Stunningly poor understanding by POTUS of the actual state of the war in Ukraine, of why Soldiers “who don’t have the cards” fight (see Vietnam, Afghanistan, American Revolution), and why Ukrainian success is important to American strategic interests.

What a disgusting, ignorant, arrogant statement by the Secretary of Defense of the United States. Nobody trusts anything he says or does. That’s very dangerous for the US…we depend so much on our Allies. I served in Afghanistan in RC South 2009-2010 where thousands of Allies fought and many died.

Very disappointing. Senior retired Generals should be speaking out in mass against POTUS, SecDef, and SecArmy for this disgusting spectacle at Fort Bragg. Army leadership must take a hard look inward to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Mark Milley tried to warn us and we apparently did learn.

"A rich and increasingly powerful Poland, with the best and largest land army in Europe outside Ukraine, will need to assume a leadership role for which its history has not prepared it," writes @EliotACohen

Thoughts and prayers for the Voters of Alabama…

Alex Finley is always sharp, quick to the point, and comes with feasible, achievable recommendations. open.substack.com/pub/alexzfin...

@alexzfinley.bsky.social is always worth reading! Russian Influence Operations and Victor in Trouble open.substack.com/pub/alexzfin...

I actually agree with Trump that Europe ought to lead more. But his zigzagging between Russia and Ukraine has turned European leadership from a wish into an essential need. My friend @general-ben.bsky.social on Europe's role in securing the peace in Ukraine: thenextmove.substack.com/p/from-miner...

More excellent analysis by @phillipspobrien.bsky.social Weekend Update #131: Was This The Week Putin Miscalculated? open.substack.com/pub/phillips...

As ever…sobering analysis by @phillipspobrien. A Nothingburger Of Hope open.substack.com/pub/phillips...

I agree with Minna…she’s smart and she’s right. Ukraine should not take a bad deal that doesnt meet their interests. They are actually winning on the battlefield, according to SACEUR Cavoli’s testimony in front of HASC and SASC…and the Russians will never live up to any agreement unless compelled.

“Deterrence is the most humane policy of all. A well‑defended frontier prevents wars, while a porous one invites them.” @general-ben.bsky.social & Dan Rice

Short yet compelling analysis by Alex Finley who knows what she's talking about. As Trump Courts Putin, Russians Keep Trying to Kill Americans open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...

Exceptional analysis and clarity, as usual, by @phillipspobrien.bsky.social obrien.bsky.social The Trump/Putin Plan For Ukraine open.substack.com/pub/phillips...

I’ve heard from a solid source that medical supplies from US to frontline medics in Ukraine are being withheld through USAID and military logistics. If true this is absolutely unacceptable.

This is a great piece on how Europe needs to get ahead of the power dynamics in Ukraine by @general-ben.bsky.social @jaharamatisek.bsky.social and Alex Crowther. cepa.org/article/ukra...

I had a great conversation with @gilduran.com on the truly dystopian philosophy behind Elon Musk’s dismantling of our government. This will open your eyes. New ‘On Democracy with FPwellman’ exclusivly on MeidasTouch now! youtu.be/hnTBzgjme20?...

Superb analysis and well-written as always. Trump Administration parroting Kremlin talking points. Ukraine should decide if and when it has elections, not the US or Russia. Otherwise why don’t we demand Russia holds a free and fair election as a condition for a settlement? Hahahahaha

I hope the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania will reverse their similar bad decisions of last week canceling courses about Black Soldiers and Women in Combat.

I hope the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania will reverse their similar bad decisions of last week canceling courses about Black Soldiers and Women in Combat.

Huh? What’s woke about trying to clear old minefields from places where children and farmers need to move?

Similar cancellations happened at the Army War College in Carlisle PA. Canx history courses about Black Soldiers and Women in Combat.

Thoughts and prayers for the Voters of middle Tennessee.

Russia is much weaker now than a year ago. I hope President Trump will use this leverage to achieve a better outcome for Ukraine and for our own strategic interests, including deterrence of China.

Hands in pockets…what an inspiration 🙄

The Court of Trump open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...

Worthy of note that as Trump is preparing to take office, he seems to be spending much of his time desperately trying to protect a Chinese company that has been branded a major national security threat.

No

Likely to be true of everyone of these Russian Shadow Fleet vessels. EU refers to them as "end of life" ships. Good enough reason to stop/inspect them all. Finnish Authorities Find Alarming Safety Deficiencies on Russian Tanker Suspected Cable Damage gcaptain.com/finnish-auth...

🇫🇮 ForMin @elinavaltonen.bsky.social 🙌 "The vessel #EagleS appears to be part of 🇷🇺 #shadowfleet and is suspected of intentionally damaging undersea infrastructure. Several measures for limiting the use of the hazardous fleet are in the works." Read! www.economist.com/by-invitatio...

It should be about deterring China from trying what Russia has tried. Help Ukraine defeat Russia and the Chinese will see we have the political will and industrial capacity to stop them.

Superb by Dr Rob Person. www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/why...

🇺🇸 A new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives calls to recognize Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide, says Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova. unn.ua/en/news/a-dr...

"The idea that the world is more complex now than in the 1970s and 1980s is, of course, horse-sh&t. Sullivan was presented with a world in which the US had very few security concerns as a nation and far greater freedom of action.” @PhillipsPOBrien open.substack.com/pub/phillips...

The constant dooming about Ukraine by some well-known analysts, amplified by many media outlets, and taken for granted by the Biden Administration (now white-washing its failure) has been a gift to the Kremlin, undermining support for Ukraine. We are lucky Ukraine keeps fighting.

New Syrian administration denies entry to Russian flag bulkers carrying stolen grain from occupied territories of Ukraine. Mikhail Nenashev and Matros Shevchenko, unable to unload in Tartus Syria, sailed to Egypt and are waiting to unload in Alexandria’s anchorage area. #OATT

While we’re banning books… Finland is teaching children in school how to recognize fake news and propaganda as part of critical thinking and civic responsibility. Some of this will seem very familiar. Be. Like. Finland.

Hard to imagine a worse idea for a negotiated outcome than what Sam Charap has proposed. It is a surrender document for Ukraine to Russia and does nothing for the strategic interests of the US or our Allies, let alone Ukraine. The Chinese will certainly note our lack of resolve.