St. Petersburg, Russia — October 13, 2025 — In a rare and bold show of public dissent, hundreds of Russians gathered in Kazanskaya Square, St. Petersburg, to demand the removal of President Vladimir Putin. The protest comes amid rising anger over the war in Ukraine after long-range strikes that have made the conflict increasingly felt within Russian territory.
What Sparked the Protest
- Street musicians led the crowd in singing “Co-operative Swan Lake”, a song by rapper Noize MC, whose anti-regime lyrics are now banned in Russia. The song has become an anthem for young Russians voicing frustration with state censorship and the war. LBC+1
- The gathering was peaceful, primarily involving young people who risk arrest by attending unsanctioned protests. Protesters chanted calls for Putin’s ouster and questioned the government’s handling of the war in Ukraine. LBC+1
War Comes Home
Ukraine’s long-range strikes—which have increasingly targeted infrastructure, energy facilities, and border regions—are more frequently felt on Russian soil. This has shifted some public sentiment, especially in areas closer to Ukraine and in major western Russian cities such as St. Petersburg. While the protestors did not explicitly reference a specific recent strike at the gathering, the resentment underlying the protest reflects growing unease about threats to civilian safety and daily life. Business Insider+2LBC+2
Risks and Censorship
- Under Russia’s current laws, anti-war lyrics and songs like “Co-operative Swan Lake” have been labeled extremist, making public performance illegal. Protesters face the possibility of arrest, fines, or worse for participating. LBC+1
- The Russian government has repeatedly cracked down on protests, especially unsanctioned ones, and often responds with law enforcement, sometimes violently. This protest stands out for its relative size and its public condemnation of Putin. LBC+2TheJournal.ie+2
Reactions & Wider Implications
- The protest has gone viral through social media, with videos showing the crowd singing banned songs and chanting slogans calling for change. Reddit+2Internewscast Journal+2
- Analysts say these gatherings, though small, could signal growing cracks in Putin’s control—particularly among younger Russians disillusioned by war, sanctions, and economic hardship.
