Pro-Kremlin Blogger Committed After Unexpected Call for Putin’s Resignation
Ilya Remeslo, a 42-year-old lawyer and pro-Kremlin blogger, broke publicly with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday 17 March. He published a long Telegram post titled “Five reasons for why I stopped supporting Vladimir Putin.”
The manifesto
In the post, Remeslo accused Putin of lacking legitimate authority. He demanded the president’s resignation and called for prosecution for war crimes and theft.
He described the Ukraine conflict as a “war without end.” He said the fighting serves only Putin’s insecurities and brings no gain to ordinary citizens.
Key criticisms
- He criticised the economic toll, citing “thousands of billions of dollars” lost.
- He said those funds could have financed cities, schools, and children’s hospitals.
- He decried suppression of the internet and press freedom.
- He later added a sixth reason in a video: Putin’s alleged “mad attraction to luxury” and about twenty residences-castles.
Background and past support
Remeslo served on Russia’s Public Chamber, a consultative body aligned with the Kremlin. He used his legal training to target regime critics in courts and online.
He testified against the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny at trials across Russia. In 2014, he had supported Moscow’s annexation of Crimea, calling it peaceful and a unification of Russian lands.
Reaction and hospitalisation
The pro-Kremlin blogger was committed after an unexpected call for Putin’s resignation. Two days after the Telegram post, independent reporting said he had been interned.
Psychiatric Hospital No. 3 in Saint Petersburg confirmed that “Ilya Borisovitch Remeslo” was admitted on Thursday. The facility said his family, including his wife, had been informed.
The hospital declined to provide further details about his medical condition. Some pro-Kremlin commentators initially suspected hacking of his account.
Further statements
Remeslo posted a video that reaffirmed his claims. He also spoke from his Saint Petersburg apartment to Filmogaz.com, repeating calls for resignation and trial.
He said the personalised, corrupt system around Putin is destined to collapse. He added he was ready to face any legal consequences for speaking out.
Questions and implications
The circumstances of his hospitalisation raise concern. Observers ask whether it reflects genuine health needs or a punitive measure by authorities.
Remeslo said his decision had gradually matured and that he felt a duty to speak. His reversal has provoked debate among pro-Kremlin networks and wider public discussion.
