By Invitation | Russia

Mikhail Khodorkovsky on the stark lessons from Russia’s wild weekend

It will take armed insurrection—by democrats—to transform the country for the better, says the former political prisoner

Image: Dan Williams

YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN’S attempted coup was, despite its failure, a seismic moment for Russia, laying bare President Vladmir Putin’s vulnerability. As the mutiny unfolded, I suggested that Russia’s democratic anti-war opposition should welcome the opportunity that it presented, not because Mr Prigozhin is our friend or ally—a thug and war criminal, he is anything but—but because Mr Putin’s fall can only be brought about by force.

From the July 1st 2023 edition

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