Russian dissident urges anti-Putin protest on election day
Summary
Exiled Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin has urged anti-war Russians to vote against United Russia in legislative elections on September 20 as part of a protest called “noon for peace.” He also warned that Vladimir Putin could escalate the war after the vote with a new mobilization drive.
Key Points
- Ilya Yashin called on anti-war Russians worldwide to vote against Vladimir Putin’s ruling United Russia party in the September 20 legislative elections.
- The protest campaign, called “noon for peace,” asks voters to gather at polling stations at noon to show visible opposition to the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
- Yashin said Russia’s political system is not a real election and warned that Putin may order a large new mobilization after the polls.
- He also raised the possibility of further escalation involving NATO-related provocations or pressure on the Baltic states and Poland.
