"BASIS-2025": a common struggle for a common future
The International Forum "BASIS-2025" was recently held in Bishkek. It brought together left-wing activists, researchers and trade unionists from post-Soviet countries (Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, Ukraine, EU countries), including representatives from other countries (Moldova, Great Britain). PSL activists also took a special part in the forum.
It became a valuable space for exchanging experiences of left-wing post-Soviet countries, analyzing the situation in our countries and an act of solidarity with each other. Participants discussed systemic problems of labor, inequality, authoritarianism, atomization, the rise of nationalism and environmental problems in post-Soviet societies - and how to counter the destructive actions of right-wing regimes collectively.
Particular attention was paid to issues of international cooperation and coordination of actions between organizations in the region, as well as their external interaction. During the discussions, both common challenges and opportunities for building joint strategies of struggle became clear.
The discussions at the forum showed that despite differences in details, we have much more in common than it seems. The suppression of trade unions, militarization, exploitation of resources and authoritarian shifts - all this requires an international response. That is why it is so important today for all those who advocate peace from below, for fundamental socialist transformations - despite nationalisms and state borders, to unite.
These meetings are especially relevant against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the growth of xenophobia throughout the post-Soviet space. We hope for further cooperation within the framework of the agreements reached and the initiatives already launched.
The International Forum "BASIS-2025" was recently held in Bishkek. It brought together left-wing activists, researchers and trade unionists from post-Soviet countries (Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, Ukraine, EU countries), including representatives from other countries (Moldova, Great Britain). PSL activists also took a special part in the forum.
It became a valuable space for exchanging experiences of left-wing post-Soviet countries, analyzing the situation in our countries and an act of solidarity with each other. Participants discussed systemic problems of labor, inequality, authoritarianism, atomization, the rise of nationalism and environmental problems in post-Soviet societies - and how to counter the destructive actions of right-wing regimes collectively.
Particular attention was paid to issues of international cooperation and coordination of actions between organizations in the region, as well as their external interaction. During the discussions, both common challenges and opportunities for building joint strategies of struggle became clear.
The discussions at the forum showed that despite differences in details, we have much more in common than it seems. The suppression of trade unions, militarization, exploitation of resources and authoritarian shifts - all this requires an international response. That is why it is so important today for all those who advocate peace from below, for fundamental socialist transformations - despite nationalisms and state borders, to unite.
These meetings are especially relevant against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the growth of xenophobia throughout the post-Soviet space. We hope for further cooperation within the framework of the agreements reached and the initiatives already launched.
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Mutual assistance of migrants: from survival to demands
On July 9, in Paris, members and supporters of the French section of the Post-Soviet Left (PSL), the organization "Spalakh", together with the deputy of the National Assembly from "La France insoumise" Sophie Chikirou, conducted a public inspection of the reception center for Ukrainian refugees.
The pro-Ukrainian rhetoric of the French authorities is strangely combined with complete indifference to the fate of specific Ukrainian women, children and old people forced to flee the war to a foreign land.
Located in the Parisian district of La Villette, the center is managed by the association "Coallia" - the largest private operator of social housing in France.
In 2024, the prosecutor's office opened a case against the organization for embezzlement of state funds. Perhaps this is why many Ukrainians have been stuck in this place intended for short-term stays (up to 10 days) for many months. According to the administration, there is no money for resettlement. In the huge hangar, divided by partitions into "bedrooms" for 50 people each, the lights are never turned off, and in the men's room there is one toilet for two hundred people.
At the entrance, the deputy and activists were met by unfriendly security guards who demanded that they agree on a visit with the prefect in advance, threatening otherwise to physically prevent passage. This illegal demand was rejected, but the interpreter from Ukrainian was not allowed through with the deputy and it was possible to communicate only with those Ukrainians who speak French or English.
As a result of the inspection, complaints about poor conditions were confirmed. There were also complaints about rudeness and intimidation on the part of the security hired by the same Coallia.
As a positive fact, it can be noted that the long-promised resettlement has finally begun and literally on the eve of the visit, the first batch of Ukrainians in the amount of 100 people was sent to the regions.
But there is a fly in the ointment here too. A disabled woman with two children, who dared to ask for written guarantees that after two weeks of living in the hotel the refugees would not be asked to pay, was intimidated and threatened to be thrown out into the street with her children in two days.
As a result of the inspection, Sofia Chikirou promised to take control of the living conditions and accommodation of Ukrainians in this center, as well as those who were deprived of the right to live in it as a result of the arbitrariness of the administration.
“We, for our part, are ready to provide maximum assistance to the self-organization of Ukrainian citizens to protect their rights,” noted the representatives of our organization. The Ukrainians also received information about the PSL project “Migrant Collective”, aimed at mutual assistance of different categories of migrants in Europe.
Photo: press service of S. Chikirou.
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On July 9, in Paris, members and supporters of the French section of the Post-Soviet Left (PSL), the organization "Spalakh", together with the deputy of the National Assembly from "La France insoumise" Sophie Chikirou, conducted a public inspection of the reception center for Ukrainian refugees.
The pro-Ukrainian rhetoric of the French authorities is strangely combined with complete indifference to the fate of specific Ukrainian women, children and old people forced to flee the war to a foreign land.
Located in the Parisian district of La Villette, the center is managed by the association "Coallia" - the largest private operator of social housing in France.
In 2024, the prosecutor's office opened a case against the organization for embezzlement of state funds. Perhaps this is why many Ukrainians have been stuck in this place intended for short-term stays (up to 10 days) for many months. According to the administration, there is no money for resettlement. In the huge hangar, divided by partitions into "bedrooms" for 50 people each, the lights are never turned off, and in the men's room there is one toilet for two hundred people.
At the entrance, the deputy and activists were met by unfriendly security guards who demanded that they agree on a visit with the prefect in advance, threatening otherwise to physically prevent passage. This illegal demand was rejected, but the interpreter from Ukrainian was not allowed through with the deputy and it was possible to communicate only with those Ukrainians who speak French or English.
As a result of the inspection, complaints about poor conditions were confirmed. There were also complaints about rudeness and intimidation on the part of the security hired by the same Coallia.
As a positive fact, it can be noted that the long-promised resettlement has finally begun and literally on the eve of the visit, the first batch of Ukrainians in the amount of 100 people was sent to the regions.
But there is a fly in the ointment here too. A disabled woman with two children, who dared to ask for written guarantees that after two weeks of living in the hotel the refugees would not be asked to pay, was intimidated and threatened to be thrown out into the street with her children in two days.
As a result of the inspection, Sofia Chikirou promised to take control of the living conditions and accommodation of Ukrainians in this center, as well as those who were deprived of the right to live in it as a result of the arbitrariness of the administration.
“We, for our part, are ready to provide maximum assistance to the self-organization of Ukrainian citizens to protect their rights,” noted the representatives of our organization. The Ukrainians also received information about the PSL project “Migrant Collective”, aimed at mutual assistance of different categories of migrants in Europe.
Photo: press service of S. Chikirou.
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Dear friends, we continue to develop our work, launching new projects and expanding our infrastructure. However, as an independent organization, our sources of funding are very limited. Therefore, we decided to organize an opportunity to support us.
The funds raised will go, for example, to:
— holding events;
— publishing and distributing materials;
— educational and organizational activities;
📕 In particular, we are currently preparing a new brochure about left-wing political prisoners in several languages and plan to attract funds for its publication and distribution.
💸 Any amount is a contribution to the common cause. You can support us here. At the moment, you can only support us in cryptocurrency, but we plan to develop other methods over time.
Thank you in advance for your solidarity.
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On June 27, more than 40 activists from Armenia, Azerbaijan and other countries spoke out against war and repression - and in support of Azerbaijani activist Bahruz Samadov, sentenced to 15 years in prison for refusing to participate in the nationalist military machine.
This is especially close to us: in Russia and Ukraine, where people are imprisoned for their anti-war position and they fight against the unwillingness to kill each other. In other post-Soviet countries, nationalism and hostility with neighbors are also becoming a method of social management.
The declaration speaks of:
— the need for an anti-imperialist and anti-militarist world,
— feminist and environmental justice,
— the right to return, recognition of suffering and memory,
— internationalism as the only way to overcome the legacy of colonialism, nationalism and capitalist exploitation.
📖 You can read and sign the declaration here (in English). Here you can also support the campaign in its support financially.
We call for solidarity with all those who choose to resist war - in Yerevan and Baku, in Moscow and Kyiv, in Berlin and Istanbul.
Freedom for Bakhruz Samadov and all political prisoners!
#FreeBahruz
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📚 Books of the Central Asian Left: presentation in Berlin
Friends, we invite you to an evening of discussions dedicated to the topic of global capitalism and international solidarity through the prism of Central Asia.
As part of the presentation of publications, we together with comrades from Kyrgsoc will turn to both theoretical studies of capitalist transformations in the region and to the unique historical experience of the socialist cooperative Intergelpo.
🗓 August 8 (Friday)
🕜 18:00–20:30
📍 Emergency Project Room (Schto Djelat), Brunnenstr. 43, 10115 Berlin
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XniSfZHkEqfC3BEn7
🎟 Free admission
The program includes:
🕜 18:00 – 18:40
Online presentation of the book “Rentier Capitalism and Countermovements in Central Asia” by Professor Balihar Sanger and Elmira Satybaldieva (University of Kent, UK). In it, the authors examine how new forms of exploitation through rent are taking hold in the countries of Central Asia, displacing even the remnants of industrial labor.
🕜 18:40 – 19:00, 20:00 – 20:30
Q&A, break.
🕜 19:00 – 20:00
🔴 Screening of an archival film about the Intergelpo cooperative;
🔴 Presentation by David Leupold (Humboldt University, Berlin) about Esperantists who came from Czechoslovakia to build socialism in Kyrgyzstan;
🔴 Presentation of the reissued documentary story "Friendship Forever" by writer Satkyn Sasykbaev, dedicated to the workers of Interhelpo, by historian Stas Sergienko (University of Marburg).
💡 Why is this important?
Today, in the context of global inequality and the expansion of rent capital, we want to discuss these stories as examples of:
— how alliances were built between workers from different countries,
— what practices of self-government, mutual assistance and resistance were possible,
— what from this experience can be relevant for left-wing movements today.
At the meeting, you can also discuss the left-wing movement in Central Asia and left-wing emigration in the EU countries.
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | PSL in Russian
Friends, we invite you to an evening of discussions dedicated to the topic of global capitalism and international solidarity through the prism of Central Asia.
As part of the presentation of publications, we together with comrades from Kyrgsoc will turn to both theoretical studies of capitalist transformations in the region and to the unique historical experience of the socialist cooperative Intergelpo.
🗓 August 8 (Friday)
🕜 18:00–20:30
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XniSfZHkEqfC3BEn7
🎟 Free admission
The program includes:
🕜 18:00 – 18:40
Online presentation of the book “Rentier Capitalism and Countermovements in Central Asia” by Professor Balihar Sanger and Elmira Satybaldieva (University of Kent, UK). In it, the authors examine how new forms of exploitation through rent are taking hold in the countries of Central Asia, displacing even the remnants of industrial labor.
🕜 18:40 – 19:00, 20:00 – 20:30
Q&A, break.
🕜 19:00 – 20:00
💡 Why is this important?
Today, in the context of global inequality and the expansion of rent capital, we want to discuss these stories as examples of:
— how alliances were built between workers from different countries,
— what practices of self-government, mutual assistance and resistance were possible,
— what from this experience can be relevant for left-wing movements today.
At the meeting, you can also discuss the left-wing movement in Central Asia and left-wing emigration in the EU countries.
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Last weekend our organization took part in the anti-war camp Rheinmetall Entwaffen in Cologne. Despite the fact that the authorities are trying to present everything as if the militarization of Europe is supposedly taking place for purely defensive purposes, they continue to finance offensive actions in Gaza and discuss the introduction of compulsory military service in Germany, thereby attacking the rights of workers.
As part of the camp, we took part in a discussion of the anti-war strategy (which should not be limited to NATO countries, but should inevitably include the eastern countries). The main result of this was our participation in the section on the right to conscientious objection to military service in Ukraine and Russia.
The culmination of the anti-war protest was yesterday's demonstration, to which the German state pulled in policemen not only from all over the country, but also from neighboring lands, as well as the federal police. Their actions clearly showed that militarization is just a pretext for tightening the screws and fighting the left opposition. The cosmonauts blocked the anti-war march, finally releasing the participants only in the morning, wearing down the protesters and not allowing some activists to even leave the event. Several people even suffered fractures and lost consciousness from police brutality.
The participation of our organization, as principled internationalists from the post-Soviet space, caused a huge wave of solidarity from the German left. Protesters from various organizations constantly approached our block to express their support for our position: against both Putin's aggression and European militarism, as well as all nationalisms. During both the camp and the demonstration, we made new contacts and found new migrant supporters from our countries.
We hope that the European left and anti-war movement will only grow stronger and become a more powerful pole of resistance.
Solidarity knows no bounds!
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Friends, we have prepared our new book to develop the ideas of our last year's brochures about left-wing political prisoners in Russia. It was created by activists of the Post-Soviet Left to give voice to those who are not heard — communists, anarchists and anti-fascists who ended up behind bars for their beliefs and activities.
Would you like a paper copy or a presentation in your city? Or maybe you are ready to help with the translation into other languages? Write to us on the bot: @postsovietleft_bot!
We ask for comradely distribution - tell your friends and acquaintances. Long live international solidarity! 🚩
We stand on internationalist and anti-capitalist positions and are building an infrastructure of coordination, solidarity and resistance. Join us.
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🇫🇷 Building bridges of cooperation: PSL at Fêté de l'Humanité
Last weekend, our activists took part in the Fêté de l'Humanité in France, which was attended by various left organizations. Together with the communists from the Nord Department Federation (PCF and MJCF), we held a discussion on how Ukrainian, Russian and European left internationalists can resist war and militarization from different sides.
Together with our French friends, we discussed how trade unions can resist militarism today, as well as what international demands the left should put forward today. During the event, we also established new international contacts with local human rights organizations.
We are glad that we were able to organize a dialogue on a new platform and hope to strengthen it. We call on everyone to join the process. Our strength is in solidarity!
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | PSL in Russian
Last weekend, our activists took part in the Fêté de l'Humanité in France, which was attended by various left organizations. Together with the communists from the Nord Department Federation (PCF and MJCF), we held a discussion on how Ukrainian, Russian and European left internationalists can resist war and militarization from different sides.
Together with our French friends, we discussed how trade unions can resist militarism today, as well as what international demands the left should put forward today. During the event, we also established new international contacts with local human rights organizations.
We are glad that we were able to organize a dialogue on a new platform and hope to strengthen it. We call on everyone to join the process. Our strength is in solidarity!
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | PSL in Russian
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We have decided to start developing an organizational channel, where we plan to publish materials about our activities and cover issues of migration, war, and ruling regimes in post-Soviet countries.
📹In our first video, we talk about how to organize in exile, present our activities, and outline our political positions.
We invite everyone to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFhvJ8p0kUY
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YouTube
ПОЧЕМУ МЫ ЗДЕСЬ? / Пилотный выпуск PSL
Как действовать антивоенной оппозиции? Есть ли политика в эмиграции? Можно ли быть против войны и при этом не против своего народа?
Наш сайт: postsovietleft.org
Следите за нами в соцсетях:
https://t.iss.one/postsovietleft
https://instagram.com/postsovietleft
…
Наш сайт: postsovietleft.org
Следите за нами в соцсетях:
https://t.iss.one/postsovietleft
https://instagram.com/postsovietleft
…
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"West is Awesome, East is Awful"
This past Friday, Germany celebrated "German Unity Day," or the holiday marking the victory over the socialist project. The consequences of this victory are still visible: the urban environment and cultural narratives remain dominated by a Western perspective.
West German heritage is declared valuable, while East German heritage is considered second-rate and is being destroyed. For example, in the Berlin district of Friedrichshain, the SEZ sports and recreation center—a "gem" of modernist architecture—is being prepared for demolition. It was not recognized as a protected cultural monument, with officials citing the formal reason of "damaged interior." Now, developers plan to erect a residential complex with 500 apartments on the site. Activists from PSL have spoken out against the destruction of socialist heritage and the colonial logic regarding the culture and history of the GDR, supporting the initiative SEZ für Alle (SEZ for All).
The action took place at the tram interchange on and generated considerable interest from passers-by, who watched, took photos, expressed support, and came over to talk.
According to the activists:
"An AfD supporter came up to us, complaining that migrants were destroying German culture. We replied that we ourselves are migrants and value German culture more than some Germans do. Towards the end, a man approached us, saying the city needed housing and that the building was in disrepair. He later admitted to being a squatter and the last remaining resident of the building, explaining that a huge number of animals—including foxes—live there alongside him. He wondered what would happen to them when the building is torn down."
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | YouTube | PSL in Russian
This past Friday, Germany celebrated "German Unity Day," or the holiday marking the victory over the socialist project. The consequences of this victory are still visible: the urban environment and cultural narratives remain dominated by a Western perspective.
West German heritage is declared valuable, while East German heritage is considered second-rate and is being destroyed. For example, in the Berlin district of Friedrichshain, the SEZ sports and recreation center—a "gem" of modernist architecture—is being prepared for demolition. It was not recognized as a protected cultural monument, with officials citing the formal reason of "damaged interior." Now, developers plan to erect a residential complex with 500 apartments on the site. Activists from PSL have spoken out against the destruction of socialist heritage and the colonial logic regarding the culture and history of the GDR, supporting the initiative SEZ für Alle (SEZ for All).
The action took place at the tram interchange on and generated considerable interest from passers-by, who watched, took photos, expressed support, and came over to talk.
According to the activists:
"An AfD supporter came up to us, complaining that migrants were destroying German culture. We replied that we ourselves are migrants and value German culture more than some Germans do. Towards the end, a man approached us, saying the city needed housing and that the building was in disrepair. He later admitted to being a squatter and the last remaining resident of the building, explaining that a huge number of animals—including foxes—live there alongside him. He wondered what would happen to them when the building is torn down."
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On October 11th, post-Soviet leftists will be demonstrating at Brandenburger Tor in Berlin, "United4Gaza," against Israel's terrorist policies.
If you'd like to join us, message us via the bot (https://t.iss.one/postsovietleft_bot), and we'll send you more details about the meeting time and location!
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Statement of the Post-Soviet Left (PSL) on the Suspension of Humanitarian Visas in Germany
❗️The new parliamentary coalition in Germany has effectively halted the issuing of humanitarian visas under §22.2 of the Residence Act — a program that saved the lives of around three thousand anti-war and opposition activists from Russia and Belarus.
New applications are no longer being processed, and already approved visas are not being issued.
Only small loopholes remain for media-friendly personalities — those convenient to display as “examples of Western humanitarianism.” Left behind are hundreds of ordinary activists and their families, for whom every delay is a question of freedom and safety.
The German government is adopting the talking points of the far right and scoring points on a wave of migrant-phobia. Under the pretext of a “lack of integration budget,” it simultaneously:
— increases military spending to 3.5 % of GDP at NATO’s demand,
— allocates half a billion euros to support Israel’s offensive operations in Gaza.
✊ Activists from Russia and Belarus should place no trust in Western governments. Our only ally is the anti-war, left-wing movement – like ourselves.
🤝 We reject the racist logic of certain liberals who try to pit Russians and Belarusians against Afghans, Syrians, and Iranians.
We are one movement for the right to asylum, for peace, and for democracy.
We need protection no more and no less than anyone else.
🔥 The Post-Soviet Left is launching a campaign to unfreeze humanitarian visas – together with Afghan, Iranian, Syrian, Sudanese and other diasporas affected by this decision.
We will win our rights only through pressure from below! Come and join us!
Read the full statement on our website.
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❗️The new parliamentary coalition in Germany has effectively halted the issuing of humanitarian visas under §22.2 of the Residence Act — a program that saved the lives of around three thousand anti-war and opposition activists from Russia and Belarus.
New applications are no longer being processed, and already approved visas are not being issued.
Only small loopholes remain for media-friendly personalities — those convenient to display as “examples of Western humanitarianism.” Left behind are hundreds of ordinary activists and their families, for whom every delay is a question of freedom and safety.
The German government is adopting the talking points of the far right and scoring points on a wave of migrant-phobia. Under the pretext of a “lack of integration budget,” it simultaneously:
— increases military spending to 3.5 % of GDP at NATO’s demand,
— allocates half a billion euros to support Israel’s offensive operations in Gaza.
✊ Activists from Russia and Belarus should place no trust in Western governments. Our only ally is the anti-war, left-wing movement – like ourselves.
🤝 We reject the racist logic of certain liberals who try to pit Russians and Belarusians against Afghans, Syrians, and Iranians.
We are one movement for the right to asylum, for peace, and for democracy.
We need protection no more and no less than anyone else.
🔥 The Post-Soviet Left is launching a campaign to unfreeze humanitarian visas – together with Afghan, Iranian, Syrian, Sudanese and other diasporas affected by this decision.
We will win our rights only through pressure from below! Come and join us!
Read the full statement on our website.
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | YouTube | PSL in Russian
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WAR AND HUMAN RIGHTS ARE INCOMPATIBLE.
Read our latest update from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Grassroots voices from Russia, Ukraine, and Israel are pushing back against repression and militarization. Join our struggle!
Read & share:
https://postsovietleft.org/2025/10/30/war-and-human-rights-are-incompatible/
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | YouTube | PSL in Russian
Read our latest update from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Grassroots voices from Russia, Ukraine, and Israel are pushing back against repression and militarization. Join our struggle!
Read & share:
https://postsovietleft.org/2025/10/30/war-and-human-rights-are-incompatible/
Feedback | Donate | Insta | Site | YouTube | PSL in Russian
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