Russia’s Exiled Opposition Wants What’s Best for Europe. It’s a Better Future For Russia, Too.
If Europe wants to remain secure when Putin is gone, it needs to think about the very Russians it is building walls to keep out.
An article in The Spectator raises a thought-provoking question about Russia's democratic opposition and its relationship with Europe. Nigel Gould-Davies contends that the opposition's interests clash with Europe's security. However, I argue that Europe's long-term safety hinges on the development of a democratic Russia. Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, is currently waging an aggressive war against Ukraine and conducting a hybrid war against Western democracies through propaganda, cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage.
Consequently, Europe has both the right and the duty to defend itself through military support for Ukraine, sanctions, counterintelligence measures, and migration controls.
While it is undeniable that Europe must prioritize its security, the solution must go beyond mere restrictions and barriers. Tightening restrictions and isolating Russia may seem like a straightforward answer, but it is an illusion of security. The Kremlin's intelligence services will persist in their activities across the continent, and Russian agents may not necessarily be Russian nationals.
In fact, many acts of sabotage across Europe are carried out by European nationals or even Ukrainians recruited and paid by Russian intelligence services.
The suspension of Germany's humanitarian visa program for anti-war Russians and Belarusian opposition activists is a prime example. This decision did not weaken Putin's regime; instead, it demoralized the part of Russian society that truly seeks freedom and democracy. Political repression remains rampant in Russia, and individuals are imprisoned for opposing Putin and the war.
I can attest to this firsthand; I spent two years in Russian custody for speaking against the invasion of Ukraine. Many of my friends and colleagues in Russia live in constant fear, unable to express dissent or participate in public demonstrations.
When shaping Europe's security policy, it is essential to remember these individuals within Russia. They are not only valuable allies for humanitarian reasons but also pragmatic allies. Their desire for a better Russia that no longer poses a threat aligns with Europe's best interests. Europe must think strategically about the future, recognizing that Putin's time in power is limited. The question of what Russia will become after Putin is one of the most critical strategic issues Europe faces.
Gould-Davies correctly states that the Russian democratic opposition places the interests of the Russian people above all else. However, it is crucial to differentiate between Putin's vision of Russia and the vision of the democratic opposition. The Kremlin's interests lie in isolation and aggressive foreign policy, while the democratic opposition advocates for a democratic state, abandoning imperial ambitions, and establishing peaceful, good-neighborly relations with the West. Only the emergence of a democratic Russia can provide Europe with lasting and sustainable security.
Therefore, it is wiser to build constructive relations with the part of Russian society capable of creating such a country. Europe should regard these individuals as allies and extend a helping hand, strengthening their position and improving their chances of creating a democratic Russia that benefits both Russia and Europe.
Written by urgent.news from The Moscow Times - Opinion's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
