On Christmas Eve, Mikhail Khodorkovsky received a Christmas letter of support from thirty or so members of the European Parliament. Recent events prevented him from writing a quick response. But here it now is:

Dear friends!

Thank you so much for your letter and for your support. Under the present complicated circumstances, your concern helps me avoid many dangers. I am convinced that subscribing to common European values, which you remind practical politicians of the need for, is not only vitally important, but also achievable.

Common values give rise to trust, and trust is of crucial importance in our interrelated modern world. The Russian political élite has declared its allegiance to common European values. Shared progress towards them strengthens trust.

This process will go on in spite of temporary glitches or even retreat. Double standards, lies and hypocrisy are mother’s milk to hawks on both sides.

I wish all of us success in defending our common values. With the greatest respect and gratitude,

Mikhail Khodorkovksy