WARSAW, July 1, 2024 – From June 22-25, 2024, Warsaw hosted the sixth session of the Congress of People's Deputies of Russia, a shadow parliament formed by former Russian deputies who oppose Putin and which serves as the political wing of the Russian resistance movement against Putin’s regime. The Congress currently includes 108 deputies from 36 regions of Russia, representing all political parties that have ever been elected to the State Duma. Sixty-five deputies actively participated in this session
The most impactful development was the "Plan of Victory Over Putinism" created by the Congress. This plan, intended to complement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "Formula of Peace," will be presented to the participants of the NATO anniversary summit in Washington D.C.
This plan outlines seven steps that Ukraine, the "Rammstein coalition" countries, and representatives of the free Russian Republic can implement together:
- Achieve parity on the battlefield
- Surpass Russian military production levels
- Cut off the Russian government from funding and technology for warfare
- Achieve a split in the Russian elites
- Support Russians fighting for democracy
- Establish a political alternative to Putinism
- Dismantle Putin's regime and end the war
During the discussion, the deputies emphasized that efforts to appease Putin and seek further compromises are counterproductive and dangerous for all of Russia's neighboring countries. They insisted that NATO should stop shielding Russian territory and the Kremlin regime from Ukrainian attacks and Russian resistance. The deputies argued that the only way to secure long-term peace in Europe is to lift the moratorium on regime change actions in Russia and to support the Russian resistance, coordinated by Ukrainian military and political leadership.
In connection with the preparation of the "Victory Plan," the Congress decided to join the final communiqué of the Peace Summit in Switzerland and expressed its intention to propose to the Office of the President of Ukraine the sending of a delegation of the Russian resistance to the Second Summit this Fall.
Another decision of the Congress was to bring charges against Russian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev for usurping power, launching aggressive wars in Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine, and committing war crimes. The Congress established the position of special prosecutor for the crimes of Putinism, who will work in cooperation with investigators from the International Criminal Court and the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine.
The Congress of People's Deputies reviewed the latest actions of the Russian opposition, endorsed the outcomes of the Lviv Forum held in May that supported Russian volunteers, and constructively criticized those advocating participation in the upcoming pseudo-elections in Russia this September. Additionally, the Congress proposed the framework to involve the Russian diaspora in resistance activities.
The Congress adopted in the first reading a provisional law on elections, which radically changes the electoral system, and a law on right to bear arms, legalizing their circulation in the country. Thus, a number of legislative concepts, including those in the social sphere, were discussed.
The event was also attended by international and Russian guests: experts, cultural figures, political activists, European politicians, and representatives of post-Soviet countries. Traditionally, the Congress was attended by leading politicians from Poland and Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was represented by four deputies, including the head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Oleksandr Merezhko.
Oleh Dunda, a member of Ukrainian parliament from the ruling Servant of the People party, emphasized that “passive expectations by some Russian oppositionists for a Ukrainian victory on the battlefield as a prerequisite for the fall of Putin's regime are not conducive to internal political changes in Russia.” He stressed the need for joint efforts in this struggle. "The Congress has succeeded in becoming a real parliament; now the task is to seek the implementation of its decisions and their recognition by all stakeholders," he added.
Michal Kaminski, Vice-Speaker of the Polish Senate, announced at the Congress that Polish parliamentarians are preparing an interparliamentary group called "For Free Russia." This group will include members of the Polish Senate and Sejm, members of the European Parliament, and representatives of the Congress of People's Deputies. Kaminski indicated that the group could become operational as early as in July 2024.
A discussion was held with opposition representatives from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Latin America, and Belarus on methods of combating totalitarian regimes in the post-Soviet space and fostering cooperation between anti-authoritarian forces. During this conversation, Jose David Chaparro Martinez, a representative of Venezuela and commander of the Bolivar Battalion in the Foreign Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that the influence of the current Russian regime is causing serious damage to territorial security even in Latin America.
Ruslan Kutayev, President of the Assembly of the Peoples of the Caucasus, proposed that the deputies of the Congress quickly establish an executive body for the Russian opposition. This body would aim to unite the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the peoples of Russia in their fight against the regime and work to prevent the genocide of entire nations.
Ilya Ponomarev, Chairman of the Congress of People's Deputies, stated, "Without creating a political alternative to Putinism, we cannot achieve victory over this evil. This alternative must offer legitimacy now and a clear vision for the future. The Congress's two years of work have demonstrated its capability, planning, and determination. It remains the only Russian opposition structure formed through full-fledged elections, maintains strong ties with resistance fighters, and is steadily moving toward recognition as Russia's future legislative power."
The next (VII) session of the Congress of People's Deputies is scheduled for this fall.
The Congress of People's Deputies was convened in November 2022 as a proto-parliament of the future Russian Republic at the initiative of former Russian deputies who take an anti-Putin stance. It serves as the political wing of the Russian resistance movement against the Putin regime. Currently, 108 deputies from 36 regions of Russia, representing all political parties that have ever been elected to the State Duma, are participating in the Congress. At its first session, held from November 4-7, 2022, the Fundamental Declaration and the Resistance Movement Act were adopted, establishing the legal principles for combating Putinism. The Executive Council, Secretariat, and working groups of the Congress were also formed to continue drafting legislation, organizing activities, and coordinating with all international and Russian participants of the anti-Putin coalition. Today, the Congress includes deputies of various levels, residing both within and outside of Russia.
The Congress of People's Deputies will function as the Russian parliament from the moment the Putin regime is removed from power until the end of the transitional period, during which Russia's political system will be rebooted, and legitimate authorities will be elected. After this, the Congress will be dissolved, and its decisions will need to be confirmed by the new parliament.
The Congress adopted the Provisional Constitution, the Declaration of Rights and Freedoms of Citizens of the Russian Republic, the Lustration Act, the Freedom of Speech Act proclaiming the principles of media independence in post-Putin Russia, the Pension Reform Act, the Economic Freedom Act, and the Self-Governance Act. It is also working on the foundations of reforms for the political, judicial, and law enforcement systems.
The documents adopted by the Congress and new draft laws are published on the website http://rosdep.online.