“The End of an Empire”: Voices from Nations Oppressed by Russia
The conference titled “The End of an Empire” brought together representatives from a range of anti-imperial nations to examine the current geopolitical reality and the enduring consequences of Russian aggression. Voices from Chechnya, Circassia, Buryatia, Kalmykia, and Bashkortostan delivered powerful and often harrowing testimony, shedding light on decades of war, repression, and systemic human rights abuses carried out by the Russian state.
Notably, all of the speakers who participated in the conference are currently listed on Russia’s official “terrorist” registry—a designation widely viewed as a tool to silence dissent and suppress national self-determination movements.
A central message echoed throughout the event was both stark and provocative:
Big Russia — big problems.
Small Russia — small problems.
No Russia — no problem.
Accompanied by the slogan #MakeRussiaSmallAgain, the conference underscored a growing belief among these nations that the dismantling of imperial structures is essential for peace and stability.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came during testimony from Marina Kahnkalaeva, who spoke about the devastating toll of Russia’s war in Chechnya. According to her account, approximately 42,000 Chechen children were killed during the conflict under Vladimir Putin’s leadership—a tragedy that continues to resonate deeply. Speakers emphasized a critical point: had Putin been stopped in Chechnya, the world might not be witnessing the war in Ukraine today. The failure to confront earlier aggression, they argued, enabled the continuation and escalation of violence.
At the same time, the conference highlighted a lesser-known reality—many individuals from these same nations are now actively resisting Russian forces, fighting alongside Ukrainians in defense of freedom and sovereignty.
The event served as both a platform for truth-telling and a call to action, urging the international community to recognize the interconnected struggles of nations living under the shadow of empire.