Jailed Russian nationalist declares presidential bid, calls Putin ‘too kind’ in Ukraine invasion
- Igor Girkin – better known as Igor Strelkov – was detained on extremism charges in July following a series of posts criticising Russia’s president
- He is an ardent supporter of the Kremlin’s campaign in Ukraine but has lambasted the military leadership and says Putin is being ‘led by the nose’
Jailed former separatist commander Igor Girkin said on Thursday he wanted to run for Russian president in an election next year and piled fresh criticism on leader Vladimir Putin.
The 52-year-old – better known by his alias Igor Strelkov – was detained on extremism charges in July for criticising Russia’s leadership.
Girkin was arrested following a series of posts critical of Putin and he faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Russia is expected to hold a presidential election in March 2024.
With the election approaching, the Russian authorities are cracking down not only on liberal critics but also anti-Kremlin figures supporting Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine.
“I consider myself more competent in military affairs than the incumbent president, and certainly more competent than the defence minister,” Girkin said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
