In June 2023, Finland's neo-Nazis and international allies held 'White Boy Summer Fest' at a lakeside cabin resort, featuring far-right bands, combat sports, and networking for hate groups. The event, investigated by Bellingcat, took place at Evo Nature Ltd's property, which the owner claimed to be unaware of. The gathering included members from Hammerskins and Blood and Honour, both known for violent neo-Nazi activities. The event also featured combat sports by Veren Laki, linked to the banned Nordic Resistance Movement. Bellingcat volunteers geolocated the event to the Hämeenlinna region, revealing the importance of such in-person venues for far-right radicalization and recruitment.

The article tells the story of Maria Semenenko, an 18-year-old internally displaced person (IDP) from Donetsk, Ukraine, who fled her hometown due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russian-backed rebels. Despite a ceasefire, the conflict continues to cause military and civilian casualties. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe reports ceasefire violations and restricted access to certain areas. Over 1.7 million people have been displaced, with many settling in cities like Kyiv. Semenenko found solace in a talent show for IDPs, which helped her integrate into the new city. The article also discusses the economic struggles of IDPs in Ukraine, citing an International Organization for Migration survey that shows low income and well-being among these individuals. Additionally, the story of Assad Hawlkat, a Syrian Kurd displaced to Ukraine, is shared. He faces challenges in reuniting with his family and continues to express his experiences through art. The article concludes with Semenenko's message on the value of peace.

The article discusses the challenges of interpreting symbols used by far-right groups, emphasizing the importance of context, intent, and the symbol itself. It highlights that symbols can have multiple, sometimes contradictory meanings, and that far-right groups often use coded messages with ambiguity, irony, and humor. The article references the work of American sociologist Cynthia Miller-Idriss and Austrian linguist Ruth Wodak, and mentions databases like the Anti-Defamation League's for identifying such symbols. It also notes the use of symbols in digital and physical spaces, and the strategic use of symbols to communicate with different target audiences.

Michael Colborne discusses the complexity of the recent Bulgarian parliamentary elections, highlighting the influence of both pro-EU and pro-Kremlin forces within the country. Despite the victory of the pro-EU party GERB over the pro-Kremlin Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Colborne argues that the EU has not fully escaped Kremlin influence. He points out that many Bulgarian MPs, including those from parties in the potential coalition government, have pro-Russian tendencies. The article also touches on Bulgaria's energy dependency on Russia, with companies like Gazprom and Lukoil having significant control over the Bulgarian energy market. Additionally, Colborne addresses the control of Bulgarian media by oligarchs like Delyan Peevski, which affects the freedom of the press and the quality of information available to voters. The article suggests that while a GERB victory may seem like a win for the EU, it is essential to continue monitoring the nuanced political landscape in Bulgaria.

Danny Kollár, a far-right figure in Slovakia, has been spreading disinformation and conspiracies through his Telegram channel, which has over 50,000 subscribers. Known legally as Daniel Bombic, he is wanted by Slovak law enforcement for evading prosecution and extremism charges. Kollár has been influential in anti-vax and far-right circles, promoting theories such as 'white genocide' and the 'Great Replacement'. His activities have raised concerns among experts about the evolving tactics of far-right groups online. Slovak police have issued a European Arrest Warrant for Bombic, who has been living in the UK for over a decade. Despite his claims of non-violence, Kollár has doxxed critics and incited harassment against them.

Levijatan, a Serbian far-right group known for its tough stance on animal rights, has been accused of vigilantism and bullying under the guise of protecting animals. The group, led by Pavle Bihali, a former child actor and controversial figure, has gained popularity in Serbia and is now running candidates in the country's elections. Levijatan's methods include public shaming and threats against alleged animal abusers, and they have been criticized for their nationalist rhetoric and anti-Roma actions. Despite their claims of independence, there are allegations of connections between Levijatan and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by President Aleksandar Vucic. The group's political and social activities raise concerns about the exploitation of popular causes by far-right groups to gain mainstream acceptance.

The article discusses the impact of President Donald Trump's actions on Ukraine, particularly in the context of his July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which has triggered an impeachment process. It highlights Ukraine's vulnerability and dependence on the U.S. for support against Russian aggression. The piece also examines the broader narrative of Trump's involvement with Ukraine, including the request to investigate Joe Biden and the withholding of military aid. Ukrainian commentators and experts express concerns about the mixed signals from the U.S. and the need for Ukraine to maintain bipartisan support in Washington. The article suggests that Trump's actions could set a dangerous precedent for other countries relying on U.S. support.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, an actor and comedian, has advanced to the second round of Ukraine's presidential elections with a significant lead over incumbent President Petro Poroshenko. Zelenskiy's rise comes despite his lack of political experience, with his fame stemming from playing a president on the TV show 'Servant of the People.' His campaign has been marked by entertainment-style events and the use of his TV show for political messaging. Critics, including Poroshenko, have questioned Zelenskiy's ability to lead and his alleged ties to oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi. Ukraine, facing ongoing conflict and internal issues, is at a crossroads with voters looking for change.

Marko Perkovic, a Croatian singer known as Thompson, has been a controversial figure due to his association with the Ustashe, a fascist party from the Nazi era in Croatia. Despite his contentious reputation, Thompson was invited to perform at the Croatian national soccer team's celebration after their 2018 World Cup final. His invitation by team captain Luka Modric and his presence at the event highlighted the unresolved issues in Croatian society regarding its fascist past. The article discusses the broader implications of this incident, including the political class's reluctance to address historical fascism, the role of the Croatian diaspora, and the impact of nationalism in sports within the Balkans.

The article discusses the plight of HIV-positive women in Ukraine, highlighting the discrimination and human rights violations they face. It references a report by UNAIDS on the need for increased HIV treatment and prevention for women globally. Svitlana Moroz, head of the Ukrainian NGO Positive Women, has documented numerous cases of discrimination against HIV-positive women, including denial of healthcare and forced sterilization. The article notes that Ukraine's fight against HIV was making progress until the 2014 conflict and political instability led to an increase in HIV cases and related deaths. Stigma against people with HIV/AIDS remains strong, and violence against HIV-positive women is prevalent. The article also touches on the funding challenges for HIV/AIDS programs in Ukraine, with the Global Fund planning to cut funding by 2020, emphasizing the need for state support and the inclusion of HIV-positive women in policy discussions.

The article discusses the proliferation of pro-Russian propaganda in Bulgaria, not driven by Russia but by local Bulgarian interests. In Pliska, Elena Dimitrova and her son Adrian, under the guidance of Stefan Proynov, post hundreds of pro-Russian and anti-refugee, Turks, and Roma content on Facebook. Proynov, motivated by revenge against the pro-European GERB party and a desire to improve relations with Russia, oversees a network with over 23,700 online domains. Despite the local roots of this disinformation, it aligns with Moscow's broader goals in Europe. The Human and Social Studies Foundation found a significant increase in anti-EU, anti-NATO, and pro-Russian propaganda in Bulgaria since 2013. Delyan Peevski, a Kremlin-friendly oligarch, is believed to control several Bulgarian media outlets that contribute to this trend. With Prime Minister Boyko Borisov back in power, the flow of Bulgarian-produced, pro-Russian disinformation is not expected to decrease.

The article discusses the rise of Islamophobia in the Czech Republic, fueled by pro-Kremlin media outlets such as Parlamentní listy and Svět kolem nás. These outlets have been spreading fake news and anti-Muslim sentiment, which has been exacerbated by the European migration crisis. Despite the lack of personal experience with Islam among Czechs, these sentiments have found fertile ground, with even Czech President Miloš Zeman expressing Islamophobic views. The article highlights the challenges faced by the Muslim community in countering these narratives, given their limited resources and media expertise. It also touches on the influence of these fringe media outlets on mainstream media and political discourse, and the potential long-term goal of the Kremlin to destabilize the Czech Republic and its position in the European Union.

The article discusses the commemoration of the Crimean Tatar deportations and the current situation following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Tamila Tasheva, co-founder of CrimeaSOS, has collected stories from survivors to remember the tragic events of 1944 when Stalin deported around 180,000 Crimean Tatars to Central Asia and Siberia, leading to the death of nearly half due to starvation and disease. The article also touches on the recent ban of the Mejlis, the Crimean Tatar assembly, by Russia and the fear and repression faced by the Crimean Tatars since the annexation. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of hope among the Tatars in Kiev, with a belief that Crimea will eventually return to Ukraine.

The article discusses the Dutch referendum on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which is a treaty for closer political and economic integration between the EU and Ukraine. Despite the treaty already being ratified, Dutch Eurosceptics, led by figures like Thierry Baudet and Arjan Nijman, have forced a referendum on the issue, hoping to send a message to Brussels and express their disapproval. Baudet and Nijman argue that the treaty could provoke Russia and damage both Dutch and Ukrainian economies. They also echo Russian talking points, such as the presence of neo-Nazi elements in Ukraine and the West's responsibility for the conflict in Ukraine. The article also touches on the use of Dutch government campaign finance funds by a No campaigner to distribute toilet paper with anti-treaty statements. The Yes campaigners and Ukrainians in the Netherlands accuse the No campaign of reflecting Russian propaganda. The outcome of the referendum could impact Ukraine's European integration and its relationship with Russia.