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Navalny vs. Strelkov: Russian oppositionist agrees to debate former separatist commander
Opposition politician Alexey Navalny has agreed to a public debate against Igor Girkin (better known as Igor Strelkov), the leader of the nationalist movement “Novorossiya.”
Navalny says he accepted the debate invitation because he wants to prove that his presidential campaign should also appeal to self-described Russian patriots, like the people Girkin represents. The date, time, and format of the debate have yet to be determined.
“I am, after all, an ardent supporter of open political discussion and open debates. I have something to say on these topics. Such a conversation with Igor Ivanovich Strelkov [Girkin], who of course expresses the opinion of a select group of Russian citizens, would interest me, and I’m ready to participate.”
- Igor Girkin was one of the main public figures among the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine during the early stages of the armed confrontation in 2014. Until August that year, he led the Defense Ministry of the self-declared People’s Republic of Donetsk.