Unlike the Russian opposition and their supporters, I do not believe in the so-called "Wonderful Russia of Tomorrow" and categorically reject and denounce the actions of the horrifying Russia of today. My belief lies in the complete restoration of the human rights of all indigenous peoples whose lands were colonized by the Russian empire and whose economies were destroyed and whose properties were unjustly seized, including Circassians, who are now scattered around the globe due to the 19th century Russian colonization and the ongoing Russian imperialism.
The path forward is through the restoration of Circassian land, economy, culture, and dignity. A free and independent Circassia offers hope not just for the Circassians but also for all peoples living in this territory. This vision is both rational and pragmatic, considering the millions-strong Circassian diaspora possesses immense economic and cultural potential, which could pull the region out of the abyss it sinks deeper into each day. People suffer, the environment suffers - just consider the ecological disaster caused by that rusty russian oil tanker in the Black Sea. It is now clear, even to those who prefer to look away, how much pain Russia has inflicted on all its neighbors: endless wars, destruction, and countless deaths.
This vision for the future is grounded in rationality. There is no need to divide territories, which could lead to border disputes, but rather to seek common ground. We all want democracy, freedom of speech, economic prosperity, and cultural revival. Let Karachay and Balkaria, Kuban, Nogai be autonomous, but as part of a united state of Circassia, so we can together and wisely build the economy of the state. Circassians are no strangers to multilingualism and the need to preserve all autochthonous languages and cultures.
These borders before the start of the Russo-Caucasian War marked the lands of the Circassians, right before the empire began its invasion and the construction of fortifications in 1760s. Although the empire has never officially acknowledged these as Circassian lands, preferring instead to claim that they were Ottoman territories ceded through dubious agreements, these claims are nothing more than convenient myths. Soviet and Russian propagandists have successfully implanted such falsehoods into the minds of local populations along the Black Sea coast and across Russia, where knowledge of the Circassians is distant and distorted. Even in historical Circassia, many refuse to accept the fact that they live on land soaked in Circassian blood—land where countless Circassians were driven from their homes, their fields burned, and their orchards destroyed.
This will continue until historical justice is restored, for evil must be stopped; otherwise, it only breeds more evil. That evil right now is the RF, and those who want to distance themselves from it as much as possible, physically and morally, Circassia is the answer. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness, and this cycle may persist indefinitely. But there is a way to end this disgrace and allow everyone to live with dignity. For now, however, Russia continues its genocide against Ukrainians, with hands already drenched in the blood of Circassians and other nations in the region.
The restoration of Circassia is not just about reclaiming land; it is a profound endeavor to restore justice, dignity, and a shared future where all peoples of the region can coexist peacefully and prosperously, free from the shadow of imperialism.
Circassia envisions itself as a multinational and multilingual state, a harmonious and inclusive society dedicated to healing the wounds of the past—not only for its people but also for the land itself and all the creatures that call it home. This vision embodies a commitment to restoring ecological balance, fostering cultural revival, and ensuring justice for everyone, creating a foundation for sustainable peace and mutual prosperity.
The borders on the map incorporate the whole of the Krasnodar Krai, Stavropol Krai, and the three "Circassian" Republics. It pushes r*sia away from the seas, from Georgia, and from Ukraine. It shhould be in the interest of all post-Soviet states in the Caucasus and in the interest of Turkey, where 3-5 Million Circassian reside.
Lidia Zhigunova