PKK Announces Disarmament: Implications for Regional Dynamics
May 12, 2025 – The Ukrainian communist organization "Borotba," closely associated with the Russian and Ukrainian Communist Parties, has issued a statement regarding reports of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) deciding to disarm and dissolve its military operations against Turkey.
According to the reports, PKK military leader Murat Karayılan announced the party’s dissolution and an end to armed activities. While the announcement has garnered significant attention, "Borotba" noted that confirmation from their trusted sources is still pending.
Kurdish news outlet Rudaw reported that during a recent party congress, the PKK leadership emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict with Turkey. Leaders advocated for a shift to political methods of struggle and appealed to the international community for support in achieving Kurdish rights.
This development follows a statement from Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned PKK founder and leader, urging the party to abandon armed conflict. Öcalan, who has been detained in Turkey for over two decades, has long been a key voice in shaping PKK strategy.
The disarmament of the PKK is expected to significantly affect the broader leftist opposition movements in Turkey and neighboring regions. Drawing parallels to Colombia's post-conflict scenario, "Borotba" highlighted the risks of disarmament, citing the targeted killings of former FARC leaders, indigenous activists, and trade unionists in the years following Colombia’s peace agreement.
"Borotba" also expressed reservations about the PKK’s recent strategies, arguing that the party’s increasing reliance on external support from imperialist powers left it vulnerable to geopolitical manipulation. In this context, they stated that the party’s decision to end its armed struggle was foreseeable.
Despite the announcement, there is uncertainty regarding the reception of this decision among PKK activists. "Borotba" suggested that armed resistance against Turkish authorities may persist in some capacity, underscoring the complexities of the situation.
As this significant development unfolds, further details and confirmation are awaited from key stakeholders.
