Russian Journalist Yekaterina Duntsova Emerges as Pro-Peace Presidential Candidate Against Putin

Yekaterina Duntsova, a journalist-turned-grassroots campaigner and local legislator, has submitted documents to register as a candidate for the 2024 Russian presidential election. Duntsova, who is calling for peace in Ukraine, hopes to challenge President Vladimir Putin and promote a vision of a "humane" Russia that is peaceful and cooperative. If accepted as an independent candidate, she would need to gather 300,000 signatures of support from at least 40 Russian regions. However, Putin's tight control over the political system makes his reelection all but assured.