In Belgorod, a Russian city near the Ukrainian border, 23-year-old Duma candidate Ilia Kostyukov is campaigning for peace amidst widespread war fatigue.

Ilia Kostyukov, a young political activist representing the opposition Yabloko party, is running for a seat in the State Duma in the war-impacted city of Belgorod. Located near the Ukrainian border, Belgorod has been heavily affected by cross-border violence and its residents are weary of the ongoing conflict. Despite limited campaign resources, Kostyukov has been vocal about his opposition to the war, calling for peace, freedom, and an end to political repression. His handmade posters and grassroots approach aim to connect with residents and amplify their frustrations with the current crisis.

Kostyukov’s campaign is driven by the minimal resources of donations, which he and his team have used to produce basic promotional material. Instead of relying on state-controlled media, which he claims holds little appeal in Belgorod, he engages directly with citizens. He frequently canvasses the streets, talking to people about their concerns. According to the 23-year-old candidate, a recurring theme during these conversations is the impact of the war. Residents express their dismay at the continuing attacks—rocket strikes and drone assaults—which have brought destruction and fear to Belgorod, as well as harm to neighboring Ukrainian regions like Kharkiv.

Historically, Belgorod and Kharkiv shared close ties, with residents traveling freely between the two cities before the war. Kostyukov, whose family once traded goods between the locations, views the current destruction as unnecessary and an immense source of suffering for all affected. Despite his youth and the challenges of challenging the state-backed political machinery, Kostyukov remains optimistic, believing his anti-war message is resonating with a population tired of conflict. His campaign stands as a rare voice of dissent in a region marked by both government control and public discontent.