The recent calls by some freed Russian political prisoners to ease sanctions and engage in negotiations with Ukraine have sparked anger in Kyiv. Ukrainian lawmaker Iryna Gerashchenko expressed her skepticism towards “good Russians,” criticizing Russian opposition politicians Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin for suggesting a change in Western sanctions policy. President Zelensky’s chief of staff emphasized the need to focus on liberating Russia from Putin’s regime rather than easing sanctions.
The Ukrainian analysts fear that the Russian dissidents’ statements could influence Western policy and create tensions with Kyiv. The Russian opposition argues that blanket sanctions only strengthen the Kremlin’s propaganda. Meanwhile, calls for peace talks from Yashin, who was released after condemning Russian forces’ actions in Bucha, contradict Kyiv’s stance on direct negotiations with Moscow.
As opinions of Russia’s opposition have shifted in Ukraine over the years, there is now little sympathy for their claims of anti-invasion sentiment in Russia. Despite the nuances in the Russian opposition’s arguments, Ukrainians prioritize winning the war over dreams of Russian democracy. The focus remains on supporting Ukraine to emerge victorious in the conflict.
Source link