Prominent Russian Lawyer Ilya Novikov: No Negotiations with Putin Regime to End Ongoing War

No one must be fooled into thinking that negotiations with the Putin regime can stop the atrocities of the ongoing war, is the clear message from prominent Russian lawyer Ilya Novikov:

– As long as Vladimir Putin and his people are in power in Russia, the war must continue, Novikov tells Dagbladet via an encrypted telephone service.

Russian patchwork

The Russian lawyer Ilya Novikov became famous in Norway when he defended espionage convict Frode Berg from 2017. In addition, he has defended the Russian opposition leader and Putin critic Alexei Navalny, as well as people labeled as “extremists” and the Russian organization Memorialwho received the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

When Russia went to war against Ukraine last February, he cut all ties with his homeland.

– Putin and his close allies will never give up the dream of a great Russian empire. But it is time to realize that the idea of ​​the Russian Federation should be scrapped. Russia is a patchwork of regions and different peoples, says Novikov and continues:

– Yes, everyone speaks Russian, but there are different people who think and feel differently. I think it will be good if the Russian Federation is torn apart. Just like the dissolution of the Soviet Union some 30 years ago, says Novikov.

– Don’t negotiate

The lawyer enlisted in the Ukrainian defense when the war of aggression started, and has had various tasks. Now he is doing what he was trained to do, namely being a lawyer.

– Most of the cases are completely irrelevant in relation to the war, but I continue my legal practice here in Kyiv, says Novikov, before emphasizing that in the capital it is hardly possible to notice that the country is at war.

– But it is very different elsewhere. In Kherson and other cities there is constant fighting and people lose their lives and their homes for absolutely no reason. That is why we must get rid of the Putin regime forever, says Novikov.

He emphasizes time and again that no one must enter into negotiations with President Putin and his people.

– Then they will only withdraw for a while, to prepare for a new and even more cruel war later. We cannot afford that. The war must continue until the Russian army is unable to continue, says Novikov.

Hope for democracy

In the future, after the Putin regime is history, he hopes that Russia will move towards a democracy, with honest politicians.

– I hope so, but the chances are unfortunately slim. Then Alexei Navalny must get out of prison and initiate reforms. He is the natural leader of the Russian opposition, says Novikov and continues:

– History shows us that democrats who come to power after authoritarian and dictatorial regimes have a short honeymoon. I wish Navalny luck, but the chances are not good. I know these are very depressing thoughts, but unfortunately that’s how it is with war and dictatorship, says Novikov.

Will be in Ukraine

Last December, the high-profile lawyer was wanted by Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Since 2017, Novikov has been in Ukraine a lot, and moved there in 2019, where he is married to a Ukrainian.

– It takes time to get citizenship due to bureaucracy, but I have a residence permit. I can also travel from Ukraine, but that is out of the question. Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country, so this is about moral support, says Novikov and continues:

– It will be extremely uncomfortable. Many of my friends and colleagues are injured or have lost their health in various ways during the war. It will be completely wrong if I leave here.

– Could take my life

Novikov has occasional contact with Frode Berg via social media. He has the following message for Norwegians:

– I feel that people are tired of this war. I see it – and I get it. It is quite another to be far away from the war. Then it is natural to be concerned about yourself and your own life, he says, but adds:

– We Ukrainians are very grateful for all the help we have received from Norway and Norwegians. And here there is one thing that is important: This is not about Zelenskyj and top politicians, but about people helping people in an extreme situation. In war. People are losing friends, family and homes… That is why it is very important that you continue to help the Ukrainian people.

When Dagbladet wonders how long he thinks the war will last, he answers as follows:

– There are many people who say that the war will be over within one or two months, but these are irresponsible promises. I am prepared for the war to take my life, and then the war will never end, for me. The war must continue until Putin and the regime are gone. Otherwise, they will simply retreat and prepare for a new and even more cruel war, Novikov repeats.