Press release, 10.08.2017

The Tula branch of Yabloko collected over 1,000 signatures as part of the Time to Return Home campaign aimed at Russia’s withdrawal from military conflicts and allotment of federal budget funds to Russia’s domestic development.

Yabloko activists handed out leaflet showing how the Tula Region could have disposed of the 100 billion roubles spent on Russia’s military operation in Syria.

These funds could have been allotted to build a new hospital and two multinational clinics for 6,29 billion roubles; renew the tram depot buying 100 new trams for 2,5 billion roubles; provide people on the affordable housing waiting list with new housing for 4,4 billion roubles and so on.

“The Time to Return Home campaign has been carried out in Tula for three weeks. We managed to hold nearly 30 pickets in different parts of the city. Activists collected over 800 signatures. As you can guess, the reaction of the residents to the campaign varies. A lot of people support the idea of withdrawal from military conflicts and allotment of federal budget funds to Russia’s domestic development”.

Yabloko conducted the Time to Return Home campaign in the central streets and squares of 50 cities in 40 regions of the country. Over 50,000 signatures have already been obtained despite the active pressure on behalf the authorities in a number of regions.

Yabloko plans to collect at least 100,000 signatures. According to Yabloko leaders, such a result will be a serious proof that a significant part of the Russian society stands against the expensive and useless military adventure of the government.