I think Trump finds it intolerable, the idea that an underdog could prevail. He wants a world where Goliath always defeats David. Where the biggest and most powerful can take whatever they want.
Ukraine is not going to go quietly my guess is they’ve gotten a nuke or something that’s really gonna fuck Russia and if Russia decides to do a full court press with the US Ukraine will defend itself and then it’ll be US and Russia against NATO, which is a fucking insane idea
Thank you for this article! It's comforting. You've set a clear, logical road map. Though I did chuckle wryly at the concept of a European Army. I've never had a problem with it, it always seemed very sensible. But you remember it was a big sticking point before Brexit?
You talk about Trump halting the sale of American technology & armaments to European countries who help Ukraine.
But can he really afford to do this?
These sales are a huge earner for the US. In 2023 they made $238bn from European sales.
I wonder about that too, right now there must be some very unhappy American arms manufacturers. Who’d buy American arms now, even if the US backpedaled, they’ve proved themselves unstable and untrustworthy
NB Trident *is* operationally independent. We don't need to ask the US about whether to press the tit. The warheads are British but the Trident missiles are US-made and are serviced in a US port every year.
We have ~ 35 F35s which would depend on the US for parts. Lockheed Martin.
I think you’re right on the Mandela comparison. Zelenskyy’s deliberate use of clothing reminded me of Gandhi’s - an Inner Temple barrister, remember - deployment of the homespun dhoti.
This knowing departure from comportment hugely aggravated Churchill; the “half-naked fakir” got under his skin.
That's why they despise the EU not because it's weak but it can be strong. Wake up Starmer & rejoin the EU if you want the UK to have any significance.
“If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.” (Sun Tzu Chapter 6: Weak Points and Strong)
Thank you for articulating my anger. I wept watching the attack on Zelensky as a suffer of PTSD due to bullying it was horribly triggering. This sordid display is a huge turning point for Zelensky and Ukraine, Europe will rally to him as so should the UK we need a European Army to isolate the US.
Thank you. I shared this with my Mum, who said that this piece is inspiring given what we are facing. To get 'inspiring' from my Mum, well, believe me, that's a high bar x
I actually don't think they care about dead fascists any more than dead anyone else. I think they hate him because he holds up a mirror up to everything they pretend to be but are not: strong, brave, compassionate, statesmanlike.
Do you imagine that Russian conscripts are fascists?
"Russian law mandates one year of military service for all male citizens aged 18–27.[1][20] Despite efforts to professionalize its ranks since the early 2000s,[21] it remains heavily reliant on conscripts"
Agree with all of this apart from the "timidity" of the gvt. It is doing some very bold things that the MSM really don't like, so they bitch about trivia. We might all appear indecisive if every time we put our head over the parapet someone took a pit shot at us. Otherwise, great piece 🙏🙏
Last April, the RAF shot down Iranian drones as part of an aerial coalition to defend Israel from attack.
Now let's see the RAF and other European air forces perform the same task against Russian drones and cruise missiles in the skies over Ukraine #SlavaUkraini
Yes, let me see it too. Because what I’ve come to know is Euros are and will always be all bluster and no muster. I like Trump, who delivers peace through strength and the timely use of fear. Don’t you agree he is far more capable than Biden?
I root for USA, not Russia or Ukraine. You may need a little more introspection and some therapy to get over your TDS. Trump will broker a settlement and less people will die as a result. But I guess that doesn’t matter to you.
Democracy for the majority of Americans was delivered last November. Trump will someday be the fifth President on Mt Rushmore. Let that sink in deep. And know that leftist hatred and abuse of power were the catalysts for his ascension to the Iron Throne, where he will make America great again.
I remember when the genocide started in Gaza and Zelensky was clear in his support for Israel whilst they were bombing refugee camps in an area they were occupying.
It might have been "politics" but it horrified me and showed nothing is ever binary.
Yes, Zelensky was perhaps naive and unwise to publicly debate issues which obviously annoy Trump, and he felt that gangster mauling in response - but the exchange did reveal one crucial thing... Trump will do *nothing* unless he stands to directly benefit, either in cash terms or kudos.
Tru dat. Biden said “Don’t”. They did. Biden gave money unconditionally. Didn’t settle anything. Trump is brokering peace and will get paid back for USA contribution over time. So who’s the better leader?
If it’s just whether America gains, and in financial terms alone, and for the short-term? But the rest of the free world? Do come back to me once Russia has taken over most of Europe, and America is isolated and in fierce competition. At least Biden’s America had friends and allies
And the question is, how would Ukraine have benefited from the minerals deal? It gets the US involved and gives it a stake, but security guarantees? Forget about it. So long as the US gets the benefit of the deal, it doesn't care what else happens.
I've wondered about the benefits of the minerals deal for Ukraine. I get that they'll need money to rebuild and repay debts, but with such an unreliable co-signee (is that even a word? 🤣)
Deal signed, I could well imagine the US supporting calls for elections in Ukraine. A more malleable business partner? And if that's Putin by virtue of completing his invasion, I doubt Trump cares so long as he's confident his minerals deal will be respected and he can spin a resolution to conflict.
Thank you for finding some positives. This made me fell a little bit better, a little less powerless. All I would add is that as individuals we can help by donating to Ukrainian charities.
Some disparate thoughts on a horrifying day
Vance is that cowardly snivelling little shit spittle, who follows the school bully around the playground. His only power is through clinging to the coat-tails of the bully. Everyone despises him and are waiting for him to be left on his own.
Another great post. Just a suggestion - have a voluntary payment mechanism like Wikipedia in addition to the subscription model. Some of us can't justify or afford a subscription but would like to pay something. Respect to you for making this accessible for all - we need truth to be shared.
Thank you for writing this cathartic piece, Ian. Been a very difficult 24hrs processing that hideous event and all the ramifications. Your clarity is valuable.
Something emotional from me in return: photos of the war set to a piece combining the anthems of Europe and Ukraine.
My eldest wanted to go straight from school into the RAF.
As soon as Trump ‘won’, we had a grown up chat.
Thankfully he agreed to park the idea for a couple of years.
Very thankful he made that decision after this shitshow 🤯
Fwiw, I think it's even more basic than that - they're narcissists without a shred of principle, their only goal personal enrichment and consolidation of power for personal glory. Being in the presence of a person of principle shames them. He's admired in a way they can never achieve
It's also why there was a hissy fit over the suit (lack thereof). His attire was symbolic of his solidarity to his people at war, in itself a principle so foreign to the two others that it caused offence at a root level.
This might be mad but I wonder/hope we might come to see yesterday as a good day. Until now the world has kow-towed to Trump and his gang of thugs, yesterday someone stood up to them. Examples like that can change the world.
TY. American, I am appalled by the Trump/ Zelensky meeting, but in an odd way relieved that Trump and Vance showed their colors so unmistakably. If anyone thought Trump was ~trustworthy, it is now 1000% clear that he is not. Also, saw this in comments- Yes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsIntuxmXf0
Oh obvs take his view - he knows what he's talking about. My point on this is not the umbrella idea, just that myth that we need the US to launch, which we don't.
Comments
But can he really afford to do this?
These sales are a huge earner for the US. In 2023 they made $238bn from European sales.
NB Trident *is* operationally independent. We don't need to ask the US about whether to press the tit. The warheads are British but the Trident missiles are US-made and are serviced in a US port every year.
We have ~ 35 F35s which would depend on the US for parts. Lockheed Martin.
This knowing departure from comportment hugely aggravated Churchill; the “half-naked fakir” got under his skin.
“If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.” (Sun Tzu Chapter 6: Weak Points and Strong)
That is all
(Also for not playing ball in Trump's 1st term)
"Russian law mandates one year of military service for all male citizens aged 18–27.[1][20] Despite efforts to professionalize its ranks since the early 2000s,[21] it remains heavily reliant on conscripts"
Now let's see the RAF and other European air forces perform the same task against Russian drones and cruise missiles in the skies over Ukraine #SlavaUkraini
You’re definitely a Putin fluffer.
@peoplepowerunited.bsky.social
@50501movement.bsky.social
@indivisible.org
I remember when the genocide started in Gaza and Zelensky was clear in his support for Israel whilst they were bombing refugee camps in an area they were occupying.
It might have been "politics" but it horrified me and showed nothing is ever binary.
Some disparate thoughts on a horrifying day
Something emotional from me in return: photos of the war set to a piece combining the anthems of Europe and Ukraine.
https://youtu.be/08l4N_tEj6E
As soon as Trump ‘won’, we had a grown up chat.
Thankfully he agreed to park the idea for a couple of years.
Very thankful he made that decision after this shitshow 🤯
https://bsky.app/profile/conspiranon.bsky.social/post/3ljd7de5msc2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsIntuxmXf0
..which disagrees with your more optimistic view.
@mrjamesob.bsky.social