Metro 2033 author Dimitry Glukhovsky is now on Russia’s federal wanted list due to an Instagram post made in March.
Glukhovsky’s Instagram post was made soon after Russia invaded its neighboring country Ukraine. Alongside a message calling to "stop this war immediately", Glukhovsky also posted video footage of the rampant destruction of civilian buildings in Mariupol, highlighting the real impact the war was having.
"I am being accused of discrediting the Russian Armed Forces for a post on Instagram," Glukhovsky wrote in a recent Telegram post (via Eurogamer). "I am ready to repeat everything that was said there: 'Stop the war! Admit that this is a war against the entire nation and stop it!"
Russia has imposed laws that criminalize criticism of the war, which it calls a "special military operation." These laws also outlaw the distribution of "false information" which, according to The Moscow Times, has been used to prevent political dissidents and journalists from reporting on the war entirely.
While protests are made illegal as reporting of the war is outlawed, tens of thousands of Russians have fled the country. Glukhovsky, who was born and raised in Russia's capital Moscow, faces up to 15 years in prison, although he currently resides outside of Russia.
The Ukrainian government has confirmed almost 5,000 civilian deaths due to Russia’s invasion, although that number could be as high as 27,000. And yet the war continues despite sanctions and pressure from within and outside Russia, although Ukraine is still fighting back.
Game developers in and around Ukraine have also suffered as a result of the war. Belarus-based developer Sad Cat Studio was forced to relocate in a bid to keep its staff safe, while Stalker 2 developer GSC Game World relocated its offices to Czechia over a two-month period. But while game developers have been forced to flee the country for their own safety, the industry has managed to raise over $200 million in support.