– Peace as a Principle and an Interest Official Statement of the Federal Committee of the Libertarian Party of Russia Once again, the calendar marks February 24th. The “operation,” which was once not expected to last even three days, is now in its third year. It is special, it is military, and it shows no sign of ending. For three years, people have been waiting for peace, hoping for an end to deaths and bombings. In recent weeks, global attention has been focused on the actions of the U.S. President on the international stage regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It is enough to say that no one currently has a detailed exit plan, and that Donald Trump is not “playing” for either Russia or Ukraine—at best, he is acting in what he perceives to be the interests of his American voters. It is difficult to expect anything else from a populist politician, and naïve to hope for more from him. Libertarians oppose aggressive violence on principle. But one may ask: what are our interests? The answer remains the same: peace and freedom—that is our pragmatic interest. Because isolating Russia from the global economy, banning open public discussion of critical issues, rewriting laws for the worse, declining living standards, a new wave of repression and crime—none of this is in the interest of Russian citizens, nor has it ever been. Sociology fades in the face of censorship, but even without it, it is clear that despite the propaganda efforts of the authorities, the “Special Military Operation” has never truly gained popular support among Russians. Money, which the government generously hands out from an increasingly empty budget, may still attract some; dying for that money—never. This year, we will hear endless discussions about negotiations and “agreements.” People should not be judged for hoping in various possibilities for a truce or a ceasefire. Anything that can save lives is at least worthy of discussion. But the main hope of the people and the key to ending this crisis remains a strong and just peace. No change in American or European foreign policy can alter how this conflict began, how it has continued for three years, or what kind of resolution would truly ensure such a peace. The fate of Ukraine remains in the hands of Ukrainians, just as the fate of Russia remains in the hands of Russians. We all still need peace and freedom—both as a matter of principle and as a matter of interest. The true statesman will not be the one who best adapts to geopolitical shifts, but the one who finally puts an end to this suffering and death. We demand freedom, and we demand peace. Federal Committee Libertarian Party of Russia February 24, 2025 Libertarian Party of Russia (LPR)Traducir post
