In every country, the struggle against one's own government waging an imperialist war must not halt before the possibility that, as a result of revolutionary agitation, this country might suffer defeat. The defeat of the government army weakens the given government, facilitates the liberation of the nationalities enslaved by it, and eases civil war against the ruling classes.

In its application to Russia, this proposition is especially true. A victory for Russia entails the strengthening of world reaction, the strengthening of reaction within the country, and is accompanied by the complete enslavement of the peoples in already conquered territories. For this reason, the defeat of Russia under all conditions represents the lesser evil.