Boris Nadezhdin, a well-known critic of the Kremlin, has officially registered as a candidate for Russia’s upcoming presidential election in March. The 60-year-old local councillor has garnered significant support, collecting more than 100,000 signatures across 40 regions to challenge President Vladimir Putin. The Central Election Commission (CEC) will verify the authenticity of the signatures and announce the final list of candidates next month.
While Putin has already collected over 3.5 million signatures out of the required 300,000, Nadezhdin’s opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine has resonated with many Russians. Nadezhdin, running as a candidate for the Civic Initiative party, has criticized the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 as a “fatal mistake.” He believes that by ending the war and reducing military spending, Russia can allocate more resources to benefit its citizens.
Nadezhdin’s push to end the war has gained him significant attention and support across the country. His statement on the catastrophic consequences of the war and his desire to free political prisoners in Russia has struck a chord with many. In a show of gratitude to his supporters, Nadezhdin expressed pride in the thousands of signatures collected, describing the hard work of his team and the determination of his supporters.
However, Nadezhdin’s candidacy also raises concerns about the Kremlin’s response. Speaking out against the conflict carries significant risks, often leading critics to imprisonment. Putin’s 24-year rule has not allowed for genuine electoral opposition, with prominent figures such as Alexei Navalny currently behind bars. In a symbolic gesture of support, Navalny’s wife Yuliya signed her name in support of Nadezhdin.
Overall, Nadezhdin’s candidacy presents a potential challenge to Putin’s leadership, emphasizing the widespread desire for change and the longing to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
