Russian opposition party launches in Berlin, Yashin elected leader

2026-06-14

The founding convention of a new party, Russian Peace Forces, aimed at representing the interests of opposition figures living outside Russia, was held in Berlin on the 13th and elected Ilya Yashin as its leader, the independent Russian media outlet Meduza reported.

Lack of unity remains a challenge

Opposition figures operating abroad under persecution by Russian authorities are not aligned, and it is unclear how much influence the new party will be able to wield.

Goal is to win power

Yashin has long criticised President Vladimir Putin. He was sentenced in December 2022 to 8 years and 6 months in prison for spreading false information about the Russian military over the invasion of Ukraine, but was released from a Russian prison in August 2024 in a prisoner swap with Western countries and sent to Germany.

Yashin said the purpose of founding the new party is to win power in Russia, and indicated that he may eventually establish a base inside Russia. He said there were supporters backing him financially, but did not provide details for security reasons.

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