On Thursday, the 31st of August, Russian nationalist Igor Girkin, who is in custody awaiting trial on charges of inciting extremism, suggested on his Telegram channel that he would run for the presidency of the Russian Federation, describing Putin as gullible and “too nice”, reports Reuters.
The post was infused with irony, yet it also featured public criticism of the President, with accusations of his misjudgement regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Girkin has highlighted that Putin was initially influenced and manipulated by various entities, including Western nations, Ukraine, Russian security agencies, and the defence industry, during the early stages of the conflict.
He stressed the unpreparedness of the country, its army and Russian industry for war.
Girkin criticised the fact that, despite the mistakes made, the officials responsible for preparing for war have remained in their positions, demonstrating continued incompetence.
As President, he would be much tougher, which would contrast with what he sees as Putin’s excessive kindness.
In addition, Girkin pointed to Putin’s connections with billionaires who had allegedly received substantial favours from the Russian leader. He pointed out that their wealth had exceeded the increase in military production in the country.
After the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Girkin, also known as Strelkov, became one of the most vocal critics of Russia’s war strategy in Ukraine.
Russian law prohibits convicted criminals from running for office
and it remains unclear how Girkin, who is in pre-trial detention, could play any political role in the future.
Girkin plans to run in the March 2024 elections, when Putin is likely to want another six years in power.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was recently quoted in The New York Times as saying that Vladimir Putin will win 90% of the vote next year. Peskov later clarified to the Russian news agency TASS that his remarks were misunderstood.
Read also: Kremlin: plane which carried Prigozhin may have been downed on purpose