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In Ukraine and Neighboring Countries, Democracy Activists Are Prepared for a Long Struggle
Michael Abramowitz, President of Freedom House, travelled to Warsaw, Poland and Vilnius, Lithuania to meet with the activists defending freedom and democracy in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. He left the discussions with a feeling of hope for the future of democracy in Eastern Europe, and renewed vigour to sustain resistance against autocrats and support for pro-democracy forces in those countries. He highlights several notable initiatives, and states that dissent in Russia has not been wiped out, with Putin's increasing crackdown damaging support for his regime. Abramowitz urges pro-democracy forces to sustain solidarity and patience in those countries: it would be a mistake to prematurely ease sanctions and reduce pressure on autocrats in these countries, and this struggle is sure to continue for years to come.