The Kremlin’s growing impatience with dissent was evident as a well-known Russian pro-war blogger, Igor Girkin, was arrested for criticizing President Vladimir Putin and the military’s failures in Ukraine. Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, is part of a group of “milbloggers” who support the invasion but have become increasingly critical of the military’s actions. He co-founded a nationalist political group called the Angry Patriots Club and has been outspoken about the need for significant political changes in Russia. However, Girkin’s arrest may have been triggered by his recent scathing remarks about Putin, calling him a “lowlife” and a “cowardly bum.” Girkin’s wife confirmed his arrest and the charges of “extremist activity” against him. If found guilty, Girkin could face up to five years in prison. According to Girkin’s associates, his arrest coincided with attempts to divide the Angry Patriots Club due to differing opinions on the Wagner mercenary rebellion in June. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, believes that Girkin’s arrest is the Ministry of Defense reasserting control after the Wagner rebellion, and it may serve as a cautionary tale for other dissenters. Girkin is a former colonel in Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and has been involved in conflicts in Chechnya, Transnistria, and Bosnia. His arrest comes shortly after retired Russian colonel Vladimir Kvachkov, an associate of Girkin’s, faced criminal prosecution for criticizing the Russian Armed Forces. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence suggests that Girkin’s arrest indicates growing disputes within the Kremlin. However, they find it paradoxical that Girkin was detained while Wagner founder Prigozhin remains free. This situation suggests an active phase of internal confrontation within the Kremlin.
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