The sanctions actually commenced earlier than 2017, but otherwise, this is a good article. Antisocialists have tiresomely claimed that ‘the left’ forsook the BRV once the crisis was in full force, but I have had no problem finding other socialists who still hold interest in it—perhaps precisely because of the latest antisocialist onslaught on the republic.

I’d still be willing to travel there for volunteer work, but my family and economic situation don’t make that convenient.