Overview
- Michail Chodorkowski told reporters in Berlin that a quick end to the war is unlikely while Vladimir Putin remains in office and that Putin will probably die in power.
- Chodorkowski warned Putin has repeatedly used foreign wars to divert domestic problems and said the Kremlin leader may launch or escalate conflicts to secure his rule.
- He cited polling that he says shows only about 35 percent of Russians want the war to end and said state propaganda and rising support make an internal break unlikely for at least a year.
- Chodorkowski criticized Western de‑escalation strategies as wrong and urged more active steps, including targeted support for Ukraine and efforts to split Russian elites.
- He does not expect swift democratization after Putin and noted that institutions like the Security Council, parliament and regions could gain influence while the FSB labels him an anti‑state figure.