Russia's Empire Faces a New Reckoning

As Russia's grip and influence appear to be shrinking, some observers suggest the nation may be entering a second phase of imperial disintegration. This comes as figures within the Russian opposition are publicly debating the concept of Russia's decolonization.

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If Estonia regained its independence 35 years ago, one could hope that the empire of evil was on its last legs. That's how it seemed to us here, but not beyond the eastern border, nor in other former union republics, with the exception of Latvia and Lithuania. Are we now witnessing the second phase of the empire's disintegration?

Julia Navalnaya, a prominent opposition figure, recently criticized calls for decolonization, arguing that such discussions harm Russia's interests and inadvertently benefit President Vladimir Putin. Her stance highlights a division within the opposition regarding the future structure of Russia.

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all who have started talking about the decolonization of Russia, because in her opinion, this harms Russia's interests and plays into Vladimir Putin's hands.

Conversely, organizations like the League of Free Nations accuse the Russian opposition of perpetuating imperialistic views and disregarding the interests of various ethnic groups within Russia. They advocate for the completion of the process that began with the Soviet Union's collapse 35 years ago, emphasizing the need for national separation.

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accuse the Russian opposition of imperialism and ignoring the interests of nations. In their opinion, the process that was left unfinished 35 years ago with the collapse of the Soviet Union must now end with the separation of nations.