This is because the Russian “opposition”, though anti-Putin, is still pro-Russian. And this is their essential flaw. They still love Russia, they love the Russian people. A decent person however, should not only be anti-Putin, but should be vehemently and unapologetically anti-Russian. Loving Russia, with our without Putin, sympathizing with the Russian people is already immoral and amounts to a crime.
Putin is the perfect representative of the Russian people. His whole persona, with all his character traits and behavioral patterns, perfectly encapsulates the Russian psyche. It is therefore a fatal delusion to think of Putin separately from the Russian people.
The mainstream Russian “opposition” - all those Kara-Murzas, Yashins, Navalnysts and their supporters - should not be given a voice in the West. They should be completely muted out of the Western discourse on Russia. Even if one assumes that their intentions are good, which is doubtful by the way, they are doing more harm than good. They are brainwashing the unsuspecting European audiences with their rosy tales about the Russia. They are spreading false information about the nature of the Russian people. They should be grateful that they get to live in the civilized West enjoying all the fruits of its great civilization, and just shut up.
If one wants to know about Russia, about the true nature of the Russian people, one should consult Ukrainians exclusively. There are a lot of Ukrainians now living in Europe. Every single one of them can give you more accurate information about Russia than all the Kara-Murzas, Yashins, Navalnayas combined. You don’t need to consult Russians to understand Russia. You don’t need “Russia experts” to understand Russia. Every single Ukrainian is a true Russia expert. Consult them only.
Garry Kasparov: 'You never hear Russian opposition actually say Ukraine must win'
https://kyivindependent.com/garry-kasparov-without-decisive-military-defeat-there-wont-be-change-in-russia/