Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov.
Girkin’s August statement from custody, where he criticised Putin as “too kind” and declared his own presidential ambitions, was laden with irony. Despite being considered an improbable contender, Girkin, also known for his role in the downing of a Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine in 2014, has persisted in pursuing his political aspirations.
