Greetings from Felix Eliseev
A Revolutionary Communist in Russian Prison
Republished Statement by the Revolutionary Communist International Tendency (RCIT)
The bonapartist Putin regime has become more and more totalitarian since the beginning of the Ukraine War in spring 2022. Waging an imperialist war against its neighboring country, the Kremlin reacted with brute force against the wave of popular protests. Today, every form of dissent – even from right-wing forces – is brutally crushed. Today a number of left-wing activists are in prison.
Felix Eliseev, a revolutionary communist from Russia, is one of them. He was arrested and tortured in December 2022 and got a sentence of a 14-year prison term. His “crime” was to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to support Ukrainian resistance.
The RCIT has taken such a position from the very beginning of the Ukraine War. We say: Defend Ukraine – defeat Russian imperialism! No political support for the Zelensky regime! Down with all Great Powers in East and West!
Felix is recognized by a Russian court as an “extremist” and “terrorist”. The human rights organization "Memorial" considers him as a political prisoner.
In a recent letter, Felix reported about his work in prison at a sewing machine. While he mostly stays in the barracks, he regularly gets short-term (two-day) stints in solitary confinement.
Despite all this, Felix does not lose his spirit and endures his imprisonment stoically. In his letter, he sends greetings in celebration of May Day and the Paris Commune Day and emphasises:
“It's crucial to draw on the lessons of the past and apply them to today. These days are both a beacon and a guide to the path we've all dreamed of. We must never forget those who gave their lives for the liberation of the working class. If we don't know and remember them, we will forget the left-wing activists currently imprisoned in Russian prisons. As long as we are remembered, we will survive.“
He adds: “A huge thank you to everyone who cared for the financial and other support you provided. Without your support, things would be very difficult.”
He concludes his letter with: “I wish everyone patience, courage, and fortitude. Hugs to everyone. With communist greetings”
We call readers to support Felix by spreading this information about a communist and anti-fascist serving an unjust sentence! We also urge you to support Felix financially at www.paypal.me/irinablackbook, with the note "for Felix".
Solidarity with Felix Eliseev! Free All Political Prisoners in Ukraine and Russia!
United Front for a Workers’ Party stands in solidarity with Felix Eliseev and all other political prisoners in both Russia and Ukraine who have been the target of repression by both the Putin and Zelensky regimes.
Since the start of this imperialist war four years ago, over two million Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded, in addition to over 50,000 civilian casualties. Most of the left internationally has fallen in line uncritically behind U.S. and NATO military aid and support for the Zelensky government.
At the same time, the Zelensky government is embroiled in a major corruption scandal, and is ramping up forced conscription. Conscription is now responsible for 70% of military recruitment. Wealthier Ukrainians bribe their way out of conscription, forcing working and poor people to face the brunt of the violence.
Trump’s “peace” talks are resuming, as he tries to carve up Ukraine’s land, energy, and large mineral resources for the likes of Blackrock. Ukrainian and Russian workers can have no faith in either Putin or Zelensky. American workers should put no support behind Trump’s faux “peace” plans. Trump is seeking to further enslave Ukrainian workers to U.S. imperialism.
The United Front Editorial Board disagrees with the RCIT’s support for sending U.S. & NATO arms to Ukraine. Nonetheless, we stand in total solidarity with Felix Eliseev and anti-war political prisoners on both sides, including Bogdan Syrotiuk in Ukraine. All socialists should defend Felix and demand his immediate release. Free Felix!