Ilya Remeslo's Shift: From Navalny Critic to Putin Opponent
Ilya Remeslo, a Russian blogger who once criticized opposition figure Alexei Navalny, has now turned his fire on President Vladimir Putin after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital. In an interview with Ksenia Sobchak, Remeslo blamed Putin for Russia's decline and current crises. He went further, predicting that major changes would occur between late 2026 and early 2027—not through a popular revolution, but via a palace coup orchestrated from within the elite.
Post-Treatment Transformation of Ilya Remeslo
Remeslo, who was previously treated at St. Petersburg's Skvortsov-Stepanov Psychiatric Hospital No. 3, says his time there hardened his stance against the Putin regime. He began posting critical content on his Telegram channel, including a post titled 'Five Reasons I Stopped Supporting Vladimir Putin.' He has since come out against the war in Ukraine and called for the president's resignation. After publishing that post, he received calls from acquaintances in security services urging him to take it down.
In the same interview, Remeslo claimed that deep-seated resentment toward Putin is widespread within the government and presidential administration.
'From the administration, from the government—they all secretly hate Putin. They hate him for taking everything away from them,' he stated.He also highlighted that Russia had severe economic problems even before the war, noting that 'tens of millions of people are poor in the richest country.'
Remeslo went on to name three potential successors to Vladimir Putin:
- Mikhail Mishustin, 60, Russia's Prime Minister.
- Maxim Reshetnikov, 46, Minister of Economic Development and former governor of Perm Krai.
- Alexei Dyumin, 53, a Colonel General, top Kremlin aide, and Secretary of the State Council.
According to The Guardian, Remeslo's statements have sparked significant unease among pro-war circles and the Russian opposition in exile. His prediction of a shift in Russia between late 2026 and early 2027 echoes similar forecasts made by political figures such as Gennady Zyuganov.
Remeslo's public break with the Kremlin underscores the growing tension within Russian society and among government insiders. His criticism of Putin and calls for change may reflect rising public discontent as well as potential fractures among the elite. When figures who once backed the current leadership begin to speak out, it can signal a notable shift in the country's political landscape.
As the political landscape in Russia becomes increasingly volatile, recent polls indicate a significant drop in Putin's approval ratings, highlighting the growing discontent among the populace. This decline may further fuel the sentiments expressed by figures like Ilya Remeslo, who foresee a potential shift in power dynamics within the Kremlin.