“We are well aware of what Ukraine is facing.” Circassian representative on genocide by Russia

Circassians are seeking support in Europe on the issue of recognising the genocide of the Circassian people by the Russian Empire. This week, representatives of the diaspora visited Lithuania and held several meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with members of the Seimas. At the moment, the genocide of the Circassians has been recognised by only two countries – Georgia and Ukraine. Why do Circassians hope for support from Lithuania? Can Russia’s policy towards them be called an ongoing genocide? How do Circassians in Russia feel about the war in Ukraine? Are representatives of the people fighting alongside the Armed Forces of Ukraine? What does recognition of the genocide give in practice? Do Circassians dream of their own statehood? We asked these questions of the Secretary General of the Council of the United Circassia and member of the Presidium of the League of Free Nations, Rustam Khuazhev.