Decision by the Yabloko Federal Political Committee of 24 March, 2023

Published on 10 April, 2023

Photo by RIA Novosti

According to the UN, at least 8,006 civilians were killed, at least 13,287 were injured, and more than 8 million people became refugees during the year of the special military operation. The actual extent of losses on both sides is unknown.

The Yabloko party has repeatedly, consistently and openly warned Russian society about the danger of unleashing a military confrontation with Ukraine, the political dead end of this step and its catastrophic consequences for Russia.

Every day of continued fighting brings destruction and suffering. None of the parties involved wants to stop them today, as well as to make a sober estimate of the consequences of their continuation. Ahead is the real prospect of an endless armed conflict.

For our country, the continuation of the conflict means further deterioration in the quality of life of people, deprivation of hopes for the future and prospects for development – economic, social and human. The threat of a world nuclear war is becoming increasingly more realistic.

Over the past year, fear has become the basis of life, both for the war and its consequences and  repression. Opportunities for expressing one’s opinion are reduced for Russian citizens to a minimum, and people end up in prison for expressing their opinion. The dangers are growing, and, if the fighting continues, there is no positive prospect for anyone, except for those who make money on it.

In the current confrontation, in the current military-political circumstances and in the conditions of an interdependent world, neither side is not able to achieve and will not have any “victory”. In this situation, there is no field for a “zero-sum game”. In a historical perspective, only all together we can win or lose, no matter how difficult it may be to admit. Now the main thing is the immediate cessation of killing people. A long and extremely difficult road to the creation of a renewed Europe is ahead. That is where a common victory can be.

The Political Committee reaffirms the stance of the Yabloko party on the need to immediately conclude a ceasefire agreement and stop Russian society from being drawn into an endless military conflict.

This is our categorical political demand aimed at saving people’s lives. A ceasefire agreement is the very first and inevitable step towards any beginning of a settlement. The sooner it is done, the less human losses there will be, the sooner normal and peaceful life will return.

Politicians, publicists, journalists and social media users who advocate continuation of hostilities will be held responsible for the senseless killing of thousands of people.

Let’s stop killings of people!

Let’s return future for people!

Grigory Yavlinsky,

Chairman of the Yabloko Federal Political Committee

Grigory Yavlinsky

is Chairman of the Federal Political Committee of the Russian United Democratic Party Yabloko, Vice President of Liberal International,

PhD in Economics,

Professor of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.