> Vatnik or vatnyk (Russian: ватник) is a political slur,[1][2] used in Russia and other post-Soviet states based on an internet meme that was introduced in 2011 by Anton Chadskiy, which denotes a steadfast jingoistic follower of propaganda from the Russian government.[3]
Many Russians aren't associated with Putin and are trying to fight it risking jail and their future.
Other Russians are fleeing 'Putin's Russia', because they have an understanding of English and aren't indoctrinated by state TV/propaganda.
Edit: Someone mentioned 'Vatnik' and deleted the comment again ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatnik_(slang)
> Vatnik or vatnyk (Russian: ватник) is a political slur,[1][2] used in Russia and other post-Soviet states based on an internet meme that was introduced in 2011 by Anton Chadskiy, which denotes a steadfast jingoistic follower of propaganda from the Russian government.[3]