A prominent Russian blogger who supported the Kremlin's policies turns against Putin, faces consequences in psychiatric care.
Ilya Remeslo, a blogger and lawyer who was once a vocal supporter of Russia's war in Ukraine, published a manifesto on March 17 criticizing President Vladimir Putin. In the document, Remeslo claimed the war was failing and accused Putin of excessive censorship, lack of freedom of speech, and planning to remain in power indefinitely.
Remeslo's Background and Shift
Remeslo previously served as a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and was known for his campaigns against opposition leader Alexei Navalny, including testifying in court. He attributed his change of views to personal evolution, citing the failed uprising by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023 as a turning point.
Following his manifesto, Remeslo posted videos online confirming he was still in Russia and expressed willingness to face jail for his stance, hoping for political change in the year.
Reactions and Admission to Care
Remeslo was admitted to St. Petersburg's Psychiatric Hospital No. 3, though the circumstances remain unclear. Former allies, such as Apti Alaudinov, head of a Chechen special forces unit, expressed shock and suggested Remeslo might have been forced into his statements.
TV host Vladimir Solovyov described Remeslo's actions as a possible 'nervous breakdown' due to the war. Pro-government websites dismissed his criticism as an attempt to destabilize Russia.
Researcher Ivan Filippov called Remeslo an 'accomplice in the murder of Alexei Navalny' and noted his comments could lead to arrest. Political scientist Abbas Gallyamov linked the incident to broader trends in Russia, including war fatigue and eroding trust in the government.
Dmitry Oreshkin, another analyst, stated that authorities likely reacted harshly to avoid making Remeslo a hero, given the hospital's reputation from the Soviet era.
