Russian politician demanded Putin's resignation – received death threats

On a talk show on state-controlled television channel NTV, Nadezhdin urged Russians to elect a president other than Putin in next year's presidential election. This was in response to a question about what should be done to allow Russian athletes to return to Europe.

For that statement, he has received hundreds of messages on social media. Some of them with direct threats that he should be shot.

"Of course I'm afraid for my freedom and health, but despite that I think I have to say things like that. There will be elections and then I will certainly vote for someone other than Putin. And I think the best decision for Russia would be a change of power through honest elections," he told SVT News.

"I myself am surprised"

Nadezhdin is a regular guest on Russian television and it is not the first time he has criticized Russia's war in Ukraine. But according to UK intelligence, this is likely the first time that demands to replace Putin have been broadcast on Russian state-controlled television since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24 last year.

"I myself am surprised why I get to speak on Russian television. I can only assume that the country's leadership knows me personally. For years I have worked with people like Putin, Kiriyenko (First Deputy Chief of Staff) and Shoygu (Minister of Defense). Maybe it gives me some protection even though I never asked for it. For exactly the same words that I said on television, ordinary people who write it on social media are prosecuted," Nadezhdin said.

This is how he wants the change of power to take place

According to Nadezhdin, it would be best if the change of power took place in the same way as under Yeltsin – that Putin leaves his post and at the same time presents a new candidate from his circle. As examples, he mentions Moscow Mayor Sobyanin and Russian Prime Minister Misjustin.

"In Russia, that would be the most likely scenario. Some suggest that Navalny or Yashin should be elected president. Of course you can dream, but it is unlikely because then it would be a revolution.