The initiation of criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism and the seizure of power against the Anti-War Committee and its members is the Kremlin’s reaction to the establishment, under the auspices of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), of a platform for engagement with the Russian anti-war democratic opposition.
Cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly envisions the creation of a discussion and coordination platform focused primarily on humanitarian issues. However, this initiative has been met with hostility by the Russian authorities and by Vladimir Putin personally, who perceive it as a potential source of alternative legitimacy—something the Kremlin has long lost.
The Russian Anti-War Committee categorically rejects all accusations of financing or inciting terrorism, as well as allegations of recruiting for armed groups, as stated by Russia’s political police, the FSB. The Committee’s activities are strictly within the framework of lawful, public civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives.
The Anti-War Committee of Russia was established in February 2022 to oppose the unjust war launched by Vladimir Putin against Ukraine. We unite the efforts of anti-war Russians, develop a shared public stance condemning the war, and work to mitigate the consequences of Putin’s aggression.
This war was not initiated by the people of Russia, but by a dictator who has lost touch with reality and built his legitimacy on aggression. It is our civic duty to do everything in our power to end this war and ensure that Russia never again poses a threat to its own citizens or its neighbors.