For his courageous opposition to Vladimir Putin’s dismantling of Russian democracy and unprovoked, unjust war against Ukraine, Vladimir Kara-Murza is our 2024 Millennial of the Year.

The Russian dissident has been persecuted, poisoned, and imprisoned by Putin’s brutal regime, yet he has bravely continued to defend democracy, freedom, and human rights. He has spoken up for the political prisoners than remain in Russian prisons. He has denounced Russian war crimes. He has retained faith that positive political change will come to Russia and encouraged the world to prepare for it and take steps to make it happen.

As a politician, journalist, and activist, he has displayed courage, wisdom, hope, and compassion, risking his own life for the common good. His name will be etched in history as a great defender of democracy and human dignity.

You can learn more about Vladimir Kara-Murza, his work to secure passage of the Magnitsky Act, his experience in prison, the 2024 prisoner exchange that secured his freedom, and more in this 60 Minutes interview from September: