The Tragedies Caused by Russia Cannot Be Hidden
Adel Bashqawi
November 14, 2025
AI-generated via Microsoft Copilot
It is essential to address the future of the peoples and nations that endured the brutality of Russian imperialist expansionist policies during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries—particularly under Ivan the Terrible, of the Rurik dynasty, the first Tsar and Grand Prince of all Russia (1547–1584), and Peter the Great, of the Romanov dynasty, Tsar of all Russia (1682–1725) and the first Emperor of Russia (1721–1725).
These campaigns resulted in grave human rights violations and systematic terror—not only against Russian subjects but also against the peoples and nations that were invaded, occupied, and in many cases, exterminated. The disastrous effects of these colonial wars—brutal invasions, occupation, destruction, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and forced deportation—continue to reverberate to this day.
The Future of Captive Peoples and Nations
- From the time of Ivan the Terrible through successive Russian regimes, the right to self-determination has been consistently denied. The Circassians, in particular, have been tested repeatedly, and those who broke their promises have been proven wrong. Today, many continue to treat the Circassians and other subjugated peoples with utter disregard. Activists and leaders who oppose Russia’s domination must stand firm and refuse to trust those who have already demonstrated incompetence.
- It is essential to address the future of the peoples and nations that suffered under Russian imperial expansion—those who endured invasion, occupation, ethnic cleansing, genocide, and displacement. These communities will not accept others assuming their role or speaking on their behalf, regardless of title or position.
- Serious efforts must be made to explore future actions. Foremost among them is the imperative that captive peoples and nations be free to express their views regarding their present and future. It is illogical to demand liberation from Russian oppression while simultaneously showing willingness to accept domination by other powers under different names.
- These nations—especially the Circassians—demand the restoration of their legitimate rights, the exercise of their freedom, and the right to self-determination. They will not accept being incorporated into a future Russian state under any leadership or entity, regardless of its name. Any future action must be grounded in the principles of human rights and international law.
- The descendants of victims whose nations suffered occupation cannot accept or tolerate anyone assuming their role or speaking on their behalf. They demand the right to shape the future of their homelands, to be liberated from all forms of slavery and colonialism, and to reclaim their rights to freedom, self-determination, and independence.
- No one should presume to determine the direction or destiny of others without a mandate. To do so is to overstep and undermine national sentiment.
Shuffling the Cards
Russia never imagined that the occupied and exhausted peoples and nations would one day demand the restoration of control over their homelands.
Protecting Circassian national identity and restoring legitimate rights to freedom and self-determination must remain top priorities. Those who attempt to lead the movement in ways contrary to these goals risk producing undesirable consequences.
This reflects a dangerous randomness in politics—resembling Machiavellian ideology, misguided cross-national cooperation, and narcissism—when individuals appoint themselves to speak for others without their knowledge or consent.
Speaking on behalf of others without consultation or proper authorization is unreasonable by all standards. Every nation and people has the right to speak for themselves about their present and future.
According to international norms, substituting others is an act of deprivation—denying nations their right to self-expression. It is unacceptable to strip peoples and nations of their distinctiveness and their right to represent themselves. Dehumanizing them by speaking on their behalf without consent is unacceptable by any standard. Everyone has a voice in their present and future—no hard feelings.
