Russians Turn Against Putin: Refusing to Fight His Wars
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, cracks have increasingly appeared within the ranks of the Russian military. Though President Vladimir Putin has tried to project an image of unity and unwavering national purpose, reports from both inside Russia and abroad tell a different story—one of resistance, dissent, and defiance. A growing number of Russians, both conscripted soldiers and ordinary citizens, are refusing to fight his wars.
Cracks in the Military: A Surge in Refusals
Over 10,000 Russian soldiers have reportedly been prosecuted for refusing to fight in Ukraine. This staggering number reflects not only an increasing weariness of war among troops but also the immense pressure the Russian government is facing in trying to sustain its prolonged military campaign.
Refusal to fight—whether through desertion, disobedience, or simply not reporting for duty—has become a widespread phenomenon. In many cases, soldiers are resisting orders at great personal risk. Russia’s laws regarding desertion are strict and unforgiving. Under legislation signed into law by Putin in September 2022, desertion during wartime or periods of mobilization can result in a prison sentence of up to ten years.
But punishment doesn’t stop at legal prosecution. Numerous reports have emerged of soldiers being detained in makeshift prisons—basements, cellars, even pits—run by their own commanders. These “punishment cells” are used to break the will of those unwilling to comply, further showcasing the coercive environment within the Russian military.
Asylum Seekers: Soldiers Fleeing Abroad
Amid these grim realities, a small but significant number of Russian soldiers have managed to flee the country and seek asylum abroad. In a striking development, six Russian soldiers who deserted from the Ukrainian front lines were granted temporary entry permits in France as they awaited a decision on their applications for political asylum.
These deserters told harrowing stories of fear, disillusionment, and betrayal. Many of them had originally joined the army believing they were defending their homeland or acting in line with patriotic duty. However, upon witnessing the realities of the war—the violence, the lack of leadership, the senseless loss of life—their perspectives changed dramatically. Choosing to desert was not a decision made lightly, but rather an act of desperation by individuals no longer willing to participate in a war they saw as unjust.
Life Behind the Frontlines: Silent Resistance at Home
While outright defiance by soldiers is the most visible sign of dissent, a quieter but no less significant resistance is brewing among civilians. Families across Russia have grown wary of sending their sons to fight in a war that increasingly feels remote and senseless. In regions like Kursk, which borders Ukraine and has experienced shelling and economic hardship, the mood is somber and uncertain. Residents report feeling abandoned by the Kremlin and fatigued by the constant state of emergency.
In private, more Russians are beginning to question the cost of the war—both human and economic. Despite a relentless stream of propaganda from state media outlets, a gap is emerging between official narratives and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
The War Narrative: Public Opinion Under Pressure
Despite signs of dissent, national surveys have shown that public support for the war has remained relatively high, with polls indicating that 70–75% of Russians still support military action in Ukraine. However, many analysts suggest these numbers should be taken with caution. In a country where dissent can be punished by imprisonment or worse, respondents may not feel safe expressing honest opinions. Furthermore, years of tight control over media and information have made it difficult for many Russians to access alternative perspectives.
Some describe the phenomenon as a “reluctant consensus”—a population resigned to war, more out of fear and fatalism than fervent nationalism. Underneath the surface, skepticism is growing, and the Kremlin’s grip on the narrative is no longer as absolute as it once seemed.
A Long-Term Crisis
The refusal of Russian soldiers to fight, combined with growing domestic unease, presents a significant challenge for President Putin. It exposes the human limits of authoritarianism—how even in the most tightly controlled societies, the moral and psychological costs of war cannot be suppressed forever.
As the conflict drags on, and the death toll continues to mount, more Russians may begin to question the price they are being asked to pay for a war they did not choose. For now, the dissent is largely hidden—punished, exiled, or silenced—but it is undeniably real.
Whether it will grow into a broader movement or remain confined to scattered acts of resistance remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Kremlin no longer commands unchallenged obedience from all corners of Russian society. The will to fight is faltering—and with it, so too may Putin’s grip on his war.
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