«I will not dwell on the fact that the organization I have the honor to be part of — the «Forum of Free Russia»** — is referred to by the investigation as a terrorist community, although no decision by any state body recognizing the «Forum of Free Russia» as such a community exists yet. So for now, it is an «undesirable» organization.
But such petty mumbling is of little interest to me, I still try to speak about important things. And what is important here is the platform of the «Forum of Free Russia», in the development of which I took a direct part and which distinguishes the «Forum of Free Russia» from most other opposition organizations.
I remind you that this platform can be reduced to three points. First: we advocate for the unconditional return of all internationally recognized territories of Ukraine, occupied by Russia, including Crimea, yes, Crimea is Ukraine.
Second. We support all those who fight to achieve these goals. Including citizens of the Russian Federation who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
And third. We recognize any forms of war against Putin's tyranny within Russia, including armed struggle. Of course, we are deeply repulsed by the methods of ISIS***, when innocent people become the targets of attacks, as it was in «Crocus City».
But are Kremlin war propagandists a legitimate target? The «Forum of Free Russia» has not specifically discussed this issue and has not adopted any resolutions on it, so in this case, I express solely my personal position.
I believe that such propagandists as TV host Vladimir Solovyov, for example, deserve the same as Nazi propagandist Julius Streicher, who was hanged by the Nuremberg Tribunal's verdict. Until these fiends of the human race find themselves in the hands of a new Nuremberg Tribunal and the war continues, they are a legitimate target for combat operations.
The comparison of Putin's and Hitler's propagandists is not merely a rhetorical device for me. Most of my journalism is dedicated to proving the Nazi nature of Putin's regime, with which peaceful coexistence is fundamentally impossible.
I have addressed and continue to address Europe first and foremost with a call to remember the origins of the current European system. Since 1945, Europe has been building a world where predators should no longer be the masters of life — a world based on the principles of law, justice, freedom, and humanism. Europe has achieved much on this path and seemed to have forever rid itself of mass murders and territorial redistributions.
Europe has become accustomed to thinking that its safe and prosperous world is reliably protected by a big and strong ally across the ocean. Today, this world of hers is being shattered from both sides by two scoundrels: the Kremlin and Washington. In the USA, people with pro-fascist value orientations have come to power.
We are witnessing a disgusting attempt at a purely imperialist collusion of two predators. An even more vile collusion than the Munich Agreement of 1938. If Putin's annexations are legalized, it will turn into a catastrophe for civilization. Europe, you have been betrayed, wake up and go fight for your world!
Death to the Russian-fascist invaders! Death to Putin, the new Hitler, the murderer, and the scoundrel! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!
These are the words I usually end my speeches with. But today I will be further asked if I plead guilty.
So here, I accuse. I accuse the ruling Putin clique, reeking of corpses, of preparing, unleashing, and waging an aggressive war. Of war crimes in Ukraine. Of political terror in Russia. Of corrupting my people.
And this is where I ask the servants of the Putin regime present here, who are small cogs in its repressive machine, do you plead guilty to complicity in Putin's crimes? Do you repent of your complicity? Now I am done».
* Recognized in Russia as a «foreign agent», included in the list of «terrorists and extremists».
** Recognized in Russia as an «undesirable» organization.
*** Recognized as a «terrorist» organization.
Photo: Novaya Gazeta