I had thought I knew a lot about Russian/Soviet history. Now hazy memories as well as new discoveries are brought to light by historian Geoffrey Roberts. To his credit, he connects it all to more recent history – particularly on Russia-Ukraine today.
https://eng.globalaffairs.ru/articles/great-powers-roberts/
“Bob & Ray II” takes stock of US-Russia stakes in Ukraine. How does one deal with a mercurial narcissist? With kid gloves, probing whether Trump 1) is serious, and 2) is his own man. Putin is likely to learn more in next weeks as key issues come to a head.
Ukraine: Can Trump and Putin Untie the Gordian Knot? What is the priority of each? Can Trump be his own man in dealing w/Russia? LITMUS TEST: Is he able to say “Yes” to Putin’s Sept 22 proposal that both sides adhere to New START limits for another year?
Context. Feb 1 2008: Lavrov warns, Ukraine in NATO “could bring civil war, force Russia to intervene.” Apr 3 2008: NATO summit: “Ukraine will become member of NATO.” Dec 2021: Russia offers treaty. NATO says “NO!” Don’t miss this; I wish it were funny:
For those w/genuine interest in Russia-US relations, see Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov’s interview mid.ru/ru/foreign_pol. He asserts Russia had no choice, no alternative (другого выхода) but to resort to military action in Ukraine. John Mearsheimer predicted this 11 yrs ago.
Anthony Aguilar (LTC, USA, ret.) has won the annual award for integrity given by Sam Adams Associates (website: http://samadamsaward.ch . Witnessing starving Palestinians being shot, he exposed grim brutalities of genocide. Save the date Jan 7, Raleigh, NC https://consortiumnews.com/2025/12/22/anthony-aguilar-wins-sam-adams-award-for-integrity/
A CHRISTMAS TREAT: (And, please, someone tell President Obama to watch this and re-evaluate whether “Russia basically is a big gas station”, as he was told by John McCain and Harvard economist.) I truly hope you will find time to enjoy. Warm wishes to all.