Who Paid Russian Blogger Varlamov for Advertising the Elections to the Coordination Council?

The question of financing advertising from Russian blogger Ilya Varlamov was raised on May 16 in Warsaw at a closed panel discussion dedicated to the CC elections. Artsiom Brukhan reported that this was done by the international partners of the Coordination Council.

— The partners found some organization or someone who actually ordered the advertisement from Varlamov, as far as I know," he explained.

CC Vice-Speaker Lizaveta Prakopchyk added that she does not have precise information.

— We had no information about how much it cost, nor about whom they would contact. That is, we don't know, we can only guess," said Prakopchyk.

The journalist clarified with Artsiom Brukhan which international partners were being referred to and what their form was — funds or state structures.

— I cannot say now, because it needs to be agreed with these partners whether they want to be named. I understand they are funds, yes," replied Brukhan.

Lizaveta Prakopchyk clarified: "Donors".

Brukhan emphasized that the decision to order the advertisement was made by the partners independently, without the direct involvement of the Coordination Council.

— I would like to add that the partners make their own decisions. I think they might have consulted with our media group. But one way or another, they made the final decision themselves. They wanted to advertise. It was not the Coordination Council that received the money. It was their decision how to advertise," explained the speaker.

The "Zerkalo" journalist also inquired if these were funds from the 30 million euro aid package allocated by the European Commission to support Belarusian civil society in 2026.

— Of course not. I cannot comment on that, I don't know," replied Brukhan.

According to the price list published on Ilya Varlamov's official website, the cost of advertising in his projects varies.

For example, a 60–120 second integration on his main YouTube channel costs 9800 dollars, while a similar slot in the Sunday news show "What's Happening" costs 12,300 dollars. A special project will cost the client 55,650 dollars.

It should be noted that the price list comments state that all advertising is marked, and prices are "for reference".

The elections to the fourth convocation of the Coordination Council are taking place from May 11 to 19. As of 3:20 PM on Saturday, 1260 people have participated in the voting.

In the previous elections, for the third convocation of the CC, two years ago, 6723 people participated in the voting.

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