After stance against war in Ukraine, Russian politician arrested and labeled ‘foreign agent’

Law enforcement has detained Russian politician Boris Nadezhdin, known for his opposition to the conflict in Ukraine, in a locality west of the capital. This action came just weeks after he had expressed his intention to participate in the parliamentary race this September.

The charges against him relate to “displaying extremist symbols,” according to official Russian sources. The reason was a video shared on social media during 2023, in which a photo of Alexei Navalny, the opposition leader who died, briefly appeared.

Just seven days earlier, the Russian Ministry of Justice had added Nadezhdin to the list of “foreign agents.” He was accused of spreading false information about the government and inciting participation in illegal gatherings. This label, together with the latest accusation, risks blocking his path to candidacy in the upcoming elections.

In early 2024, Nadezhdin had attempted to enter the presidential race with a platform promising an end to the war in Ukraine and the restoration of dialogue with Western powers.

However, the Central Election Commission blocked his candidacy, on the grounds that a large number of signatures collected by supporters were found to be irregular.

Then, in March 2024, President Vladimir Putin secured his fifth term. Through constitutional amendments approved in 2020, he has the possibility to lead the country until 2036.

Nadezhdin’s arrest coincides with a period in which the Kremlin has increased pressure on dissenting voices. Most prominent opposition figures are now behind bars, in exile, or have died.