#soviet-union

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Tugged Between East and West, Moldova Makes a Pivotal Choice

Moldova is voting to solidify its commitment to join the EU and distance itself from Russian influence.

Where Are They Now? 15 Countries That Were Once Part of the Soviet Union

The collapse of the Soviet Union created economic and political challenges in its former republics, with ongoing Russian influence complicating progress.

What's behind Transnistria's call for Russian 'protection'? DW 03/01/2024

Transnistria seeks Russian protection amidst tensions with Moldova
Long-standing conflict risks reignition with Transnistria's appeal for Russian support

Kuleba warns Russia will 'definitely attack NATO on one condition'

Russia may attack NATO under specific conditions.
Russia's strategic goal is to restore the Soviet Union and depends on Ukraine.

Tugged Between East and West, Moldova Makes a Pivotal Choice

Moldova is voting to solidify its commitment to join the EU and distance itself from Russian influence.

Where Are They Now? 15 Countries That Were Once Part of the Soviet Union

The collapse of the Soviet Union created economic and political challenges in its former republics, with ongoing Russian influence complicating progress.

What's behind Transnistria's call for Russian 'protection'? DW 03/01/2024

Transnistria seeks Russian protection amidst tensions with Moldova
Long-standing conflict risks reignition with Transnistria's appeal for Russian support

Kuleba warns Russia will 'definitely attack NATO on one condition'

Russia may attack NATO under specific conditions.
Russia's strategic goal is to restore the Soviet Union and depends on Ukraine.
morerussia
#cold-war

This Country Flies the Most MiG Fighter Jets, and It's Not Even Close

MiG fighter jets continue to be widely used across several countries, despite the end of the Cold War.

Behind the curtain: Art Dubai looks at the Middle Eastern artists who forged links with the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union's cultural links with the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are explored at Art Dubai Modern.
Artists from diverse backgrounds share common experiences and aspirations due to their time in the Soviet context.

This Country Flies the Most MiG Fighter Jets, and It's Not Even Close

MiG fighter jets continue to be widely used across several countries, despite the end of the Cold War.

Behind the curtain: Art Dubai looks at the Middle Eastern artists who forged links with the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union's cultural links with the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are explored at Art Dubai Modern.
Artists from diverse backgrounds share common experiences and aspirations due to their time in the Soviet context.
morecold-war

This Man Started Selling Rubber Ducks, Then He Became a Billionaire

Roman Abramovich transitioned from an orphaned child to one of Russia's most powerful oligarchs through strategic business moves in oil and aluminum.
#world-war-ii

This Female Sniper Was So Lethal They Called Her 'Lady Death'

Lyudmila Pavlichenko transitioned from aspiring teacher to a renowned sniper in WWII, highlighting her remarkable legacy and impact on military history.

Ukrainian soldiers find remains of German WWII soldiers DW 05/01/2023

The tip-off came from the pastor of the local church in the small town of Sopiv, western Ukraine: A German medical plane was said to have crashed near the village in the Ivanko-Frankivsk oblast (region) during World War II, he told the German War Graves Commission."The inhabitants would have recovered the bodies scattered all over the field and buried them behind the church," the pastor said, according to a commission statement.

This Female Sniper Was So Lethal They Called Her 'Lady Death'

Lyudmila Pavlichenko transitioned from aspiring teacher to a renowned sniper in WWII, highlighting her remarkable legacy and impact on military history.

Ukrainian soldiers find remains of German WWII soldiers DW 05/01/2023

The tip-off came from the pastor of the local church in the small town of Sopiv, western Ukraine: A German medical plane was said to have crashed near the village in the Ivanko-Frankivsk oblast (region) during World War II, he told the German War Graves Commission."The inhabitants would have recovered the bodies scattered all over the field and buried them behind the church," the pastor said, according to a commission statement.
moreworld-war-ii

The day Ukraine declared independence DW 08/23/2024

August 24, 1991 marked Ukraine's declaration of independence, spurred by political upheaval in the Soviet Union and the actions of democratic forces in Parliament.
from www.emptywheel.net
2 months ago

Ukraine, Russia, and the Long Shadow of Nuclear Proliferation

The Maidan symbolizes Ukraine's ongoing struggle for freedom and resistance against oppression, heavily influenced by its neighbor, Russia.

Today in History: August 20, Soviets invade Czechoslovakia

The invasions and pivotal events on August 20 shaped social, political, and scientific discourse significantly throughout history.
from Pitchfork
3 months ago

Light in the Attic Announces New Ukrainian Music Compilation, Shares Archival Songs

The compilation 'Even the Forest Hums' highlights the significance of Ukrainian music pre- and post-Soviet Union, enriched by historical context and social impact.

In Georgia's Depressed Heartland, Pining for the Soviet Past

The town of Kazreti in Georgia, once a thriving Communist oasis, faced economic downfall post-Soviet Union collapse, leading to unemployment and closure of essential services.

Thomas Neff, Who Turned Soviet Warheads Into Electricity, Dies at 80

Dr. Thomas L. Neff converted 20,000 Soviet nuclear warheads into reactor fuel, providing energy to American homes and contributing to global peace.

Peace, a word in decline in Russia

The concept of peace was deeply ingrained in the Soviet Union's culture and rhetoric, but its meaning has since been devalued globally.

Russia After Alexei Navalny

Gorbachev initiated political reform in the Soviet Union by liberating prisoners like Sakharov.
Putin ordered Navalny's poisoning, leading to his survival and continued defiance against the Russian regime.

Leaked Documents Indicate Abramovich Had Financial Ties To Putin

A resident of Siberia has been sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for criticizing Stalin and the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has outlawed criticism of the invasion of Ukraine and the Russian armed forces, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of many citizens.
Experts believe that Russia bombed a theater in Mariupol during the war in Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of civilians.

Kremlin says Ukraine sent two drones to attack Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony for nuclear fuel loading at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is under construction in Turkey, on April 27.(Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via Reuters)RIGA, Latvia - Russia on Wednesday accused Ukraine of staging a drone attack intended to hit the Kremlin residence and kill President Vladimir Putin, an electric allegation that could create justification for Russia to escalate its war in Ukraine.
#years

Ralph Boston, Olympian Who Soared Into the Record Books, Dies at 83

Ralph Boston, the Olympic long jump champion who, in August 1960, broke the track star Jesse Owens's 25-year-old world record in the event, and a year later became the first jumper to break the 27-foot mark, died on Sunday at his home in Peachtree City, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta.He was 83.The cause was complications of a stroke, his son Todd said.

Ding Liren of China Wins World Chess Championship

Ding Liren of China won the world chess championship in a tiebreaker on Sunday, defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia to become the first Chinese man to hold the world title.Ding's victory is the latest high point in chess for China, a rising power in the game.The country, which once banned chess as a symbol of a decadent West, now holds both the men's and women's world championships.

UK company set up in name of top Putin official in Ukraine

A UK company has been set up in the name of one of Vladimir Putin's top officials in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine despite him being under sanctions.Volodymyr Saldo, a notorious puppet of the Kremlin in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, is listed as the owner of a UK company registered in November, five months after his name was added to the sanctions list.

Russia detains US journalist on suspicion of spying

A vehicle carrying The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained on suspicion of espionage, drives away from a court building in Moscow, Russia March 30, 2023.Evgenia Novozhenina, Reuters A Moscow court ruled that a US journalist for the Wall Street Journal newspaper should be detained for nearly two months on suspicion of spying for Washington, the most serious move against a foreign journalist since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich arrested in Russia on espionage charges

An American reporter for the Wall Street Journal has been detained in Russia on espionage charges, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the United States and the Kremlin since it launched its invasion of Ukraine.Evan Gershkovich - who covers Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet Union for the outlet - was detained in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg on suspicion of "espionage in the interests of the American government," the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement, which was reported by state media.

San Francisco Ballet takes a look at love in two iconic productions this spring

Frankly, it's not only been a long winter here in San Francisco, but a decidedly cold and wet one as well.But while many of us have been making do with cranky radiator-based heating systems or buying galoshes instead of playing tennis, the SF Ballet has been in the studio tuning up their glorious in-house machinery to prepare for stagings of Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet.

Ralph Boston, Olympian Who Soared Into the Record Books, Dies at 83

Ralph Boston, the Olympic long jump champion who, in August 1960, broke the track star Jesse Owens's 25-year-old world record in the event, and a year later became the first jumper to break the 27-foot mark, died on Sunday at his home in Peachtree City, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta.He was 83.The cause was complications of a stroke, his son Todd said.

Ding Liren of China Wins World Chess Championship

Ding Liren of China won the world chess championship in a tiebreaker on Sunday, defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia to become the first Chinese man to hold the world title.Ding's victory is the latest high point in chess for China, a rising power in the game.The country, which once banned chess as a symbol of a decadent West, now holds both the men's and women's world championships.

UK company set up in name of top Putin official in Ukraine

A UK company has been set up in the name of one of Vladimir Putin's top officials in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine despite him being under sanctions.Volodymyr Saldo, a notorious puppet of the Kremlin in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, is listed as the owner of a UK company registered in November, five months after his name was added to the sanctions list.

Russia detains US journalist on suspicion of spying

A vehicle carrying The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained on suspicion of espionage, drives away from a court building in Moscow, Russia March 30, 2023.Evgenia Novozhenina, Reuters A Moscow court ruled that a US journalist for the Wall Street Journal newspaper should be detained for nearly two months on suspicion of spying for Washington, the most serious move against a foreign journalist since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich arrested in Russia on espionage charges

An American reporter for the Wall Street Journal has been detained in Russia on espionage charges, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the United States and the Kremlin since it launched its invasion of Ukraine.Evan Gershkovich - who covers Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet Union for the outlet - was detained in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg on suspicion of "espionage in the interests of the American government," the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement, which was reported by state media.

San Francisco Ballet takes a look at love in two iconic productions this spring

Frankly, it's not only been a long winter here in San Francisco, but a decidedly cold and wet one as well.But while many of us have been making do with cranky radiator-based heating systems or buying galoshes instead of playing tennis, the SF Ballet has been in the studio tuning up their glorious in-house machinery to prepare for stagings of Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet.
moreyears

The Russo-Ukrainian War by Serhii Plokhy review deeply personal study of an old-fashioned imperial war'

On 23 February 2022, Serhii Plokhy was in Vienna on sabbatical from his teaching job at Harvard.He went to bed hoping the disturbing news on CNN was somehow wrong.Like many others, including his country's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian historian was reluctant to believe Russia was about to launch a full-scale assault on his homeland.
#united-states

Why Did Xi Jinping Suddenly Call Zelensky?

Earlier this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping called up Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since Russia invaded last year.Is Xi's peace overture to Ukraine for real?He has several reasons for sincerely hoping that the war between Ukraine and Russia ends soon.Is his overture likely to achieve the goal?

Just say NO and Veto Putin From Taking Over U.N. Security Council

It seems like the worst April Fools' joke in history, but an indicted war criminal, Vladimir Putin, is about to take control of the U.N. Security Councilwith the implicit blessing of the United States, France, and the U.Kjust weeks after his global criminal indictment.On top of this, the man just designated as Putin's emissary to address this session of the Security Council is his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovwho stormed out of the Security Council this fall when confronted with evidence of Russia atrocities against Ukraine.

West warns Putin against 'dangerous' nuclear rhetoric but downplays threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with his transport minister in Moscow on March 25.(Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)The United States and its European allies warned Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday against what they said was "dangerous" nuclear rhetoric after he announced plans to store tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a close ally of Moscow that shares a border with northern Ukraine.

Russia accused of taking Belarus nuclear hostage' with deal to station missiles there

Ukraine has accused Russia of destabilising Belarus and making its smaller neighbour into a nuclear hostage following Vladimir Putin's announcement that Moscow has made a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory.The Russian president's suggestions that the move would not breach non-proliferation agreements and that it was consistent with similar arrangements the US had with several of its European allies was given short shrift in Kyiv.

Why Did Xi Jinping Suddenly Call Zelensky?

Earlier this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping called up Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since Russia invaded last year.Is Xi's peace overture to Ukraine for real?He has several reasons for sincerely hoping that the war between Ukraine and Russia ends soon.Is his overture likely to achieve the goal?

Just say NO and Veto Putin From Taking Over U.N. Security Council

It seems like the worst April Fools' joke in history, but an indicted war criminal, Vladimir Putin, is about to take control of the U.N. Security Councilwith the implicit blessing of the United States, France, and the U.Kjust weeks after his global criminal indictment.On top of this, the man just designated as Putin's emissary to address this session of the Security Council is his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovwho stormed out of the Security Council this fall when confronted with evidence of Russia atrocities against Ukraine.

West warns Putin against 'dangerous' nuclear rhetoric but downplays threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with his transport minister in Moscow on March 25.(Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)The United States and its European allies warned Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday against what they said was "dangerous" nuclear rhetoric after he announced plans to store tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a close ally of Moscow that shares a border with northern Ukraine.

Russia accused of taking Belarus nuclear hostage' with deal to station missiles there

Ukraine has accused Russia of destabilising Belarus and making its smaller neighbour into a nuclear hostage following Vladimir Putin's announcement that Moscow has made a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory.The Russian president's suggestions that the move would not breach non-proliferation agreements and that it was consistent with similar arrangements the US had with several of its European allies was given short shrift in Kyiv.
moreunited-states

Opinion | In Defense of Nostalgia

The Columbia University professor Mark Lilla, a perspicacious liberal critic of the contemporary right and left, has an essay in the latest issue of Liberties Journal analyzing the appeal and perils of nostalgia.The appeal is universal, he argues: Like late-middle-aged adults flipping through vacation pictures that remind us, or delude us into thinking, that family relations were once simpler and happier than they are now, almost every society finds itself mythologizing and romanticizing its own origin or past.
#people

Ukraine war: What do Russian speakers in Germany think? DW 04/28/2023

Russia is to blame for the war in Ukraine.That's the opinion of just under 40% of Russian speakers in Germany surveyed by the dimap research institute on behalf of DW; 15% believe Ukraine is to blame, while 27% think both are responsible.For the purposes of the survey, "Russian speakers" refers to native speakers with a migration history in Russia or another former republic of the Soviet Union.

A rehab center revives traumatized Ukrainian troops before their return to battle

Soldiers relax at a rehabilitation course in between tours in northeastern Ukraine.Claire Harbage/NPR KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine Vlad is one of four soldiers in his unit who survived a tour of duty defending Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that Russia has tried to capture for months."Bakhmut," he says, his voice breaking.

History Illustrated: Russia and Ukraine, a history of violence

By Danylo Hawaleshka Published On 27 Mar 202327 Mar 2023 History Illustrated is a weekly series that explains the backstory of the news and features graphics generated with artificial intelligence.This thing between Russia and Ukraine didn't start with Putin's invasion.This thing goes back a thousand years, to the grand prince of Kyiv, Vladimir I, when he was baptised an Orthodox Christian.

Ukraine war: What do Russian speakers in Germany think? DW 04/28/2023

Russia is to blame for the war in Ukraine.That's the opinion of just under 40% of Russian speakers in Germany surveyed by the dimap research institute on behalf of DW; 15% believe Ukraine is to blame, while 27% think both are responsible.For the purposes of the survey, "Russian speakers" refers to native speakers with a migration history in Russia or another former republic of the Soviet Union.

A rehab center revives traumatized Ukrainian troops before their return to battle

Soldiers relax at a rehabilitation course in between tours in northeastern Ukraine.Claire Harbage/NPR KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine Vlad is one of four soldiers in his unit who survived a tour of duty defending Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that Russia has tried to capture for months."Bakhmut," he says, his voice breaking.

History Illustrated: Russia and Ukraine, a history of violence

By Danylo Hawaleshka Published On 27 Mar 202327 Mar 2023 History Illustrated is a weekly series that explains the backstory of the news and features graphics generated with artificial intelligence.This thing between Russia and Ukraine didn't start with Putin's invasion.This thing goes back a thousand years, to the grand prince of Kyiv, Vladimir I, when he was baptised an Orthodox Christian.
morepeople

The Final Blocks: Inside Ukraine's Bloody Stand for Bakhmut

After 10 months of one of the longest and bloodiest battles in Russia's war in Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers are now defending a shrinking half-circle of ruins in a western neighborhood of Bakhmut, only about 20 blocks wide and continually pounded with artillery.Pushed into this ever-smaller corner of the 16-square-mile city, the Ukrainian army is determined to hunker down and hold out, even as allies have quietly questioned the rationale for fighting block by block, sustaining significant casualties, in a city that is a devastating panorama of damaged buildings and rubble.

Russia Will Station Nukes in Another Country for First Time Since Soviet Era

Nuclear weapons are returning to Belarus after decades as the war in Ukraine drags on.During a speech on Saturday night, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a plan to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a country that borders both Russia and Ukraine.Putin pointed out that the U.S. has its own nuclear weapons stationed in partner countries around Europe.

Russia accuses Azerbaijan of violating ceasefire agreement with Armenia

Issued on: 25/03/2023 - 18:32Modified: 25/03/2023 - 18:38 A checkpoint of the Russia peacekeeping force is seen on a road towards the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh in Armenia, Tuesday, March 14, 2023.Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Tuesday accused the Moscow-dominated security alliance of leaving his country in the cold in the face of a threat of renewed hostilities with neighboring Azerbaijan.

Austrian FM: Russia's war in Ukraine is not black and white'

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg discusses Austria's military non-alignment policy.Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted countries such as Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership.Austria, however, has shown no interest in joining the alliance.It has been neutral since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1955.
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