On August 23 Putin said he sees “such light at the end of the tunnel” for better ties with US. “я думаю, такой свет в конце тоннеля всё-таки замаячил.” Lavrov took same positive line https://nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/russia-s-lavrov-says-putin-wants-peace-even-as-strikes-on-ukraine-ramp-up-full-interview-245660741587 charging that Zelensky is the fly in the ointment.
Were Russia’s Actions Unprovoked?
Was Russia’s “special military operation” unprovoked, illegal, full-scale”, as US corporate media claim? At USC, I laid out the facts – just the facts – documented with simple slides. Why FACTS still controversial? Few know them. (Start at minute 12:00) https://raymcgovern.com/2024/10/23/the-truth-about-ukraine/
Video also embedded below:
Priority on Improving Relations
Graham Fuller and I talk Alaska summit and Ukraine, against backdrop of Trump & Putin placing overall priority on improving relations. Intelligence Director Gabbard bravely faces into storm. FBI’s Bongino: Search “burn-bag room” for records on Seth Rich.
Reality. Finally.
Reality Intrudes FINALLY: Obama 2015: “Arming Ukrainians would encourage the notion they could defeat the far more powerful Russians.” Trump 2025: “The Ukrainians are fighting a force that’s clearly much more powerful … and it’s not like they’ve stopped.”
What’s in Store for Zelensky and Friends
Warm-up Band for Zelensky & Coalition of the Lemming. What is in store for Zelensky (and friends), as he goes back to the Oval-Office scene of the crime in February? As Vance has made clear, “Daddy” Trump turns out to be a deadbeat: No more child support.
Bob and Ray Dissect the Summit
“Bob & Ray II” yesterday dissect Alaska summit. I see hopeful signs of flexibility on both sides. Question now is: Can Trump talk turkey to Zelensky w/out the “Coalition of the Willing” eavesdropping, then deciding to support him “for as long as it takes”.
Hopeful Harbinger
Hopeful harbinger: Windsock journalist Anatol Lieven does an 180-degree:
(1) “Ukraine has already won the war”, March 18, 2022
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/03/18/has-ukraine-already-won-the-war/
(2) August 17, 2025 “Why Trump gets it right on Ukraine … which seems to be in the process of losing…”
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-ukraine-russia-agreement/
Coalition of the Braindead
Steve Witkoff, tell Trump No “Coalition of the (Braindead) Willing” tomorrow without Hungary’s Orban & Slovakia’s Fico, whose brains not dead.
Russia’s Requirements for Peace
Friday Trump heard first-hand Russia’s requirements for peace in Ukraine. Garland & I assess the Alaska summit and address some even more neuralgic issues. I start with lighter-vein apocrypha, then to harsh reality of “how it feels to be stabbed 26 times”.
Summit Predictions from Friday
LAST OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH THE STAKES AND PREDICT THE OUTCOME OF TODAY’S SUMMIT IN ALASKA. Judge says Larry and he now agree that overall priority is being given to improving US-Russia ties. Bottom line: summit is likely to get this off to a good start.