VASSAL STATES

SCOTT RITTER—The creation of an impregnable Ukrainian strategic rear is a game-changer. First and foremost, it provides Ukraine with the means to rearm, refit and re-equip its forces to Nato standards without fear of Russian intervention. This not only counters Russia’s stated military objective of “demilitarization” of Ukraine’s forces, but also steels the resolve of the Ukrainian government to reject any settlement that obliges them to embrace neutrality in perpetuity.

RON RIDENOUR—Finland began following the rest of the West with neo-liberalism deregulations and cutbacks in the 1980s, but has not gone as far as the others yet. One of its hallmarks is education. See Michael Moore’s most recent film (2016), “Where to invade next”. It is an excellent and entertaining source for values in which the US is contrasted to several countries. Finland tops the world for the best education, the best results for its elementary school students, who also rank among the happiest. Its secret: no homework, more time to be young, to play, to relax. Students are motivated to learn in a disciplined way for the 20 hours they attend classes.

The west’s narrative around the Ukraine-Russia conflict is that NATO is merely interested in helping plucky, democratic Ukraine fend off an attack from Russia and its war criminal president, Vladimir Putin. But peek behind the facade and it becomes apparent that the real reason for the war is much simpler: money. And now the United States has inked a deal to sell liquified natural gas to the European Union to replace a substantial amount of the natural gas previously provided by Russia. Jimmy and journalist Caleb Maupin discuss the financial incentives that are more likely driving NATO’s stance in Ukraine than any possible moral considerations.

The latest (21 May 2022) sitrep on the Ukrainian War by Brian Berletic. Berletic, a former Marine, discusses the strategic significance of the latest deployments and calshes, and also analyses the official reports issued by the US military and allied forces.

In this series of videos Gonzalo Lira presents an optimistic view of the Russian campaign, dismissing Scott Ritter’s analysis as unwarranted and suspiciously pessimistic. The opinion of critics and observers remains divided.