A longtime pro-Kremlin figure, Ilya Remeslo, has publicly turned against President Vladimir Putin in a rare and dramatic reversal.
Remeslo, a 42-year-old lawyer known for defending the Kremlin and attacking opposition figures, posted a message to his 90,000 followers on Telegram titled “Five reasons why I stopped supporting Vladimir Putin.”
In the post, he described Putin as an “illegitimate” leader and criticised the war in Ukraine as a failure, blaming it for heavy casualties and economic decline. He also called on the president to step down.
Doubling down in remarks from St. Petersburg, Remeslo said Putin “should resign and be put on trial as a war criminal,” adding that Russia’s political system is “doomed to collapse.”
He criticised the country’s leadership, the state of the economy, and restrictions on internet access, saying: “This man has destroyed everything he could lay his hands on. The country is literally falling apart.”
Remeslo’s comments have stunned observers, as even pro-war commentators in Russia—often referred to as “Z-bloggers”—rarely criticise Putin directly or question the basis of the Ukraine war.
The outburst also raised questions about whether his account had been compromised or whether the move could be part of a broader political strategy. Remeslo dismissed such claims, insisting his statements were genuine and not directed by any authority.
“I am just speaking the truth,” he said, adding that many others privately share similar views.
A former member of a Kremlin-linked advisory body, Remeslo had previously been involved in campaigns against critics of the government, including late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
His remarks have left both pro-government supporters and opposition figures puzzled. Leonid Volkov, a close ally of Navalny, said the statements went far beyond anything typically tolerated by authorities, noting that people have been jailed for far less.
The development comes amid growing strain within Russia, including public frustration over internet disruptions and signs of fatigue with the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Despite this, analysts say the Kremlin’s grip on power remains strong, supported by tight political control and elite cohesion.
Remeslo acknowledged the risks of his stance, saying he could face prosecution, but insisted he was prepared for the consequences.
“The time has come to break this cycle and speak out,” he said, adding that he felt a responsibility after years of supporting the system.
