Separatism in Russia facts for kids

Separatism in Russia is when certain parts or regions of Russia want to break away and become independent countries, or at least have more control over their own affairs. Throughout history, there have been many attempts for regions to separate from the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Modern separatism in Russia became more noticeable after the Soviet Union broke apart and after Crimea joined Russia. These movements were strongest in the 1990s and early 2000s. The topic became important again after the 2022-2023 conflict in Ukraine.

The main reasons why some groups want to separate are:

• Nationalism: People in some republics want to keep their own culture and identity strong.
• Economic reasons: Some regions feel they depend too much on the central government or that their resources are not used for their own benefit.
• Location: Being far away from the capital city can make some regions feel disconnected.

It's important to know that promoting separatism is against the law in Russia.

What are separatist movements?

Many of the main groups that want to separate from Russia have been around since before the Soviet Union ended. They tried to break away in the 1990s and early 2000s. These groups have some support from local people, people living outside Russia (called the diaspora), and local leaders. Most of these movements are still quite small.

Northwestern Russia

In the Northwestern Federal District, groups that want more independence or to separate often include Finno-Ugric people. Other groups that focus on local identity are also active. These movements are mostly found in areas like Kaliningrad, Leningrad, and Arkhangelsk, as well as in the Karelian and Komi Republics. Being close to the European Union, NATO, and Finland influences these groups.

Baltic Republic

The Baltic Republic is an idea for a new country in the area of Kaliningrad Oblast. This idea was mainly supported by the Baltic Republican Party, which was closed down in 2005. This party was one of the few openly separatist groups allowed to be part of elections. Today, groups like the Kaliningrad Public Movement and Respublika movement support this idea. They also want to remove symbols from the Soviet era and use old German city names. In 2022, the Governor of Kaliningrad said there was an attempt to create a "German autonomy" in Kaliningrad to cause problems. This was one of the first times a governor mentioned separatism after the conflict in Ukraine began. The movement uses symbols similar to the old flag of Königsberg.

Ingria

Ingria is a proposed state that would include the Leningrad Oblast and the city of Saint Petersburg. The idea of Ingrian separatism started in the 1970s and 80s. It became more popular in 1996 with the creation of movements for Petersburg's independence. Today, groups like "Free Ingria" and "Ingria Without Borders" support this idea. Many supporters are Russians who are unhappy with how much power the central government has. However, some groups that support Ingria do not want full independence. Ethnic Finns have asked these movements to stop using their ethnic flag, but without success.

In 2022, a Russian rapper named Oxxxymiron mentioned Ingria in his anti-war song "Oyda," saying "Ingria will be free." This made the movement more well-known.

Karelia

Karelian separatism has a long history, going back to the early 1900s. The idea became popular again in the 1990s and early 2000s. This was partly because the Karelian language was not officially recognized in Karelia and because of Russia's economic problems in 1991–92. In 1992, a member of the Karelian Supreme Council suggested discussing if Karelia could leave Russia. Forty-three out of 109 deputies supported this idea.

Today, the Republican Movement of Karelia and the Karelian National Movement support Karelian separatism. The main difference between these groups is how they view ethnic Russians. The Republican Movement of Karelia wants a state where many different ethnic groups live together. The Karelian National Movement, however, does not want Russians involved in their separatist efforts and supports creating a state mainly for ethnic Karelians.

In 2023, the Karelian National Movement helped create a Karelian battalion to fight with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. There have been arrests in 2023 of people who planned to join or encouraged others to join this battalion.

Komi

Komi separatism mainly focuses on protecting Komi culture, the Komi language, and the local environment. Many cultural and language groups, like Doryam asymös, have been called separatist by authorities, and some of their members have been arrested.

Pomorie

Pomorie is a proposed state in the Arkhangelsk Oblast. Some groups also want to include Murmansk Oblast and Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The name comes from the Pomor people, who historically lived along the White Sea coast. They spoke the Pomor dialect, which some Pomor nationalists consider a separate language. According to the 2021 Russian Census, there are about 2,232 Pomors in Russia. Most Pomor separatists focus on protecting their local culture and the environment.

During the Shies protests from 2018 to 2020, slogans like "Pomorie is not a garbage dump" were popular. An Arkhangelsk journalist said that the official flag of Arkhangelsk Oblast was not used by protesters to avoid being accused of separatism. Many Pomor cultural groups have been labeled separatist for "dividing Russian culture." In 2013, a Pomor human rights activist, Ivan Moseev, was accused of causing hatred against ethnic Russians for an online comment. He was put on Russia's list of terrorists and extremists. In 2022, the ECHR said this violated his freedom of speech and awarded him money.

The Pomor movement has also been accused of having ties with the Norwegian government and NATO.

Southern Russia

Separatism in the Southern Federal District is mostly based on ethnic groups, but some civic nationalist movements are also active. These movements are mainly in Astrakhan Oblast, Crimea, Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, and Kalmykia. Some experts believe that these movements are supported by Ukraine.

Astrakhan

Astrakhan separatism can mean wanting to join with Kalmykia to form an independent state, or creating an independent Astrakhan Republic or Nogai Republic. Much of modern Astrakhan Oblast used to be part of the Kalmyk ASSR before the Kalmyk people were moved. Now, most Kalmyk separatist groups claim these former territories. Other ethnic groups, like Kazakhs, Tatars, and Nogais, along with Russians, have suggested creating an independent republic with many different ethnic groups.

Cossackia

Cossack separatism began during the Russian Civil War when the Almighty Don Host was declared from 1918 to 1920. Among Cossacks who left Russia, ideas of Cossack nationalism were common. After the Soviet Union broke up, there have been several attempts to bring back the Don Republic. In 1991, the Don Cossack Republic was declared and planned to become part of a union of Cossack Republics in Southern Russia. In 1993, a large Cossack meeting approved changing the Rostov region into a state called "Region of the Don Host Oblast."

Don Cossack separatists who want to create the state of Cossackia are part of the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Kalmykia

Kalmyk separatism aims to create an independent Kalmyk state and unite with Astrakhan Oblast. The biggest movement is the Oirat-Kalmyk People's Congress. Promoting Kalmyk culture has sometimes been seen as separatism by the central government.

In 2022, the spiritual leader of Kalmyk Buddhists spoke out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Kuban

Kuban separatism or Kuban Cossack separatism also started during the Russian Civil War with the declaration of the Kuban People's Republic. The idea became popular again in the 1990s and early 2000s as Cossack culture was revived. Most Kuban separatists identify as Cossacks. In 2017, the Kuban Liberation Movement declared the independence of the Kuban People's Republic, but it was not recognized by anyone. Some Russian political experts believe that Kuban separatism is supported by Ukraine.

Kuban separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

North Caucasus

Separatism in the North Caucasian Federal District is mainly based on ethnic groups. Almost all the republics in this area have an active separatist movement. The history of Caucasian separatism goes back to the time of the tsars, and many movements see themselves as continuing that fight. These movements have a lot of support among people from the region living outside Russia.

Chechnya

Chechen separatism dates back to the 1800s and the Caucasian War. Modern Chechen separatism began when the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria declared its independence. After two wars, Chechnya became part of the Russian Federation again. After the war, a movement to bring back Chechen independence started.

The government of Ichkeria is currently in exile. In 2022, the Ukrainian parliament recognized Ichkeria as "temporarily occupied." Currently, there are Chechen volunteers fighting for the Ukrainian army, hoping to restore independence. Other Chechen separatist movements, like the Adat People's Movement, work separately from the Ichkerian government. Chechen separatists are represented on the Post-Free Nations of Russia Forum.

Confederation of Peoples of the Caucasus

The Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus is an idea for a state that would include Russia's Caucasian republics, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. The symbols used by these separatists are based on those of the Mountainous Republic of the Northern Caucasus. The main group, the Confederation of Peoples of the Caucasus, was a military organization that fought in Chechnya, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia. The group became inactive after its leader was killed in 2002.

The idea of a united Caucasian Republic is also supported by other groups.

Circassia

Circassia is a proposed state that would cover the land historically lived on by Circassian people. This includes areas like Adygea, northern Kabardino-Balkaria, northern Karachay–Cherkessia, southeastern Krasnodar Krai, and southern Stavropol Krai. The idea of an independent Circassia has some support in these republics, but most of the support comes from the Circassian diaspora (Circassians living outside Russia) and the International Circassian Association. After Abkhazia and South Ossetia became independent following the Russo-Georgian War, separatism in Circassian regions started to grow. Circassian separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Circassian nationalists protested the 2014 Sochi Olympics because Sochi used to be a Circassian city before the Circassian genocide.

Dagestan

Dagestan separatism can mean wanting an independent, united Dagestan, or wanting several independent states like Aghulistan, Avaria, Lezgistan, Darginstan, Lakistan, Rutulstan, and Tabarasanstan. Those who want a united Dagestan aim to create a state with many different ethnic groups. Some local separatist movements have been represented in the UNPO.

Ingushetia

Ingush separatism has been growing since the Soviet Union broke up. This is partly because the borders between Chechnya, North Ossetia-Alania, and Ingushetia have not been fully decided. Some separatists have suggested that Ingushetia should unite with Georgia.

The Ingush Independence Committee is represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum. In 2023, a counter-terrorist operation began in the Republic after attacks on police and military personnel.

North Ossetia

Alanian (or Ossetian) separatism refers to the movement to create an independent, united Ossetian nation by joining with South Ossetia.

Volga Region

Separatism in the Volga Federal District is mainly based on ethnic groups. All the republics in this area have an active separatist movement. Like in the Caucasus, the history of Volga separatism goes back to the time of the tsars and includes many national uprisings, such as the Bashkir uprising.

Bashkortostan

Modern Bashkir separatism began in the 1990s and was influenced by Tatarstan. Like most other movements, Bashkir separatism grew in the early 2000s and even got some support from the local government. In 2020, separatists joined protests against the use of the Kushtau mountain. Some Bashkir separatists support creating a state for both Bashkirs and Russians. However, some separatists support creating a state mainly for their own ethnic group. Bashkir separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there have been reports of armed resistance in Bashkortostan. A group was also created within the Ukrainian armed forces with the goal of establishing an independent Bashkir state.

Chuvashia

Chuvash separatism focuses on protecting the Chuvash language and culture, and creating an independent Chuvash Republic or Volga Bulgaria. The main groups are the Union of Chuvash local historians, Suvar movement, and Chuvash National Congress.

Chuvash paganists (people who follow old Chuvash beliefs) have been criticized by the Russian Orthodox Church for being separatists.

Erzyan Mastor

Erzyan Mastor (meaning Land of Erzya) is a proposed state by the Erzya National Congress. This movement claims territories in the Republic of Mordovia, Penza, Ulyanovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, and Samara Oblasts. The movement wants to create a federal state with a Moksha self-governing area.

The movement is represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Idel-Ural

The idea of a united Idel-Ural began during the Russian Civil War with the creation of the Idel-Ural State. The name was later used by a group during World War II.

The main movement of modern Idel-Ural separatists is the Free Idel-Ural movement, which was started in 2018 in Kyiv. This movement wants to create a federal state with many different ethnic groups. The Free Idel-Ural movement is represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Mari-El

Modern Mari separatism began when the Soviet Union broke apart. The biggest political group of Mari nationalists is Mari Ushem, which is over 100 years old. While not officially separatist, some of its members have expressed separatist ideas. Other groups include Kugeze mlande, a far-right separatist group, Mari Mer Kagash, and the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples. Mari paganists have also been criticized by the Russian Orthodox Church for being separatists.

Mari separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Tatarstan

Modern Tatar separatism began in 1990, when the Tatar ASSR declared its independence from the USSR and the RSFSR. On October 18, 1991, the Republic of Tatarstan declared its full independence. In 1992, a vote was held where more than 50% voted for full independence from Russia. In 1994, Tatarstan joined Russia as an associated state, but this agreement ended in 2017. In 2021, the government of Tatarstan refused to change the title of its president to "head of the republic," which some saw as a sign of separatism.

Many experts believe that Tatarstan is a leading force for separatism in modern Russia and an example for other movements. The main Tatar separatist movements are the All-Tatar Public Center and the Ittifaq Party. They are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Udmurtia

Udmurt separatism focuses on protecting local culture, the Udmurt language, and creating an Udmurt state. Udmurt separatism is supported by various Finno-Ugric groups. The main groups are the Congress of Peoples of Udmurtia and the Udmurt Kenesh movement. Many ethnic Udmurts were not allowed to have seats in local parliaments because of fears they might cause more separatism.

In 2019, Udmurt linguist and activist Albert Razin set himself on fire to protest Russia's new laws on native languages. He became a symbol for Udmurt separatists and activists.

Udmurt separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Ural Region

Separatism in the Ural Federal District is mainly represented by the Ural Republic separatists.

Ural Republic

The Ural Republic is a proposed state within the borders of Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Kurgan, and Orenburg Oblasts, and Perm Krai. The idea was first suggested by the Governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Eduard Rossel, in 1992, but it was not meant to be fully separate from Russia. The main movements are the Ural Republic Movement, Free Ural, and The Ural Democratic foundation. In 2019, Ural separatists took part in protests against building a church in Yekaterinburg city center.

In 2022, a Russian TV personality, Vladimir Solovyov, said that Yekaterinburg is "the center of such vile liberals." He also blamed the current Governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Yevgeny Kuyvashev, for separatism.

Ural separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Siberia

Separatism in the Siberian Federal District is mainly represented by Siberian separatists and ethnic separatists in the republics.

Siberia

Siberian separatism comes from a movement during the Russian Civil War. Modern Siberian separatism began in the 1990s, when Aman Tuleyev suggested creating a Siberian Republic as a self-governing part of the Russian Federation.

There are many Siberian regionalist movements, but the largest one was the March for Federalization of Siberia in 2014. This movement also created the phrase "Stop feeding Moscow!", which is now used by other separatist groups.

The main reasons for separatism are economic dependence and Chinese influence over Siberia's economy and environment.

Siberian separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Tuva

Tuvan separatism was strongest in the early 2000s, when groups like Free Tuva protested the new Tuvan constitution. The first modern Tuvan separatist groups began in the 1980s. Other groups before 2000 included the People's Party of Sovereign Tuva and People's Front of Tuva.

Tuvan separatism is also helped by the fact that Tuva is one of the poorest regions of Russia, and ethnic Russians are a very small group in the Republic.

Tuvan separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Far Eastern Russia

Separatism in the Far Eastern Federal District is mainly pushed by Buryats and Russians who are worried about economic dependence on Moscow or economic exploitation.

Buryatia

Buryat separatism can mean wanting an independent Buryat state or wanting Buryatia to unite with Mongolia. The biggest Buryat separatist movement is the Free Buryatia Foundation. While it does not fully support independence, it is represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Far Eastern Republic

The Far Eastern Republic is a proposed state that would cover the entire Far Eastern Federal District, except for Sakha and Buryatia. The separatists see this proposed republic as a continuation of the historical Far Eastern Republic. The idea of a self-governing republic was supported by the former Governor of Khabarovsk Krai, Viktor Ishayev. The biggest current movement is the Far Eastern Alternative, which has taken part in various anti-government protests. Other movements, like the Far Eastern Republican Party, also existed. During the 2020–2021 Khabarovsk Krai protests, some people called for the independence of Khabarovsk Krai. Far Eastern separatism is mainly caused by economic dependence on Moscow.

Far Eastern separatists are represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Sakha

Sakha or Yakut separatism aims to create an independent Yakutian state. The main reason for Yakut separatism is that the federal government uses their economic resources without enough benefit to the region. Some journalists and politicians have suggested that Turkey supports Sakha separatism financially and politically.

The biggest movement is the Free Yakutia Movement, which is represented on the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

Movements for more self-rule

Some groups in Russia want more self-rule (autonomy) while still being part of the Russian Federation, rather than full independence. Most of these movements are in areas that used to be self-governing districts.

Former self-governing districts

Agin-Buryatia and Ust-Orda Buryatia

Two Buryat self-governing areas were merged into larger regions in 2008. The local Buryat people did not support this decision and still want their Agin-Buryat Autonomous Okrug and Ust-Orda Buryat Autonomous Okrug back. They are represented by the "Erhe" movement.

Evenkia

Evenk separatism refers to the idea of bringing back the Evenk Autonomous Okrug within the current Evenk District of Krasnoyarsk Krai. This idea is mainly supported by the native Evenk people. It is caused by their economic isolation and the decline of their culture. The main group is the Association of Indigenous Peoples of Evenkia "Arun."

Koryakia

Koryak separatism refers to the idea of bringing back the Koryak Autonomous Okrug within the current Koryak Okrug of Kamchatka Krai. This idea gained a lot of support in 2020 when the governor of Kamchatka wanted to merge Koryakia's self-governing status with another district. Other reasons include poverty and being geographically isolated. Koryak separatists do not seek full independence.

The biggest movements are "Koryakia" and "Palanken Ynet."

Permyakia

Komi-Permyak or Permyak separatism refers to the idea of bringing back the Komi-Permyak Autonomous Okrug within the current Komi-Permyak Okrug of Perm Krai. Komi-Permyakia was the first self-governing district in Russia that voted to join another federal region. The main reasons for separatism are the loss of local culture and language, and economic dependence on Perm. Local politicians and people believe that the Perm government has not done enough to improve the region, as it remains one of the poorest parts of Perm Krai.

Taymyr

Taymyr separatism or Dolgano-Nenets separatism refers to the idea of bringing back the Taymyr Autonomous Okrug within the current Taymyrsky Dolgano-Nenetsky District of Krasnoyarsk Krai. This idea is supported by the local people, and there have been more than four attempts to hold a vote to leave Krasnoyarsk Krai. The main reasons for separatism are economic exploitation by Krasnoyarsk, being geographically isolated, poverty, and a lack of basic services like roads, schools, and cemeteries. The economic situation is so bad that some villages have used bartering (trading goods instead of money) because they lack food and money. Taymyr separatists do not seek full independence.

Other areas

Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia

There have been attempts to divide the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, which are home to two main ethnic groups, into separate Kabardey, Balkar, Karachay, and Circassian republics, or to unite them into Karachay-Balkaria. In 1992, the idea of dividing Karachay-Cherkessia was rejected in a vote.

Tver Karelia

Tver Karelian separatism refers to the idea of creating a Tver Karelian republic as a part of the Russian Federation. This idea is supported by the Tver Karelia movement and the Karelian Revival movement. The founder of these movements, Mikhail Dron, was investigated by the police in 2021 but was later released.

Vepsia

Veps separatism refers to the idea of bringing back the Veps National Volost within the Republic of Karelia. This idea is supported by the Karelian Congress and the Veps Culture Society.

Smaller separatist movements

Many smaller separatist movements have also existed in Russia. Most of these movements have had very little support from the local people. Many of them started after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

• Altai
  • People: Altai people
  • Geography: Altai Republic
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate
• Murmansk/Lapland/Sami Republic
  • People: Russians, Samis
  • Geography: Murmansk Oblast
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate
• North Russian Republic
  • People: Russians
  • Geography: North-Western Federal District
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate
  • Active years: 2000s – ???
• Pskov Republic or Krivia
  • People: Russians
  • Geography: Pskov Oblast
  • Group: Krivian Platform
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate
• Sakhalin
  • People: Russians
  • Geography: Sakhalin Oblast
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate
• Smalandia
  • People: Russians, Belarusians
  • Geography: Smolensk Oblast
  • Group: Smalandia
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate
  • Active years: 2022 – Present
• Zalessian Rus’
  • People: Russians
  • Geography: Central Federal District
  • Group: Committee of National Democrats, National Democratic Alliance
  • Type of movement: Wants to separate and wants more self-rule
  • Active years: 2000s – Present

See also

• Russian irredentism