Russian sociologist, author and anti-war activist Boris Kagarlitsky has recorded a message from his prison cell. In it he demands that the release of the thousands of political prisoners in the Russian Federation be negotiated as part of any agreement between Putin and Trump over Ukraine.

Kagarlitsky, who opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the very start, was imprisoned over a year ago on spurious charges of “justifying terrorism”. He faces a further four years behind bars in the penal colony of Torzhok (full details here).

There is an English saying: no justice, no peace. This is very important to remember when we are now discussing the conditions for a peace agreement or at least a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Because you should not forget, there are thousands, literally thousands of political prisoners in Russia.

People, most of whom are imprisoned just because of their opposition to the war. And the release of these prisoners should be a part of the peace deal, part of the ceasefire deal should be a part of any agreement, any negotiations, should be a part of any conclusion of the conflict.

This is not just an issue for us, those who are behind the bars, those who are imprisoned. It is an issue for Russia for the future of the country and the future of Europe. This is something not to be forgotten.

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