“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.
Witkoff & Kushner Miami talks with Dmitriev Saturday termed “productive and constructive”, as he flies home to brief Putin. Same words used for Witkoff/Kushner talks with Ukrainians and other Europeans on Sunday in Miami. Where’s Waldo? – er, I mean Rubio?
Larry & I have spirited discussion at Intel Roundtable. My view: Now that Witkoff has done his duty by stalwartly staying awake, while pretending to listen to the Europeans and Zelensky, the real action resumes today with Dmitriev in Miami sans Europeans.