Russian Opposition in Turmoil: Infighting Overshadows Anti-Kremlin Efforts

The Russian opposition movement, already facing significant challenges, has been plunged into further disarray due to internal conflicts. This development comes at a critical time, approximately seven months after the death of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison.

The Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), established by Navalny in 2011, has leveled serious accusations against Leonid Nevzlin, an associate of another key opposition figure, Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The ACF claims that Nevzlin orchestrated attacks on senior Navalny aides, including a violent assault on Leonid Volkov in Vilnius, Lithuania, in March 2024.

This infighting has exposed deep rifts within the opposition, potentially damaging its credibility and effectiveness in challenging the Kremlin. The situation is particularly concerning given the absence of a clear leader following Navalny's death, which occurred under suspicious circumstances and sparked international outrage.

The accusations were presented in a detailed video investigation published on Navalny's YouTube channel, which boasts millions of subscribers. Nevzlin, a former major shareholder in Yukos Oil Company now based in Israel, vehemently denies any involvement, suggesting the allegations may have originated from Russian intelligence services.

Khodorkovsky, once Russia's wealthiest individual who spent a decade in Russian prisons on what were widely considered politically motivated charges, has defended his ally while condemning the attacks on activists. He urged the ACF to pursue legal channels if they wish to make accusations.

"This is a really serious blow against the (anti-Kremlin) protest movement. It's hard to think of how he (Nevzlin) could have done anything more serious. Every time in future when there's an attack, people will wonder if Putin, Russian intelligence, or some opposition figure is behind it."

The scandal has elicited strong reactions within Russian dissident circles, with many expressing shock and dismay. However, some observers, like economist Konstantin Sonin, argue that while damaging, these internal conflicts should not distract from the opposition's primary objectives of ending the war in Ukraine and dismantling the current regime.

This latest controversy underscores the longstanding challenges faced by the Russian opposition, including internal fragmentation and the difficulties of organizing effectively while in exile. It also highlights the ongoing repression within Russia, where the ACF has been labeled a "foreign agent" by authorities, forcing many activists to operate from abroad.

As the opposition grapples with these internal issues, Yulia Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's widow, has emerged as a prominent figure, vowing to continue her husband's work and calling for President Vladimir Putin's removal from power. However, the path forward for a unified and effective opposition movement remains uncertain in the face of these deepening divisions.