Why Didn’t Russia Help Julian Assange?

The question of why Russia did not assist Julian Assange has been a persistent mystery, particularly given Assange's historic ties and the advantages such help might have offered. To understand this, we must consider the political climate of 2012 and the strategic decisions made by both Assange and Russia.

Assange’s Ties to Russia

In 2012, Julian Assange didn't have any direct relationships with Russia that enabled him to seek asylum within its borders. His then-current refuge, the Ecuadorian embassy, was a different story. Although he had no formal ties to Russia, Assange's relationships with Ecuador allowed him to evade extradition to the United States.

This situation would have been different had Russia been more involved. If Russia had helped Assange, it would have required a more concerted and strategic effort, likely involving a diplomatic effort to secure his asylum. The absence of such a relationship made his plight more challenging but not impossible.

The Strategic Decision

Russia's decision to not assist Assange was driven by several factors, the primary one being the tension between Russia and the United States at that time. The political complexities involved would have hindered any such effort, as Russia could not risk compromising its strategic balance with the US, especially given the potential backlash from the West.

Moreover, the risk of cutting ties with the US was a significant concern. The US had considerable leverage over Russia, and any support for Assange could have jeopardized critical economic and political relations. The geopolitical landscape of 2012 was far more perilous for both sides, and Russia's decision was a product of these considerations.

Assange’s Future with Putin

As time went on, Assange's usefulness to Putin diminished. Assange's days as a 'useful idiot' for Russian interests were over. By 2012, his value to the Russian government had waned, and his continued presence in the Ecuadorian embassy was more of a headache than a benefit. The Russian government may have feared that intervening on his behalf would have revealed Assange to be a pawn, tarnishing their strategic interests.

In the face of significant legal challenges, Assange would have needed to prove that he was a legitimate political refugee, a high bar to meet under legal scrutiny. Putin and his advisors may have concluded that the risks of such a public declaration were too great, especially given the potential for a backlash from the international community.

The Significance of the Russian Embassy Factor

The absence of any direct relationship with Russia in 2012 meant that the Russian embassy was not a viable option for Assange. Russia’s decision to not intervene also served as a strategic benefit, protecting the delicate geopolitical balance between Russia and the West. It allowed Russia to maintain its diplomatic channels while not alienating the United States.

This decision, while seemingly beneficial for Russia, is also a testament to the complex nature of international relations. The geopolitical landscape of 2012 was fluid, and Russia's decision was a calculated one, aimed at preserving its strategic interests without escalating tensions.

Conclusion:

The failure of Russia to aid Assange in 2012 was a product of complex geopolitical considerations and the changing nature of Assange's utility to global powers. The absence of a direct relationship with Russia meant that he had to rely on other countries for asylum, which ultimately made his situation more challenging but also more understandable in the context of international diplomacy.

Keywords: Julian Assange, Russian Embassy, Political Refugees