Olena Kurbanova - attack 23.01.2026

On 23 January 2026, a post about media figure Olena Kurbanova, the author and host of the YouTube channel Kurbanova Live, appeared on the Telegram channel “Base 111.” The post begins with the following disclaimer:

“Kurbanova Olena Serhiivna — propagandist, justification of crimes committed by the TCC, support for or calls to arrest critics of the authorities, agitation for an endless war instead of peace.”

Among the accusations allegedly directed at Kurbanova are claims that she defends TCC employees, supports lowering the mobilization age, supports the shooting of Russian children, and supports the persecution and arrest of “critics of Zelensky and the TCC.” In addition, the post also mentions Olena Kurbanova’s husband, who is allegedly said to have been detained at the border while attempting to leave Ukraine.

The post contains signs of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), in particular such types of online attacks as defamation and gendered disinformation. The author presents serious accusations in the form of a list of alleged “facts” without evidence, sources, or context, which constitutes a classic example of online defamation aimed at undermining professional and personal reputation.

Furthermore, there are signs of gender-marked discreditation (TFGBV): attention is deliberately shifted from the woman’s professional activities to moral judgments and her private life, in particular through references to her husband and the application of double standards. This approach reproduces sexist narratives and is used to humiliate and devalue a woman in the public sphere. The post also employs language of dehumanization and moral panic, portraying the subject as a dangerous and immoral person who allegedly supports violence.