A wonderful and inspirational beginning to the new year, Diane.
A couple of other things that bode well for Ukraine (and, thereby, western civilization) is Ukraine's very substantial build-up of its defense industry. So much of last year's financial support has gone towards the acquisition of military supplies, artillery, and equipment at a cost far greater than their production in Ukraine, that Ukraine will now "save" and devote towards the development of new and advanced military technology and ever-increasing supplies of everything it needs. It has already entered into joint investment and development of major repair and production centers with both American and European companies.
The other item of great interest is the bi-lateral mutual defense agreement with Britain which Ukraine is now using as a model in negotiations with receptive European states. These will expire when Ukraine is admitted to NATO.
Unstated, but implied in your blog, Diane, is that - largely as a result of the bad faith shown by Republicans and ignorance by their "trumpist" wing in Congress - the U.S. role in Russia's future defeat may be diminished and tarnished. If Congress approves the Administration's $61 billion request, the U.S. will then recover its position as a reliable global partner.
I sure hope you are right Diane. I am so disillusioned on the standard of thought process of the Republican (tRump) supporters that I fear a civil war is what Donny is asking for IF he loses.
"Britain’s new foreign minister, David Cameron who is a former Prime Minister, pledged that the two nations will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes” — in stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s climbdown, in the face of Congressional pushback, that American support will last “as long as it can”."
It must be noted that the UK has taken the lead several times when it has been most critical during this second invasion. On day 1, Biden said "Lets see what happens after a month" but in the meantime the UK Prime Minister was making plans to go to Kyiv, to walk the streets and assure the people of UK's support at the hour of their greatest need. Such leadership is rare but a blessing.
I usually agree with most of your observations and conclusions, but on this one I have serious doubts. I obviously only know what the media report, but if those reports are true, Ukraine is barely hanging on. I also have little faith in both Europe and the US in the long run. The world is in turmoil. The US is going through an historical election year nightmare. The Western world is bankrupt of leadership and the Middle East is exploding. Sorry to be so negative, but that's the way I feel.
If Biden doesn't stop the border problems then the Republicans will not fund Ukraine. Russia will win the war and their trophies will be the wealth of enhanced aerial defense abilities of theirs and the Ukraine peoples.
Combined arms is the only thing that can prevail against mobile offensive/ defensive weapons and they are one of the few countries capable of doing that.
If that is the result, what do you think the rest of Europe's chances are?
Diane, I realize you are excellent at research and have a fantastic writer's ability, but I did not know you could write comedy!
Biden's accomplishments to date (1) high inflation (2) loss of Afganistan (3) Ukraine war (4) Israeli war (5) Border crisis (6) Run away debt (7) Climate action without China (8) Lies
Can you please apply your skills to learning the status of Canada's promised air defence system, allegedly purchased (paid for) more than a year ago at a cost of nearly half-a-billion dollars - but not yet delivered to Ukraine by the U.S. or system maker Raethon? I am appalled that this promised aid seems to have disappeared into someone's bureaucracy! It surely has NOT saved Ukraine from a severe pounding by Russian drones and missiles. Thanks - Garry Gaudet, Lantzville, BC
One being Iran. It helps Russia with Drones against Ukraine and then Iran helping Hamas, Houthi and their help to Iran by missiles at the ships. Then Hezbollah and their missiles to Israel helping Iran. If one hits Iran drone production gives Ukraine a better chance. And on Jan 24 we see if the doomsday clock will change. Lots of threats from Russia with their nukes. World more unstable which is not a good sign . Then again you have some of the billionaires building massive bunkers. Wonder what they know that the poor public finds out last.
Welcome back - looks like you successfully recharged your batteries, so to say. The info is excellent and proves that UKR remains strong & that Europe woke up - thankfully. USA is a mess - we all know it so Europe must do the thinking - get their priorities in harmony and get the 'heck' going. Great news - first smile I've had since last year on this topic!!!
Thank you......that, too, is an inspiring note for the New Year. But for a lifelong conservative (Reagan) Republican like me, the surveys suggesting that a majority of Republican voters do not support aid to Ukraine.....that leaves a bad taste and a sense of betrayal.
As I recall it, polls showed that a majority of Republican voters and also their members in Congress HAD supported aid to Ukraine--when they were just responding to the international news we all got. But at some point--a year on?-- Trump went to work to turn the tide of this sympathy against Ukraine. My belief is that Trump feels permanently resentful towards Zelensky having refused to go along with his first attempt to tar Biden. Trump had been illegally withholding aid that Congress had authorized and because he wanted Zelensky to dig up dirt on Joe Biden first--or manufacture it or whatever. But this young, new President of Ukraine Zelensky refused. That was a humiliation Trump resented and it also became the subject of his first impeachment as the recording and witness testimonies for this phone call to Zelensky was there.
So, after Russia’s invasion and the evidence started to show that all Americans were feeling supportive towards Ukraine, Trump and his people went to work to turn voters against Ukraine in the supposed basis that it was costing so much. I believe the persecution campaign against Hunter Biden has been a stand- in for his desired revenge against Joe. It is typical for such a full blown narcissist to try to take revenge on anyone who opposes them, even embarrasses them, and the expiration date for this desired revenge is Never.
All of your comments, Cecilia, are quite reasonable, and your recognition of Trump's Louis XIV complex is fully supported by the record. I've believed that this dangerous and destructive narcissist has long held the opinion that Ukraine is the object that would cement his "legacy" as a global peacemaker by throwing Ukraine under the bus and, in return, "resetting" America's and Europe's relationship with Russia by allowing Russia to enhance its dominance over Europe. A U.S. withdrawal from NATO - as part of that "peace initiative" would, of course, offer Putin the opportunity to also slake his vengeful thirst with the Baltic States, Poland, and Moldova.
That is why -even if Congress fails to provide any funds - it is important that the expectations Diane raised and to which I added a point or two reach fruition this year. so that Trump be denied the opportunity to pressure Ukraine.
Very respectfully, most of what you both say I so totally disagree happened as you portray. To re-unite we can no longer rely on biased news purveyors.
Would you clarify your points of disagreement, Patrick? I think it is clear that I, as do others, have an opinion and a strong point of view but that is based on a lifetime interest in the subject matter - not "bias".
I appreciate you giving me the chance to debate what I think were errors .
1. Agreed – both D and R supported Ukraine
2. Turn tide -No – Trump said he could end the war in 24 hours. Didn’t say how.
3. Withholding -No – Obama gave blankets; Trump gave ordance within 24 hours
4. Resentful - Conjecture on your part not fact
5. Dig up dirt – So what? Biden too via social media.
6. Humiliation – No – Senate exonerated him. Lots of success by this time anyway.
7. Recording – No – transcribed – Adam Schiff’s fabrications
8. After invasion – No – Conjecture not fact
9. Hunter – No – Politics is a blood sport. Ask Clinton, Biden, O’Bama
10. Narcissist – No – D wishful thinking. How can Make America Great translate to this.
11. Louis – No – “His stature, grace, attractiveness, stately demeanor, even the tone of his voice, and majestic and natural charm distinguished him as the King” Now I agree with you.
12. Believed – No – dangerous – didn’t start any wars – Biden has
13. Nato – No – Billions contributed after his appropriate 2% demand – better then than now
Coloration - reporting should never color an article – simply state the facts – not interested in opinions. Structured analysis given without bias is okay and Diane is very good at this – although occasionally I wonder.
14. Funding – Agreed – Russia has very capable nukes and has to be beaten to forestall a larger way.
George – again thank you for asking for points of disagreement as I see them. I have great respect for you.
A wonderful and inspirational beginning to the new year, Diane.
A couple of other things that bode well for Ukraine (and, thereby, western civilization) is Ukraine's very substantial build-up of its defense industry. So much of last year's financial support has gone towards the acquisition of military supplies, artillery, and equipment at a cost far greater than their production in Ukraine, that Ukraine will now "save" and devote towards the development of new and advanced military technology and ever-increasing supplies of everything it needs. It has already entered into joint investment and development of major repair and production centers with both American and European companies.
The other item of great interest is the bi-lateral mutual defense agreement with Britain which Ukraine is now using as a model in negotiations with receptive European states. These will expire when Ukraine is admitted to NATO.
Unstated, but implied in your blog, Diane, is that - largely as a result of the bad faith shown by Republicans and ignorance by their "trumpist" wing in Congress - the U.S. role in Russia's future defeat may be diminished and tarnished. If Congress approves the Administration's $61 billion request, the U.S. will then recover its position as a reliable global partner.
The US will come through I believe
Your words to God's ear!
I sure hope you are right Diane. I am so disillusioned on the standard of thought process of the Republican (tRump) supporters that I fear a civil war is what Donny is asking for IF he loses.
Excellent views - UKR's mfg'ing & developing their own weapons is a game changer -
The republican congress, notably the freedom caucus,
refuse to pass the Ukraine
funding legislation.
The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (r)LA recently
said he would need to speak
with Donald Trump, not the
President, concerning the
upcoming government shutdown, due to the Republican's failures to move
any legislation. There is no
longer a Republican party. It
Is now the Trump party; bend
your knee. No. Not one step
back. The U.S. is a democratic republic. We are
not ruled by a wannabe king
and his court of jesters.
The U.S. is a part of NATO. In
times of difficulty, when a
member nation is in strife, the
other partners step forward to help. This is what Trump
has never understood about
NATO, or allies and friends.
Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦!
Thank you, especially for the chart. Every GOP elected oficial should receive that chart and hang his or her head in shame.
I agree!!!
"Britain’s new foreign minister, David Cameron who is a former Prime Minister, pledged that the two nations will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes” — in stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s climbdown, in the face of Congressional pushback, that American support will last “as long as it can”."
It must be noted that the UK has taken the lead several times when it has been most critical during this second invasion. On day 1, Biden said "Lets see what happens after a month" but in the meantime the UK Prime Minister was making plans to go to Kyiv, to walk the streets and assure the people of UK's support at the hour of their greatest need. Such leadership is rare but a blessing.
All power to Ukraine. Excellent thank you and wishing you a very happy new year.
The needed action seems well spelled out.
Time to stop dithering and start cutting with a very sharp knife.
I usually agree with most of your observations and conclusions, but on this one I have serious doubts. I obviously only know what the media report, but if those reports are true, Ukraine is barely hanging on. I also have little faith in both Europe and the US in the long run. The world is in turmoil. The US is going through an historical election year nightmare. The Western world is bankrupt of leadership and the Middle East is exploding. Sorry to be so negative, but that's the way I feel.
If Biden doesn't stop the border problems then the Republicans will not fund Ukraine. Russia will win the war and their trophies will be the wealth of enhanced aerial defense abilities of theirs and the Ukraine peoples.
Combined arms is the only thing that can prevail against mobile offensive/ defensive weapons and they are one of the few countries capable of doing that.
If that is the result, what do you think the rest of Europe's chances are?
Euros are stepping up but weapons makers are overstretched worldwide.
Biden must step up immediately and will because otherwise he unravels everything he's done to date for .
Diane, I realize you are excellent at research and have a fantastic writer's ability, but I did not know you could write comedy!
Biden's accomplishments to date (1) high inflation (2) loss of Afganistan (3) Ukraine war (4) Israeli war (5) Border crisis (6) Run away debt (7) Climate action without China (8) Lies
Can Trump be stopped. Do you like Haley?
Trump can only be stopped by voters in the 2024 election and likely will be in my opinion
Thank you, that's why I love you, you don't think you are above responding to plebs like me.
None of my subscribers are "plebs"!!!!!!
Can you please apply your skills to learning the status of Canada's promised air defence system, allegedly purchased (paid for) more than a year ago at a cost of nearly half-a-billion dollars - but not yet delivered to Ukraine by the U.S. or system maker Raethon? I am appalled that this promised aid seems to have disappeared into someone's bureaucracy! It surely has NOT saved Ukraine from a severe pounding by Russian drones and missiles. Thanks - Garry Gaudet, Lantzville, BC
Yikes -- Trudeau strikes again!!!
Very Nice Article Welcome back.
Lot of problems for the New Year.
One being Iran. It helps Russia with Drones against Ukraine and then Iran helping Hamas, Houthi and their help to Iran by missiles at the ships. Then Hezbollah and their missiles to Israel helping Iran. If one hits Iran drone production gives Ukraine a better chance. And on Jan 24 we see if the doomsday clock will change. Lots of threats from Russia with their nukes. World more unstable which is not a good sign . Then again you have some of the billionaires building massive bunkers. Wonder what they know that the poor public finds out last.
Welcome back - looks like you successfully recharged your batteries, so to say. The info is excellent and proves that UKR remains strong & that Europe woke up - thankfully. USA is a mess - we all know it so Europe must do the thinking - get their priorities in harmony and get the 'heck' going. Great news - first smile I've had since last year on this topic!!!
The table in this newsletter does not have a title. Are these contributions to NATO or defense spending or….?
all in
Thank you......that, too, is an inspiring note for the New Year. But for a lifelong conservative (Reagan) Republican like me, the surveys suggesting that a majority of Republican voters do not support aid to Ukraine.....that leaves a bad taste and a sense of betrayal.
As I recall it, polls showed that a majority of Republican voters and also their members in Congress HAD supported aid to Ukraine--when they were just responding to the international news we all got. But at some point--a year on?-- Trump went to work to turn the tide of this sympathy against Ukraine. My belief is that Trump feels permanently resentful towards Zelensky having refused to go along with his first attempt to tar Biden. Trump had been illegally withholding aid that Congress had authorized and because he wanted Zelensky to dig up dirt on Joe Biden first--or manufacture it or whatever. But this young, new President of Ukraine Zelensky refused. That was a humiliation Trump resented and it also became the subject of his first impeachment as the recording and witness testimonies for this phone call to Zelensky was there.
So, after Russia’s invasion and the evidence started to show that all Americans were feeling supportive towards Ukraine, Trump and his people went to work to turn voters against Ukraine in the supposed basis that it was costing so much. I believe the persecution campaign against Hunter Biden has been a stand- in for his desired revenge against Joe. It is typical for such a full blown narcissist to try to take revenge on anyone who opposes them, even embarrasses them, and the expiration date for this desired revenge is Never.
All of your comments, Cecilia, are quite reasonable, and your recognition of Trump's Louis XIV complex is fully supported by the record. I've believed that this dangerous and destructive narcissist has long held the opinion that Ukraine is the object that would cement his "legacy" as a global peacemaker by throwing Ukraine under the bus and, in return, "resetting" America's and Europe's relationship with Russia by allowing Russia to enhance its dominance over Europe. A U.S. withdrawal from NATO - as part of that "peace initiative" would, of course, offer Putin the opportunity to also slake his vengeful thirst with the Baltic States, Poland, and Moldova.
That is why -even if Congress fails to provide any funds - it is important that the expectations Diane raised and to which I added a point or two reach fruition this year. so that Trump be denied the opportunity to pressure Ukraine.
Very respectfully, most of what you both say I so totally disagree happened as you portray. To re-unite we can no longer rely on biased news purveyors.
I am not Con or Liberal.
Would you clarify your points of disagreement, Patrick? I think it is clear that I, as do others, have an opinion and a strong point of view but that is based on a lifetime interest in the subject matter - not "bias".
hmmmmm
George
I appreciate you giving me the chance to debate what I think were errors .
1. Agreed – both D and R supported Ukraine
2. Turn tide -No – Trump said he could end the war in 24 hours. Didn’t say how.
3. Withholding -No – Obama gave blankets; Trump gave ordance within 24 hours
4. Resentful - Conjecture on your part not fact
5. Dig up dirt – So what? Biden too via social media.
6. Humiliation – No – Senate exonerated him. Lots of success by this time anyway.
7. Recording – No – transcribed – Adam Schiff’s fabrications
8. After invasion – No – Conjecture not fact
9. Hunter – No – Politics is a blood sport. Ask Clinton, Biden, O’Bama
10. Narcissist – No – D wishful thinking. How can Make America Great translate to this.
11. Louis – No – “His stature, grace, attractiveness, stately demeanor, even the tone of his voice, and majestic and natural charm distinguished him as the King” Now I agree with you.
12. Believed – No – dangerous – didn’t start any wars – Biden has
13. Nato – No – Billions contributed after his appropriate 2% demand – better then than now
Coloration - reporting should never color an article – simply state the facts – not interested in opinions. Structured analysis given without bias is okay and Diane is very good at this – although occasionally I wonder.
14. Funding – Agreed – Russia has very capable nukes and has to be beaten to forestall a larger way.
George – again thank you for asking for points of disagreement as I see them. I have great respect for you.