Published：Mar 18, 13:39Last updated：Mar 23, 20:17

Pro-Kremlin Blogger Detained After Criticizing Putin

Mar. 18, 2026 13:39

Ilya Remeslo, a lawyer and pro-Kremlin supporter, posted a Telegram message listing five reasons he no longer supports Vladimir Putin. Once a supporter who smeared critics and opposition, Remeslo's sudden outburst marks a rare public criticism of the Russian leader, shared with his 90,000 followers.

Summarized

10News

7Media

Mar. 23, 2026 08:05

A pro-government blogger in Russia, who previously criticized President Vladimir Putin and appeared to switch sides, has been admitted to psychiatric care in St. Petersburg. The incident raises questions about his motives and allegiance, reported on March 23, 2026.

Mar. 23, 2026 20:17

Ilya Remeslo, a pro-government blogger in Russia who criticized President Vladimir Putin, was admitted to psychiatric care in St. Petersburg after seemingly switching sides. The incident raises questions about his change of stance and treatment. The report was published on March 23, 2026.

A rare and dramatic shift has occurred in Russian political discourse as Ilya Remeslo, a well-known pro-Kremlin blogger and lawyer, publicly denounced President Vladimir Putin and called for his prosecution over the war in Ukraine. Remeslo, who previously supported the Kremlin and was known for attacking opposition figures, published a manifesto outlining his reasons for withdrawing support from Putin. Shortly after his statements, Remeslo was reportedly detained and admitted to a psychiatric facility in St. Petersburg, raising concerns about the Kremlin’s tolerance for dissent and the possible involvement of the FSB in managing public opinion. The Guardian+2

📝 Manifesto and Public Criticism

On March 18, 2026, Remeslo posted a detailed message on Telegram titled “Five reasons why I stopped supporting Vladimir Putin.” The manifesto, shared with his 90,000 followers, marked a significant departure from his previous role as a Kremlin propagandist. While the specific reasons for his denunciation remain unclear, Remeslo’s call for Putin to face a war tribunal was unprecedented and quickly gained attention both in Russia and abroad. The Guardian+2

🚨 Detention and Psychiatric Hospitalization

Following his public criticism, Remeslo was detained and admitted to a psychiatric facility in St. Petersburg. This move has been interpreted by observers as a tactic to silence dissent and intimidate others who might consider speaking out against the Russian leadership. Reports from March 19-23, 2026 confirm that Remeslo’s hospitalization followed his manifesto and video statements, sparking debate about the use of psychiatric institutions for political repression in Russia. The Independent+2

🕵️‍♂️ Motives and Speculation

The sudden shift in Remeslo’s stance has led to widespread speculation about his motives. Some analysts suggest he may be acting independently, while others theorize that he could be part of a broader strategy orchestrated by the FSB to manage internal dissent or test public reaction. Regardless, Remeslo’s case highlights the risks faced by those who challenge the Kremlin and the ongoing suppression of free speech in Russia. Die Welt+2

FSBIlya RemesloSt. PetersburgVladimir Putin