Graham Fuller and I talk Alaska summit and Ukraine, against backdrop of Trump & Putin placing overall priority on improving relations. Intelligence Director Gabbard bravely faces into storm. FBI’s Bongino: Search “burn-bag room” for records on Seth Rich.
Reality. Finally.
Reality Intrudes FINALLY: Obama 2015: “Arming Ukrainians would encourage the notion they could defeat the far more powerful Russians.” Trump 2025: “The Ukrainians are fighting a force that’s clearly much more powerful … and it’s not like they’ve stopped.”
What’s in Store for Zelensky and Friends
Warm-up Band for Zelensky & Coalition of the Lemming. What is in store for Zelensky (and friends), as he goes back to the Oval-Office scene of the crime in February? As Vance has made clear, “Daddy” Trump turns out to be a deadbeat: No more child support.
Bob and Ray Dissect the Summit
“Bob & Ray II” yesterday dissect Alaska summit. I see hopeful signs of flexibility on both sides. Question now is: Can Trump talk turkey to Zelensky w/out the “Coalition of the Willing” eavesdropping, then deciding to support him “for as long as it takes”.
Hopeful Harbinger
Hopeful harbinger: Windsock journalist Anatol Lieven does an 180-degree:
(1) “Ukraine has already won the war”, March 18, 2022
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/03/18/has-ukraine-already-won-the-war/
(2) August 17, 2025 “Why Trump gets it right on Ukraine … which seems to be in the process of losing…”
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-ukraine-russia-agreement/
Coalition of the Braindead
Steve Witkoff, tell Trump No “Coalition of the (Braindead) Willing” tomorrow without Hungary’s Orban & Slovakia’s Fico, whose brains not dead.
Russia’s Requirements for Peace
Friday Trump heard first-hand Russia’s requirements for peace in Ukraine. Garland & I assess the Alaska summit and address some even more neuralgic issues. I start with lighter-vein apocrypha, then to harsh reality of “how it feels to be stabbed 26 times”.
Summit Predictions from Friday
LAST OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH THE STAKES AND PREDICT THE OUTCOME OF TODAY’S SUMMIT IN ALASKA. Judge says Larry and he now agree that overall priority is being given to improving US-Russia ties. Bottom line: summit is likely to get this off to a good start.
The Lost Art of Kremlinology
Kremlin’s approach to Alaska summit will be based on its fundamental aim to improve ties with the US; Ukraine must take a back seat to rapprochement. I apply the lost art of Kremlinology and media analysis to make my best guesses. Will know more tomorrow.
https://consortiumnews.com/2025/08/14/ray-mcgovern-applying-the-lost-art-of-kremlinology/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=b44165a6-d357-4c2e-aac3-c47d7c1a20ef
Bollocks From Financial Times
Fin. Times ft.com/content/89f39a warns that Trump without US “experts” on Russia. Recall: “Expert” Fiona Hill, convinced Biden “Putin wants to evict US from Europe. As he might put it: ‘Goodbye, America. Don’t let the door hit you on way out.’” BOLLOCKS! nytimes.com/2022/01/24/opi