Regarding the recent exchange of prisoners between Russia and Western countries.

First, we would like to congratulate all political prisoners who have gained their freedom as a result of the recent exchange.

We are sincerely happy for you!

As for the very possibility of exchanging Russian spies for political prisoners, we consider this an acceptable format.

If it is permissible to exchange spies for spies, then exchanging spies for political prisoners is also permissible, since saving the lives of innocent people is humane.

However, we are convinced that criminals who have committed serious crimes and received life sentences or long terms of punishment for their deeds should not and cannot be considered as part of an exchange fund, unless it concerns an equivalent exchange of criminals for criminals, with the condition that they serve their sentences in their home country.

A criminal who has committed a premeditated political murder cannot simply return home and receive a reward instead of punishment.

Such a scenario should not even be discussed.

A criminal must bear the punishment prescribed by law.

One of the foundations of a rule-of-law state is the principle of the inevitability of punishment.

Unfortunately, the actions of the highest political authority of the Federal Republic of Germany have trampled this principle.

The hired assassin, who, on the orders and in the interests of Russian special services, cold-bloodedly shot Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in the center of Berlin, escaped the punishment prescribed by German law, returned to Russia, where he was personally greeted by President Putin and promised a reward for good service to the motherland.

We are forced to regretfully acknowledge that the deal conducted with Putin regarding the exchange of prisoners is a political victory for the Russian dictator and a very dangerous precedent for international politics.

This will also instill confidence in future potential criminals, whom Russia will send to commit serious crimes in the EU and other countries.

Now they know that Russia will free them no matter what, and no laws or legal principles will hinder them in doing so.

We condemn the extradition of Vadim Krasikov to Russia.