January 26, 2026
The Free Russia Foundation (FRF) welcomes the creation of the Platform of Russian Democratic Forces at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). We are pleased that the final composition of the Platform reflects the diversity of Russian democratic forces, including representatives of indigenous peoples—precisely the broad representation we have consistently advocated for since the beginning of discussions on this initiative.
FRF President Natalia Arno and our Foundation's Vice President Vladimir Kara‑Murza have been included in the Platform's composition, which will allow the Foundation to actively participate in the work of this important institution.
January 26, 2026
The Free Russia Foundation (FRF) welcomes the creation of the Platform of Russian Democratic Forces at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). We are pleased that the final composition of the Platform reflects the diversity of Russian democratic forces, including representatives of indigenous peoples—precisely the broad representation we have consistently advocated for since the beginning of discussions on this initiative.
FRF President Natalia Arno and our Foundation's Vice President Vladimir Kara‑Murza have been included in the Platform's composition, which will allow the Foundation to actively participate in the work of this important institution.
Since 2022, FRF has been systematically involved in the creation of the Platform and has consistently advocated for transparent and clearly defined principles for its formation. We insisted on open procedures rather than closed agreements among select groups. We also emphasized that the Platform should reflect the full diversity of Russian democratic forces: political activists and human rights defenders, civil society representatives, independent media, and expert organizations.
Today's composition of the Platform demonstrates that our position was well founded. The diversity of represented candidates is the foundation for the effectiveness and legitimacy of this crucial institution. It is important to note that the Platform operates on a rotational basis and is formed for a one‑year term, allowing representatives not included this year the opportunity to participate in future convocations.
Since 2022, FRF has been systematically involved in the creation of the Platform and has consistently advocated for transparent and clearly defined principles for its formation. We insisted on open procedures rather than closed agreements among select groups. We also emphasized that the Platform should reflect the full diversity of Russian democratic forces: political activists and human rights defenders, civil society representatives, independent media, and expert organizations.
Today's composition of the Platform demonstrates that our position was well founded. The diversity of represented candidates is the foundation for the effectiveness and legitimacy of this crucial institution. It is important to note that the Platform operates on a rotational basis and is formed for a one‑year term, allowing representatives not included this year the opportunity to participate in future convocations.
In its work within the PACE Platform, the Free Russia Foundation prioritizes:
In its work within the PACE Platform, the Free Russia Foundation prioritizes:
- the protection of Russian political prisoners, as both a personal and political obligation of those who have themselves experienced repression;
- support for Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages as a critically important humanitarian mission in the context of the ongoing war;
- the development and defense of sanctions mechanisms as instruments of accountability;
- the affirmation of the principle of inevitable punishment for war crimes, including support for the work of the Special Tribunal initiated by PACE, as a necessary foundation for a just peace;
- representation of anti‑war Russians whose voices inside the country are silenced by imprisonment and censorship;
- preparation of Europe and Russian democratic forces for the inevitable moment of political change in Russia.
- the protection of Russian political prisoners, as both a personal and political obligation of those who have themselves experienced repression;
- support for Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages as a critically important humanitarian mission in the context of the ongoing war;
- the development and defense of sanctions mechanisms as instruments of accountability;
- the affirmation of the principle of inevitable punishment for war crimes, including support for the work of the Special Tribunal initiated by PACE, as a necessary foundation for a just peace;
- representation of anti‑war Russians whose voices inside the country are silenced by imprisonment and censorship;
- preparation of Europe and Russian democratic forces for the inevitable moment of political change in Russia.
We are convinced that the Platform should become an effective mechanism for engagement between Russian democratic forces and European institutions. It is an instrument for strengthening sanctions against the Putin regime, supporting Ukraine, defending human rights, and preparing for Russia's democratic transformation.
The Free Russia Foundation will continue its work within the Platform and calls on all Russian democratic forces to engage in constructive cooperation toward our shared goal: a free and democratic Russia.
We are convinced that the Platform should become an effective mechanism for engagement between Russian democratic forces and European institutions. It is an instrument for strengthening sanctions against the Putin regime, supporting Ukraine, defending human rights, and preparing for Russia's democratic transformation.
The Free Russia Foundation will continue its work within the Platform and calls on all Russian democratic forces to engage in constructive cooperation toward our shared goal: a free and democratic Russia.