The following statement was issued today by Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

We are fighting Ukraine – for real. We are sending soldiers and equipment.

The Ukrainians are fighting well but are up against it, for this is an unequal fight.

And all this time our authorities have been lying through their teeth, just like they did about Afghanistan back in the ’80s; and about Chechnya in the ’90s. Today, they are lying about Ukraine. And while it goes on, we have been burying those on both sides who, until recently, we held as co-workers, friends and family. We are not killing one another because we want to but because an aging regime always needs blood.

That is what we all know. That is the very reason why the authorities are lying. So why then, do we pretend to believe them? Is it because we are afraid? Afraid to even think? But is it not more frightening to lose one’s children, to shoot at one’s brothers? And afterwards, how will we live with ourselves?

For know this – we could and we can stop what is happening. It would be enough to take to the streets, to go on strike. The authorities would cower in an instant because they are cowardly. But no, instead, we would rather still believe in make believe; and weep at funerals.

Yet I for one, can no longer remain silent, and I will not be silent.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky