Experts Discuss the Future of U.S.-Russian Relations

NINA KHRUSHCHEVA, THE NEW SCHOOL: It is a global Navalny that we are witnessing this time around. And I think that’s certainly changed the equation that existed before, because, before, it was local. He was known, but it was the local opposition. Now we hear that the world is screaming and demanding Navalny’s release. He’s talking to world leaders. He’s giving interviews. He’s listened to more than he’s listened to Putin. And I think, in this sense, he really changed the equilibrium of the situation and Russia, for sure became a Putin equal. The fact that he got arrested just upon arrival and probably is going to be imprisoned for some time, despite all the denials of the Kremlin that Putin doesn’t care and doesn’t know and he’s just a blogger, really suggests that they do consider him a threat to the regime, and now have to play a very difficult balance, because either he’s going to be more of a martyr, or he’s going to be some unknown local politician. And I think that’s what’s going to be playing out in Russia in the next several weeks, if not months.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: It’s extraordinary to hear you now place Navalny in a much more elevated position than he was us. You said he’s sort of Putin’s equal in terms of public awareness now and the importance of it. So, let me just turn to Evelyn Farkas in Washington. When you were in government, Russia was your — Russia was your speciality. And Russia has been a major problem. So, somehow, the United States has not been able to get its response right, it seems, for nearly 20 years now. What — now that you have heard how important Navalny is, what do you think the Biden administration should do, as it’s just starting a whole fresh new page of relations with Russia?

EVELYN FARKAS, FORMER DEFENSE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I mean, I think, Christiane, exactly what it’s doing. I mean, the Biden administration very clearly has called for the release of Alexei Navalny. He’s not being held under any proper excuse. I mean, the excuse is that he skipped on his parole for a court case which also was unfounded. And he skipped on his parole because the government of Russia tried to kill him. They tried to poison him. So, I think the Biden administration should speak clearly, firmly, stand up for human rights — and Alexei Navalny has human rights, after all — and for democracy, and then work with the Russian government where it can based on interests, not based on some idea that we’re going to convince Vladimir Putin and his team to care about the international order.