Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a striking reversal, Russia’s government has begun targeting some of its most loyal pro-war supporters, highlighting deep divisions within the Kremlin as rival factions clash over influence and resources. Analysts say this marks a new phase of repression in the country, where even those who once openly celebrated Vladimir Putin’s policies are now under scrutiny.

Among the prominent figures caught up in the crackdown are political analyst Sergei Markov, military blogger Roman Alyokhin, and Ukrainian-born commentator Tatyana Montyan, all previously celebrated for their loyalty to the regime and militant support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Markov and Alyokhin were recently labeled “foreign agents”, a designation historically reserved for critics of the Kremlin, carrying severe financial and legal restrictions. Montyan was classified as a “terrorist and extremist”, normally reserved for perceived threats to the state.

Factional Struggles Behind the Purge

Observers describe the conflict as a battle between two Kremlin-aligned camps. The loyalists, veteran propagandists closely tied to the defence ministry, are competing with militarists, an independent network of pro-war bloggers and grassroots activists who have supported the frontlines with funding, equipment, and logistical aid.

The crackdown appears to be motivated by a mix of financial disputes and political control. Some supporters, like Alyokhin, were accused of mismanaging funds raised for the war effort, while others, such as Markov, reportedly fell out of favor due to strained relations with allied countries.

Political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann noted, “Autocracies fear civic mobilization of any kind. Even pro-war movements, if they operate independently, are perceived as a threat.” She expects additional arrests as the Kremlin seeks new targets to maintain its control.

Irony and Historical Parallels

The purge has drawn attention from Russia’s anti-Putin opposition, noting the irony that figures who once benefited from repression are now its victims. The situation evokes historical parallels to Soviet-era purges, where loyalty offered no protection from the state’s punitive machinery.

Experts warn that as the Kremlin continues to consolidate power, the ongoing infighting among its own ranks could lead to further instability within Russia’s political and military apparatus, intensifying uncertainty in both domestic governance and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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