Putin and Ukraine appear in The Boys: New episode delivers controversial twist
Putin appears in The Boys (screenshot from the series)
The third episode of the fifth season of The Boys shocked viewers with a new storyline involving Jensen Ackles’ character. His hero, Soldier Boy, finds himself at the center of a propaganda-driven narrative linked to Russia.
What is known about The Boys
It is no secret that the series is known for its satirical take on society, media, and politics. The story unfolds in a world where Vought International creates and controls superhumans, turning them into media products.
Behind the perfect image lies cruelty, selfishness, and impunity. One of the main antagonists is Homelander — the all-powerful and dangerous leader of the Seven.
He is a narcissist, a sadist, and an emotionally unstable individual. He constantly seeks approval and treats anyone he considers weaker with contempt. The character serves as a depiction of authoritarian power.
He and his allies are opposed by a team led by Billy Butcher. In the final season, they are ready to do whatever it takes to stop the evil.
How The Boys portrayed Vladimir Putin and mentioned Ukraine
In the new season, it is Homelander who awakens Soldier Boy, who is also revealed to be his biological father. To secure his support, he promises to “rehabilitate” him in the public eye and bring him into the Seven.
After Ryan Butcher (Homelander’s son) kills a military unit in Russia, Vought International releases a new propaganda video.
“Since 1984, Soldier Boy has been in Russia, working with our friends in the Kremlin to root out these sneaky traitors in Ukraine,” the video says.
Another line also stirred strong reactions online.
“It turns out Russia is not our enemy. They're a strong, family-first nation, who don't put up with trans bathrooms,” says The Deep.
This psa they made for soldier boy is WILD #TheBoys #SoldierBoy pic.twitter.com/LPXTSvpebO
— Giselle//DD: BORN AGAIN S2 ERA (@giselleb1234) April 15, 2026
Online reaction
Some users were shocked, while others immediately recognized the satire. They saw it as a reference to certain political narratives currently circulating in the United States.
“The Boys never disappoints. If we saw a video like this today, we wouldn’t even be surprised.”
“If you only knew how hard I laughed when I saw this.”
“Another proof that Vladimir Putin is evil.”
“They are parodying how MAGA willingly embraces Russian propaganda… From the party of Reagan, Russia’s sworn enemy, to repeating Russian talking points and flattering Putin.”
“I never thought I’d see Soldier Boy alongside Putin.”
“The Boys is truly something special. I really love how they mock everything.”
It is worth recalling that the character of Jensen Ackles was introduced in the series in season three. His character is the first successful result of the use of Compound V. Vought International created the illusion that he was a hero of World War II.
However, the reality was completely different. His team betrayed him, as they were fed up with his cruelty and lack of control. Eventually, he ended up in the hands of Soviet спецслужби, which conducted brutal experiments on him for years.
It was Billy Butcher who later found him and предложив to join forces to destroy Homelander, but things did not go as planned.
After his captivity, he returned with a new ability that allowed him to strip other supes of their powers. He also showed signs of PTSD — a Russian song could trigger an explosive episode.
