Two Russian dissidents who were part of a recent East-West prisoner swap have expressed their desire to return to Russia despite being deported. Andrei Pivovarov and Ilya Yashin, both political activists, emphasized their longing to be in their homeland while recognizing the likelihood of being barred from reentry by Russian authorities. Yashin, who was released in exchange for a convicted murderer, acknowledged the emotional difficulty of being freed under such circumstances. He plans to continue his anti-war efforts and support for political prisoners in Russia. Pivovarov also intends to carry on his opposition activities from abroad, recognizing the challenges of coordinating from within Russia. Both dissidents remain committed to their political activism even while living outside their home country and are determined to continue their advocacy work. Despite the challenges they face, they are hopeful that they can continue making a difference from their new location in Germany.
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