Memes

sure but one thing is calling out putin for his ultraconservative policies and possible ties to neonazi groups; other thing is to attack russian with what basically amounts to cold war anti-russia propaganda

Of course not but one way or another they have found themselves in the anti-imperialist side.

Think of it this way, during the secession war, which side would you have supported? The capitalists of the north that one way or another found themselves on the side of abolishment of slavery or the pro-slavery south? Marx and Engels staunchly chose the former.

I thought Cuba was loved by compatible left types?

No, it's China. Western leftists love Cuba, not particularly because theyre socialist but because they're poor.

Cuba was my gateway AES, they were the easiest to support even before I read theory.

Russia opposes the anglo-american world order which is the only imperialist power. Anti-imperialism is the most important aspect of the leftist struggle. Socialism is nearly impossible under the tyranny of the reactionary world hegemon as witnessed by the blockades and sanctions on Cuba, DPRK, and Venezuela. The delicate balancing act that China has had to play gets them labeled as "not really socialists." The carnage the imperialists in Libya, Argentina, and Indonesia because of their leftist leanings are what happen when you try and fail to build socialism under the imperialist gaze.