He called the events unfolding in Russia today a challenge not only for the country's leadership and security forces, but also for every citizen.
On Saturday, June 24 the rector of St. Petersburg Mining University, Chairman of the Presidium of "Nedra" Consortium which includes more than one hundred domestic higher educational institutions, Vladimir Litvinenko addressed the academic and business communities. He called the current situation an ordeal for our country as a whole and for every citizen in particular.
"Today all of us must truly unite, consolidate around our leader in order for Russia to receive a new powerful impetus for development. Not only economically, but also spiritually, socially and intellectually. Each person in his or her position must realize his or her responsibility and spare no effort to ensure that the company and the industry where he or she works work, works for the good of society and our victory. On my part I will do my best, as before, so that science and education, as a single conglomerate, serve as a reliable foundation for the sustainable development of our country and create conditions for progress for all Russian citizens without exception," emphasized Vladimir Litvinenko.
Rector called the unfolding events unexpected for him, because he personally knows many members of the PMC "Wagner".
"They are true heroes and patriots of Russia, who have repeatedly proved their courage and love for their country on the battlefield, were involved in the most complex military operations, not sparing their lives. I have always treated them with respect and therefore I am surprised at everything that is happening now," Litvinenko said.
In his opinion, the present conjuncture will inevitably lead to strengthening of the role of the state not only in the military, but also in economic and ideological spheres. Though a certain part of society, first of all adherents of liberal ideology, will undoubtedly oppose it.
"Today's events prove once again that our economy and our society need to urgently get rid of the vestiges of liberal ideology. And by no means return to its mechanisms, such as concession agreements and free access to mineral resources, although such proposals have recently begun to sound again. I'm sure we will definitely overcome all the difficulties, but to do this as quickly as possible, we need to mentally reconstruct ourselves, move away from liberal ideas and adopt a mobilization model of development. It means that the state acts as a regulator, sets clear goals for society and creates favorable conditions for their achievement. Only in this case will we be able to preserve Russia's sovereignty and our historical identity. This is the foundation without which no progress can be made," Litvinenko is sure.
He reminded that Russia was able to get out of the unprecedented crisis of the 1990s after Vladimir Putin "slightly increased the level of state regulation of the oil, gas, and mining sectors." Among other things, he decided to abandon the practice of concluding concession agreements, which allowed export revenues to be redirected from the pockets of the oligarchs into the federal budget. In many ways, it was this "anti-liberal" decision that caused the "economic miracle" of the early 2000s, when inflation was finally brought under control in the country, and the average standard of living of Russians rose noticeably.
"The Chinese say: God forbid you should live in times of change." And we all understand the meaning of this expression very well, because every member of society feels the need for stability and confidence in the future. Now Russia, without any exaggeration, is going through a fateful stage in history. We will be able to go through it as painlessly as possible only if we unite our efforts for the sake of our common victory, peaceful sky over our heads, peace and well-being of our relatives and friends", - summarized Vladimir Litvinenko.