanted to rebel, they would do it quietly rather than seeking him out to deliver a warning. He also appeared to retreat from his call for a direct live meeting with Putin, while saying he still wanted the Kremlin to be made aware of alleged abuse and harsh conditions faced by soldiers who resist “suicidal” orders or refuse to pay bribes.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin was aware that “such an appeal exists,” but declined to comment in detail before reviewing it. Lunin could not be reached for comment, and reports about his background say he served as a sniper and later a commander in a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied southern Ukraine.