Deputies from 18 municipal districts in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, have signed a public petition demanding the resignation of that country's president, Vladimir Putin.

"We, the municipal deputies of Russia, believe that the actions of President V. Putin harm the future of Russia and its citizens. We demand Vladimir Putin's resignation as President of the Russian Federation," reads the statement released by Ksenia Torstrem, a municipal deputy from the Semenovsky district of St. Petersburg, as quoted by the Guardian.

To Insider, she explained that it is "difficult to speak publicly because of the repression" and that is why the text was created.

"The deputies are still not forbidden to give their opinion. Nor is it forbidden to talk about the resignation of the president. He is not a monarch, but a hired worker, he receives a salary from our taxes," he said.

"Our job is to represent the interests of the people, and we see that the people are not satisfied. And our people are the source of power according to the Constitution. I personally do not understand the motives of Vladimir Putin's actions. I don't think one can stay in power for so long," he added. (Minute News)