Former Russian Commander Challenges Putin in Presidential Race

Former Russian commander Igor Girkin, who rose to prominence during the annexation of Crimea and later served as a commander for separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine, has announced his intention to challenge Vladimir Putin for the Russian presidency. Despite being detained and charged with inciting extremism, Girkin has called on his supporters to set up a campaign headquarters and collect signatures for his candidacy. Girkin has previously criticized Putin's leadership and claimed he would make a better president. The Kremlin maintains that Putin's support is strong and that he would win reelection by a significant margin if he chooses to run in 2024.