Arkady Babchenko is a Russian journalist and author known for his outspoken views on the Russian government and military. Born on March 18, 1977, in Moscow, he served in the Russian army during the Second Chechen War, which significantly influenced his writing. Babchenko has worked for various media outlets and gained recognition for his coverage of conflicts and human rights issues. In May 2018, Babchenko made headlines when he staged his own death to expose a plot against him, drawing international attention to the dangers faced by journalists in Russia. His actions sparked debates about press freedom and the lengths to which individuals might go to protect themselves from threats.