NextFin news, On October 14, 2025, the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia announced criminal charges against former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and prominent dissident Mikhail Khodorkovsky, accusing them of attempting a violent seizure of power. The charges extend to more than 20 other notable opposition figures, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Garry Kasparov, and leading economists Sergei Aleksashenko and Sergei Guriev. These individuals are members of the Anti-War Committee of Russia, an organization founded in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The FSB alleges that this group constitutes a terrorist organization aiming to overthrow the current government.
The accusations come amid heightened tensions between the Kremlin and exiled opposition forces. The FSB claims that Khodorkovsky and others have sought to establish an alternative Russian leadership and have supported Ukrainian paramilitary units to facilitate a regime change in Moscow. The charges also reference a foundational document adopted by the Anti-War Committee in 2023, which denounces Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as illegal and calls for the removal of Vladimir Putin’s regime. Additionally, the FSB points to recent developments in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which created a platform to engage with Russian democratic forces in exile, interpreting this as a Western-backed attempt to establish an alternative authority.
These developments occur in the broader context of Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022 due to its aggression in Ukraine. The Kremlin views the PACE platform as a direct threat to its legitimacy and sovereignty. Khodorkovsky, who has lived in exile since his 2013 pardon after a decade-long imprisonment on politically motivated charges, has denied the allegations, characterizing them as Kremlin propaganda aimed at undermining democratic opposition and justifying repression.
The FSB’s charges against Kasyanov, Khodorkovsky, and others represent a strategic escalation in Moscow’s efforts to criminalize dissent and consolidate power internally while projecting strength externally. By labeling prominent opposition figures as terrorists and coup plotters, the Kremlin seeks to delegitimize their political activities and dissuade domestic and international support for democratic movements. This tactic also serves to justify intensified surveillance, arrests, and suppression of opposition networks both inside Russia and abroad.
From an analytical perspective, these charges reflect the Kremlin’s increasing insecurity amid prolonged military conflict in Ukraine and growing international isolation. The Anti-War Committee’s formation and activities symbolize a significant challenge to Putin’s narrative of legitimacy, especially as it mobilizes exiled Russians advocating for democratic reforms and peace. The involvement of high-profile figures like Kasyanov and Khodorkovsky underscores the opposition’s capacity to influence political discourse and coordinate resistance, despite operating largely from exile.
Economically, the Kremlin’s crackdown may exacerbate capital flight and brain drain, as prominent economists and technocrats are targeted. This could further weaken Russia’s already strained economic environment, which faces sanctions, reduced foreign investment, and structural challenges due to the ongoing war. Politically, the charges may deepen polarization within Russian society and among the diaspora, complicating prospects for reconciliation or peaceful transition.
Looking forward, the Kremlin’s approach suggests a continued hardline stance against opposition, with potential expansion of legal and extralegal measures to suppress dissent. The international community, particularly Western governments and institutions like the Council of Europe, may face increased pressure to support Russian democratic forces while navigating the risks of escalating geopolitical tensions. The creation of platforms for dialogue with exiled opposition could become a focal point for diplomatic engagement and information warfare.
In conclusion, the FSB’s charges against former Prime Minister Kasyanov, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, and other opposition leaders mark a critical juncture in Russia’s internal political dynamics. They highlight the Kremlin’s determination to maintain control amid external and internal challenges, while exposing the vulnerabilities and resilience of Russia’s democratic opposition. The unfolding situation warrants close monitoring for its implications on Russia’s political stability, regional security, and the broader international order.
According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the FSB’s accusations are part of a broader narrative framing the Anti-War Committee as a terrorist organization intent on violent regime change, a charge vehemently denied by the accused opposition figures. This development underscores the Kremlin’s strategy of conflating political dissent with terrorism to justify repression.
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