The panel was organized as a constructive dialogue between Cosmin IONIȚĂ, Lecturer at the Faculty of History, University of Bucharest, and Vladimir KARA-MURZA, Vice President of the Free Russia organization.

The discussion offers an in-depth analysis of the nature of Vladimir Putin’s regime, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the prospects for Russo-Ukrainian reconciliation and international relations. At the core of the argument is the assertion that Putin’s regime is built on a dual logic of internal repression and external aggression, which has functioned synergistically for over two decades. The speaker argues that this authoritarian model is fundamentally incompatible with the rule of law, human rights, and a rules-based international order. In this context, the war in Ukraine is not viewed as a bilateral conflict, but as an imperialist act of aggression that cannot be resolved as long as the current leadership in the Kremlin remains in power.

Regarding reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, it is deemed possible only after the fall of the Putin regime and a full assumption of responsibility for the crimes committed—this includes the release of prisoners of war and political prisoners, as well as prosecutions for crimes against humanity. Reconciliation must follow a process akin to that between France and Germany after World War II, but it will require time, political will, and historical truth.

The guest also speaks about the current situation in Russia, where fear and apathy dominate society and repression is widespread and brutal. The lack of access to accurate information due to propaganda and censorship means that much of the population remains unaware of the war’s true nature and consequences. In this regard, the importance of resuming the broadcast of objective information in the Russian language through international media outlets is strongly emphasized, as a means to counter the regime’s systemic disinformation.

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