The following is a translation of the four-page Top Secret covert activity plan of the Lithuanian Department of State Security, dated 7 July 1940, calling for the arrest and elimination of the leadership of “anti-state” parties. This would be the first of a series of repressive activities by Soviet internal affairs and state security agenciesContinueContinue reading “1940: Kickoff of Soviet Country-Wide Repressions Against Lithuanian Opposition Leaders”
Monthly Archives: October 2025
Soviet Scientists Develop Experiment to Conduct Air Sampling near US ‘Operation Crossroads’ Nuclear Test Sites
In 1946, the head of the KGB First Directorate, Boris Vannikov, sent Lavrentiy Beria an appeal from Soviet Academy of Science physicists to help them conduct airborne experiments that would allow them to collect radioactive particles near nuclear testing sites associated with the US ‘Operation Crossroads’. The concept would have Beria instruct Commander in ChiefContinueContinue reading “Soviet Scientists Develop Experiment to Conduct Air Sampling near US ‘Operation Crossroads’ Nuclear Test Sites”
Countdown to Pearl Harbor: November 1941 Encrypted Telegram Explains Japan’s Next Actions if US Negotiations Break Down
The following is a translation of a Top Secret encrypted telegram dated 25 November 1941 from unidentified Soviet agents in Tokyo regarding the potential for Japan being “forced to” seize the Dutch East Indies in the event of failure of Japanese-American negotiations. Note that, while the telegram was transmitted on 25 November, it wasn’t received untilContinueContinue reading “Countdown to Pearl Harbor: November 1941 Encrypted Telegram Explains Japan’s Next Actions if US Negotiations Break Down”
Russian Ministry of Defense Promotes Mental Health Support for Soldiers Returning from Ukraine
As early as 1 October, official Russian Federation Ministry of Defense publications began publishing information promoting an Armed Forces Mental Health Support Hotline. Specifically aimed at soldiers returning from the so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine and their families, the announcement states that hotline operators will provide cost-free, around-the-clock mental health assistance and informational psychologicalContinueContinue reading “Russian Ministry of Defense Promotes Mental Health Support for Soldiers Returning from Ukraine”
Russia Suspends Right of Innocent Passage in Baltic Sea Along Coast of Kaliningrad For Remainder of 2025
On 8 October 2025, the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense published notification of “the suspension of right of innocent passage through the territorial waters of the Russian Federation” in the southeastern Baltic Sea “for foreign military ships and other state vessels operated for non-commercial purposes.” This declaration, which is in effect through 31 December 2025,ContinueContinue reading “Russia Suspends Right of Innocent Passage in Baltic Sea Along Coast of Kaliningrad For Remainder of 2025”
Russia Issues Arctic Barents Sea Maritime Closure for Missile Launches Along Novaya Zemlya Coastline
On 7 October 2025, the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense filed a maritime closure area in the Arctic portion of the Barents Sea to ensure safe lanes for Russian Navy missile launches from 12 to 14 October. The activities are to be conducted in a range extending from the eastern coastline of Kanin Peninsula northwardContinueContinue reading “Russia Issues Arctic Barents Sea Maritime Closure for Missile Launches Along Novaya Zemlya Coastline”
Russia Issues Barents Sea Maritime Warning Notice for Special Activities West of Novaya Zemlya
On 6 October 2025, the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense filed a maritime navigational warning area in the Arctic portion of the Barents Sea to ensure safe lanes for Russian Navy “special activities” from 11 to 15 October. The activities are to be conducted due west of central Novaya Zemlya. Translation © 2025 by MichaelContinueContinue reading “Russia Issues Barents Sea Maritime Warning Notice for Special Activities West of Novaya Zemlya”
Translating History 