Solidarity Against Oppression

The Young Democrats for Europe (YDE) stand in full solidarity with our friends and allies in LYMEC and the ALDE Party following the Russian Prosecutor General’s unjust decision to designate their activities as “undesirable” in Russia. This blatant attempt to silence and intimidate liberal voices is yet another attack on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It is also a clear recognition of the powerful and unwavering stance that LYMEC and ALDE Party have taken against Russia’s war in Ukraine and the systematic repression of freedoms in Russia.

As LYMEC and ALDE Party have rightly stated, this designation does not weaken their cause—it strengthens it. They are not anti-Russia; they are anti-Putin’s Russia. They stand for democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech. They have been, and will continue to be, united and unwavering in their condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine since 2022.

We strongly condemn the Kremlin’s increasing repression of political opponents, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens. The systematic labeling of individuals and organizations as “foreign agents,” “extremists,” or “undesirable” is a tool of intimidation designed to crush any form of dissent. It is unacceptable, and we stand in solidarity with those in Russia who continue to fight for democracy despite the immense risks they face.

YDE fully supports LYMEC and ALDE Party in their continued efforts to uphold European values. The Russian government may attempt to silence dissent, but it will never succeed in extinguishing the ideals of democracy and human rights that we all fight for. This unjust designation will not deter us—it only strengthens our resolve.

Now, more than ever, democrats across Europe must stand united against authoritarianism. YDE remains committed to working alongside LYMEC, ALDE, and all those who believe in a free and democratic future for Europe and beyond.