FSI’s McFaul on the death of Boris Nemtsov

nemtsov A poster of Kremlin Boris Nemtsov is seen during a march to commemorate him near St. Basil's Cathedral in central Moscow March 1. Holding placards declaring "I am not afraid", thousands of Russians marched in Moscow on Sunday in memory of Nemtsov, whose murder has widened a split in society that some say could threaten Russia's future. The poster reads, "Heroes don't die".

 

As the world reacts to the death of Boris Nemtsov, FSI Director Michael McFaul adds his thoughts and commentary on the slaying of the Russian opposition leader. McFaul, who served as Washington’s ambassador to Moscow, knew Nemtsov well and called him a “real patriot who believed in the possibility of Russia’s greatness.”

The outspoken opposition leader was shot dead Friday evening in central Moscow, on a bridge near Red Square. His death came several days before he was to lead a public protest of the war in Ukraine.

“He was my friend before he was my interlocutor as a government official,” McFaul said. “He was one of the most charismatic politicians that I’ve known in Russia for the last 30 years.”
 
 
Listen to and read more from McFaul: