This is Northumberland Calling 2.3.25
A Momentous day in geopolitics edition
As this feels like a momentous day in geopolitics, I thought people might be interested in several articles from this side of the pond.
First this is the Military Balance which President Tusk highlighted in this remarks. It dates from 2025 so it gives accurate info on Russia etc. and general military preparedness. https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/2025/russia-and-eurasia/
Second this is an article in the Telegraph which explains what the certain people in the UK are seeing vis a vis Russia. It quotes extensively from Bill Bowder who until 2005 was the biggest single investor in Russia. Basically Putin can’t afford peace. His control of Russia depends on war. Every time his popularity dips, he starts a war. It explains the term ‘vranyo’ , a term which I think readers of this will know the meaning of already. Really worth taking the time and trouble to read: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/02/putin-cant-afford-peace-russia-economy-is-hooked-on-war/ or https://archive.ph/DikyB
If you want to know how much the US and the UK intelligence services are intertwined – this article on GCHQ etc scrubbing their association with Stonewall (something I approve of) demonstrates how much of DEI in the UK (which has come down heavily on free speech) was US-driven. Stonewall’s misstating of the law has resulted in women being forced out of their jobs etc. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/02/gchq-dumps-stonewall-as-trump-takes-control-of-deep-state/ or https://archive.ph/diLSw
Rachel Reeves has unlocked billions for UK defence and Ukraine. It is a hugely significant boost and goes far beyond what was announced last week. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/rachel-reeves-defence-spend-labour-9f56b6l7f or https://archive.ph/o06rc
No one in Europe like the public humiliation Zelenskyy endured. Private humiliations are expected but not that political theatre. It has not played well, particularly as Europeans are aware of Zelenskyy’s vow not to wear a suit until peace is achieved as otherwise he would betraying his people. The White House had to know this. They wanted him to resign imho. Americans might not care but they should. This op ed from Matthew Syed is typical: https://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/the-pandering-to-trump-must-end-it-only-encourages-his-tyranny-fqk0js3sf or https://archive.ph/1ZxQR
This is Badenoch’s take: America’s commitment to Europe can no longer be taken for granted or America’s commitment to Europe can no longer be taken for granted (archived)
We live in interesting times. I thought people would be interested.
I encourage folks to watch the entire press conference. Zelensky was reneging on the deal from the get go. He is a stage comedian, not a statesman.
"If you want to know how much the US and the UK intelligence services are intertwined – this article on GCHQ etc scrubbing their association with Stonewall (something I approve of) demonstrates how much of DEI in the UK (which has come down heavily on free speech) was US-driven."
Yes, US driven under the same leftist trash who ran deviant chat rooms. But we are cleaning out our Augean Stable while you have a Biden clone in 10 Downing.