Russian Democratic Society in London

We work to counter authoritarianism and war by empowering democratic voices from Russia and making them heard in the UK.

Our focus is advocating for peace, justice and human rights, enabling political instruments and supporting those oppressed by the regime.

May Picnic for Letters to Political Prisoners

On May 23, we’re once again inviting you to our monthly… wait, not an evening gathering and not at a pub! With the arrival of warmer days, our letter-writing events for political prisoners are returning to their summer picnic format in the park. Bring blankets, food, drinks, and a willingness to write — most importantly the latter.

Political prisoners still need our support. They don’t have picnics, travel, or meetings with friends in the park. They have four prison walls and strictly regulated visits and phone calls. Our letters help them maintain a connection with the outside world and remind them that they are not forgotten or alone. That’s why we continue to gather every month and send letters to Russian penal colonies — because we know it matters.

When: Saturday, May 23, 2:00–5:00 PM
Where: Kensington Gardens, north of the Round pond

We’d also like to remind you that RDS is participating in the Free the Youth campaign for young political prisoners. For example, the author of this post will be writing to Nikita Turlaev from Khabarovsk Krai, who was arrested at 18 and convicted of “terrorism” (the Memorial has recognised him as a political prisoner).

You can also support Nikita Turlaev, Arseny Turbin, Eva Bagrova, and others through donations via the link in bio

Ksenia Maximova is now a local councillor in Ealing!

On May 7, local elections were held in the United Kingdom. Our director, Ksenia Maximova, ran as a candidate for the LibDems in Ealing — one of London’s 32 boroughs — and won, becoming one of the three councillors representing the Walpole ward. Ealing has a population of more than 350,000 people, so serving on the borough council here is an important and demanding responsibility. As a local councillor, Ksenia promises to actively engage with local residents, help maintain order in the area, and combat antisocial behaviour.

This victory also has another important meaning. It is no coincidence that many Russian media wrote about Ksenia’s election, and that Alexander Plushev invited her onto his livestream. This precedent demonstrates the opportunities provided by a genuine democratic system. An immigrant from Russia joined a political party, became involved in local community affairs, ran for office, campaigned, canvassed, and was elected with nearly two thousand votes. This is how politics should be run: from the bottom up, through clear, transparent, and accessible processes. For most Russians, this is something new, but it is important to be prepared to bring this experience to Russia as well.

We wish Ksenia success in her new responsibilities and are confident that she will defend the interests of Ealing residents just as persistently as she has defended Russians and Ukrainians. We also hope this is far from the last piece of news about Russians participating and succeeding in politics abroad.

“Try Me for Treason”: A Film About Russians Convicted for Protesting the War

Six months ago we invited you to the presentation of the book “Try Me for Treason”, edited by Simon Pirani. It translated into English the courtroom speeches of anti-war Russians — Sasha Skochilenko, Darya Kozyreva, Mikhail Kriger, and others who found themselves facing prison sentences because of their political views. And now the speeches from this book can not only be read, but also heard.

Simon Pirani, from the Ukraine Information Group, together with a group of actors, has created a 50-minute film, which will premiere in London this Sunday at 6:30 PM. At 8:00 PM, the film will also become available on YouTube.

To quote Simon, "This film conveys something of the reality of opposition in Russia to the Kremlin’s aggression in Ukraine: defiant individual protests, and these brave speeches in court, are almost the only public expressions of this opposition. But the importance of the stand these people are taking can not be measured in numbers".

Show this film to your friends to remind the world that not all Russians support Vladimir Putin and his criminal war against Ukraine. Some of them are willing to go to prison for their dissent.

Watch the film:
Sunday, May 17, 6:30 PM
Upstairs room, The Lucas Arms

Or online, May 17 at 8:00 PM (GMT+1), link in bio

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Emotional Support Group*

Our community has an emotional support group* led by a volunteer psychologist.

If you are looking for help and wish to become part of a caring group of individuals who are working through life’s troubles together — please, send us a message by filling the form:

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* the emotional support group is not psychotherapy and cannot replace a psychiatric consultation. If you have medical indications or are experiencing a severe mental state, consult a doctor

Новая Газета Европа

May 17, 2026

Ксения Максимова, глава базирующегося в Великобритании движения Russian Democratic Society, в мае победила на местных выборах в Лондоне и стала одним из трех муниципальных депутатов от Партии либеральных демократов, которые теперь будут представлять в городском совете Лондона многонациональный пригородный район Илинг. «Новая-Европа» поговорила с Максимовой о ее политическом пути и о том, почему антивоенным российским мигрантам нужно не бояться становиться политиками стран, где они теперь живут.

The i Paper

Feb 27, 2026

Russian dissidents who fled to Britain after being targeted by Vladimir Putin‘s regime face being deported and forced to fight for Moscow’s army in Ukraine after the Home Office claimed it would be safe for them to return.

The i Paper

Dec 4, 2025

I'm a Russian in the UK, Trump's peace deal disgusts me

View all publications in the press

We work to counter authoritarianism and war by empowering democratic voices from Russia and making them heard in the UK.

Our focus is advocating for peace, justice and human rights, enabling political instruments and supporting those oppressed by the regime.

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Emotional Support Group*