Eastern Europe
Polish Parliament approves ban on abortion
By Clara Weiss, 28 September 2016
The latest ban on abortions is deeply reactionary and represents an attack on the democratic and social rights of the working class.
Polish and British governments exploit attacks on Polish immigrants
By Clara Weiss, 15 September 2016
Attacks on Polish immigrants in the UK are being exploited by the Polish and British ruling class to strengthen their alliance, amid deepening divisions within the EU.
German Luftwaffe begin NATO patrols over the Baltic
By Johannes Stern, 5 September 2016
NATO’s growing operations in Eastern Europe heighten the danger of direct conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.
Biden’s blank check to the Baltic states: US will wage war on Russia in your defense
By Andre Damon, 24 August 2016
Vice President Biden said Washington’s commitment to militarily defend the tiny states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia was a matter of America’s “sacred honor.”
German media steps up anti-Russian agitation
By Ulrich Rippert, 17 August 2016
Over the past week, virtually every leading newspaper in Germany has published articles denouncing Russia for its intervention in Syria, Ukraine, or both.
The Score of War: A haunting documentary film on Ukraine
By Bernd Reinhardt, 17 August 2016
In April of last year, the Ukrainian violinist and composer Mark Chaet, accompanied by a small film crew, travelled from Berlin to his home in Eastern Ukraine.
Trudeau bolsters Canadian support for Ukraine’s far-right regime
By Roger Jordan, 15 July 2016
During a two-day visit, Trudeau signed a free trade agreement with the Poroshenko government and signaled support for it “reclaiming territory” through war.
NATO summit plans escalation against Russia in Eastern Europe, Middle East
By Alex Lantier, 11 July 2016
NATO is planning a major military escalation, based on plans for a perpetual state of war in the Middle East and preparations for all-out war with Russia in Europe.
Death toll in Istanbul airport attack rises to 41
By Alex Lantier, 30 June 2016
The massacre is the tragic yet predictable outcome of the NATO powers' backing of Al Qaeda-linked forces in their war for regime-change in Syria.
US Navy to continue Black Sea incursions, brushing aside Russian demands
By Thomas Gaist, 18 June 2016
Rather than countering “Russian aggression,” the breakneck militarization of the Black Sea is rooted in the drive by the US and European powers to control the Eurasian landmass.
NATO orders four additional battalions to Russian border
By Thomas Gaist, 14 June 2016
The deployments are among the most provocative actions taken by the NATO high command in the course of its anti-Russian buildup, now well into its second year.
Massive NATO war game risks conflict with Russia
By Johannes Stern, 9 June 2016
NATO’s largest exercise since the end of the Cold War began Tuesday with 2,000 British, Polish and American troops parachuting from planes near the northern Polish town of Torun.
Ninety years since the coup of Piłsudski
The Strategy of the Intermarium—Part 4
NATO’s preparations for war with Russia
By Clara Weiss, 3 June 2016
This is the final part of a series reviewing the history of the Intermarium, which was developed as a bourgeois nationalist antipode to the United Socialist States of Europe as proposed by Leon Trotsky.
Ninety Years Since the Coup of Piłsudski
The Strategy of the Intermarium—Part 3
The Intermarium and Poland’s integration into the US war alliance against Russia
By Clara Weiss, 2 June 2016
This is the third part of a series reviewing the history of the Intermarium, which was developed as a bourgeois nationalist antipode to the United Socialist States of Europe as proposed by Leon Trotsky.
Ninety years since the coup of Piłsudski
The Strategy of the Intermarium—Part 2
The Intermarium from 1921 to 1989
By Clara Weiss, 1 June 2016
This is the second part of a series reviewing the history of the Intermarium, the main basis of which emerged in the period leading up to World War I, as a bourgeois nationalist antipode to the United Socialist States of Europe as proposed by Leon Trotsky.
Ninety years since the coup of Piłsudski
The Strategy of the Intermarium—Part 1
The Intermarium and the Russian Revolution
By Clara Weiss, 31 May 2016
This is the first part of a series reviewing the history of the Intermarium, the main basis of which emerged in the period leading up to World War I, as a bourgeois nationalist antipode to the United Socialist States of Europe as proposed by Leon Trotsky.
NATO rearmament in Eastern Europe increases danger of world war
By Johannes Stern, 19 May 2016
In the run-up to its July summit in Warsaw, NATO is building up its capabilities in Eastern Europe, heightening the danger of a nuclear conflict with Russia.
Poland’s Patriot Act: PiS government proposes new anti-terrorism law
By Dorota Niemitz, 27 April 2016
Cynically utilising the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, the Polish government is hastily introducing its own version of the USA Patriot Act.
US-Russia tensions flare in Baltic Sea
By Jordan Shilton, 18 April 2016
Washington’s aggressive military build-up throughout Eastern Europe, in close collaboration with its NATO allies, has brought the entire region to the brink of war between nuclear powers.
Azerbaijan-Armenia fighting erupts over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region
By Kumaran Ira, 4 April 2016
The conflict threatens to escalate into a broader war between Russia, Armenia’s main backer, and Azerbaijan’s ally, Turkey, and behind Turkey, the entire NATO alliance.
US deploying additional armored brigades to Russian border
By Thomas Gaist, 1 April 2016
The US military is preparing to deploy some military equipment and thousands of troops directly on the Russian border as part of a “permanent footprint.”
Constitutional crisis in Poland continues
By Clara Weiss, 17 March 2016
The move to the right by the Polish government has exacerbated the crisis in the EU and led to growing tensions with Germany.
UN Security Council imposes harsh US-sponsored sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 4 March 2016
The punitive new measures will intensify North Korea’s economic and social crisis and greatly heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.
Support for Poroshenko regime collapses in Ukraine
By Jason Melanovski, 8 February 2016
The decline in popularity for Poroshenko explodes the myth that the right-wing Maidan “revolution” was a democratic transformation.
Pentagon budget directed toward war with Russia and China
By Bill Van Auken, 3 February 2016
The thrust of US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s speech before the Economic Club on Tuesday was that US imperialism is preparing for a new world war.
US Congress quietly enables funding for Ukrainian neo-Nazi-led Azov Regiment
By David Levine, 1 February 2016
A proposed ban on US funding of Ukrainian neo-Nazis that had attracted substantial media attention last June when it was introduced never actually became law.
German politicians and media agitate against Poland
By Clara Weiss, 12 January 2016
Representatives of German imperialism and its servants in the media have absolutely no right to lecture any country about “democracy” and “tolerance.”
Right-wing Polish government takes control of public media
By Dorota Niemitz and Clara Weiss, 4 January 2016
In another step towards establishing authoritarian rule, the Law and Justice government has adopted a bill to subordinate public broadcast services to its right-wing agenda.
Polish government signals interest in hosting US nuclear weapons
By Thomas Gaist, 7 December 2015
Poland would become the sixth country in Europe to host US nuclear forces as part of the NATO “nuclear sharing” program.
Pentagon push for build-up in Europe against Russia
By Patrick Martin, 10 November 2015
The Obama administration is expected to approve a plan to rotate more troops into Europe, effectively increasing by 50 percent the forces available for a NATO confrontation with Russia.
Germany to deport refugees in military cargo planes
By Martin Kreickenbaum and Andre Damon, 23 October 2015
Governments throughout Europe are responding to the refugee crisis with repression and mass deportation.
Political crisis in Moldova
By Andrei Tudora and Tina Zamfir, 24 September 2015
The governing coalition in Moldova is coming under increasing pressure to fully implement a pro-EU agenda.
Thousands of refugees held at Budapest train station
By Markus Salzmann, 3 September 2015
Record numbers of refugees are fleeing Syria and other countries devastated by the intervention of the Western powers.
German Army and NATO begin major military exercises against Russia
By Johannes Stern, 20 August 2015
One of the largest multinational exercises in years on German territory, “Swift Response”, began on Monday.
Danger mounts of US/NATO war with Russia
By Patrick Martin, 13 August 2015
An expert analysis of this year’s NATO and Russian military exercises suggests that the two sides are moving closer to outright war.
Russia vetoes MH17 tribunal push by US allies
By Mike Head, 30 July 2015
The UN Security Council resolution demanded an international criminal court despite no evidence being produced of Russian involvement in the plane’s downing.
European energy firms agree to expand Nord Stream pipeline with Gazprom
By Clara Weiss, 30 June 2015
Differences within the European Union, as well as between the EU and the US, are emerging over energy policy and relations with Russia.
Protests continue in Armenia
By Andrea Peters, 30 June 2015
Demonstrators demanding a permanent reversal of electricity rate hikes remain on the streets in the capital of Armenia, a key ally of Russia in the Caucasus.
US, NATO powers intensify preparations for nuclear war
By Thomas Gaist, 26 June 2015
NATO officials revealed plans for a more aggressive nuclear strategy to counter “Russian aggression,” just days after US war planners called for a new generation of nuclear weapons.
Pentagon chief outlines war preparations against Russia
By Niles Williamson, 24 June 2015
The announcement by the US that it will deploy heavy military equipment and soldiers to Eastern Europe is a further step on the road to a US-NATO war against Russia.
NATO rapid reaction force exercises in Poland target Russia
By Christoph Dreier, 22 June 2015
Germany has taken the lead in the latest in a series of military training exercises in Eastern Europe aimed at escalating the war threat against Moscow.
Polish government plagued by spying scandal
By Markus Salzmann, 20 June 2015
Only a few months before parliamentary elections this autumn, new revelations about a spying scandal have plunged the conservative Civic Platform into crisis.
Thousands of Ukrainians protest Kiev regime’s draconian utility price hikes
By Alex Lantier, 25 May 2015
Kiev is slashing subsidies to basic goods in order to funnel money to the regime’s Wall Street creditors and increase military spending on the war in east Ukraine.
Governing parties suffer defeat in Finnish elections
By Roger Jordan, 29 April 2015
The aggressive US-led drive to encircle Russia in eastern Europe and the Baltic will be one of the main issues confronting the incoming administration.
German, Romanian officials plan further escalation against Russia
By Markus Salzmann, 5 March 2015
In a visit to Berlin, the Romanian president demanded a stronger NATO presence in Romania and the entire Black Sea region in response to the Ukraine crisis.
Poland increases military spending
By Sonja Bach, 25 February 2015
Poland will spend the equivalent of two percent of its GDP on its defence budget by 2016, fulfilling NATO’s minimum requirements for military spending.
US-backed Kiev regime faces military debacle in east Ukraine war
By Alex Lantier, 20 February 2015
After its defeat at Debaltseve, the Kiev regime has provocatively called for military intervention by European Union peacekeepers along the border with Russia.
US steps up threats against Russia as Ukrainian troops retreat from Debaltseve
By Niles Williamson, 19 February 2015
US and EU officials continued to threaten further economic sanctions and military escalation as pro-Russian separatists solidified control over a key transit hub in eastern Ukraine.
German media backs confrontation with Russia over Ukraine
By Peter Schwarz, 10 February 2015
Despite differences over whether to arm Ukraine, not a single major media outlet in Germany rejects the strategy of pursuing an aggressive confrontation with Russia.
Syriza leader issues nationalist appeal in speech to Greek parliament
By Nick Beams, 9 February 2015
British Chancellor George Osborne has indicated the UK government has made preparations for the Greek exit from the euro zone.
Tsipras rushes to reassure EU, banks on Greek debt
By Robert Stevens, 2 February 2015
If Greece fails to reach an agreement with its creditors on €3.5 billion due in February and March, funding could be withdrawn from its banks.
Russian central bank cuts interest rate amid growing economic chaos
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2015
The rate cut is a sign of the deepening crisis of Russia’s economy resulting from the economic, diplomatic and military offensive led by Washington.
After the Charlie Hebdo attack
Governments in Eastern Europe intensify attacks on democratic rights and immigrants
By Markus Salzmann, 28 January 2015
The attacks on immigrants, which go hand in hand with restrictions on democratic rights and the adoption of police state measures, are directed against the entire population.
Netherlands covers up secret pact controlling investigation of MH17 crash
By Alex Lantier, 22 November 2014
The imperialist powers have exploited the tragedy as a propaganda exercise for the purpose of threatening Russia.
Right-wing protests against the Czech president
By Markus Salzmann, 22 November 2014
At celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the so-called Velvet Revolution supporters of the Ukraine regime denounced President Zeman.
Right-wing minority government formed in Bulgaria
By Anna Rombach and Markus Salzmann, 15 November 2014
The formation of a far-right minority government led by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and his party will intensify the crisis in the European Union’s poorest member state.
Drone flying “Greater Albania” flag provokes soccer riot in Serbia
By Paul Mitchell, 16 October 2014
The violence at the UEFA qualifying match happened on the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Belgrade to mark the 70th anniversary of the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation in World War II.
Dutch investigation into MH17 shoot-down fails to substantiate accusations against Russia
By Thomas Gaist, 14 October 2014
Sections of the American media have sought to spin the DSB report as implying that Russian responsibility for the attack had been established.
Germany to deploy combat troops in Ukraine
By Christoph Dreier, 7 October 2014
The German government is planning to send troops into Ukraine for the first time since the Second World War.
Elections in Bulgaria take place amidst political and economic crisis
By Markus Salzmann, 4 October 2014
It is already clear that the second general election in 18 months will not bring stability to Bulgaria.
Dutch report into Ukraine jetliner disaster continues cover-up
By Robert Stevens, 10 September 2014
The Dutch Safety Board’s preliminary report into the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is being portrayed by imperialist governments as confirmation that anti-Kiev rebels in eastern Ukraine shot down the plane.
US, EU intensify military threats against Russia
By Kumaran Ira, 10 September 2014
The US and the EU are escalating military threats against Russia, while preparing a raft of new economic sanctions targeting key sections of the Russian economy.
War and social attacks spread throughout Ukraine
By Christoph Dreier, 22 August 2014
The Ukrainian army has expanded its offensive against the rebel-controlled cities of Luhansk and Donetsk, fighting house-to-house battles with rebel groups.
Greek power workers threatened with state strikebreaking
By John Vassilopoulos, 5 July 2014
Workers at the Public Power Corporation in Greece began a 48-hour strike from midnight on Wednesday.
Bulgaria suspends construction of South Stream pipeline
By our correspondents, 19 June 2014
The EU and US have forced Bulgaria to halt construction of a pipeline that would allow Russian gas supplies to Europe to bypass Ukraine.
G7 unity shows cracks on Russia sanctions
By Bill Van Auken, 6 June 2014
While the G7 powers issued a joint statement backing the right-wing regime in Kiev and denouncing Russia, they failed to agree on a new sanctions regime pushed by Washington.
Political repression mounts in run-up to Ukrainian presidential vote
By Alex Lantier, 20 May 2014
As the unelected Western-backed regime in Kiev prepares to hold presidential elections on May 25, right-wing forces are attacking and murdering members of opposition parties.
Russia seeks fresh accommodation with US over Ukraine
By Chris Marsden, 8 May 2014
The Western powers consider elections in Ukraine politically imperative to reinforce the claim that the government of oligarchs and fascists imposed by the February putsch has a democratic mandate to rule.
German Greens incite conflict with Russia
By Verena Nees, 8 May 2014
Ralf Fücks, a leading member of the Green Party, has accused the German government of weakness in the Ukraine crisis.
Washington responsible for fascist massacre in Odessa
By Mike Head, 3 May 2014
The killings expose the brutal character of the right-wing government installed in Kiev.
Does Washington want war with Russia?
By Bill Van Auken, 24 April 2014
The evident desire of Washington to provoke a military conflict with Russia has brought the world to the brink of a catastrophic confrontation.
Obama, NATO escalate anti-Russian campaign over Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 17 April 2014
On the eve of Geneva talks on Ukraine, Washington and NATO threatened to escalate economic and military measures against Russia.
Ukrainian troops reject orders from US puppet regime in Kiev
By Patrick Martin, 17 April 2014
Ukrainian troops sent to the eastern part of the country have refused orders to suppress opposition to the right-wing imperialist-backed government in Kiev.
US-backed regime drops deadline against east Ukraine protesters, but threat of war remains
By Mike Head, 12 April 2014
The dangers of a civil war and a US-provoked war with Russia still hang over the people of Ukraine, despite the Western-backed regime in Kiev backing away from a 48-hour deadline for a violent crackdown on protesters in eastern Ukraine.
Civil war looms as pro-US regime threatens massacre of east Ukraine protesters
By Alex Lantier, 11 April 2014
Plans for a bloody crackdown by the US-backed regime in Kiev threaten to plunge Ukraine into a civil war that could draw in Russia and the NATO powers.
Imperialist hypocrisy and lies on eastern Ukraine protests
By Alex Lantier, 10 April 2014
US allegations that protests in eastern Ukraine are a Russian conspiracy are intended to justify a bloody crackdown and new escalation of the Ukraine crisis.
Ukrainian regime announces utility price hikes
By Andrea Peters, 10 April 2014
Over the course of four years, Ukraine’s Western-backed, ultra-right government plans to implement a 120 percent increase in the cost of natural gas for households.
EU and Ukrainian regime seek to discipline fascist Right Sector
By Stefan Steinberg and Chris Marsden, 5 April 2014
Since the February putsch in Kiev, ties between the supposedly “democratic” regime installed by Washington and its fascist allies have become increasingly tense.
Eastern European states demand stronger action against Russia
By Markus Salzmann, 2 April 2014
Eastern European governments have fully supported the right-wing US and EU-led coup in Ukraine and are now demanding intensified military action against Russia.
Polls predict victory for right-wing Fidesz in Hungarian elections
By Markus Salzmann, 19 March 2014
Despite catastrophic social conditions, polls anticipate that right-wing Prime Minister Victor Orban will emerge victorious in parliamentary elections on April 6.
US, EU threaten retaliation as Crimea votes to join Russia
By Alex Lantier, 17 March 2014
US and EU officials pushed for sanctions and military escalation against Russia after Crimea rejected the Western-backed, far-right regime in Kiev and voted to join Russia.
Alex Callinicos: An imperialist apologist writes on Ukraine
By Chris Marsden, 14 March 2014
Callinicos happily forgets what he wrote in 2008 because he is intent on defending the putsch carried out by Washington in Kiev and insisting that Russia is the imperialist aggressor.
After White House meeting with Ukrainian prime minister
Obama issues new threats against Russia
By Chris Marsden, 13 March 2014
The US has effectively taken operational control of the military activities of Ukraine’s neighbours.
US, Europe step up pressure as Ukrainian crisis intensifies
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2014
A Russian foreign ministry statement condemned the US and EU sanctions as “extremely unconstructive” and warned “they will not remain unanswered.”
US steps up pressure on Russia amid growing risk of war over Ukraine
By Stefan Steinberg, 4 March 2014
The world is being brought face to face with the disastrous consequences of the dissolution of the USSR, which has left the region vulnerable to imperialist intrigue, provocations and the rise of far-right forces functioning as tools of imperialism.
US media escalates propaganda offensive on Ukraine
By Joseph Kishore and David North, 4 March 2014
In the wake of the right-wing coup in Ukraine organized by the United States and the European powers, the American media is unleashing a torrent of lies and propaganda.
Canada supports Ukraine coup, threats to Russia
By Keith Jones, 4 March 2014
Canada’s Conservative government is issuing bellicose threats against Russia in unison with the Obama administration.
After pro-EU putsch in Ukraine, Russia puts military on alert
By Alex Lantier, 27 February 2014
Moscow carried out large-scale military exercises yesterday amid rising tensions over the Crimea with the Western-backed, far-right regime in Kiev.
The geopolitical dimensions of the coup in Ukraine
By Peter Schwarz, 27 February 2014
What is at stake in the Ukraine is an international struggle for power and influence that stretches back a quarter of a century.
Berlin and Washington foment civil war in Ukraine
By Peter Schwarz, 20 February 2014
Political leaders in Washington, Berlin and Brussels are prepared to split Ukraine, drive the country into civil war and risk a conflagration in the entire region to achieve their geopolitical goals.
US, European Union threaten sanctions against Ukraine
By Bill Van Auken, 20 February 2014
Amid warnings of a “coup” and “civil war,” Washington and the EU threatened sanctions against Ukrainian officials as part of the escalating Western campaign for regime change.
Hungarian government exploits Holocaust Memorial Year to revise history
By Markus Salzmann, 14 February 2014
The Hungarian government is collaborating with extreme right-wing forces to rehabilitate the pro-Hitler regime of Miklos Horthy.
As riots spread, right-wing Ukrainian opposition threatens new clashes
By Alex Lantier, 24 January 2014
The right-wing, Western-backed opposition threatened to step up violent protests, as pro-opposition rioters took over state buildings in several cities in western Ukraine.
Factional struggle intensifies between Ukraine’s oligarchs
By Ulrich Rippert, 11 December 2013
The current political crisis in Ukraine centers around which group of rival oligarchs will come out on top.
Neo-fascist wins regional election in Slovakia
By Markus Salzmann, 11 December 2013
A neo-fascist has exploited widespread contempt for the political establishment to win the presidency of a central Slovakian region.
Romanian trade unions support destruction of health care
By Andrei Tudora and Tina Zamfir, 1 November 2013
The union bureaucracy, non-governmental organizations and pseudo-left parties are supporting reactionary plans to privatize and rip up health care in Romania.
Serbian government reshuffled in preparation for assault on workers’ conditions
By Paul Mitchell, 10 September 2013
The three-party Serbian coalition government is introducing further austerity, including cutting subsidies to more than 100 state firms.
Eastern European migrant workers face slave labour in Germany
By Anna Rombach, 30 August 2013
Many workers from Bulgaria and Romania seeking work in Germany as a result of the austerity measures of the EU are denied minimal social rights.
Pressure from European Union heightens political crisis in Slovenia
By Markus Salzmann, 31 July 2013
Slovenia’s ruling elite fears a resurgence of working class protests even more than the imminent collapse of government.
Germany’s Left Party supports austerity in Bulgaria
By Peter Schwarz, 30 May 2013
Hans Modrow, chair of the Left Party’s council of elders, has pledged his unreserved support for the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the government it hopes to lead.
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