From Viral Sensation to Political Career: The Rise of Natalia Poklonskaya and Her Internet Fame

On March 11, 2014, a brief video of Natalia Poklonskaya went viral on YouTube. The clip featured her as Crimea’s newly appointed chief prosecutor at a press conference. Her youthful appearance captured the attention of internet users, especially from Japan and China, who began creating manga and anime art of her. So, where is this internet sensation today?

Profile Summary

Who is Natalia Poklonskaya, and How Did She Become a Meme Lord?

Natalia Poklonskaya, a Ukrainian-born Russian lawyer and politician, became a viral sensation in 2014 after a press conference video of her went viral. The video, featuring her at the center of a political transition during the Russian occupation of Crimea, quickly made her a meme sensation. People were captivated by her appearance, and the clip gained millions of views worldwide. This unexpected fame had a significant impact on her life and career.

Natalia Poklonskaya’s Bio

Born in Mykhailivka, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine, on March 18, 1980, Natalia moved with her family to Crimea in 1990. Her father is retired, and her grandparents were deeply affected by World War II. She is currently the adviser to the Prosecutor General of Russia. Despite her sudden fame, Natalia remained focused on her profession as a lawyer.

Natalia Poklonskaya’s Age

As of 2024, Natalia Poklonskaya is 44 years old. Her birthdate is March 18, 1980.

Natalia Poklonskaya’s Height and Weight

Natalia stands at 5’6″ (167 cm) and weighs 59 kg. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, with an hourglass body shape and measurements of 32-24-33 inches.

Why is Natalia Poklonskaya Famous?

Her internet fame began when a video of her at a press conference went viral during the 2014 Crimean crisis. The video, initially uploaded to a Japanese YouTube channel, quickly spread across social media platforms and was viewed over 1.7 million times in just a month. Her striking appearance, combined with her role as the newly appointed prosecutor of Crimea, sparked a wave of memes and admiration online.

SEE ALSO – The Impact of Alicia Keys’ Parents: How They Shaped Her Life and Career

Natalia Poklonskaya’s Art and Memes

Internet users found Poklonskaya’s appearance in military uniform especially appealing. Many fans created and shared anime-style fan art and memes. These artworks continued to circulate, making her an internet sensation, and brought her attention from both fans and media outlets around the world.

Educational Background

Natalia graduated in 2002 from the Yevpatoria branch of the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. Later, in 2022, she completed her master’s degree in international relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Federation.

Natalia Poklonskaya’s Career

Poklonskaya’s career spans multiple roles, from prosecutor to diplomat. She worked in various legal and political positions before being appointed as the prosecutor of Crimea during the Russian occupation in 2014. After her viral press conference, she became a target for Ukrainian authorities, who accused her of treason.

Prosecutor in Ukraine and Crimea

Before her controversial switch to Russia, Natalia worked in Ukraine’s prosecutor’s office, handling criminal cases across Crimea. In 2014, she accepted a position with the Russian government, which resulted in her being declared a criminal by Ukrainian authorities.

Political Career in Russia

Natalia’s political career in Russia took off when she was elected as a member of the State Duma in 2016. During her tenure, she worked on several major issues, including the banning of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatars and pushing legal action against them. In 2021, she was appointed ambassador to Cabo Verde, though she couldn’t assume the role.

Controversial Campaigns and Anti-War Remarks

In 2016, Natalia led a campaign against the film Matilda, accusing it of insulting religious sentiments. Later, in 2018, she gained attention for voting against a controversial retirement bill. In 2022, she made anti-war comments regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to her dismissal from her diplomatic role.

What is Natalia Poklonskaya’s Nickname?

Due to her internet popularity, Natalia Poklonskaya earned the nickname “Nyasha,” a term derived from anime culture meaning “adorable” or “cheerful.”

Who is Natalia Poklonskaya’s Husband?

Natalia married Ivan Nikolaevich Solovyev in 2018. However, they divorced in 2019. She has one daughter, Anastasiya Poklonskaya.

Natalia Poklonskaya’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Natalia’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, largely accumulated from her work as a lawyer, politician, and author.

Is Natalia Poklonskaya Pagan?

In 2024, she faced criticism after posting photos of herself in Celtic garb, celebrating the Samhain festival. The Russian Orthodox Church criticized her, accusing her of promoting paganism, though she is an Orthodox Christian.

Where is Natalia Poklonskaya Now?

Currently, Natalia Poklonskaya serves as an adviser to the Prosecutor General of Russia. Although she posts occasionally on her Telegram channel, she has significantly reduced her public presence since her dismissal from diplomatic duties.