The biggest rift has begun in the Kremlin
Ilya Remeslo, who had long worked in organisations linked to the Kremlin, publicly called on Vladimir Putin to resign in March and stated that the president should be held accountable as a “war criminal and a thief”. Following this, he was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital in St Petersburg, reports the Washington Post.
Remeslo was released 30 days later. He stated that he would remain in Russia and continue to oppose the current regime. In an interview with The Washington Post, he said he had no intention of stopping his activities and called it his life’s work.
According to the publication’s sources, against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine, economic problems and restrictions – particularly on internet access – tensions are rising among the Russian elite. Remeslo himself stated that the level of discontent within the system is significant and that part of it is beginning to act against Putin.
He also noted that the situation resembles events at the end of the Soviet Union’s existence. In his view, Russia could follow the same path.
Data from the state sociological service VTsIOM show that Putin’s approval rating has recently fallen to its lowest level since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Analysts and the publication’s sources speak of a conflict between different factions within the Russian government. This refers to the confrontation between the presidential administration, linked to Sergei Kirienko, and the Federal Security Service. According to them, the security services are insisting on tighter controls, including internet restrictions, whilst some political advisers believe such measures are fuelling growing discontent.
Remeslo stated that a power struggle is ongoing between these bodies and that they are acting in a disjointed manner.
Opposition politician Mikhail Khodorkovsky also spoke of a conflict between the presidential administration and FSB units. According to him, tightening controls could lead to further escalation of tensions.
A European intelligence report, as reported by the media, points to increased security measures around Putin. In particular, this involves restrictions on the use of communication devices by his entourage and additional checks.
Remeslo confirmed that these measures are accurate. According to him, the Russian president is spending more and more time in secure facilities and appearing in public less frequently.
He also stated that he had previously participated in campaigns against the opposition, particularly against Alexei Navalny, and now regrets it. According to him, he has decided to speak out openly against the authorities, hoping that others will join him.
Remeslo noted that his disillusionment with Putin had developed gradually. He linked this to the course of the war against Ukraine and the events during Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mutiny in 2023.
He said he made the decision to speak out publicly in March after negotiations to end the war had failed to produce results.
He also stated that some members of the Russian leadership share his views, but do not express them publicly due to the risk of persecution.
Remeslo expressed his belief that at some point, Putin may lose the support of his own inner circle.
