Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets in the remote region of Bashkortostan, located 900 miles east of Moscow, sparking clashes with the Russian police. Since the demonstrations broke out on Wednesday, authorities have arrested 45 people, marking the largest protests in Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The wave of protests began in the city of Baymak and quickly spread to the capital of the republic, Ufa, as discontent grew over the imprisonment of Bashkir activist, Fail Alsynov. Alsynov was sentenced to four years in prison on Wednesday, accused of making a racist slur. However, supporters of Alsynov believe he is being unjustly punished for leading opposition against ambitious mining projects backed by influential Russian businessmen.

The clashes between riot police and several thousand protesters in Baymak resulted in at least 40 people being injured. Additionally, peaceful demonstrations in Ufa on Friday involving around 1,000 individuals led to further arrests. These events highlight the growing resentment in some parts of Russia towards the government, particularly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent mobilization of men into the army.

Protests are strictly prohibited in Russia, and the Kremlin has underlined that severe punishment awaits those who participate. However, discontent continues to simmer, creating challenges for President Vladimir Putin as he prepares for a presidential election scheduled for March. Putin aims to demonstrate popular support for the war in Ukraine during the election, but the grievances and protests expressed by ordinary Russians have complicated his messaging.

The protests in Bashkortostan coincide with other issues plaguing the country, including reports of central heating breakdowns in several regions, as thousands of Russians endure freezing winter temperatures. Furthermore, the wives of mobilized soldiers have been actively calling for the return of their husbands from the front line.

As the situation unfolds in Bashkortostan, it remains to be seen how the Russian government will address these growing challenges to its authority and popular discontent in the lead-up to the presidential election.