Every now and then I pause to wonder what on earth world I have happened upon. A world where two successive US governments have purposely and deliberately carried out acts to substantially damage the integrity of NATO, and the security of Europe. Without telling us so; that shrewd observers like yourself have had to deduce from events that these have been their undeclared strategies to their partners, who have also been major paying customers for much of their defence needs for many years.
This much from your reports and others was even the case before Trump returned to the White House and by his avoidance of topics left us to realise that in all but names we are just paying customers and can expect no better than what comes in the warranty, and possibly not even timely in the events of war.
And words like treachery or treason never appear. Not least in the nation whose right wing brought us McCarthyism and similar delights.
I have virtually given up any form of trust or interest in the UK’s paper or broadcast media because without the material I receive through Medium and Substack contributors like yourself I would have virtually no inkling of what is really going on, just a collection of day-to-day trivia. That is, I’d be in the same condition as the innocent, trusting people around me. Even the public are so obsessed with immigration that they haven’t been led to connect it and right wing parties growing around them with Putin’s activities.
Am I somewhere off the beam in the above?
Thanks Shankar for all your efforts.
PS. As an aside I’m not half as interested in these passing things as I am fearful of the awful things coming down the road through neglected measures to save your generation and following from climate change. I won’t see much of them, but as a retired meteorologist/ scientist I know where to place my trust. 400 years of unrivalled progress. Where else do you see it?
Well, there are a few things that happened as well. France and Germany are closer than ever. Merz is wayyyyyyyyyyyy better than Scholz. Germany has done a lot of work and I am extremely confident that they will continue. Europes big three are now closer than ever.
Yes, you’re quite right, there always is an upside to the darkest things. Trump strengthens the unity of those that he attacks (I can’t speak for the Dems). The emerging sense of the need for pan-Europeanism at top political level, can’t but be for the good. If they can up their game in communicating the really important messages.
Freedom to choose and attack targets in Russia that heretofore "were off limits" because of US restraints is going to make...and is making... a significant difference. Now, if Europe can fill the "intelligence gap" that a "divorce" from the US will create, then Ukraine will finally be able to fight this war with both hands. The odds of a Ukrainian victory in this war have improved.
Thank you Shankar. It’s called a Divorce. And I love ❤️ this ; “Let us not forget. The United States is not sending military aid to Ukraine. You don't sell me a washing machine, take full payment, include a fee for lifetime service, allow me to sign a paper for additional costs for spares to be borne by me and then call me one month later and ask me why am I using the machine every day.”
If the goal is to stop aggressor nations, then a full throated response to any military incursion must be an option. Yes, diplomacy comes first, but when the troops and tanks cross borders, there must be severe consequences. An invaded country forced to limit their military to a defensive strategy is an occupied country.
European nations should have been arming Ukraine from the moment Russian troops and equipment began appearing near the border. Upon first Russian crossing, the area should have been obliterated and rockets fired on Moscow. European heads of state should have immediately declared their support with arms deals and planes protecting Ukrainian airspace.
Too much trust in a compromised U.S. was a strategic mistake. Russia is a bully and understands only one language - power. If not quickly arrested, Ukraine’s troubles will spread because Europe was weak, which Putin interprets as an invitation.
Another excellent piece of analysis. Given the recent Gabbard-Five Eyes controversy I am certain Ukraine (and Europe) must distance itself from the U.S. Th hypocritical nature of the regime makes it completely unreliable and as likely to stab one in the back as not. Recent statements by Vance and Trump show they fully expect Russia to be the victor. And the U.S. is in negotiations for the money—Ukraine is a very valuable piece of property. Canada coming to Ukraine’s aid in a big way is marvelous. And it looks like other democracies may do likewise.
Without the U.S. helping to defeat Ukraine the picture looks much rosier as you describe.
What worries me most right now is Putin’s escalating savagery against the civilians of Ukraine. If he keeps this level of attack up will the citizens of the beleaguered country decide they can stand no more? How long before there is a real counter to his abilities in the short term?
This transition period is everything. If Europe and Ukraine lets him escape this period, he may find new ways to stretch the war. So, hopefully, Ukraine despite the issues created by Trump, closes it.
I am familiar with Elbridge Colby and, of course, the ugly scar on the entire U.S. military Mr unbelievably unqualified Hegseth, but who is the “third bro” in the Pentagon ?
My favorite, very potential, scenario that could evolve in the war in Ukraine would be the simultaneous catastrophic collapse of the Putin regime and complete disintegration of the Russian economy and war machine as fuel, food, new recruits and ammo stop flowing to their front lines. Anything less, such as a fake “peace” arranged by the pro-Putin fake “Nobel candidate” WH occupant would be a case of justice denied and a reward to the criminal regime, encouraging continued war in Europe in ensuing perpetuity. I’m glad my opinion here is shared by many who’s opinion actually counts in how the “diplomacy” unfolds.
Superb piece, Shankar. With the new FP-5 ‘Flamingo’ reportedly in the wings, what are the chances Ukraine actually fields it soon—and where first? Would it pair with ERAMs and F-16s, or risk crossing U.S. red lines on deep-strike escalation?
My recommendation would be to build them and store them. Do not deploy them on the field. Go max on the PURL and get as much weapons as possible from the United States. Patch the gaps, and then at somepoint, may be after three months, drop em in the field. All bridges, rail and road.
Side bar regarding Sevastopol. I am currently reading. “The Story of a Life”, by Konstantinos Paustovsky. An autobiography. It starts in Kyiv around 1905 Paustovsky identifies himself as Russian. The book contains marvelous passages about Ukraine as he travels as a medic during WW1. On trains and horseback. During a break between assignments he travels to Sevastopol. A marvelous description of the sights, sounds and smells. That said. “Glory to Ukraine”. I love Ukraine 🇺🇦 especially when her hands fingers toes and mind aren’t bound by others
I try to put the realities of the battlefield in context with our sheltered life in the States. If Ukraine forces Russian supply lines back by, say, 360 kilometers, that's about the distance between Washington, DC and New York. On civilized roads, that's nearly a 4-hour trip. In Ukraine, in war time, I imagine it is closer to a full day - 8 to 12 hours or more. I would not want to be a driver hauling ammunition on an open road for that length of time...
I am so ashamed that we are supporting a genocide in Gaza and failing Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
Dear Shankar,
Every now and then I pause to wonder what on earth world I have happened upon. A world where two successive US governments have purposely and deliberately carried out acts to substantially damage the integrity of NATO, and the security of Europe. Without telling us so; that shrewd observers like yourself have had to deduce from events that these have been their undeclared strategies to their partners, who have also been major paying customers for much of their defence needs for many years.
This much from your reports and others was even the case before Trump returned to the White House and by his avoidance of topics left us to realise that in all but names we are just paying customers and can expect no better than what comes in the warranty, and possibly not even timely in the events of war.
And words like treachery or treason never appear. Not least in the nation whose right wing brought us McCarthyism and similar delights.
I have virtually given up any form of trust or interest in the UK’s paper or broadcast media because without the material I receive through Medium and Substack contributors like yourself I would have virtually no inkling of what is really going on, just a collection of day-to-day trivia. That is, I’d be in the same condition as the innocent, trusting people around me. Even the public are so obsessed with immigration that they haven’t been led to connect it and right wing parties growing around them with Putin’s activities.
Am I somewhere off the beam in the above?
Thanks Shankar for all your efforts.
PS. As an aside I’m not half as interested in these passing things as I am fearful of the awful things coming down the road through neglected measures to save your generation and following from climate change. I won’t see much of them, but as a retired meteorologist/ scientist I know where to place my trust. 400 years of unrivalled progress. Where else do you see it?
Thank you.... Glad to be of help.
Well, there are a few things that happened as well. France and Germany are closer than ever. Merz is wayyyyyyyyyyyy better than Scholz. Germany has done a lot of work and I am extremely confident that they will continue. Europes big three are now closer than ever.
Media is fucked, sadly.
Can't do much about it.
Yes, you’re quite right, there always is an upside to the darkest things. Trump strengthens the unity of those that he attacks (I can’t speak for the Dems). The emerging sense of the need for pan-Europeanism at top political level, can’t but be for the good. If they can up their game in communicating the really important messages.
Freedom to choose and attack targets in Russia that heretofore "were off limits" because of US restraints is going to make...and is making... a significant difference. Now, if Europe can fill the "intelligence gap" that a "divorce" from the US will create, then Ukraine will finally be able to fight this war with both hands. The odds of a Ukrainian victory in this war have improved.
Irony: calling the 3 putin helpers in the pentagon "loyalists."
Thank you Shankar. It’s called a Divorce. And I love ❤️ this ; “Let us not forget. The United States is not sending military aid to Ukraine. You don't sell me a washing machine, take full payment, include a fee for lifetime service, allow me to sign a paper for additional costs for spares to be borne by me and then call me one month later and ask me why am I using the machine every day.”
Haha.
If the goal is to stop aggressor nations, then a full throated response to any military incursion must be an option. Yes, diplomacy comes first, but when the troops and tanks cross borders, there must be severe consequences. An invaded country forced to limit their military to a defensive strategy is an occupied country.
European nations should have been arming Ukraine from the moment Russian troops and equipment began appearing near the border. Upon first Russian crossing, the area should have been obliterated and rockets fired on Moscow. European heads of state should have immediately declared their support with arms deals and planes protecting Ukrainian airspace.
Too much trust in a compromised U.S. was a strategic mistake. Russia is a bully and understands only one language - power. If not quickly arrested, Ukraine’s troubles will spread because Europe was weak, which Putin interprets as an invitation.
Another excellent piece of analysis. Given the recent Gabbard-Five Eyes controversy I am certain Ukraine (and Europe) must distance itself from the U.S. Th hypocritical nature of the regime makes it completely unreliable and as likely to stab one in the back as not. Recent statements by Vance and Trump show they fully expect Russia to be the victor. And the U.S. is in negotiations for the money—Ukraine is a very valuable piece of property. Canada coming to Ukraine’s aid in a big way is marvelous. And it looks like other democracies may do likewise.
Without the U.S. helping to defeat Ukraine the picture looks much rosier as you describe.
What worries me most right now is Putin’s escalating savagery against the civilians of Ukraine. If he keeps this level of attack up will the citizens of the beleaguered country decide they can stand no more? How long before there is a real counter to his abilities in the short term?
This transition period is everything. If Europe and Ukraine lets him escape this period, he may find new ways to stretch the war. So, hopefully, Ukraine despite the issues created by Trump, closes it.
I am familiar with Elbridge Colby and, of course, the ugly scar on the entire U.S. military Mr unbelievably unqualified Hegseth, but who is the “third bro” in the Pentagon ?
My favorite, very potential, scenario that could evolve in the war in Ukraine would be the simultaneous catastrophic collapse of the Putin regime and complete disintegration of the Russian economy and war machine as fuel, food, new recruits and ammo stop flowing to their front lines. Anything less, such as a fake “peace” arranged by the pro-Putin fake “Nobel candidate” WH occupant would be a case of justice denied and a reward to the criminal regime, encouraging continued war in Europe in ensuing perpetuity. I’m glad my opinion here is shared by many who’s opinion actually counts in how the “diplomacy” unfolds.
Feinberg
👍
Slava Ukrainia!
Superb piece, Shankar. With the new FP-5 ‘Flamingo’ reportedly in the wings, what are the chances Ukraine actually fields it soon—and where first? Would it pair with ERAMs and F-16s, or risk crossing U.S. red lines on deep-strike escalation?
Can't predict them.
My recommendation would be to build them and store them. Do not deploy them on the field. Go max on the PURL and get as much weapons as possible from the United States. Patch the gaps, and then at somepoint, may be after three months, drop em in the field. All bridges, rail and road.
Two or three Flamingos against the Kerch Bridge might be a good starter
Keep the pressure on. Ukraine is fighting a smart war. 🇺🇦
Side bar regarding Sevastopol. I am currently reading. “The Story of a Life”, by Konstantinos Paustovsky. An autobiography. It starts in Kyiv around 1905 Paustovsky identifies himself as Russian. The book contains marvelous passages about Ukraine as he travels as a medic during WW1. On trains and horseback. During a break between assignments he travels to Sevastopol. A marvelous description of the sights, sounds and smells. That said. “Glory to Ukraine”. I love Ukraine 🇺🇦 especially when her hands fingers toes and mind aren’t bound by others
SLAVA UKRAINI!!!🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
WAY TO GO!!!
Slava Ukraini!
Europe needs to step up.
I try to put the realities of the battlefield in context with our sheltered life in the States. If Ukraine forces Russian supply lines back by, say, 360 kilometers, that's about the distance between Washington, DC and New York. On civilized roads, that's nearly a 4-hour trip. In Ukraine, in war time, I imagine it is closer to a full day - 8 to 12 hours or more. I would not want to be a driver hauling ammunition on an open road for that length of time...