Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
He demands a clear plan to end the war in Ukraine.
It is not often that you hear politicians in Russia openly criticize the Kremlin, but a prominent Russian lawmaker has just broken ranks to deliver a fierce attack on Putin’s leadership.
Vyacheslav Markhayev, who serves in the State Duma for the Communist Party, warns that the nation is sliding toward a massive social explosion. With parliamentary elections arriving this September, his timing could not be more sensitive.
The Moscow Times and the outlet Meduza cite a Telegram post from the veteran politician pointing to a deep divide between ordinary people and the ruling elite. While regular citizens struggle, corrupt officials continue to thrive.
He notes that basic utility rates keep climbing while aging Soviet-era infrastructure falls apart.
Money is not being spent on repairing municipal networks. Instead, Markhayev wrote that “funds are going not toward repairing networks, but toward yachts, palaces, and foreign assets.”
Shifting war goals
The criticism also targeted the military campaign in Ukraine. Markhayev argued that ineffective leadership is costing the country its youngest and most capable men.
Meanwhile, cross-border attacks are expanding. He criticized the government for merely enduring deep drone strikes instead of protecting its own cities. To make matters worse, he claims officials are quietly downgrading their original war goals.
“If this situation continues, a social explosion and chaos become more likely,” Markhayev warned.
He insisted that “the entrenched leadership will bear full responsibility” for any fallout.
The 71-year-old is demanding an immediate freeze on utility rate hikes. He also wants a “clear, public plan for ending the SVO, based on Russia’s national interests.”
SVO is typically used by Russians to refer to the Special Military Operation, which the war in Ukraine is called in Russia.
Growing economic fears
Markhayev is not the only official sounding the alarm. Other party figures share his deep concern about the economic cost of an endless war.
Fellow deputy Renat Suleymanov recently called for a swift conclusion to the fighting. The domestic economy simply cannot sustain a prolonged conflict.
Even so, a real political shake-up remains unlikely, as independent media reports indicate that the Communist Party will not field strong candidates this fall.
