Collapse of the Myth

What threatens Europe, the world and Russia Brexit? The New Times asked Russian politicians and experts:

Alexey Gromyko, Director of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences:

This is a big blow to the project of a united Europe, which, however, needs to be corrected. As for Russia, it is both economically and financially strongly tied to both the European Union and the largest British transnational companies. So the damage for us, of course, will be.

* Mikhail Kasyanov *, leader of the PARNAS party:

For me, this came as a complete surprise. I was sure that the UK would remain in the European Union. The trend of the 21st century is integration and blurring of national borders. As for Russia, I do not think that this situation will somehow affect the position of the European Union towards Russia.

* Fyodor Lukyanov *, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine:

For Europe, this is the deepest crisis. First of all, because the fundamental and system-forming myth is collapsing that the European Union is a place where everyone aspires to and from where no one ever wants to leave. The European Union could use the departure of Great Britain, which has always taken a special position on all issues, as a moment to launch a new model of continental integration. But so far there are no politicians who could do it.

For Russia, the consequences are also ambivalent. On the one hand, the situation is simplified: the European Union, which is immersed in its own problems, is not so focused on protecting its interests. On the other hand, one can expect a strengthening of NATO's role in Europe as the only remaining common institution. This will not please Moscow.

* Alexei Navalny *, leader of the Progress Party

I think that no apocalyptic predictions will come true. The UK will leave the EU in a few years, the system is stable. Inside the country, 50% of the population is against leaving. There will be no extremes and no horrors.

Boris Reznik, State Duma deputy, United Russia faction:

I do not share the joy of Mr. Zhirinovsky, who today threw caps into the air over the beginning of the collapse of the European Union. In my opinion, the EU is a quite successful political and economic association of European states. The possible collapse of the EU may have a negative impact on us. Even such a small thing as a single visa, which allows you to freely move around the Schengen area, makes the life of travelers much more convenient. We must also take into account the fact that Russia is integrated into the world community and its problems will affect the economy of the Russian Federation in one way or another. Now the EU is pulling weak countries like Greece, Portugal and Bulgaria out of debt. And it will be more difficult to survive alone.

Dmitry Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center:

For Europe, this means a colossal strengthening of the national and nationalist factors. And a very serious weakening of pro-European integrationist tendencies. And for Russia, this is a weakening of the group of "Russo-skeptics" within the European Union, which includes the Baltic countries, Poland, and Sweden. From the point of view of lifting or maintaining sanctions against Russia, the UK's exit from the EU will not affect it in any way. But in the future, those states that would like to improve relations with Russia will feel more confident.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky , leader of Open Russia

The decision to leave the EU will have to pay. But this is the choice of a people who learn from their mistakes and overcome their consequences with optimism, since they determine their own destiny. Real life is including the right to make mistakes. As for us and everyone else, the influence of Germany and the United States in Europe will increase, and Russian radicals will also increase.