A Russian blogger who publicly criticized President Vladimir Putin's conduct of the war in Ukraine has been placed in a psychiatric facility, according to hospital confirmation.

Ilya Remeslo had previously stated that Putin was prosecuting a "failing war" in Ukraine that had resulted in significant casualties and damaged Russia's economy, negatively impacting citizens' well-being.

The placement of critics in psychiatric facilities has historical precedent in Russia and the former Soviet Union, where political dissidents were sometimes subjected to involuntary psychiatric treatment. The practice was commonly used during the Soviet era to silence opposition voices.

The confirmation of Remeslo's placement comes amid ongoing restrictions on free speech and criticism of the government in Russia, particularly regarding the country's military operations in Ukraine. Russian authorities have implemented strict laws regarding public commentary on military actions.

Details about the specific circumstances leading to Remeslo's placement or the duration of his confinement were not immediately available. The hospital confirmed his presence at the facility but did not provide additional information about his condition or treatment.