Russian opposition activist: ‘The Putin regime will fall’ I DW Conflict Zone

There’s plenty of evidence that questioning the government in Russia is more dangerous than it’s been in living memory.
On Conflict Zone DW’s Tim Sebastian talks to Vladimir Kara-Murza, an exiled Russian opposition activist, who was sentenced to 25 years in jail for criticizing the war in Ukraine. Kara-Murza was released this year in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.

Kara-Murza, a Russian-British national, decries a ‘sad history of appeasement of Vladimir Putin by Western leaders’. But he is convinced that one day Russia will become a modern, free European country.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Has the West been guilty of appeasing Putin?
04:28 'In Russia internal repression and external aggression go hand in hand'
06:59 Are sanctions on Russia working?
10:03 Ukraine's criticism of Russian opposition
11:21 Will Putin lose or is he winning the war?
13.21 Kara-Murza trial - a Stalin's time experience
16:05 Life in solitary confinement
18:36 Will Russia become a normal, free European country?
20:07 Russian history shows political change happens suddenly
22:12 'This regime will collapse'
24:52 After Putin: Russians will have a 'mammoth task ahead'

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[Crashyocean]

I’m afghan and I remember that Russia was fighting in Afghanistan for 10 years, it killed Soviet unions economy, when they understand that they can not run it any more they withdrew their troops from Afghanistan but it was too late so the Soviet Union collapsed. Now Russia couldn’t fully occupy a single province (oblast) in Ukraine in three years since the hot phase of the war has started in March of 2022. I think they’re repeating the same mistake, Russia’s economy again suffering Rubl is losing inflation high sky, mortgage rates over 21% and will go up soon which could cause this time the collapse of Russia as a federation. I’m impressed by bravery Ukrainian people who stand strong to defend their country their land language and most importantly their freedom and heritage. Long life Ukraine 🇦🇫✌️🇺🇦

[peterwhite]

A brave and brilliant man who knows history and his own mind.

[lorettaleger]

Vladimir Kara-Mursa, I’m so happy you’re ok. Thank you for your bravery. It is important.

[YiggityYins]

That was astounding. What a fearless harbinger of peace and democracy. Thank you for highlighting this individual I did not know about previously.

[tobiast]

What a great human being and insightful man and political thinker kara mursa is. Make him president of russia.

[RayOfLight.]

I am Slovak (EU) but I had tears in my eyes towards the end of the video. I really hope and pray that Russia will be a part of civilized world soon. 🙏

[dr.j]

Absolutely astounding interview. KARA-MUSZA is a true hero. We all deserve to live in a democracy, in oeace and safety. God bless you sir. And no we cannot repeat the mistakes.

[Rogar]

Vladimir Kara-Mursa, what an amazing man you are! I salute you Sir! And thank God that you did survive your cruel imprisonment!

[carolwilliams]

The arc of history is towards liberty. Must keep that in mind. Great perspective.

[jbh]

Outstanding interview … hope the world is listening.

[bachmannpidu]

Thank you Vladimir Kara-Mursa for your work and courage!

[billydiesel]

God bless Vladimir Kara-Murza and his family, may they all have a long and happy life. Utter selfless bravery.

[packageism]

Smart and intense guy. I can see how he must have really annoyed Phutler

[longandshort]

The Russian Ruble is in free fall. 114 to the dollar and falling fast. The FSB must have pushed it off the balcony. 😂

[donaldbeaudoin]

Sir Kara-Murza, you are appreciated and loved by those in American that value democracy, truth, and love.

[jamesortiz]

Russia needs more men like him i agree with him 💯 % that Russian people deserve to be free and have a Democratic democracy and freedoms as all of the world does Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[katyelder.]

Wouldn't it weird if Russia became a democracy while the US becomes a dictatorship 😏

[TG-SUkr]

I am Russian who is no longer able to visit Russia. I was so happy to learn about the swap. Vladimir is an amazing individual, brave and intelligent, and it’s good to know that he is safe now. Unfortunately, I don’t share his optimism. I know that I probably should, just to pay tribute to his struggle and hope, but I simply can’t. The level of destruction is so huge in Russia. Even if Putin died today, we wouldn’t see democratic reforms immediately. If we were lucky, we would see them in a decade. And if they were successful, we might see stability and democracy in a few more decades. None of us will be alive by then. and it’s too many ‘ifs’ anyway. Sorry, but Russia is done for at least this and the next generations. His grandchildren may see change.

[yamaneko-exfy]

Vladimir Kara-Mursa is an outstanding politician, who survived two (!) poisenings by the KGB mafia regime of criminals and war criminals and still keeps up his faith and strengh. May his word come true!

Slava Ukraini!!!

[juanlapuente]

Popular saying goes "No evil lasts for more than 100 years" Russia has been under several forms of totalitarian rule from its origins and only a brief mirage of democracy in the 90s. I hope this optimist guy is right and clear minded people like him take over soon in that great country.