As Russia tightens domestic restrictions and public discontent grows, opposition groups in exile are seeking to lay the groundwork for Russia's democratic future.
Members of a newly founded political party led by Kremlin critic and former political prisoner Ilya Yashin met in Berlin on Friday to elect their leadership and outline the party's agenda. The movement, called "The Peaceful Forces of Russia", says it aims to promote a peaceful future for the country.
"Putin leads the party of war, and we lead the party of peace," Yashin wrote on the messaging app Telegram.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to enjoy high approval ratings at home. According to the state-run polling agency VCIOM, around 71% of Russians approve of his performance. Against that backdrop, it remains unclear how much influence opposition groups operating from exile can exert inside the country.
Does Yashin have the potential to become a Russian "Nelson Mandela"?
