Press release, 10.08.2017

The Kurgan 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 ten kindergartens for 15,000 child re. For 1,15 billón roubles; two modern schools for 3,000 children for 3 billion roubles; provide people on the affordable housing waiting list with new housing for 2,7 billion roubles and so on.

“The residents of Kurgan had a positive reaction to the campaign in most cases: there are a lot of problems in the city and the country, we need to solve them. We had a discussion with those people who believe that Russia’s presence in Syria is necessary. It turned out that many people did not even consider the issue,” Elena Panova, Chair of the regional branch of Yabloko, said.

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.