An opposition political movement, Artpodgotovka, was founded in 2013 in Saratov by Konstantin Maltsev. Initially presented as an art club, the organization evolved into a platform for political activism.
Maltsev cultivated a following by making repeated assertions that a popular revolution would occur in November 2017. Investigators presented evidence, including a membership card identifying the holder as a "member of the revolution."
Maltsev departed Russia in 2017 and subsequently obtained asylum in France. He has since become a frequent commentator on Ukrainian television, frequently discussing Russian politics and forecasting the country's imminent downfall.
Authorities allege that Maltsev has connections to French intelligence services. This association, they claim, provides him protection from Russian extradition and prosecution efforts.
