In a bold move aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression, prominent Russian opposition figures Garry Kasparov and Mikhail Khodorkovsky have proposed a groundbreaking initiative known as the ‘Free Russia’ passport plan.
The leaders outlined their vision to mobilise anti-Putin Russians into a unified community supportive of Western values and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Writing jointly on Politico, they said: “We speak on behalf of all the Russians who believe in the potential for a free and democratic Russia.”
They emphasised their prolonged exile due to opposition to the Kremlin.
“At this critical juncture in the struggle for Ukraine’s sovereignty, we have an opportunity to give these Russians the chance to make the same moral choice to break with the Putin regime,” they added.
Central to their proposal is the creation of a cohesive community of pro-Western Russians who would pledge allegiance to the principles of a Ukraine free from Russian interference.
Signatories, after rigorous vetting, would be issued documents under the ‘Free Russia’ banner, facilitating travel and residence across Western nations.
“This would create a powerful incentive for more Russians to disavow Putin and emigrate,” the duo explained. They highlighted the potential brain drain and military resource depletion that Putin’s regime would suffer as educated Russians opt to leave, weakening his authoritarian grip.
The initiative addresses the plight of Russian exiles scattered across neighbouring states, offering them a platform to openly oppose Putinism without fear of political reprisal.
“These individuals aren’t in need of economic assistance — they’re fully capable of supporting themselves,” Kasparov and Khodorkovsky added, underscoring the plan’s focus on empowering Russians to contribute actively to countering Putin’s regime.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, Kasparov and Khodorkovsky’s ‘Free Russia’ passport plan could emerge as a pivotal initiative that could reshape the geopolitical landscape, offering a lifeline to dissenting Russians and fortifying Ukraine’s defence against external aggression.
