The time may be ripe, but Trump is not only not a good faith actor, but is profoundly mentally unstable. While he may bounce around rhetorically, creating a sense of uncertainty, he will never put the final nail in Putin's coffin. They are BFF's and kindred spirits.
Last night, Russia bombarded Ukraine's energy facilities, including the Darnytsia thermal power plant focused solely on supplying heat to Kiev residents, with about 70 missiles and 450 drones. with temps well below 0*F.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to help Putin's attempt to destroy Ukraine. Trump has contributed zero aid to Ukraine, and even suspended and diverted military aid scheduled by the Biden administration. He gave away most of Ukraine's bargaining cards to Putin early. He teased then withdrew the sale of longer range missiles for Ukraine's use. He has blocked bipartisan sanctions legislation since it was introduced and allowed prior sanctions to weaken. His weakened his own economic sanctions against Russian oil companies and India. He has berated President Zelensky while coddling Putin. He has weakened NATO. Trump and his negotiators consistently have handicapped and pressured Ukraine while applying absolutely no pressure on Russia.
A significant majority of American people and Congress still stand with Ukraine and against Putin's lawless aggression which threatens American security. We, and that includes Congress, must not let Trump's lawlessness at home distract from lawlessness abroad.
Thank you Cathy, I always look forward to reading your columns. Can you imagine what our country would be like right now if our Congress, our CEOs, our legacy media, and so many others, had even one tenth of the courage of the Ukrainian people and the folks in Minneapolis?
Renewed aid to Ukraine from the US could have made the difference at any time, so I wonder at the purpose of this post. It did not give any basis for believing that such renewed aid was likely.
It is always worthwhile to raise awareness and keep people apprised of what’s going on. Beyond that, if the Dems can win the House (and especially if they can take the Senate), there absolutely is a real possibility of aid resuming.
The last time Congress enacted aid for Ukraine, Mike Johnson and a lot of Republicans supported it. They might even be able to get a veto-proof majority.
A lot of people have said that Trump's loyalty to Putin is based on Epstein-related kompromat, but I think Trump believes he's so powerful and popular that he can weather any Epstein storm. Rather, I think his loyalty comes from the fact that Putin is coaching him on how to impose a similar dictatorship in the U.S. and he needs to keep his coach happy and the support coming. Russians living in exile have described every move Trump has made as one Putin carried out earlier but on a much faster timeline, as Putin entered his dictator career at the age of 48 early in 2000 while Trump's dictatorial powers came to him at the age of 78.
Cathy, Thanks for bringing us up to date on the war the Republicans want us to forget. Tough talk Trump is a wussy, if we could give Ukraine the weapons they need they would win this war. But Trump has to make it personal with his assorted grievances against Zelenskyy. So the Republicans march to Trump's drumbeat to our disgrace on the world stage. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Putin has an avalanch of dirt on Trump, who doesn't? We have a pitiful, snivelling child in the White House and there are no Republican adults in Congress. Humiliation, shame and betrayal will be their legacies.
Thanks for keeping us posted on Ukraine. In nobler times the US would be stepping up with assistance towards the Ukraine. The lack of assistance, when a tranche of aid was (without Congressional approval) sent to Israel. This is a David and Goliath type battle, my heart goes out to all the struggling Ukrainian people who just want to be left alone. The Europeans understand what is on the line, but somehow it’s lost on the current administration. Putin doesn’t care how many Russian soldiers die, he just is aching for the bad old days to return.
Thank you, Cathy Young, this is a very informative bit of writing for me. One takeaway for me is that Trump is somewhere between enthralled and controlled, even owned, by Putin and has been for years. You noted Lavrov's long tenure. Trump is a bully, as all bullies also a coward, desperately seeking approval from Putin. Lavrov and Kislyak were the first people in Trump's White House in 2017, with TASS but no US media. A year later, Trump had another "good" meeting with Lavrov in Helsinki. As Trump effectively surrendered to Putin in Helsinki he had "good" meetings with Putin and even "better" than good, "great" ones. Trump never has anything less than good relations with his "friend" Putin. As far as I can tell, Putin clearly has something big on Trump. Trump is terrified of Putin. I've long thought Putin bought up Trump's bad debts from Deutsche Bank, owned Trump that way.
Yours is the second reference to ties between Putin and Epstein I've seen in the last few days. I don't know what Epstein ever did legitimately. But is it possible or likely that Epstein "sold" Trump to Putin, perhaps with photo or video evidence of Trump's sordid activities with kids?
Second, my sense is that any relationship between Xi and Putin is no more than a tactic to undermine Trump and weaken the US globally. I've never been in Russia. But I've been in several eastern Chinese cities and counties advising local officials on economic development strategies (Beijing, Jinan, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Nanjing among others). The Chinese cities all have large, ugly, cube-shaped concrete buildings. Eventually, the Chinese told me they were Soviet-built apartment blocks, reviled but used to house poorer or dependent Chinese. Opinions toward the old Soviets and contemporary Russians are better than toward the Japanese, but not much. Chinese citizens felt free to discuss the idea that the USSR saw China as a vassal state, and Richard Nixon as a hero for providing access to food.
His incredible work on Ukraine along with Cathy Young’s unparalleled coverage over the years has really allowed us to see what’s what whether it’s when times are rough or when the Ukrainians persevere against the backdrop of Russian propaganda.
On a granular level, I am trying to imagine what it would be like to be without electric and gas heat during this cold winter in the USA. I imagine that I would be putting all of my effort into acquiring a wood stove (and wood) for next winter, so that I could heat at least one room in my house.
I saw an interview with a 60-ish Ukrainian woman on BBC news last night. She was all bundled up in winter clothes and a parka. With a smile, she said she sleeps in those same clothes. The indomitable spirit of the Ukrainians is breathtaking.
Since Russia has been attacking Ukraine's electrical grid for a few years now, many Ukrainians had already acquired generators or batteries. I'm sure their suffering would be much worse now if so many of them were not prepared for Russia's energy terrorism.
I donate to several Ukraine charities each year on or around February 24, the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. In addition to United 24 and International Orthodox Christian Charities, I donate to a local Baltimore charity that supports our Ukrainian sister city, Odesa.
Ben Wittes (of Lawfare and DogShirtDaily) has been raising money for generator batteries and other warming items for Ukrainians, and he is in Ukraine right now. The following post includes information on the fundraising efforts and what they’ve been doing.
So far they’ve raised over $66k, and they will continue to purchase supplies as long as funds keep coming in.
Edit: whoops, I just saw later in the comments that someone else had already shared info about this fundraiser. I’m still going to leave this here - the more mentions, the better!
Great suggestion, @The monk. Razom looks like a very good organization.
I donate monthly to United24, the Fundraising Initiative of the President of Ukraine. I started a year ago, right after Trump and Vance ambushed President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, and I increase my donation every time they try to shiv him again. Everything I give goes to buy weapons for the Ukrainians to defend themselves.
What are the chances that Democrats win decisively enough next year to pass veto-proof legislation giving Ukraine what it needs? And can Ukraine hold out that long?
The Ukrainians have built an armaments industry from scratch, and their failing to hold out is not likely. If they have to, I think that they'll fight on with sticks and stones. The alternative is annihilation. They won't let Putin succeed where even Stalin failed.
The time may be ripe, but Trump is not only not a good faith actor, but is profoundly mentally unstable. While he may bounce around rhetorically, creating a sense of uncertainty, he will never put the final nail in Putin's coffin. They are BFF's and kindred spirits.
Last night, Russia bombarded Ukraine's energy facilities, including the Darnytsia thermal power plant focused solely on supplying heat to Kiev residents, with about 70 missiles and 450 drones. with temps well below 0*F.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to help Putin's attempt to destroy Ukraine. Trump has contributed zero aid to Ukraine, and even suspended and diverted military aid scheduled by the Biden administration. He gave away most of Ukraine's bargaining cards to Putin early. He teased then withdrew the sale of longer range missiles for Ukraine's use. He has blocked bipartisan sanctions legislation since it was introduced and allowed prior sanctions to weaken. His weakened his own economic sanctions against Russian oil companies and India. He has berated President Zelensky while coddling Putin. He has weakened NATO. Trump and his negotiators consistently have handicapped and pressured Ukraine while applying absolutely no pressure on Russia.
A significant majority of American people and Congress still stand with Ukraine and against Putin's lawless aggression which threatens American security. We, and that includes Congress, must not let Trump's lawlessness at home distract from lawlessness abroad.
Thank you Cathy, I always look forward to reading your columns. Can you imagine what our country would be like right now if our Congress, our CEOs, our legacy media, and so many others, had even one tenth of the courage of the Ukrainian people and the folks in Minneapolis?
Renewed aid to Ukraine from the US could have made the difference at any time, so I wonder at the purpose of this post. It did not give any basis for believing that such renewed aid was likely.
It is always worthwhile to raise awareness and keep people apprised of what’s going on. Beyond that, if the Dems can win the House (and especially if they can take the Senate), there absolutely is a real possibility of aid resuming.
The last time Congress enacted aid for Ukraine, Mike Johnson and a lot of Republicans supported it. They might even be able to get a veto-proof majority.
A lot of people have said that Trump's loyalty to Putin is based on Epstein-related kompromat, but I think Trump believes he's so powerful and popular that he can weather any Epstein storm. Rather, I think his loyalty comes from the fact that Putin is coaching him on how to impose a similar dictatorship in the U.S. and he needs to keep his coach happy and the support coming. Russians living in exile have described every move Trump has made as one Putin carried out earlier but on a much faster timeline, as Putin entered his dictator career at the age of 48 early in 2000 while Trump's dictatorial powers came to him at the age of 78.
Cathy, Thanks for bringing us up to date on the war the Republicans want us to forget. Tough talk Trump is a wussy, if we could give Ukraine the weapons they need they would win this war. But Trump has to make it personal with his assorted grievances against Zelenskyy. So the Republicans march to Trump's drumbeat to our disgrace on the world stage. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Putin has an avalanch of dirt on Trump, who doesn't? We have a pitiful, snivelling child in the White House and there are no Republican adults in Congress. Humiliation, shame and betrayal will be their legacies.
Thanks for keeping us posted on Ukraine. In nobler times the US would be stepping up with assistance towards the Ukraine. The lack of assistance, when a tranche of aid was (without Congressional approval) sent to Israel. This is a David and Goliath type battle, my heart goes out to all the struggling Ukrainian people who just want to be left alone. The Europeans understand what is on the line, but somehow it’s lost on the current administration. Putin doesn’t care how many Russian soldiers die, he just is aching for the bad old days to return.
In saner times, our whole government would recognize that Ukrainians would make far better allies than the Russians could ever be.
Thank you, Cathy Young, this is a very informative bit of writing for me. One takeaway for me is that Trump is somewhere between enthralled and controlled, even owned, by Putin and has been for years. You noted Lavrov's long tenure. Trump is a bully, as all bullies also a coward, desperately seeking approval from Putin. Lavrov and Kislyak were the first people in Trump's White House in 2017, with TASS but no US media. A year later, Trump had another "good" meeting with Lavrov in Helsinki. As Trump effectively surrendered to Putin in Helsinki he had "good" meetings with Putin and even "better" than good, "great" ones. Trump never has anything less than good relations with his "friend" Putin. As far as I can tell, Putin clearly has something big on Trump. Trump is terrified of Putin. I've long thought Putin bought up Trump's bad debts from Deutsche Bank, owned Trump that way.
Yours is the second reference to ties between Putin and Epstein I've seen in the last few days. I don't know what Epstein ever did legitimately. But is it possible or likely that Epstein "sold" Trump to Putin, perhaps with photo or video evidence of Trump's sordid activities with kids?
Second, my sense is that any relationship between Xi and Putin is no more than a tactic to undermine Trump and weaken the US globally. I've never been in Russia. But I've been in several eastern Chinese cities and counties advising local officials on economic development strategies (Beijing, Jinan, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Nanjing among others). The Chinese cities all have large, ugly, cube-shaped concrete buildings. Eventually, the Chinese told me they were Soviet-built apartment blocks, reviled but used to house poorer or dependent Chinese. Opinions toward the old Soviets and contemporary Russians are better than toward the Japanese, but not much. Chinese citizens felt free to discuss the idea that the USSR saw China as a vassal state, and Richard Nixon as a hero for providing access to food.
Great analysis, thank you.
The great Ben Wittes has done such an amazing job raising money for the batteries Ukrainians need:
https://yoursukrainian.substack.com/p/im-in-kyiv-the-energy-crisis-here
His incredible work on Ukraine along with Cathy Young’s unparalleled coverage over the years has really allowed us to see what’s what whether it’s when times are rough or when the Ukrainians persevere against the backdrop of Russian propaganda.
On a granular level, I am trying to imagine what it would be like to be without electric and gas heat during this cold winter in the USA. I imagine that I would be putting all of my effort into acquiring a wood stove (and wood) for next winter, so that I could heat at least one room in my house.
I saw an interview with a 60-ish Ukrainian woman on BBC news last night. She was all bundled up in winter clothes and a parka. With a smile, she said she sleeps in those same clothes. The indomitable spirit of the Ukrainians is breathtaking.
Since Russia has been attacking Ukraine's electrical grid for a few years now, many Ukrainians had already acquired generators or batteries. I'm sure their suffering would be much worse now if so many of them were not prepared for Russia's energy terrorism.
Real Americans are the Bulwark. Please continue to donate to groups supporting Ukraine.
This monk donates to Razom. Please provide info on other groups that are helping Ukrainians fight against evil.🙏
Also, boycott tesla…
Money talks.
I donate to several Ukraine charities each year on or around February 24, the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. In addition to United 24 and International Orthodox Christian Charities, I donate to a local Baltimore charity that supports our Ukrainian sister city, Odesa.
Thank you kindly for the info.
This monk will now also donate to United24, to support the Ukrainian efforts to fight against evil.🙏
Slava Ukraini!
Thanks to Al Brown for this call to action. 🙏
Ben Wittes (of Lawfare and DogShirtDaily) has been raising money for generator batteries and other warming items for Ukrainians, and he is in Ukraine right now. The following post includes information on the fundraising efforts and what they’ve been doing.
https://open.substack.com/pub/benjaminwittes/p/blackout
So far they’ve raised over $66k, and they will continue to purchase supplies as long as funds keep coming in.
Edit: whoops, I just saw later in the comments that someone else had already shared info about this fundraiser. I’m still going to leave this here - the more mentions, the better!
Thank you kindly for the info. 🙏
Yes. The more mentions, the better. This monk will post your info and that of Al’s on JVL’s comments.
Great suggestion, @The monk. Razom looks like a very good organization.
I donate monthly to United24, the Fundraising Initiative of the President of Ukraine. I started a year ago, right after Trump and Vance ambushed President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, and I increase my donation every time they try to shiv him again. Everything I give goes to buy weapons for the Ukrainians to defend themselves.
Slava Ukraini!
Thank you kindly for the info. 🙏
Slava Ukraini!
What are the chances that Democrats win decisively enough next year to pass veto-proof legislation giving Ukraine what it needs? And can Ukraine hold out that long?
The Ukrainians have built an armaments industry from scratch, and their failing to hold out is not likely. If they have to, I think that they'll fight on with sticks and stones. The alternative is annihilation. They won't let Putin succeed where even Stalin failed.
That should be the Dems' aim.