Ksenia Kirillova
Russia’s war in Ukraine has put a spotlight on corruption in the Russian Federation, which has existed as long as the country itself. As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to try to fight the long war, corruption will increase and continue to be the only way the Kremlin believes it can control its people. A year and a half into the conflict, Putin declared that the so-called “special operation” would “purify” Russian society from a “fifth column” (ВВС–Russian service, November 28, 2023). Putin’s words were then repeated by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said one result of the war is “the cleansing of Russian society of people who feel no connection with Russian culture” (Kommersant.ru, January 18).
Consequently, on September 23, the Russian government prepared a review of a draft law about the criminal liability of “Russophobia” in Russia’s Criminal Code. The bill was prepared by State Duma Vice Speaker, Irina Yarova, and the head of the State Duma Committee on Security and, ironically, Anti-Corruption, Vasily Piskarev. The law outlines the liability specifically for discriminatory acts committed against citizens and permanent residents of Russia, including against “compatriots” who are not citizens of the Russian Federation “outside the borders of the Russian Federation.” Punishment for “Russophobia” within Russia, however, is not outlined (Interfax; Svoboda.org, September 23).
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