Russian opposition figure Ilya Yashin, recently released from prison in a landmark exchange, spoke to a crowd of over 2,000 people in Berlin, Germany. Yashin, who was sentenced to prison for speaking out against the war in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of anti-war education as a focus for the Russian opposition. He expressed his desire to see the Russian flag “freed from blood and dirt” and highlighted the significance of ending the war in Ukraine for promoting democracy in Russia.
Yashin, a close ally of the late Alexei Navalny, has been suggested to be the next prominent face of the Russian opposition. Supporters at the event praised his potential, energy, and political stance, expressing excitement about his future plans. Despite his focus on anti-war education, Yashin stated he was unsure of how he would organize his political activity outside of Russia, but expressed willingness to work with organizations involved in anti-war efforts.
During his imprisonment, Yashin communicated with his followers through his YouTube channel, reaching over 1.6 million subscribers. He received over 30,000 letters of support, which helped him through his time in prison. Yashin highlighted the war in Ukraine as a battle between good and evil, freedom against tyranny, urging listeners to change mindsets on Putin and the war.
Yashin’s release was part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries, which also included the return of Vadim Krassikov, convicted of murder in Germany. Yashin expressed understanding of the ethical dilemmas surrounding the release of convicted individuals like Krassikov, appreciating the decision made by Chancellor Scholz’s government.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com