Putin’s System Begins to Collapse as Russians Finally Dare to Confront Him

Fear has been the invisible force holding President Putin’s Russia together for more than two decades. It kept ordinary citizens quiet, journalists self-censoring, and officials loyal. But the spell that once protected Putin is beginning to break.

Outside the Kremlin, a long, ragged line formed. Men in waterproof jackets clutched folders of complaints; pensioners leaned on canes; mothers pushed strollers toward the gate marked “Reception of the President of the Russian Federation.” The benches overflowed with petitions. Then a woman snapped.

“We’re sick of seeing them fill rooms with cash!” she shouted. “Who even chose these deputies? We never voted for them! Putin is feeding an army of men to solve our problems—but nothing changes!”

Her outburst drew applause from the crowd. Within sig