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:
Did Russia Have a Choice?
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.
Annual Award for Integrity to Anthony Aguilar
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
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.
Productivity in Miami
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?
The Real Action in Miami
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.
Ye Ole Delusional European Union
Early morning take on Russia/US/Ukraine – oh yes almost forgot – Europe. US has been going through the motions pretending to listen to delusional EU kleptocrat/functionaries. The real action shifts to Miami with Dmitriev tomorrow.
(mins 2:01:03 to 2:49:18)
Requiem for NATO
Requiem for NATO. Trump keeping troops close to “homeland” to deal with “threats” in Venezuela? at home? On Ukraine, The Three Blind Mice, Zelensky, and supporting cast keep having meetings. Will Ursula be able to pick Putin’s pocket? We may know tomorrow.
Who Plans to Pick Putin’s Pocket
Glenn Diessen gives me time to give my take on Russia/Ukraine and Europeans who plan to pick Putin’s pocket.
Fateful Week for Ukraine
Some levity yesterday morning with Judge even as a fateful week dawns for Ukraine. Did Witkoff talk turkey to the Ukrainians? Will Ursula succeed in picking Putin’s pocket? Putin waiting for yes or no from Trump on keeping New START limits for another year