In a show of solidarity with the wives and relatives of Russian servicemen deployed in Ukraine, Boris Nadezhdin, a Russian presidential hopeful and vocal critic of the Kremlin, expressed his support for their demand that their husbands be discharged from duty. Nadezhdin, who currently serves as a local legislator near Moscow, is gathering signatures to qualify for the race against President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming election slated for March 15-17.

During a meeting with the soldiers' wives and other concerned relatives, Nadezhdin, 60, denounced the government's decision to retain the servicemen in their positions for the duration of the conflict. The wives, who are advocating for their husbands to be replaced by contract soldiers, have been campaigning for the discharge of the reservists who were called up for service in the autumn of 2022.

Tensions have been escalating in Ukraine, and Moscow's military intervention in the region has amplified concerns among the families of Russian servicemen. Nadezhdin's visit to the soldiers' wives was seen as an important step in acknowledging their plight and addressing their demands within the political sphere.

As a longtime Kremlin critic, Nadezhdin has been outspoken in his opposition to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine. His support for the soldiers' wives' campaign further strengthens his position as a candidate challenging President Putin in the upcoming election. By aligning himself with the concerns of the soldiers' families, Nadezhdin aims to highlight the pressing need to reevaluate the government's military strategies and prioritize the welfare of the servicemen involved.

The meeting between Nadezhdin and the soldiers' wives underlines the growing discontent among certain segments of the Russian population. As the election approaches, it becomes increasingly clear that public sentiment regarding Ukraine and the handling of military operations could have a significant impact on the political landscape in the country.

With Nadezhdin's candidacy gaining momentum, it remains to be seen whether his support for the soldiers' wives' demand for their husbands' discharge resonates with the wider population and ultimately influences the outcome of the upcoming presidential race.