The sanctions have not worked as hoped, the war continues, says Pavel Andrejev, an activist of the Memorial organization. He told about the situation in Russia at the Kirkkoniemi conference in Northern Norway.
From the outside, the life of Russians does not seem to have changed after Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine. However, the concern is palpable, says the Russian human rights activist Pavel Andreev From the Memorial organization. He arrived from the Republic of Komi in northern Norway to the Kirkkoniemi conference to tell about the situation in Russia.
– The sanctions have not worked as hoped, the war continues. You can’t see or feel the change, that we are in a country at war, says Pavel Andrejev from the Memorial human rights organization.
According to him, at first it was thought that the sanctions of the Western powers would have an effect. However, this has not happened, at least not yet.
– A year ago, we thought that Russian planes would no longer fly, cars would stop, that we wouldn’t even be able to buy food anymore. But economists say the future of Russia’s economy is under a big question mark.
People in Russia talk about the war with concern and are afraid of going to the front. However, it has not yet led to large protests.
Activists are wanted out of the country, believes Andrejev
The trip from Russia to Norway went well for Andrejev. He flew from the city of Syktyvkar in the Republic of Komi to Murmansk and came from there by car to Kirkkoniemi.
– I think that critics of those in power want to be let out of Russia.
Returning to Russia can be a risk. Activists can be fined or imprisoned.
– I hope nothing happens. You can’t go under warranty. That’s a risk the Russians have to take.
He plans to continue human rights work in Russia, even though it may be dangerous.
– I believe in a free Russia, and change will only happen from within the country. I see it as my life’s mission. I think you have to keep up with the times and understand people, even if they disagree with me at the moment.
The human rights organization that stopped its activities is a gift to Putin
Andrejev also has personal reasons to stay in Russia. He is from Komi, likes to live in Syktyvkar and likes to spend time with family, relatives and friends.
Many of Andrejev’s friends and like-minded people have remained in Russia, but are depressed because of the prevailing situation. He believes that like-minded people need to be supported in Russia and work within the country to end the war.
– Every human rights organization or free media that stops operating in Russia is like a gift to Putin. I see a lot of opponents of the war in Russia. Putin cannot speak for Russians because he has not won a single free election. His last year as president should have been 2008.
Andreyev was arrested in 2011 after protesting when Putin became president again after Medvedev’s term.
He hopes that the people of the West will support the Russians who oppose Putin’s war. And the understanding that there are still many people in Russia who do not accept the way things are today.