This afternoon, after a rare four-hour-long meeting of the National Security Council, President Joe Biden canceled a planned trip home to Wilmington, Delaware, tonight. The U.S. intelligence community says with high confidence that Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered military units to proceed with an attack on Ukraine. The U.S. and the United Kingdom say that they expect Russia to create a “false-flag” attack on Russia, allegedly by Ukraine, that they will use as an excuse to invade.
I watched the LBJ documentary tonight. IT IS EXCELLENT. What a great reminder that we’re only as strong as our weakest folk.
Between your Letter and this documentary I am again reminded to be grateful for President Biden. He is the man for the moment at this time in our history.
Tonight, more than ever, I’m glad that Joe Biden is our president. Biden is ahead of Putin, calling out every single move. Our improved impeccable US intelligence is paying off. Can you imagine if Trump were still president and how this would have played out? Democracy will prevail.
Watching this conflict, a worldwide catastrophe and feeling helpless. Knowing the real victims are the Ukrainian people who are pawns in the war games that dictators and fascists like Putin engage in. We can see how TFG believed he and Putin were friends. They sit on their thrones and make life altering and devastating decisions. Both are soulless and cruel. My heart breaks for every person caught in this war. In the crossfire. It is reassuring that our government, led by our President Biden and a qualified staff, is working with NATO and world leaders to try to negotiate peace. If peace is possible. What is so devastating in the bargain; the losses and death of ordinary people, citizens who have no choice in this conflict. And the environmental destruction of every war. Only loss prevails.
As President Biden, the National Security Council, the UN, and the world's heads of state huddle in dialogue, all I can think of is the fear that must hover in every household in Ukraine. Her people must be suffering so -- not knowing when they will be invaded again! My heart goes out to them. May thoughts of Peace triumph!
Thank you, Heather, for such a meticulous recounting of the highlights of the day's events!
This is BREAKING NEWS: Not long after HRC finished the letter and substacked it out, diplomacy kicked in big time. Of course, there could be a snag...
'Biden agrees ‘in principle’ to summit with Putin if Ukraine is not invaded'
'The standoff over the expected Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared to have a diplomatic window open late Sunday after President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” to a summit meeting.'
'The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said the two leaders had accepted the meeting and it would take place only if an attack doesn’t occur. The details of the summit will be worked out this week, when Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.'
'Although senior U.S. officials say they believe that Putin has made a decision to invade, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement that U.S. officials “are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins.” She confirmed that Biden accepted the invitation — “again, if an invasion hasn’t happened.”
'She also reiterated the administration’s position that Russia seems to be “continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon.”
'The development came after Russia continued to keep in place 30,000 troops it has deployed in neighboring Belarus despite earlier promises to withdraw them by Sunday. And earlier in the day, top administration officials echoed Biden’s assessment from Friday that Putin has made a decision to invade within days.' (WashingtonPost)
Another aspect of this is the Russia - China alliance.
'How will China respond to a potential Russian military escalation against Ukraine? Relations between Russia and China have intensified in recent years, with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping holding regular summits and the two countries’ militaries participating in joint exercises and cooperating in some defense industrial efforts. Ties between Moscow and Beijing are now closer than any time since the days of Stalin and Mao, driven by a shared perception that the United States is each country’s primary foreign policy challenge. One top Russian official told media in December 2021 that the relationship now “exceeds an alliance.”[1] Chinese state media, meanwhile, have vocally backed Russia in arguing that the current crisis stems from the US “using NATO as a tool to cannibalize and squeeze Russia’s strategic space.”[2]'(ForeignPolicyResearchInstitute)
'China would back Russia diplomatically and perhaps economically if it invades Ukraine, worsening Beijing's already strained relations with the West, but would stop short of providing military support, experts said.'
'U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Russia's Vladimir Putin had decided to invade Ukraine within days, a claim Russia denies. read more'
'China's foreign ministry has repeatedly blamed the United States for "spreading false information" and creating tensions, urging it to respect and address Russia's demands for security guarantees. read more' (Reuters)
Will Russia Invade? Perhaps Putin didn't intend to all along. He will see what he can get without going to war. Think of what the Ukrainian people have been going through
How many members of Congress, mostly of one political party, have Russian money, lots of it, in their campaign chests, or their retirement funds, starting with “Moscow Mitch” McConnell?
Many Cold War warriors would turn in their graves realizing how easily a hostile foreign government can threaten America not with ICBM’s but with suitcases full of cash.
I’m sure there are many throughout the world who share my profound gratitude that Joe Biden, and not Donald Trump, is President of the United States at this moment in history.
I read this evening’s post aloud to my wife. We’ve been paying some attention to the developing and deteriorating conditions in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus - and we’re aware of the nationalistic trends in Europe, the Philippines, Brazil, Australia, here in the US... And then there’s China. I keep wondering just how long any kind of power sharing agreement might last between China and Putin. Even if everything was peachy throughout the rest of the world, we’d more than likely be in the sociopolitical mess we’re in now.
I took some stock and gave thanks for our home, plumbing, electricity, food in the freezer, frig and pantry, our cats and freshwater tropical fish, our friends, family and music making. Chances are we’ll awaken tomorrow and get on with our day. It also seems possible that these blessings we enjoy may have a best by date. Tyranny begets misery. Love begets love. I guess we’ll see how this plays out.
Joe and Company are being challenged to a chess match by Putin. Joe is taking no chances by calling Vlad’s bluff. The US has reentered the stadium and our allies are the welcoming committee, rather than shunning away from us. This is what diplomacy looks like when you have competent adults in charge. Now we wait to see what the next move is and please, do not discount China.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, President Zelensky said,
“We don’t need your sanctions after the bombardment will happen and after our country will be fired at, or after we will have no borders and after we will have no economy or part of our country will be occupied,” Zelensky said.
He added that, at a minimum, the United States and Europe need to “articulate what sanctions they would impose on Russia, to serve as a deterrent.”
The UK, for all of Johnson’s bluster, is still a haven for ill-gotten Russian money, as the country has failed to close the loopholes that allow over 85,000 properties in the UK to be registered anonymously.
Zelensky’s address at the MSC was painfully compelling – at once desperate and at the same time, courageous. I had the sense that he felt he was being left to fight the Russian giant alone, while Europe and the US wrung their hands, gnashed their teeth and spread fear without exacting consequences on Putin. He thanked the West for providing defensive equipment and helmets (a not so subtle swipe at the government here in Germany) but hammered on the theme that his economy could not survive in an atmosphere of fear and the constant ratcheting up of anxiety and uncertainty.
What are we waiting for? That’s the question Zelensky is asking Europe and the US. He believes his small, struggling country is acting as the bulwark of the West against a determined Russia hell-bent on crushing all that stands in the way of its goal to recreate the post-war Iron Curtain – my words not his.
So powerful such incredible research and weaving of all the events in this precarious situation Once again so impressed with how Biden and his smart team are handling this and being the leader of the free world Prayers for all in Ukraine and our country and world 🌎 Thanks always Heather for your cool rationale telling always I ve never felt more informed just wish more we could do for unity and peace all around
Think if Putin were gone and the natural gas wealth of Russia were shared with the Russian people a la Norway with its people. The Russian kleptocrats need to be removed from power.
Correction - Sheba Crocker is Ambassador to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, while Linda Thomas- Greenfield is the United States ambassador to the United Nations - full stop. I know - it’s confusing. But the “Other International Organizations in Geneva” part is important, and makes the difference between LTG being a member of the Cabinet, while Crocker is “only” the Personal and Plenipotentiary Representative of POTUS at the US Mission, Geneva …
Rep. Tom Malinowski says he's 'never seen such unity between our parties'. Low bar. I am not reassured.
Friday, I listened to a Congressional hearing on Russia and Ukraine. There were witnesses with expertise on military and diplomatic strategy in that region. Democrats asked serious questions and got serious answers.
And then there were the Republicans and Richard Grenell - a regular on Tucker Carlson, who Trump made acting director of the United States National Intelligence. An appointee so unqualified that even the typically complicit Susan Collins was concerned. Trump often appointed 'acting' managers to bypass the congressional approval process. Grenell's signature achievement in office was declassifying and releasing info on people on Trump's enemies list. Particularly relating to the Russian collusion investigation. But having acted in a position, Grenell is now a GOP go-to when they need to channel the Tucker Carlson world view for the record.
So one after another Republicans claimed that when Trump was flexing his powerful America fist muscle, Putin behaved himself. And with week wobbly Afghan withdrawal bumbler Biden, the world is in danger. Grenell went them one better by blaming NATO deadbeats for destabilizing the region, when what we need is Trump in charge. Putin doesn't want any democratic neighbors. Republicans don't want any Democratic neighbors. Authoritarians rule. I would not count on them supporting United States policy.
Republicans, like other terrorist entities, like to have a high body count. They weaponize their own dead as martyrs and brag on the number of enemies they've killed. For the rest of us, the goal is to get to the negotiating table. And it is better not to have too many bodies to climb over.
Thankful for the 81+ million voters who chose Biden. Thankful for the dozens of court cases that said ‘No’ to the trump campaign’s protestations. Thankful that the January 6 coup attempt failed. Real world problems faced by people who have a moral compass and a sense of history.
Dark money’s always shadowed every good deed.
I watched the LBJ documentary tonight. IT IS EXCELLENT. What a great reminder that we’re only as strong as our weakest folk.
Between your Letter and this documentary I am again reminded to be grateful for President Biden. He is the man for the moment at this time in our history.
Thank you Professor.
Prayers for Ukraine. 🙏
Tonight, more than ever, I’m glad that Joe Biden is our president. Biden is ahead of Putin, calling out every single move. Our improved impeccable US intelligence is paying off. Can you imagine if Trump were still president and how this would have played out? Democracy will prevail.
Watching this conflict, a worldwide catastrophe and feeling helpless. Knowing the real victims are the Ukrainian people who are pawns in the war games that dictators and fascists like Putin engage in. We can see how TFG believed he and Putin were friends. They sit on their thrones and make life altering and devastating decisions. Both are soulless and cruel. My heart breaks for every person caught in this war. In the crossfire. It is reassuring that our government, led by our President Biden and a qualified staff, is working with NATO and world leaders to try to negotiate peace. If peace is possible. What is so devastating in the bargain; the losses and death of ordinary people, citizens who have no choice in this conflict. And the environmental destruction of every war. Only loss prevails.
As President Biden, the National Security Council, the UN, and the world's heads of state huddle in dialogue, all I can think of is the fear that must hover in every household in Ukraine. Her people must be suffering so -- not knowing when they will be invaded again! My heart goes out to them. May thoughts of Peace triumph!
Thank you, Heather, for such a meticulous recounting of the highlights of the day's events!
This is BREAKING NEWS: Not long after HRC finished the letter and substacked it out, diplomacy kicked in big time. Of course, there could be a snag...
'Biden agrees ‘in principle’ to summit with Putin if Ukraine is not invaded'
'The standoff over the expected Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared to have a diplomatic window open late Sunday after President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” to a summit meeting.'
'The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said the two leaders had accepted the meeting and it would take place only if an attack doesn’t occur. The details of the summit will be worked out this week, when Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.'
'Although senior U.S. officials say they believe that Putin has made a decision to invade, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement that U.S. officials “are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins.” She confirmed that Biden accepted the invitation — “again, if an invasion hasn’t happened.”
'She also reiterated the administration’s position that Russia seems to be “continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon.”
'The development came after Russia continued to keep in place 30,000 troops it has deployed in neighboring Belarus despite earlier promises to withdraw them by Sunday. And earlier in the day, top administration officials echoed Biden’s assessment from Friday that Putin has made a decision to invade within days.' (WashingtonPost)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/20/ukraine-russia-invasion-
sanctions-blinken/
Another aspect of this is the Russia - China alliance.
'How will China respond to a potential Russian military escalation against Ukraine? Relations between Russia and China have intensified in recent years, with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping holding regular summits and the two countries’ militaries participating in joint exercises and cooperating in some defense industrial efforts. Ties between Moscow and Beijing are now closer than any time since the days of Stalin and Mao, driven by a shared perception that the United States is each country’s primary foreign policy challenge. One top Russian official told media in December 2021 that the relationship now “exceeds an alliance.”[1] Chinese state media, meanwhile, have vocally backed Russia in arguing that the current crisis stems from the US “using NATO as a tool to cannibalize and squeeze Russia’s strategic space.”[2]'(ForeignPolicyResearchInstitute)
https://www.fpri.org/article/2022/01/how-will-china-respond-to-the-russia-ukraine-crisis/
'China would back Russia diplomatically and perhaps economically if it invades Ukraine, worsening Beijing's already strained relations with the West, but would stop short of providing military support, experts said.'
'U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Russia's Vladimir Putin had decided to invade Ukraine within days, a claim Russia denies. read more'
'China's foreign ministry has repeatedly blamed the United States for "spreading false information" and creating tensions, urging it to respect and address Russia's demands for security guarantees. read more' (Reuters)
[2]https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/china-would-back-russia-diplomatically-if-it-moved-ukraine-2022-02-19/
Will Russia Invade? Perhaps Putin didn't intend to all along. He will see what he can get without going to war. Think of what the Ukrainian people have been going through
How many members of Congress, mostly of one political party, have Russian money, lots of it, in their campaign chests, or their retirement funds, starting with “Moscow Mitch” McConnell?
Many Cold War warriors would turn in their graves realizing how easily a hostile foreign government can threaten America not with ICBM’s but with suitcases full of cash.
I’m sure there are many throughout the world who share my profound gratitude that Joe Biden, and not Donald Trump, is President of the United States at this moment in history.
Dear Heather and LFAA friends -
I read this evening’s post aloud to my wife. We’ve been paying some attention to the developing and deteriorating conditions in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus - and we’re aware of the nationalistic trends in Europe, the Philippines, Brazil, Australia, here in the US... And then there’s China. I keep wondering just how long any kind of power sharing agreement might last between China and Putin. Even if everything was peachy throughout the rest of the world, we’d more than likely be in the sociopolitical mess we’re in now.
I took some stock and gave thanks for our home, plumbing, electricity, food in the freezer, frig and pantry, our cats and freshwater tropical fish, our friends, family and music making. Chances are we’ll awaken tomorrow and get on with our day. It also seems possible that these blessings we enjoy may have a best by date. Tyranny begets misery. Love begets love. I guess we’ll see how this plays out.
Goodnight and God bless you, us and US.
Joe and Company are being challenged to a chess match by Putin. Joe is taking no chances by calling Vlad’s bluff. The US has reentered the stadium and our allies are the welcoming committee, rather than shunning away from us. This is what diplomacy looks like when you have competent adults in charge. Now we wait to see what the next move is and please, do not discount China.
Is this an unprecedented number of women at a National Security Council meeting? Sounds like it.
This is a great challenge to democratic nationss to stand up to Putin. May reason prevail!
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, President Zelensky said,
“We don’t need your sanctions after the bombardment will happen and after our country will be fired at, or after we will have no borders and after we will have no economy or part of our country will be occupied,” Zelensky said.
He added that, at a minimum, the United States and Europe need to “articulate what sanctions they would impose on Russia, to serve as a deterrent.”
The UK, for all of Johnson’s bluster, is still a haven for ill-gotten Russian money, as the country has failed to close the loopholes that allow over 85,000 properties in the UK to be registered anonymously.
Zelensky’s address at the MSC was painfully compelling – at once desperate and at the same time, courageous. I had the sense that he felt he was being left to fight the Russian giant alone, while Europe and the US wrung their hands, gnashed their teeth and spread fear without exacting consequences on Putin. He thanked the West for providing defensive equipment and helmets (a not so subtle swipe at the government here in Germany) but hammered on the theme that his economy could not survive in an atmosphere of fear and the constant ratcheting up of anxiety and uncertainty.
What are we waiting for? That’s the question Zelensky is asking Europe and the US. He believes his small, struggling country is acting as the bulwark of the West against a determined Russia hell-bent on crushing all that stands in the way of its goal to recreate the post-war Iron Curtain – my words not his.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/feb/20/uk-weakening-threat-to-kremlin-by-failing-to-close-property-loophole
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/19/ukraine-russia-munich-zelensky/
So powerful such incredible research and weaving of all the events in this precarious situation Once again so impressed with how Biden and his smart team are handling this and being the leader of the free world Prayers for all in Ukraine and our country and world 🌎 Thanks always Heather for your cool rationale telling always I ve never felt more informed just wish more we could do for unity and peace all around
Think if Putin were gone and the natural gas wealth of Russia were shared with the Russian people a la Norway with its people. The Russian kleptocrats need to be removed from power.
Correction - Sheba Crocker is Ambassador to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, while Linda Thomas- Greenfield is the United States ambassador to the United Nations - full stop. I know - it’s confusing. But the “Other International Organizations in Geneva” part is important, and makes the difference between LTG being a member of the Cabinet, while Crocker is “only” the Personal and Plenipotentiary Representative of POTUS at the US Mission, Geneva …
Michael Zorick
(US Foreign Service Officer, ret.)
Rep. Tom Malinowski says he's 'never seen such unity between our parties'. Low bar. I am not reassured.
Friday, I listened to a Congressional hearing on Russia and Ukraine. There were witnesses with expertise on military and diplomatic strategy in that region. Democrats asked serious questions and got serious answers.
And then there were the Republicans and Richard Grenell - a regular on Tucker Carlson, who Trump made acting director of the United States National Intelligence. An appointee so unqualified that even the typically complicit Susan Collins was concerned. Trump often appointed 'acting' managers to bypass the congressional approval process. Grenell's signature achievement in office was declassifying and releasing info on people on Trump's enemies list. Particularly relating to the Russian collusion investigation. But having acted in a position, Grenell is now a GOP go-to when they need to channel the Tucker Carlson world view for the record.
So one after another Republicans claimed that when Trump was flexing his powerful America fist muscle, Putin behaved himself. And with week wobbly Afghan withdrawal bumbler Biden, the world is in danger. Grenell went them one better by blaming NATO deadbeats for destabilizing the region, when what we need is Trump in charge. Putin doesn't want any democratic neighbors. Republicans don't want any Democratic neighbors. Authoritarians rule. I would not count on them supporting United States policy.
Republicans, like other terrorist entities, like to have a high body count. They weaponize their own dead as martyrs and brag on the number of enemies they've killed. For the rest of us, the goal is to get to the negotiating table. And it is better not to have too many bodies to climb over.
Thankful for the 81+ million voters who chose Biden. Thankful for the dozens of court cases that said ‘No’ to the trump campaign’s protestations. Thankful that the January 6 coup attempt failed. Real world problems faced by people who have a moral compass and a sense of history.