Hundreds of supporters gathered in Moscow on December 24 to back the potential presidential candidacy of Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), once a leader of Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine's east who is now jailed. Girkin, 52, has been charged with public calls for extremist activities. He pleaded not guilty in a trial that began on December 14. He was arrested in July after he sharply criticized President Vladimir Putin for his “too kind’ handling of the Ukraine invasion, referring to him as a “nonentity” and accusing him of “cowardly mediocrity.” He has urged for a more-aggressive war against Ukraine and total mobilization for Russia to achieve victory. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Russian Service, click here.
Hundreds Gather In Moscow To Support Nationalist Putin Critic Girkin’s Presidential Hopes
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