Well isn't this just dandy. Putin's Russia.

via Jezebel. Video from Russia Today, via AP.

Several members of Pussy Riot, including Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, are currently knocking around Sochi. But according to reports, when they most recently tried to stage a protest action they were surrounded and shut down by Cossacks.

The New York Times reports that Nadezhda and Maria were recently hauled into a local police station, and afterward told reporters they've been dogged by Russian authorities since they arrived, including repeated detentions. (The cops said the pair were being investigated in connection with a theft at a local hotel. Sure!)

Now, the AP reports that during their most recent public action, whip-wielding Cossacks descended upon the group and busted up the demonstration:

Six group members — five women and one man — donned their signature ski masks and were pulling out a guitar and microphone as at least 10 Cossacks and other security officials moved in. One Cossack appeared to use pepper spray, another whipped several group members while others ripped off their masks and threw the guitar in a garbage can.