That leader may no longer be Zelensky. Hard as it is to say Ukraine's best hope now could be new leadership. Perhaps someone like General Valerii Zaluzhnyi who commands military respect and could reset diplomatic relations. Maybe not him, but someone who understands the world as it is, 6/
and win small victories that add up over time. None of this diminishes Zelenskyβs courage but it leaves him and Ukraine in a bad place. History moves fast. Ukraine needs a leader who can read the shifting tides of geopolitics and navigate this fragile tightrope with strategic restraint. 5/
...arguing and challenging rather than navigating with humility and restraint. Realpolitik dictates that Ukraineβs survival now depends on securing US support, and that requires deft diplomacy. The key purpose should have been to stay in the room, play along, build relationships and... 4/
...a carefully staged encounter designed to shape US public opinion and political will on Ukraineβs future. Zelensky, a former actor himself, should have understood the script. Instead, he got the tone wrong and pushed back too hard - 3/
#Zelensky walked into a performance of an American theatre production and failed to play his part. He forgot the first principle of media communication: Purpose! This wasnβt about truth, justice or even war strategy. It was about optics - 2/
...Geopolitical disaster, it would leave Putin a battle-hardened and highly competent force at his disposal. Would they fight for him? Betrayal leaves a bitter taste. But with few alternatives, many just might. That would hand Putin a formidable asset in his Great Game. Ends.
Beyond depleted equipment, budgets, and a woefully depleted pool of appropriately trained and motivated personnel that will take years to rebuild, Robin makes a crucial point overlooked by many (Trump et al.): A defeated #Ukraine wouldnβt just be a... 2/3
Keir Starmerβs incremental increase in defence spending sends the right signals. But anyone thinking this comes close to reversing thirty years of decline needs to read former SAS soldier Robin Horsfallβs excellent Substack: bit.ly/4h2Ke1Y π§΅1/3
Is anyone truly surprised? Trump's intentions have always been crystal clear, and Hegsethβs remarks shouldnβt be brushed aside. The US drawbridge is up. This presents an opportunity for Britain to reclaim influence in Europe, working with the Baltic nations to re-prioritize European defense policy.
Good for Sam Altman. Nothing good can come from Musk owning X and the world's leading AI programme. Rupert Murdoch weaponized information; Musk would weaponize intelligence itself. Suddenly, old-school media moguls start looking quaint. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Abso-ruddy-lutely!
Delighted my 'Loving Your Garden' podcast has reached another milestone. It's a humble hobby site but we have some amazing guests. Here's a Link to our latest episode with Cut Flower Farmer Roz Chandler but take a look back at previous episodes for a topic to suit: www.buzzsprout.com/1904093/epis...
It's likely no coincidence that the observed collapse of editorial standards in recent years corresponds to the rise of Social media. Until we learn to tame this beast (we will), we'll have to continue to endure absurdities like this. apple.news/AehSxVMmRQIy...
ββNot every editorial judgment is a reflection of a malign force,β [The Postβs opinions editor David] Shipley said in [a] statement.β
(Ι΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄Κ: α΄ΚΙͺκ± Ιͺκ± *Ι΄α΄α΄* α΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Ιͺα΄α΄Κα΄ΚΚΚ Κα΄α΄κ±κ±α΄ΚΙͺΙ΄Ι’ α΄ΚΙͺΙ΄Ι’ α΄α΄ κ±α΄Κ.)
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/b...
Happy birthday to one of the great musicians of my generation - John Paul Jones (79). Churlish then not to offer 6 minutes 16" of pure perfection with John Paul, Robert, Jimmy and Bonzo on @boomradio.co.uk's wild child Boom Rock from 10am: www.boomradiouk.com/boom-rock/
All set for another week of shows starting today from 10-midday on @boomradio.co.uk's wild child, Boom Rock.
Treats today include the Patti Smith Group, Led Zeppelin (naturally), and birthday boys: Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker, & Jeff Lynne. Ask Alexa or tune in online - bring your air guitar!
Loving my early Christmas present from @boomradio.co.uk - about to make its debut - although the small print on the box is troubling: '... for presenters who have a face for radio' π€
A sad story but Rachelβs final letter is wonderful and a lesson for us all. apple.news/Ah3IKRy9UTgC...
Terminator 7 π
Sounds like a plan
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/aus...
Understandable angst over jobs but entirely right to review #defence projects in light of lessons learned from #UkraineRussiaWar, especially game-changing drone tech.
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
The capabilities of remotely operated military assets are increasing with breathtaking speed; such that much of the Westβs existing defence planning & procurement risks falling ever further behind the obsolescence curve.
Just started another week of shows on
@boomradio.co.uk's sister station Boom Rock: 10-12 Monday to Friday. I'd be delighted to have your company if you fancy some pretty damn good music! www.boomradiouk.com/player/boom-...
It's a moot point now but an interesting summation of how Trump out-manoeuvred US prosecutors with the assistance of the Supreme Court he deftly re-configured in his previous term. slate.com/news-and-pol...
That depends on your perspective. If you're a powerful, wealthy entity seeking an opportunity to further your interests by controlling influential media outlets to shape the narrative, then your statement holds good. That's why Leveson 2 (or preferably something much stronger) is badly needed.
What a blast being able to assist Bayer Global in production of a health-cast series featuring medical experts from around the world at the American Heart Association congress in Chicago, all without leaving my Summerhouse, nearly 4000 miles away in Lincolnshire, UK.
@donald-tusk.bsky.social is right to worry. It's asking a lot for an untested US administration with isolationist inclinations, to meet expectations of a cunning plan to end the #RussiaUkraineWar. Cool, calculating and resolute heads are required to face down Putin's escalation. What could go wrong?
This dangerous man continues to gaslight the West to cover his catastrophic hubristic error in deciding to invade a nation that wasn't ready to be subjugated. It needs leaders of substance - not least the US - to keep calling him out. He feeds on weakness and lack of resolve.
