I was in Warsaw in the summer of 69. The Warsaw Pact forces were beginning a military excercise. Everyone on board the plane were told there could be no photography under any circumstance. I seen thousands upon thousands of military vehicles and armaments from one end of the airfield to the other. Once inside the airport the courageous youth of Poland were protesting Russian occupation. My heart soared witnessing their courage. Never forget and never trust Putin, at your peril.
11
Poland's problems with Russia go back much further than World War II, to when Russia, Prussian, and Austria divided up the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth among themselves in the 18th century, with Russian getting the largest piece. Then as now, Russia was a predatory power.
9
Little love has been lost between the Poles and their more powerful neighbors on the East AND the West...Poland has served as a bulwark protecting the West on a number of occasions...When the chips were "recently" down in 1920 and in 1939 Poland was abandoned by its Western friends and presumed allies..Poland's enmity toward Russia is historically well justified.It is high time to accept now that its unchangeable geography dictates more pragmatical relations with its Eastern neighbor such as were achieved with its Western neighbor...
7
Masha Gessen may be forgiven her failure to recall that in the 1950s and then again in the Seventies and Eighties, America went through its own love affair with motorcycle gangs that epitomized the "toughness" America's WWII veterans had brought back from Europe and the Pacific after the war that they were now applying to the task of raising baby boomers and fighting the Cold War. Can't Vladimir V. Putin's Russia be forgiven the same impulse? Doesn't recovering from Western sanctions following the annexation of Crimea require the same devil-may-care toughness?
No evidence suggests that Putin's Kremlin is anywhere near as bad as Stalin's or Lenin's. Sure, there has been more than a little regression in civil rights, but this has was necessary to remind Russian citizens there is no turning back from democracy and free markets. Nationalism is only troublesome when it takes an imperial turn; I submit that Putin's Crimean annexation was not imperialistic in origin but an act with far more complicated reasons and circumstances.
No matter how strongly the Bill Clinton administration embraced Boris Yeltsin, I cannot be persuaded it did enough to facilitate the bloc's transition to world market capitalism. It simply makes no sense to spend forty years and untold trillions making sure your Cold War enemy doesn't destroy you and then ignore them when they decide to cooperate. If anyone's to blame for the current situation in Russia, it's the West and nobody else.
No evidence suggests that Putin's Kremlin is anywhere near as bad as Stalin's or Lenin's. Sure, there has been more than a little regression in civil rights, but this has was necessary to remind Russian citizens there is no turning back from democracy and free markets. Nationalism is only troublesome when it takes an imperial turn; I submit that Putin's Crimean annexation was not imperialistic in origin but an act with far more complicated reasons and circumstances.
No matter how strongly the Bill Clinton administration embraced Boris Yeltsin, I cannot be persuaded it did enough to facilitate the bloc's transition to world market capitalism. It simply makes no sense to spend forty years and untold trillions making sure your Cold War enemy doesn't destroy you and then ignore them when they decide to cooperate. If anyone's to blame for the current situation in Russia, it's the West and nobody else.
6
Like many Western observers, I initially agreed that Poles were grossly exaggerating when they tried to accuse the Rusian government of deliberately causing the Smolensk plane crash. However, as I have subsequently observed how Putin has supported the thousands of killings that his forces have perpetrated in Ukraine and lied through his teeth about his involvement, not to mention that Kaczynski was one of the significant forces of resistance to Russian expansionism in Europe, I am very much inclined to join those who openly doubt Gessen's blithe dismissal of the plane crash as being an accident.
5
Here in the west, we seem to forget history that does us a disservice. Sir Francis Bacon noted in his 1620 "Novum Organum" that we tend to look upon ourselves in a far greater light than do those we oppose. Amnesia here in the west leaves many believing that the partition of Poland was not preceded by a cowardly act by western powers. The west laid down when Hitler took the Sudetenland. Not a peep. Stalin rightly took it as a warning that the west was not going to challenge HItler, and the NKVD had adequate intel that the Nazis were planning on attacking the Soviets.
As to the many comments about cowardly acts, rape etc. I could taslk all day about those perpetrated by the west during this war. The rape of 3000 French women by US GI's after d day. or the 30,000 rapes committed by allied forces throughout Europe during the war. Remember, the US and Britain sat on the sidelines for most of the war against the Nazis. 85 to 90% of the German soliders died in the east. Russia also took more land from Japan in the war than the western allies took in Europe. Soviet behavior in Poland can no more be defended than Dresden, Tokyo, Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
As to the many comments about cowardly acts, rape etc. I could taslk all day about those perpetrated by the west during this war. The rape of 3000 French women by US GI's after d day. or the 30,000 rapes committed by allied forces throughout Europe during the war. Remember, the US and Britain sat on the sidelines for most of the war against the Nazis. 85 to 90% of the German soliders died in the east. Russia also took more land from Japan in the war than the western allies took in Europe. Soviet behavior in Poland can no more be defended than Dresden, Tokyo, Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
10
It gets very boring reading sponsored comments whenever Russia or Putin are mentionned in articles. I don't see hatred for Russia in this article, I see an explanation of an obscure, odd spat between neighbours. And because this is the NYT and not RT or any Russian media, difficult things can be said by the author instead of being silenced.
Many comments here only give support the view that dissent in any form will not be tolerated under Putin, even outside of Russia. Readers aren't as stupid as the low paid and poorly trained propagandists hope.
Many comments here only give support the view that dissent in any form will not be tolerated under Putin, even outside of Russia. Readers aren't as stupid as the low paid and poorly trained propagandists hope.
8
The KGB and their machine is alive and well with Putin. Just look at their actions in Crimea and Syria. Kill and lie, Kill and lie. Bravo to Poland for not letting Putin's 'gang' ride thru.
I've been riding for 50 years now, ugh, just realised it. No gang, no group, just like to ride a motorcycle. Lets not let these guys and the Harley Davidson yuppies give bikes a bad name, they can be fun.
I've been riding for 50 years now, ugh, just realised it. No gang, no group, just like to ride a motorcycle. Lets not let these guys and the Harley Davidson yuppies give bikes a bad name, they can be fun.
6
And why exactly is Poland blocking the Night Wolves?
What is the purpose in insulting Putin´s friends?
Isn´t it stupid to insult your neighbor for no reason specially if he is much stronger than you are because other people tell you to do it?
After all the Night Wolves are a civic group, not a gang of the sort of the Hell Angels. The only similarity would be that they too ride motorbikes.
And 40 years ago, I briefly owned a motorbike.
What is the purpose in insulting Putin´s friends?
Isn´t it stupid to insult your neighbor for no reason specially if he is much stronger than you are because other people tell you to do it?
After all the Night Wolves are a civic group, not a gang of the sort of the Hell Angels. The only similarity would be that they too ride motorbikes.
And 40 years ago, I briefly owned a motorbike.
4
Until the Poles, Ukrainians, Hungarians, et al come to terms with their roles in the Shoah, they will have small moral ground to stand on. The Germans, by and large have recognized their complicity and sought forgiveness.
I visited a small city in western Ukraine(formerly Hungary and Austro Hungary). Amidst the Stalinist architecture was a moorish building. My hostess told me that it was the symphony hall. And,oh yes, it had been the synagogue prior to 1970 when all the Jews left. Ha! 90% or more of the Jews,who were many, vanished between 1941 and 1945.
I visited a small city in western Ukraine(formerly Hungary and Austro Hungary). Amidst the Stalinist architecture was a moorish building. My hostess told me that it was the symphony hall. And,oh yes, it had been the synagogue prior to 1970 when all the Jews left. Ha! 90% or more of the Jews,who were many, vanished between 1941 and 1945.
10
Perhaps, NATO strengthening of the Polish border is called for, here. Eventually, someone will have to push back. No better time than now.
6
Russia's Historic view of foreigners is twofold; either you are an enemy or you're a vassal. Pick one. This has been true since czarist times. And Poland has suffered perhaps, more then any country, except the Ukraine, under the Russian boot. Let Poland deal with the Russians as they see fit.
14
This op-ed is a good history lesson from Mr. Gessen. I had forgotten that Poland had been divided by the Germans and Russians prior to the German invasion of Russia. However, everyone is aware of the Russian occupation of Poland and eastern Europe after the close of WW II. The perspective provided by these facts and the massacre in the Katyn Forest makes the Polish action of barring the Night Wolves seem quite understandable to all objective observers. But Mr. Putin is not one of those. He is an ultra-nationalist who has built his power base on the complementary ideas of Russian exceptionaslim combined with aggrievement regarding Russia's real and perceived treatment by the West going back to WW II. That power base has allowed Mr. Putin to become Russia's "de facto" president for life. And to what end his ultra-nationalism will ultimately take Russia, NATO and the U.S. is yet to be determined, but the recent history of Russia's provocative military actions towards U.S. and NATO forces is not encouraging to say the least. Like the Poles, we should remember the past and question whether Mr. Putin is also a revanchist as well as a nationalist.
12
For the second year in a row the Night Wolves have gone roaring into Berlin with their big bikes, and big Russian flags waving behind them. And they didn't look friendly.
Aside from the fact that Berlin is already gripped by ongoing wars between two giant 'Rocker' (Motorcycle) Clubs battling over turf, prestige, and the usual sundry businesses that support their outlaw image and lifestyle, it is hardly in need of another. And even though the Wolves' visits are brief, given the city's divided history, their message is undeniable.
Having lived in Berlin when there was a Wall, I can't say I would look forward to its return, or any reminder of it. This sentiment is not uncommon.
By now it is a well-established fact that Mr. Putin and his nationalist agenda is never far from anything that comes out of Russia.
The Poles are keenly aware of that, and so are the former Soviet Baltic states.
And should Mr. Trump somehow find himself elected, he would be best advised to speak with these countries first, before taking any steps toward dismantling NATO. As history has a way of repeating itself.
Aside from the fact that Berlin is already gripped by ongoing wars between two giant 'Rocker' (Motorcycle) Clubs battling over turf, prestige, and the usual sundry businesses that support their outlaw image and lifestyle, it is hardly in need of another. And even though the Wolves' visits are brief, given the city's divided history, their message is undeniable.
Having lived in Berlin when there was a Wall, I can't say I would look forward to its return, or any reminder of it. This sentiment is not uncommon.
By now it is a well-established fact that Mr. Putin and his nationalist agenda is never far from anything that comes out of Russia.
The Poles are keenly aware of that, and so are the former Soviet Baltic states.
And should Mr. Trump somehow find himself elected, he would be best advised to speak with these countries first, before taking any steps toward dismantling NATO. As history has a way of repeating itself.
25
It should be noted that Mr. Zaldostanov, the self-proclaimed "leader" of the Night Wolves, lived in Eastern Germany in late Soviet times, and was married to East German citizen - a very unusual feat for any Soviet citizen. At the same time, Mr. Putin was working in East Germany; one of his responsibilities was the planting of moles, which was often achieved through bogus marriages between Soviet and German citizens.
In fact, one of the people I know spent several years in prison on bogus charges of "treason" once he refused a similar offer arranged through Mr. Putin (yes, that person claims he met him in person in the 80es, although he was not his handler) and his colleagues.
In fact, one of the people I know spent several years in prison on bogus charges of "treason" once he refused a similar offer arranged through Mr. Putin (yes, that person claims he met him in person in the 80es, although he was not his handler) and his colleagues.
4
Of all the nations in all the world, Poland has perhaps the worst geographic luck. Those unfortunate lands lying between ancient Russia and Germania-Prussia may be delineated on paper maps by frequently-redrawn dotted lines, but those lines are always proved illusory. "Poland," by whatever national title it may be known, will always be in play between the East and the West. I give thanks for not being a citizen of Poland ... not that there's anything wrong with being Polish, just that Poland's citizenry are pawns in the geopolitics. I'm confident a President Trump could send Poland some Hell's Angels, Banditos, Lobos, Diamondbacks, Warlocks, Vagos, Pagans, and other American motorcycle one-percenters to aid Poland in countering the Russian ride-ins. Nothing can go wrong.
12
Another way of looking at it was that Poland was occupied during WWII by the U.S.S.R., a working class transnational union, not by Russia. Or if you bother to go back just a few years further, before World War I the nation of Poland did not exist (though it had at times in the remoter past). Polish was just another central European language group without its own nation, like many of the ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Poles in the U.S. were an important constituent of Woodrow Wilson's Democratic Party, so he insisted in Poland's creation after World War I. But as a racist ideologue he felt no obligation to grant national recognition to Vietnam or the many non-white nations enslaved by the British, French, Dutch, or Italians. The motorcycle club did not invade Poland, much less defeat National Socialist Germany. They are no more harmful than U.S. Civil War re-enactors. Let them pass. Cheer them even. Improve relations, and get over nationalism and its close cousins ethnic and religious discrimination, and racism.
21
It is sure an innocent thing to let a motorcycle gang ride over your country, even if the gang has ties to Putin. There would probably be no real harm done in letting them ride through. But that's Poland, and the motorcycle gang is Russian. This is never going to happen. Masha is right: one can't just entirely disregard the history of Russian-Polish relations. It would be suicidal for any Polish politician to allow a Russian motorcycle gang storm through Poland. Russia would really need to make some important gestures beforehand - like accounting for what it did in Poland between 1939-1941, and then after 1945...
15
I just do not understand the politics of the extreme right and the need to make problems.
5
Several thousand Polish officers killed at Katyn? It was rather between 15,000 and 22,000!!!
13
One can go back to the 1930s when Western leftists and intellectuals supported the Soviet Union despite the numerous crimes committed by Stalin. Even during the 1950s and 1960s, French intellectuals including Sartre, failed to denounce Russian crimes committed in Eastern Europe. Putin is a continuation of Russian policy towards its neighbors. He is a thug who uses propaganda and nationalism to further his goals.
19
We live in a glass house. Once we admit our own crimes and weaknesses, I guess we can lob all the stones we want. It does matter what happened in history, but Today is our immediate problem.
3
That Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Office henchmen advance the false equivalence between on official mission of Poland's state leaders and a group of Russian macho motorcycle thugs is part of the Russien set-piece of military provocation. The bullying is exceeded only by the absurdity of Putin's case as he re-writes history to satisfy his aggressive revanchism.
And Donald Trump claims that NATO is obsolete. Good-bye European stability; hello Soviet Bloc v.2.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
And Donald Trump claims that NATO is obsolete. Good-bye European stability; hello Soviet Bloc v.2.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
25
Thank you NYT for publishing this piece! Sadly, for all that Poland has suffered over the years, and, has served as a genuine ally to the U.S., the U.S. has continued to exclude Poles from the visa waiver program.
10
Great essay. Thank you.
13
Poland has moved toward the extreme right and a fascist dictatorship.
As far as I'm concerned, Russia can invade and occupy Poland.
Poland doesn't deserve to be a part of NATO.
As far as I'm concerned, Russia can invade and occupy Poland.
Poland doesn't deserve to be a part of NATO.
5
Fantastic essay. So much better than much of what appears on the NYT opinion page. More Masha Gessen please!
25
Though I am listed as being in Tokyo, the last two years I have lived mainly in Warsaw.
It is certainly a different perspective to live here (with Russia not so far away), and then contemplate the complex (and often tragic) history of the Eastern bloc countries. Gessen hits fairly accurately on a number of things, but I note that a lot of the important and troubled history is left out on this.
In particular, simply viewed as an outsider with no Slavic ancestry, I still cannot understand why the Russians did not take action during the Warsaw uprising. It would have been an ideal opportunity to really pummel the German troops in Warsaw. History would have been different, and it probably might have left some room to negotiate for a ride through Poland.
It is certainly a different perspective to live here (with Russia not so far away), and then contemplate the complex (and often tragic) history of the Eastern bloc countries. Gessen hits fairly accurately on a number of things, but I note that a lot of the important and troubled history is left out on this.
In particular, simply viewed as an outsider with no Slavic ancestry, I still cannot understand why the Russians did not take action during the Warsaw uprising. It would have been an ideal opportunity to really pummel the German troops in Warsaw. History would have been different, and it probably might have left some room to negotiate for a ride through Poland.
11
While most writers, not without reason, vilify the Soviet failure to aid the Poles during the Warsaw Uprising, there was also a very pragmatic consideration: why should the Red Army deplete its own ammunition and shed its own blood to expel the Nazis when it could let the Poles deplete and shed theirs? However, their refusal to aid the Polish forces, and their actual hindrance of the Poles who were fighting demonstrates that it was in fact part of their plan to bleed the Poles as dry as possible during the war so that they would have less capacity to offer resistance to Soviet occupation after the Nazis were defeated.
8
As you probably know, it is commonly believed that the Soviets deliberately decided not to enter Warsaw so that the Germans could kill as many Polish nationalists as possible and facilitate the takeover of the Polish government by Polish communists and the Soviets.
7
OK, Fair enough, but no-one should forget that Soviet citizens bore the primary burden of defeating Hitler's Germany, and the Europe under its control. The way this essay is written, one would scarcely know that the Nazis also terrorized Poland, and that the Soviet conquest in Eastern Europe enabled the victory of the Allies, including the United States, over an even worse threat - Nazi Germany.
Of the 30 million people killed in WWII, two-thirds were Soviet citizens, most Russian: 10 million soldiers, and 10 million civilians. Worldwide, the other deaths in WWII came to half that figure.
After the British and French debacle of 1940, there was no way that Europe would have been liberated, except either through Soviet victory on land, or the death of millions more Americans, British and many others. The Russians have every right to call that war the Great Patriotic War, because they did most of the fighting, and dying, to the benefit of Britain, France, and the US (as Stalin never tired of pointing out while the war was going on).
Now, it is surely true that major US/British munitions shipments helped keep the Soviets going, and that Stalin's 1939 pact with Hitler sold out everyone else. It's also true that Stalin exploited USSR's position at war's end to dominate the East for decades. While we deprecate all that, we should acknowledge that if Eastern Europe paid a price, the West benefited from USSR's actions post-war as much as the USSR did.
Of the 30 million people killed in WWII, two-thirds were Soviet citizens, most Russian: 10 million soldiers, and 10 million civilians. Worldwide, the other deaths in WWII came to half that figure.
After the British and French debacle of 1940, there was no way that Europe would have been liberated, except either through Soviet victory on land, or the death of millions more Americans, British and many others. The Russians have every right to call that war the Great Patriotic War, because they did most of the fighting, and dying, to the benefit of Britain, France, and the US (as Stalin never tired of pointing out while the war was going on).
Now, it is surely true that major US/British munitions shipments helped keep the Soviets going, and that Stalin's 1939 pact with Hitler sold out everyone else. It's also true that Stalin exploited USSR's position at war's end to dominate the East for decades. While we deprecate all that, we should acknowledge that if Eastern Europe paid a price, the West benefited from USSR's actions post-war as much as the USSR did.
26
The CCCP was ruled by a totalitarian dictator who oversaw the slaughter of 50-60 MILLION people during his reign. That's aside from any claims about how many Soviet citizens died during their GPW.
The CCCP dictator also blindly believed the "true nature" of the totalitarian dictator in Germany, to the effect that hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens slaughtered by the Wehrmacht died because the CCCP dictator refused to believe or respond to reports that the Wehrmacht was moving east. Shirer reports that trains laden with natural resources negotiated during the Rape of Poland were moving west past the Panzers moving east.
The CCCP's munitions and factory designs were stolen from the West, mostly the US. The CCCP benefited far more from the West than the West benefited form the CCCP. The CCCP faced only one enemy, Germany, whereas the West faced three.
The CCCP was a charnel house from Day 1. Its only product was death. It deserves no sympathy, no cheering, no celebration. And it deserves no free-ride through Poland.
The CCCP dictator also blindly believed the "true nature" of the totalitarian dictator in Germany, to the effect that hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens slaughtered by the Wehrmacht died because the CCCP dictator refused to believe or respond to reports that the Wehrmacht was moving east. Shirer reports that trains laden with natural resources negotiated during the Rape of Poland were moving west past the Panzers moving east.
The CCCP's munitions and factory designs were stolen from the West, mostly the US. The CCCP benefited far more from the West than the West benefited form the CCCP. The CCCP faced only one enemy, Germany, whereas the West faced three.
The CCCP was a charnel house from Day 1. Its only product was death. It deserves no sympathy, no cheering, no celebration. And it deserves no free-ride through Poland.
6
A great letter on the positive things Russia/the Soviet Union did and suffered in World War II, but for a little perspective you should add in the not so positive Nazi Soviet non-aggression pact, a Soviet attempt to turn Hitler toward the West. So - suffering - yes. And double dealing - yes too.
2
The Stalin made a deal with Hitler to divide up Europe. At the same time that the Soviets were moving into Poland, they were also invading Finland. Then Hitler turned on Stalin and the USSR. US provided the material (weapon systems, medical and food supplies) the Soviets needed to hold back Germany until the Soviets regained their footing. All the while, Stalin was purging millions of his own people. Do I feel sympathy for the Soviet sacrifices? No. Would NAZI Germany have been defeated if not for the Soviets? There is no telling. Perhaps if Hitler whould have held off invading the USSR until he had defeated England, or if he had focused on consolidating his gains in Western Europe first, things might have been different. But the Soviets did not fight NAZI Germany because they were on the side of the angels. They did it because they were betrayed after betraying others themselves. They were no heros.
5
Ever since the days of Malcolm Forbes the lure of the motorcycle gang has proved irresistible to the rich and powerful. In a few weeks New Hampshire will be filled with millionaires on Harleys doing dress up in denim vests and biker colors (Bike Week). You can have it both ways, be a outcast rebel and a successful member of the establishment. If you really love men.
What motorcycle gang does Donald Trump ride with? When he and Vlad ride together you know the Horsemen of the Apocalypse are upon us.
What motorcycle gang does Donald Trump ride with? When he and Vlad ride together you know the Horsemen of the Apocalypse are upon us.
25
Most people only view Russian history through seven decades of a Communist dictatorship without taking the perspective of a thousand years’ worth of Russian Czars. Putin was born and nurtured in the Soviet system yet he is essentially a 21st century Czar. Now, over that thousand years, there were “good czars” and “bad czars” but all of them maintained iron-fisted control over, and tried to expand their borders because they were forever anxious about creating buffer regions to protect the Russian heartland from a multiplicity of European invaders. Unfortunately, Poland, along with the Baltic states, and other parts of eastern European were often part of those buffer regions. Putin’s aggressive nationalism is not a new phenomenon but is in fact the oldest manifestation of Imperial Russia. The only real question is how far Putin is willing to push the envelope in his real-life game of “Risk.”
19
That Putin identifies with this "bike club", says it all, about Putin's Russia.
Since when is being in a motorcycle gang a form of gainful employment, and not more typically a cover for a criminal enterprise?
How do people in motorcycle gangs earn their daily keep, or support families? Either they have to have money to begin with and are just playing the weekend 'bad boy' faux rebel role, or they are just plain old vagrant neer' do well criminal thugs on motorized bikes.
They hold annual parties for children? How sickening. Who would want their kids anywhere near these creeps?
Ban them all, in Poland, the US and everywhere these criminal gangs dare to venture out in public. Organized crime isn't a right.
Since when is being in a motorcycle gang a form of gainful employment, and not more typically a cover for a criminal enterprise?
How do people in motorcycle gangs earn their daily keep, or support families? Either they have to have money to begin with and are just playing the weekend 'bad boy' faux rebel role, or they are just plain old vagrant neer' do well criminal thugs on motorized bikes.
They hold annual parties for children? How sickening. Who would want their kids anywhere near these creeps?
Ban them all, in Poland, the US and everywhere these criminal gangs dare to venture out in public. Organized crime isn't a right.
8
Great essay. There's a kind of subtle racism or cultural exceptionalism that encourages Western Europeans and Americans to ignore Russia's predatory instinct, but Eastern European countries--the Baltic States, Finland, Poland, and Ukraine--know it very well. As American politicians make irresponsible comments about dismantling NATO, how can we blame Poland for looking to its own interests, given what they suffered under Soviet occupation? Few Americans know that Ukrainians live in a country called Ukraine--not The Ukraine--no wonder their idealistic struggle for democracy in the face of Putin's wrath arouses so little interest or sympathy abroad.
The one bit of bright light here: Putin overestimates his own power, and the Ukrainians and Poles have had two years to organize themselves to resist potential Russian aggression (likely heralded with the rev of a motorcycle). Russia can whine and complain that the countries it brutalized during Stalin's rule no longer have any interest in the boot heel, but in the end, that's all Putin and his bro-Nazi motorcycle thugs have: sound, fury, and an acquiescent West.
The one bit of bright light here: Putin overestimates his own power, and the Ukrainians and Poles have had two years to organize themselves to resist potential Russian aggression (likely heralded with the rev of a motorcycle). Russia can whine and complain that the countries it brutalized during Stalin's rule no longer have any interest in the boot heel, but in the end, that's all Putin and his bro-Nazi motorcycle thugs have: sound, fury, and an acquiescent West.
123
It is pretty ignorant to say "Ukrainian's struggle for democracy in the face of Putin's wrath". Better to use "western Ukrainians" rather than Ukrainians. the world knows that those who you refer to are the people living in the west of the country while a good number of people (close to 50%) who are in the eastern/southern part of the country are very much pro Russia and particularly Putin.
A good example is those ordinary people of Odessa who protested against what they perceived as the western Ukrainian's coup against a democratically elected president (sure he was corrupt but tell me who is not in Ukraine, even now). And what happened to them? ~50 of them were burned alive!
A good example is those ordinary people of Odessa who protested against what they perceived as the western Ukrainian's coup against a democratically elected president (sure he was corrupt but tell me who is not in Ukraine, even now). And what happened to them? ~50 of them were burned alive!
5
Jack, much your statements has nothing to do with the reality. There is no idealistic struggle for democracy in Ukraine. Ukraine is a corrupt, poor, but oligarchic country with no respect to the law, non-existent court ruling and respect for creditor rights (especially foreign), and that's nothing to do with Russians.
Of course, Poland and Ukraine seek for their own interest, trying to bring in US/Nato military power so to be able to keep their nonsense bargaining with Russia without having so much fear (but again, it's nonsense to believe that Russia will seriously invade Poland). Interesting, that being that sensitive to the interests of Poland and Ukraine, you deny the large country as Russia to have its own interests, especially being surrounded by the hostile NATO bloc.
Of course, Poland and Ukraine seek for their own interest, trying to bring in US/Nato military power so to be able to keep their nonsense bargaining with Russia without having so much fear (but again, it's nonsense to believe that Russia will seriously invade Poland). Interesting, that being that sensitive to the interests of Poland and Ukraine, you deny the large country as Russia to have its own interests, especially being surrounded by the hostile NATO bloc.
6
Well said - thank you.
2
All the Poles remember is Stalin's brutality and murderous occupation. So do the Baltic Republics and the rest of Eastern Europe. No one in his right mind trusts Putin except maybe Trump. And he is not in his right mind. As soon as Trump is elected, if he is elected, Putin will put NATO to the test probably in Latvia's south-eastern province of Latgale where over 50% of people of Russian ancestry live.
When, not if, Putin sends in his green men to take Latgale by force, Trump will do nothing and that will be the end of NATO and the end of the free and independent Baltic Republics. Poland would be next.
Trump is a total fool as are the rest of the so called Konservatives
in the so called GOP.
When, not if, Putin sends in his green men to take Latgale by force, Trump will do nothing and that will be the end of NATO and the end of the free and independent Baltic Republics. Poland would be next.
Trump is a total fool as are the rest of the so called Konservatives
in the so called GOP.
75
Paul Manafort, Trump's new "political technologist," as the Russians call political consultants, played a major and sinister role in maneuvering Viktor Yanukovych, the thuggish and hugely corrupt pro-Putin Ukrainian politician, into the Ukrainian presidency in 2010. Yanukovych's corruption and pro-Putin orientation triggered the Maidan revolt in 2014 that drove him from power and into Russian exile.
Paul Manafort has a long history of advising and lobbying for autocratic foreign politicians with Caesarist qualities. Yanukovych was just one of many. No wonder he and Trump work so well together.
None of this should come as a surprise. The shocker is that Tad Devine, Bernie Sander's chief strategist, also worked for Yanukovych at the same time as Manifort. In fact, Devine tried to put Yanukovych in office Yanukovych twice, not only in 2010 but 2006 as well.
Maybe "political technologists" like Manafort and Devine are just hired guns, eager to work for whoever pays them, no matter how unsavory. Trump's choice of Manafort is obvious. Sanders' choice is more problematic.
Paul Manafort has a long history of advising and lobbying for autocratic foreign politicians with Caesarist qualities. Yanukovych was just one of many. No wonder he and Trump work so well together.
None of this should come as a surprise. The shocker is that Tad Devine, Bernie Sander's chief strategist, also worked for Yanukovych at the same time as Manifort. In fact, Devine tried to put Yanukovych in office Yanukovych twice, not only in 2010 but 2006 as well.
Maybe "political technologists" like Manafort and Devine are just hired guns, eager to work for whoever pays them, no matter how unsavory. Trump's choice of Manafort is obvious. Sanders' choice is more problematic.
3
Let the Wolves remember the Russians had a "ride" across Poland in 1939 when they invaded Poland and partitioned Poland after the Nazis invaded? Tens of thousands of Polish POWs starved to death in Russian camps. Let the Wolves remember the deportations from Poland to Siberia between 1939 and 1941. The Russians made a secret pact with the Nazis to start WW2. Then let the Wolves remember the mass murder of the 22,000 Polish Army Officers and civilians at Katyn Forest in 1940. Let the Wolves remember the 15,000 Polish Jews who were killed in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943 when the Russian Army cowardly sat idle while Stalin refused to let American and British bombers drop weapons and ammunition and medical supplies into the conflagration and then land in Russia. Stalin wanted to complete the annihilation of the Jewish people and the Polish leaders.
Let us remember that the Wolves DO get to ride through the part of Poland that the Russians stole from Poland when they moved the Polish border "west" at the end of the war.
The creation of the myth of the great "Patriotic War" was to support the survival of Stalin and cover his complicity in causing WW2.
The Russian Wolves and Wolfie Putin sure do have terrible memories and they need to be constantly told that they cannot rewrite history to serve their own selfish purposes.
The purpose of this Wolfie ride is to remind Poland it could be the next Ukraine!
Let us remember that the Wolves DO get to ride through the part of Poland that the Russians stole from Poland when they moved the Polish border "west" at the end of the war.
The creation of the myth of the great "Patriotic War" was to support the survival of Stalin and cover his complicity in causing WW2.
The Russian Wolves and Wolfie Putin sure do have terrible memories and they need to be constantly told that they cannot rewrite history to serve their own selfish purposes.
The purpose of this Wolfie ride is to remind Poland it could be the next Ukraine!
154
You seem to have confused the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 with the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It was the latter that Stalin refrained from assisting.
5
I understand Poland and the USA have many reasons to hate Russia, that Poland has to defend it's own national interests etc. etc.
But you are stating a lot of absurdities (historically inaccurate facts) in your comment, mr. Michael:
1) The USSR's pact with the 3rd Reich was made in 1939. The USSR was the last country in Europe to do it. Poland did a pact with Nazi Germany in 1934. The UK and France did one to give Sudetenland (nowadays Czech Republic) in 1938 to Nazi Germany - in what Czechs call today "the Munich Betrayal".
2) Stalin had intel that informed him Hitler was going to invade the USSR since the 30s. The only thing he didn't know was the exact date. But industrial infrastructure movement in the USSR - from the West to the Urals - clearly indicated Stalin wanted to buy time to prepare better against the inevitable Nazi invasion. Independent reports from Nazi Germany and the UK right before the war concluded the USSR would fall in 3 weeks. It's insane to infer Stalin was worried in eliminating Polish Jews at that time, or that he purposedly exterminated millions of Soviet lives only because he was evil. His concern was the very survival of the USSR.
3) A lot of jews fought as soldiers of the Red Army. To tell the USSR was, at some point, antisemitic, is insane. Lots of holocaust survivors have the Red Army only to thank for their lives.
But you are stating a lot of absurdities (historically inaccurate facts) in your comment, mr. Michael:
1) The USSR's pact with the 3rd Reich was made in 1939. The USSR was the last country in Europe to do it. Poland did a pact with Nazi Germany in 1934. The UK and France did one to give Sudetenland (nowadays Czech Republic) in 1938 to Nazi Germany - in what Czechs call today "the Munich Betrayal".
2) Stalin had intel that informed him Hitler was going to invade the USSR since the 30s. The only thing he didn't know was the exact date. But industrial infrastructure movement in the USSR - from the West to the Urals - clearly indicated Stalin wanted to buy time to prepare better against the inevitable Nazi invasion. Independent reports from Nazi Germany and the UK right before the war concluded the USSR would fall in 3 weeks. It's insane to infer Stalin was worried in eliminating Polish Jews at that time, or that he purposedly exterminated millions of Soviet lives only because he was evil. His concern was the very survival of the USSR.
3) A lot of jews fought as soldiers of the Red Army. To tell the USSR was, at some point, antisemitic, is insane. Lots of holocaust survivors have the Red Army only to thank for their lives.
5
You have confused the Warsaw Ghetto uprising (when no American or British airdrops were remotely possible and the Red Army was hundreds of miles away) with the much larger Warsaw uprising in the summer of 1944. So maybe the problem of having a terrible historical memory is not confined to people with whom you disagree.
Salutes the Unknown Russian Rapist who liberated Berlin.
2
You toy with history, as does western media in general. 30,000 rapes of European women by allied forces after
d day, including 3000 US servicemen accused by French women of rape, suggests that the brutality of which you speak, included acts by our own guys.
d day, including 3000 US servicemen accused by French women of rape, suggests that the brutality of which you speak, included acts by our own guys.
8
What is next? A naked Putin wrestling a bear?
On the other hand, it would be utterly delightful seeing Mr Obama in riding leathers and Ray-bans, atop the biggest hog Harley-Davidson ever made, roaring into Red Square with a diplomatic mission of 100 Hell's Angels. Putin may be called 'The Surgeon', but Obama is 'Mr Cool'. Would make a very interesting summit meeting.
But perhaps a Russian motorcycle gang is the appropriate show of cultural strength. It's called 'truth in advertising.'
On the other hand, it would be utterly delightful seeing Mr Obama in riding leathers and Ray-bans, atop the biggest hog Harley-Davidson ever made, roaring into Red Square with a diplomatic mission of 100 Hell's Angels. Putin may be called 'The Surgeon', but Obama is 'Mr Cool'. Would make a very interesting summit meeting.
But perhaps a Russian motorcycle gang is the appropriate show of cultural strength. It's called 'truth in advertising.'
15
So, World war Three will start because of a motorcycle gang?
Take THAT, Hell's Angels!
Take THAT, Hell's Angels!
1
Since time immemorial, Russia has always treated Poland as its own property, and nothing has changed to the present time. Why couldn't a little-ol' motorcycle gang have a jamboree on its own territory and intimidate every one in sight? Gee whiz, isn't that what motorcycle gangs do?
That the Poles, of course, never agreed to this arrangement meant that they were "ingrates" and "traitors" to the illustrious Russian-led pan-Slav cause. After hundreds of years, the Poles are saying a firm no to the bullies next door, and are trying as well to hammer home, through a bunch of very thick skulls, that Poland is not Russia's property.
That the Poles, of course, never agreed to this arrangement meant that they were "ingrates" and "traitors" to the illustrious Russian-led pan-Slav cause. After hundreds of years, the Poles are saying a firm no to the bullies next door, and are trying as well to hammer home, through a bunch of very thick skulls, that Poland is not Russia's property.
49
The author leaves out several thoughts regarding the 2010 plane crash.
- Several earlier flights to the same airport either encountered difficult weather or were diverted because of the weather
- The pilot was ordered to land even though the weather was getting worse
- The protocol to place that many high-ranking officials into one plane exemplifies the caution the British place on transporting their royals
None of the above excuses the Russian insistence of letting the "Night Wolves" cross Polish territory to celebrate the violence and nightmare of the Soviet Army crushing Poland on its way to end the World War it assisted Germany to ignite.
- Several earlier flights to the same airport either encountered difficult weather or were diverted because of the weather
- The pilot was ordered to land even though the weather was getting worse
- The protocol to place that many high-ranking officials into one plane exemplifies the caution the British place on transporting their royals
None of the above excuses the Russian insistence of letting the "Night Wolves" cross Polish territory to celebrate the violence and nightmare of the Soviet Army crushing Poland on its way to end the World War it assisted Germany to ignite.
13
"assisted Germany to ignite"??? The west remained silent when Hitler took the Sudetenland, and Stalin rightfully determined that Hitler would not be challenged by the west. NKVD intel said that Hitler was planning to attack Russia and therefore Stalin bought time by dividing Poland. The west sat on the sidelines in Europe for three long years, except for some ineffective aerial bombardment.
There are people here arguning that Lend Lease Aid somehow turned the tide. That is bunk. The Soviets began post war planning on Dec 6 1941 when they beat back the Germans at Moscow. Seems to me the US hadn't even entered the war at that time.
There are people here arguning that Lend Lease Aid somehow turned the tide. That is bunk. The Soviets began post war planning on Dec 6 1941 when they beat back the Germans at Moscow. Seems to me the US hadn't even entered the war at that time.
3
Masha Gessen is a treasured voice on Russia, someone who looks for the truth and reports what she finds. Please keep her on your roster, NYT. Her perspective is invaluable on topics as mystifying as these seem on their surface. Would we let the Japanese send a flotilla of civilian boats to Pearl Harbor to commemorate their successful attack?
44
"An official note from the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Poland’s position was particularly egregious because it was an “insult to the memory of those who fell fighting against Nazism”
After what the Soviet Union did to Poland before and during the war, this "official note" is proof positive that irony reigns supreme in the Russian Foreign Ministry.
After what the Soviet Union did to Poland before and during the war, this "official note" is proof positive that irony reigns supreme in the Russian Foreign Ministry.
46
Good that Ms Gessen alluded to the Hitler-Stalin Pact. It's a safe bet that it will be re-instituted if Trump is elected. Our deal-maker extraordinaire will tell Putin: "My good friend Vladimir, you take ALL of Ukraine, the Baltic States, Romania, Bulgaria AND Poland) and in exchange ... such-and-such."
7
I would make a disparaging comment about the immature nature of this conflict, but Donald Trump is a 'serious' candidate for president here in the US so I will refrain from throwing stones from our glass house.
4
Trump hasn't been elected to anything, and he never will. Putin has been elected several times and has effectively made himself President for life, a Tsar of his own making. These are not comparable things.
3
I wish I was as optimistic about the rationality of my fellow countrymen as you seem to be.
1
Nobody was barring INDIVIDUAL bikers from entering Poland, laying wreaths at monuments and/or graves of Soviet soldiers etc. For many reasons this (stopping them) would be wrong. As I recall, some members of "Night Wolves" drove through the border with no issues - but not under the "Night Wolves" banner. Never mind the usual "hardcore look" of bikers plus Soviet emblems etc.
The problem is that "Night Wolves" is an official organisation with a rather (from EU point of view) extreme, publicly espoused and propagated views. Like supporting/identifying with the recent efforts by Russia to "liberate (parts of) Ukraine from a fascist government imposed (by a coup) on Ukrainian people by the EU lackeys of the US puppet-masters".
"Night Wolves" can endorse such opinions within Russia, but an EU country has a right to bar that organisation from entering it's territory. Even though such ban is symbolic - as I wrote individual bikers can enter and nothing stops them from regrouping once inside.
It is too bad that the memory of millions of Soviet soldiers who gave life fighting Nazis is used in current distortions of reality.
The problem is that "Night Wolves" is an official organisation with a rather (from EU point of view) extreme, publicly espoused and propagated views. Like supporting/identifying with the recent efforts by Russia to "liberate (parts of) Ukraine from a fascist government imposed (by a coup) on Ukrainian people by the EU lackeys of the US puppet-masters".
"Night Wolves" can endorse such opinions within Russia, but an EU country has a right to bar that organisation from entering it's territory. Even though such ban is symbolic - as I wrote individual bikers can enter and nothing stops them from regrouping once inside.
It is too bad that the memory of millions of Soviet soldiers who gave life fighting Nazis is used in current distortions of reality.
27
Kaczynski will fail in his quest against Putin and russia, but just because he plays this game in the terms of the russian macho-man.
A little less heeding to the taunting, and more affection to the real problems, and Poland would gain so much more.
A little less heeding to the taunting, and more affection to the real problems, and Poland would gain so much more.
7
I admire Ms. Gessen as a journalist and for her courage for standing up to Putin's mafia -- Putin's regime now little more than a typical kleptocracy found anywhere throughout the Third World, and scarcely better. But she neglected to mention the single most important blot, another enormous war crime against the Poles during WW-2: helping Germans destroy the Polish Home Army inside the "General Government", as German-occupied Poland was then called; and Warsaw itself.
When the Red Army invaded Poland in early summer 1944 it openly appealed to millions of Poles in German-occupied territory to rebel, promising them arms, ammunition and assistance. But after they did, the Red Army stood down and remained idle for nearly two months while rear-area German security service troops exterminated Poles wholesale, rebels or not.
Few were spared. It was a massacre. And while 85,000 German troops carried out a pogrom against the entire Catholic Polish nation perhaps 1,600,000 Russian troops sat on their hands and watched. The most infamous siege is now called the "Warsaw Uprising", but dozens of other small cities were razed.
The death toll -- at least 700,000.
Add to that enormous war crime the Katyn Forest Massacre, many other mass exterminations of Polish war prisoners, many civilians, by the Russian secret police and "political troops" (NKVD, etc) and the Hitler-Stalin Pact itself, Putin's stupid, lousy biker gang should fear to set so much as a toe inside Polish territory.
When the Red Army invaded Poland in early summer 1944 it openly appealed to millions of Poles in German-occupied territory to rebel, promising them arms, ammunition and assistance. But after they did, the Red Army stood down and remained idle for nearly two months while rear-area German security service troops exterminated Poles wholesale, rebels or not.
Few were spared. It was a massacre. And while 85,000 German troops carried out a pogrom against the entire Catholic Polish nation perhaps 1,600,000 Russian troops sat on their hands and watched. The most infamous siege is now called the "Warsaw Uprising", but dozens of other small cities were razed.
The death toll -- at least 700,000.
Add to that enormous war crime the Katyn Forest Massacre, many other mass exterminations of Polish war prisoners, many civilians, by the Russian secret police and "political troops" (NKVD, etc) and the Hitler-Stalin Pact itself, Putin's stupid, lousy biker gang should fear to set so much as a toe inside Polish territory.
119
What is funny is the fact that these bikers all had received the visa to enter EU (except their leader who is under EU sanctions).
I agree that it is a sensitive matter for the Poles, but not allowing people when they have received the visa just makes you to look ridiculous. They could have rejected their visa request in the first place but they did not. So in this regard, the bad guys are the Poles.
I agree that it is a sensitive matter for the Poles, but not allowing people when they have received the visa just makes you to look ridiculous. They could have rejected their visa request in the first place but they did not. So in this regard, the bad guys are the Poles.
5
That's an interesting slant.
Regardless of visas to the EU and the Schengen space, every country still has the sovereignty to declare anyone persona non grata. Yet contrary to your misguided assertion this isn't the case here.
Let them enter on foot, in a car, bus or plane and the Poles would have no objection. Every state has the autority to allow or prohibit organised occupation of public space, for reasons it decides. The intent of this "biker gang" is to ride through Poland under the direct blessing and under the shadow of the Russian flag, Putin and his outrageous propaganda. No wonder the Poles consider it a threat to public safety. Who knows what confrontations might arise given the antagonistic history of a domineering pseudo empire.
Regardless of visas to the EU and the Schengen space, every country still has the sovereignty to declare anyone persona non grata. Yet contrary to your misguided assertion this isn't the case here.
Let them enter on foot, in a car, bus or plane and the Poles would have no objection. Every state has the autority to allow or prohibit organised occupation of public space, for reasons it decides. The intent of this "biker gang" is to ride through Poland under the direct blessing and under the shadow of the Russian flag, Putin and his outrageous propaganda. No wonder the Poles consider it a threat to public safety. Who knows what confrontations might arise given the antagonistic history of a domineering pseudo empire.
11
First what has President Putin to do with the Night Wolves and supposedly Russia's foreign policy. This Motor Club is just showing the world - in e peaceful manner - respect for Russia's heroes who defeated the German Nazi's and put flowers on their graves to honor them.
Compare this with the aggressive demonstration of US/NATO tanks making a tour last year through the former Soviet Republics and Poland. What do you call that: US/NATO foreign policy at the expense of EU taxpayers while these Night Wolves in a peaceful demonstration and at their own expense honor their Russian dead soldiers who FREED Europe from the NAZI's! As a Dutchmen who suffered as a child through NAZI occupation I am glad the Russians defeated the Nazi's/SS and for that reason brought flowers to their Memorial cemetery in Leusden, the Netherlands on Victory Day
Compare this with the aggressive demonstration of US/NATO tanks making a tour last year through the former Soviet Republics and Poland. What do you call that: US/NATO foreign policy at the expense of EU taxpayers while these Night Wolves in a peaceful demonstration and at their own expense honor their Russian dead soldiers who FREED Europe from the NAZI's! As a Dutchmen who suffered as a child through NAZI occupation I am glad the Russians defeated the Nazi's/SS and for that reason brought flowers to their Memorial cemetery in Leusden, the Netherlands on Victory Day
8
The chief reason the Soviets had to "free" Poland from the Nazis by imposing over four decades of Communism was that the Soviets colluded with the Nazis to partition Poland at the outbreak WWII under the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact and the subsequent German-Soviet Frontier Treaty. The Soviets like to forget that they were invaders of Poland in just the same way as the Nazis. The Pole don't forget that of course.
You might also want to take into account that no US/NATO tanks entered Russian territory, whereas Putin's bikers wish to enter Polish territory. Hidden in your comment is the idea that the Baltic Republics somehow belong to Russia and are equivalent to Russian territory. Of course they don't and their people are happy to finally have their freedom, even if large Russian minorities remain there to cause trouble.
You might also want to take into account that no US/NATO tanks entered Russian territory, whereas Putin's bikers wish to enter Polish territory. Hidden in your comment is the idea that the Baltic Republics somehow belong to Russia and are equivalent to Russian territory. Of course they don't and their people are happy to finally have their freedom, even if large Russian minorities remain there to cause trouble.
18
Oh, please. Putin's thuggish motorcycle gang can commemorate the war at home, they don't need to cross Poland to do it. The Poles seem to be less affectionate towards Russian aggression than you are. With good reason.
13
Russia's WW II allies (UK, US, Canada etc) have always been present at Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9th. After the annexation of Crimea that stopped and the Kremlin has taken it as an insult and of course let its hurt feelings been known through the state media. The Night Wolves odyssey is no different.
Russians are taught throughout school that it was the Soviet army [alone] that defeated the Nazis.
Putin's May 9th Victory Day celebration has turned patriotic almost to the point of fanaticism. It is less a remembrance day for the millions who died and more a chest banging saber rattling military equipment parade. Large German SUVs race around with stickers proclaiming "Trophy from Berlin"
Trump's "Make America Again" is a dangerous parallel to Putin's "Let's Make Russia bigger again" With these two politicians supporting each other I can only ask myself What can possibly go wrong?
Russians are taught throughout school that it was the Soviet army [alone] that defeated the Nazis.
Putin's May 9th Victory Day celebration has turned patriotic almost to the point of fanaticism. It is less a remembrance day for the millions who died and more a chest banging saber rattling military equipment parade. Large German SUVs race around with stickers proclaiming "Trophy from Berlin"
Trump's "Make America Again" is a dangerous parallel to Putin's "Let's Make Russia bigger again" With these two politicians supporting each other I can only ask myself What can possibly go wrong?
66
Large motorcycle gangs are loud, obnoxious, intimidating, and do not contribute to safety on busy roads (be it in Poland or New Hampshire). When the roads they use pass through cities and towns, and are close to people's homes, that kind of "visit" is downright an in-your-face nuisance.
Arranging for such rides across Poland (with Russian flags waving) shows a total lack of sensitivity, especially given the historical context. (I think that most Americans do not understand the still existing wounds that WW2 inflicted on Europe because the US has had no experience of being occupied.) And since Russia is not a part of the Schengen Agreement area, the Polish authorities have every right to ban those Russian biker gangs.
Arranging for such rides across Poland (with Russian flags waving) shows a total lack of sensitivity, especially given the historical context. (I think that most Americans do not understand the still existing wounds that WW2 inflicted on Europe because the US has had no experience of being occupied.) And since Russia is not a part of the Schengen Agreement area, the Polish authorities have every right to ban those Russian biker gangs.
28
"Wolf!"
nothing happens....
"WOLF!"
nothing happens, but wait, after a while a gang of bikers come along and put down flowers at a memorial.
What's the big deal?
These guys do not even breach traffic laws when riding abroad.
Yes, they drive wild looking bikes and show Russian flags.
Other than that they are harmless as anyone can see when they appear in those places in Europe at or around May 8/9.
Time to stop these articles that paint Russia as the new USSR.
The very bad enemy, ready to strike at any moment.
The Cold War has ended in 1991 and it is time to accept that Russia is simply on its way to become a normal state.
In many ways equal to the US, in some worse and in some even better.
So pack your Cold War things and get real.
Or do you really believe that a gang of bikers is part of Foreign Politics of a country?
That is just plan ridiculous.
On the other hand, a country that runs into hysteria just because Drumpf is on the rise using his images of bad enemies all over the world will also fall prey to such images as a gang of bikers that are part of a devious scheme in Russian Foreign Politics.
Sort of a Fifth Coloumn of Neo Stalinism.
Get real.
nothing happens....
"WOLF!"
nothing happens, but wait, after a while a gang of bikers come along and put down flowers at a memorial.
What's the big deal?
These guys do not even breach traffic laws when riding abroad.
Yes, they drive wild looking bikes and show Russian flags.
Other than that they are harmless as anyone can see when they appear in those places in Europe at or around May 8/9.
Time to stop these articles that paint Russia as the new USSR.
The very bad enemy, ready to strike at any moment.
The Cold War has ended in 1991 and it is time to accept that Russia is simply on its way to become a normal state.
In many ways equal to the US, in some worse and in some even better.
So pack your Cold War things and get real.
Or do you really believe that a gang of bikers is part of Foreign Politics of a country?
That is just plan ridiculous.
On the other hand, a country that runs into hysteria just because Drumpf is on the rise using his images of bad enemies all over the world will also fall prey to such images as a gang of bikers that are part of a devious scheme in Russian Foreign Politics.
Sort of a Fifth Coloumn of Neo Stalinism.
Get real.
21
Unfortunately, as Faulkner wrote, "the past is never over. It isn't even past." You can't seriously think that Poland should just forget everything that Russia has done to it ever since the Partition of 1772! As Ms. Gessen writes, Russia hasn't even taken full responsibility for the horrors inflicted during WW II and after, in stiil living memory, under a brutal communist dictatorship. You think Poland should just say "oh that's all right, we all make mistakes"? In Jersey City, NJ, in a waterfront park overlooking the river between JC and New York, is a dramatic bronze statue of a Polish officer being stabbed in the back, a Katyn memorial. It is a moving and emotion inducing work of art even for those of us who have no Polish heritage. How much more so must that memory be for the nation that endured such atrocities? The past can't be changed but at least it could be humbly acknowledged and apologized for. As for countries that get hysterical over nothing, how about Russia's persecution of gays? State supported mob violence directed at LGBT rights demos seem to indicate classic scapegoating of a harmless minority, thus directing attention away from serious issues.
64
This article is simply giving background to an odd situation in Polish /Russian politics, incomprehensible to outsiders. Had you written your comment a few years ago, why not? (Georgia, Chechnya, etc notwithstanding) But seriously, after the last few few years and Ukraine? Who's oversensitive and out of touch here? Hint : it's not the nyt.
27
I'm curious - in what ways is Russia better than the US?
19
My compliments, Ms.Gessen. It is quite rare to see Eastern European issues represented this accurately in western media. I suppose it takes one of us to tell it like it is :)
That being said, as Pole, I did want to point out that for all the historical events you brought up there are quite a few more and this neighborly dispute has its origins, as is often the case in Europe, many centuries back.
Some take it back to the Polish-Muscovite War (1605-1618) and the magnates of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth meddling in the matters of the then unstable Moscovite state, others will point to the partitioning of Poland by Russia, Prussia and Austrio-Hungary in the late 18th century or the Polish-Soviet war of 1920.
A rose may be a rose may be a rose, but this is not just a motorcycle ride.
In fact, there's enough there that Poland and Russia established a joint Commission dedicated to solving 'Difficult Matters'. Unsurprisingly, the work of this commission hasn't made much headway since it was established in 2002.
That being said, as Pole, I did want to point out that for all the historical events you brought up there are quite a few more and this neighborly dispute has its origins, as is often the case in Europe, many centuries back.
Some take it back to the Polish-Muscovite War (1605-1618) and the magnates of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth meddling in the matters of the then unstable Moscovite state, others will point to the partitioning of Poland by Russia, Prussia and Austrio-Hungary in the late 18th century or the Polish-Soviet war of 1920.
A rose may be a rose may be a rose, but this is not just a motorcycle ride.
In fact, there's enough there that Poland and Russia established a joint Commission dedicated to solving 'Difficult Matters'. Unsurprisingly, the work of this commission hasn't made much headway since it was established in 2002.
97
There is a good reason why instead of “arm of the Russian government” more precise “organ of the Russian government” is always used in Russian.
14
Night wolves like Harleys. A country as great as Russia can't build a motorcycle to compete with Harley Davidson? Ural is a cool bike if you want to ride with a side car in the snow. All the important industrialized countries build a variety of motorcycles. Japan, China, Germany, Italy, England, India and even France exprort all over the world. What about Russia? They have better things to do?
20
The Russian strongman should know that foreign policy of a country is so complex and nuanced by its very nature as could hardly be left to the misplaced zeal of the roaring bike riders, who could come to the collision course any time. .
15
For 300 years the Romanov dynasty ruled Russia with Tsar and Tsarina resulting in an Empire unprecedented in size. Stalin thought that Russians needed a Tsar and the Empire continued until the fall of Communism.
Putin is following the same playbook as Stalin and the Tsar's. His goal is power and in that pursuit the ends justify the means. His predecessors make Vladmir Putin seem like Mr. Rogers.
Once you understand Russian history, Putin's actions in Crimea seem inevitable, and this dispute with Poland predictable. All of his macho antics are understandable viewed through a domestic lens. At the end of WWII Russia had one of the most formidable armies in history. I think Poland can live with an invading motorcyle club.
Putin is following the same playbook as Stalin and the Tsar's. His goal is power and in that pursuit the ends justify the means. His predecessors make Vladmir Putin seem like Mr. Rogers.
Once you understand Russian history, Putin's actions in Crimea seem inevitable, and this dispute with Poland predictable. All of his macho antics are understandable viewed through a domestic lens. At the end of WWII Russia had one of the most formidable armies in history. I think Poland can live with an invading motorcyle club.
9
The Ministry of Truth disappeared from Moscow under Yeltsin, but it was rebuilt under Putin. I recall reading Russian newspapers in the early 1990s and delighting in the freedom of speech they demonstrated. In 2016 Russia is back to its Soviet incarnation, so far as freedom of thinking is concerned.
57
More precisely, it has returned to its Czarist incarnation, of which Soviet newspapers were simply a new manifestation.
4
The Night Wolves receives funds and support from the Russian government. In this respect it is like any other cultural (in non-orthodox sense of the word) or non-profit organization funded by the state in exchange for PR opportunity for Russia. Calling it the “arm of the Russian government” and the “instrument of propaganda” trying to make Polish to re-live the terrors or World War II is a huge stretch. Are there any actual facts in this article about violent or disrespectful actions perpetrated by this “Russian motorcycle gang” or is it just the usual Putin fear-mongering?
20
Relentless NYT Putin fear-mongering and Russophobia.
19
C'mon, are you serious or just part of the RT internet brigade?
What kind of depraved, insecure sociopath would sponsor a MOTORCYCLE GANG and send them across Europe as his nation's cultural ambassador?
It seems like Putin is providing the world with a pretty accurate caricature of his boorish authoritarian regime.
Russia continues to debase itself on the world stage, forcing the rest of us to bear witness to the death of a once-great culture.
The sorrow. The pathos.
What kind of depraved, insecure sociopath would sponsor a MOTORCYCLE GANG and send them across Europe as his nation's cultural ambassador?
It seems like Putin is providing the world with a pretty accurate caricature of his boorish authoritarian regime.
Russia continues to debase itself on the world stage, forcing the rest of us to bear witness to the death of a once-great culture.
The sorrow. The pathos.
93
I hope Mother Russia reimburses you large for your post.Take a look at a Night Wolves rally sometime and tell me that they are a harmless group of lads out for a ride in the country. Then, try reading what the Surgeon has to say.
26
The Russian "Big Brother" flexes his muscles yet again. He has convinced himself that the Ukrainians are not really a separate people, but merely recalcitrant younger sibs. He can't do that with the Poles: different branch of Slavic languages, different church, not paranoid about the West, all that. So he can only do what he does best: be a bully.
The Russian people are to be admired and often pitied. Their governments, past and present, are contemptible.
The Russian people are to be admired and often pitied. Their governments, past and present, are contemptible.
126
Many Russians are to be admired, many are contemptible, just like other nationalities, just like people everywhere.
4