Russian opposition activist Aleksei Miniailo has expressed his belief that if Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to deplete the country's reserves of oil and gas money, it could lead to ordinary people becoming a threat to his power. In his article for Foreign Affairs titled "Don't Give Up on a Better Russia" published last December, Miniailo argues that despite recent events, democracy is still achievable in Russia. He emphasizes that while figures like the late Alexei Navalny are crucial, the ultimate change depends on the people.

Miniailo points out that Putin's regime has been spending around $50-$60 billion annually from the national wealth fund for the past 20 years. If this spending pattern persists, Putin is likely to face financial challenges by the end of the year, affecting his ability to finance war and repressive measures. The activist highlights that as the economy stagnates and fails to address underlying issues, the depletion of excess funds could lead to growing discontent among the population, posing a significant threat to Putin's grip on power.

Despite the risks associated with criticizing Putin in Moscow, Miniailo remains vocal in his opposition. He recognizes the danger but continues to advocate for a better future for Russia by weighing the risks of his actions.