Our Friday News Analysis | What the World Reads Now!

Photo credit: Abraham A. van Kempen

EDITORIAL | How Do Our Children See OUR World Through THEIR Windows?

               Abraham,

               I am genuinely looking forward to meeting the family on March 29. We’ll soon need to decide who will bring what for brunch.

               I have to admit that I, like many Americans, am pretty frustrated with almost everything related to the EU (and its self-important EU bureaucrats – especially those who are not elected), Ukraine, and the stubborn Russia and its primitive imperialist ambitions (or worse) … and, aside from Israel, the whole of the Middle East. I’m appalled by how disheartening my views on the UK have become.

               We (the US) certainly don’t rely on that crowd for much, and they believe they don’t depend on us. I have a feeling we’ll soon discover whose perspective is more grounded in reality.

               Meanwhile, Europe as a whole, and the UK specifically, drifts into a state of woke despair, believing that a quick $1 billion injection resolves all EU defense concerns and puts an end to the Ukraine conflict.

               Yikes!

               In just one sentence, “I am truly looking forward to meeting the family on March 29,” my good friend beautifully captures the essence of what matters most—family, friends, and the joy of working and celebrating together.

On March 29, my family, including our kids and grandkids, will descend into his backyard and invade his home for about five to seven hours. He invited us for lunch—a classic American BBQ—but we chose not to intrude too much. He needs to get ready for his overseas trip, and we don’t want to impose on him.

We’ll bring his favorite aged cheeses from Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. He’ll supply Burgundy wine already flown in from France and charcuterie from Italy. Additionally, we’ll bring freshly baked bread and fruit. Our grandbabies will splash in the pool as we enjoy the delicacies and lively discussions. This is how life should be enjoyed. We’re thankful for his hospitality.

Meet the clowns and stooges who think they’re hot!

Keir Starmer Hosts European Leaders For Further Talks On Peace In Ukraine. © Getty Images/Justin Tallis

I have no positive comments about them. I will follow my father’s guidance. He has constantly reminded me that while chatter (incredibly cheap talk) is silver, silence holds greater value than gold. On 9 March 2025, he marked his 102nd birthday.

But I do have good news. The Dutch Parliament rejects the European Rearmament Plan.

In the Netherlands, the House of Parliament has adopted a motion against the European rearmament plan ‘ReArm Europe’ despite the Netherlands’ [feigned] support in Brussels.

The Dutch coalition parties PVV, NSC, and BBB voted to support the motion, whereas VVD [the Party of the former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, now current Secretary-General of NATO] was the sole party opposing it. This situation is particularly uncomfortable because Prime Minister Schoof [VVD] endorsed the rearmament plan at last week's EU summit, indicating [pretending] that the Netherlands aligned with the emerging reality of collective European defense loans backed by 27 nations.

3.5 BILLION PROMISED: Earlier this week, Prime Minister Schoof promised 3.5 billion euros for Ukraine during a debate without consultation with BBB and PVV party leaders. PVV leader Wilders and BBB leader Van der Plas demand an explanation for this promise, which Schoof will discuss with them today.

GAP BETWEEN CABINET AND PARLIAMENT: The pledge of 3.5 billion euros, made without consulting the BBB and PVV, along with the motion from BBB, NSC, and PVV opposing the rearmament plan, highlights the widening divide between the House of Representatives and the cabinet. The coalition in the House is increasingly positioning itself as an opposition to its cabinet.

Most Europeans (perhaps like most Americans) want to put Brussels's clowns and stooges to pasture.

The European leaders and Canadian PM Trudeau, as staged in the image above, along with their comrades, illicitly rejected diplomacy to resolve the issues between Russia and Ukraine.

They provoked a proxy war between Russia and Ukraine that slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians, exponentially more than the estimated 6,000 to 30,000 extra-judicial murders allegedly perpetrated by former President Rodrigo Duterte, now detained by the ICC in The Hague.

What is the Side of the Story that is Not Yet Decisive? Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen

ICC COUNSEL: DRUG WAR VICTIMS' KIN HOPE DUTERTE ARREST WILL LEAD TO TRIAL

The ICC warrant against Duterte represents a vital advancement toward justice for victims of extrajudicial killings during the drug war. “This fulfills – an answer to prayers – our hopes for justice for our murdered spouses and siblings.”

Former President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Courtesy: Mao dela Cruz/ Super Radyo dzBB

By Joahna Lei Casilao, Llanesca T. Panti
GMA News Online
Latest News from the Philippines and Around the World
11 March 2025

Families of drug war victims welcomed the arrest of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte nearly seven years after their complaint was filed with the ICC, according to their lawyer.

In an interview, ICC Assistant Attorney Kristina Conti expressed hope that this will lead to a trial.

“We are pleased, as this aligns with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s initial statement. He indicated that he would permit the ICC to conduct an investigation and, if necessary, execute any arrest warrants. This has come to fruition.”

               "Siyempre natuwa kami na sang ayon doon sa naunang pahayag ng Presidente [Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos]. Sabi niya, hayaan namin na investigate ng ICC at kung kinakailangan na implement ang isang warrant of arrest ay gagawin namin. Eh 'di nagbunga," she said.

“We hope this leads to his trial," she added.

               "Inaasahan namin na magtutuloy-tuloy na ito ng trial.”

Please read more:

• Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest to seek accountability for drug war —ICC prosecutor
• Duterte arrives in the Netherlands to face ICC over war on drugs killings
• PH Embassy in The Hague extends assistance to Duterte, companions

Conti's statements followed Malacañang's confirmation of Duterte's custody after his arrest for crimes against humanity.

The PCO stated that an ICC prosecutor had issued the arrest warrant upon the former president's return from Hong Kong.

In 2018, victims' relatives and ‘Rise-Up for Life’ filed a complaint against Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity.

Conti argues that Duterte must face the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.

She said this depends on flight availability and the accused's safety.

“However, he should be immediately brought to The Hague," she said.

               "Pero dapat talaga ilipad na 'yan papunta sa The Hague.”

She said that the average trial period in the ICC is eight years.

It also depends on how litigious the Duterte camp will be in contesting the charges against him.

               "Depende din 'yan kung gaano ka litigious o gaano ka co-contest ng Duterte camp 'yung mga charges sa kanya," she said.

Government records indicate at least 6,200 drug suspects were killed in police operations from June 2016 to November 2021. However, several human rights groups claim the actual number may be as high as 30,000 due to unreported killings.

Answered prayers

The People's Impeachment Movement (PIM), an interfaith group for drug war victims' families, stated that Duterte's arrest is crucial for justice.

The ICC warrant against Duterte is a significant step toward justice for victims of extrajudicial killings from the drug war.

               "Ang pagpapalabas ng arrest warrant ng ICC laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay importante at napakalaking hakbang tungo sa pagbibigay ng hustisya para sa libu-libong biktima ng EJKs (extrajudicial killings) na dulot ng kanyang madugong giyera kontra iligal na droga," Catholic priest and Fr. Flavie Villanueva of the PIM said.

Villanueva heads Program Paghilom, offering holistic support to EJK victims’ families, including psychosocial assistance, legal aid, livelihood opportunities, and affordable, dignified burials.

The PIM urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to uphold its promise to work with Interpol to enforce Duterte's arrest, ensuring accountability for his crimes against Filipinos.

“This is what the victims of the drug war killings have been waiting for. This proves that there is no sacred cow in the eyes of the law, even if you are a former president.”

               "Ito na ang inaabangang yugto ng mga pamilya ng EJK victims na naghihintay pa rin ng katarungan sa sinapit ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Patunay rin ito na walang sinasanto ang batas, kahit dati ka pang pangulo ng bansa," Fr. Bong Sarabia of PIM, a co-filer of the third impeachment complaint against VP Sara.

A survivor of the drug war killings, Da (not her real name), said, "Ito na po ang sagot sa ilang taong pinagdarasal naming katarungan para sa mga napaslang naming mga asawa at kapatid."

This answers our prayers for justice for our slain spouses and siblings. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

MACRON’S NAPOLEON COSPLAY COULD COME AT A GRAVE COST

The French leader is mulling sending troops to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but his “little emperor” moment could become a nightmare for many.

French President Emmanuel Macron. © Claudio Reis/Getty Images

By Rachel Marsden, a columnist, political strategist, and host of independently produced talk shows in French and English.

rachelmarsden.com

HomeWorld News
11 March 2025

Annotated by Abraham A. van Kempen

French President Macron fully embodied Napoleon and pushed for French and European troops to support Ukraine against Russia. His costume requires resizing downwards.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joins the stage as “Wish Wellington.” This diminished version of the Duke of Wellington seems damaged like a poor mail-order product, keen to rebrand his predecessor’s Iraq War slogan, “coalition of the willing.” Since that worked well previously, invoking it again will inspire action against Russia.

“Wish Wellington” appears eager to replicate the logistical hurdles the Duke of Wellington faced during the Peninsular War from 1807 to 1814 in Spain and Portugal. However, the contemporary Napoleon imposter would fight alongside him this time instead of opposing him. Best of luck managing your logistics for a battle in Ukraine when the opponent is positioned just next door.

Macron is hesitant to engage immediately, as he prefers a temporary pause in fighting – specifically, a month – allowing the French, Brits and their allies to access the VIP area without the chaos of Club Ukraine’s brawls. He clarified that the French won’t be on the front line but will ensure 'peace' by maintaining the NATO troop presence that escalated the conflict initially. He imagines a velvet rope separating his ideal scenario from actual consequences, akin to a modern Maginot Line.

Read more
Thousands protest in Paris against Macron’s defense policies (VIDEO)

He’s been on TV telling French citizens, “Who can believe Russia would stop at Ukraine?” 65% oppose French troops there, according to a CSA Institute poll. They don’t see it as the pressing issue that Macron portrays. Other EU members seem not to care either, as shown by their Ukraine defense summit in London, which did not include the Baltics if they were genuinely concerned about EU frontline countries.

This is about something else. One of those other things involves attempting to scare up as much taxpayer cash by fear-mongering their electorate, using the "Russian threat" to bolster their industrial base.

Germany’s economy has struggled since 2022, but a blank check from taxpayers could fix it, according to top establishment parties seeking to fund the defense industry. Analysts suggest this plan might boost GDP by 2%. Ultimately, those responsible may not face accountability when the time comes.

France eyes a defense spending boost as its economic strategy increases missile production. French manufacturing is weak—with declining output, slow new orders, and job cuts since 2023. Reuters cites rising energy prices, fuel costs, and raw materials. However, the measure to challenge Putin seems questionable. So, who will fund this? A government spokesperson suggests using interest from citizens’ savings, which people typically want for personal enjoyment, not for politicians’ ambitions.

Talk of war with Russia has driven European defense stocks up significantly. Germany’s Rheinmetall is up 14%, France’s Thales 15%, Italy’s Leonardo 15%, BAE Systems 14%, and Saab 11%. This reflects how investors profit while the average worker struggles.

Read more
Von der Leyen pushes EU militarization agenda.

The charade accelerates Macron and Ursula von der Leyen’s dream of an integrated EU defense. "The Europe of defense, which we have defended for eight years, is becoming a reality," Napoleclown stated on March 5.

Macron can cite Trump’s collaboration with Putin to justify not sharing defense funds with the U.S., permitting them to enjoy a spending spree instead.

This presents a more significant opportunity for the Western European military-industrial complex than the earlier defense project where Macron and von der Leyen sought to leverage France’s military presence in Africa despite being expelled after stability missions led to coups. Even after this, Macron argued in 2023 on Central African soil that "our interest is to collaborate with European allies to position Europe as the key partner in major defense and security issues." He claimed, "This is at the core of our plan beyond the pivot I mentioned," referring to his strategy of labeling French military bases in Africa as schools. Ironically, Africans pivoted France and the EU out, shattering the aspirations of Macron and Queen Ursula, whose troops reportedly trained with broomsticks due to her mismanagement of contracts as Germany's defense minister.

Ultimately, this entire European "war for peace” narrative—"for Ukraine"—is merely a grand spectacle designed to exploit local populations, with Macron, Starmer, and von der Leyen hoping to remain unnoticed. Behind the scenes is a plan for a sleek, unified EU defense and industrial boost characterized by a military-industrial buying spree. However, navigating through the usual bureaucratic delays and conflicts may take so long that Ukraine might fade from the spotlight. For instance, consider someone in the cheap seats—having invested in the EU’s previous major obsessive scheme—who begins challenging them about the non-biodegradable tanks.

The only thing that could ruin their charade is if actual shooting breaks out, as Russia isn’t just a non-playable character or World War III.

VIEW | RUSSOPHOBIA’S WAR TRAP: HOW EUROPE’S OBSESSION IS PUSHING IT TO THE BRINK WITH DR. ANTHONY CARTY

Can we analyze Ukraine's conflicts through International Law? “No!” states Dr. Anthony Carty.

Watch the Video Here (59 minutes, 02 seconds)

Host: Pascal Lottoz
Neutrality Studies
Neutrality and nonalignment in International Studies
6 March 2025

Why are the Europeans reacting like self-destructive little children when it comes to war with Russia and in talks about the "threat" emanating from China?

Can we analyze Ukraine's conflicts through International Law? “No!” states Dr. Anthony Carty. Dr. Carty is an Emeritus Professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, and he is currently teaching at the Law Faculty of Peking University, which awarded him as a Distinguished Foreign Lecturer.

I’m excited to have a conversation with Dr. Anthony Carty! My guest shares insights into a fascinating topic. While International Law may not be a perfect solution, it’s important to remember that the parties involved often lack clarity about the true nature of their conflicts.

Dr. Carty was a full professor at several Western universities, including the University of Derby, Westminster, and Aberdeen. He authored numerous books on international law, including the outstanding work “The Philosophy of International Law” (https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3366/...)

PROF. GILBERT DOCTOROW | A SECRET CEASEFIRE?

Watch the Video Here (27 minutes, 9 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano - Judging Freedom
13 March 2025

COL. DOUGLAS MACGREGOR | IS TRUMP FOR PEACE?

Watch the Video Here (31 minutes, 25 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano - Judging Freedom
13 March 2025

PROF. JOHN MEARSHEIMER | HOW CLOSE TO A REGIONAL WAR?

Watch the Video Here (28 minutes, 34 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano - Judging Freedom
13 March 2025

COL. LAWRENCE WILKERSON | RUSSIA/GAZA: IS THE US A TRUSTED NEUTRAL?

Watch the Video Here (24 minutes, 48 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano - Judging Freedom
13 March 2025

U.S. AMB. CHARLES FREEMAN | HOW NATO’S STRATEGY FAILED IN UKRAINE

Watch the Video Here (22 minutes, 53 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano - Judging Freedom
12 March 2025

SPECIAL - FOREIGN MINISTER SERGEY LAVROV - W/ JUDGE NAPOLITANO, LARRY JOHNSON, & MARIO NAWFAL

Watch the Video Here (1 hour, 33 minutes, 23 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano - Judging Freedom
10 March 2025

WATCH IN FULL LAVROV SPEAKS TO U.S. BLOGGERS

The Russian foreign minister has been interviewed by Mario Nawfal, Larry Johnson, and Andrew Napolitano.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaking to US bloggers. © Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a lengthy interview with three US bloggers in Moscow, discussing relations with the Trump administration, the Ukraine conflict, and other issues.

For over 90 minutes, Lavrov answered questions from Mario Nawfal, host of a popular X interview show, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson, co-founder of Veterans Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, and Judge Andrew Napolitano, who has worked for Fox News and the Washington Post.

Lavrov noted that "a return to normalcy” has emerged in the US since Trump’s second term began.

READ MORE: Lavrov comments on Kiev’s ‘cheating’

He reiterated Russia’s readiness for diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that Moscow officials “know what must be done” for a settlement and “would compromise the fate of the people,” referring to Russian citizens and ethnic Russians in Ukraine.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW

GUEST EDITORIAL | TRUMP IS BUILDING HIS U.S. UTOPIA ON A PARADOX

The American president has proclaimed the start of a golden era for his country, yet he has overlooked one crucial aspect.

© Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP

Tarik Cyril Amar, a historian based in Germany and affiliated with Koç University in Istanbul, specializes in Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, exploring topics such as World War II history, the cultural Cold War, and the politics of memory.

@tarikcyrilamartarikcyrilamar.substack.comtarikcyrilamar.com

HomeWorld News
9 March 2025

Annotated by Abraham A. van Kempen

About a month after his second inauguration, President Donald Trump addressed Congress. This speech, lasting one hour and forty minutes, was the longest of its kind in U.S. history, according to some observers.

Trump claims to have been very dynamic in his early weeks in office, and it's true: his executive orders, memoranda, and declarations have surged beyond those of Joe Biden and notable predecessors like FDR and Eisenhower, as assessed by the American Presidency Project. Trump 2.0 has already issued more directives than nearly all recent presidents did in their first 100 days, exceeding the time he has been back in office.

The 100-day standard for measuring presidential performance is arbitrary, stemming from FDR’s propaganda tactics. It may be seen as “ridiculous,” but it's ingrained in US political culture. Trump understands the political shock of his aggressive approach, similar to the sports metaphor of “flooding the zone.”

Numbers aren’t everything: Trump’s actions are as impactful as the figures. Key points include a détente with Russia and an overdue American-European split. The dismantling of NATO has also begun. Good riddance to that Cold War relic: the Warsaw Pact belongs in history’s dustbin. Additionally, trade wars have shaken global stock markets.

A blitzkrieg in the American culture wars over pronouns, bathrooms, and genital modification has targeted what US conservatives deem “woke”: restricting gender definitions to two, banning biologically male athletes from competing against women, and preventing adults from relying on children’s judgment for sex change decisions.

Read more
‘America is back’: READ Trump’s address to Congress (FULL VERSION)

Mexico lost its Gulf to Americans; Panama may also lose its canal, not to mention Denmark and Canada.

Say what you will about Trumpism, but it is certainly not lazy. This was a key message during his Congress address. Unsurprisingly, Trump has an even bigger ego after his comeback and dodging the bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania. He dedicated much time to praising himself and his team, especially Elon Musk. So what? This will annoy Trump’s critics, which Trumpists enjoy; his supporters will love it.

Trump’s deft use of the “human touch” highlights citizens’ losses and challenges, offering solace. A young boy with cancer became an honorary Secret Service agent. A permanently injured woman athlete was acknowledged when Trump discussed banning male athletes from women’s sports. Crime victims’ family members also received recognition.

Everything was political; none was innocent. The highlighted crimes involved illegal immigrants. An officer, honored for bravery, saved a colleague during a gang-related firefight near the Rio Grande. Trump leveraged his kindness to a boy with cancer to assert his administration’s fight against environmental toxins despite his damaging activism. But you get the gist.

Two common mistakes observers make should be avoided: Trump is a skilled politician, and his relationship with the truth is complicated. However, this does not render him exceptional; his distortions are similar to those during the Biden administration, which also lied about Israel’s actions in Gaza. Furthermore, Trump’s claim of ending "censorship" contrasts with his administration’s suppression of Palestinian solidarity, surpassing that of his predecessors.

Trump may bend the truth, but he holds sincere beliefs like many political leaders. His tactical relationship with reality and a sense of aggrieved justice add to his charisma, enabling him to win elections and reshape US politics.

You may agree with or oppose Trump’s beliefs. However, critics who deny or underestimate their impact due to their hypocrisy will have themselves to blame when reality exceeds their narrow imagination again.

Besides self-praise, other aspects of Trump’s speech were unsurprising. Commentators noted the address lacked sensational revelations. (Going to Mars? We all saw that coming.)

Trump’s statements were hyperbolic. New York Times “fact-checkers,” who rarely check Israeli non-facts, noted that he “overstated […] fraud” from Musk’s DOGE, “misled about energy policy,” and “justified tariffs with exaggerated claims.” While true, it’s somewhat dull. US politics is such a bipartisan spectacle of lying that it’s hard to care when journalists criticize just one side.

No, the fascinating aspect of Trump’s speech wasn’t just the content or his familiar tactic of distorting reality while his opponents feign exclusivity, making Democrats appear forlorn. The genuine interest lies in what Trump revealed about himself at this stage in his life and career.

From the start, Trump was unforgiving and vengeful. Instead of the typical false offer of bipartisanship to the defeated Democrats, it felt more like Joe Pesci as a mafia loose cannon stomping on his dazed opponent.

Biden, Trump called him the worst president in history. While it's likely true, it felt harsh to emphasize it now. Senator Liz Warren, who advanced her career by claiming native-American ancestry, received her usual “Pocahontas” jab, while Trump mocked the losers. It wasn't pretty, but it was amusing and well-earned.

Read more
A new American empire: Trump, Russia, and the end of globalism

Trump the Fit and Focused spoke clearly, without rambling. His controlled, harsh ad-libbing proved effective. Regardless of personal style, his potent, organized speech sharply contrasts with Kamala Harris’s and Joe Biden’s unclear talk. Despite age, Trump’s address suggests that those predicting his decline may be mistaken. This point matters.

We've discussed Trump as both a showman and a sincere nationalist. One final aspect to consider is Trump the Utopian, as his view on nationalism or patriotism could lead to his downfall, even by his standards.

“Trump the Utopian” can be unsettling. Aren’t utopians meant to be other-worldly, leftish, and overly literate, often failing in life or causing chaos when they succeed? They resemble figures like Campanella, who faced long imprisonment, and Robespierre, who met the guillotine after sending many others there.

The business tycoon and political fighter was announcing America’s “Golden Age” to be ushered in by his “revolution of common sense.” Trump promised the “righteous cause of American liberty” to bring about “the most thrilling days in our history” and the “greatest era,” offering “the highest quality of life” and the “safest, wealthiest, healthiest, and most vital communities in the world.” Ultimately, he declared that this fantasy US will be “the freest, most advanced, most dynamic, and most dominant civilization ever.”

A typical Trump bombast defines a man as being able to sound excessively loud, even by American political standards. Is this hyperbole for the masses, perhaps preparing for a potential third term?

What if we take Trump’s utopianism seriously? We should, as behind the pomposity, we may miss the greatest weakness of Trumpism.

Reconsider that last line: “the freest, most advanced, dynamic, and dominant civilization.” Even in a mindset of bragging, choices still exist about what to highlight. Here, alongside freedom, progress, and dynamism, is dominance—specifically, the most remarkable dominance ever, whether past or future.

Trump fails to see that making America significant again requires abandoning the idea of domination. Despite its considerable issues, the US still possesses vast demographic, economic, and innovative potential.

However, its misguided aspiration for dominance will invariably exceed the limits of its resources. The United States may indeed achieve greatness, but this can only occur in collaboration with, rather than in opposition to, other major powers and, more broadly, the global populace. The United States will remain entangled in unproductive and costly conflicts with other nations unless it consciously renounces its objective of asserting dominance over all. It is imperative to recognize, dear Americans, that the desire for freedom is a universal aspiration shared by all, not solely by your nation. If you seek a "revolution of common sense," the eradication of dominance must be prioritized.

SEYMOUR HERSH | AN ENDGAME IN UKRAINE?

Washington remains split as secret talks on a settlement proceed.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28. / Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

By Seymour Hersh
Substack.com
10 March 2025

“Indeed, anyone interested in peace rather than the threat of nuclear war should congratulate President Trump.

After all, if the war does end and Russia is brought back into cooperative economic relations with Europe and the United States, everyone will benefit.”

In Washington, the Democratic Party leadership, having spent years ignoring the impairment of President Joe Biden, is now ignoring the increasing evidence that Russia has won the war in Ukraine. Leading Democrats in Congress have returned to the mentality of the Cold War in their contempt for and fear of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I can report that some of those involved in the on-and-off secret talks between Ukraine and Russia are convinced that the long, stalemated war will soon be ended by a closely calculated division of territory that each side has lost in a war that Putin chose to initiate in February of 2022.

There is still a widespread belief in the Democratic Party that President Donald Trump’s chronic complaints about the leaders of the nations that make up NATO are not paying their way are, as one international scholar told me, “a ruse.” Trump is interested, the scholar said, “in weakening democratic, liberal Europe and its collective institutions to make it easier for his new ally, Putin, to throw his weight around.” The scholar quoted a recent essay by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, the world economy editor of the Telegraph, who compared Trump’s actions to the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop pact between the Soviet Union and Germany that barred the countries from attacking each other. And left Germany to focus on Western Europe, drawing the UK into the war.

The scholar cited several Trump administration actions to back up his view of Trump as little more than a Russia asset. The president has ceased arms shipments to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with its military. He ordered an end to offensive cyber operations against Russia. In recent European elections, he and Vice President JD Vance publicly supported pro-Russian political parties. Some of his key aides are working to revive the flow of cheap Russian gas to Germany via the remaining Nord Stream pipelines “to keep Western European countries, especially Germany, dependent on Russian gas and oil, thus providing Putin with another lever of influence” in Western Europe.

The major American media, notably the New York Times, remain hostile to Putin. The newspaper’s opinion and news columns repeatedly express the belief that having won a large chunk of Ukraine on the battlefield, Putin would take advantage of any negotiated settlement to deepen Russia’s hold on Ukraine. It is feared that Putin would take a settlement, which could include the dropping of all sanctions on Russian gas and oil trading, as a sign of American weakness and that Russia would undercut the leadership of the Baltic states and continue to undermine NATO and the European Union.

Last week, Jack F. Matlock, Jr., who served four tours as a US diplomat in Russia, the last as Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush’s ambassador to Moscow from 1987 to 1991, offered a much different view.

“Finally,” Matlock writes in an essay for Responsible Statecraft, “there is a prospect for bringing the war in Ukraine to an end. President Trump and his foreign policy team have created the conditions for a negotiated end to the war, replacing a fundamentally flawed and dangerous set of policies adopted by his predecessors, including, ironically, the Donald Trump of his first administration.”

Indeed, anyone interested in peace rather than the threat of nuclear war should congratulate President Trump. After all, if the war does end and Russia is brought back into cooperative economic relations with Europe and the United States, everyone will benefit. Suppose the war and the attempted isolation of Russia continue. In that case, all will suffer, and cooperation to deal with everyday problems, such as environmental degradation, mass migration, and international financial crime, will become impossible.

“I say this not as a Trump supporter—I did not vote for him and have been critical of most of his moves. But regarding the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia, I believe he is on the right track. . . . I have been appalled that a succession of American presidents and European leaders discarded the diplomacy that ended the Cold War, abandoned the agreements that curbed the nuclear arms race, and provoked a new cold war which has now become hot.”

Matlock depicts Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 as a catastrophe for both nations but says that Putin attacked because he believed that the Biden administration was trying “to draw Ukraine into a hostile military alliance.”

“At last,” Matlock concludes, an “American president has defined a viable road to peace, and the Russian president has greeted this effort.”

Other voices do not get into the mainstream media. Jeffrey D. Sachs, a widely respected economist at Columbia University who has consulted with the United Nations leadership for more than two decades, argues in a recent essay that war-torn Ukraine had much to gain from a peace settlement that was on the table three years ago that the UK and we rebuffed. If adopted in principle today, Sachs writes, Ukraine would have to cede more territory to Russia, but “it will gain the essentials: sovereignty, international security arrangements, and peace.”

Russian and Western concerns about the security guarantees of the plan would be resolved, Sachs writes, as administration of the security guarantees would be put “under the authority of the UN Security Council. This means that the US, China, Russia, UK, and France would all be co-guarantors, together with the rest of the UN Security Council.”

“The time has arrived,” Sachs concludes, “for diplomacy that brings collective security to Europe, Ukraine, and Russia. Europe should open direct talks with Russia and urge Russia and Ukraine to sign a peace agreement” based on the 2022 talks. “Peace in Ukraine should be followed by creating a new system of collective security for all of Europe, stretching from Britain to the Urals and beyond.”

Much narrower talks are now underway. What follows is a report from inside a series of on-and-off talks between some Americans and Russians that have been going on since it became clear in 2023 that there would be no victors in the war.

One American knowledgeable of the current talks told me that they now have the attention of senior Trump Administration officials. It is understood that any emerging settlement will not include a post-settlement role for Zelensky. His term as Ukraine’s president expired last spring, but the Ukrainian constitution bars elections while the country is under martial law. Zelensky has long been known by American intelligence to be among a group of political officials and military leaders siphoning millions of dollars from American and European war aid. At one point, I was told that Zelensky was warned by William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency under Biden, that the corrupt generals and political figures involved in skimming funds were angry because Zelensky himself was taking too big a cut.

As to the specifics of the discussions, the current objective “is short-term and pragmatic—stop the shooting. Putin is in. He sees the domestic political benefit of winning back the ‘Russian’ provinces and giving the arrogant Ukrainians a bloody nose as well as an economic solution to Russia’s inflation-driven economy.” The Russian delegation to the talks seeks “no long-term solution to the historic hatred and mistrust” between the two countries. Vice President Vance, who has been involved in some of the discussions, believes implicit deterrence of any future Russian military action against Ukraine will come through American “corporate interests and US involvement in redevelopment across the board.”

The insider said, "The task for Vance now is to tell Europe, ‘Don’t do it’”: don’t offer renewed arms and rebuilding funds for a Ukrainian government still led by Zelensky. The insider told me he bet Zelensky “will cave to reality and sign. Russia wants Zelensky gone, but the US says it is up to the Ukrainians. Vance sees that American domestic critics will blame Trump for a sellout to Russia because of his love for Putin.”

In the end, the insider said, Zelensky would stay for a while but be replaced within a year, and shooting would stop.

He added, “I hope.”

BUILDING THE BRIDGE! | A WAY TO GET TO KNOW THE OTHER AND ONE ANOTHER

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Photo Credit: Abraham A. van Kempen, our home away from home on the Dead Sea

By Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor
Updated 19 January 2024

Those who commit to 'healing our broken humanity' build intercultural bridges to learn to know and understand one another and others. Readers who thumb through the Building the Bridge (BTB) pages are not mindless sheep following other mindless sheep. They THINK. They want to be at the forefront of making a difference. They're in search of the bigger picture to expand their horizons. They don't need BTB or anyone else to confirm their biases.

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Accurate knowledge promotes understanding, dispels prejudice, and awakens the desire to learn more. Words have an extraordinary power to bring people together, divide them, forge bonds of friendship, or provoke hostility. Modern technology offers unprecedented possibilities for good, fostering harmony and reconciliation. Yet its misuse can do untold harm, leading to misunderstanding, prejudice, and conflict.

Continue reading

A Free Trial for Life – SUBSCRIBE NOW!

• It's quick and straightforward.

• We won’t ask for your credit card number.

• Just enter your e-mail address to receive your complimentary free-for-life subscription to our newsletter.

• Please include your First and Last Name.

• We won’t share or sell your e-mail address.

_________________________

Related Articles Recently Posted on www.buildingthebridgefoundation.com:

OUR FRIDAY NEWS ANALYSIS

OUR WEDNESDAY NEWS ANALYSIS

OUR MONDAY EDITION

________________________

The views expressed are solely those of the author and may or may not reflect those of the Building the Bridge Foundation