Will Other Regions Of RF Support Activists Who Declared Kalmykia's Independence?

There is a desire for freedom in Tatarstan.

Activists have supported the declaration of Kalmykia's independence from Russia. Under certain conditions, this could be the beginning of a major transformation in Russia.

Igor Yakovenko, a Russian opposition journalist, said this opinion to Channel 24. The document on independence was adopted by the participants of the Congress of the Oirat Kalmyk people.

The national activists who drew up the declaration consider full independence from Russia a prerequisite for preserving the Kalmyk language and culture.

"Separately, this story has no perspective. However, given the general trend, it could become mainstream," the Russian journalist said.

According to Yakovenko, the sentiment towards separation is also characteristic of other peoples of Russia. In particular, the journalist reminded that a referendum on sovereignty was held in Tatarstan in 1992.

"This referendum meant not some abstract sovereignty, but the separation of the Republic of Tatarstan from Russia. More than 62% of the population voted for the separation of Tatarstan from Russia," the journalist said.

He stressed that the referendum was conducted fairly and reflected the mood of the people. However, the then President of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev, was threatened by Moscow with a war like the Chechen war, so they had to reject independence.

"However, these sentiments have survived in Tatarstan. They still perceive Russia as a neighbouring state," Yakovenko noted.