Statement by the Bureau of the Moscow Regional Branch of the Yabloko Party, 11.06.2026

The mass protests by Kuntsevo District residents [in Moscow] against the felling of trees in Moskvoretsky Park, and the heavy-handed detention of protesters by police officers, have once again revealed the face of the present-day Moscow authorities — authorities that valiantly contain the spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the capital by prohibiting Muscovites from exercising their constitutional right to assemble peacefully, without weapons, and hold meetings, rallies, demonstrations, marches, and pickets.

First COVID-19, and then the special military operation, have served the city authorities as a pretext for ending all direct communication with Muscovites: public hearings on urban planning matters in Moscow have been abolished, and public events are banned.

In such conditions, social tension and distrust towards authorities flourish.

We consider that the efforts of the Moscow authorities and law enforcement agencies, directed once again at suppressing protest rather than engaging in dialogue with Muscovites, are misguided and reflect the low quality of the Moscow administrative personnel.

We call upon the Moscow authorities and representatives of the law enforcement agencies operating in Moscow not to forget that their primary task is to ensure the rights and lawful interests of citizens of the Russian Federation, including the right to hold rallies, the right to a favourable environment and reliable information about its condition, and the right to receive information about decisions taken by the authorities that affect citizens’ rights.

Moscow Yabloko supports the residents of Kuntsevo and all Muscovites who are defending their city and their forests.

Bureau of the Moscow Regional Branch of the Yabloko Party