The angry wives of Russian soldiers are becoming a thorn in Vladimir Putin's side

• The wives of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine are becoming an increasingly powerful voice of dissent.
• Their actions echo those of women who protested the military's treatment of their sons during the Soviet Union.
• One analyst told WaPo that Putin will show "no pity," and servicemembers' relatives could be punished with "more repressive measures."

As Vladimir Putin wages war against Ukraine, he faces a growing threat from within his borders: the angry relatives of Russian soldiers.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and the war has only intensified in the months since. And as more Russians are sent to fight, their wives and mothers have become an increasingly powerful force of dissent, arguing that their loved ones are ill-used or deserve to return home after nearly two years of war.