Vladimir Putin is facing a furious public backlash amid growing anger over the war in Ukraine, with people starting to openly call for his resignation.
Ukraine‘s recent incursion into the Kursk region has seemingly shaken the public’s faith in the Kremlin boss.
For the first time, many Russians experienced the full horrors of war after Kyiv’s army launched a daring raid across its border on August 6.
Zelensky’s army now claims to control around 500 square miles of enemy territory, as well as capturing 100 settlements.
Russians have also seen Ukraine step up its aerial bombardments, with drones and missiles regularly striking targets deep inside the country.
Local residents of Belgorod on Russia‘s border with Ukraine spent a terrifying night sheltering from a ferocious missile attack on their city.
Latest reports say at least 5 people were killed and 46 were injured in the strike, which came hours after a huge Russian glide bomb hit an apartment block in Kharkiv.
The deteriorating security situation in Russia has prompted many to question the wisdom of their leader.
In a video address to Putin which was published to social media channels, an activist from a group calling itself the “Council of Defenders” accused Putin of treason and demanded his resignation.
“Vladimir Vladimirovich, in February 2022, your controlled media said that this operation would be over in three days,” he said.
“Excuse me, but it’s already going on for the third year. There is a deputy, Konstantin Zatulin, who said not so long ago that this operation has not achieved the goal of ‘denazification’ or ‘demilitarisation’.
“This was officially stated by the State Duma deputy.
“Why did hundreds of thousands of factories cease to exist under your rule? Isn’t this a sign of state treason and sabotage?
“Why do our people live in poverty? People are dying, it has even come to this.
“These are the questions that we want to voice and get answers to them. We demand your resignation as President of Russia!”
Ukraine continues to press on with its military incursion inside Russia. Army chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi said his troops had advanced a further 1.2 miles and had gained two square miles in the past 24 hours.