Key facts
- Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin can no longer claim victory in Ukraine.
- Muratov described the conflict as a devastating war between two Slavic nations, ripping millions to shreds.
- He noted that hundreds of opinion leaders in Russia have been labeled 'foreign agents', 'extremists', or 'terrorists'.
- Muratov reported that at least 1,500 people are imprisoned for opposing state policy.
- Novaya Gazeta, the newspaper co-founded by Muratov, had its registration revoked and its website blocked by authorities.
- Muratov himself has been designated a 'foreign agent' in Russia.
Dmitry Muratov, co-founder of the now-defunct independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and a 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin can no longer claim victory in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Muratov described the war as a devastating conflict between two Slavic nations that has caused immense suffering.
Muratov, speaking to the BBC, highlighted the severe crackdown on free speech in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He noted that hundreds of opinion leaders have been labeled 'foreign agents,' 'extremists,' or 'terrorists,' and that at least 1,500 people are currently imprisoned for speaking out against state policy. This repression, he suggested, is more severe than during the KGB era in the Soviet Union.
Novaya Gazeta, once a prominent voice for independent journalism in Russia, faced significant pressure, leading to its registration being revoked and its website being blocked. Muratov himself has been designated a 'foreign agent,' a label used to stigmatize critics of the Kremlin.
Regarding the possibility of nuclear weapon use, Muratov expressed skepticism about predicting Putin's intentions, calling such analyses 'charlatans.' However, he pointed to the repeated mentions of nuclear weapons in state media and at official events as a concerning trend. He also questioned whether Russia's security has genuinely increased since the invasion, citing drone attacks within Russia and domestic disruptions.
Despite the bleak picture of repression, Muratov believes Putin maintains a strong hold on power, with elites remaining fearful of him. He also touched upon the value he places on Western leaders, suggesting he sees their pronouncements on human rights as disingenuous when contrasted with past trade agreements. Muratov's primary concern remains the plight of political prisoners in Russia, whom he feels are overlooked by the international community.