Andrew Wood: Today there are all preconditions for revolution in Russia

“Today there are all preconditions for latent anarchy and revolution in Russia,” – expressed his opinion Andrew Wood, the Ambassador of Great Britain to Russia (1995-2000), during the 9th Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

"The return of Putin to the Kremlin was a real tragedy for the population of Russia. These people do really deserve sympathy. Moreover, in order to preserve his regime, Putin will continue to conduct a policy of aggression abroad and the maintenance of the Russian population in poverty. Of course, the ruling clique of the regime understands that such actions set the preconditions for the construction of latent anarchy and the possibility of revolution in the country. The parliamentary elections in the country and the creation of the National Guard, who received unlimited powers are the reflection of such understanding"- said Andrew Wood.

"In its’ turn, Ukraine today offered a better model of the state development, which is the exact opposite of what the Kremlin proposes, and I welcome the choice of the Ukrainian people,” – said the British diplomat.

In addition, he believes that with the effort to become a global power, resulting from inadequate perception of its place in the world, Russia makes fundamental mistakes such as in Ukraine and Syria. “According to the representatives of the current regime, Moscow must become the heart of the part of the world, which will unite the former Soviet republics. However, in reality, Russia’s interest must be the cooperation with its neighbors, but not imposing its “friendship” on them, - said the British diplomat.

“As a result of these actions, Putin has driven himself in his past and now he is in a position which he can maintain neither economically nor by force. Today we do not know who will be the successor of Putin, but we may say for sure that he will have to make changes in the country. Unfortunately, these changes will be dangerous not only for Russia but also for its environment and the world in general,” – concluded Mr. Wood.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The annual international event Kyiv Security Forum launched by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007 is a platform for debate on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region. 

Internet broadcast of the Forum:

9th Kyiv Security Forum (Ukrainian):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4bx8DXN4wk

9th KYIV SECURITY FORUM (ENGLISH)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEG5fdmhG2g