Buster (real name Vyacheslav Leontyev) is a Russian streamer, video blogger, musician, and owner of the YouTube channel "Buster" and Twitch channel "Buster". Born on February 25, 1997, in Moscow, Russia.
Monetizes content (via streams, ads, subscriptions, merchandise sales, or music platforms) and, in accordance with applicable laws, pays taxes to the budget of the Russian Federation.
Any engagement with this content — views, likes, donations, merchandise purchases, or streams — indirectly contributes to financing the Russian economy and, consequently, the war against Ukraine.
Buster's stance on the war in Ukraine
Statements after the invasion
Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Buster did not make explicit political statements; however, during a stream on February 24 on his birthday, he spoke emotionally about the war, fear, and human suffering:
In a situation like this, celebrating is the last thing on my mind... I don't feel like releasing a track or celebrating. I've always made wishes, but right now I just want there to be peace. I can't sleep peacefully when my friend is sleeping in a car in a parking lot to the sounds of air raid sirens. Some people write: 'Well, the war has been going on for eight years.' Yes, but before, I never saw anything like this—explosions, sirens... There was nothing like this before. I just want people to stop suffering. For there to be no war. None of the ordinary people need this.
The streamer admitted that he was terrified to imagine what ordinary civilians were going through and how swiftly human destinies and life plans were being shattered:
Seriously, I just can't imagine what it's like for people over there... If I feel this f***ing awful, I'm just in complete shock. Damn, it's genuinely terrifying that ordinary people live, work, each with their own job, each with their own affairs... They make plans, have families, this and that... And then bam—war breaks out. And everything, everything just goes to s**t. And you realize that everything you lived for is totally f***ed, and the only thing you can think about is how to survive.
Four days later, he wrote on Telegram:
Today I want to boot up a stream, play some games, take my mind off things. I haven't been able to sleep properly for 4 days, my head is completely filled with these f***ing thoughts
Controversial moments
- During one of his streams, he admitted that for $15 million, he would agree to an advertising deal associated with the Russian Federation. At the same time, streamer Evelone stated that he would never do such a thing, as he would "die inside."
- During a Fortnite stream, upon seeing a door marked with the letter "Z", Buster repeatedly shouted "W" ("Double W"—gaming slang denoting a win or approval).
- According to Eldar Dzharakhov, Buster is afraid to utter the word "Ukraine" on stream, and as observed by his followers, he frequently and unjustifiably opposes anti-war bloggers.
- On his streams, Buster has also performed the song by Shaman, "Ya Russkiy" (I am Russian).
These are only some of the episodes frequently highlighted by Buster's audience. While part of his community dismisses such actions as trolling or banter, during wartime they appear highly ambiguous. His behavior increasingly looks like an attempt to sit on two chairs at once while avoiding any friction with Russian authorities.
Activities in Russia
Buster is registered on the Roskomnadzor "Gosuslugi" portal, which indicates that his streaming and media activities are officially tracked and regulated by the Russian state.
Currently, the blogger continues to live and work in Russia, avoiding political discussions.
він на стримі нещодавно йшов парковкою і стояла машина нісан зет, і він показує на букву З і каже наш слон. Ось робіть висновки кого ця сволота підтримує, а те, що вище пишуть, що у нього є друзі з України хто? Злий та Євелон? *етники !!!! такі ж як і він
По друге, коли тіп проходить тест на людину, яку більше всього ненавидить, то він НЕ хоче обирати нікого між Шаманом та Соловьовим, адже "вони обидва хороші люди, і я їх поважаю")) (https://youtu.be/YKL9B3T38xo?si=RtOrdL8yCObuW8uY&t=5)
https://t.me/streaminside/24328