New People Leader Says Russians Exhausted by War, Slams Tech Bans in Duma Speech

Alexei Nechayev, leader of the center-right New People party, on Monday expressed Russians' growing frustration with the protracted war in Ukraine and government-imposed technology bans in a State Duma speech. He stated that Russians are "exhausted by uncertainty and injustice" and described wartime restrictions as "useless" for public safety and order. Nechayev highlighted a "mountain of bans" that erode trust and slow development, noting that nobody knows what is allowed anymore. He referenced President Vladimir Putin's April speech urging lawmakers to stop focusing solely on bans and punitive measures. Nechayev also criticized colleagues who demand a sweeping ban on Western social media while using VPNs to bypass restrictions. He called for a change in approach, urging deputies to stop seeing ordinary citizens as "ignorant children or potential criminals," and emphasized that Russians are the country's "main capital" that should not be "squandered." This rare airing of frustration, which stopped short of denouncing the war, comes ahead of September's legislative elections. While United Russia is expected to win a majority, New People (currently holding 15 of 450 seats) is among parties vying for second place. Although considered more liberal, New People lawmakers typically vote with United Russia on key issues, including the Ukraine invasion. Last week, the party supported legislation cutting off exiled anti-war Russians from consular and other services.