*THIS POST IS FOR NERDS*

To me, the most telling rebuke of communism exists in the behavior of nations that were formerly communist nations and their reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

When Russia launched their territorial conquest of Ukraine in February of 2022, a lightning rod of fear shot through the backbones of these nations. With memories of Soviet authoritarianism still in the minds of the leaders of these nations, you saw vast military procurement projects reemerge from these nations.

Let's walk through some of the former Soviet bloc countries and their response to Russian territorial aggression. Albania
- Procurement of Bayraktar TB2 drones and Javelin anti-tank missiles (announced 2022; part of broader modernization to replace Soviet-era equipment).

- €13 million EU support under the European Peace Facility for Albanian Armed Forces capabilities (approved July 2024; includes equipment and training enhancements).

- Multi-year investment program (2022–2028) totaling nearly €800 million for defense infrastructure, including NATO base construction in Kuçova and civil protection upgrades.

Bulgaria
- Modernization of armed forces with a focus on replacing Soviet-era weapons, including ongoing negotiations for air defense refurbishments (shifted from Russian suppliers post-2022; part of a $10.9 billion defense spending increase through 2028).

- Acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighters (contract advanced post-invasion; deliveries expected from 2025 onward as part of NATO alignment).

- Indirect support via multinational units and Black Sea security enhancements (e.g., joint NATO battlegroup setup in 2022–2023).