**Putin's Regime Will Fall Suddenly, Warns Freed Gulag Dissident** Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent journalist and political activist, recently shared his harrowing experiences from his time in a Siberian prison, emphasizing the fragility of the current Russian regime. Alongside his wife, Evgenia, he reflected on the chilling circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and the broader implications for Russia's future. The last encounter I had with Evgenia Kara-Murza was particularly somber, occurring in early March. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as we spoke, coinciding with the burial of Alexei Navalny, a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, whose death was widely believed to be a politically motivated assassination. At that moment, Vladimir Kara-Murza remained locked away in a prison cell in Siberia, a place reminiscent of the Arctic facility where Navalny was found dead. The similarities between their situations are striking. Like Navalny, Vladimir has been a target of the Kremlin's wrath, facing baseless charges and enduring imprisonment. His story is further complicated by the fact that he has survived two poisoning attempts, both orchestrated by the same unit of the FSB (Federal Security Service) that was responsible for Navalny's poisoning. Kara-Murza's insights into the current political climate in Russia suggest that the regime's hold on power is more precarious than it appears. He believes that the truth about the government's actions will eventually emerge, leading to a sudden and unexpected collapse of Putin's regime.

Dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was recently released in a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, has expressed his determination to return to Russia. Kara-Murza, who had feared for his life and anticipated execution prior to the swap, is now resolute in his commitment to continue his activism against the Russian government. This exchange marks the largest of its kind since the Cold War, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations. Kara-Murza's release has drawn attention to the plight of political prisoners in Russia and the broader struggle for democracy and human rights in the country.

**Kremlin Prisoner Swap Exclusive: My 11-Month Ordeal in Putin’s Gulag** Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent figure in the Russian opposition alongside Evan Gershkovich, shares his harrowing experience for the first time since being released in a landmark prisoner exchange. Tom Watling reports. After enduring nearly a year in a Russian prison, Vladimir Kara-Murza has emerged with a powerful story of resilience and defiance against the oppressive regime of Vladimir Putin. His release, part of a significant prisoner swap, marks a pivotal moment not only for him but also for the broader movement opposing the Kremlin's authoritarian grip. Kara-Murza, who has long been an outspoken critic of Putin, was arrested and sentenced to a lengthy prison term on charges widely regarded as politically motivated. During his time in the gulag, he faced harsh conditions and isolation, yet he remained steadfast in his beliefs and commitment to advocating for democracy in Russia. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Kara-Murza reflects on the challenges he faced during his imprisonment, the psychological toll it took, and the unwavering support he received from fellow dissidents and international allies. His story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. As he recounts his experiences, Kara-Murza emphasizes the importance of solidarity among those fighting for freedom in Russia. He expresses gratitude for the efforts made by activists and organizations that campaigned for his release, highlighting the collective power of resistance against oppression. Now free, Kara-Murza is determined to continue his fight for justice and democracy in Russia, using his voice to inspire others and shine a light on the ongoing struggles faced by political prisoners and dissidents. His journey is a reminder of the resilience required to stand up against authoritarianism and the hope that persists even in the darkest of times.