Cancer, she says, hit like a “meteorite.” Khelga Pirogova, a Russian opposition activist, had previously defined herself as someone who could overcome anything. Now, facing a stage three cancer diagnosis, she finds herself with “a reason not to be strong.”
Pirogova’s story is one of resilience in the face of political repression and personal illness, mirroring the experiences of many Russian dissidents who have challenged the government of Vladimir Putin. The death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader, in February , has further underscored the risks faced by those who speak out against the Kremlin. An investigation released on Saturday concluded that Navalny had been poisoned with a “rare toxin,” a finding that has intensified scrutiny of the Russian government.
In , Pirogova achieved a significant political victory, winning a seat on the Novosibirsk city council representing a coalition supporting Navalny. This was a notable achievement, overturning the ruling party’s majority on the council. However, the subsequent crackdown on Navalny’s supporters and the broader opposition following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced her into exile.
Pirogova fled Russia in , while pregnant, after receiving threats of imprisonment for a tweet criticizing the funerals of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. She now resides in Vilnius, Lithuania, where she works for the Anti-Corruption Fund, an organization founded by Navalny dedicated to investigating financial improprieties within the Russian government.
In , Pirogova received a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Initially told she had stage four cancer, a prognosis she described with a dark laugh as meaning “the coffin!”, she later learned the cancer was stage three with limited metastases. This led to a rigorous treatment plan involving chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Pirogova documents her experiences with cancer on Instagram, sharing a series of 23 videos she calls “a vampire’s diary.” These posts offer a raw and honest portrayal of her struggles with fatigue, weight loss, and the side effects of treatment. She describes feeling as though she is “unloading wagons every night” and notes the loss of her sense of smell. She finds solace and emotional support through interactions with her followers.
Her initial course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has concluded without achieving remission. Pirogova is awaiting further examinations and learning to “cohabit” with her cancer. She acknowledges a desire that those responsible for the suffering of others would experience similar hardship, but ultimately focuses on her own fight.
Pirogova draws parallels between her battle with cancer and her opposition to Putin, noting that both require “gravity” and “external support” to overcome. She is currently undergoing targeted immunotherapy, an expensive treatment funded by donations totaling 65,000 euros.
Despite her illness, Pirogova remains committed to her work with the Anti-Corruption Fund. She believes that dismantling the Kremlin’s power structure requires targeting its various “tentacles.” She hopes that, should free elections ever be held in Russia, citizens will remember to exercise their right to participate.
Pirogova expresses a desire to outlive Putin, believing that the widespread corruption within the Russian government necessitates his removal from power. She is curious about how to fight corruption once Putin is gone, acknowledging the scale of the problem.
As a “foreign agent” declared by Moscow, Pirogova is careful not to publicly identify a new generation of Russian activists who are cautiously raising local issues without directly challenging the federal government. She fears jeopardizing their safety.
Pirogova’s story highlights the ongoing struggle for dissent and democracy in Russia, even as the government intensifies its crackdown on opposition voices. Her resilience in the face of both political persecution and a serious illness serves as an inspiration to those who continue to fight for a more just and equitable future.
