Republican, conservative, right wing America abandoning unqualified support for Ukraine is one of the most shocking things, among many of course, that have deeply disturbed me about Trump and MAGA. There's the real politik about Ukraine's ability to recapture all of its occupied territory but the moral thing to do was support their cause. When the Republican Congress cut off funding in the fall of 2023 it sent a unmistakable signal that the right wing in America was pro Dictatorship, anti Democracy. When Trump made threats to end Intelligence sharing it was essentially pro Russian attempts to weaken Ukraine's militarily and diplomatic position. Along with US hostilities to Europe in general it makes me concerned about the permanent damage. So much of Trumps new world view will be impossible to put back together.
Agreed. I miss someone who used to report weekly on Ukraine's victories and defense. Martin Belderson stopped posting last fall. https://underreported.substack.com/
It is unfortunate. Cathy provides a welcome replacement. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦
I despise what seems to me US current admin selfishness re Ukraine and betrayal of NATO.
I don't give Trump credit because long-term he seems a corrosive acid--he causes bad things, but the antibody response to Trumpism at least helps lead to some good things. Maybe God may use some bad things for good...as they say.
I'm glad Europe has stepped up and realized the importance of Ukraine to its future; the marginalizing of the US has shown the weakness of our foreign policy, and shown the real weakness of Putin--because he suddenly seems threatened by a bunch of so-called "weak" Euro nations.
Carney is right to point out "medium-sized" nations have power too, and their voices are essential to negotiating security and democracy into the future.
Good news for a change! When Putin began his “special military operation” I recalled the Ukrainian immigrants of my grandparents’ generation. They were obviously a tough bunch. Go get ‘em!
So Trump shoots himself in the foot, losing leverage by being an unreliable ally. Stable genius indeed. Time for him to ace another cognitive test, don't you think?
I think he's beyond the range of human cognition. Good news though, there is a Primate Cognition Test Battery (PTCB) that could be applied. Hopefully he hasn't dropped through the bottom of that one too.
I have to be honest. As bad as things with Ukraine are, they're *miles* better than I was expecting when Trump won in 24. I assumed that within a week of his inauguration, we would not only have quit NATO and abandoned Ukraine, but actively started selling weapons to the Russians, and there would be mass graves of Ukrainians within a month. I'm legitimately astonished that things are even still in question.
Thank you Cathy for the insight into the continuing parade of Russia stepping on their own land mines and fulfilling Putin's castration anxiety. I hope our equally feckless "administration" someday learns what eventually happens to leaders who try to remove freedoms from free peoples. A little self-reflection while gazing out of their tiny prison windows might help that along.
Great update!! I’ve read military history since I was a young boy (76 now), and what I’m seeing here is an army of mercenaries and literal slaves attacking an army and nation of free men and women, who are fighting for their homes, families, and nation. Putin may still “win”, but his prize will be a devastated landscape comparable to Stalingrad or Nazi Berlin. Support from us could make a huge difference, and our current stance will stain our Republic’s honor for generations!!
On one of my podcasts I heard them say that in January 2026, last month, the Russians suffered 9,000 dead soldiers. Not “dead and wounded”, just dead, and all in just one month. How can they possibly keep this up? I can’t help but think that if Ukraine can keep killing them for another year, the Russian army will collapse, maybe even also the economy. When do the Russian people say enough is enough? I know Putin is willing to kill an unlimited number of Russians to gain control of Ukraine, but are his people willing to keep that up?
Russia’s experiences in WWI could provide a clue. They persevered until they didn’t and then just went home. I think Russia’s efforts could collapse pretty quickly, especially since they’re the invaders and not being invaded.
Cathy, Thanks for the reporting and the optimism. Another good reason for Ukraine to subtly tell Witkoff, Kushner and Rubio to fuck off. Maybe you should send your piece to Lindsey Graham, he was touting his increased Russian sanctions not to long ago but Trump must have told him that's not what he personally wanted. That's no secret, but there are the votes in Congress to get it done. Unfortunately, courage and conviction is on hiatus in this GOP.
Thanks for the news about Ukraine, which seems not to interest our lame MSM. Good news about the communications snafus that are assisting Ukraine 🇺🇦!
Republican, conservative, right wing America abandoning unqualified support for Ukraine is one of the most shocking things, among many of course, that have deeply disturbed me about Trump and MAGA. There's the real politik about Ukraine's ability to recapture all of its occupied territory but the moral thing to do was support their cause. When the Republican Congress cut off funding in the fall of 2023 it sent a unmistakable signal that the right wing in America was pro Dictatorship, anti Democracy. When Trump made threats to end Intelligence sharing it was essentially pro Russian attempts to weaken Ukraine's militarily and diplomatic position. Along with US hostilities to Europe in general it makes me concerned about the permanent damage. So much of Trumps new world view will be impossible to put back together.
Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦
Important read. Thanks, Cathy!
Agreed. I miss someone who used to report weekly on Ukraine's victories and defense. Martin Belderson stopped posting last fall. https://underreported.substack.com/
It is unfortunate. Cathy provides a welcome replacement. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦
I despise what seems to me US current admin selfishness re Ukraine and betrayal of NATO.
I don't give Trump credit because long-term he seems a corrosive acid--he causes bad things, but the antibody response to Trumpism at least helps lead to some good things. Maybe God may use some bad things for good...as they say.
I'm glad Europe has stepped up and realized the importance of Ukraine to its future; the marginalizing of the US has shown the weakness of our foreign policy, and shown the real weakness of Putin--because he suddenly seems threatened by a bunch of so-called "weak" Euro nations.
Carney is right to point out "medium-sized" nations have power too, and their voices are essential to negotiating security and democracy into the future.
I appreciate your work Cathy. This one was hopeful.
First good news I’ve heard in months. Thanks, Cathy.
Good news for a change! When Putin began his “special military operation” I recalled the Ukrainian immigrants of my grandparents’ generation. They were obviously a tough bunch. Go get ‘em!
So Trump shoots himself in the foot, losing leverage by being an unreliable ally. Stable genius indeed. Time for him to ace another cognitive test, don't you think?
The Kurds can tell the world how "reliable" Trump's USA is as an ally.
Good to know!
I think he's beyond the range of human cognition. Good news though, there is a Primate Cognition Test Battery (PTCB) that could be applied. Hopefully he hasn't dropped through the bottom of that one too.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293979708_File_S1
I have to be honest. As bad as things with Ukraine are, they're *miles* better than I was expecting when Trump won in 24. I assumed that within a week of his inauguration, we would not only have quit NATO and abandoned Ukraine, but actively started selling weapons to the Russians, and there would be mass graves of Ukrainians within a month. I'm legitimately astonished that things are even still in question.
Slava Ukraini! Thanks for the article…
Thank you Cathy for the insight into the continuing parade of Russia stepping on their own land mines and fulfilling Putin's castration anxiety. I hope our equally feckless "administration" someday learns what eventually happens to leaders who try to remove freedoms from free peoples. A little self-reflection while gazing out of their tiny prison windows might help that along.
Not much good news recently, so thanks for reporting some.
Cathy,
Great update!! I’ve read military history since I was a young boy (76 now), and what I’m seeing here is an army of mercenaries and literal slaves attacking an army and nation of free men and women, who are fighting for their homes, families, and nation. Putin may still “win”, but his prize will be a devastated landscape comparable to Stalingrad or Nazi Berlin. Support from us could make a huge difference, and our current stance will stain our Republic’s honor for generations!!
Tom Cannon
Asheville, NC
On one of my podcasts I heard them say that in January 2026, last month, the Russians suffered 9,000 dead soldiers. Not “dead and wounded”, just dead, and all in just one month. How can they possibly keep this up? I can’t help but think that if Ukraine can keep killing them for another year, the Russian army will collapse, maybe even also the economy. When do the Russian people say enough is enough? I know Putin is willing to kill an unlimited number of Russians to gain control of Ukraine, but are his people willing to keep that up?
Ann,
Russia’s experiences in WWI could provide a clue. They persevered until they didn’t and then just went home. I think Russia’s efforts could collapse pretty quickly, especially since they’re the invaders and not being invaded.
Tom
Pootie might bring in more North Korean soldiers to use as cannon fodder.
On the other hand, Xi Jinping might begin to think that China has spent enough money propping up his Russian stooge.
My heart is full for Ukraine's success. May it be so!
Cathy, Thanks for the reporting and the optimism. Another good reason for Ukraine to subtly tell Witkoff, Kushner and Rubio to fuck off. Maybe you should send your piece to Lindsey Graham, he was touting his increased Russian sanctions not to long ago but Trump must have told him that's not what he personally wanted. That's no secret, but there are the votes in Congress to get it done. Unfortunately, courage and conviction is on hiatus in this GOP.