Russian opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya acknowledged on Wednesday that, amid the current political turmoil, Kremlin critics lack a cohesive strategy to dismantle the long-standing rule of President Vladimir Putin, even as she expresses hope for its eventual demise—this statement came just ahead of a significant protest march set to take place in Berlin.
Having been forced into exile due to a wave of unprecedented political repression in Russia, the opposition has become increasingly fragmented, particularly after the tragic loss of prominent leader Alexei Navalny, who died under suspicious circumstances in prison earlier this year.
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With a resolute determination to continue her late husband’s legacy, Navalnaya is spearheading an anti-war march scheduled for Sunday in Berlin—the European city that currently hosts the largest population of Russian political exiles—alongside fellow opposition figures Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza.
In an insightful interview with the exiled Russian liberal media outlet Dozhd, she candidly noted that “nobody has a plan” regarding the pivotal questions surrounding the end of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine or the prolonged reign of Putin, which has lasted for over two decades.
“There will be a plan but it could take a long time. I believe in the beautiful Russia of the future,” she expressed, invoking a hopeful vision reminiscent of one of her late husband’s most enduring slogans.
“We will be victorious,” she emphasized, adding with conviction: “We cannot let a killer and war criminal run the country.” Her words reflect a deep commitment to democratic ideals in the face of oppressive governance.
The upcoming march in Berlin stands as a landmark event; it marks the first major anti-war demonstration by Russian activists abroad since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting a mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of Russians seeking refuge in other countries.
Berlin has emerged as a critical center for Russians who oppose Putin’s regime, as well as a safe haven for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the devastating impacts of the conflict.
Navalnaya articulated that the purpose of the march is to “show a lot of people are against Putin and against the war,” highlighting the importance of collective action in expressing dissent.
“We need to do at least something so the regime will fall faster,” she asserted, emphasizing the urgency of their mission.
In a dismissive response, the Kremlin has referred to the exiled opposition as irrelevant, characterizing its members as “people who are monstrously—and finally—detached from their country,” asserting that “the country has nothing to do with them.”
Addressing the humanitarian crisis, Navalnaya called on Putin to “withdraw soldiers” from Ukraine and “stop bombing peaceful people and cities,” reinforcing her commitment to peace and human rights.
When asked about her stance on Russia’s defeat in the war, she clarified that her primary wish is for “the defeat of Vladimir Putin,” signaling a desire for substantial political change rather than mere victory in the conflict.
Despite some criticism from Ukrainians, who have accused the Russian opposition of insufficiently supporting their plight, Navalnaya expressed understanding for their frustrations: “I understand them. War came to their homes. It is terrible. I will continue to say that the war is criminal and needs to be stopped immediately,” she reiterated in solidarity with the victims of the war.
**Interview with Yulia Navalnaya: Hope Amid Political Turmoil**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Yulia. As you prepare for the upcoming protest march in Berlin, can you share your thoughts on the current state of the Russian opposition movement?
**Yulia Navalnaya:** Thank you for having me. It’s a challenging time for us. With the ongoing political repression in Russia and the recent tragic loss of Alexei, our movement is understandably fragmented. However, I do believe in the power of unity and the resilience of our collective voice.
**Editor:** You mentioned in a recent interview that there is currently no cohesive strategy among Kremlin critics. Can you elaborate on that?
**Yulia Navalnaya:** Yes, it’s true. Right now, nobody seems to have a definitive plan on how to address the key issues, like the war in Ukraine or Putin’s long reign. But I firmly believe that we can develop a strategy in the future. It may take time, but we must remain hopeful and steadfast in our commitment to change.
**Editor:** How do you plan to continue your late husband’s legacy through the upcoming anti-war march?
**Yulia Navalnaya:** This march is deeply significant for all of us exiled Russians in Berlin. It is about showing solidarity with those still suffering under Putin’s regime and emphasizing our refusal to accept this oppressive rule. We carry forward Alexei’s ideals, and it is my hope that this demonstration will inspire others to join our cause.
**Editor:** You expressed a vision of a “beautiful Russia of the future.” What does that look like to you?
**Yulia Navalnaya:** A beautiful Russia is one where democracy reigns, where people live without fear of repression, and where decisions are made through dialogue rather than violence. It’s about building a society that respects human rights and fosters freedom for all its citizens.
**Editor:** As the march approaches, what message do you hope to convey to both Russians living abroad and those in Russia?
**Yulia Navalnaya:** I want everyone to know that we will not let a killer and war criminal dictate our future. The fight for a free Russia is ongoing, and together, we can achieve victory. I believe in our strength as a people and in the possibility of change.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Yulia. We wish you the best with the march and your continued efforts for a better Russia.
**Yulia Navalnaya:** Thank you! Together, we will keep pushing for the future we envision.