Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin can no longer claim victory in Ukraine. Muratov, the former chief editor of the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, believes that the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for nearly five years, cannot be deemed a victory for Russia.

Novaya Gazeta, co-founded by Muratov over 30 years ago, was known for its independent journalism, reporting on human rights abuses and corruption. Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for his efforts to safeguard freedom of expression. The prize also recognized the courageous reporting of the newspaper's journalists, six of whom have been killed.

Despite the recognition, Novaya Gazeta faced significant challenges. "Putin issued a decree and the newspaper's printing presses were nationalised," Muratov explained. The newspaper's registration was revoked, and its website is now only accessible abroad or via VPNs, reflecting a broader crackdown on free speech in Russia.

Muratov highlighted the severe escalation of restrictions on free speech since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He noted that many opinion leaders have been labeled as 'foreign agents,' 'extremists,' or 'terrorists,' with estimates suggesting at least 1,500 people are imprisoned for speaking out against state policy – three times more than during the Soviet KGB era.

The conflict in Ukraine, initially anticipated by the Kremlin to be a swift operation, has become the bloodiest in Europe since World War II. President Putin continues to express confidence in a Russian victory, but Muratov sharply disagrees.

"There will never be 'victory,'" Muratov countered in an interview with the BBC. He argued that the prolonged conflict, which has pitted two Slavic nations against each other and resulted in immense destruction, cannot be classified as a triumph. "It cannot be a victory when two Slavic nations have ripped a million people to shreds. Or more than a million."

Muratov elaborated on his perspective, stating, "It seems to me that the situation with Ukraine now is this: you can destroy it, but you cannot conquer it." He emphasized the distinction between destruction and conquest, suggesting that while Ukraine may suffer immense damage, its subjugation is not a viable outcome.

The former chief editor's remarks underscore the grim reality of the protracted war and challenge the narrative of impending Russian success. The ongoing suppression of independent media and dissent within Russia further complicates the information landscape surrounding the conflict.