Russian Lawmaker Warns of ‘Social Explosion’ Amid War Losses, Demands ‘Public Plan’ to End War

Key Points:

• Russian Communist Party lawmaker Vyacheslav Markhaev warned that Russia is "on the brink of a social explosion" due to corruption, economic decline, and heavy wartime losses linked to ineffective leadership amid the prolonged war in Ukraine.
• Markhaev criticized ongoing corruption scandals and expanding attacks on Russian cities, urging authorities to publish a clear plan to end the "special military operation" to prevent further instability and chaos.
• He highlighted worsening economic conditions, including a 366% increase in utility tariffs over 25 years, deteriorating infrastructure, and growing inequality marked by an increase in billionaires amid corruption scandals.
• Markhaev accused the ruling elite of losing touch with the population's needs and described Russia's system as self-destructive, warning that internal problems will intensify without significant change.
• The war in Ukraine has surpassed the length of World War I, with Russian casualties estimated at around 1.2 million by early 2026, while Moscow allocates approximately 30% of its federal budget to defense spending.