Igor Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, is a former Russian security services officer and pro-Russian separatist military commander. He played a significant role in the initial stages of the conflict in Ukraine in 2014, leading a militia that seized control in Eastern Ukraine. Girkin is infamously known for his involvement in the downing of MH17, a civilian aircraft, which led to his conviction for murder. He is also accused of committing war crimes in Chechnya and Bosnia. Known for his ultranationalist views and loyalty to the Kremlin, Girkin has a notable fascination with Russia's imperial past.

More recently, Girkin has been in the news for his imprisonment awaiting trial for inciting extremism. Despite being in custody, he expressed a desire to run for the Russian presidency.