Meet the anti-war candidate risking plenty to challenge Russia's ruling elite
Russia's Federal Security Service placed anti-war organizer and London Borough of Ealing councilor Ksenia Maksimova on an international wanted list. Maksimova leads the London-based Russian Democratic Society. Meanwhile, the European Union imposed sanctions targeting three Russian Supreme Court judges and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office following the electoral exclusion of Russia's only anti-war party. Separately, chess legend and Kremlin critic Garry Kasparov stated that United States and Lithuanian officials warned him of a suspected Russian intelligence plot to assassinate him.
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- ✓ Russia's Federal Security Service placed Ksenia Maksimova on an international wanted list.
- ✓ Ksenia Maksimova heads the Russian Democratic Society and serves as a councilor for the London Borough of Ealing.
- ✓ The European Union adopted sanctions targeting three judges from the Supreme Court of Russia and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office.
- ✓ The European Union restrictive measures followed the barring of an anti-war party from participating in elections.
What changed
Russia opened a criminal case against anti-war organizer Ksenia Maksimova and placed her on an international wanted list.
Live updates
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Russia Targets Anti-War London Councilor as EU Expands Sanctions
Russia's Federal Security Service placed anti-war organizer and London Borough of Ealing councilor Ksenia Maksimova on an international wanted list. Maksimova leads the London-based Russian Democratic Society. Meanwhile, the European Union imposed sanctions targeting three Russian Supreme Court judges and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office following the electoral exclusion of Russia's only anti-war party. Separately, chess legend and Kremlin critic Garry Kasparov stated that United States and Lithuanian officials warned him of a suspected Russian intelligence plot to assassinate him.
Why it matters
The European Union measures respond directly to the systematic closure of political opposition channels inside Russia, where authorities have blocked anti-war political participation entirely. The crackdown extends across borders as Moscow pursues critics operating abroad, utilizing international wanted lists and criminal cases against prominent activists. Meanwhile, Western intelligence warnings highlight ongoing transnational security risks facing high-profile dissidents outside Russia.
What is confirmed
- Russia's Federal Security Service placed Ksenia Maksimova on an international wanted list.
- Ksenia Maksimova heads the Russian Democratic Society and serves as a councilor for the London Borough of Ealing.
- The European Union adopted sanctions targeting three judges from the Supreme Court of Russia and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office.
- The European Union restrictive measures followed the barring of an anti-war party from participating in elections.
Still unconfirmed
- Garry Kasparov stated that United States and Lithuanian officials warned him of a suspected Russian intelligence plot to assassinate him.
What to watch next
- Any official response or extradition requests from Russian authorities regarding Ksenia Maksimova in the United Kingdom
- Further European Union expansions targeting Russian enablers and judicial officials
- Additional security measures or public statements from Garry Kasparov regarding the alleged assassination threat
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.atlanticcouncil.org — Stopping Russia’s aggression requires holding its enablers ...
- www.brusselstimes.com — EU sanctions target judges behind ban on Russia's only anti ...
- meduza.io — Russia opens criminal case against anti-war organizer, former ...
- foreignpolicy.com — What Putin's Sham Elections Say About Russia - Foreign Policy
- nypost.com — Garry Kasparov, Kremlin critic and chess legend, says US ...
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EU Sanctions Russian Officials Over Blocked Anti-War Party
The European Union has adopted sanctions against Russian officials following the barring of an anti-war party from participating in elections. The restrictive measures target three judges from the Supreme Court of Russia and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office. Meanwhile, former top model and anti-war activist Ksenia Maximova, who now operates from London, faces a wanted notice from Moscow after years of supporting Ukraine and assisting Russian refugees in Britain.
Why it matters
The recent parliamentary contest marked the first vote since Russia invaded Ukraine. Observers viewed the election either as a sham or an opportunity to bolster state nationalism. The political environment heavily restricts opposition voices, making independent anti-war participation nearly impossible.
What is confirmed
- The European Union adopted sanctions against three judges from Russia's Supreme Court and an official from the Prosecutor General's Office.
- The sanctions are tied to the crackdown and the barring of an anti-war party from running in elections.
- Ksenia Maximova is a prominent figure in Russia's anti-war movement in London who is wanted by Russia.
Still unconfirmed
- Some observers viewed the parliamentary election as a sham while others saw it as an opportunity to strengthen nationalism.
What to watch next
- Further European Union actions regarding Russian political restrictions
- Developments regarding the wanted status of exiled anti-war activists like Ksenia Maximova
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.sandiegouniontribune.com — North County
- www.aljazeera.com — The view from Russia: ‘No party can be antiwar’ in parliamentary election
- kyivindependent.com — EU adopts Russia sanctions over crackdown on anti-war party ...
- www.themoscowtimes.com — Ksenia Maximova Went From Top Model to Anti-War Activist to ...
- www.antiwar.com — Antiwar.com Blog
- original.antiwar.com — Antiwar.com
- antiwarnews.buzzsprout.com — Antiwar News With Dave DeCamp
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Anti-war candidate Polina Lermant challenges Russian ruling elite
Polina Lermant is running a long-shot campaign for the Russian parliament, distributing flyers that urge citizens to "vote for peace." Her campaign occurs as parliamentary elections begin on Friday, September 19, 2026. Lermant's bid coincides with a broader trend of veterans from the Ukraine conflict seeking seats in parliament. While the elections are viewed by some as lacking excitement, there is underlying public fear regarding the potential aftermath of the vote and the stability of the current administration.
Why it matters
Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine while maintaining a tightly controlled political system. The emergence of anti-war candidates and veterans in the electoral process signals a potential shift in domestic opposition. These developments occur against a backdrop of international scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of Putin's democratic processes.
What is confirmed
- Parliamentary elections in Russia begin on Friday.
- Polina Lermant is running for a seat in the Russian parliament.
- Veterans of the war in Ukraine are running for parliament.
Still unconfirmed
- Vladimir Putin could be a casualty of his own war.
- Russian citizens fear the consequences following the upcoming election.
What to watch next
- Official results of the parliamentary election
- Reports of state interference or arrests of anti-war candidates
- Changes in the number of veterans successfully winning seats
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (6)
- AP News — In wartime Russia, veterans who fought in Ukraine are running for parliament
- The Guardian — To understand the threat to our real democracy, watch Putin’s fake one | Rafael Behr
- The Times — Putin could be next casualty of his own war
- The New York Times — The Election May Be a Snoozefest, but Russians Fear What Could Follow
- Reuters — Russian anti-war candidate puts fears aside to mount long-shot bid for parliament
- www.straitstimes.com — Meet the anti-war candidate risking plenty to challenge Russia's ruling elite
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