Millions in Russia disagree with war and Putin

From a speech at a local Workers’ Liberty meeting by an anti-war, anti-Putin Russian exile

My name is Salavat Abylkalikov, and I come from Russia. My actions and speeches against Putin’s aggressive war on Ukraine have placed me and my family in a dangerous position. I sincerely thank... all of you for making sure my family is now safe. However, today I don’t wish to speak about myself.

Often, Putin is portrayed as the embodiment of evil, but in reality, he’s just an ordinary person with certain personality traits. He lacks moral compass, principles, and beliefs. He thinks like a criminal, ready to break laws and rules.

Typically, such politicians are stopped by the separation of powers and checks and balances. But Putin never received a worthy rebuff until February 2022. Impunity and a long period of one-man rule turned Putin from a thief into a war criminal and the most dangerous villain on the planet.

Russia is a country with underdeveloped institutions, lacking the experience of a stable democracy, except for the ancient times of the Novgorod Republic. Unfortunately, Russia is also a nuclear power.

Hopes for democratisation and freedom after the collapse of the USSR were dashed. Instead of various pathways, our country turned on a path of seeking revenge for a lost Cold War, instead of trying to build a united Europe from Lisbon to Vladivostok.

The initial years of Putin’s rule were successful owing to a well-chosen team, recovery from crisis, and the rise in oil and gas prices. Had Putin exited politics in 2008, he could have been remembered as one of the most successful leaders of Russia. However, during this time, independent television was suppressed, and the oil company Yukos was liquidated.

From 2012, Putin focused on preserving and consolidating his power. For this aim, he’s ready to spare no expense — organising the Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, armed conflicts with neighboring countries, suppression of civil society, creation of a powerful disinformation and propaganda system.

He used minor wars to solidify his position. He personally and single-handedly decided to attack Ukraine, counting on a quick and easy victory. It wasn’t unarmed Russians he faced, but the regular army of Ukraine and its volunteers who repelled the attack.

I know there are different opinions regarding supporting the Russian opposition, but currently, the main task is to support Ukraine. Putin attempts to prolong the war, counting on the opponent’s tiredness. However, this cannot be allowed; resistance against Putin must be employed using all available means.

I’m filled with concern but also hope that if Putin loses and his regime collapses, the next attempt to democratise Russia will be more successful than all the previous ones. There are chances for this. Despite repression, monstrous prison terms, torture, and political killings, there are millions of Russians who disagree with the war. Especially among the young, the future leaders of the new Russia. Among your peers and mine.