"Our fight continues from afar" — Exiled Russian dissidents yearn for home

In a poignant reflection of their commitment to their homeland, two Russian dissidents who were recently released as part of a significant East-West prisoner exchange are expressing their deep desire to return to Russia, despite the risks and challenges involved.

Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin, both known for their vocal opposition to the Kremlin, landed in Germany after being freed from prison, but their hearts remain tethered to their country.

The dramatic swap last week, which involved eight Russians—including a convicted murderer—gained global attention as it also facilitated the release of 16 prisoners from Russian and Belarusian jails. Among these were several prominent Russian dissidents and American journalist Evan Gershkovich from the Wall Street Journal.

Speaking from Bonn, Pivovarov, who was forcibly exiled, articulated a sentiment shared by many: “As people who were actually deported, we all have a great desire to return.” He emphasized the significance of his identity as a Russian politician, stating, “It is clear that they (the Russian authorities) will not allow us to return, although we want to.”

Yashin, who faced imprisonment for condemning President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, echoed similar feelings of longing for his homeland. “I am truly pained by my expulsion from Russia,” he confessed, acknowledging the bittersweet joy of reuniting with family and friends after a long separation. However, he could not shake the discomfort of his freedom being intertwined with the release of Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin responsible for a gruesome murder in Berlin.

“I said it a number of times that I did not want to be part of any exchange lists,” Yashin explained, noting that his inclusion in the swap was a calculated move by the Kremlin to rid themselves of dissenting voices. Despite these challenges, he remains resolute, planning to engage in anti-war education and support for Russian political prisoners.

Pivovarov, too, is determined to continue his activism from abroad. “Coordinating anything from inside is impossible,” he remarked, underscoring the perilous environment for dissenters in Russia. “I’m not planning to step aside,” he assured, vowing that their fight for freedom and democracy would persist, even from a distance.

As these exiled activists navigate their new reality, their stories serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for political freedom in Russia, and the lengths individuals will go to uphold their beliefs in the face of oppression.