Following a major international crackdown in 2021, The Base—once one of the most active neo-Nazi accelerationist groups—appeared to fall silent around the world. In recent years, however, it appears to have resurged with new activity in the mountains of Ukraine, landing on the European Union’s terrorist sanctions list, and raising renewed questions about possible Russian state sponsorship.  

Raw Story spoke with Steven Rai, ISD Digital Research Analyst and author of a recent Dispatch on the group’s evolving global threat, about The Base’s re-emergence. Steven noted that the group’s leader, Rinaldo Nazzaro, continues to operate from St. Petersburg, funding and directing the group from Russia, and that its reliance on Russian platforms and inauthentic accounts to spread propaganda suggests possible state support. 

“While there is no smoking gun that proves state sponsorship of the Base, there are numerous indicators that should at least raise questions as to whether they are being covertly supported by Russia.”  

The full article is available on Raw Story.