The Russian Autonomy movement (Автономия) represents a modern framework emphasizing complete physiological autonomy from food, water, and sometimes sleep.
Origins
The movement emerged in Russia during the 2000s-2010s, gaining traction through online communities, YouTube, and social media platforms like VK (VKontakte).
Key Claims
Practitioners claim to achieve:
- Complete food autonomy (no eating)
- Water autonomy (no drinking)
- Sleep autonomy (reduced or no sleep)
- Maintained physical fitness and cognitive function
Notable Figures
- Viacheslav Timoshenko - Claims approximately 2.5 years without food, water, or conventional sleep while maintaining intense physical training
- Maks Kosmos - High-profile proponent claiming autonomy since 2019
- Zinaida Baranova - Claims to have lived without food and water since approximately 2000
Community Characteristics
- Strong online presence on Russian social media
- Video documentation of practitioners
- Seminars and workshops
- Emphasis on gradual transition rather than sudden cessation
Verification Status
Most claims are self-reported. Independent medical verification is rare. The Russian-language barrier limits Western scientific evaluation.