Russia’s Clandestine War on Democracy

Bucky Stalker, Staff Reporter

“A new Cold War seemed to be brewing.”

Icelandic-born writer and journalist Alda Sigmundsdóttir speculated about the recent events between North Korea and the United States.

A rapid expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities has led to theories that the design was based on a cancelled Soviet project from the Cold War.  These theories have led to speculation about Russia’s assistance in the Korean nuclear program.

Bucky Stalker — ECHO Columnist

The motive behind Russia’s push could have something to do with their ever-present hatred towards democracy. With the Russian-backed governments in the Middle East moving armed forces through the region, against the American-backed rebels, this allows for tension between the western Democratic nations and the Communist Empire of Russia.

On Russia’s eastern front, a previously owned oil tanker, the Rye Song Gang 1, has been seen making ship-to-ship transactions in the Sea of Japan – against UN sanctions – with the Yuk Tang.

The Rye Song Gang 1, previously owned by Russia between 2004 and 2013, is now owned by North Korea, travelling between Vladivostok Port in Russia and Chongjin Port in North Korea. The Yuk Tang, however, is owed by Dominica, a very important country in Russian diplomatic relations with the Carribean community (CARICOM).

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit offered himself and Dominica as a bridge between Russia and CARICOM. For diplomatic relations to continue without excess time being spent, ships must pass through the Panama Canal.

In 2012, Dominica and Panama established diplomatic relations. Panamanian Ambassador Guillermo Cochez said it was “strange” that the sister countries were only now formalizing this relation.

This new diplomatic relation paves the way for faster trade and travel between Russia and the Carribean.  

With Iceland, Cuba, North Korea, Russia and China working together, they surround the U.S. and Canada on almost all sides.

One country comes to mind when trying to figure out Russia’s motive for a push to the Carribean. Cuba admires Russia and North Korea in their government system and capabilities. The U.S. has had previous incidents with Cuba and Russia conspiring.

The Cuban Missile Crisis in the ’60s scared many. The thought of a possible nuclear war and invasion of the South seemed imminent. With Cuba only 90 miles off the coast of Florida, the threat might still be a possibility. In 2017, Russia expressed interest in moving troops back into Cuba, and with troops comes nuclear weapons and capabilities.

Essentially there is a Communist threat in the western, southern and southeastern U.S. Nobody wants a nuclear war, not even Russia. Thinking about past wars and battles, many are won simply by surrounding the enemy and scaring them into thinking they are on the brink of death.

For the Communists to even consider demanding the surrender of the United States, they would have to have us surrounded.

In 2009, after the U.S. pulled its last troops out of Iceland, the Russians gave Iceland a $5.4 billion loan. Iceland was in a time of financial crisis, and with the U.S. presence gone, the Russians quickly moved on an opportunity to secure a crucial diplomatic and military strategic point.

With Iceland, Cuba, North Korea, Russia and China working together, they surround the U.S. and Canada on almost all sides.