In response to the increasing repression in Russia, activists have found a unique way to show support for political prisoners - through letter writing campaigns. The movement has gained momentum, attracting not only those intimidated to protest openly but also Russians who have fled the country due to President Vladimir Putin's crackdown on dissent.
Russia has seen a significant rise in political prisoners, with estimates ranging from 680 to over 1,100 individuals detained on politically motivated charges. The surge in prosecutions followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to the outlawing of public criticism of the war.
