Founder of Russian misogynist movement denies role in hoax bomb threats against European flights

Vladislav Pozdnyakov, founder of the Russian misogynist movement "Men's State," has denied any involvement in hoax bomb threats against European passenger flights. He made the statement on his Telegram channel "Pozdnyakov 3.0." A wave of such threats has hit Europe in recent days, and European authorities have not yet said who they believe is responsible.

What happened

According to the source, at least seven European flights received warnings on November 3 that bombs had supposedly been planted on board. On November 5, similar messages targeted at least 12 passenger planes. The Italian news agency ANSA reported that the hoax threats were sent on behalf of "Men's State fighters."

Pozdnyakov's statement

Pozdnyakov wrote that he has had no connection to "Men's State" since 2019 and that the movement has not existed since 2021. In his words, whoever is causing trouble in EU countries under this "brand" is acting in their own interests and merely flying someone else's flag. He added that he is not particularly concerned about Europe's security or economy, and that he was responding publicly only because European journalists had asked.

The BBC Russian Service had approached a Telegram account called "Vlad," which may belong to Pozdnyakov and is listed in the description of the "Pozdnyakov 3.0" channel, about the movement's possible role. "Vlad" replied that "Men's State" had not existed for many years. The channel soon afterwards published the exchange with the BBC correspondent.

European authorities have not yet publicly named anyone they believe to be behind the threats.