We are ready for a long struggle to defeat (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, said today Yulia Navalna, the widow of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who would have turned 49 yesterday but died under unclear circumstances in 2024 in a Russian penal colony. Navalna spoke in Brussels to MEPs from the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, BTA reported.
A sustainable Europe is impossible without a peaceful, democratic and wealthy Russia, she added. The obstacle is one - Vladimir Putin, in power for 25 years. He has consistently trampled on civil rights in the country, killed his political opponents, launched military attacks, threatened the world with nuclear war. All this is getting away with him. No one has been able to stop him in 25 years. In my opinion, because we have not joined forces, Navalna pointed out.
I see no other way but to start interacting. Support for Russian civil society is needed, statements alone are not enough. The new administration in the US has other priorities, and this is sad. The vacuum must be filled, Europe can lead the fight for the release of political prisoners in Russia and Belarus, Navalna added.
She insisted on support for Russian civil society and opposition media. Millions of Russians do not support Putin and the war in Ukraine, and one day they will take to the streets again. Today, a huge machine is working against them, and they are victims, not accomplices of the regime. We must work with them for a new Russia, they should not feel alone, Navalna urged.