In a show of opposition against President Vladimir Putin's bid for another term in office, thousands of Russians have been queuing across the country to lend their support to liberal politician Boris Nadezhdin. Nadezhdin aims to oust Putin and become the next Russian President in the upcoming election on March 17th.

To be eligible as a candidate, Nadezhdin must gather 100,000 signatures from voters nationwide. Notably, he is the only potential candidate openly speaking out against Russia's actions in Ukraine, providing an opportunity for Russians who share his views to express their position legally and safely for the first time since the invasion.

Supporters joining the queues have various reasons for endorsing Nadezhdin. One supporter expressed willingness to vote for anyone who could bring about change, highlighting the desire for a different political landscape. Others queued outside Nadezhdin's campaign office in Moscow in search of like-minded individuals. Their presence underscores a growing sentiment among many Russians who do not support the Kremlin's policies.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has catalyzed anti-war protests, resulting in the arrest of more than 20,000 people since February 2022. Criticizing Russia's "special military operation" is prohibited, further marginalizing dissenting voices. Amidst this backdrop, Nadezhdin's campaign provides an avenue for citizens to voice their concerns against the war.

President Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, responded to reports that Nadezhdin had already collected the required signatures, stating that Russian authorities approved two candidates to stand against Putin in the March election.

Nadezhdin, who has been actively advocating for peace, has gained traction in his bid for presidency. He has received donations from thousands of individuals and recently met with soldiers' wives who demanded the discharge of their husbands from the front lines.

However, Nadezhdin faces a crucial deadline. By the end of January, he must have collected the necessary signatures in over half of Russia's regions, with no more than 2,500 signatures per region. This means he must secure support in at least forty regions in order to be eligible for candidacy. The final decision on his inclusion on the ballot will be made by the electoral commission in mid-February after reviewing the submitted signatures and documents.

In a similar vein, another Russian politician, Yekaterina Duntsova, who called for peace in Ukraine, lost her appeal against election officials' refusal to accept her nomination for the presidential race. Duntsova stated she would focus on creating her own political party that stands for "peace, freedom, and democracy."

Opposition figures like Alexei Navalny, who is currently imprisoned, vow to fight against Putin's widespread public support. Navalny emphasized the need to engage with Russians and shift public opinion against the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, rallying against "candidate Putin and candidate 'War'."

As the election approaches, the queues of Russians voicing their support for Nadezhdin highlight a growing desire for change and an aversion to the Kremlin's policies. The outcome of Nadezhdin's candidacy remains uncertain, but his campaign serves as a platform for those opposed to the conflict in Ukraine to come together and express their dissent.