1. Our organization, and the movement of which I am one of the representatives, is fighting for a better future for our country. 2. That better future is tied to honest and fair rules and laws established in society—both those written down on paper and those simply accepted by everyone, because these rules serve the public good. 3. In our view, one such rule must be that leaders are accountable for the decisions they make, including its most important form—and, unfortunately, one that is almost entirely absent in Russia—voluntary accountability. 4. As we call on society to follow these rules, we ourselves try to follow them as well, setting an example. 5. Therefore, when my friend and longtime colleague Leonid Volkov, who chaired the board of directors of ACF International, made a serious mistake in the implementation of sanctions policy, I was very glad to learn that he publicly acknowledged it and resigned from his position. 6. I have no doubt that Leonid acted with the best of intentions. Nor do I doubt that he will be able to lay out the logic of his position and the detailed arguments in its favor. In fact, I would even ask Leonid to do so. I am sure he will be able to persuade many people. 7. Nevertheless, Leonid’s letter to Josep Borrell was politically misguided, technically incompetent, and contained inaccurate information. It was not publicly commented on at the time it was sent and created the impression of secret negotiations, which provoked rejection from supporters and the supervisory board. 8. Yes, there is no textbook called “How to Split the Elites?” This is difficult political work. Sanctions policy is part of it. Volkov made a mistake, took responsibility for it, and resigned. The board of directors accepted his resignation. 9. I am grateful to Leonid for his swift and responsible reaction, in keeping with our principles. This matters. 10. For my part, I also want to apologize to our supporters, ACF donors, and the supervisory board. We corrected the mistake, but it did happen, and that means I bear responsibility as well. 11. I reaffirm our full commitment to the idea of imposing sanctions against Putin’s corrupt officials, crooks, and warmongers of all kinds. This is in the interests of Russian citizens, and we will continue this work. 12. Leonid will decide himself what to focus his work on. We are not a state organization with positions and titles. We do have a formal structure—ACF is the key one—but overall we are a political movement, a voluntary group of like-minded people. Or, in the Kremlin’s terminology, an “extremist community,” where there will always be a place for an outstanding political manager like Leonid, who has proven himself many times. 13. Maria Pevchikh has been appointed the new chair of the ACF board of directors—the founder and long-time head of the investigations department. Her public work over the past two years has made her a prominent political leader. You know her well, and I have no doubt she will handle these responsibilities perfectly. 14. Everything that has happened has been a good lesson for us. We hope that, having gained this experience, we will use it correctly and become better, and that you, having seen our response, will continue to support us.