She assumed the position of his first secretary and assistant, accompanying him to various public events and rallies. Despite not positioning herself as an independent political figure, Yulia garnered attention as the “first lady of the Russian opposition.” She actively supported her husband’s endeavors, speaking out against government corruption and injustice. Yulia’s most notable moments came during challenging times, such as when Alexei was hospitalized in 2020 following a suspected poisoning. She vehemently advocated for his release to Germany for medical treatment and criticized Russian authorities for their handling of the situation. Her actions earned her widespread recognition and praise, with some media outlets naming her the Hero of the Year in 2020.
