Putin's Failed Attempt to Dominate Remote Siberian Region

The Kremlin's attempt to control the remote Khakassia region in Siberia has hit a roadblock as its candidate for the upcoming local election resigned after polls indicated he would lose. Unable to manipulate the election, the Kremlin is reportedly considering canceling the governorship election altogether. This failure highlights the Kremlin's struggle to convey its messaging and suggests that its war in Ukraine is not as popular as it hoped. With only a few exceptions, the Kremlin dominates politics in Russia, making the situation in Khakassia significant.