Putin's Russia Escalates Repression Amidst Fuel Crisis and Declining Support

Russia is bracing for challenging September parliamentary elections, not due to predictable outcomes, but because of deteriorating public sentiment. This discontent is amplified by Ukrainian drone strikes relentlessly targeting Russian refineries and fuel depots. For weeks, Russians have experienced long queues at gas stations, fuel limits, and gasoline shortages, impacting farmers and jeopardizing harvests in several regions. Rising food prices are anticipated, with analysts suggesting this is just the beginning of Russia's troubles as it enters the fifth year of its war with Ukraine.

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After the presidential elections, I was completely deprived of access to government media, although for twenty years before that I was invited to Russian television.

In response to these mounting pressures, the Kremlin appears to be intensifying repression to minimize any risk of protests. Boris Nadezhdin, a former advisor to Boris Nemtsov and Sergey Kiriyenko, and a Duma deputy from 2000 to 2003, has become a focal point of this crackdown. Once a rare dissenting voice on state television, Nadezhdin was disqualified from the presidential race after launching a campaign advocating for an end to the war in Ukraine. His candidacy drew significant public support, with long queues forming for signature collection in major cities, reminiscent of Belarus's 2020 presidential campaign.

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The party 'Civic Initiative,' which nominated my candidacy and was led by Andrey Nechayev, was liquidated.

Nadezhdin recounts a severe crackdown following his disqualification. He claims to have lost access to state media after twenty years of invitations, his party "Civic Initiative" was dissolved, and his savings were confiscated. Declared bankrupt, he lost his home, car, and money. "I am bankrupt today and have nothing. But this will not stop me," Nadezhdin stated in an interview with "Rzeczpospolita."

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They invented some financial problems, declared me bankrupt and took away my house near Moscow, my car and my money. Yes, I am bankrupt today and have nothing.

Nadezhdin fears that the escalating repression, including a potential arrest, could prove fatal. The article suggests that Russia may be approaching a "turning point" due to rising internal tensions. The Kremlin's strategy appears to be a preemptive strike against any form of dissent, aiming to maintain control amidst declining popularity and economic instability.

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But this will not stop me.