The series "The Great Expedition of Maria Wiernikowska into the Depths of Russia" has sparked controversy online, leading companies such as STS and XTB to request that Channel Zero remove their advertisements from the episode featuring Kaliningrad. On February 14, Channel Zero aired another piece from Tomsk but did not include any advertisements, which are usually displayed at the beginning or end of the segments.

XTB Poland confirmed in a conversation with Wirtualne Media that they will not feature their advertisements in future episodes of the report, showing a clear response to the political climate and content surrounding Russia. Similarly, STS, a betting platform, has also decided to withdraw its promotional content associated with media relating to Russia. This decision underscores a growing concern among sponsors regarding their brand image amidst controversial narratives.

Krzysztof Stanowski, who has previously defended Wiernikowska's work, reiterated that the journalist's reporting is meant to provide an authentic view of contemporary Russia without imposing interpretations on the audience. His defense highlights the tension between media representation and corporate interests in the context of sensitive geopolitical issues. The withdrawal of sponsors may indicate a cautious approach by businesses in navigating these narratives, reflecting broader concerns over public perception and international relations.