Boris Nadezhdin, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine, has fled Russia for Paris, France. Nadezhdin openly voiced his opposition to the conflict and Putin’s policies, making him a target for the Kremlin. He was recently detained and prevented from running for a seat in parliament, a move indicative of Russia’s escalating suppression of dissent. This departure underscores the increasingly limited space for political opposition within Russia, where many critics now face imprisonment, exile, or deadly consequences. Nadezhdin’s flight highlights the tightening grip on freedom of speech and political activity under Putin’s rule. His case adds to a growing number of Russians seeking political asylum abroad due to fear of persecution.