Putin’s Repressive Machinery Turns Inward to Target Pro-War Figures

In a shocking shift, Vladimir Putin’s notorious repression tactics—long used to crush dissent—are now being turned on his own supporters. Hardline nationalists, military bloggers, and even pro-war cheerleaders face arrests, silencing, or worse as Putin tightens his grip amid Russia’s faltering war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s Iron Fist Strikes Loyalists

For decades, Putin’s regime has targeted liberals, journalists, and activists. But in 2023, the crackdown expanded to ultranationalists who once fueled the war propaganda machine. Key examples:

• Igor Girkin: The ex-FSB officer and pro-war blogger was arrested in July 2023 after criticizing Putin’s military leadership.
• Yevgeny Prigozhin: The Wagner Group leader died in a suspicious plane crash months after his failed mutiny.
• Military bloggers: Influential Telegram channels like Komsomolskaya Pravda’s Alexander Kots now self-censor to avoid state backlash.

Why Is Putin Targeting His Own Supporters?

1. Military Failures Fuel Criticism

As Ukraine’s counteroffensive advances, pro-war figures have openly blasted Russian command for poor strategy, low morale, and supply failures. The Kremlin silences them to maintain the illusion of control.

2. Eliminating Potential Rivals

Putin tolerates no dissent—even from allies. Hardliners demanding total war or criticizing leadership risk becoming rallying points for opposition. Prigozhin’s mutiny proved the threat.

The Aftermath: Fear and Instability

The crackdown has immediate effects:

• Pro-war Telegram channels go quiet or soften critiques.
• Elite trust erodes as even loyalists face punishment.
• Military strategy suffers without honest battlefield assessments.

Long-Term Risks for Putin

• Elite Distrust: Silencing supporters may backfire, fostering secret resistance.
• Underground Rebellion: Prigozhin’s mutiny could inspire future revolts.
• War Effort Collapse: Censoring criticism won’t fix Russia’s battlefield losses.

Conclusion: A Regime Consuming Itself

Putin’s inward repression reveals desperation. By devouring his own allies, he risks destabilizing the very system he built. As the Ukraine war drags on, the Kremlin’s paranoia may accelerate its downfall.

—NextMinuteNews