Nashi

In March 2005, Vasily Yakemenko, a young Russian politician with a flair for organization, announced the formation of a new pro-Putin movement, Youth Democratic Anti-Fascist Movement "Nashi", or "Ours!"  In 2004, Russia was shaken by the Orange Revolution in the Ukraine. Aware of the democratizing influence of civil society, and the support given to the process by youth movements, the Kremlin seemed to want to ensure the loyalty of its own youth, and to deny the democratic opposition the ability to harness their energy and support.

In a highly disturbing - and suspicious - development, the battle to stop a highway being built through Khimki Forest turned violent on Wednesday as crowds of youths wearing bandanas and ski masks attacked the Moscow suburb’s town hall with Molotov cocktails.
Police responded quickly by detaining 16 environmental activists camped out in the forest who claimed to be unconnected to the attack.