Vladimir Putin has been tipped to eliminate dissent against women protesting his continued invasion of Ukraine.
Putin is waging what his supporters call a “holy war” against any move that could be seen as a sign of support for Western values - including freedom of expression, LGBTQ+ rights and pacifism.
Women have emerged as leading critics of the Russian government mothers, sisters and wives of Russian soldiers demanding the return of their loved ones from the front.
Multiple surveys have shown that women have a more negative attitude towards Putin's 'military operation' and have been at the forefront of protests since the start of the war in 2022.
Grassroots movements have launched the Feminist Anti-War Resistance Initiative (FAS), which brings together activists concerned about the impact of the war on pre-existing social issues and the violation of women's rights.
Wives and mothers of Russian soldiers set up The Way Home after Putin's first mass mobilization in September 2023 – and have become a major concern for the Kremlin.
According to the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), the group has become “increasingly politicized and critical of Putin.”
CEPA added that public support for such organizations has been minimal, but noted that there are growing concerns among Putin loyalists about behind-the-scenes attempts to undermine the war effort – resulting in a widespread crackdown.
They said: “Putin and his cronies have enthusiastically adopted a cult of unapologetic ultra-masculinity based on the ideas of strict hierarchy, top-down control and legitimation through violence.
“Within this model, women are objectified and their main function is primarily to produce cannon fodder for future wars. Challenging these 'values' by promoting gender rights and combating violenceis portrayed by the Kremlin as 'hostile' to Russian civilization.”
CEPA added: “While a massive crackdown on politically active women before the presidential elections in March would have backfired on Putin's ratings, nothing can stop the Kremlin from taking action to 'resolve' the issue now. ”
In addition to domestic pressure, Putin is struggling with the impending arrival of the US new aid to Ukraine from the United States in the coming weeks.
Russia has exploited the delay to make significant progress in the east Ukraine and launch one new offensive against Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv.
But his efforts have been marred by alleged corruption charges that have seen several senior military officers removed from their posts.
Former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov oversaw major military-related construction projects with access to vast sums of money. These projects include reconstruction Ukraine'S port city of Mariupol destroyed.
In April, the Commission of Inquiry RussiaAccording to the top law enforcement agency, Ivanov is suspected of taking particularly large bribes – a criminal offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Since then, arrests on bribery charges include Lieutenant General Yury Kuznetsov, head of the Defense Ministry's Personnel Directorate; Major General Ivan Popov, a professional soldier and former top commander in Ukraine; and Lieutenant General Vadim Shamarin, Deputy Chief of the Military General Staff. Shamarin is a deputy to Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff.