Russian Voices From the Streets Around Moscow

Voices from the opposition: Russians opposed to the coup speak out.

“When (former Soviet leader Nikita S.) Khrushchev was deposed, we heard about it on the radio in the morning and went to work as if nothing happened. What the people leading this coup did not take into consideration was that the Russian people have changed. That’s why there are so many of us, of all ages, here. After fighting for free elections and choosing our own government--we will defend it with all our strength.”

--Nina Alfoniva, who was 26 when Khrushchev was ousted in 1964, outside the Russian Parliament.

‘Moral Support’

“We don’t have any weapons, so we can only give moral support. By being here we will show that we stand behind Yeltsin and officials like him who love their people.”

--Viktor Mishenko, 36, a radio broadcaster marching to the Russian Parliament.

‘A Dictatorship Is Advancing’

“I said these words before from the tribune of the congress (Soviet Parliament): ‘The reactionaries are advancing, a dictatorship is advancing.’ Unfortunately this has happened. But I am sure that in the end the dictatorship will not succeed.”

--Former Foreign Minister Eduard A. Shevardnadze, referring to his resignation speech last December, to a crowd of about 50,000 outside the Parliament building.

‘We Will Defend Our People’

“I feel great right now. I’m serving on the side of (Russian President and coup opponent Boris N.) Yeltsin. We will defend our people and not let any forces attack this building.”

--Alexander, 22, lieutenant and commander of one of nine tanks protecting the Russian Parliament, from the turret of a T-72 tank decorated with flowers, a nationalist flag and a sign saying, “Glory to the Russian Tank Crews!”

‘They Will Just Shoot’

“Many military units will go where the committee tells them to go, but will refuse to shoot their countrymen. But there are also many elite troops who will not think about whether or not to shoot--they will just shoot.”

--Lt. Col. Sergei Yushenkov, pro-reform member of the Russian Parliament and teacher at a Moscow military academy.

‘Impudence’

“The leaders of the coup have the impudence to say that we don’t need the help of the West, but without the West we will live like our people did in Leningrad during the time of the blockade.”

--Father Gleb Yakunin, pro-reform member of the Russian Parliament and a Russian Orthodox priest, referring to the World War II siege by German armies.

‘We Would Rather Starve’

“Please tell people in America to set up an economic blockade and not to send anything to the junta, not even any grain. We would rather starve.”

--Izrail Zaidman, 60, a metal worker and member of the Ukrainian nationalist Rukh movement, visiting Moscow.

‘Surely They Understand’

“Why has the reaction from Western governments been so bland? Surely they understand that there’s an unlawful military coup going on. Western leaders should denounce this putsch more fiercely and demand that Gorbachev be given back the reins of the government.”

--Anatoly Stepanishev, 43, lawyer.

‘Totally Shocking’

“It’s totally shocking that after six years of spring there is suddenly a Stalinist military coup. We will not give in. We believe in Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin and we will stay here as long as the situation stays tense.”

--Anton Korolenko, 19, student at a Moscow technical institute.

‘No Changes’

“I haven’t noticed any changes since the new government came to power. I went to work today just like any other day and I haven’t seen any tanks or any blockades. Of course, it would be better to have a democratic leadership, but we really did need a new government.”

--Katya, 16, salesclerk on the Moscow subway.