Elderly Leningrad Survivor Fined for Anti-War Protest amid Russia's Crackdown

Lyudmila Vasilyeva, a survivor of the Leningrad Siege during WW2, was fined for protesting Russia's war in Ukraine. The 84-year-old's actions highlight the state's repression of dissent and criticism.

In a notable case reflecting ongoing tensions in Russia, 84-year-old Lyudmila Vasilyeva, a survivor of the Leningrad Siege during World War II, has been fined 10,000 rubles (approximately $126) by a St Petersburg court for her protest against the war in Ukraine. The penalty stems from a handwritten poster she displayed earlier this year that read, "People, let's stop the war. We are responsible for peace on the planet Earth. With love, Lyudmila Vasilyeva, child of the Leningrad blockade."

Vasilyeva's protest occurred within a context where the Russian government has intensified its crackdown on public dissent regarding its military operations in Ukraine, which escalated with a full-scale invasion in 2022. Outside the courtroom, she was warmly greeted by dozens of supporters who applauded her stance, despite the risks involved. “I have always been someone who is not indifferent, from childhood. I have always been on the side of the weak,” she expressed in an interview before the hearing.

The childhood experiences that shaped her perspective are harrowing, as Vasilyeva survived the brutal 872-day siege of Leningrad, during which nearly 800,000 people perished from starvation, cold, and bombardment by Nazi forces. Recalling her mother’s words, she stated, "'We will get through everything, as long as there is no war.'" This historical trauma amplifies her current advocacy for peace, contrasting sharply with the government’s narrative supporting the military campaign.

Vasilyeva has long been a vocal opponent of the war in Ukraine, having faced detention multiple times last year. In her political endeavors, she attempted to run for governor of St Petersburg but did not secure enough signatures for nomination, indicating the challenges faced by dissenters in the current political landscape. The law under which she was charged broadly defines "discrediting" the army, allowing for significant governmental discretion to stifle opposition.

The ongoing war has led to significant military casualties on both sides, with estimates suggesting a grim toll of between 165,000 and 235,000 Russian soldiers lost since the invasion began, while Ukraine’s military casualties remain uncertain but are believed to be substantial. As the conflict persists, figures like Vasilyeva continue to challenge the dominant rhetoric of the state, calling for solidarity and peace amid growing repression.