Press Release, 24.02.2025

Photos by the Yabloko Press Service

The discussion took place behind closed doors without video cameras. The participants lit candles and held a minute of silence in memory of all those who fell victim to the terrible events of the past three years. This is how the event in the central office of the Yabloko party was held. It united people advocating peace, and allowed them to meet like-minded people in a safe space.

As in November 2024, when the world was counting down the 1,000 days since the start of the  so-called special military operation, the participants of the meeting in Yabloko freely shared their memories of how they perceived the first news on the morning of 24 February, 2022.

The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the Yabloko party Nikolai Rybakov. Rybakov thanked those who came and formulated the main thing that Yabloko members should do in a situation where real practical work to bring peace closer is very difficult:

“It is important for us to remain human and be with those who share our position”.

Feelings of helplessness, fear and loneliness three years ago, on the morning of 24 February, were experienced by many of those who were able to share their feelings and thoughts at the event in Yabloko. Many found support in their loved ones. However, the front line passed through many families, dividing relatives.

“How can this be? We are not fascists! Please tell everyone that we are not like that!”

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“Each my visit to Yabloko, I said: what a joy that you can be here and not argue with anyone.”

Members of the Yabloko party and civil activists talked about the actions they took, that were sometimes reckless and dangerous, to tell others that there are people in the country who disagree with what is happening.

“Now I look at the world and people in a completely different way. There were many disappointments, but on the other hand, there were many wonderful discoveries.”

Many of the participants’ reflections were devoted to hope for peace, mutual understanding and the future.

“There has been not a single moment for hope over these three years. We are trying to support ourselves, trying to find sources of faith. And our current circle is psychotherapeutic.”

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“There is still some hope. If there is hope, then we exist. And if we exist, then we must do something.”

Before the discussion, the participants watched Garry Bardin’s animated film “Conflict”. The cartoon released in 1983 shows the development of a military conflict and its possible terrible consequences. This plot is beyond time and geography. And the question “What to do?” is also timeless. The participants of the meeting in Yabloko also asked it.

“We need to form an image of a normal future life. Treat society like children who need to be educated and raised.”

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“I have almost never been disappointed in anyone in my immediate circle. The most important thing to do is to take care of those who are close to you.”

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“Don’t leave people alone. Show that people with a healthy sense of patriotism do exist. Raise your voice for peace!”

The participants left their wishes on a symbolic poster – a dove of peace:

“The most important thing is not to lose each other, don’t lose yourself and your kindness.”

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“Peace to the World!”

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“Stick Together!”

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“Preserve Peace in yourself – and return Peace to the people around you.”