Yushchenko on the Collapse of the Russian Federation: Putin is Driving the Country towards Turmoil and Division.

According to ТСН: The third president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, expressed the opinion that Vladimir Putin's policies are progressively leading Russia towards internal chaos and possibly even collapse.

In an interview, he discussed the prospects of Russia and national sentiments within the country. Yushchenko noted that, despite sanctions, Russia still has financial resources that help it stay afloat; however, the economic situation in the state is in deep stagnation.

"The economy of the aggressor state is heading towards the abyss,"

In Yushchenko's opinion, the Kremlin's policies contribute to the intensification of destructive processes. He stated:

"Putin is doing a great service. He is leading Russia to destruction through turmoil. There will definitely be turmoil. After that, one and a half to two dozen national liberation projects may emerge,"

The politician also mentioned Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, which have significant oil resources and can manage their finances independently of Moscow. He also drew attention to Yakutia:

"And the Yakuts, who occupy an area the size of five to six Frances? They have world-class reserves — from diamonds to gold,"

Yushchenko added that many nations within the Russian Federation have already formed a strong national self-awareness, particularly in Dagestan and Chechnya:

"What do a Yakut and a Dagestani have in common? Nothing. And what do a Tatar and a Buryat have in common? Different faiths, different languages, different histories, different national heroes,"

The ex-president believes that the nations oppressed by Russia will only be able to rise when they form their national identity. He recalled the Tatar people, who have preserved their culture, language, and historical memory, including the conquest of Kazan by Ivan IV in 1552:

"They have not lost their national core — language, memory, culture, religion, traditions. Therefore, there is a great chance,"

He also noted that Vladimir Putin indicated how long Russia is prepared to fight, stating that it would agree to cease hostilities only if Ukraine leaves territories that the Kremlin considers its own. Among these territories are likely parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Viktor Yushchenko's remarks on the future of Russia and its national processes captured the alarming sentiments present in society. Considering possible scenarios for the development of events in Russia is important not only for Ukrainians but also for the international community, as the impact of these events could shake the stability of the region as a whole. The position of various peoples in Russia, who may be on the verge of changes in their identity and social structure, is also worthy of attention.