We urge an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, which is essential to halt the ongoing loss of life on both sides of the front line. At the same time, stopping military actions against Ukraine does not mean that the war will be over. The war stems from the essence of the Putin regime, and its danger will persist as long as this regime continues to exist.
The regime established in Russia has been aimed from the very beginning at suppressing civil liberties, destroying democratic institutions, and concentrating power in the hands of one person. Internal violence against civil society and external aggression against neighbors are two sides of the same totalitarian logic.
A potential ceasefire does not mean the onset of peace. It may stop the fire on the front line, but it will not end the regime’s war against the citizens of Russia, against Ukraine, and against other countries in the West.
The Anti-War Committee considers the dismantling of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime essential for achieving its strategic objective: the prevention of war. Without the elimination of this regime, there can be no sustainable peace either in Europe or within Russia itself.
Only deep political changes – the restoration of democracy, freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, and civil control over power – can put an end to aggression and give Russia a chance for a peaceful and dignified future.
The Anti-War Committee calls on all citizens, politicians, and international partners to recognize: a ceasefire is not the end, but merely a respite in a broader struggle. Peace is impossible without freedom. And freedom is impossible without a change of regime.
The conference also addressed key areas of work for the Anti-War Committee in the near future:
1. Security in Europe and Sustainable Peace with Ukraine
The Anti-War Committee advocates for the establishment of a new architecture of European security based on respect for international law, territorial integrity of states, and human rights. Sustainable peace in Europe is impossible without the primacy of international law and respect for internationally recognized borders.
2. Release of Prisoners of War and Political Prisoners
The Committee will continue to strive for the release of all Russian and Ukrainian political prisoners and prisoners of war held as a result of Putin’s aggression and repressive policies within the country. We emphasize the importance of international pressure and solidarity on this issue until the last prisoner of the regime is freed.
3. Creation of a “Single Window” Service to Support Relatives of Kremlin Prisoners
A decision has been made to launch a working group that will use open-source data (OSINT) to assist the families of political prisoners and victims of repression in finding information about the whereabouts and status of prisoners, criminal cases, and conditions of detention.
4. Countering Kremlin Propaganda
The Anti-War Committee prioritizes the exposure of falsehoods spread by state propaganda. We are committed to supporting independent media, educational initiatives, and campaigns designed to enhance media literacy and promote critical thinking. On behalf of the committee, an appeal will be submitted to the European Parliament and PACE regarding the need to support independent media in exile.
5. Expertise
We continue to prepare new expert reports and inform about emerging research. The Committee is ready to share its expertise in the areas of sanctions, economics, political persecution, and many other issues.
The Anti-War Committee of Russia will continue to operate as a coordinating center for uniting anti-war, democratic, and human rights forces. We see our task not only as resisting the war but also as participating in the formation of a future peaceful, free, and responsible Russia.