Support for Kremlin critic Boris Nadezhdin has surged in the weeks leading up to the March Russian presidential election, posing an unforeseen challenge to President Vladimir Putin‘s anticipated extension of his rule.

Long queues have been spotted outside Nadezhdin’s impromptu campaign offices, both within and outside Russia, signalling surge in backing for the 60-year-old veteran politician.

Nadezhdin, a physicist turned politician, is gaining momentum with promises to rectify what he deems as Putin’s “fatal mistake” in Ukraine, put an end to mobilisation efforts, secure the release of political prisoners, including Alexei Navalny, and reverse controversial laws related to LGBTQ+ rights and military censorship.

With the requirement to submit 100,000 signatures spread across at least 40 regions to Russia‘s Central Elections Committee by the end of January, Nadezhdin faces a crucial deadline.

Speaking to POLITICO, Nadezhdin credited his recent success to a series of “miracles” and “astonishing things”.

Firstly, he secured the backing of the liberal Civic Initiative party, streamlining his path through administrative hurdles. Secondly, an outpouring of donations and volunteer sign-ups from thousands of individuals bolstered his campaign. The third miracle, according to Nadezhdin, occurred in early January when influential Russian opposition figures, many in exile, voiced support for his underdog candidacy.

Nadezhdin said: “You can call it God or fate, but there’s a tangible force driving my campaign.”

Independent analysts attribute Nadezhdin’s rising popularity to widespread discontent with the Kremlin, particularly its policies concerning Ukraine. While some speculate about potential interference from the Kremlin, Nadezhdin stated that no one from the presidential administration has contacted him, jokingly noting: “It’s a sign they don’t know what to do with me.”

Despite the disqualification of another opposition candidate, Yekaterina Duntsova, in December for paperwork violations, Nadezhdin remains optimistic about his chances. He contemplates a possible fifth miracle, envisioning his name on the ballot. “What I’m doing now, God supports it,” he added, citing his lineage from a family of Russian Orthodox priests.

As the deadline for signature submissions looms, Nadezhdin acknowledged his relentless effort, adding: “God helps those who help themselves.”