In the 1980s, Czechs secretly processed uranium for their arch-enemy. Then it was exposed.
In the 1980s, Czechoslovakia engaged in covert uranium processing for the Soviet Union, which was later revealed.
13 Days of Maximum Tension in Cuba: When the United States and the USSR Faced Off During the Missile Crisis
The article discusses the critical events of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, highlighting the imminent threat of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Destination Space with Michal Novota / Soyuz 11 or Why Three Soviet Cosmonauts Died in Space
The article discusses recent events in space research, including NASA's Artemis program updates and the history of Soviet space missions.
Svetlana Alexievich, Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award 2026: the voices of the memory of the end of the USSR
Svetlana Alexievich reflects on her Belarusian roots and the challenges of reconciling with the future while overcoming hatred.
TODAY IN HISTORY ⟩ Famous ENSV art ensembles were established in Jaroslavl
In 1942, during World War II, the Estonian SSR State Art Ensembles were formed in Jaroslavl to serve the Soviet military and support units.
ON THIS DAY ⟩ The immortal voice of Georg Ots was born
The article commemorates the birthday of Georg Ots, a notable Estonian singer and actor who began his career in the Soviet Union and became renowned in the opera scene.
Miners Waded Through Sulfuric Acid in the Shafts: How Czechoslovakia Mined Uranium for the Soviet Union
The article discusses the uranium mining operations in Czechoslovakia, particularly around Stráž pod Ralskem, which took place to fulfill Soviet Union's uranium supply agreement during and after World War II.
A part of Putin's speech about helping Czechoslovakia in 1938 is spreading. He shifts blame to Poland
The article discusses a segment of a speech by Putin that inaccurately claims Czechoslovakia received help from the Soviet Union in 1938, while placing blame on Poland for the events leading up to World War II.
The Slaughter at Spriņģu Homes in Bārbele. How a Retired Red Army Soldier with Bottle Brothers Killed Neighbors
The article recounts the story of Vasilijs Zaicevs, a demobilized Soviet soldier, who terrorized the local community in Bārbele, Latvia, leading to a gruesome massacre.
Joseph Brodsky: 30 years without that exiled voice
The article reflects on Joseph Brodsky's legacy and the themes of freedom and tyranny present in his poetry, 30 years after his passing.
Saeima condemns the repressive psychiatric methods used during Soviet regime
The Latvian Saeima has adopted a declaration condemning the repressive psychiatric methods used during the Soviet occupation, acknowledging the rights of individuals subjected to political persecution to rehabilitation and justice.
History: The Fate of Books in Estonia during Stalin's Era: Fire, Axe, and Paper Mill
The article discusses how Soviet occupiers in Estonia not only sought to destroy the population but also aimed to erase cultural memory by burning or destroying books from the independence period.
Ukrainian War Pilots: A Major Problem is Emerging
The Ukrainian aviators are facing significant challenges due to reliance on outdated Soviet systems, threatening the safety and operational readiness of pilots.
The fulfillment of Russian citizens' dreams would be a return to the Soviet planned economy
Russian citizens view the planned economy of the Soviet Union as an ideal model for the country, believing it could effectively control inflation and produce all necessary goods domestically.
The object orbiting around Earth may actually be an ancient spacecraft
A newly identified quasi-satellite may be remnants of a Soviet space mission according to researcher A. Loeb.
AK ⟩ 'Welcome, dear neighbor!' The visit to occupied Estonia became a real crowd puller
Urho Kekkonen's unofficial visit to Soviet Estonia in 1964 is remembered as a significant diplomatic moment and led to closer cultural ties between Estonia and Finland.
This Day in History. The Relations Between Stalin and His South Slavic Colleague Tito Begin to Wobble
The relations between Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito deteriorated rapidly in the years following World War II, leading to Yugoslavia's expulsion from the socialist bloc.
When Human Steps First Set Foot in Space, This Person Did a Spacewalk
March 18, 1965, marks the historic day when Alexei Leonov executed the first spacewalk, taking humanity's first steps into outer space.
Most Russians Regret the Collapse of the Soviet Union
A majority of Russians express regret over the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to a recent survey by VTsIOM.
Dainius Kreivys: When Energy Becomes the Target of the Enemy
The article discusses the vulnerabilities of Lithuania's energy system stemming from the Soviet legacy and advocates for a decentralized energy infrastructure as a more resilient solution.
A teacher from Kolkakool revealed Putin's brainwashing, and something surprising followed
An Estonian teacher exposes the manipulative tactics in modern Russian propaganda, linking it to Soviet-era practices.
Word of the Priest / Without False Alibis
The article discusses the film 'My Father is Baryshnikov' featuring a young boy in the Soviet Union who believes his father is a famous ballet dancer.
Censorship in Soviet Latvia and Its Impact Today. A Conversation with Literary Scholar Raimonds Briedis
The article discusses the implications of censorship and freedom of speech in 20th century Latvia under a repressive regime, featuring insights from literary scholar Raimonds Briedis.
Non-Fiction Writer Mihail Zygar: Putin is Waging War in Ukraine to Subjugate the Russian People
Mihail Zygar, a non-fiction writer, argues that the war in Ukraine is a strategy by Putin to subjugate the Russian people, rooted in their historical cynicism stemming from the Soviet collapse.
What Killed Stalin – Poison or Illness?
The article discusses the mysterious circumstances surrounding Joseph Stalin's death in 1953, questioning whether he died from natural causes or was poisoned.
Mikhail Gorbachev: Why is he so disliked in Russia?
The article explores the contrasting perceptions of Mikhail Gorbachev in the West and Russia, questioning why he is revered abroad yet disliked at home.
Punk Saves Reason: How We Survived in Soviet Absurdity
The article discusses the distinction between punks and hooligans in the context of the Soviet era, exploring societal perceptions in 1980s Estonia.
The court will begin the questioning of Erika Švenčionienė, accused of assisting actions against Lithuania
Erika Švenčionienė is facing charges of aiding actions against Lithuania and denying Soviet crimes, with a court hearing scheduled for her questioning.
How the British were astonished by the Soviet attack on Finland: 'Women and children crouch in the snow'
British reactions to the Soviet bombing of Hangö, Finland, revealed shock at the impact on women and children during the Winter War.
Memory Change. Stalinist Repressions Will Be Replaced by 'Genocide of the Soviet People'
The article discusses a shift in the narrative surrounding historical repression in the Soviet Union, moving from a focus on Stalinist oppression to a broader interpretation that includes the concept of genocide against the Soviet people.
Today in History: The Finnish Democratic Republic was annexed by the Soviet Union
In 1940, the Soviet Union annexed the occupied territories of Finland, establishing a puppet government known as the Finnish Democratic Republic.
"I usually consider myself a reasonably optimistic person. But not here. Not when it comes to Russia"
Leif Davidsen discusses his experiences as a young reporter in Moscow and his disillusionment with Russia.
"Putin sometimes resembles a cat that just got a very nice portion of cream"
In an interview, journalist Leif Davidsen reflects on his unexpected journey to Russia and his complex relationship with the nation, revealing that he may never write a book about it.
Unique book on the Soviet Union's plans for attacking Denmark prepares us for the world that is coming
A new book explores the Soviet Union's military strategies concerning Denmark, shedding light on Cold War dynamics relevant to current geopolitical tensions.
This Day in History: The Lithuanian Supreme Council Adopts the Declaration of Independence
In December 1988, a new law allowed alternative candidates to be nominated for Soviet elections, leading to the rise of pro-democratic movements in the Baltic states, including Lithuania, which aimed to restore independence from the Soviet Union.
Prince Edward's bizarre offer to be King that he was forced to turn down
On his 62nd birthday, Prince Edward reflects on a peculiar offer made to him in the 1990s to become King of Estonia.
Svetlana Iosifovna, the daughter of Stalin who fled Russia to take refuge in the United States
Svetlana Iosifovna Stalin, the daughter of Joseph Stalin, defected to the United States during the Cold War, marking a symbolic victory for the U.S.
WATCH NOW: Tallinn is on fire: Exclusive premiere of Mart Sander's documentary film at Postimees
Mart Sander's documentary 'Tallinn is on Fire' focuses on the Soviet bombing raid on Tallinn on March 9.
Maire Aunaste: My partner is the television; without it, I would die immediately
Maire Aunaste shares her sentiments on living alone with her only companion being the television, reflecting on International Women's Day's societal implications.
Juku-Kalle Raid: March 8 - The Roots of International Women's Day and 100,000 Women on Tractors!
The article discusses the historical roots of International Women's Day, emphasizing its communist past and the various societal impacts it has had over time.
Totalitarianism in Russia did not end even after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The old regime just adapted to new conditions, says dissident
In an interview with dissident Alexander Podrabinek, he discusses his rejection of forced emigration to Israel, his time in a labor camp, and his views on the persistence of totalitarianism in Russia post-Soviet Union.
Ivo Uukkivi Velikije Lukist: We Were Dangerous in the Eyes of Others
The documentary film about the punk band Velikije Lukist highlights their struggles against societal norms in the Soviet Union, as articulated by their lead singer Ivo Uukkivi.
How uranium was mined for the Soviet Union in Czechoslovakia. 'One would expect everyone to be happy and content here. But were they?'
The article discusses the uranium mining in Czechoslovakia, revealing lesser-known sites and the stark realities of the industry beyond just the infamous Jáchymov.
TODAY IN HISTORY ⟩ Soviet bombing destroyed the old town of Narva
The article recounts the devastating Soviet bombing of Narva's old town during World War II, which occurred in 1944 when nearly 4000 bombs were dropped on the city in just 11 hours.
Punk Lives On! The Cream Layer Supported Velikije Luki at the Grand Premiere
A documentary film about the punk band Velikije Luki premiered in Estonia, highlighting the band's journey during the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Jakov Pliner faces a 350 euro fine for publishing his photo with awards on social media
Latvian council member Jakov Pliner may be fined 350 euros for posting a photo of himself with awards on his Facebook page.
HALF A CENTURY ⟩ The First Political Film for Children in the Soviet Union – “The Trustworthy Friend Sancho”
The article discusses the creation of "The Trustworthy Friend Sancho," the first political film for children in the Soviet Union, and the challenges faced by director Jānis Streičs in bringing it to fruition.
This speech started the Cold War – and still haunts the world 80 years on
Eighty years after Winston Churchill's Fulton Speech, its historical significance remains palpable as it famously marked the beginning of the Cold War.
The Daughter of Stalin Who Asylum in the United States
The article recounts the life of Svetlana Stalin, the daughter of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, who sought asylum in the United States after years of family turmoil and personal struggle.
The court opened the case of Artūras Fridmanas, accused of disparaging partisans and glorifying occupiers
The court has reopened the case against Artūras Fridmanas, who faces accusations of denigrating Lithuanian partisans and praising Soviet occupiers.