Mikhail Khodorkovsky is ready to return to Russia if he is confident in the possibility of subsequent travel abroad. The former head of YUKOS stated this in an interview with the editor-in-chief of New Times magazine Evgenia Albats. Khodorkovsky, who immediately after being pardoned by President Putin flew to Germany on a private plane, said that this condition is the main thing for him.

Answering the question about whether he was going to Russia if he was “allowed to return,” Khodorkovsky replied, “of course.” He also said that he had heard a statement from President Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, that Khodorkovsky was “free to return to Russia.” At the same time, Khodorkovsky emphasized that his family situation requires confidence that he will be able to fly out of the country again if necessary: the businessman’s mother, who has cancer, is being treated in Germany

On December 21, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Khodorkovsky was “absolutely free to return to Russia.” At the same time, the press secretary did not clarify whether there are any conditions associated with Khodorkovsky’s release, or whether he will be able to freely participate in political activities.

On November 12, the ex-head of YUKOS turned to the Russian President with a request for a pardon due to family circumstances. Putin also wished Khodorkovsky good health, noting that he never interfered in the Yukos affair. The President also noted that the process had no political background.

On December 20, Putin signed a decree pardoning Khodorkovsky. The businessman was released, and a few hours later he flew to Berlin on a private Cessna plane. At the airport of the German capital, the former head of YUKOS was met by a German police officer who gave him documents for legal entry into the territory of Germany.

On December 22, the businessman’s first press conference after his release from prison will take place, at which he promises to tell everything in detail about his plans. Now Khodorkovsky is in the Adlon Hotel in the center of Berlin, where he has already met with his son and his parents. He also talked with journalists - in particular, he gave his first television interview to the Dozhd TV channel, the full version of which will be published after the press conference.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky named the main condition for his return to Russia