I don't think he has any choice. He also doesn't have anything to lose. It might increase domestic pressure on Trump, and also if he doesn't talk with Trump, it might lessen the pressure on Trump.
Trump wants any excuse to convince the Republicans in the Senate to stop supporting Ukraine. Any sign of Ukraine ignoring him, any sign of Ukraine losing the war, etc. Zelensky understands perfectly well what Ukraine's outs are, and he's playing to them as best he can.
P has been dragging out the process, desiring to win while the process goes on. meanwhile Ukraine has been degrading the R resources and infrastructure and the R economy is on the verge of collapse. Z is doing a remarkable job for Ukraine and all of us. He continues to clarify the U. demands and to negotiate. Europe must step up and much as I follow all this, I don't understand the ins and outs of the Europe side - 'Europe' is trying to free up frozen R assets for Ukraine, but some countries oppose. And, imo, although T and all his regime are in P's pocket we are not. Every time Zelenskii steps up he looks good to everyone here being pushed to break with T. that's my reading.
My worry is will trump take a page from MBS on how to get rid of someone you want eliminated. Who will be able to secure Zelensky’s safety with criminal trump?
Shankar Narayan of The Concis here on Substack does a great job explaining this and related questions. He’s my top source for understanding about Ukraine and the global struggle to preserve Europe and western democracy.
Thank you Simon. This is an excellent report on the situation of Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the bipartisan group that is sounding the alarm. I was thankful to read that no Nigerians were killed, and not surprised to learn that those impacted by the strike were co-existing peacefully.
What a surprise that Trump is going after oil producing countries. In my neighborhood, gas has dropped about 50 to 70 cents since Halloween. This may be Trump's only path to stop the bleeding in the polls... price at the pump.
Hopefully when Congress resumes in the new year, another discharge petition on Russian sanctions/ Ukrainian support can pass the House and the Senate will step up too. It seems like the votes might be there.
A car driven 12,000 miles in a year at 20 mpg will used 600 gallons of gasoline. A savings of 50 cents per gallon will save $300 in a year. That won't counterbalance the increased cost of health care, groceries, electricity, etc. Too bad for Trump!
Simon, and fam. Happy Holidays and thank you for this bold and necessary newsletter today. I’ve remained bullish with family and friends for several years now that the war of Russia against Ukraine remains the issue of our time as it rings most consequential on the global stage since WWII.
Yes, the war in the Middle East has escalated to such a degree where it too has somewhat blended with Eastern Europe’ prominence in how both the symbolic and literal structure of the global order resonates more than ever since the likes of WWII. Certainly Trump’s threat to our Democratic Republic has further complicated that very structure as well and so it all interconnects, acting as one cluster.
That said, it was Russia’ invasion of Ukraine I’ve long now felt, set the tone for how both our nation and western nations fortify and come through to the other side…or don’t. Hopium has been a natural hub for me because it speaks distinctly to my cautiously optimistic mindset while also keeping keen to the environment by which I’m surrounded. Hope is not naivety but hope without awareness can be.
Unfortunately, even with a Democratic President, I don’t realistically see an ending to this war without Ukraine conceding something. Unless Putin passes, he will drag this on for the un foreseeable future merely out of spite all the while knowing behind closed doors that he’s losing.
I think it’s imperative we all come to understand that he will never be the first one at the table to bring a halt to this war. It’s an unfortunate reality but true nonetheless. The larger question is, how much territory will Ukraine ultimately retain control of and how will they ensure they end this having the upper hand even in light of ceding territory (though minimal territory it predict it will be).
There isn’t a scenario where Putin walks with absolutely nothing (even under a Democratic President) because he will intentionally keep America and the Western world in a forever war until he passes. But, there is a scenario where Zelenskyy can end this with more than Putin and on various fronts at that. That is both encouraging even in spite of itself and also highly plausible.
Trump himself no longer complicates this outcome as much as some may think because he grows further unpopular and weakened with his handling of this conflict. He also grows further isolated with this as well. Europe is increasingly stepping up to the plate, asserting their stance for democracy! American society as well as the majority of Congress is also asserting that very same stance.
This naturally puts Trump and cronies in a corner and they know it (sort of). This alliance between Europe, Canada, the UK, much of Asia, and America (most of it anyway) will further ice out Trump and overcome his stain on such anti-democratic influence particularly on this issue. It’s inevitable! We the people however, have to both believe that and use that as fuel to further pressure Trump.
Let us not forget, TACO!!! His vanity is his own worst enemy and our secret weapon….always has been. The war may theoretically end on Trump’ watch. But it won’t be finalized until we elect a new Democratic President who I’m sure will all but certain, ensure there are dotted I’s and crossed T’s and will aid the Western world in helping to rebuild Ukraine.
If I had the impact ability, I’d implore Ukraine to never accept terms which prevents them from ever joining NATO. Instinct tells me Zelenskyy won’t do so and that Ukraine ultimately WILL join NATO in our not too distant future. For some who fear that won’t come to fruition, I bullishly take the ‘Hopium approach’ in that against seeming odds, they actually will. Instinctively, I feel there’s an inevitable quality about that 🙏.
We must not give up hope especially in the face of what’s coming at us. Together, both domestic and abroad, we are stronger and CAN/WILL ensure Trump and cronies ice themselves out, take themselves down, and fade in relevance all one way or another. Power to the people!!! Happy New Year to the community ✌️🥂💕.
I'm not convinced that Ukraine has to give up something to end the war. It is possible that Russia will collapse economically, that the death toll will find a level intolerable to the Russian people, that the world will step up to give Ukraine the military support it needs to prevail. A pro-Ukranian American stance would change the calculus.
Possible... not necessarily likely. The future is unwritten and I choose to project hopeful outcomes into it... with Ukraine, with U.S. Congress... with the fall of Trump. All possible, but none guaranteed. That is why we do the work.
I really wish that Europeans would stand up for Ukraine--and themselves--in a much more effective way. They don't have the capacity to produce military equipment, including munitions, at a level anywhere sufficient to meet the need, and if Putin were to invade Estonia (a NATO member) or Moldova (not a NATO member), it's hard to imagine NATO Europe going to war against Russia, esp. as US support in that situation is highly uncertain. Would Trump send over a planeload of medical supplies and say that that's America's contribution to NATO defense? I wouldn't put it past him.
Zelenskii stopped off in Canada en route to meeting with T. Europe knows that its survival is at stake, it's not a distant issue for Europe. Ukraine cannot surrender territory, not to mention that it won't. That's all there is to it.
Do not be shocked if Ukraine ultimately cedes a small amount (meaning five percent or so). Yes, that would still be frustrating on its face but Ukraine would still come out the bigger winner. Remember, Putin both planned and expected to take ALL of Ukraine if not, most of it. He’s nowhere near that and won’t be in the end regardless of how this ends.
Hopefully, Putin will crumble from within both economically and politically to the point where there ends up being zero negotiations that take place which would see he get an iota of anything. However, that’s far easier said than done. It’s going to be difficult for Zelenskyy and Ukraine to simply wait Trump out! Or even wait Putin out (which I assume is likely to take longer).
We ALL know we need a new strong Democratic president like Newsom, Kelly, Pete, Shapiro, Moore, or Harris to help effectuate a quicker resolution that would see Putin’s endgame nipped in the bud altogether. That will be the case long term. Short term however, Zelenskyy is in a trying position and one Trump has aided to negatively unfortunately for him and his nation.
I don’t envy him at all. All we can do is support Zelenskyy in whatever decision he makes for his nation, which I’m sure will be strong even if not one hundred percent what he both wants and deserves.
Undoubtedly nonetheless, he will ultimately come out on top from this and will receive a medal of freedom I’m sure from our next Dem president and prob more international leaders, as he should. Timing is everything. We need to remain as vigilant as he does.
Yup, the strikes were performative, as is most of what Trump does.
Re the strikes against drug boats, the missiles used cost tens of thousands of dollars apiece and deplete our limited arsenal. I suspect the reason Trump wants missiles used instead of having F-35s strafe the boats is that pilots might be unwilling to kill unarmed civilians directly and might refuse orders, whereas firing a missile from a distance is more like a video game, so that the pilots may not feel they are actually killing people. Still, it is ominous that the pilots are following orders to kill civilians.
I hope we can encourage Robert Garcia to own the Trump/Epstein narrative. He is a powerful spokesperson that conveys trust and respect for victims. Ro also doing a good job.
Thank you, Simon, for giving up some of your badly needed break to alert us to these latest events. It seems we can never truly rest as long as Trump is president. That said, I do hope you have gotten some time off and some time with your family.
Simon, thanks for taking the time to share this important information with us. Someone should inform Trump. You know he won’t support Ukraine because it’s the right thing to do. He likes to be on the winning side. He’s picking the wrong side in this conflict.
Trump becomes more deranged and nefarious by the day. I don’t see how the House and Senate can continue to not act. I thought it was crazy 3 months ago but now there is even more happening.
Undoubtedly, Christmas missile strikes on Nigeria by Trump and on Ukraine by Putin make those two aged, deranged narcissistic birds of a feather feel young, virile and masculine. Can't turn back the clock, guys, or make the entire world bend to you.
A bit of positive news to point out for our community: Simon’s 12/20 post, “It’s not a Presidency, It’s a Crime Spree — and it Needs to End” has over 5000 likes. 😳 That’s bigger than any post I’ve seen here on Hopium! It shows our message is spreading.
Make sure you are all liking every post here and sharing with others; it helps to get the word out! Let’s keep building our coalition.
Should there be more concern that the military are carrying out out unsanctioned strikes without question? Are there any signs of resistance from the military leaders?
Red-state voters must lean on senators and representatives to save Western democracy by opposing Russia. They must be encouraged to support Tillis, Barrasso, Moran and McConnell as they try to inject spine and good sense in Republican foreign policy.
While you're at it, join me (from New Mexico) in thanking the new team of leaders.
I'm worried about Zelenskyy going to MAL. Why does he still deal with Trump knowing there's no gain from interacting with him?
I don't think he has any choice. He also doesn't have anything to lose. It might increase domestic pressure on Trump, and also if he doesn't talk with Trump, it might lessen the pressure on Trump.
I agree. If he doesn't talk with Trump, Trump will say he is not interested in peace and will cut Russia even more slack.
Trump wants any excuse to convince the Republicans in the Senate to stop supporting Ukraine. Any sign of Ukraine ignoring him, any sign of Ukraine losing the war, etc. Zelensky understands perfectly well what Ukraine's outs are, and he's playing to them as best he can.
P has been dragging out the process, desiring to win while the process goes on. meanwhile Ukraine has been degrading the R resources and infrastructure and the R economy is on the verge of collapse. Z is doing a remarkable job for Ukraine and all of us. He continues to clarify the U. demands and to negotiate. Europe must step up and much as I follow all this, I don't understand the ins and outs of the Europe side - 'Europe' is trying to free up frozen R assets for Ukraine, but some countries oppose. And, imo, although T and all his regime are in P's pocket we are not. Every time Zelenskii steps up he looks good to everyone here being pushed to break with T. that's my reading.
My worry is will trump take a page from MBS on how to get rid of someone you want eliminated. Who will be able to secure Zelensky’s safety with criminal trump?
I too thought the same thing and hope there are better forces to protect him while he's there. 😇
Shankar Narayan of The Concis here on Substack does a great job explaining this and related questions. He’s my top source for understanding about Ukraine and the global struggle to preserve Europe and western democracy.
So, Simon, tell us who those Senators are that we have to contact.
Yours, start with yours.
Slava Ukraini!
Thank you Simon
Thank you Simon. This is an excellent report on the situation of Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the bipartisan group that is sounding the alarm. I was thankful to read that no Nigerians were killed, and not surprised to learn that those impacted by the strike were co-existing peacefully.
What a surprise that Trump is going after oil producing countries. In my neighborhood, gas has dropped about 50 to 70 cents since Halloween. This may be Trump's only path to stop the bleeding in the polls... price at the pump.
Hopefully when Congress resumes in the new year, another discharge petition on Russian sanctions/ Ukrainian support can pass the House and the Senate will step up too. It seems like the votes might be there.
A car driven 12,000 miles in a year at 20 mpg will used 600 gallons of gasoline. A savings of 50 cents per gallon will save $300 in a year. That won't counterbalance the increased cost of health care, groceries, electricity, etc. Too bad for Trump!
ok
Simon, and fam. Happy Holidays and thank you for this bold and necessary newsletter today. I’ve remained bullish with family and friends for several years now that the war of Russia against Ukraine remains the issue of our time as it rings most consequential on the global stage since WWII.
Yes, the war in the Middle East has escalated to such a degree where it too has somewhat blended with Eastern Europe’ prominence in how both the symbolic and literal structure of the global order resonates more than ever since the likes of WWII. Certainly Trump’s threat to our Democratic Republic has further complicated that very structure as well and so it all interconnects, acting as one cluster.
That said, it was Russia’ invasion of Ukraine I’ve long now felt, set the tone for how both our nation and western nations fortify and come through to the other side…or don’t. Hopium has been a natural hub for me because it speaks distinctly to my cautiously optimistic mindset while also keeping keen to the environment by which I’m surrounded. Hope is not naivety but hope without awareness can be.
Unfortunately, even with a Democratic President, I don’t realistically see an ending to this war without Ukraine conceding something. Unless Putin passes, he will drag this on for the un foreseeable future merely out of spite all the while knowing behind closed doors that he’s losing.
I think it’s imperative we all come to understand that he will never be the first one at the table to bring a halt to this war. It’s an unfortunate reality but true nonetheless. The larger question is, how much territory will Ukraine ultimately retain control of and how will they ensure they end this having the upper hand even in light of ceding territory (though minimal territory it predict it will be).
There isn’t a scenario where Putin walks with absolutely nothing (even under a Democratic President) because he will intentionally keep America and the Western world in a forever war until he passes. But, there is a scenario where Zelenskyy can end this with more than Putin and on various fronts at that. That is both encouraging even in spite of itself and also highly plausible.
Trump himself no longer complicates this outcome as much as some may think because he grows further unpopular and weakened with his handling of this conflict. He also grows further isolated with this as well. Europe is increasingly stepping up to the plate, asserting their stance for democracy! American society as well as the majority of Congress is also asserting that very same stance.
This naturally puts Trump and cronies in a corner and they know it (sort of). This alliance between Europe, Canada, the UK, much of Asia, and America (most of it anyway) will further ice out Trump and overcome his stain on such anti-democratic influence particularly on this issue. It’s inevitable! We the people however, have to both believe that and use that as fuel to further pressure Trump.
Let us not forget, TACO!!! His vanity is his own worst enemy and our secret weapon….always has been. The war may theoretically end on Trump’ watch. But it won’t be finalized until we elect a new Democratic President who I’m sure will all but certain, ensure there are dotted I’s and crossed T’s and will aid the Western world in helping to rebuild Ukraine.
If I had the impact ability, I’d implore Ukraine to never accept terms which prevents them from ever joining NATO. Instinct tells me Zelenskyy won’t do so and that Ukraine ultimately WILL join NATO in our not too distant future. For some who fear that won’t come to fruition, I bullishly take the ‘Hopium approach’ in that against seeming odds, they actually will. Instinctively, I feel there’s an inevitable quality about that 🙏.
We must not give up hope especially in the face of what’s coming at us. Together, both domestic and abroad, we are stronger and CAN/WILL ensure Trump and cronies ice themselves out, take themselves down, and fade in relevance all one way or another. Power to the people!!! Happy New Year to the community ✌️🥂💕.
I'm not convinced that Ukraine has to give up something to end the war. It is possible that Russia will collapse economically, that the death toll will find a level intolerable to the Russian people, that the world will step up to give Ukraine the military support it needs to prevail. A pro-Ukranian American stance would change the calculus.
Possible... not necessarily likely. The future is unwritten and I choose to project hopeful outcomes into it... with Ukraine, with U.S. Congress... with the fall of Trump. All possible, but none guaranteed. That is why we do the work.
Wholeheartedly agree! See? Even my optimistic self needs others to keep that optimism at bay sometimes 😉
I keep hearing that Putin's economy is in shambles. I hope so.
I really wish that Europeans would stand up for Ukraine--and themselves--in a much more effective way. They don't have the capacity to produce military equipment, including munitions, at a level anywhere sufficient to meet the need, and if Putin were to invade Estonia (a NATO member) or Moldova (not a NATO member), it's hard to imagine NATO Europe going to war against Russia, esp. as US support in that situation is highly uncertain. Would Trump send over a planeload of medical supplies and say that that's America's contribution to NATO defense? I wouldn't put it past him.
Zelenskii stopped off in Canada en route to meeting with T. Europe knows that its survival is at stake, it's not a distant issue for Europe. Ukraine cannot surrender territory, not to mention that it won't. That's all there is to it.
Agreed. Russia invaded, Ukraine is a sovereign nation. Get out and go home, you Rooskies !!!
Do not be shocked if Ukraine ultimately cedes a small amount (meaning five percent or so). Yes, that would still be frustrating on its face but Ukraine would still come out the bigger winner. Remember, Putin both planned and expected to take ALL of Ukraine if not, most of it. He’s nowhere near that and won’t be in the end regardless of how this ends.
Hopefully, Putin will crumble from within both economically and politically to the point where there ends up being zero negotiations that take place which would see he get an iota of anything. However, that’s far easier said than done. It’s going to be difficult for Zelenskyy and Ukraine to simply wait Trump out! Or even wait Putin out (which I assume is likely to take longer).
We ALL know we need a new strong Democratic president like Newsom, Kelly, Pete, Shapiro, Moore, or Harris to help effectuate a quicker resolution that would see Putin’s endgame nipped in the bud altogether. That will be the case long term. Short term however, Zelenskyy is in a trying position and one Trump has aided to negatively unfortunately for him and his nation.
I don’t envy him at all. All we can do is support Zelenskyy in whatever decision he makes for his nation, which I’m sure will be strong even if not one hundred percent what he both wants and deserves.
Undoubtedly nonetheless, he will ultimately come out on top from this and will receive a medal of freedom I’m sure from our next Dem president and prob more international leaders, as he should. Timing is everything. We need to remain as vigilant as he does.
Ukraine has already given up Crimea.
Officially? Did they sign off on that?
No, they just never got it back.
Not yet...
Heard on the news a few hours ago that Carney is giving Ukraine 2.+ billion.
great news, thanks for posting. and announced before the meeting with T. nice!
Clearly the majority of the GOP has its head buried in the sand. The others are beginning to realize denial is not only a river in Egypt.
Military strikes to this shithead are more or less an extended version of a tweet. Trump, that is.
140 characters+2 or 3 tomahawks.
I will call Moody and Scott about Putin and Ukraine. These are amongst the worst two Senators in the entire country.
He's trying to kick up a lot of dust everywhere, hoping after the holiday we won't be talking about Epstein. But Epstein stuff will never go away now.
Yup, the strikes were performative, as is most of what Trump does.
Re the strikes against drug boats, the missiles used cost tens of thousands of dollars apiece and deplete our limited arsenal. I suspect the reason Trump wants missiles used instead of having F-35s strafe the boats is that pilots might be unwilling to kill unarmed civilians directly and might refuse orders, whereas firing a missile from a distance is more like a video game, so that the pilots may not feel they are actually killing people. Still, it is ominous that the pilots are following orders to kill civilians.
I hope we can encourage Robert Garcia to own the Trump/Epstein narrative. He is a powerful spokesperson that conveys trust and respect for victims. Ro also doing a good job.
I also really appreciate seeing a man so fiery on this issue.
yes, impressive and confidence inspiring for me
Thank you, Simon, for giving up some of your badly needed break to alert us to these latest events. It seems we can never truly rest as long as Trump is president. That said, I do hope you have gotten some time off and some time with your family.
Simon, thanks for taking the time to share this important information with us. Someone should inform Trump. You know he won’t support Ukraine because it’s the right thing to do. He likes to be on the winning side. He’s picking the wrong side in this conflict.
Trump becomes more deranged and nefarious by the day. I don’t see how the House and Senate can continue to not act. I thought it was crazy 3 months ago but now there is even more happening.
Undoubtedly, Christmas missile strikes on Nigeria by Trump and on Ukraine by Putin make those two aged, deranged narcissistic birds of a feather feel young, virile and masculine. Can't turn back the clock, guys, or make the entire world bend to you.
A bit of positive news to point out for our community: Simon’s 12/20 post, “It’s not a Presidency, It’s a Crime Spree — and it Needs to End” has over 5000 likes. 😳 That’s bigger than any post I’ve seen here on Hopium! It shows our message is spreading.
Make sure you are all liking every post here and sharing with others; it helps to get the word out! Let’s keep building our coalition.
yes hitting like is a way to bring our work to more people.
Should there be more concern that the military are carrying out out unsanctioned strikes without question? Are there any signs of resistance from the military leaders?
That’s the question I keep asking. Any insight here?
Is every single person under Trump’s thumb, a zombie ?
Yes, youtube as well!
Red-state voters must lean on senators and representatives to save Western democracy by opposing Russia. They must be encouraged to support Tillis, Barrasso, Moran and McConnell as they try to inject spine and good sense in Republican foreign policy.
While you're at it, join me (from New Mexico) in thanking the new team of leaders.