America did win the cold war. But the russian army was not defeated. Everything is intact. Centuries ago Napoleon tried to invade Russia which did not work. Hitler did the same but failed.

Russians are world no1 at chess and checkers which means that the're briljant. These people won't allow you to dominate them. America should take this into consideration.

Artbis, Pa'bo,

Berezovsky the thief and the thief should be imprisoned!

Mikhail, Moscow, Russia

Earlier I thought, that Berezovsky is simply enemy of Putin. And I ignored Berezovsky and him opinions. (As most of people in Russia). But now I changed my mind. Now i consider Berezovsky as enemy of Russia. Freedom, powerfull Russia.
Putin declared (and i belive) that he will not run for president of Russia. Why If he is tsar,tyrant? Maybe he doesn`t have support of Russian people? He does. Very much. Maybe he fears critic articles of Berezovsky? No, he doesn`t. Not a bit. Putin leaves, because he believes. He believes Russin people. And Russian people now believe themselves. At last.

Vladimir, Irkutsk, Russia

Maybe a side step to the topic, but I would like to add a short comment to one earlier post arguing that other countries inevitably need “to bow to Russia because of its vast energy supplies” Yes, the Putin regime is benefiting from high prices of oil. But, the country is still far from being independent of the rest of the world. The point is simply that you can't eat raw oil. Any country unable to feed its own population is naturally dependent on countries capable of exporting food. Russia is one of the largest net importers of meat and meat products in the world. The consumption of dairy products is also heavily dependent on imports. Furthermore, for example the OECD and FAPRI both predict that the dependence on imports of all these products is not going to decrease during the next ten years - rather the opposite. Add to this that the main food exporting countries are almost exclusively Western industrial countries you can't say that the dependence is only one-sided - say the least.

Pekka, Espoo Finland, Espoo, Finland

to Dmitri, Vancouver, BC, Canada,

Dear Mr. Dmitri, i have a possibility to compare russian and western media and i saw "Soviet-style brain-washing" propaganda at western media side only. Russian media does not need to invent anything to provoke xenophobia and nationalism, it is enough to state all foreign facts without any concealment.

Moreover, your accusation russian media of propaganda has not any proof. Tell me please what fact of propaganda you saw?

Andrey, Borisoglebsk, Russia

War is coming...and not a tiny one like Iraq.

Can you feel it?



...it will burn us all.

Soldier, Columbus, USA

The choice between a corrupt oligarch whose primary interest is enriching himself and a hard-line leader whose priority is the re-establishment of his country's power and pride is not a difficult one. The Russian people will choose the latter every time.

JDJB, Aberdeen, UK

Mr.Berezovsky is a very brave man ringing the bell that nobody else dares to ring. I agree with his conclusions about Russia turned into a totalitarian regime ruled by completely corrupt elite.
What's even more troubling is the ever-growing rhetoric of nationalistic and xehophobic propaganda. Luckily, it is possible nowadays to watch Russian TV and read Russian newspapers, while being outside Russia. It makes my skin shiver reminding me of the worst Soviet-style brain-washing.

Dmitri, Vancouver, BC, Canada

to Andrus, Tallinn, Estonia, wrote: ... "So it's not possible to take seriously accusations on mr.Berezovski by Russian people here who are influented by Don Putins media."... I knew that Estonians are kind of slow. :-( Didn't it occur to you that ussians who post here read Western media and are influenced by it as much as by the Russian news outlets? And they CAN compare, unlike foreigners, the myths with the reality on the ground. And the so-called "free" media fails the reality checks all the time. Wake up.

Sergei, San Francisco / Moscow,

Do you know Yeltsin slogan "corruption for democracy"? it is Boris Berezovsky. Do you prefer "corruption for British democracy"? Do you read "corruption for democracy"? Do you very much risk if as well as you would like to provocative? Do you want know the habit Berezovsky to have the command of assassins for democracy?
Also, if you prefer the separatism..., however, while the USA-British break-up can meant liberation for the people of Scotland, the Wales, the south states, Texas and others… Do you know about as separatism very much is infectious?
What to Berezovsky can a rescue and saving? Now Russia does not exist, it is similar separations of USA during civil war. Now exist only polyethnic Russian Federation similar by northern states . CIS is political similar of confederation, because in Russia was not present Lincoln and there was a complicity of federal corrupt politicians (as Berezovsky) in conspiracy of the nationalists against federation. so!

Sergey, St.-Petersburg, Russia

Maybe as a side step to the issue I would like to add a short comment to one earlier post arguing that other countries inevitably need “to bow to Russia because of its vast energy supplies” Yes, the Putin regime is benefiting from high prices of oil. But, the country is still far from being independent of the rest of the world. The point is simply that you can't eat raw oil. Any country unable to feed its own population is naturally dependent on countries capable of exporting food. Russia is one of the largest net importers of meat and meat products in the world. The consumption of dairy products is also heavily dependent on imports. Furthermore, for example the OECD and FAPRI both predict that the dependence on imports of all these products is not going to decrease during the next ten years - rather the opposite. Add to this that the main food exporting countries are almost exclusively Western industrial countries you can't say that the dependence is only one-sided - at the least.

Pekka, Espoo Finland, Espoo, Finland

Answers to Alexander from St. Petersburg, Russia
1. Is Putin's regime corrupt? - Nope.
2. Is Putin's elite corrupt? - Nope.
3. Has the regime suppressed human rights? - Nope.
4. Has the regime allied itself with enemies of democracy and freedom around the world? - Nope.
5. Is there any freedom of press in Russia today? - Yep.
6. How much do the ordinary Russians have to pay in bribes in order to "live much better"? - None
7. Exept for the energy sector, is there any viable economy? - Yep
8. ... You leraned your 'History of KPSS" well! Slaves rising to defent their slave-master... - No slaves

Sergei Aronov, St. Petersburg, Russia

In Russia there are no independent media, only propaganda under control of Russian goverment. Those many killed journalists during past couple of years.Beating oposition of Kasparov.
So it's not possible to take seriously accusations on mr.Berezovski by Russian people here who are influented by Don Putins media. And even if those accusations are true, you need to prove them in court. But how can you prove those accusations if the provider of the evidence AND the court AND the owner of the mass media is Putins regime.
I believe that oligarhs are the first one who are interested in democracy and independent courts. Why? Because they allready have money and they don't have security. All their wealth depends of the mood of dictator.
So I would'nt judge Berezovski right now and I would listen carefully what he is sayng. He is sayng that:"Russia is not democratic and Russia is a threath to himself and to the world by militarising himself and terror countryes. Worshipping Stalin. etc."

Andrus, Tallinn, Estonia

To Martin edwards, LLandudno, Conwy, N Wales , UK
I would like to refresh your memory, so you may think twice before using expressions like "rubbish" and "utter lies".
- Please remember how UK has betrayed Checkoslovakia to Hitler before acusing "Soviet Union that allied itself with the Nazi". For some reasons this fact isn't popular with Western press and history.
-Please remember the French sailors in Tulon that died by British naval fire. Well, "5000 Polish prisoners" were as a hostile force to USSR as France to UK. And Russia has formally apologised for it.
-Please remember the famine in India organised and cerried out by UK when millions died of hunger.
-Please remember that every day civilians die in Iraq by British fire in illegal war.
So, please get down from that high moral horse of yours, there is no place for Britain and US on it. Please check the facts and figures before you start calling other people "utter liers". Because you may be the one who talks "rubbish".

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

In reply to Martin edwards from UK and other western guys. Mind your own business and clean up your own home!!! Do not forget your colonialism in near past and nowadays in Iraq!!!

Again! MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!

Arsen, Moscow, RUSSIA

The gas and oil Putin's Russia is selling belongs to numerous small and opressed Finno-ugric nations whos lands are ravaged in this shameful process. This is the sad and little known truth.

shiva, Tallinn, Estonia

On my humble side, I am becoming more and more convinced that Mr. Beresovsky (BAB) for some reason became a personal enemy of Vladimir Putin (VVP), and made the political defeat of VVP "no matter how" to be the purpose of BAB life. Moreover, the chain of events: "Litvinenko murder", "Russian bomb in Georgia" look like a part of sophisticated plot of provocations in this direction. I suspect that BAB could a very dangerous person, capable to inflict harm. A pity that UK is eager to give asylum to such amoral people like BAB (and some others). Is it that the political dividents from harming Russia are more important for UK politics than moral considerations? Why UK always stanads by BAB and his alliws. I do not like Putin too much but what this artical says is absolutely distasteful. And appeals to insurgence in Russia (with possible victims) can actually fall under criminal investigation.

Vyck, Philly, USA/PA

quote:
"Boris is absolutely correct in my mind of the future collapse of the Russia. ... as nationalism is rising on that country. ..."
Karl, Tallinn, Estonia

Karl, first of all, your beloved Boris and the company have already predicted several collapses in Russia. The first one was to take it place in 2001... I don't think I missed them all because, for example, being in comma during last years... ;)

And one more. Before talking about nationalism in Russia you would better tell about your. Or it's not true that old Nazy criminals are now like honored people, and they where there uniform, and they have marches on there holidays, is it?

Helen, it's time to understand that, as independent states, they should think before they do something. It is stupid to play durty tricks on somebody you depend on.

Artem, Barnaul, Russian Empire

The top leader in the world today is Vladimir Putin. He has taken Russia back from Western Oil companies and improved the lot of the Russian people with the money he gets from energy exports.
Contrast that with the performance of the Western Axis of Evil, the UK and the USA

William Alexander, delta, Canada

Boris you are wrong.

Tomo, Tokyo,

This man is fighting for his own interests -at least Putin is looking after Russia and Russia's interests. I look forward to a stronger Russia to counterbalance other countries and their simplistic view of the world. We need intelligent interaction and not leaders who behave like spoilt children. Russia trusted the west in the 1990's and have now seen through us- we don't have democracy how do we expect to tell others how to achieve it!!

Diana, Wales,

What a glorious article, what a man BB! I want to to follow his example! Dear British! I know, all you are very suffering from your undemocratic regime.I know this absolutely clearly, John Dow, the London homeless communist and other hobos told me, i very believe them. They told me that police does not allow to scream sedition cryes, to do pogroms and forbids to sleep under park benches. It is supression of democracy! I will rescue all you. Now i preparing a revolution. I have all facility, funds and personnel to make it. Do not tell me that you are supporting your government at all, you are intimidated and being fooled by propaganda. After 5-10 years after revolution happen, you will be happy and will be able to scream everything you want and will be able to sleep anywhere you can. I must alert you, during those 5-10 years your life will be like hell, but it is unimportant. We will not scant in victims for freedom and democracy.

Are you really want to be saved by me, dear friends?

Andrey, Borisoglebsk, Russia

The statement of Mr. Beresovsky is correct absolutely.
Any addition to his article is impossible.
I entirely agree with him.

Popov, Munich, Germany

Seems like the article is based on the "Second Chance" of
Mr. Zbigniew Brzezinski

Natasha, Moscow, Russia

All Boris wants is to return to Russia! To return as a free man!He is homesick and hungry for power and money. He lost, he should face the music. The West knows the source of his "fortune". Russia will find its own way and there is no place in it for Boris and alikes!

Valerii, Moscow, Russia

Boris Berezovsky in particular and "The Family" in general are the reasons why I had to immigrate from Russia to Canada in 1998.
Here is a typical story from my Russian hometown. Young father of two, gets home from work, unable to collect money from his employer for the past 6 months takes gun and kills himself. The poverty that the Family brought most of the Russians into was screaming. To those who are unaware - Berezovsky ruled the Family, he was called the gray cardinal of Kremlin.
Now, living a good healthy life in a very good country, this person feels he has a right to buy this place in Sunday Times with his bloody millions.
People, this person is pure evil. There is always a death around this man when he was in Russia and now in England. He doesn't care about Russia, he cares about power that he has lost when he had to leave Russia.

Roman Starkov, Calgary, Canada

Berezovsky comments sound bad! Will you talk of freedom when the blood begins to run? The freedom has no value if violence is the price ! Boris Abramovich, Russian Citizens don't wana your revolutions !

Esenin, New York, USA

The real problem isn't Russian totalitarianism because the regime in Moscow is no more corrupt or authoritarian than the regime in Tbilisi which just sentenced 13 opposition members to long jail sentences on trumped up coup charges, or Americas quiet ally in the region Kazakhstan, a nation whose democracy we have no problem with because it quietly and obediently delivers its oil. The real problem is the West's (and by West I mean America and the UK because Paris/Rome/Berlin-Moscow relations are certainly not stressed) belief that Moscow has no rightful claim to great power status and thus has no right to exercise any influence over its neighbors. If some Yabloko man was sitting in the Kremlin instead of Putin and he was trying to secure the Russian near abroad we would be quick to label him a tyrant too, make no mistake about it. Any non-Yeltsin like drunk in the Kremlin is going to be compared with Stalin for decades to come because certain people are afraid of any Russian strength

yuri tolstay, new york new york , US

All economic growth in Russia in the last few years has been completely dependent on abnormally high oil prices, due to the war in Iraq. Anyone crediting Putin for this growth is ridiculous, when the credit is really due to Bushs stupidity. The Livinenko murder was intended as an act of menace towards the west, and so far the wests repsonse has been dangerously weak. Putin these days, strutting around with his naked chest on horse back, like some gay John Wayne, thinks he's a cowboy. Anyone who would believe that the Stalinist period was part of their nations glorious past belongs in an institution, as they're too dangerous to be let out in public.

killian, Dublin, Ireland

It is quite remarkable to see my fellow Russians raise hell about Berezovky's lack of credibility while completely ignoring his argument. OK, Berezovsky has dubious credentials. But what about the essence of what he is saying? Is Putin's regime corrupt? Is Putin's elite corrupt? Has the regime suppressed human rights? Has the regime allied itself with enemies of democracy and freedom around the world? Is there any freedom of press in Russia today? How much do the ordinary Russians have to pay in bribes in order to "live much better"? Exept for the energy sector, is there any viable economy? There was no single comment from Russia (or from Putin's sympathizers in the UK) addressing any of these questions, and yet they are central to Berezovsky's piece. Instead of looking at the argument itself, Putin's defenders attack the personality of the argument's author and liken him to Trotsky... You leraned your 'History of KPSS" well! Slaves rising to defent their slave-master...

Alexander, St. Petersburg, Russia

Berevsky talking about others being corrupt is laughable.

Alan Heaton, Frankfurt, Germany

I entirely agree with Berezovsky's opinion. Any addition isn't necessary.
Whole text of his article is correct.

Popov, Munich, Germany

I first went to Russia in 1991 delivering food aid in Leningrad and have susequently worked their three times giving advise to the fire department. After my first vist I had to write a report which concluded the termoil the then USSR was in an the need to develop a Marshal type plan in order to assist finacially and develop and stregthen institutions and democracy. The West never did and as a result we have a return to a totalitarian type rule albeit in the guise of democracy. A good friend in Russia once said the Russians are good people who have been badly led. This indeed has been my experience and Putin is the end result of not being there for Russians when they needed us.

Russian's have an inherent characteristic of deferentialism due to years of intimidatory rule. Is it any wonder that we have a leader like Putin? He is almost a self fulfilling prophesy.

The visit of Russian Bear bombers this week to the UK is a reminder that nothing changes for long.

Evam Morris, Chester, United Kingdom

Hey, guys over there in the UK, I understand why Mr. Berezovsky says what he says, but what's your role in it? Why wouldn't you just leave the Russians alone? Mr. Berezovsky does not speak for Russians, even if he pretends to say "our people". I do not know where his people is, but anybody thinking of Russians as his people would not wish them such a fate. And please do not humbug me with this "bringing Russia back to the democratic community" and "saving it" hogwash. If you are absolutely incapable of simply minding your own business, would you please kindly go and save somebody else? Of course, after you finish saving Iraq and Afghanistan. Please do not forget by the way that you have gotten into the Iraqi mess thanks partially to big lies of so-called "Iraqi exiles". Do you still remember Ahmed Chalabi and his role in providing all this false information that contributed to your decision to go and shoot yourself in the foot in Iraq? Can you learn your lessons? No? So I thought.

Oleg, Ontario, Canada

It may be true that most of the Russians people like Putin, but this doesn't justify his deeds. Russian people also liked Stalin a lot, they still do (They had big posters of Stalin on the streets on the 9th of September 2006 ) despite that he sent countless numbers of Russians to Siberia. It would be OK, if they wouldn't call it democracy, what they are developing there, because it is not. Russian economy is completely controlled by the government. It may be possible to achieve some improvement by establishing state controlled companies which sell gas (no need for research and development). The most dangerous part is Russian aggressive foreign policy. It is time for Russia to understand that former Soviet countries are now independent and that they don't want to and never will be part of Russia. Even more, there are small nations in Russian Federation which would prefer not belong to this.

Helen, Tallinn, ESTONIA

The perfidy of mister BB is in semi-truth.
Everything he tells us is semi-truth. But it is more dangerous than lie.
Very difficult to sign a line between truth and sincere provocation.
Don't forget gentlemen please that he is himself from a closest encirclement of his sworn enimy... too!
The offence courtier excommunicating from new russian tsar Putin table in cause of doubtful financial operations without concord with PAPA....
Wanna see a fool - look at the mirror! (modern russian proverb).

Doctor Igla, Moscow, RF

Boris is absolutely correct in my mind of the future collapse of the Russia. But question is whether it will be before or after any major war (civil or otherwise), as nationalism is rising on that country. There is no way that Russia can become democratic by itself, because of its education system and control over media as well as so many resources per capita. As it is no interest of any country to have messy times in Russia, Western countries must help that democratization process somehow. But it aint gonna be easy.

Karl, Tallinn, Estonia

The dog barks when the caravan moves on

Yaroslav, St.-Peterburg, Russia

I first went to Russia in 1991 delivering food aid in Leningrad and have susequently worked their three times giving advise to the fire department. After my first vist I had to write a report which concluded the termoil the then USSR was in an the need to develop a Marshal type plan in order to assist finacially and develop and stregthen institutions and democracy. The West never did and as a result we have a return to a totalitarian type rule albeit in the guise of democracy. A good friend in Russia once said the Russians are good people who have been badly led. This indeed has been my experience and Putin is the end result of not being there for Russians when they needed us.

Russian's have an inherent characteristic of deferentialism due to years of intimidatory rule. Is it any wonder that we have a leader like Putin? He is almost a self fulfilling prophesy.

The visit of Russian Bear bombers this week to the UK is a reminder that nothing changes for long.

Evam Morris, Chester, United Kingdom

To Martin Edwards: 1) it was SOVIET troops, not Russian, that executed Polish officers at Katyn; 2) Along with those Polish officers around 5,000 Russian officer and dissidents perished at Katyn, an event commemorated by a monument at the place where it all happened. Don't you go and tar all the Russian people with something that was a result of totalitarian regime, of which the main victims were first and foremost the Russian people themselves.

And read up on your history. Whilst invading Poland by the Soviet troops was an agreed act by Germany and USSR, it has the same place in history as Chamberlain's weakness, resulting in the Munich agreement and invasion of Czechoslovakia.

Putin is far from conventional, he is barely democratic and behaves like a tsar. However, one would be hugely foolish to blindly nod in agreement to the words of the has-been ioligarch, who was instrumental in Putin's rise to power.

Roman, London, UK,

The British and the Russians easily understand each other in a pub. Even in a pub brawl! It's only the journalists who have always been creating animosity. However, if there is any, it only lasts to the bottom of the second pint.
Speaking seriously, the guy in question initially supported Putin because he could never imagine that Vlad were motivated not by greed but by love and pride for our country. This was a great luck for us.

Dmitry, Moscow, Russia

This summer I visited Russia. I spent two weeks in smaller size cites and towns. This article does not match with the common people with whom I talked. They like their president. His actions are in keeping with their feelings and wishes.

The only negative on him washe common USA comment about any USA leader or congressmen. (You know a lot of talk but little action.) The important thing to remember is: The actions that have happened in the palces I visited are making things better.

I am not saying Russia is perfect. It still has much work ahead. However the article is not about being truthful or reflective of the average Russian

Dale, London Ohio, USA

One Russian proverb says - "God, save me from friends like this, but I'll be saved from enemies myself!"

Dmitriy, Tver, Russia

Dear British, i have a big request for you. Please, entrust to Berezovsky a rescue and saving of UK, not Russia. Russia had almost destroyed as a result of his (and other swindlers) help since 1990th. Try it yourself, do not propose russians to try this again. I know one "rescuer" of Russia like him: his name is Lenin.

Andrey, Borisoglebsk, Russia

Why do people avoid the energy topic. Last I saw Russia did not need energy to fuel its economy. I Produces twice the oil it uses or more never mind the vast resources of natural gas. This is a totally different dynamic then the cold war era. In case you haven't noticed there is no such thing as cheap unlimited oil supplies unless you are the Russian Government. In this new Global economy they have no where to go but up. Sure China and India are out doing Russia economically but Both know that at some point in time the will have to bow to Russia because of its vast energy supplies. The US, China and India all use more Oil the they produce. Logistically the US is at a disadvantage. The vast Majority of US oil comes by ship. Russia can reach China, India and Pakistan via pipeline. Thats why India and China are at the will of the Russians. Thats Why the US is starting to look like a desperate dog. Using self Infliction to gain a reason to take afghan and Iraqi air space. 911 what?

Jarvis, Saint Joseph, Missouri/ USA

In reply to the utter lies of Valentine Kulikova of Moscow , it was the Soviet Union that allied itself with the Nazi war machine and jointly invaded Poland in 1939.
In one massacre alone Russian troops killed 5000 Polish prisoners so don't preaching rubbish you should hand your head in shame for your statement.
As for commisar Putin he IS turning the clock back to soviet times on many fronts , economic , political , and military . We are rapidly heading back towards an agressive communist style superpower as having advised the Balir Government in the past the West must wake up to the approaching threat.

Martin edwards, LLandudno, Conwy, N Wales , UK

"However, while the Soviet break-up meant liberation for the people of Ukraine, the Baltic states, the Caucasus, central Asia and others, breaking up Russia would mean a collapse of a unique civilisation that is integral to global civilisation." (c)

What B.B. cares about? Maybe about unique oil and gas transportation infrastructure?

Basanetz, Moscow, exUSSR

Some of the things are true. Many are completely wrong.
Two strong feelings arose:
1. This man lost the sence of reality. At least he averexagerrates influence of Russia on the world politics in the end of his message.
2. This man does not have the moral right to tell those some things that are true (as he was one of few behing this regime + unlike Khodorkovsky escaped).

Volodya, Moscow, Russia

Boris Berezovsky we together with you! Make putty cry!

Ivan Petrenko, Moscow, Russia

I should like to express my whole agreement with Berezovsky's paper. All his statements are correct in my opinion.

Nikolai, Munich, Germany

Putin's points and objectives are grossly missed. To be objective in subtance, reverse the west's position to that of Russia, and a close look at America's attitudes in world stage and its distratrous impact. Then and only then can you see the light through the opaque screen of events unfolding between Moscow and the west. The west has raped the so called democracy if it at all exist in the west.. The west must clean its acts before critising others. you want to rule the world by force? Impossible in the 21st. century. The only option may be to set the world ablase so no one will live to tell the story.

B.J.Lemoh, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

Saving Russia by the West can be a delicate theme for discussion. It is interesting, just how often the EU governments recall in public their own history of cooperation, like the betrayal of Spain, then Czechoslovakia to Hitler in 1938, then Austria, then now-beloved Poland (the most faithful catholic country in Europe, pitilessly abandoned by Vatican, BTW), then France? Was that not England who destroyed the French naval forces, eh?

Piece after piece, the old Europe was throwing its countries with all people in a Hitler's mouth, just to satisfy his appetites and to "fight back the Soviet pest". You all know the result. This kind of political cooperation should always be remembered by West before they attempt to help to anyone.

Valentine Kulikova, Moscow, Russia

What Putin did is stop the thuggery and looting of Russia natural resources.He put this Jewish mafia in jails where they belong.Some like Mr.Berezovsky managed to run away.So all in all Putin did for Russia more than last 10 or so leaders managed to do over sxty years.good on hiim.

oskar, brisbane, australia

I am not sure whether I have got the gist of your argument. By all accounts President Putin has restored Russia s economy and if this has been achieved at the cost of a limitation of democracy, I don t think the ordinary Russian will be complaining - which is a democratic plus-point. Furthermore, in a consideration of the stability of energy supplies, stable government of whatever colour, is the essential criterion. I don t think that a democracy is any more reliable in that context than other governing situations. I think the West has to get used to an, admittedly unfamiliar, approach of accommodating other countries regimes and gaining it s preferences by diplomatic and other skills. It may not sell as many newspapers, but are they interested in getting results or just playing top dog?

Henry Percy, London, UK

Not being an outright admirer of president Putin, I would nevertheless never dream of uttering a word in favour of Boris Berezovsky. Russia needs democracy, but democracy is nothing that decends upon you as a holly spirit, but something that arrives slowly and is a result of hard work by the entire civil society. Letting a murderous thug, whose actions (including but not limited to the financing of Chechen terrorists) have led to the loss of thousands of Russian lives, to appear on the pages of the Sunday Times, demonstrates a lack of understanding of the contemporary Russian politics. It is also a remarkable manifestation of poor political taste.

Ilya, Moscow, Russia

"Call Putin's bluff: save Russia". There was a time Russians had been saved in a similar manner, by kind Germans, who provided somebody by name of Vladimir Lenin a guarded train so he could return from Switzerland (where he resided in exile) to Russia after the February 1917 revolution. The October 1917 coup followed, and the communist Soviet Union was established with Mr. Lenin as its leader. I am sure the Russians will be eternally grateful for this kind help from the Western powers. So I think you’d better continue enjoying the company of Mr. Platon E-Lenin aka Boris Berezovsky in London. You deserve it more than Russians do.

Oleg, a Russian from Canada, Ontario, Canada

Well, its not a badly written article is it. Where's the Russian version? Oh by the way, there is a piece of moon rock somewhere in Antarctica, that is so large, it would only fit on Santa's sleigh. Maybe it's somewhere above Lake Vostock. Who knows?

T.R.E Hugger, Anglesey,

Is Berezovsky a freedom fighter? No he is not. His only interest is to regain control of his multi-billion assets in Russia - by any means possible - be it an externally funded rebellion or a coup d'etat. He wants to be again, as during Yeltsin chaotic years of "reforms", the leader of the "corrupt pro-Kremlin elite", - which he hates so much now that he's not a part of it.

Alex, Pasadena, USA

You are truly amazing, Kingmaker Boris. Why did you put Putin in power in the first place? You knew he is KGB - what did you expect? The first step of the West (and The Sunday Times) should be to realise that this is all about the next president now - elections are just around the corner.

Dave, London,

What a strange view! Mr. Berezovsky, far from his old political levers and connections in Russia, with no much money left, tries to write mantras? Does he really believe that if someone repeats something for enough time, it becomes true automatically? With more than 90% Putin's support by Russian people, in an atmosphere of good economical growth (people begun to live MUCH better than before), with Russian national pride resurrecting, Mr. Berezovsky has but no chances to do anything, save for wasting more money for his puppets. Mr. Trotsky, also exiled once, was at least a talented publicist, what I can't apply to our Platon Lebedev - once a Kremlin man by himself, by the way.

Eugene Kulikov, Moscow, Russia

Berezovsky's comments sound good, but the impression that I have received is that the common Russian people love Putin which would suggest that he is not just being propped up by the elite. He appears to be like a Caesar of Rome who seeks to please the people, especially by bringing back Russian pride... although Rome did fall for good reasons in the end...

Iwan Whiteley, Pachuca, Mexico

The hypocrisy of the man is incredible. Let there be no
doubt Russia will be better off under the rule of
Putin than in the grip of an economic dictatorship by
the likes of the author and his cohorts.

Mart, London,

Berezovsky is a criminal, it is obvious for everyone, who saw him in 90th. And when time has come to answer for the crimes, he run away into ultimately unfriendly country and getting ready "revoultion".
His plans has no chance in Russia. Russian society will never forget western betrayal with "economic advisers", who robbed economy, NATO expansion (against who?) and Aggression against Yugoslavia of 1999.
I hope Putin will be elected again in 2012. For now - there is many people in Russia with virtues.

Serge, Moscow, Russia

Quite right, Yaroslav. Spot on. Funny though how a tycoon turns a "democrat" when barred from power in Russia - he did enjoy so much controlling the Yeltsin government, before Putin showed him the door! And speaking of "constitutional" or "democratically elected" parliaments and governments, who excatly voted for British Prime Minister(s)? And why is it that at the last general election in the UK a minority of a meager turnout voted Labour, but Labour has a big majority in the House of Commons? Democratic? Constitutional? Or perhaps the author overlooked it by chance? Who is lecturing here? Start counting your silver ...

Michael, London, UK

It's a little bit funny and simultaneously sad to read the advices about Russia's future from the person who seems to be in the state of paroxysm because of his own future.
The person who had made his fortune by questionable from legal point of view methods and largely thanks to the close ties with that very "corrupt pro-Kremlin elite," now is calling to oust this elite. The reference to John Locke in this particular case is inappropriate, because Locke's philosophy could have been successfully applied to the authoritarian regime in Georgia, for example.
And lastly, why the interests of Russia and the West, two totally different civilizations, must coincide?

Zaal Anjaparidze, Tbilisi, Georgia

Yes it is all our fault once again. We need to learn how to shoot first and ask questions later with these "evil" oppressors. Again, it all seemed to start unravelling after downing the Kursk submarine. Which at first was blamed on guess who? Us (U.S.).

Dan Williamson, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Mr Berezovsky's ardour and dedication to the fate of Russian democracy would no doubt sound more convincing if he was writing his 'pronunciamentos' from jail, where he belongs. This way, at the very least, this bleeding heart citizen and democrat would show some respect for the constitution, the country and the people of Russia he claims to be defending.

Alex, Moscow/New York,

Giving a platform to the former corruptioneer-in-chief is mindboggling. Who next -- Bin Laden?

vva, Los Angeles, US/California

Boris, show your own democractic openess and transparency by declaring the source of your money.
You have been accused of corruption, answer to this accusations, then in that case you have a moral pedastal to stand and make claims.

Jack Sparrow, London, UK

Dear Mr. Boris Berezovsky,

With respect, could you shed light on the following questions, not assertions?

Does Russia keep files on plagiarism and other academic kompromat by professors? (e.g. the Fock Letter published in Physical Review in 1947, Kapitza's obit of Rutherford in 1937 suggesting misconduct by Rutherford's staff, Vainshtein's comments in Matekon in 1969/1970, etc.) Were you aware of these in the 1990's? Was any use made of any such files to pressure low interest rate loans from the IMF and World Bank? Was it your idea? Did you get loans for shares benefits as a reward for your contribution to this?

Did the UK cover the use of this up by Russia to gain atomic secrets and later hypothetically IMF loans? Is that why you can stay in the UK, because of complicity of the UK in covering this up? (One reason being that Dirac was a plagiarist and Russia was using that?)

These are questions, not assertions. But perhaps you could lend some insight on this?

Old Atlantic, Atlantic City, NJ

I think Mr.Berezovsky is getting homesick, he has been out of the country for too long. Perhaps, a new regime after the rebellion inspired by Mr. Berezovsky will be more lenient towards the corruption charges faced by him and allow his return. In connection with this I would ask the same question: who will voluntarily risk their lives to come out on the streets to defend Mr. Berezovsky's ideals?

I am enjoying a period of stability in Russia and do not want any rebellions. There was enough turmoil during the 1990s which doubtless passed Mr. Berezovky by in a somewhat more luxurious surroundings than the vast majority of his compatriots. That's why there is a big gap between him and most of russians.

Tatiana, Krasnodar, Russia

Nothing has changed in Russia. There were no changes during Yeltsin's time either. The Kremlin elite and the Russian Government have been always corrupt. They are interested in money only. I believe that Berezovsky is also a criminal.

Andrei Belyaev, Auckland, New Zealand

This article is not quite about saving Russia. Russia is perfectly well-eqipped to save itself. Russia is quite an old state to see it for itself. It's no one's business how Russia's doing & where it's heading. Russia is not a puppet like Gergia & Ukrain and the like. I've just returned from "free" Ukrain and found it in an very poor shape. Ukrain today bears a strong resmbalance to Russia in the 90s. If Putin what Russians want, let them make thier choice. It's true that russians do not have strong democratic trdaitions, but it's awful to "force" any regime on any country, be it democracy or heaven on earth. It's just not fair. So far any attempts to spread democracy worldwide resulted in horrific mayhams. Putin's regime is absolutely legimate. 70 percent approval is a hard fact. Contrary to what the author of the article suggests there is very few people to protest against Putin (unless they are paid to do so). Generally, people are interested in good incomes & Putin delivers that.

Pam, St.Petersburg, Russia

It is puzzling – why emigrants from Russia so eager to through garbage on their former country. “Leave it or take it”. Mr. Berezovsky is a smart and well educated person. He used to know very well system, where he used to work. But system has changed and working well without him.
It is amazing, what money can do with folk… If British Authorities will follow Mr. Berezovsky recommendations of “comprehensive audit of the former elite's bank accounts”, naturally they shell start audition in alphabetic order, with a letter “B”.
I am afraid, that Boris without money will hardly attract a dozen of listeners at “Speakers Corner” .

Fedor, Montreal, Canada

Yaroslav. I travel to Russia frequently, and am also married to a Russian. Your comments are absolutely correct. Your last three sentences are particularly apt. It is a black mark on the U.K. that we do not send Berezovsky back to Russia to face justice.

stuart turner, Bristol,

It is very remarkable that The Sunday Times gives the opportunity to Mr. Berzovski to express his views. Contrary to what he writes his interest lies not in the Russian people but in his wallet. He is all to eager to return to Russia and resume robbing the Russian people as he did in the nineties!
Putin has done for what he is paid for : Putting Russia back on the map! By any measure he will go down into history on a par with Lenin and Stalin.

m van Egdom, Utrecht,

What is needed is the knowledge of Reagan in how to grapple with the russian bear. and grapple with russia the West must.

wald, Tomaszow , Poland

Yes, because most people in Russia who lived while Berezovsky was instituting his great democratic reforms don't absolutely despise Berezovsky and wouldn't break his neck the moment he entered Russia... oh wait.

Alex, College Park, US

Gosh. the kettle calls the pan black! It was him, Boris Berezovsky who helped V. Putin to come to power. He had his finger in the pie.

Egor, Moscow,

I can hear the tune in my head now "My name is Berezovsky. Hip Hip Hip Hooray! I've only saved the planet with a meteorite on a sleigh" Sung to the tune of "The Sun Has Got His Hat On" from the musical "Me and My Girl". I can even see you in the sleigh dressed up like Rod Steiger in his much under rated role as Victor Komarovsky in the film "Dr Zhivago"

T.R.E. Hugger, Anglesey,

I totally agree with Yaroslav from Moscow.

Michael Campbell , londonderry, n ireland

"When the West realised that the Kremlin was behind the Litvinenko murder," ??? I dont' think the West has made any such foolish assumption; possibly some obscure deaprtment of the FSB was behind it, but that does not necessarily involve the Kremlin. Russia has always been ruled with a bit of an iron fist; an approach which it seems to understand, and appreciate; but I would trust Putin rather than Bush or Blair any day, to come up with some good answers.

H. Grattan, Johannesburg, South Africa

This is a classic Berezovsky rant against the ills of the man he bank rolled.

Berezovsky is the poster child for the corrupt pro-Kremlin elite, but Putin grew tired of his nefarious ways and turned away. There is no justification for Berezovsky taking a political stance over the future of mother Russia. He is a sore loser, at best.

The point he makes over Litvinenko is ridiculous given the new information which is coming to light over the circumstances surrounding his death.

This article should not have been allowed to be published, as it is nothing more than a bitter manipulation of an uninformed public's opinion.

Jeremy, Bratislava,

He is absolutely right!

Vladislav, Moscow,

Berezovskiy is far from being a saint but he is right about Putin and his regime and it's a question of whether the West cares enough to do something before it's too late!Dealing with the corrupt and crooked elite who keep their ill-earned fortunes in London and elsewhere would be a good start, as well as supporting opposition groups in Russia,Belarus etc.
Anyone who doubts whether criticism of Putin might be just propaganda , reading the article on psychatric abuse in Russia in todays paper might help to open their eyes!
You' might be a rogue in some ways Boris but thank God you are still around to speak the truth,unlike poor Anna Politkovskaya and others...

Martin Standage, Paphos, Cyprus.

Well, I allways heard the same words and phrases about Putin and I only can say western was shocked not to have found a similar politician like Jeltsin who was drinking all the time and wanted to sale Russia to the western. I think most western politicians would like to see a disintegrated Russia in several countries for the interest of many western countries. And the conclusion from all western observers: Russia will collapse like the USSR. It,s very sad hearing that from the well trained political experts and western hides one of the biggest robbers in the recent Russian history. Berzowsky and western countries are fighting for justice and for human rights. I say: It is very sad to hear it from the super totalitarian western democracies

Manuel Kielmannsegge, Madrid, Spain

The real question is whether apologists for western liberalism's "democracy" as an unassailable a priori ideology will finally acknowledge that the purported beneficiaries of "democracy" -- in Iraq and elsewhere --today clamour for far less freedom and considerably more order.

Until the Berezovskys of the world acknowledge that the West's peddling of "liberty" is losing its lustre because it is patently self-serving, the Putins of the world will continue to exploit our mendacity by offering up their own alternative and arguably tastier menu for public consumption.

Ron Marks, Kyiv, Ukraine

It'a an absolutely ludicrous idea that decmocracy might be brought into a country from outside. Which country/countries hepled to build democracy in the UK? The Russian people must learn by their own experience that democracy is an integral part of decent life.Until then all attempts to make R Russia "a trus democratic state" will be futile.
And one more thing concerning "help" from the Western states. Rudyard Kipling, who is definitely much wiser than all modern political leaders all together, wrote the lines of genius: "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet..."
It doesn't matter whether Russia is democratic or not, if it is independent and strong Western countires will always be suspicious and dustrustful of her. West sees Russia only as a source of natural resources. It is a fact, and we, Russians, should accept it as that and shouldn't be offended. Just a problem of the clash of two different civilizations.

Victor Tyushev, Vyborg, Russia

Lets help Boris to do what he said.

elena, Vladivostok, Russia

very good article

alexei, san francisco, usa

It's not so much Putin who has to change (like Bush, he won't no matter what the west does) but the mindset of the Russian people. Until the Russian people see democracy--real democracy as their salvation--and until they put aside the idea that a strongman with a knee-jerk reaction to everything western is not in their interest, nothing in Russia will change and only get worse.
Russia is like a clod, forever trudging through the mud of dictatorship and thinking that's progress. While the west goes forward, Russia takes a step back. (It's easy to take potshots at the U.S and Britain and other countries recklessly involved in Iraq, but those countries have opportunites that Russia doesn't--a free press, free elections and a free people to denounce very loudly too the actions of their governments.) Russia will never be free until their people take to the streets and say enough! If Russia were France, Paris would have burned to the ground by now.

Steamboater, Sacramento, California, USA

First of all Mr. Berezovsky will not pass such an audit himself
cause his wellness is based on monies stolen from people of Russia.
As everybody knows he is wanted internationally for thievery.
As per russian media info Mr.Berezovsky tried really hard to get rid of Mr.Litvinenko, he cut in half his salary and only Mr.Berezovsky got benefit after Mr. Litvinenko death.
And those 2 "Kremlin agents" did not leave any traces of polonium in any places were they have been before meeting
Mr. Litvinenko.
How can Iran blackmail if it still has no nuclear power?
What is the role of Russia in the disastrous wars in Iraq and Afganistan?
I am really interested.
How can Pres. Putin regime be unlawful if pres.Putin has support of around 70% of voters of Russia?

George, Vancouver, Canada

Its a shame that the west wants to try the bullying tactics to humble Russia.It should be realised that Russia has grown in terms of economy and rather than trying to interfere in other nations internal affairs I feel its high time for Mr Brown and Mr Bush to cater to the needs of their citizens.The mighty Britain is suffering serious consequences internally and will soon become the stabbing capital of the world.Lenient laws that permit immigrants take up guns and knives, giving asylum to fraudsters like Berezovsky, losing its patriotic soldiers in the war torn Iraq, unabated street drugs and women trafficking...these are the problems that one needs to address rather than interfering into others politics.Media is unnecessarily publicising the Russian roulette as the a new cold-war which is not very true.Russian might be still the second best super power in the world, but it is still far away from the mighty power of the Soviet.

Pranab Kumar, London, UK

Mr. Berezovsky is absolutely correct. Most Western leaders do, in fact, understand that Putin and his network of corrupt cronies refuse to ever adopt anything that even resembles democracy. Even further to the point, many of us conducting business in that country also realize that it is the 'symyonovtzi' that really run Russia and not the Kremlin. Therefore, it will take a NATO airforce base in Ukraine to finally drive home the point to Putin that the days of empire are over.

Stepan Bandera, New York, United States

When in Russia, Boris Berezovsky has never been elected to any public office. He however has amassed personal fortune there and is now prosecuted for fraud and money laundering in several countries.

Who has more credibility: the Russian president who has been directly elected and is supported by 70% of population (latest independent polls) or Mr Berezovsky?

Ingvar, London,

Bravo, Boris!

Andrew Gusarow, St. Petersburg, Russia

The west should moral support and material aid if necessary to supporters of liberty in Russia. Autocrats can only humiliate people to a point until they fight back.

Patrick Rioux, Frankfurt, Germany

It has become almost a tradition now in Russian politics to ask the West to save Russia. Gorbachev asked the West for help to rebuild failing USSR economy, Eltsin did the same, asking for credits. Now Berezovsky, feeling the imminent crisis in Russia is pleading for help in advance. If I were to translate all these pleads into plain language, they would sound something like this: "We have built a vast Empire across Eurasia, but can't afford to upkeep it anymore. Please come and help us." This is just to remind us, that all Russia's leaders, including so called democrat Eltsin were preoccupied with retaining the Empire. So the only viable way to resolve the problem called "Russia" is its sanation, first of all stripping it off its imperialistic balast - national minorities like Chechnya and others. Of course, no one says to wage a war on imperial Russia, but the West should certainly have a firm plan to free national minorities of Russian imperial rule, if an opportunity springs up.

Valery Dzutsev, College Park, US/Maryland

Berezovsky whote: "Instead of giving weight to Putin's high popularity ratings, a simple question must be asked: who will voluntarily risk their lives to come out on the streets to defend Putin?"

Instead this Beresovsky should ask himself another question: "Whether Russians want him, his cronies, and their Trotsky's practice with respect to Russians back?" One more question is, why Putin still not put the same question before Russian people, since, when asked, the response will be quick and the most clear...

Alexey, Saint-Petesburg,

As a citizen of Russia can say, that Putin has real support in russian community, including either elite or simple people. A lot of them are patriots,and don't like any Western politicians to lead them anywhere.

Alex, Moscow , Russia

Where did all the millions of communists disappear to when their brand of tyranny failed? They just re-branded and conned the West, and are sat back playing a long waiting game.

Michael Mallin, Sheffield,

Save Russia?? Save Russia like the West saved Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.??

What is saving Russia? Overthrowing Putin and installing a Yeltsin-like drunk who hands over all of Russia's resources to middle-men like Berezovsky who are experts in funneling the money back to the West.

Western countries had a chance to "save" Russia in the early 90s but instead chose to enforce the Bryzhisnski doctrine which preached a thorough dissemenation of Russia into many "Benign" states which would behave like Romania, Bulgaria and Poland (that is, be completely subservient to NATO and west). Surely enough the west missed its chance.
The west made vladimir putin and should not be shocked at his behavior. You can only humiliate a people to a point until they begin to fight back. Western leaders no longer have any resonance anyplace but their own dinner parties.

Yaroslav, Moscow, Russia

The guy himslef is one of the corrupt elite he is speaking about. How did he get his capital? Now he speaks about the democracy. Such a shame!

Vasilii Petrov, Moscow, Russia

What you say is true. It is a pity that there is not one Government in the West with the gonads to do anything The Democratic party is what used to be called ' useful idiots '.
The correct term would be Quislings. Like most Socialists/Communists they have not read either Mark nor Engals. I would suggest Thomas Sowells' Classical Economics. Slim chance

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx