The passing year leaves behind nothing but destruction.

It has taken and shattered many lives, plunged the world deeper into chaos, stolen countless hopes, and drained much strength—perhaps the last reserves for some.

It ends with a bloody massacre on the front lines, the hardening of authoritarian regimes, and political turbulence worldwide.

This year, Alexei Navalny was killed in prison. It will be the first New Year without him.

We bid farewell to 2024, standing on the brink of a new era, facing uncertainty. Such moments have happened before in history, but now it’s happening to us, just as in Yuri Levitansky’s poem.

There is only one way forward: to stay strong, protect those around us, and keep working to reduce the evil in this world, without letting despair take hold.

We will not give up. A spring cannot stay compressed forever. And when it finally uncoils, perhaps as soon as 2025, the air will fill with the energy of change.

The situation is shifting, and even Putin’s regime is running out of strength. Global fatigue with the war is growing, and scenarios for its end are being actively explored. Ahead lies the almost inevitable worsening of the social and political situation in Russia, but also a window of opportunity for civil society.

Let’s remember. Despite all the infighting within the opposition and the seemingly hopeless situation inside Russia, we saw a vibrant and massive anti-war campaign before Putin’s “elections.” We saw young people supporting Ekaterina Duntsova’s candidacy, huge lines across the country during Boris Nadezhdin’s signature campaign, and thousands worldwide uniting under the banner “Noon Against Putin.”

Let’s remember the thousands who said goodbye to Alexei Navalny, while the frosty air of Moscow echoed with anti-war chants.

Let’s remember the joy we felt when the first political prisoners, for whom we had worried so much, were released. Others will follow. Let us think of those spending this New Year in detention centers and prisons for their beliefs. There are thousands of them in Russia.

Let’s remember the hundreds of activists, politicians, and human rights defenders who continue to live and fight in Russia. For instance, read about Tatyana Kotlyar. These people play a vital, if not central, role in Russia’s political and social processes.

Let’s not forget the millions of Russians who long for peace and democratic change, waiting for a real opportunity to make their voices heard. Once these people believe in change, they will quickly become the majority.

All of this has united us and will continue to unite us. We have something to fight for. And if there is a chance to make a difference in 2025, we will seize it.

In the final hours of this passing year, we extend our support and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who did not remain silent, who helped others, who kept hope alive and shared it. Thank you.

Stay connected and take care of yourselves. News and plans are on our channel, “Peace. Progress. Human Rights.” You can also support our human rights colleagues in Russia.

See you in the new year, 2025.

No to war!

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