PBS NewsHour: Inside Putin's Russia

Opposition to the government of President Vladimir Putin in Russia, commonly referred to as the Russian opposition, can be divided between the parliamentary opposition parties in the State Duma and the various non-systemic opposition organizations. While the former are largely viewed as being more or less loyal to the government and Putin, the latter oppose the government and are mostly unrepresented in government bodies. According to Russian NGO Levada Center, about 15% of the Russian population disapproved of Putin at the beginning of 2023. The opposition to Putin's political views is also called anti-Putinism. The "systemic opposition" is mainly composed of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF), A Just Russia (SRZP), New People and other minor parties; these political groups, while claiming to be in opposition, generally support the government's policies. It is therefore debated whether systemic groups that hold a formal title of "opposition" in Russia should be classified as such if they do not actually challenge the government. Major political parties considered to be part of the non-systemic opposition include Yabloko and the People's Freedom Party (PARNAS), along with de-facto defunct Russia of the Future and Libertarian Party of Russia (LPR). Other notable opposition groups included the Russian Opposition Coordination Council (KSO) (2012–2013) and The Other Russia (2006–2011), as well as various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their supporters vary in political ideology, ranging from liberals, communists, socialists, and anarchists to Russian nationalists. They are mainly unified by their opposition to Putin and government corruption. However, a lack of unity within the opposition has also hindered its standing. Opposition figures claim that a number of laws have been passed and other measures taken by Putin's government to prevent them from having any electoral success.