Mikhail Popov, a Chelyabinsk urban activist and candidate in the city council by-elections, was hospitalized with a spinal fracture after jumping from a second-floor window to escape police officers who he said had 'besieged' the stairwell, according to his own account.
The incident occurred on July 13. Popov said that local district officer Marat Musabayev and another police officer tried to enter his home. Fearing they would break down the door, Popov climbed from the third floor to the second and jumped, attempting to land on tree branches but falling onto his back, a source close to Popov told the outlet 7x7.
In a photo Popov published from the hospital, he is lying on a gurney under an IV drip with a neck brace. After posting the image, he stopped responding to journalists.
Two men in black clothing arrived with the police, carrying a stretcher and objects resembling gas masks, according to 7x7, which reported that the men were captured on a door intercom camera. It remains unclear who they were or why the equipment was brought.
The reason for the law enforcement visit remains unknown. After the incident, district officer Musabayev visited Popov in the hospital and asked why he had jumped, but denied having been at the activist's home, 7x7 reported, citing a source.
Popov runs a blog about public transport and urban development in Chelyabinsk. Since July 6, he has been collecting signatures to run as an independent candidate in the city council elections. In September 2025, unknown assailants in camouflage attacked Popov, which he linked to his opposition to development of the Chelyabinsk city forest.
After recovering, Popov said he intends to continue his political activities.