In a recent interview with Agence France-Presse in Paris, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent adversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin, urged the international community to deny Putin any opportunity for a "face-saving" escape from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kara-Murza, who was released last month in a major prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, emphasized that the only solution for peace in Ukraine was the end of Putin's long rule.

Kara-Murza, who had been serving a 25-year sentence on treason and other charges for criticizing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, expressed confidence that he would be able to return to his homeland as the "regime" of Putin would eventually come to an end. While acknowledging Western fatigue over the conflict, he stressed that it was crucial for Putin not to emerge from the war unscathed.

The Cambridge-educated Kara-Murza strongly criticized the Western approach of "realpolitik" in dealing with Russia, arguing that it had enabled Putin to become the powerful figure he is today. Calling for an end to such politics, Kara-Murza warned that if Putin's regime were allowed to claim victory in the Ukraine conflict, it would only set the stage for future conflicts and catastrophes.

During the interview, Kara-Murza expressed his eagerness to visit Ukraine and meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky to build bridges between Russia's pro-democracy movement and Ukraine. He acknowledged that the process of reconciliation would not be easy or quick but believed that it was possible to overcome the tragic consequences of Putin's actions.

Speaking about his time in prison, Kara-Murza shared a special bond of solidarity with Ukrainian officers who were also held captive, even though communication between them was forbidden. He revealed his previous certainty of dying in the penal colony but was unexpectedly released and was part of the major prisoner exchange in Ankara.

Later, Kara-Murza met with French President Emmanuel Macron, who applauded his courage and reiterated France's support for human rights defenders and freedom of expression.

While confident about his own safety outside of Russia, Kara-Murza dismissed concerns, stating that security was not a concern for those opposing Putin's regime. He emphasized that the future was inevitable, despite Putin's attempts to cling to power, and condemned any Western leader who engaged with Putin as essentially shaking hands with a murderer.

Kara-Murza's wife, Yevgenia, who played a crucial role in campaigning for his release, expressed her sustained anger against the crimes committed by the Kremlin in Ukraine and Russia. Both vowed to continue fighting for the release of other political prisoners.

Vladimir Kara-Murza's release signifies a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against Putin's authoritarian regime. As the calls for accountability and freedom grow louder, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Kara-Murza's plea for ensuring Putin's regime is held accountable and Ukraine receives a just resolution to the conflict.