I was sent this link:
Igor Ivanovich Strelkov is challenging me to a public political debate on behalf of Russian nationalists.
He says the purpose of the debate is to prove that I am neither a patriot, nor a nationalist, nor even an opposition figure, and he identifies three main topics for discussion:
How exactly would I defeat corruption if I became president?
My position on Russia’s Western partners.
What would Navalny do, as president, about Donbas and Crimea?
Well then, I am a strong supporter of open political discussion and open debate. I have plenty to say on these topics. A conversation like this with Igor Ivanovich Strelkov, who is, of course, a spokesman for the views of a certain group of Russian citizens, is of interest to me, and I am ready to take part in it.
I absolutely intend to win the votes of all voters who identify as nationalists, despite the fact that with many of them—Strelkov being a typical example—I have major disagreements, and often outright opposing views, on many issues.
Nevertheless, I am the only presidential candidate who states plainly that all political forces, including nationalists, must be allowed to participate in the country’s political life and in elections. The very same nationalists—and again, Strelkov is a typical example—many of whom the Kremlin used to whip up imperial, anti-Ukrainian, and anti-Western propaganda; used to launch a harmful war disastrous for Russia; and now is doing everything it can to crush, drive underground, and turn into political outcasts.
During these debates, I will try to prove that I am the best candidate for all voters who consider themselves patriots.
Strelkov’s challenge also comes at a very convenient time for me, because we have long wanted to launch a debate project on Navalny.live. We just couldn’t decide where to start, which debate should come first, and so on. Now there will be an incentive to finally bring the idea to life. Since I’m the one being challenged, I have the right to choose the venue—so let it be ours, though of course we will also give Strelkov’s side the opportunity to film and broadcast it.
We will get in touch with him soon and determine the date, format, and other such details.