Mikhail Khodorkovsky in conversation with Dr. Agnia Grigas at the Warsaw Security Forum: “Russia-West Relations in Years to Come.”

October 2, 2024

There seems to be a common belief among Western politicians that the collapse of the Putin regime would lead to the disintegration of Russia itself. Many fear that such a scenario, especially for a nuclear nation, would result in catastrophic consequences. However, I can say with confidence that while Putin’s regime will eventually collapse, Russia as a country will not fragment. We should not fear this possibility; instead, we should work actively toward the regime’s downfall, as it would ultimately benefit everyone.

Surrendering to Putin’s nuclear threats and allowing him to dictate terms? I believe this isn’t the right approach for free people and free thinkers.

Putin is a good tactician, not a strategist. His sole aim is to hold onto power. The sooner he realises he cannot win this war, the sooner peace will come to Europe. And it’s up to the West to make him realise that.

To end the war, Putin must understand he will not win, and Ukraine must have guarantees of its own security. If Europeans think they can stop the war another way, they will have to stop it in their own homes.