On May 8 and 9, activists from the Post-Soviet Left (PSL) took part in commemorative events, using them as a platform for dialogue with migrants from post-Soviet countries.
In Berlin, we intervened in the commemorative events at Treptow Park to demonstrate that resistance to nationalism and war can—and must—be uncompromising. During the event, we engaged in repeated dialogue with people of various political views, including our direct opponents—nationalists of all stripes—showing that a leftist alternative is possible.
During our action, we also drew the attention of journalists from Tagesspiegel (https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/zwischen-ukraine-solidaritat-und-russland-verstehern-so-lauft-das-weltkriegsgedenken-in-berlin-13658578.html) and the Russian service of the BBC (https://t.me/bbcrussian/79998?single).
The following day, German police blocked our campaign materials under the pretext of “combating symbols of aggression,” ignoring the fact that the content of the banner was clearly anti-war. Meanwhile, the same police often turned a blind eye to openly conspiratorial and xenophobic materials displayed by both Russian and Ukrainian nationalists—revealing where their priorities truly lie.
In Paris, we laid flowers at the monument to the Soviet anti-fascist partisan and carried out our outreach work during the Immortal Regiment march, which had split into a pro-Putin and an anti-war faction. We aligned ourselves with the latter, emphasizing to those present that war is a product of capitalism—and that resisting it requires international solidarity and organized struggle.
Despite disagreements with some attendees, we also received many words of support and made new connections.
Against aggression, capitalism, and compromise!
