"Russian Politician Calls for Freedom from Putin's Control Amid Ukraine Conflict"

Russian politician Sergei Medvedev, a former lawmaker and member of the pro-government Communist Party, publicly denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and criticized President Vladimir Putin, leading to his expulsion from the party and local parliament. Fearing for his safety, he fled Russia and is now advocating for Russians to recognize the reality of the war. Medvedev's bold stance is a rare display of dissent in a country where criticism of the government and the war is met with severe repercussions.