Russian President Vladimir Putin encountered an unusual wave of public opposition during his annual end-of-the-year press conference, highlighting growing domestic discontent. The press conference, typically a controlled environment where Putin addresses questions from Russian citizens, unexpectedly turned into a platform for criticism against the Russian leader.
During the Q&A session, several Russian citizens used the opportunity to confront Putin about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, economic challenges, and internal governance issues. A message displayed on the big screen directly challenged Putin, with one citizen urging him not to run for another term and to "make way for the young." Another message questioned the disconnect between Putin's portrayal of reality and the lived experiences of ordinary Russians.
The confrontation didn't stop at political commentary. Citizens voiced their concerns about the war in Ukraine, rising gas and food prices, and infrastructural shortcomings such as the lack of electricity and power. "We live almost without electricity, our appeals have not changed anything, the only hope remains is in you," one message read, reflecting the desperation among some segments of the Russian populace.
Despite these messages, Putin remained focused on justifying the invasion of Ukraine, reiterating the Kremlin's objectives of "de-Nazification" and "de-militarization" of the neighboring country. "There will be peace when we will achieve our goals," Putin stated, ignoring the critical messages displayed behind him.
This public display of dissent follows a petition signed by municipal lawmakers from various districts in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kolpino near St. Petersburg, demanding Putin's resignation. Ksenia Tortstrem, a St. Petersburg lawmaker, revealed that the petition cited Putin's actions as "damaging Russia's future and its citizens." The move is bold, especially considering Putin's aggressive stance against dissent since the invasion of Ukraine in February.
In a separate incident, municipal lawmakers from St. Petersburg's Smolny district approached the State Duma, demanding charges of high treason against Putin, citing the detrimental impact of the Ukraine war on Russia's security. However, these lawmakers were later summoned by the police and charged with discrediting Russia's armed forces.
The incident at Putin's press conference and the actions of municipal lawmakers signify a rare and significant moment of public rebuke in Putin's long tenure, where open dissent has often been met with harsh repercussions. These developments come as Putin continues his 2024 reelection bid amidst reports suggesting he has ordered the Russian military to intensify efforts in Ukraine to bolster his reelection prospects.
