Great News Shankar, but are you definitely sure the shipments will resume? Here’s Trump on Air-force One today sounding off:
“US President Donald Trump said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “wants to go all the way and just keep killing people,” and hinted that the United States “might” send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine to bolster Kyiv’s defenses, according to his comment made onboard Air Force One on July 5.”—United24 Media
Operative word is “might!” We’ve seen this movie before; he hurts or undermines Ukraine, then he states, “Russia is killing people and may not want to stop.”
However, when it comes to actually doing anything constructive; he pauses, draws a new line in the sand without Russia paying even an iota of a price for breaking Trump’s last redline, and then moves on as though its business as usual, with no resistance or follow-up from the MSM.
Furthermore, I’ve read nothing that suggests these Patriot Batteries are forthcoming any time soon. Perhaps they will be sent to save face, but the underlining issue still remains; Is Trump finally committed to ending this war he said would be over on DAY ONE, or is this just another “ruse” to buy more time for Putin to figure out how to move forward successfully?
Bottom line: time will tell, but until I see concrete steps by Trump’s administration to put their foot down against Russia’s illegal aggression; I’ll continue to hold my breath!
Additionally, as I’ve stated yesterday, if it truly is Trump’s goal to turn this country into a fascist authoritarian state, then it must be understood that fascist states don’t play nice with democracies; their stated goal is to undermine their system and replace them with puppets; which means all of Europe.
And from my perspective, the jury is still out as to how well Putin has found success with his new US proxy. After all, until this year I never thought the US and Israel would side with Russia, China, Hungary and N. Korea; when denying Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty at the UN!
Nor did I expect we’d see masked federal officials and contractors pulling people off the streets of American cities and deported to internment camps in third countries, or US troops deployed domestically for no apparent reason or purpose.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, our country is changing before our eyes, and anyone in denial is suffering from “normalcy bias,” because nothing we are experiencing today, is normal!
That said, I do hope Shankar is right, and this could be a turning point for US interest and commitments in regard to Ukraine. IMHO…:)
No, sir. I can’t guarantee anything. The group we’re dealing with — the pro-Putin faction inside the GOP and parts of the White House — is extremely powerful. They lost this round, yes, and I believe the shipments have already started. But I am 100% confident that they’re already planning their next move. And this time, they know what not to do. That makes them even more dangerous.
Our only real card right now is Germany. Just as we speak, I’m hearing that Berlin is in talks with the administration to purchase two Patriot air defense systems. For reasons I still don’t fully understand, the Trump team actually wants to keep Germany close. I don’t know why. But from what I’m hearing, they are at least listening.
This is nerve-wracking. There are so many pieces flying at me from different directions, and I’m struggling to make sense of it all. But I’m doing everything I can.
For what it’s worth, I think the piece I wrote yesterday is being circulated within the House. That gives me some satisfaction. Not going to let the pro-Putin faction in the United States have a free run.
U.S. support for Ukraine since the inauguration (it’s pointless to re-open the discussion on disappointment with the Biden/Sullivan “support”) has been very underwhelming, or frequently much worse, since trump took office. Turning the armaments flow back on, for now, to its mediocre level is certainly better than “off”, but isn’t really a satisfying policy demonstration from Washington. With the other hand, the U.S. is showing a weakening on Russian sanctions, zero inclination to tighten the screws on Putin, and no effort to take any action, yet, against Colby or whoever else cleanly falls into the pro-Putin faction. If this administration had its head on right, there would be no pro-Putin faction, and the war could be over soon, or would have been already, with Ukraine on solid ground. This administration does NOT have its head on right. Confirmation comes in daily.
As you noted, 'Colby made a rookie mistake.' This is chilling, standing as it does as a symptom of the current chaos at the heart of the Trump so-called administration. Are they administrating rookie chaos? It sure seems that way, and not only when it comes to decisions affecting Ukraine. As anyone knows, its oh so much harder to construct something than to wreck it. I also noted that President Zelenskyy has learned the delicate art of supporting Trump's bubble-like ego while urging him to do the right thing. I suggest that, when Ukraine finally emerges victorious from this war, he be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for that and so many other acts of heroism.
I emailed my Senators and Congressional Representatve twice in the last two weeks. First, I questioned the sanctions. Then, I questioned what they were doing about this cut off of defense systems. How were they bringing it to the attention of the Senate, House and the American public?
You are taking Trump’s statements at face value again.
Trump and his administration have shown that they support Putin - with rhetoric, relaxing sanctions, ending the fight against Russian propaganda and spouting Russian propaganda, stopping intelligence sharing, delaying contributions of American made weapons to Ukraine, and delaying selling weapons to Ukraine.
Sometimes the pushback from Congress results in Trump stopping the most extreme support of Putin.
Let’s not pretend that Trump’s words have any value here. It is convenient to throw Colby under the bus for both Trump and Republicans who support Ukraine because these Republicans want to shield Trump.
Trump still hasn’t released the aid. The White House defended the decision to stop it.
The decision to stop the aid, whether Trump verbally asked for it or whether Hegeseth understood Trump wanted it stopped, is consistent with Trump’s actions since returning to the Presidency and his rhetoric about Russia for the last 10 years.
I can’t help but wonder if Trump didn’t have a hand in this. Plausible deniability? It is, in any case, a very serious breakdown in the upper levels of government. It will make our allies question even more whether they should be dealing with us.
Trump lies all the time. There must have been a loud outcry from Americans to their Senators and negative light shone on Trump. Trump immediately denied knowledge. This is a pattern. 🇺🇸🗽
This is the result of our government being staffed and run by Apprentice and Fox personalities. In what past administration would this kind of manufactured and dumbly manufactured stunt occur? If Colby was that person, he should be immediately fired. If he's not, it's a further demonstration of incompetence by an entire administration racking up the bell rings, an administration that this kind of thing will undoubtedly reoccur and with potentially disastrous consequences. Our military now needs to begin checking and double-checking every direction and order by this shit show of an administration to safeguard our nation from crisis.
Shankar, I greatly value your input, especially your take on international concerns and your attention to Ukraine. You are always well informed on the big picture, the history behind stories, and your insight into the individuals involved and what motivates them is very informative. Your column is unique among the many writers on Substack. Because the people in the WH have no idea what they are doing, I am sure they are the hardest to read.
I will address this soon. For a very long time, it is the House of Representatives that held things together for Ukraine. I think it is high time I address that.
This administration has already demonstrated a complete disregard for budget. They massively overspend Gest ... um, ICE and kill EPA. They are separating Congress from every process except whining.
After seeing that infamous Signal chat I imagine the decision was made simiarly, leaving the president out, with Miller and Witkoff pushing to halt weapons shipments because it is “in line with the president’s objectives.” Speculating here because the power is in the shadows. Deniability. Where’s Marco? Marco? I call my electeds often and always make a point of asking for stronger Russian sanctions and materiel support for Ukraine. With all the donestic crap, I don’t want that overlooked.
We don’t hear much reported in Witkoff. With his strong financial ties to Russia and the Middle East, I believe he’s a shadow figure controlling shots. And I have heard the president say he doesn’t know about things he most certainly does. Spotlights on the shadow areas is critical, so I appreciate your writings Shankar.
Sloppy our government is being handled by sloppy performers. This is the third or fourth oopsie on a large scale we’ve had where there was a lack of communication between departments Thank you Shankar.
REAL dictators like Stalin and Hitler, commanded a level of respect driven by fear. Anyone in the organization who was worried about going off-message would run it up the flagpole to see if it came from The Boss. Don’t look for any appreciation from the Boss for blowing the whistle. He’ll just as likely shoot you and all your office just out of annoyance.
Losing control of your operations looks like internal rebellion.
Great News Shankar, but are you definitely sure the shipments will resume? Here’s Trump on Air-force One today sounding off:
“US President Donald Trump said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “wants to go all the way and just keep killing people,” and hinted that the United States “might” send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine to bolster Kyiv’s defenses, according to his comment made onboard Air Force One on July 5.”—United24 Media
Operative word is “might!” We’ve seen this movie before; he hurts or undermines Ukraine, then he states, “Russia is killing people and may not want to stop.”
However, when it comes to actually doing anything constructive; he pauses, draws a new line in the sand without Russia paying even an iota of a price for breaking Trump’s last redline, and then moves on as though its business as usual, with no resistance or follow-up from the MSM.
Furthermore, I’ve read nothing that suggests these Patriot Batteries are forthcoming any time soon. Perhaps they will be sent to save face, but the underlining issue still remains; Is Trump finally committed to ending this war he said would be over on DAY ONE, or is this just another “ruse” to buy more time for Putin to figure out how to move forward successfully?
Bottom line: time will tell, but until I see concrete steps by Trump’s administration to put their foot down against Russia’s illegal aggression; I’ll continue to hold my breath!
Additionally, as I’ve stated yesterday, if it truly is Trump’s goal to turn this country into a fascist authoritarian state, then it must be understood that fascist states don’t play nice with democracies; their stated goal is to undermine their system and replace them with puppets; which means all of Europe.
And from my perspective, the jury is still out as to how well Putin has found success with his new US proxy. After all, until this year I never thought the US and Israel would side with Russia, China, Hungary and N. Korea; when denying Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty at the UN!
Nor did I expect we’d see masked federal officials and contractors pulling people off the streets of American cities and deported to internment camps in third countries, or US troops deployed domestically for no apparent reason or purpose.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, our country is changing before our eyes, and anyone in denial is suffering from “normalcy bias,” because nothing we are experiencing today, is normal!
That said, I do hope Shankar is right, and this could be a turning point for US interest and commitments in regard to Ukraine. IMHO…:)
No, sir. I can’t guarantee anything. The group we’re dealing with — the pro-Putin faction inside the GOP and parts of the White House — is extremely powerful. They lost this round, yes, and I believe the shipments have already started. But I am 100% confident that they’re already planning their next move. And this time, they know what not to do. That makes them even more dangerous.
Our only real card right now is Germany. Just as we speak, I’m hearing that Berlin is in talks with the administration to purchase two Patriot air defense systems. For reasons I still don’t fully understand, the Trump team actually wants to keep Germany close. I don’t know why. But from what I’m hearing, they are at least listening.
This is nerve-wracking. There are so many pieces flying at me from different directions, and I’m struggling to make sense of it all. But I’m doing everything I can.
For what it’s worth, I think the piece I wrote yesterday is being circulated within the House. That gives me some satisfaction. Not going to let the pro-Putin faction in the United States have a free run.
I will remain hopeful, yet skeptical. However, if this does work out, you will have my sincerest Mea Culpa!
Thanks again for the great analysis Shankar, and have a wonderful rest of your holiday weekend…:)
Thanks....
I’ve been watching closely, too.
U.S. support for Ukraine since the inauguration (it’s pointless to re-open the discussion on disappointment with the Biden/Sullivan “support”) has been very underwhelming, or frequently much worse, since trump took office. Turning the armaments flow back on, for now, to its mediocre level is certainly better than “off”, but isn’t really a satisfying policy demonstration from Washington. With the other hand, the U.S. is showing a weakening on Russian sanctions, zero inclination to tighten the screws on Putin, and no effort to take any action, yet, against Colby or whoever else cleanly falls into the pro-Putin faction. If this administration had its head on right, there would be no pro-Putin faction, and the war could be over soon, or would have been already, with Ukraine on solid ground. This administration does NOT have its head on right. Confirmation comes in daily.
Agreed
As you noted, 'Colby made a rookie mistake.' This is chilling, standing as it does as a symptom of the current chaos at the heart of the Trump so-called administration. Are they administrating rookie chaos? It sure seems that way, and not only when it comes to decisions affecting Ukraine. As anyone knows, its oh so much harder to construct something than to wreck it. I also noted that President Zelenskyy has learned the delicate art of supporting Trump's bubble-like ego while urging him to do the right thing. I suggest that, when Ukraine finally emerges victorious from this war, he be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for that and so many other acts of heroism.
The other explanation is that this is Hegseth, hiding behind Colby.
If so, third time he has interfered with in process shipments to Ukraine... someone needs to talk with that boy... 😵💫
Yes.....
Or fire him. Remember how Trump likes to fire people? If nobody gets canned we need to assume that Trump's not all that upset.
Absolutely Muffy. They're doing what Trump wants
I emailed my Senators and Congressional Representatve twice in the last two weeks. First, I questioned the sanctions. Then, I questioned what they were doing about this cut off of defense systems. How were they bringing it to the attention of the Senate, House and the American public?
Thank you for taking your time to send the email. Every effort counts. Thanks.....
This war drags on due to American fecklessness. Putin should have been defeated by now.
You are taking Trump’s statements at face value again.
Trump and his administration have shown that they support Putin - with rhetoric, relaxing sanctions, ending the fight against Russian propaganda and spouting Russian propaganda, stopping intelligence sharing, delaying contributions of American made weapons to Ukraine, and delaying selling weapons to Ukraine.
Sometimes the pushback from Congress results in Trump stopping the most extreme support of Putin.
Let’s not pretend that Trump’s words have any value here. It is convenient to throw Colby under the bus for both Trump and Republicans who support Ukraine because these Republicans want to shield Trump.
No
Trump still hasn’t released the aid. The White House defended the decision to stop it.
The decision to stop the aid, whether Trump verbally asked for it or whether Hegeseth understood Trump wanted it stopped, is consistent with Trump’s actions since returning to the Presidency and his rhetoric about Russia for the last 10 years.
I can’t help but wonder if Trump didn’t have a hand in this. Plausible deniability? It is, in any case, a very serious breakdown in the upper levels of government. It will make our allies question even more whether they should be dealing with us.
Trust is done.
This is all about one thing.
If you do not try to pull Trump towards you, then you are giving space for him to move towards the other side.
Trump lies all the time. There must have been a loud outcry from Americans to their Senators and negative light shone on Trump. Trump immediately denied knowledge. This is a pattern. 🇺🇸🗽
This is the result of our government being staffed and run by Apprentice and Fox personalities. In what past administration would this kind of manufactured and dumbly manufactured stunt occur? If Colby was that person, he should be immediately fired. If he's not, it's a further demonstration of incompetence by an entire administration racking up the bell rings, an administration that this kind of thing will undoubtedly reoccur and with potentially disastrous consequences. Our military now needs to begin checking and double-checking every direction and order by this shit show of an administration to safeguard our nation from crisis.
Yes..
Shankar, I greatly value your input, especially your take on international concerns and your attention to Ukraine. You are always well informed on the big picture, the history behind stories, and your insight into the individuals involved and what motivates them is very informative. Your column is unique among the many writers on Substack. Because the people in the WH have no idea what they are doing, I am sure they are the hardest to read.
"Congress needs to put its foot down and demand answers." Ah, but will they? They seem to be a toothless, paper tiger...and there's the "rub".
I will address this soon. For a very long time, it is the House of Representatives that held things together for Ukraine. I think it is high time I address that.
Pentagon does fear the House.
Oh, the purse strings. Although who knows how long that will last.
This administration has already demonstrated a complete disregard for budget. They massively overspend Gest ... um, ICE and kill EPA. They are separating Congress from every process except whining.
The thing I’m most stunned by is not just the content, but the fact this news is not front page of the MSM.
I know.
Then it begs the question: do our institutions actually function anymore other than by artifice?
Thank you, once again, for your insight in these very troubled times.
After seeing that infamous Signal chat I imagine the decision was made simiarly, leaving the president out, with Miller and Witkoff pushing to halt weapons shipments because it is “in line with the president’s objectives.” Speculating here because the power is in the shadows. Deniability. Where’s Marco? Marco? I call my electeds often and always make a point of asking for stronger Russian sanctions and materiel support for Ukraine. With all the donestic crap, I don’t want that overlooked.
Witkoff wants US to lift sanctions on Russian energy products.
We don’t hear much reported in Witkoff. With his strong financial ties to Russia and the Middle East, I believe he’s a shadow figure controlling shots. And I have heard the president say he doesn’t know about things he most certainly does. Spotlights on the shadow areas is critical, so I appreciate your writings Shankar.
Sloppy our government is being handled by sloppy performers. This is the third or fourth oopsie on a large scale we’ve had where there was a lack of communication between departments Thank you Shankar.
I can only pray this means they will get Ukraine the air defense systems they need now.
Problem solved for now. Still not permanent.
REAL dictators like Stalin and Hitler, commanded a level of respect driven by fear. Anyone in the organization who was worried about going off-message would run it up the flagpole to see if it came from The Boss. Don’t look for any appreciation from the Boss for blowing the whistle. He’ll just as likely shoot you and all your office just out of annoyance.
Losing control of your operations looks like internal rebellion.