18.03.2020

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: they will long remember Eduard Limonov in Russia. Farewell to the great Russian writer!

Eduard Veniaminovich Limonov (Savenko) died as he lived - suddenly, without giving notice or asking anyone’s permission. That’s how true rebels pass away.
Future historians must be aware that the history of the last days of the USSR and the first decades of post-Soviet Russia will be incomplete without the unbending dissident and eternal opposition leader Eduard Limonov. Others may call themselves opposition, Limonov has been an oppositionist all his life.

Talented, bright, extraordinary, charismatic – that is all about Limonov, there is no doubt about it. He left a noticeable mark in Russian literature at the end of the last century and the beginning of the present, no matter how you personally think about his prose, poetry or journalism. He was even more noticeable on the political stage always playing leading roles.

Once Eduard Limonov was in another trouble again and his associates asked me to help him with money. And I so did. Not because I didn't care who to help. But not because I completely and utterly shared his views and methods of struggle for the triumph of justice. I did it sincerely and from the bottom of my heart. I believe same considerations moved this man when he put all his money on the fight.
Today, many prominent writers and public figures call themselves disciples of Grandfather Lemon, as his friends and associates affectionately called him. I don’t know who is worthy of this now honorary title, but during the life of Eduard Limonov they were afraid to speak out loud about it.
Some call Limonov the last of the greats, with which we can agree, if we talk about literature. Lightweight pulp fiction becomes a waste paper within its authors' lifetime, and in a hundred and three hundred years, It’s Me, Eddie will delight the reader with its beautiful language and utter sincerity and annoy the hypocrite with its frankness.
Someone compared Eduard Limonov with today’s Prometheus for bringing and giving people a spark of disagreement that could ignite the flame of protest for the triumph of justice.
Yes, he devoted his life to the struggle for justice. Yes, he did not understand justice the way it was understood by the former and now the current Russian governments. But because he was Limonov, under no circumstances was he ever afraid to say his word loudly and clearly. He set himself big goals and moved towards these, not looking back, stubbornly overcoming all obstacles and difficulties.
And then it turned out that many people followed him on the road to these goals. Which means they believed him.
I do not know whether an irreconcilable rebel deserves the kingdom of heaven. Peace is not his destiny. But I know for sure that they will long remember Eduard Limonov in Russia. From time immemorial in Russia, heroes have been always those who fought for truth and justice.