- The Russian women’s punk band Pussy Riot, which has caused a stir for years with its criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, gave a concert in Basel.
- In the past, the activists have accepted repression and imprisonment for their commitment.
- Your commitment now applies to the resistance against the war in Ukraine.
“We think it’s very important to talk to the audience in Europe now,” says band member Marija Alyokhina to “10vor10″. “Because the money to finance this war comes from the West. We call for a total embargo on Russian oil and gas. And sanctions for all those responsible for this war.”
It’s really important that Switzerland got out of what you call neutral status.
“I think a lot of the money that Putin’s gang stole from the Russian people is here,” Olga Borisova said. Marija Alyokhina expressly welcomes the fact that Switzerland is also participating in the sanctions against Russia: “It is really important that Switzerland has come out of this neutral status – as you call it. And that Switzerland became active and showed solidarity with the European Union and Ukraine.”
Film-ready escape from Russia
The activists describe the situation in Russia as devastating. According to Alyokhina, many people she knows are in prison. “Many of our own have left the country. Because if they come back, they would be put in jail.” Maria Alyokhina has also definitely left Russia. She managed to escape from house arrest spectacularly in May: disguised as an employee of a Moscow food delivery service, she fled to Lithuania via Belarus.
According to Olga Borisova, these are very dark times in Russia. “But at the same time there is a lot of protest, a lot of resistance. A lot of people who weren’t politically active before are now politically active.”
The demands of the two Russians are clear: “We all have to stand together and support Ukraine,” said Marija Alyokhina. «Ukraine is a European country and Ukraine should become a member of the EU. I have never seen a country that fought so hard and honestly to become a member of the EU.”
Every country should help Ukraine in some way, be it arms supplies, humanitarian aid, money, anything.
“We should all be united and help Ukraine,” adds Olga Borisova. “Because this is a very dangerous moment in history. Certain people are indifferent and think that this is a matter between Ukraine and Russia. In fact, we are at a very critical moment in the history of Europe. Every country should help Ukraine in some way, be it arms supplies, humanitarian aid, money, anything. We must stop this war. And Ukraine should win.”
