A video shared on Reddit shows a little girl happily carrying a dead rat in a plastic bag as if it were her favorite toy—or emotional support pet.
The clip sparked plenty of jokes, with one commenter calling it a “dry ration,” while another dubbed the girl a “young naturalist.”
As the Russian caption puts it: “The gadget-free childhood everyone dreamed of.”
Source: Reddit – r/ANormalDayInRussia
Russian “experts” are advising women to place a bay leaf inside the pocket of their underwear, claiming it will attract good suitors while protecting them from bad ones.
Apparently, online dating is out—seasoning is in.
If it works, your next mail-order bride might arrive pre-marinated.
In what may be the saddest news for this website, Russians are drinking less.
Alcohol consumption in Russia has fallen to its lowest level in more than 30 years. According to the Russian Health Ministry, average consumption is expected to reach just 7.7 liters (2.03 gallons) of pure alcohol per person this year—the lowest figure since the 1990s.
Looks like HoldMyVodka may soon need a new name.
Russian State Duma deputy Alexander Ilytyakov has sparked backlash after saying that a woman cannot be a “complete human being” because, according to his interpretation of the biblical creation story, Eve was made from Adam’s rib.
Ilytyakov said:
“God created a wife for Adam from his rib. Therefore, a woman cannot be a complete human being because she does not possess the full state of the body.”
He also claimed that a man without a wife is “disabled,” arguing that men and women only become complete together.
The same lawmaker previously urged Russian women to have children “while the baby-making parts still work.” Russia’s State Duma ethics commission later said that remark was not insulting.
Sources:
Demand among Russians for second citizenship in small island nations has surged, according to RBC.
The most sought-after passports reportedly come from Vanuatu, SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe, Nauru and Mauritius. Buyers say the documents can make it easier to open bank accounts, complete international real estate transactions and, in some cases, simplify visa applications.
The trend comes as wealthy Russians continue looking for ways to reduce the impact of international travel and financial restrictions.
Source: RBC.
Officials in the Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk allegedly spent 4 million rubles (about $51,000) hiring people to photograph potholes and landscaping violations in neighboring municipalities.
The photos were reportedly submitted as official complaints to worsen the rankings of cities such as Khimki and Odintsovo while improving Krasnogorsk’s own standing. Workers were allegedly paid around 300 rubles (about $3.85) per photo, with some teams producing up to 2,000 images a day.
Krasnogorsk later ranked among Russia’s top municipalities for urban improvement in 2025. The allegations were first reported by Russian news site Baza, which also says a criminal case has been opened. HoldMyVodka could not independently verify the claims through other major Russian media.
A sign at an Orthodox monastery says that giving alms to gypsies standing near the entrance is “not blessed.”
Such warnings are intended to discourage organized begging, prevent visitors from being harassed, and avoid supporting groups that may exploit beggars, including children.
A man in St. Petersburg celebrated Russia’s Airborne Forces Day (VDV Day) by jumping from a high-rise apartment building with a parachute.
He landed safely near a fountain in the courtyard and reportedly walked away without injuries.
August 2 is also Ilya’s (Elijah’s) Day in the Orthodox calendar. The Prophet Elijah is considered the heavenly patron of Russia’s Airborne Forces, which is why both holidays are celebrated on the same date.
VDV Day is famous across Russia for paratroopers celebrating with reunions, heavy drinking, and the long-standing tradition of swimming in public fountains.
If HoldMyVodka ever had an official artist, it might just be Srulneg.
The Russian artist blends dark humor, vodka, sarcasm and everyday absurdity into paintings that feel like internet memes brought to life.
This one features a mallard smoking a cigarette, carrying a bottle of Absolut Vodka, flipping off a flock of migrating birds, and seemingly deciding that flying south is overrated.
Artist: @srulneg_art
Sometimes I think I should have named this website Follow the Mayo instead of Hold My Vodka.
At Tyumen’s City Day celebration, giant mayonnaise mascots from Russian brand EZhK (Đ•Đ–Đš) took the stage with a synchronized dance routine.
The clip later made its way to Reddit, where commenters quickly dubbed them the “Russian Backstreet Boys.” It’s hard to argue with that assessment.
Source: Reddit – r/ANormalDayInRussia
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