Ukraine
Western threats against Russia increase danger of nuclear war
By Johannes Stern, 30 August 2014
The moves toward Ukrainian membership in NATO underscore the fact that next week’s NATO summit will be aimed at preparing for a possible war against Russia.
The New York Times and Flight MH17
By Bill Van Auken, 30 August 2014
The Times, which presents the responsibility of rebels in eastern Ukraine for downing the airliner as fact, has not reported on the incident for more than a month.
White House threatens Russia over alleged incursion into eastern Ukraine
By Niles Williamson, 29 August 2014
The White House is strongly backing the Ukrainian government as it carries out a brutal war against predominantly Russian-speaking cities in the east.
Continuing media silence on the fate of flight MH17
By Stefan Steinberg, 29 August 2014
Washington and US intelligence are undoubtedly in close contact with the Dutch authorities and complicit in the efforts to bury the truth about what really happened to flight MH17.
NATO steps up military preparations against Russia
By Kumaran Ira, 28 August 2014
NATO is preparing to deploy troops to new bases in Eastern Europe and sending war ships into the Black Sea.
Ukrainian economy in free fall
By David Levine, 26 August 2014
Kiev is scrambling to secure the second tranche of an IMF loan, as its military onslaught against the southeast and austerity policies intensify the economic crisis.
German chancellor Merkel visits Kiev and backs regime
By Christoph Dreier, 26 August 2014
Attempts by Chancellor Merkel to secure German interests in negotiations with Russia do not mean the danger of war is receding.
US and NATO threaten Moscow as Russian aid convoy crosses into Ukraine
By Niles Williamson, 23 August 2014
The crossing of a Russian humanitarian aid convoy into Ukraine on Friday quickly drew threats from the Obama administration, NATO and the US-backed regime in Kiev.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Kiev
By Christoph Dreier, 23 August 2014
The visit takes place at a time of deep crisis for the regime in Kiev and intensified conflict with Russia.
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.
Western powers talk “peace” while eastern Ukraine is decimated
By Julie Hyland, 20 August 2014
Talks between the foreign ministers of Germany, Ukraine, France and Russia failed to produce an agreement while Ukraine continued to attack Luhansk and Donetsk.
Ukrainian army steps up offensive in the east
By Christoph Dreier, 19 August 2014
On Sunday German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that “we continue to slide into a direct confrontation between Russian and Ukrainian combat forces.”
Still no evidence of Russia’s alleged military incursion into Ukraine
By Chris Marsden, 19 August 2014
If reports from the Guardian and the Telegraph are to be believed, experienced journalists stood by and watched Russian military vehicles enter Ukraine without taking a photograph to record the event.
Fighting continues in east Ukraine, as Kiev regime moves on Luhansk
By Niles Williamson, 18 August 2014
The Ukrainian government continued it offensive against pro-Russian separatists in the east over the weekend, while a humanitarian aid convoy from Moscow continued to be held up at the border.
Why have the media and Obama administration gone silent on MH17?
By Niles Williamson, 18 August 2014
The deafening silence of the US media and government in regards to the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 reeks of a cover-up.
Leaders of pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine resign
By Andrea Peters, 18 August 2014
As the Putin regime makes renewed overtures to the West, leading figures from the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic have given up their posts.
Kiev’s blocking of Russian aid convoy to east Ukraine escalates risk of war
By Niles Williamson, 16 August 2014
Reports emerged Friday of the deployment of white phosphorus in the Ukrainian regime’s siege of Donetsk. Simultaneously, the threat of war increased as NATO accused Russia of sending military vehicles into Ukraine.
Gaza, Ukraine and US preparations for urban warfare
By Bill Van Auken, 14 August 2014
The Pentagon is embracing the doctrine that the next major US military interventions will most likely be against the populations of major urban centers.
Russian aid convoy prompts Ukraine war threats with US backing
By Julie Hyland, 14 August 2014
The 280 trucks left Moscow Tuesday for the 620-mile journey to Ukraine’s eastern region.
The fascist atrocities in east Ukraine and the fraud of “humanitarian” war
By Alex Lantier, 14 August 2014
The siege of Donetsk and Luhansk is a barbaric act of collective punishment that exposes the humanitarian pretenses of US and European imperialism.
Kiev pledges to block Russian aid convoy to eastern Ukraine
By Christoph Dreier, 13 August 2014
The Ukrainian army is creating a humanitarian disaster in eastern Ukraine and the government in Kiev is blocking relief supplies to the population.
US-backed Ukrainian regime shells civilians in Donetsk, Luhansk
By our reporter, 12 August 2014
The shelling damaged residential areas, hospitals and Russian Orthodox churches and claimed dozens of civilian victims.
Kiev deploys fascist militias against Donetsk
By Niles Williamson, 12 August 2014
Fascist militias, including the neo-Nazi Azov battalion, have been called on in the attack on pro-Russian separatist forces.
War threat grows as Russia prepares to intervene in east Ukraine
By Alex Lantier, 12 August 2014
Plans for a Russian aid convoy in east Ukraine are setting the stage for a direct military clash between Russia and the US-backed Ukrainian regime.
Assault on Donetsk risks war with Russia
By Niles Williamson, 11 August 2014
Washington hypocritically denounced possible Russian plans for a humanitarian intervention in east Ukraine amid the bloody offensive launched by the Western-backed regime in Kiev.
Tensions grow in Germany over threat of war with Russia
By Ulrich Rippert and Peter Schwarz, 11 August 2014
A conflict between two leading German business papers, Handelsblatt and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, reflects sharp tensions within ruling circles over foreign policy.
Canada providing military aid to Ukrainian regime as it wages war
By Richard Dufour, 11 August 2014
The Harper government last week significantly boosted its involvement in Washington’s aggression against Russia.
Malaysian press charges Ukraine government shot down MH 17
By Alex Lantier, 9 August 2014
Given the tightly controlled character of the Malaysian media, it appears that the accusation that Kiev shot down MH17 has the imprimatur of the Malaysian state.
Australian PM backs NATO threats against Russia
By Mike Head, 9 August 2014
Abbott set out a pretext for US-led military aggression, accusing Russia of preparing to invade Ukraine.
US, NATO support the Ukrainian army’s bloody offensive
By Christoph Dreier, 8 August 2014
Representatives of the United States, NATO and the EU have given their support to the bloody military offensive by the Ukrainian army on Thursday.
What lies behind the warmongering by Der Spiegel?
By Christoph Dreier, 8 August 2014
Germany’s leading news magazine, Der Spiegel, is demanding a confrontation with Russia.
Ukrainian offensive against Donetsk raises threat of war with Russia
By Christoph Dreier, 7 August 2014
The Ukrainian military is proceeding with enormous brutality against pro-Russian forces in east Ukraine, threatening to provoke an all-out war.
Ukrainian government forces deploy heavy weaponry as they encircle Donetsk
By Julie Hyland, 6 August 2014
Latest UN figures show that 117,000 people have been forced out of their homes in eastern Ukraine, while an additional 168,000 have moved to Russia
US spy plane incident raises more questions over MH17 crash
By our reporter, 6 August 2014
Despite the insistence of the US and the European powers that Moscow is responsible for the July 17 crash of Malaysia Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, they have not produced any credible evidence to back up their assertions.
EU, US intensify confrontation with Russia
By Christoph Dreier, 5 August 2014
The US and European Union are stepping up their campaign against Russia as the Ukrainian army intensifies its attack on the civilian population in the east of the country.
Eastern Ukraine faces humanitarian crisis as Kiev steps up attack
By Julie Hyland, 4 August 2014
Some 230,000 people are now internally displaced in Ukraine due to the civil war unleashed by the Western-backed regime in Kiev.
Anti-conscription protests grow in Ukraine
By our reporter, 4 August 2014
The Kiev regime has extended the military draft, introduced in May, mainly affecting young men aged between 18 and 25 years of age.
Ukrainian parliament approves deployment of foreign armed forces to crash site
By Niles Williamson, 1 August 2014
An investigative team is serving as an expeditionary force for armed forces from Australia and the Netherlands, amid continued fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists.
Australian pseudo-lefts line up behind US war preparations against Russia
By Nick Beams, 1 August 2014
After remaining silent for days on the downing of MH17, Socialist Alternative is providing grist to the mill of the US-led war drive against Russia.
Kiev regime’s assault on east Ukraine blocks access to MH17 crash site
By Chris Marsden, 31 July 2014
The Western-backed Kiev regime’s offensive in east Ukraine continues, blocking any access to the crash site of Malaysia flight MH17 and provoking appeals from the Netherlands, home to most of the victims.
Former US intelligence personnel challenge Obama to present evidence of Russian complicity in MH17 crash
By our reporter, 31 July 2014
The memorandum was prepared by the VIPS Steering Group led by NSA whistleblower William Binney.
Australia: Two significant reactions to the MH17 tragedy
By Peter Byrne, 31 July 2014
Two Australian families of those killed in the MH17 disaster have made statements that stand out in stark contrast to much of the commentary in the corporate media. They differ sharply from the Australian government’s agenda of exploiting the tragedy as part of the US-led campaign against Russia and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.
EU imposes its first sanctions against the Russian economy
By Peter Schwarz, 30 July 2014
The EU sanctions are meant to force Russia to its knees economically, politically destabilize it, and bring about regime-change in Moscow.
Ukrainian government offensive blocks MH17 investigation
By Peter Symonds, 30 July 2014
The US and its allies have remained virtually silent on Kiev’s military offensive in this particular location, launched just as investigators were due to arrive.
US, Europe to boost sanctions on Russia
By Peter Symonds, 29 July 2014
European support for tougher sanctions reflects both pressure from Washington and a determination to exploit the MH17 crash to the hilt.
Right-wing gutter journalism: Der Spiegel rails against Russia
By Johannes Stern, 29 July 2014
In the aftermath of the crash of flight MH17 over Ukraine, the tirades against Russia in the German press have intensified.
Washington threatens to intervene in east Ukraine fighting
By Niles Williamson, 28 July 2014
The Obama administration is preparing “real time” targeting information on the location of Russian-backed separatist fighters to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Russian media allege flight MH17 shot down by Ukrainian missile unit
By Peter Schwarz, 26 July 2014
Citing Ukrainian security sources, Russian news agencies report that a Ukrainian anti-aircraft unit accidentally shot down the Malaysian airliner.
Provocative Australian-Dutch push for security forces at MH17 crash site
By Peter Symonds, 26 July 2014
There is nothing benign about what Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described yesterday as “a humanitarian mission”.
Ukraine prime minister resigns as NATO, Australia prepare intervention in east
By Alex Lantier, 25 July 2014
The far-right Kiev government collapsed yesterday as Kiev's bloody civil war in east Ukraine continued to escalate.
New Zealand parliament backs anti-Russian campaign over MH17 disaster
By Tom Peters, 25 July 2014
All the parties voted unanimously in parliament to pressure Moscow to allow Western intervention in eastern Ukraine.
What are the politics of the crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17?
By Alex Lantier, 24 July 2014
The response of the American media and state to the crash of flight MH17 follows a modus operandi US imperialism has repeatedly used to railroad the population into war.
US lies and hypocrisy on Gaza and Ukraine
By Bill Van Auken, 23 July 2014
The same government that is wringing its hands over the airliner deaths in Ukraine and making the most provocative charges of moral responsibility, is totally complicit in the deaths in Gaza.
EU foreign ministers announce “forceful” measures against Russia
By Julie Hyland, 23 July 2014
Having destabilised Ukraine and ratcheted up tensions with Russia, the NATO powers are implementing measures they know could devastate the European and world economy.
Australian prime minister lauded over anti-Russian stance and MH17 resolution
By James Cogan, 23 July 2014
All the establishment parties have come together in a display of “national unity,” based on condemnations of Russia, manufactured sorrow and boasts of Australia strutting the “world stage.”
European powers seize on flight MH17 crash as pretext for war
By Peter Schwarz, 22 July 2014
The way the crash of flight MH17 in Ukraine is being politically exploited parallels the way the 9/11 terrorist attack in the US was utilized to pursue reactionary aims.
Russian army data points to Ukrainian role in Malaysian Airlines MH17 crash
By Alex Lantier, 22 July 2014
Russian radar and satellite imagery raises serious questions as to the role of the Ukrainian regime and its Western backers in the MH17 crash.
UN resolution on Flight MH17: Australia the cat’s paw for US threats against Russia
By James Cogan, 22 July 2014
The Australian government’s diplomatic intervention is carefully coordinated with Washington.
US escalates threats against Russia over Ukraine crash
By Alex Lantier, 21 July 2014
Though it remains unclear why MH17 crashed or what role Russia played in the tragedy, Washington is using it to escalate its offensive against Moscow and bring Europe into line with US policy.
UK government, media demand punitive action against Moscow over MH17 crash
By Julie Hyland, 21 July 2014
David Cameron has seized on Thursday’s tragic crash in eastern Ukraine to demand a “reset of European-Russia relations.”
Canada backs imperialist aggression in Gaza and Ukraine
By Richard Dufour, 21 July 2014
Canada’s Conservative government has applauded Israel’s assault on Gaza, while seizing upon the crash of a Malaysian Airlines jetliner over Ukraine to ratchet up its support for the US-led drive against Russia.
The crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine
By Alex Lantier, 19 July 2014
The remarks Friday by President Barack Obama on the tragic crash of flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine raised far more questions than they answered.
Following Malaysian plane disaster: German media pushes for confrontation with Moscow
By Peter Schwarz, 19 July 2014
Barely 24 hours after the crash of the Malaysian passenger jet over Ukraine, German media outlets are pushing for an escalation of the confrontation with Russia.
Australian political establishment threatens Russia over MH17 crash
By Will Morrow, 19 July 2014
The Australian political elite functions as a chief diplomatic adjunct to Washington’s aggressive intrigues in every corner of the globe.
Washington seizes on Malaysian airliner crash in Ukraine to threaten Russia
By Alex Lantier, 18 July 2014
Before anyone could determine how this tragedy took place, US politicians and media demanded stepped-up action against Russia.
Fascist atrocities mount as US-backed regime assaults eastern Ukraine
By Alex Lantier, 17 July 2014
Ukrainian government forces are unleashing a reign of terror against cities in eastern Ukraine, with the support of Washington and the European Union.
The bombing of eastern Ukraine
By Peter Schwarz, 16 July 2014
The brutal actions against the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine are meant to terrorise all those who oppose the political and social aims of the regime in Kiev.
Ukraine military launches air attacks on Russian-speaking cities in east
By Christoph Dreier, 15 July 2014
The ruthlessness and brutality of the Ukrainian army increase the danger of a direct military confrontation with Russia.
Moscow threatens response after Ukraine forces shell Russian border town
By Alex Lantier, 14 July 2014
Russian officials vowed to respond to the Ukrainian shelling of a Russian border town, amid the offensive by troops of the Western-backed regime in east Ukraine.
Kiev regime launches “total assault” against east Ukraine rebels
By Christoph Dreier, 12 July 2014
In consultation with its allies in Europe and the United States, the Ukrainian army is launching a “total assault” on the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Kiev regime pursues east Ukraine offensive, threatens to ban Communist Party
By Christoph Dreier, 11 July 2014
The brutal military offensive by the Ukrainian government, backed by the US and EU, makes clear the reactionary character of the regime in Kiev.
Ukrainian army prepares siege of Donetsk
By Christoph Dreier, 9 July 2014
After regaining control of Slavyansk, the Kiev regime has announced an offensive against the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.
US-backed regime retakes Slavyansk, threatens bloodbath in eastern Ukraine
By Alex Lantier, 7 July 2014
Having seized strategic towns, forces of the US-backed Ukrainian regime are attacking the major cities of Donetsk and Lugansk.
Ukraine: Berlin foreign ministers meeting brings no solution
By Peter Schwarz, 4 July 2014
While the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine met in Berlin, Kiev continued its brutal offensive against eastern Ukrainian towns and villages.
New York Times backs Poroshenko’s offensive in Ukraine
By Alex Lantier, 3 July 2014
The Times is advocating in Europe the policies of war and regime change it supported in the disastrous US interventions in the Middle East.
Poroshenko launches bloody assault on eastern Ukraine
By Chris Marsden, 2 July 2014
Ukrainian President Poroshenko authorised artillery bombardments around the rebel-controlled cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, following the end of a nominal ceasefire.
Ukraine’s economic crisis to intensify
By David Levine, 30 June 2014
A new report by the Civil Initiatives Committee documents the devastating impact the Ukraine-EU agreement will have on the country’s economy.
Ukraine’s EU Association Agreement a prelude to further bloodshed
By Chris Marsden, 28 June 2014
The refusal of Ukraine’s then-president, Viktor Yanukovych, to sign the deal last November was used by the United States and Germany to initiate a coup led by pro-Western oligarchs and fascist forces.
Kiev deploys fascists against political opponents
By Clara Weiss, 28 June 2014
The Ukrainian government is deploying paramilitary groups in close collaboration with the army against opposition in the eastern part of the country.
US, NATO deliver fresh ultimatums to Russia over Ukraine
By Bill Van Auken, 27 June 2014
Secretary of State Kerry warned that Moscow had just “hours” to take steps to end the revolt in eastern Ukraine.
Government military offensive in eastern Ukraine continues
By Chris Marsden, 23 June 2014
Ukraine’s armed forces are continuing what they describe as an “anti-terrorist” operation in eastern Ukraine against pro-Russian separatists opposed to the Kiev regime installed by the Western powers.
Ukraine regime launches military blitz after floating ceasefire plan
By Bill Van Auken, 20 June 2014
The most intense fighting since the Kiev regime launched its “anti-terrorist operation” has erupted in the immediate aftermath of Poroshenko proposing a unilateral ceasefire.
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.
Ukrainian military kills Russian journalists in assault on rebel-held town
By Barry Grey, 18 June 2014
Two Russian journalists were killed Tuesday after being hit by mortar shells fired directly at them by Ukrainian government forces attacking the rebel-held town of Metallist.
The German president’s call to arms
By Peter Schwarz, 17 June 2014
At the end of a three-day visit to Norway, the German president reiterated his call for a more aggressive German foreign policy.
US-backed rightists attack Russian embassy in Kiev
By Alex Lantier, 16 June 2014
The attack on the embassy was designed to inflame international tensions and move the Ukrainian crisis towards war between Russia and the major Western powers.
Ukraine regime claims control of key port city
By Patrick Martin, 14 June 2014
Mariupol is the largest city in eastern Ukraine under the control of pro-Kiev military forces.
Nationalism and fascism in Ukraine: A historical overview
Part two
By Konrad Kreft and Clara Weiss, 10 June 2014
The collaboration of Germany and the US with Ukrainian fascists has historical precedents reaching back 100 years.
Newly installed President Poroshenko pledges to militarise Ukraine and crush rebellion in the east
By Mike Head, 9 June 2014
While the Western media portrayed it as a powerful performance, the speech only underscored the fact that Poroshenko is nothing but a front man for German and particularly American imperialism.
Nationalism and fascism in Ukraine: A historical overview
Part one
By Konrad Kreft and Clara Weiss, 9 June 2014
The collaboration of Germany and the US with Ukrainian fascists has historical precedents reaching back 100 years.
Obama backs state terror against eastern Ukraine
By Bill Van Auken, 5 June 2014
Meeting with billionaire President-Elect Poroshenko, Obama backed the regime’s “anti-terrorism operation” and offered military supplies and training to carry it out.
Obama escalates NATO confrontation with Russia
By Bill Van Auken, 4 June 2014
Amid an increasingly bloody offensive by the Kiev regime in eastern Ukraine, Obama began talks in Poland Tuesday aimed at ratcheting up military pressure on Russia.
Obama heads to Europe for week of meetings directed against Russia
By Patrick Martin, 3 June 2014
The US is seeking to rally Eastern European countries and the G-7 powers for stepped-up economic and military pressure against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.
Ukraine military helicopter shot down as battles flare in the east
By Patrick Martin, 30 May 2014
Fourteen soldiers, including a general, were killed in the worst setback for the Ukrainian regime since it ordered an offensive against the pro-Russian population of the Donetsk region.
The bloodbath in Donetsk
By Thomas Gaist and Barry Grey, 28 May 2014
The mass killings in Donetsk have further exploded the efforts to portray February’s Western-orchestrated putsch as a “democratic revolution” and underscored the reactionary character of Washington’s puppet regime in Kiev.
New Ukraine government launches airstrikes, prepares austerity measures
By Thomas Gaist, 27 May 2014
Newly elected Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko vowed to crush resistance in the east Monday, launching strikes against separatist militants in and around an airport in Donestsk.
Unease in UK’s political elite after Prince Charles compares Putin to Hitler
By Julie Hyland, 27 May 2014
For the last weeks, the main political parties and the media have sought to draw a veil of silence over events in Ukraine.
Billionaire oligarch declared winner in Ukraine elections
By Thomas Gaist, 26 May 2014
“Chocolate king” Petro Poroshenko has been declared the winner in sham elections in Ukraine, held under conditions of mounting violence against opponents of the US-backed regime.
On eve of election, Ukraine slides toward civil war
By Bill Van Auken, 23 May 2014
Ukrainian armed forces suffered their worst losses since launching a military crackdown against civilian populations opposing the coup regime in Kiev.
New York Times’ vision of Ukrainian “democracy”
By Bill Van Auken, 23 May 2014
The New York Times, which from the outset of the Ukrainian crisis has tailored its coverage slavishly to the line of the US State Department, spelled out its vision for a “democratic Ukraine” Wednesday in an editorial entitled “A Critical Election in Ukraine.”
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