Statement by the Kaliningrad regional branch of the Yabloko Party, 14.07.2025

Photo: Alexander Dudin. Demonstration. 1989

“We must become a country of convictions, without persecution and violence… All this will only be possible when the foundations for the revival of a totalitarian regime and uncontrolled power disappear.” A. D. Sakharov, from the collection “Speaks”, New York, 1974.

In connection with the opening of a bust of Iosif Dzhugashvili (Stalin) at the Baltic Fleet Officers’ House in Kaliningrad on 9 July 2025, the Kaliningrad regional branch of the Yabloko Party considers it necessary to express its position.

We consider the revival of Stalin’s personality cult unacceptable – a figure under whose rule millions of USSR citizens were subjected to political repressions, exiled, imprisoned in camps, and executed. Among them were thousands of officers, commanders, and sailors. These facts are officially recognised by the state: the Russian Federation law “On the Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repressions” directly indicates the necessity of restoring justice and memory of those who suffered.

We cannot remain silent when the glorification of a political regime built on fear, violence and arbitrariness takes place in public space.

Earlier, the installation of a Stalin monument in the centre of Kaliningrad was officially refused. We consider this decision correct. It is all the more alarming that such symbols now appear in institutions connected with the army and youth education.

We are convinced: genuine patriotic education is only possible with an honest and responsible assessment of the past. Respect for history is not the glorification of dictators, but memory of people whose lives were broken and taken away.

In this regard, we propose that the municipal authorities of Kaliningrad consider an initiative to create a memorial to victims of political repressions in the city. This would be a step towards justice, historical understanding and genuine civic reconciliation.

We call on all those who value human dignity, justice and freedom to support this initiative.

Alexander Lisovsky,

Chairman of the regional branch of Yabloko