Jailed Russian Nationalist Igor Girkin to Run for President Against Putin

Despite being in custody for inciting extremism, Girkin, a former FSB officer and critic of Putin's handling of the Ukraine war, announces presidential bid.

• Igor Girkin, a pro-war Russian nationalist and former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer, has announced his intention to run for president against Vladimir Putin in the upcoming election, despite currently being in custody awaiting trial for inciting extremism.
• Girkin, also known by the alias Igor Strelkov, played a significant role in Russia's annexation of Crimea and the organization of pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine.
• He has criticized Putin's handling of the war in Ukraine and has previously described the Russian leader as 'too soft' and 'too trusting' of Russia's security and military chiefs.
• Girkin was convicted in absentia by a Dutch court for his role in the shooting down of Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, which resulted in the loss of 298 passengers and crew.
• Despite his criticism of Putin, Girkin has stated that 'Putin is currently the only legitimate figure in the Russian Federation.'

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