Freed Activists Urge to Differentiate Between Russian People and Their Government

Two Russian activists recently freed in a prisoner swap urged the global community to separate the actions of Russia's government from its people. They thanked those who aided their release and highlighted that many Russians oppose the war and Kremlin propaganda, advocating for a democratic Russia.

Two Russian activists who were freed in a recent prisoner swap have urged the world to make a clear distinction between Russia's people and its president. They expressed gratitude to everyone who helped secure their release, as well as that of 14 other political prisoners from Russian jails.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, who had been detained since 2022 and was serving a 25-year prison sentence until his release on Thursday, stated, "There are many people in Russia who are against the war, who don't believe Kremlin propaganda."

Another activist, Andrei Pivovarov, emphasized, "It is wrong to associate Russian people with the government's policies." Pivovarov said that their ongoing task is to work to make Russia "free and democratic."

(With inputs from agencies.)