SILENCED BUT NOT DEFEATED: RUSSIAN ANTI-WAR RESISTANCE
For security reasons, access to the event is only possible after personal registration by e-mail at kreiskyforum@kreisky-forum.org with
the following data:
First name, last name, address, cell phone number
by 05.04.2025 at the latest and by showing an official ID (passport,identity card, driver's licence) for identification purposes.
Cathrin Kahlweit in conversation with Russian Oppositional Groups
SILENCED BUT NOT DEFEATED: RUSSIAN ANTI-WAR RESISTANCE
When Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many hoped for the emergence of a massive anti-war movement in Russia. However, these hopes were not fulfilled. The beginning of the so-called "special operation" marked a new era of political terror in the country. Protesting in Russia has become extremely dangerous due to massive repression - and is punishable by long prison sentences in labour camps. Even protests in the West, such as in Austria, are not entirely without risk, as they can lead to social ostracisation within Russian communities and make it more difficult for activists to return home.
Nevertheless, numerous groups have come together, engaging in poster campaigns, readings, writing letters to prisoners, educational work, feminist resistance, and supporting organisations such as Memorial or the Navalny Foundation. Their efforts serve as a reminder that not all Russians support Putin's war-and that solidarity with the victims of repression is both possible and necessary.
On April 7, some of these opposition groups will introduce themselves at the Kreisky Forum, each giving a brief presentation, followed by a debate moderated by Cathrin Kahlweit on the possibilities, risks, and concrete initiatives of anti-war groups abroad.
These groups are:
think tank, an educational project and media on Russian Affairs.
Feminist Anti-War Resistance Vienna (FAR), a feminist to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The movement helps to provide psychological and legal support for displaced persons, Ukrainian refugees, and political activists in Russia
Gamayun, a bookstore founded in February 2022, serves as a vital hub for Russian-speaking queer feminist migrants.
Memorial in Austria, a Vienna-based initiative that supports the mission of a Nobel prize winning "Memorial" association, committed to investige human rights violations in the USSR and protection of human rights.
Navalny Memorial Vienna, a horizontal initiative that commemorates victims of the Russian state terror.
Russians against War Vienna (RAW), a grassroots community of Russians and their like-minded allies from other countries who oppose the war in Ukraine, the authoritarian regime, and repressions in Russia.
Vienna Voice, a Russian-speaking anti-war community in Austria, representing, and advocating for those who oppose Russia's war against Ukraine and the oppressive, authoritarian Russian regime.
Moderation
Cathrin Kahlweit, Publicist and Moderator