Natalia Poklonskaya's bio: Who is the woman behind the meme?

Natalia Poklonskaya's bio: Who is the woman behind the meme?

On 11 March 2014, a short video of Natalia Poklonskaya went viral on YouTube. The footage shows Natalia as Crimea's newly appointed chief prosecutor at a press conference. Internet users, particularly Japanese and Chinese, loved Natalia Poklonskaya's baby face and created manga and anime art of her. Where is this internet sensation now?

Natalia Poklonskaya
Russian State Duma Deputy Natalia Poklonskaya attends the first plenary session of the newly elected State Duma in Moscow, Russia, on October, 5, 2016. Photo: Mikhail Svetlov (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Who is Natalia Poklonskaya, and how did she become a meme lord? Did the fame that followed affect her life and profession? Learn more about the Ukrainian-born Russian prosecutor.

Profile Summary

Full nameNatalia Vladimirovna Poklonskaya
BirthdayMar 18, 1980
Age44 as of 2024
Place of birthMykhailivka, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine
Zodiac signPisces
NationalityUkrainian, Russian, Soviet
EthnicityWhite
ReligionOrthodox Christian
Ex-spouseIvan Nikolaevich Soloviev
ChildrenAnastasiya (daughter)
Height5'6"
Weight59kg
Eye ColourBlue
Hair ColourHoney-Blonde
ProfessionPolitician, Prosecutor, Jurist
Political partyUnited Russia

Natalia Poklonskaya's bio

Poklonskaya is a Ukranian-born Russian lawyer currently serving as the adviser to the Prosecutor General of Russia. Natalia Poklonskaya became a meme online when a video of her at a press conference went viral. People marvelled at her appearance at the meeting.

Read also

Bloody Civilian responds to N200bn lawsuit over alleged defamation of Pastor Helen Ukpabio

Natalia Poklonskaya's family moved to Yevpatoria, Crimea, in 1990 when she was 10. Her parents are both retired and live in Crimea. Natalia's grandfathers perished in World War II, while one of her grandmothers survived the fascist occupation.

Natalia Poklonskaya's age

The Russian politician is 44 years old as of 2024. She was born on March 18, 1980, in Mykhailivka, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine.

Natalia Poklonskaya
Top 5 Facts about Natalia Poklonskaya bio. Photo: Sasha Mordovets (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Natalia Poklonskaya's height and weight

How tall is Natalia Poklonskaya? Poklonskaya is 5' 6" and weighs 59 kg. Her eye colour is blue, and her hair is blonde. She has an hourglass body shape, and her body measurements are 32-24-33 inches.

Why is Natalia Poklonskaya famous?

Natalia Poklonskaya became a meme overnight when a clip of her at a press conference went viral. In the middle of the Russian occupation of Crimea in March 2014, Natalia Poklonskaya was appointed prosecutor of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. A clip of the press conference made her an internet sensation.

Read also

UNIBEN: Mother of best graduating student wears Chosen apron to meet VC during convocation

Natalia Poklonskaya
Natalia Poklonskaya posing for a photo and speaking to an audience. Photo: Twitter.com, @varyagi/nv_poklonskaya_fan (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

The video was initially uploaded to a Japanese YouTube channel and became a sensation, especially among Chinese and Japanese internet users and streamers. Interest grew and spread to platforms like 4chan, Reddit, and VKontakte.

Eventually, the story was picked up by international media outlets, including the BBC. She became a viral trend, with her press conference gaining over 1.7 million views within a month. Natalia Poklonskaya's memes and cute photos circulated on the internet as people admired her looks.

A Russian journalist informed Poklonskaya of her internet fame and asked what she thought of being called the new Russian love symbol. She responded with surprise and said she was not so sure about it.

No, I want everyone to consider me as an attorney. And I'll achieve it with my job.

Natalia Poklonskaya has said she views her beauty as an asset since it allows people to underestimate her, which is excellent for deceiving enemies.

Read also

Magi Sadeq's biography: Who is Mohamed Salah's wife?

Natalia Poklonskaya's art and memes

Natalia Poklonskaya
A meme of "You put the cute in prosecute" about Natalia Poklonskaya. Photo: facebook.com, @AndrevanDyk
Source: Facebook

Internet users found Natalia Poklonskaya's looks appealing, especially in contrast to her military uniform. The internet virality led to many memes and anime and manga drawings inspired by her.

Fan art was made and uploaded on different platforms. These were shared widely and made news internationally.

Natalia Poklonskaya
A drawing of NaNatalia Poklonskaya holding a signboard written "keep spirit!" and hosting a press conference. Photo: Instagram.com, @natalia_poklonskaya (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Educational Background

The famous politician graduated from the Yevpatoria branch of the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs in 2002. In 2022, Natalia Poklonskaya completed her master's degree in international relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Federation.

Career

Natalia has served in several roles including lawyer, politician, diplomat and adviser. She is also the author of Crimean Spring: Before And After.

Natalia Poklonskaya
Republic of Crimea Prosecutor General Natalia Poklonskaya attends the annual meeting with top prosecutors in the office of the Prosecutor General of Russia. Photo: Sasha Mordovets (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Prosecutor, Ukraine

After Natalia Poklonskaya graduated, she worked in the Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office. She was employed as an assistant prosecutor to the Acting Prosecutor of the Republic of Crimea.

From 2002 to 2010, she was assistant attorney general of the Krasnogvardeisky and Yevpatoria districts of Crimea. From 2010 to 2011, she was deputy chief of a surveillance law enforcement unit of the Prosecutor's Office of Crimea.

Read also

Who is Fayza Lamari? All there is to know about Kylian Mbappé’s mother

Among the first cases she handled during this period in her career include that of the organized racket gang 'Bashmaki.' In 2012, she worked as a state prosecutor at the trial against the ex-deputy of the Crimean Council Ruvim.

From December 2012 to March 2014, Natalia Poklonskaya worked as a senior attorney of the 2nd division of the General Directorate of Internal Affairs in Crimea.

Appointment as the Prosecutor General of Crimea

In February 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine to occupy Crimea and annex it from Ukrainian control. The military occupation started on 20 February, which led to the successful Russian annexation of Crimea.

During Russian military occupation in preparation for the annexation, Natalia Poklonskaya was appointed Prosecutor of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Four others had rejected the position before Natalia Poklonskaya accepted it.

She resigned from the Ukrainian judicial service and joined the occupying Russian forces in Crimea. She has been termed a traitor in Ukraine even to this day.

Read also

How much is Andile Jali's salary? Top details about the football star

Following her appointment, Natalia Poklonskaya was declared a wanted criminal by the Ukrainian judicial authorities due to her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional order.

Natalia held a press conference after her appointment, reacting to the situation. Her video went viral, making her an internet sensation.

In her speech, she criticized the opposition protests in Ukraine and described the change of government in Kyiv as an "anti-constitutional coup."

Following her remarks, the Ukrainian government launched a criminal case against Natalia and stripped her of the civil service rank of "counsellor of justice."

Political career, Russia

In October 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin terminated Natalia's appointment as the prosecutor of Crimea. The move came a few weeks after she was elected MP of the Russian parliament by the United Russia party on September 18.

Natalia Poklonskaya
Russian State Duma Deputy Natalia Poklonskaya attends the first plenary session of the newly elected State Duma in Moscow, Russia, on October 5, 2016. Photo: @Mikhail Svetlov (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Natalia started serving as the Deputy of the State Duma of Russia on October 5, 2016. The famous politician also served as the deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Read also

Top 30 best defensive midfielders in the world as of 2024 ranked

While in office, Poklonskaya initiated a ban on the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar people, describing it as an extremist organization. She also gave the course of numerous lawsuits over the Crimean Tatars on charges of extremism and terrorism.

Diplomatic Career, Russia

Natalia Poklonskaya began her diplomatic career on October 13 2021. She was appointed the Russian Federation's ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde but could not take the position.

After graduating in February 2022, she received another appointment as the deputy chief of Rossotrudnichestvo, also known as the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation.

The campaign against Matilda

In November 2016, Natalia led a campaign to block the release of Matilda for allegedly insulting believers' feelings, which is a criminal offence in Russia, according to a law passed in 2013.

The film tells the story of the romance between prima ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya and the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II. She filed 43 complaints against the movie despite receiving rejections from the prosecution each time.

Read also

Meet Marcia Aoki, legendary footballer Pelé’s widow

Natalia Poklonskaya
Matilda film showing on TV screen. Photo: X.com, @rprose (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

She received support from famous figures, including Chechen President Ramazan Kadyrov and Orthodox Church clerics.

Despite her efforts, the film premiered in St Petersburg's Marinski Theatre in October 2017 under tight security.

Voting against the retirement bill

In July 2018, Poklonskaya was the only United Russian MP to vote against a government bill to raise the retirement age. The State Duma voted on the first reading of legislation to pass the bill.

After Natalia's rebellion, United Russia leaders discussed her future in the party but did not include her in the newly formed Joint Commission of Ethics and Income Monitoring.

Natalia remained the deputy chairperson of the Security and Countering Corruption Commission and an ordinary member of the National Security Budgetary Spending Commission.

Author: Crimean Spring: Before And After

Poklonskaya also co-authored a book, Crimean Spring: Before and After, with her ex-husband, Ivan Solovyev.

Read also

Aya Tanjali’s age, birthday, parents, why is she famous?

Natalia Poklonskaya
Natalia and her ex-husband, Ivan Solovyev at the book launch for Crimean Spring: Before and After. Photo: facebook.com, @EwaldMacheel (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

The book launch occurred on March 10, 2019, at Livadia Palace in Crimea. The 15-chapter book highlights her childhood, family, and career.

Her book shows the Ukrainian intelligence services and describes the events in which she participated.

What is Natalia Poklonskaya's nickname?

Natalia is often called 'Nyasha' because of her appearance. The word originates from 'Nyashniy,' which means attractive, cheerful, desirable things or characters in anime. 'Nyasha' is also often used to describe an adorable girl.

Who is Natalia Poklonskaya's husband?

The Russian diplomat married Ivan Nikolaevich Soloview in 2018. Their wedding took place in Crimea. Ivan is a veteran of law enforcement agencies.

After over one year of marriage, the couple divorced in 2019. The politician is currently single and living with her daughter. Natalia Poklonskaya's daughter is called Anastasiya Poklonskaya.

Natalia Poklonskaya's net worth

The 44-year-old has earned quite a lot as a lawyer and politician. Her estimated net worth is $1 million, per The City Celeb.

Read also

Who is Thierry Henry’s wife? Get to know Andrea Rajacic

Anti-War comments on the Russian invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, Natalia Poklonskaya made anti-war sentiments on her Telegram channel. She decried the devastation that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had caused. Following her remarks, she was dismissed as deputy chief of Rossotrudnichestvo.

After the dismissal, Natalia Poklonskaya thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his support and said she would move to another job. The following day, she was appointed as the adviser to the Prosecutor General of Russia.

Since then, she has been largely silent on social media, which has led to speculations of a strict ban on public speaking.

Is Natalia Poklonskaya pagan?

Natalia Poklonskaya
Natalia Poklonskaya dressed in Celtic garb and wearing face paint to celebrate the festival of Samhain. Photo: Telegram.com, @poklonskaya_nv (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Natalia Poklonskaya is an orthodox Christian. However, she came under fire in November 2024 when she shared pictures on Telegram wearing face paint and Celtic garb to celebrate the Gaelic festival of Samhain.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church criticized her outfit and called it an attempt to revive paganism.

Read also

Shawty Bae’s age, height, real name, net worth, boyfriend

Where is Natalia Poklonskaya now?

Natalia Poklonskaya currently advises the Prosecutor General of Russia. She reposts and reports stories on her Telegram channel but has not been as active on social media.

Fast Facts about Natalia Poklonskaya

  • She was born in Ukraine and was a citizen of Ukraine before Russian invasion.
  • She joined the Russian military occupation of Crimea and became of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
  • She has one daughter, Anastasiya Poklonskaya.
  • She is a high-ranking official in the Russian government and currently serves as an adviser to the Prosecutor General of Russia.
  • She was accused of treason by the Prosecutor General’s office of Ukraine for assisting Russia in occupying Crimea.

To Russians, Natalia Poklonskaya is a prosecutor, diplomat and adviser trusted by Putin and proof of beauty with brains. While to Ukrainians, she is a traitor who betrayed the country and joined the occupying forces. Despite her controversies and decisions, Poklonskaya remains an influential figure in Russia.

Read also

15 hottest weather women to ever grace your TV screen

Legit.ng recently shared an article on the Top 30 countries with the most beautiful women in 2024. This ranking was sourced from multiple publications to bring you the most beautiful women based on different metrics.

Find out which countries are considered to have the most beautiful women and if your country is on the list. The countries featured here are frequently celebrated in global media, beauty pageants, and cultural narratives for the unique attributes of their women.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Adrianna Simwa avatar

Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com

Sharon Boit avatar

Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is an SEO Content Writer at Legit Media Holdings, working on content optimisation since October 2024. Sharon began her career as a researcher and project manager at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi, for 4 years. In 2019, she became a freelance SEO content writer, writing blog posts and articles on travel, pets, online sports betting, personal finance, lifestyle, radio news, and technology. You can reach Sharon J. Boit at her email: boitjep@gmail.com