(Image by My Dog Sighs)
There will be no miracles in Kyiv this year!
UKRAINE: Lawmakers tell me there is no way House will pass Ukraine aid in 2023. @SpeakerJohnson is firm on House leaving by Dec. 15 and no Senate deal in sight
— Erik Wasson (@elwasson) December 7, 2023
And it will be a long, cold, bleak Christmas as well.
This was preventable and avoidable. The Republicans in the House majority and the Senate minority are once again doing what they’ve done to every other major and important piece of legislation, as well as nominations, since 2009: taking a hostage and threatening to kill it. This was predictable. It has been McConnell’s strategy since the beginning of Obama’s presidency in January 2009. He has used it over and over and over to great effect regardless of whether he has been the majority or minority leader. It is easier for him when, like now, the Republicans have the majority in the House because even if the Democratic majority were able to get around his use of the 60 vote threshold as a legislative blockade and pass a bill to fund Ukraine, it would still be dead on arrival in the House.
The reason this was preventable and avoidable is that up until January 2023 the Democrats held the majorities in both the House and the Senate. That the Biden administration and the Democrats in the House and the Senate did not push through a long term appropriation that also included statutory authority to fund and supply Ukraine when they had the chance, given how slim their majorities in both chambers were at the time and still is in the Senate, was and is strategic malpractice. It was a failure to recognize who McConnell actually is and how he has operated for over a decade. It was a failure to recognize that the Democrats could lose one or both chambers in the 2022 midterms. It was a failure to actually listen to what the Republicans in Congress where telling the world in 2022:
The Biden administration has failed Ukraine. Senate Majority Leader Schumer has failed Ukraine. Then Speaker Pelosi failed Ukraine. And, as a result, the United States is once again leaving an ally to slowly twist in the wind.
The last time I felt this ashamed to be an American was the day in August 2008 when we said farewell to the 33rd Georgian Battalion as we helped to get them home to fight back against Putin’s invasion. They begged us to come help them. They kept asking over and over: “You’re coming right? We came for you, you’re coming? We’ll get started, but you’re coming, right?”
If the ground would have swallowed me up that day, it would have been a mercy.
We betrayed the Georgians’ trust, after manipulating them into joining our coalition, when they needed our help to fend of Putin. And now, fifteen years later, we’ve failed Ukraine and betrayed their trust.
The Ukrainians, of course, will fight on. They have made it clear they will not stop.
We in 🇺🇦Ukraine simply stick to doing what is right and having a good hope in this war.
We were doing so as half of the world was burying us alive in February 2022, we were doing so as our military defeated Russia at Kyiv, we were doing so as we were persuading the free world…
— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) December 7, 2023
We in 🇺🇦Ukraine simply stick to doing what is right and having a good hope in this war.
We were doing so as half of the world was burying us alive in February 2022, we were doing so as our military defeated Russia at Kyiv, we were doing so as we were persuading the free world into giving us weapons to curtail the biggest European war of aggression since Adolf Hitler, and we were doing so as our military having so little resources managed to liberate half of our territory lost to the aggressor – and as it continued combating the world’s biggest nuclear power with valor and efficacy rarely seen in history.
And we will continue believing in what is right and doing the only thing that is right in our situation, like it or not.
Putin will be further convinced that his strategy of seeking time is successful and continue to throw bodies at the Ukrainians. Because Putin has far, far more bodies that he can sacrifice than Ukraine does. Putin has blood and treasure to spare. He does not care how much of it he spills or spends as long as he achieves his objective of reclaiming every last piece of land in Europe that he believes is supposed to be under Russian control.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
I am grateful to every Ukrainian family that understands the challenges of war and temperature and uses electricity sparingly – address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
7 December 2023 – 21:04
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
A few summaries for this day.
First, I would like to thank Japan for a very timely and much-needed decision to support Ukraine. $4.5 billion is the total amount, and we expect the first part – $1.5 billion – already in January. A significant part of this aid package will come in the spring. Japan is consistent and very principled in its support of our country and our people, and I am grateful for this assistance.
I held an extensive meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. In particular, we discussed cooperation with partners, preparation of new decisions to support our country, and cooperation with donors. Additionally, we covered energy-related matters, the government’s work on Ukraine’s energy sustainability, the stability of our operations and all our systems. Thanks to the integration of our energy system with Europe, we have appropriate support from our neighbors, which is important. I thank every country that helps. And I thank every Ukrainian family – everyone who understands the challenges of war and temperature and uses electricity sparingly and rationally.
This week, we are expecting crucial votes from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine – we discussed some of them with the Prime Minister today. This also applies to what is expected of us in our relations with creditors, and what Ukraine has to do in preparation for the start of negotiations with the EU. Our priority is the full implementation of all necessary decisions that will enable Ukraine to accomplish everything required in the European direction. We believe that the EU will also fulfill its promise to Ukraine.
This is exactly what I talked about with President of the Government of Spain Sánchez. Our international relations, our cooperation in the European Union. Support for our defense. Steps that can be taken to make the whole of Europe stronger. Thank you for your help!
Today I had a conversation with the ambassadors of our national charity platform United24. It was, in fact, a summary of the fundraising efforts aimed at reconstruction. Andriy Shevchenko, Elina Svitolina, Katheryn Winnick, Oleksandr Usyk, Michel Hazanavicius, Brad Paisley, Imagine Dragons. I thanked them for uniting the world for our people, for the restoration of Ukrainian infrastructure. Overall, this week, we are reaching the $500 million mark that has already been raised during the operation of United24. If we talk about the use of these funds, it includes thousands of drone systems, as well as marine drones, 200 high-end mobile ICUs, armored ambulances, hundreds of generators for hospitals and other equipment… In the process of reconstruction are apartment buildings and schools, there are already restored hospitals, and a demining center has been built. All of this has been made possible by millions of donors from all walks of life. Ordinary people and companies from over a hundred countries. I am grateful to everyone who joined the work of United24 and the entire team of our platform.
As always, I was in touch with the military – with the commanders, there was an intelligence report. I would like to recognize the border guards. They not only defend the state border, but also fight on the frontline for the sake of our country and people alongside all the warriors of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine. I would especially like to recognize the warriors of the Kramatorsk border guard detachment – Bakhmut direction, Donetsk region. Soldier Mechyslav Levytskyi and Sergeant Ihor Kulykov – brave, efficient warriors. Thank you, guys! Zhytomyr border guard detachment – Soldier Vasyl Paliy, call sign Kordon and Sergeant Oleksandr Kachur. They are fighting in Donetsk region. Thank you for your bravery and destruction of the enemy! Special unit DOZOR. They work in different areas, and there are results in each of them. Well done, warriors! I would also like to mention the units that defend the south of our country, in particular those of the Southern Regional Directorate and the Sea Guard. Their mobile firing teams hunt down “shaheds” every night, and I thank you, guys, for every enemy drone you have shot down!
There is also a new decision on our state’s sanctions against Russian entities involved in this aggression and working for it. Russian individuals and legal entities. More than 360. And we are working with our partners to synchronize all our sanctions steps.
And one more thing.
Today is Local Government Day in Ukraine. The day of many people who work in communities, for the sake of communities. In areas near the frontline and throughout our country. I congratulate everyone for whom being in local government means being with people, taking care of people’s interests and always bearing in mind the interests of the entire Ukraine. I am grateful to those who really make their communities stronger. Today, I signed a decree on awarding local government representatives – those who work near the frontline. Those who were wounded. But did not abandon people and their communities.
Glory to all who defend our state as their own home! Glory to our strong people!
Glory to Ukraine!
A warm and productive meeting with @SecDef in the Pentagon.
We discussed specific steps and decisions that will significantly affect Ukraine's defense capability. Particularly, Ukraine’s strategic goals and plan of operations for 2024. pic.twitter.com/FCabazKw4h
— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) December 7, 2023
This must have been the most pointless meeting in the history of pointless meetings.
And this will be meager comfort at best:
More weapons to come.
🇺🇦 🇺🇸 Ukraine & US signed a memorandum on joint production and exchange of technical data – during Defense Industries Conference DFNC1: US Edition.
Grateful to the @SecDef Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, our colleagues from the… pic.twitter.com/knNLn0Xtz4
— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) December 7, 2023
More weapons to come.
🇺🇦 🇺🇸 Ukraine & US signed a memorandum on joint production and exchange of technical data – during Defense Industries Conference DFNC1: US Edition.
Grateful to the @SecDef Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, our colleagues from the State Department and the US National Security Council for taking lead in organization of the forum.
An open and honest dialogue between 🇺🇦 and 🇺🇸 governments and companies about the localization of production in Ukraine, the current needs and capabilities of our countries, opportunities for fostering cooperation, investments, and developing joint ventures.
If you’re wondering what the US’s failure to ensure that Ukraine has the material, equipment, and funding to win, our eastern European allies have that answer for you:
Poland’s national security agency estimates that Russia could attack NATO in less than 36 months, the head of the country’s National Security Bureau said in an interview with Polish media outlet Nasz Dziennik on Dec. 2.
The national security agency’s prediction comes in response to a report published by German think tank DGAP, warning Western nations that Russia may launch a direct attack against NATO in “as little as six to 10 years” – an assessment Poland’s National Security disagrees with.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has regularly threatened Poland and the Baltic states with military force, while sabre-rattling using nuclear weapons on multiple occasions.
“If we want to avoid war, NATO countries on the eastern flank should adopt a shorter, three-year time period to prepare for confrontation,” said Jacek Siewiera who heads the National Security Bureau.Siewiera suggested that Russia might target a NATO alliance member in Eastern Europe, including countries such as Poland, Estonia, Romania, and Lithuania. To strengthen the region’s defense capabilities, he voiced his support for increasing the size of the Polish military.
Earlier this year, NATO’s alliance was expanded with the addition of Finland to the alliance of nations. Neighboring Sweden is also on the cusp of joining NATO, and is expected to do so in the coming months.
Tatarigami has written an article for EuroMaidan Press that further explains what Putin is doing and his strategy for achieving it:
I've written an article for @EuromaidanPress analyzing Putin's recent speech, its implications, and why it should be taken seriously by the West. https://t.co/hbKDZZVG0U
— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) December 7, 2023
During the World Russian People’s Council forum on 28 November, Putin addressed the participants and delivered a series of important statements, regrettably overlooked by much of the Western press despite their important implications.
In his earlier speech before the invasion, Putin mainly focused on Ukraine and Donbas. However, there’s a noticeable shift in this latest address as he outlines a more expansive vision, indicating aspirations to reshape the existing global order.
Putin initiated his discourse by appealing to the “supreme historical right” and a categorical statement affirming Russia as a distinctive “country-civilization.” He went on to articulate that Russia is actively challenging the “dictatorship of hegemony,” positing that its influence is gradually eroding and unraveling.
Concluding with a strong declaration, Putin positioned Russia at the vanguard of building a novel and more “equitable” world order.
In the address, Putin revisited a familiar theme, referring to the collapse of the USSR and its consequences, stating that generations still grapple with the aftermath of “indulging in separatist illusions and ambitions,” blaming the weakness of the central government. Putin argued that this weakness led to the forceful division of the “Great Russian Nation,” described as a “triune people” consisting of Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians.
In the past, Vladimir Putin blamed the Ukrainian leadership, asserting that power in Ukraine was seized by Neo-Nazis. This time, he expanded his claim beyond Ukraine’s borders:
“We know what threat we are confronting. These days, the official ideology of the Western ruling elites has essentially turned into Russophobia, along with other forms of racism and neo-Nazism.”
It was suggested that the current existence of Russia doesn’t align with the mindset of Western colonialists and racists.
He also pointed at a serious demographic problem:
“It is impossible to overcome the most difficult demographic challenges that we are facing only with the help of money, social payments, and benefits.” Expanding on this point, he stressed the significance of traditional family values and drew parallels between contemporary families and those of earlier generations. Putin prompted reflection, saying, “Remember that in Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had 7-8 children and even more. Let’s preserve these wonderful traditions and revive large families.”
Why is it important?
In July 2021, less than a year before the invasion of Ukraine, Putin authored an infamous essay titled “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians.” In this essay, he outlined a revisionist perspective on history, questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s existence, attributed early communists for the “Ukrainization” of Ukraine, characterized Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Russians as a single people, and expressed sorrow over the territorial and geopolitical changes following the collapse of the USSR.At that time, many experts dismissed it as internal political rhetoric and populist statements targeting his supporters.
However, in the early morning of 24 February 2022, as Russian bombers were preparing to launch missiles at the peaceful and unsuspecting cities of Ukraine, Putin delivered another speech reiterating similar sentiments expressed in his earlier essay.
On 27 November 2023, Putin signed the 2024 Russian federal budget, allocating a substantial 36.66 trillion rubles ($412.5 billion) for state expenses, reflecting a notable 13% increase from the 2023 budget. Particularly noteworthy is the nearly 70% surge in defense spending for 2024 compared to 2023.
The second pivotal change involves Putin’s directive to strengthen the country’s military by an additional 170,000 troops, bringing the armed forces’ strength to 1.32 million.
These drastic measures suggest that Putin not only aims to escalate the war beyond Ukraine but perceives it as a geopolitical opportunity to reshape the current security landscape.
The efforts are directed at undermining the United States and its allies through an extended war of attrition. Simultaneously, there is a focus on inducing political destabilization in Western countries, as well as escalation of existing or emerging conflicts worldwide to divert the attention and resources of Western nations.
Additionally, the strategy includes leveraging humanitarian and immigration crises to exacerbate instability in Europe. Collectively, these tactics aim to weaken the geopolitical standing and resilience of the US and its allied nations.
Russia’s deepening ties with Iran and North Korea, particularly in the realm of ammunition and weapon trade, raises concerns about international security in general. The escalating activities of Iran, as highlighted in a report from the Chatham House, indicate efforts to destabilize the Middle East. This is further compounded by China’s growing influence both in Asia and globally.
In light of these geopolitical shifts, it becomes apparent why Putin might perceive a historical mission to restructure global security. The belief in restoring “historical justness” by occupying states and expanding influence aligns with Russia’s strategic interests in reshaping the world’s security paradigm.
What are the objectives of Russia’s current geopolitical approach?
Unlike the Cold War period, when the world was divided into two major blocs and a group of neutral nations called the “Third World,” Russia isn’t trying to recreate a similar global security setup. This decision is based on the significant gap in economic, demographic, and technological development between Russia and the collective West.
According to the Carnegie Endowment, the goal is to move away from the established monopolar world order and work towards a multipolar system.
When Putin speaks about a more “just” world order, he is expressing revisionist ambitions that extend beyond the occupation and assimilation of Ukraine and Belarus into what he terms the triune Russian people — a concept that goes back to the Russian Empire.
His vision also includes the restoration, either fully or partially, of Russia’s sphere of influence, including many current EU and NATO members.
This ambition has been demonstrated through actions like Russia’s occupation of a part of Moldova in 1992, the invasion of Georgia in 2008, the annexation of Crimea, and the occupation of Donbas in 2014. The subsequent invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is a continuation of this pattern.
Moreover, these ambitions go beyond direct military conflicts.
Russia has been involved in sponsoring political parties in Europe, developing open relations with Hamas, interference in US elections, and assassination attempts on European Union soil.
Additionally, there are efforts to exploit the immigrant crises in Africa and Asia to destabilize the security posture and political environment. All these actions collectively pose a serious challenge and align with the plan Putin has openly claimed in his addresses.
Just as the Ukrainians will not stop trying to liberate their country and their fellow Ukrainians, Putin will also not stop.
Why is Russia a threat to the EU? Just look at the map of Russian drone attacks over the last two months and how close they're getting to the Nato border. The proximity speaks volumes
Mapping @TextyOrgUa pic.twitter.com/Xo0QQ97k4Z
— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) December 7, 2023
The Ukrainian reason:
We defend our kids' future!
The long-awaited hug with father, who returned from the battlefront. pic.twitter.com/ckt65ddAHw
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 7, 2023
For those marking Advent on your calendars this season:
Ukrainian Advent Calendar: Day 7
Today, we express our gratitude to our Swedish friends from @ForsvarsdepSv for their resolute support of Ukraine. Because the colors of freedom are blue and yellow. We are particularly grateful for the Archer self-propelled howitzers provided to… pic.twitter.com/3Pklkutlmy
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 7, 2023
Ukrainian Advent Calendar: Day 7
Today, we express our gratitude to our Swedish friends from @ForsvarsdepSv for their resolute support of Ukraine. Because the colors of freedom are blue and yellow. We are particularly grateful for the Archer self-propelled howitzers provided to #UAarmy.
The Archers are one of the most modern 155mm howitzers in service with our troops. A fully automatic magazine, high precision and mobility make this howitzer an effective weapon to destroy occupiers and liberate 🇺🇦 land.
The first week of Weapons of Victory has come to a conclusion. Stay tuned for more.
Krynky and Korsunka, left bank of the Dnipro, Russian occupied Kherson Oblast:
Magyar’s birds disabled several Russian vehicles in the area of Krynky and the neighboring town of Korsunka.
The two clips attached to this post document eliminated Russian IFVs of the types BMD-2, BMD-4M and BTR-82A.
Coordinates of Video 1:
46°42'38"N 33°04'55"ECoordinates… pic.twitter.com/wGxJp00Lja
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) December 7, 2023
Magyar’s birds disabled several Russian vehicles in the area of Krynky and the neighboring town of Korsunka.
The two clips attached to this post document eliminated Russian IFVs of the types BMD-2, BMD-4M and BTR-82A.
Coordinates of Video 1:
46°42’38″N 33°04’55″ECoordinates of Video 2:
46°45’25″N 33°11’51″ESource and full video: https://t.me/robert_magyar/722
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Some housewarming gifts for the occupiers in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
📹: @DPSU_ua pic.twitter.com/0nWHAnjlr3
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 7, 2023
Russian occupied Donetsk Oblast:
Ukraine struck an important facility in Donetsk yesterday using a HIMARS missile. On paper, this was used as a bitumen storage, but we all know that the target must have been important, perhaps something to do with fuel supplying the Russian group in Avdiivka? pic.twitter.com/xZyVlvSsQM
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) December 7, 2023
Soledar, Russian Occupied Donetsk Oblast:
Targeting of the Russian TOR-M1 in Soledar, Donetsk region. https://t.co/K6fpsyszR3 pic.twitter.com/x0jOTdjyE5
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) December 7, 2023
Moscow:
A plant producing electrical equipment for various industries is burning in Moscow.
Source: https://t.co/NNj3HXTlqI#Russia #Moscow pic.twitter.com/jARhtrZsgI
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) December 7, 2023
Here’s a bit more on the Ukrainian sniper who established a new record last month:
This is Viacheslav Kovalskyi, a 58-year-old former businessman and now a sniper with the counterintelligence unit of the @ServiceSsu, and his his Horizon's Lord rifle.
He broke the world sniping record by hitting a russian occupier at a distance of 3800 meters.
“I think the… pic.twitter.com/otYzjwZTh9— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 7, 2023
This is Viacheslav Kovalskyi, a 58-year-old former businessman and now a sniper with the counterintelligence unit of the @ServiceSsu, and his his Horizon’s Lord rifle.
He broke the world sniping record by hitting a russian occupier at a distance of 3800 meters.
“I think the Russians will now know what Ukrainians are capable of. Let them stay at home and be afraid,” says Viacheslav.📷: @WSJ
For you sea drone enthusiasts:
The Times article about Ukraine’s new fleet of sea drones. Also an hangar with approximately two dozen sea drones is shown in the video by The Times. https://t.co/LtQlg7X8Sz pic.twitter.com/ckSAaeNYSr
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) December 7, 2023
If you have a little extra this holiday season, consider spending it here:
This Christmas, we aim to express our gratitude to Ukrainian defenders currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital. Teaming up with Art Catering in Lviv, Ukraine, we're arranging delightful holiday dinners for 100 Ukrainian soldiers, which we'll personally deliver to the… pic.twitter.com/ND1f8Xkb4z
— Tonya Levchuk 🇺🇦 (@TonyaLevchuk) December 7, 2023
This Christmas, we aim to express our gratitude to Ukrainian defenders currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital. Teaming up with Art Catering in Lviv, Ukraine, we’re arranging delightful holiday dinners for 100 Ukrainian soldiers, which we’ll personally deliver to the hospital. Each dinner, encompassing delivery and all, amounts to about $24. Our target is to raise $2400 to cover the costs for these heartfelt gestures of appreciation. Remember, no donation is too small—every contribution counts towards showing our support for these brave individuals.
To make your tax deductible donation https://paypal.com/pools/c/8ZZokxwgDC
Thank you for your support, @LibertyUkraineF team!
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron tweets or videos, so here is some adjacent material:
⛔️ A Pole tried to import "cookies from St. Nicholas" into Ukraine, – SBGS.
The sniffer dog immediately smelled the illegal ingredients of the "baked goods" – the cookies were made of marijuana. pic.twitter.com/dC5eSuk9VP
— Slava 🇺🇦 (@Heroiam_Slava) December 6, 2023
#UAnimals volunteers evacuated five puppies from #Kramatorsk. Now these dogs are in a home-type shelter in the center of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/lepttzEaam
— Kramatorsk Post (@Kramatorsk_Post) December 5, 2023
Russian propaganda spread the fake news that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine canonized the dog Patron.
Well, they know how to be creative when they want?🤣 what a great idea! pic.twitter.com/XSRdhk9wzN
— 🇺🇦Julia Pod🇺🇦 (@JuliaPod_art) December 5, 2023
Open thread!
hrprogressive
“People refused to listen to Republicans as they said they were going to metastasize into direct Fascism, and because nobody listened, they eventually won. The end”
They’ve only been telling us their plans for a decade plus at this point, so.
Yeah.
Gin & Tonic
The sad irony is that Ukrainian-Americans, on the whole, have been solid, reliable GOP voters since the days of Reagan, if not earlier.
Adam L Silverman
I’m disgusted. I’m going offline for a while.
japa21
@Gin & Tonic: I have a feeling that might be a lost demographic to the GOP for decades.
Ksmiami
Donate through razom and other organizations. That’s what we can do. The GOP needs to be fucking buried
Alison Rose
I can’t think of anything to say that isn’t just a string of curse words. So I’ll only say I agree with everything you’ve written here. The blood of every lost Ukrainian life will be partially on this country’s hands, and anyone who wants to deny that is living in a very convenient and comfortable fantasy.
I don’t know how thanks will feel tonight, but still: Thank you as always, Adam. Chag urim sameach if you can call it happy.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Ksmiami
Eh fuck it. Biden should just order plane loads of arms to be dropped in Kyiv. What is theHouse going to do? Impeach him? Who cares, the Republicans are traitors to America anyway.
Another Scott
That’s not how this works.
E.g. CRSReports.Congress.gov (42 page .pdf):
page 7:
Funding for Ukraine’s support in this war was always going to be a Supplemental budget request. These requests are always part of the annual budget process.
No earlier congress can tie the hands of the current congress. Even if there were some “long-term” funding process for Ukraine support, congress can and does change its mind and “claw back” unspent funds (like they did with some of the Covid-19 funding).
My $0.02.
Thanks for keeping us updated. It’s appreciated.
Cheers,
Scott.
Bupalos
To be honest, I’m not even able to read this post. This feels like I crime I’m being forced to be complicit in. Republicans continue to shock with how craven they can be. And somehow we keep getting shocked.
This is largely equipment that will otherwise be dismantled and fucking thrown away. It’s Kafkaesque. I wonder in retrospect if it was a huge mistake to advertise dollar amounts, because these aren’t exactly dollars and half the country thinks it’s a decision between spending on Americans or Ukrainians.
I KNOW it was a huge mistake for the administration to fail to figure out what outcome it actually wanted to achieve in Russia and Ukraine. Still doesn’t. Diddled around for over a year. Watched a rebellion brew and falter without taking any action whatsoever. Because it has been unable to formulate a positive idea of what it would prefer the ex-soviet space come to look like. As a nation, we’re having a stroke.
And now as options rapidly disappear from the table, we go back to hoping for more miracles from the Ukrainians. I did manage to read this headline. I disagree with it’s certainty. Ukrainians have something we can only hope to have in the future. I believe they have more miracles in them, even as I’m ashamed for my country.
Jay
Thank you Adam.
Bupalos
@Ksmiami: The way to help Ukraine is to eject Republicans from every office we can. A dollar spent to flip the house and keep the presidency is worth more to Ukraine than a dollar in Kiev. Because what they need above all is THE WEAPONS WE ALREADY PAID FOR AND WILL NEVER USE.
Tony G
@Gin & Tonic: I wonder how many Ukrainian-Americans will reconsider their support for the GOP now? My guess is: not many.
Adam L Silverman
@Another Scott: Maybe, just maybe you might want to not explain how appropriations work to the guy with the PhD in political science who has also been through the defense management course at one of the war colleges and wrote the economics lessons for the core curriculum there, as well as also advising senior leaders on how this all works. Because every time you explain this, every source you quote, always turns out to be wrong in light of the cold reality. Ill informed hopium and inaccurate information to in a different front pager’s posts.
What I’ve been arguing they should’ve done was the long term supplemental when they had the majority in the House. The GOP doesn’t have the votes to claw that back in the House, it would never make it through the Democratic controlled Senate, and even if the GOP did, Biden would be able to veto that. Stop making inaccurate excuses for the fact that they screwed it up. They did screw it up. They didn’t have to, they decided on a bad legislative strategy. And it has now blown up on them and the Ukrainians.
Jay
@Bupalos:
Poland says you will desperately need them in 36 months, if TIFG isn’t re-elected.
2026.
Gin & Tonic
@Tony G: I’d bet you’re right.
Adam L Silverman
I would pay good money if this damn site actually worked properly. We were better off with the old site that Alain was holding together with spit, paperclips, and rubber bands.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Adam L Silverman
I’m going to rack out before I say something that hurts someone’s feelings.
Urza
Isn’t there a knock on effect of if the money isn’t spent to replenish whats sent to Ukraine then there’s at least a little economic damage to Biden.
Dopey-o
Adam: if 10% of Biden voters ponied up and contributed to a GoFundMe, what would it take to keep Ukrainian Resistance funded until a new Congress in 2024?
i might have a couple hundred in Jan….
Alison Rose
@Dopey-o: I don’t think we’re gonna get tens of millions (at a minimum) of dollars to a GFM.
Martin
We gotta get our shit together.
Jay
@Alison Rose:
@Dopey-o:
and then, you have the issue of spending the money.
Early on in the current war, the Belgian citizen’s funded a buy, but all they could buy were 1950’s and 60’s AFV’s, with no weapons, from private sellers and mothballed stuff waiting to be scrapped.
It’s not like you can buy an uprated F-16 on “the open market”.
Jay
@Martin:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/07/tech/cameo-celebrity-russia-propaganda-video/index.html
Another Scott
@Adam L Silverman: With respect, Biden was in the Senate for 36 years, including time as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. He was in the White House for 8 years before winning his own term. He knows how federal budgeting works, how foreign assistance is funded, and how to get legislation through congress and enacted into law because he’s done it. People who work for him, and us, in the administration know how to do their jobs as well.
Yes, they can be criticized. But maybe they have the knowledge and experience to know what they’re doing, and deserve the more than the occasional benefit of the doubt here?
Have a good night.
Cheers,
Scott.
Comrade Bukharin
Nikki Haley also believes feckless Joe is weak on Ukraine. If she somehow gets the Republican nomination is anybody here open to supporting her?
Mike E
@Comrade Bukharin: Haha. No.
Bupalos
@Tony G: I’m tight with this community. On a whole, it will cost Republicans something. But it isn’t the game changer you’d hope for yet. Too many have been steeped for too long in American racial politics.
But yes, the recent Ohio senate election would have been 3 points worse with the same whitebread “Trump is maybe OK” candidate and subtracting the Ukrainian genocide.
Alison Rose
@Comrade Bukharin: Why on Earth would you even ask that?
Bupalos
@Adam L Silverman: I feel like I totally get where you are at Adam L Silverman.
Good choice I guess. Probably everyone here (not many) is too on edge to move the ball forward.
Ksmiami
@Bupalos: I can do both so.. but yes grind the gop into powder
Bupalos
@Comrade Bukharin: What??! What is wrong with you?
The most sense I can make of this post is it’s a Russian collecting information. Biden is weaker than he should be on Ukraine, because The United States as a whole hasn’t yet decided what they want the outcome of this genocidal invasion to look like.
Bupalos
@Jay: What?
how does that make sense.
Also “Poland” doesn’t speak with one voice. The sooner people figure out that countries aren’t people, the better.
Comrade Bukharin
@Alison Rose: Because this has turned into the nightly Biden bashing thread.
Ksmiami
@Comrade Bukharin: No. fuck you
matt
The Republicans are stabbing them in the back. Absolute scum of the Earth. I don’t give a shit about your blame-the-Dems bullshit, sorry. I don’t really go with the whole figure-skating judge, my president has to get 10s on all of his moves, pampered and spoiled politically privileged person schtick.
Bupalos
@Comrade Bukharin: No, it actually hasn’t. What a stupid thing to say. Biden is currently the best realistic option for Americans who support the destruction of the current Russian regime. Which means anyone who isn’t ignorant or morally confused.
Bupalos
The real problem here is that no one here (so to speak) is that interested. 2 and a half hours, 30 some-odd comments WAY WAY WAY below this blog’s par. Thousands of lives and the trajectory of European and world history are contained in this sad trombone sound. In 5 years I think graduate students will be using these stats in theses on how we decided to blow up our own arsenal in a war we never realized we were fighting.
ColoradoGuy
International observers will note the Russians control one of the two American political parties, a majority on the Supreme Court, and a powerful American TV network. The decades-long KGB/FSB influence operation has paid off, with Trump, Mitch McConnell, and Rupert Murdoch as their most effective agents.
Ruckus
Rethuglicans make up a not insignificant proportion of the voting citizens of this country.
They have been lead by people, especially the last one, who seem to be far more interested in their own bottom line than in what is good for the country or the world. And they are not seemingly interested in spending any of their money to do anything other than build up their bank accounts even if it’s only a small amount at a time or even they already have billions. That some make millions or billons really doesn’t change that. Conservatives want to conserve themselves. Do they give 2 shits about anyone else, are they willing to risk anything for anyone else, let alone everything? Are they willing to support anyone who isn’t interested in them over any thing else, except reverting society back to what it was 75 or 100 yrs ago? To them the concept is that people that don’t look like them are inferior, less, useless. And it is them that should get rich or far richer than they are. That money is the most important thing, even if they have far, far more than enough. Freedom is them having everything, the money, the country and everyone else should not exist.
Show me I’m wrong.
Jay
@Bupalos:
As Adam linked above, Polish Military Intelligence believes that with in the next 36 months, ruZZia will attack a NATO country.
If TIFG win’s the next elections, you won’t need those old, obsolete, ready to be de-comissioned weapons, because he will just roll over for Putin.
If TFIG doesn’t win, you will need those old obsolete, ready to be de-comissioned weapons because US Troops will by dying at ruZZian hands.
Bupalos
@matt: in other words, you don’t really care about the issue and lives at hand, you’re here to do American politics. You have a lot of company on the blog. Just not in this thread.
I’m pretty sure if the folks of this blog could push a button that said “Ukraine is erased, Biden is re-elected” we’d have a lot of sore index fingers tomorrow.
Bupalos
@Jay: OK I see the point. It’s not that valid point though. If we crap out on supporting Ukraine by refusing to let them use our trash to defeat russia now, how is that going to improve later?
NATO is a name. Ukraine is fighting for freedom in an elemental sense. The question is being asked right now. When you sub in “Poland” for “Ukraine” what will change?
Omnes Omnibus
@Bupalos: Do not equate a lack of comments with a lack of interest. There are a lot of people who read these post who do not comment because they don’t feel as though they know enough about the subject matter to comment intelligently. I was a soldier and I have studied politics, history, foreign policy, and law, formally and informally, for most of my life. There, nevertheless, are frequently times when I don’t say anything here because I would be talking out of my ass. I think this is the case for a lot of people.
kindness
I thought Sinema and Manchin said they wouldn’t support a long term funding for Ukraine in 2022. Democrats didn’t have the votes.
Comrade Bukharin
Republicans are the obstructionists but no, it’s the fault of Biden, Schumer and Pelosi.
Ivan X
@Bupalos: What an awful thing to say. I think the main reason these posts aren’t more heavily commented upon is that they are nightly, and that they are very long. (And they have a lot of Twitter embeds, which the site takes forever to load, and make the posts pretty much unusable on mobile. Note that this is not a complaint about authors who use Twitter embeds.)
That’s commendable, mind you, and represents heroic work on Adam’s part, but I don’t blame others here for lurking or skipping. David Anderson’s insurance posts and Anne Laurie’s COVID posts are lightly commented on as well for the same reason. Especially when it is consistently distressing news that doesn’t vary that much from day to day. What else is there to say that’s different than the day before, except that we stand with Ukraine and hope for a miracle?
I think we are all in a state of despair right now, but I don’t think it’s fair for you to say that people here don’t care. (Also, too, American politics is directly relevant to funding for Ukraine; if we elect enough Democrats, which is what people here are generally trying to do, Ukraine support remains.)
ETA: The spectre of Trump being re-elected is real and even more existentially threatening to this country than the fall of Ukraine. And no one here wants Ukraine “erased.” So,
fuck offcome back when you’re less angry, or when you can articulate your anger in a way that doesn’t take it out on others here.Ruckus
@Omnes Omnibus:
It is also rather late for a lot of people in this country if they work for a living.
As for some talking out their ass, this is of course a country that allows everyone to have an opinion. Some just have to deliver said opinion in ways that make it appear that it’s their ass that is talking.
Bupalos
@Omnes Omnibus: Disagree. People chime in here on what they are interested in despite their relative ignorance. Even just to register how upset they are or vent or whatever.
It’s a reality we need to adjust to I think. Maybe we were interested in Ukraine as long as Trump was visibly and vocally Ukraine’s opponent. I dunno. I’m going to Follow Adam L. Silverman’s lead and just check out here. I’m too angry to make sense.
Victor Matheson
Just remember, only Democrats have agency. If the Republicans abandon Ukraine to the Russians, it must be Biden’s fault.
Omnes Omnibus
@Bupalos: That’s funny because there have been recent threads where a lot of commenters said that Dems should take the GOP proposal on the border to get Ukraine funding and just try to fix immigration related stuff later. Lots of people seem to be willing to fuck over some group of deserving people to benefit another deserving group. I don’t know if it can be done but I sure as fuck think that we need to try to find a way not fuck over any deserving group (immigrants/asylum seekers, Ukrainians, LGBTQ+, women, minorities, or anyone the fuck else).
Alison Rose
@Comrade Bukharin: It is not bashing to point out when a politician did something wrong or didn’t do something they should have. And it is absurd to act like we can never criticize Biden or that if we do, we should just vote for a Republican instead. This is an “if you love [x] so much why don’t you marry it” level argument
Also: These issues are directly leading to the deaths of Ukrainians. We’re not discussing maximum building heights or something. No politician is a God, and thus they are not infallible.
Bupalos
To me this is all the commentary required. The idea that this existential struggle is treated on the same level as actuarial analysis of a slice of the American health insurance market, or the latest stats on an endemic health threat that is starting to compete with falling off of ladders…
It’s time for me to check out.
chopper
@kindness:
and even then, like we’d have had 60
Bupalos
@Ivan X: THE POINT IS THEY AREN’T HERE!!! That is literally the point. I’m can’t take out my anger on the people “here” who aren’t here. They can’t be insulted by my insults because they won’t ever see this.
Though I’ll grant you’re absolutely right I’M SO FUCKING ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED AND GROSSED OUT THAT THERE’S NO WAY I SHOULD BE DOING ANYTHING OTHER THAN SMASHING MY HEAD INTO THE NEAREST WALL.
So, take it with a grain of salt.
Bupalos
@Dopey-o: They can’t shoot money at the Russians.
I mean, funding helps, but the reality here is this is a question of whether the U.S. and other countries are closing their arsenal to Ukraine. Markets don’t solve everything.
Omnes Omnibus
@Bupalos: You don’t know that they aren’t here. A shitload more people read the blog and do not comment at all than the bunch of blowhards (including me and you) who comment on any of the threads.
The Kropenhagen Interpretation
I think what they meant was the material is both intellectually challenging and emotionally stressful. People may engage less for that reason. I skim these posts every night and almost never post. I don’t think we should be shaming people for what they choose to engage with and definitely not making assumptions about their motivations.
Ivan X
@Bupalos:
This feels entirely real and fair. I get it. I mean, what other way is there to feel right now?
NotoriousJRT
@Bupalos: I think you and Adam both make / made the right call by checking out. I’m guessing you don’t personally know a single reader of these nightly posts. So, you do not know how much or little each of us cares about Ukraine OR what other challenges may be haunting our dreams. Things are discouraging and difficult right now for Ukraine funding and for the constant evidence that the Republican Party is absolutely FUBAR in every respect. The preacher and the choir needn’t bludgeon at each other or dwell on bashing the national leaders who are far from perfect but (IMO) represent our best shot at success in this tragically messed up world.
Bupalos
@Omnes Omnibus: I sure don’t love the tradeoffs. But when you’re unwilling to set a priority agenda, I think to some extent you’re making a statement of disinterest.
I’m sick about immigration too, but mostly that there isn’t actually any positive pro-immigration position being offered in the American political space. It’s just “Hey, no more immigrants” versus “maybe it’s ok though?!”
The reality is we will lose immigration because we did nothing about climate change. WE. Dems. For 2 decades when we knew, we didn’t actually try.
Omnes Omnibus
@Bupalos:
You are right. You should have checked out when you said you were going to.
wjca
My recollection is that what many (most?) of said commenters proposed was to take the Republican proposal on the border, in order to get the Ukraine funding passed. And then just ignore the border stuff. Or slow walk them into oblivion.
Nobody (except the Republicans) getting fucked over.
Sally
We are here.
Bupalos
@The Kropenhagen Interpretation: I honestly apologize to anyone who read what I wrote as applying to and attacking them. And I need to stipulate that I think (and I think Adam L. Silverman thinks) that today is a kind of watershed moment in this conflict that deserves attention. I’m reacting to my own analysis (I think it Jibes that the news of the last 2 days) that we’re seeing a cataclysmic shift that was made possible by months upon months upon months of confused policy where the administration never made decisions it needed to make. Republicans reacted to that.
Consider this a blanket apology to the Blog. I’m only explaining why I’m so upset and actually unable to check out as I should. I’M REALLY FUCKING MAD.
Omnes Omnibus
@wjca: Yeah, I don’t really buy telling people that we are just pretending to fuck you over but we don’t mean it. Not something I would feel comfortable advocating.
Bupalos
@wjca: THIS.
When you actually care and think it’s fundamental, you do shit like this.
When people are like “we should be more like the Republicans in terms of merciless action” this is what it should mean in the best possible case.
wjca
@Omnes Omnibus:
I can understand that. But there doesn’t appear, at least to my limited understanding, to be a good option. So we are reduced, reluctantly, to looking for the least bad option. And figuring out how to minimize the damage that may come with it.
EDT It is possible to get funding, and then undo/avoid the damage of some of it. It isn’t possible to undo the damage of not getting funding.
Alison Rose
@Bupalos: That’s a very unfair response to Ivan.
Bupalos
@Omnes Omnibus: I think it’s a pretty fair metric.
People aren’t paying as much attention to Ukraine because it’s becoming a subject that doesn’t bring them pleasure.
Ivan X
@Bupalos: Accepted.
ETA: But please try to reel it in. I get your despair and anger, but if you think being here might not be good for you, or us, then take a break and go punch a pillow or something. I’ve certainly had to at times.
Omnes Omnibus
@Bupalos: Okay, you are mad and you are raging a bit. So am I now. Have you considered going and fucking yourself? If not, you should.
ETA: You obviously aren’t going to walk away, so I will.
Bupalos
@Alison Rose: Probably. I’ll follow it back and see. It’s likely. I’m really pissed. Pissed isn’t the right word.
When I approach this issue, the reality is I have a 7 year old face in my mind. She’s 10 now I guess. I feel like people don’t appreciate what we’re talking about here. I guess this is just me learning the about depth of human feeling that this stuff entails for the unlucky.
Bupalos
OK burnt myself out. Ready to just cry.
More grace was granted me here than I probably deserved.
Ramona
@Omnes Omnibus: It certainly is the case for me that I read these posts and the comments refreshing often. I am very anxious that Ukraine prevail but I have no knowledge or insight to share in comments so I don’t comment.
@Bupalos: I second Omnes point…
Ramona
@Bupalos: or perhaps on the subject of Ukraine we have enough self-awareness to see we know nothing but on other subjects involving life here where we are we have opinions unenlightened though these opinions seem to you.
minachica
Just another lurker checking in. Don’t you dare tell me that I don’t care enough.
Jesse
Another lurker chiming in. I read these posts every day (thank you, Adam). I care immensely. As speculated by some, I generally comment only when I have something to say, and I realize that I often don’t quite know what to say because I lack some information or context and, like many people, am reluctant just to start talking about stuff when I know I don’t know something to the appropriate level. I may disagree with Adam’s assessment occasionally, and this post brushes me the wrong way, but I do not disagree with the assessment that this may well be a watershed moment in the war. And, like many others (I can only assume), it hurts me to reflect on that.
raven
@Omnes Omnibus: eggzactly
zhena gogolia
@Victor Matheson:
Right.
And this is why I mostly stay away from these threads these days.
MagdaInBlack
@Omnes Omnibus: Thank you.
Tazj
@Omnes Omnibus: This is me. I read the posts but don’t know what to say. I’m frustrated, angry and sad about it all.
gvg
I disagree with Adam. I think Biden has gotten more done more effectively with Republicans more nutso and intransient than ever than even Obama did who had bigger margins and a more organized republican opposition. He is experienced and this democrat party is better at sticking together than any I have seen in my lifetime, so the results have been pretty good. Not perfect though because the opposition party is nuts in a disorganized way and it’s hard to negotiate with a multiple personality whatsit. We have a few problem democrats but nothing like the numbers of the past, mainly because this party has been through fire already. In other words, this situation exists because they watched what happened to democrats just before them. I think Biden and Pelosi can count votes and Adam’s preferred option was not available.
So, it didn’t happen. Now what? Give up? I don’t think so. I think it’s best to make the next plan, and contingency plans and go on. I have no war knowledge. I follow it but can’t really contribute. There is one thing though, I have read hints that we are not getting our ammunition manufacturing up to the level we would like, up to even what Europe is managing (not equal in all countries). It’s possible we don’t want to call attention to that.
I do try to follow rooting out the corrupt money and influence here. That’s not just Russia and Ukraine, or China. That’s all of them. I hate Citizen’s United and political PAC’s. I think they really let a lot of corruption into our politics and put us back a hundred years. Maybe we can use the increasing antiforeigner sentiment to get some protection restored.
Subsole
@Comrade Bukharin:
With respect, Nikki Haley can talk that shit after she tells her own party of fools and fifth-columnists where the bus stops. I’m not taking criticism from someone who kowtows to Matt Gaetz.
Another Scott
@gvg:
TheDrive.com:
War logistics and politics are really, really, really complicated. There are many domestic and foreign moving parts.
People of good will are making things happen, even given all the constraints.
We’re not doomed. Things are moving, though we all wish that things happened faster.
Hang in there, everyone.
Cheers,
Scott.
jimmiraybob
@Omnes Omnibus: ” There are a lot of people who read these post who do not comment because they don’t feel as though they know enough about the subject matter to comment intelligently. ”
These posts have been absolutely essential for me getting a grasp of the detail of what is going on. I read as posts and follow as many links as time and life allow. I, however, do not comment because I am being overwhelmed with new information. At some point I may have acquired a thorough enough understanding as to comment without wasting everyone’s time on such a serious subject.
My inclination right now is to throw out a quote from “Dr. Strangelove” but that doesn’t seem appropriate given the gravity of the situation. I join with those thanking Adam for his ongoing dedication to Ukraine and the Russian genocide.
Eolirin
Democrats did not have a Senate majority on this issue. That was the core sticking point. We needed to win more seats in 2020. We failed to do so. We needed to win the House in 2022 and pick up at least one more Senate seat so that we’d have the margins to keep the senate if Tester couldn’t hold his seat in 2024. We failed to do that too. In all cases by razor thin margins. Those very narrow losses may, in retrospect represent the end of western democracy, though there’s still a very narrow path forward. That we’d end up here was pretty much baked in the second those elections happened.
The real strategic malpractice on the Biden Administration’s part was not taking the time we did have and using it to make sure Ukraine had what they needed to be able to push Russian forces out of their country in 2022. And that was a joint failure with European leaders. When that decision was made the rest became pretty much inevitable.
Because too much of the US electorate fucking sucks, our system is tilted in the favor of the people who fucking suck, and we keep falling just short of what we need in terms of electoral outcomes. We need to take collective responsibility for these failures and not look at it as a problem existing solely with our politicians. Everyone who stayed home instead of voting in NY and CA cost us the House. We’d have another Senate seat if the youth vote in NC hadn’t fallen off a cliff. We need to figure out how to reach those people.
Bill Arnold
@jimmiraybob:
That, at least, you do not need to, er, worry about. Many fans of that movie here.
Yarrow
@Bupalos:
I have not noticed you being active in comments in Adam’s Ukraine posts, so I went back through his last 10 posts to see if you’ve commented. Ten days worth of posts and your nym doesn’t appear. Not one comment.
Good of you to show up in this thread to yell at people about something you yourself do – not commenting in the Ukraine posts. By your own metric you don’t care about Ukraine. If you did you’d comment in Adam’s posts. According to you that appears to be the only metric by which one can measure anyone’s caring about Ukraine.
Also, you can fuck off with that bullshit. You have no idea why people do and don’t comment and how many people read but don’t comment. You can make up crap about this issue as much as you want but that doesn’t mean you’re right.
StringOnAStick
I always read these posts. My current level of despair is crushing.
RaflW
@Omnes Omnibus: I’ll +1 this. I also don’t comment very often because I feel mostly hopeless about the g.d. Republicans and their support of Putinist Russia.
I appreciate the depth of Adam’s work, and read these posts most nights, and review at least some of the comments in these threads about 1/2 the time.
But I might comment 1-2 times a month on Ukraine. Because WTF do I know about all this?
Ivan X
@Eolirin: Thanks for this. I agree.
Miss Bianca
@Omnes Omnibus: what you said. But don’t even bother with that one, it’s wasted effort.
Miss Bianca
@Bupalos: It’s past time for you to check out, you self-infatuated twit. You’re so high on your own supply it’s a miracle you haven’t passed out yet.
Nobody cares about Ukraine but you and Adam? Oh, that’s rich.
Feckless
I hate Putin. I support Ukraine.
But ..
This summer, US and Euro criticism of Ukraine’s failed offensive, squandering resources that were Not concentrated for break through this spring, were uniformly met with:
“STFU we are doing the dying, you just keep the money spigot open”.
Well now the spigot is closing.
Their are junky tent camps in every city in America and we’re told there isn’t enough money to hire bus drivers for our kids to go to school. But we should STFU?
If the Ukrainians had made real progress instead of equally distributing goods all along the front we wouldn’t be here. Instead to a beleaguered us tax payer it looks like an expensive stalemate.
BTW I hate this “we” betrayed Ukraine framing. “We” didn’t do that Republicans did. Stop white washing Republican treason so you can invoke the circular firing squad against Dems.
grubert
Global Warming has entered the chat
glc
What a dismal conversation.
Anyway, I continue to appreciate the posts, and have nothing to add, as is generally the case. Thanks, Adam. I’m in an atypical time zone for me, for now, so I wander by at odd times.