There are several ways to consider "fighting Putin," depending on what you mean by "fight." Here are some interpretations and actions associated with them, focusing on UK contexts and capabilities: **1. Political and Diplomatic Pressure:** * **Support for Sanctions:** The UK, as part of the G7 and other international coalitions, imposes and supports economic sanctions against Russia and individuals associated with the Putin regime. This includes targeting financial institutions, key industries, and personal assets. * **International Condemnation:** The UK actively participates in international forums like the United Nations and the G7 to condemn Russia's actions, particularly the invasion of Ukraine. This involves diplomatic statements, resolutions, and working with allies to isolate Russia. * **Lobbying and Advocacy:** Supporting organisations that advocate for stronger policies against the Putin regime, human rights in Russia, and support for Ukraine. This could involve contacting your MP, signing petitions, or participating in peaceful demonstrations. **2. Military and Security Support (for Ukraine):** * **Providing Military Aid:** The UK has been a significant provider of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons, training, and financial support. While you personally can't directly provide this, supporting government initiatives that fund this aid is a way to contribute. * **Strengthening NATO:** The UK is a key member of NATO and contributes to its collective defence capabilities. This military strength acts as a deterrent against further Russian aggression. **3. Information and Public Awareness:** * **Countering Disinformation:** Russia engages in significant disinformation campaigns. Staying informed from reliable news sources and challenging misinformation when you encounter it is a form of resistance. * **Raising Awareness:** Educating yourself and others about the situation in Ukraine, the actions of the Russian government, and the impact of the war. Sharing information through social media or by discussing it with friends and family. * **Supporting Independent Journalism:** Contributing to organisations that support independent journalists in Russia and Ukraine who are trying to report truthfully. **4. Supporting Civil Society and Human Rights:** * **Donating to Humanitarian Aid:** Supporting charities that provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. * **Supporting Russian Opposition and Civil Society:** While challenging, some organisations work to support those within Russia who advocate for democracy and human rights. **Important Considerations:** * **"Fighting Putin" is not a military action for the average civilian.** Direct military confrontation is the responsibility of national armed forces. * **Focus on what is achievable and ethical.** Your actions should align with democratic values and international law. * **Be wary of inflammatory rhetoric.** Constructive engagement and informed action are more effective than simplistic slogans. To summarise, "fighting Putin" from a UK perspective generally involves engaging in political, diplomatic, and informational efforts to counter his regime's actions, while supporting international efforts to hold Russia accountable and aid those affected by its aggression.
COURAGE! Part 2
Tessa Szyszkowitz in conversation with Evgenia Kara-Murza
There are several ways to consider "fighting Putin," depending on what you mean by "fight." Here are some interpretations and actions associated with them, focusing on UK contexts and capabilities: **1. Political and Diplomatic Pressure:** * **Support for Sanctions:** The UK, as part of the G7 and other international coalitions, imposes and supports economic sanctions against Russia and individuals associated with the Putin regime. This includes targeting financial institutions, key industries, and personal assets. * **International Condemnation:** The UK actively participates in international forums like the United Nations and the G7 to condemn Russia's actions, particularly the invasion of Ukraine. This involves diplomatic statements, resolutions, and working with allies to isolate Russia. * **Lobbying and Advocacy:** Supporting organisations that advocate for stronger policies against the Putin regime, human rights in Russia, and support for Ukraine. This could involve contacting your MP, signing petitions, or participating in peaceful demonstrations. **2. Military and Security Support (for Ukraine):** * **Providing Military Aid:** The UK has been a significant provider of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons, training, and financial support. While you personally can't directly provide this, supporting government initiatives that fund this aid is a way to contribute. * **Strengthening NATO:** The UK is a key member of NATO and contributes to its collective defence capabilities. This military strength acts as a deterrent against further Russian aggression. **3. Information and Public Awareness:** * **Countering Disinformation:** Russia engages in significant disinformation campaigns. Staying informed from reliable news sources and challenging misinformation when you encounter it is a form of resistance. * **Raising Awareness:** Educating yourself and others about the situation in Ukraine, the actions of the Russian government, and the impact of the war. Sharing information through social media or by discussing it with friends and family. * **Supporting Independent Journalism:** Contributing to organisations that support independent journalists in Russia and Ukraine who are trying to report truthfully. **4. Supporting Civil Society and Human Rights:** * **Donating to Humanitarian Aid:** Supporting charities that provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. * **Supporting Russian Opposition and Civil Society:** While challenging, some organisations work to support those within Russia who advocate for democracy and human rights. **Important Considerations:** * **"Fighting Putin" is not a military action for the average civilian.** Direct military confrontation is the responsibility of national armed forces. * **Focus on what is achievable and ethical.** Your actions should align with democratic values and international law. * **Be wary of inflammatory rhetoric.** Constructive engagement and informed action are more effective than simplistic slogans. To summarise, "fighting Putin" from a UK perspective generally involves engaging in political, diplomatic, and informational efforts to counter his regime's actions, while supporting international efforts to hold Russia accountable and aid those affected by its aggression.
Two years ago, on February 24, 2022, Russia's president Vladimir Putin started a full-fledged war against neighbouring Ukraine. Since then, Russia has occupied 11% of Ukrainian territory, killed or severely wounded 130,000 Ukrainian soldiers and - all according to Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Centre - about 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have died in the war. Putin's regime is also responsible for the death or severe injury of 200,000 Russian soldiers in that war. While the war rages on, Russian opposition politicians and critical journalists are not allowed to call it a war or to criticise it in any way. Who does gets sentenced to long prison sentences in a penal colony.
Like Vladimir Kara-Murza. The Russian-British activist was arrested in April 2022 for denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In April 2023 he was sentenced to 25 years in jail for “high treason”. His wife Evgenia Kara-Murza is leading a campaign for his release. In her talk she will explain under which inhuman conditions her husband is being held. The treatment of political prisoners in Russia - next to Kara-Murza also Alexei Navalny, Ilya Yashin and many others - is deteriorating in the runup to the Russian presidential elections on March 15-17 are coming: “These elections are not legitimate”, says Evgenia Kara-Murza.
Evgenia Kara-Murza is a Russian-American Human Rights Activist and wife of political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza. She is also a translator and the Advocacy Director at Free Russia Foundation.
Tessa Szyszkowitz, is an Austrian journalist and author. She writes for Austrian and German publications such as Falter & Tagesspiegel, she is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute in London.