The U.S. media’s response to President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, including attacks and the kidnapping of its leader, has been surprisingly mild, avoiding terms like “act of war” and “coup.” Instead, mainstream outlets framed the events as “operations” or “pressure campaigns,” mirroring the administration’s language. This reluctance to use stronger terms, even in the face of blatant violations of international law, indicates a pattern of state subservience and sanitization in media coverage. The media’s choice of language, particularly in comparison to its coverage of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, reveals a willingness to adopt the administration’s preferred framing, effectively acting as stenographers to power.
Read More
Russia’s decision to publicly admit that a staggering 80% of its defense budget is being consumed by the war in Ukraine is, well, something. It’s a rare glimpse behind the curtain, a moment of startling transparency in a situation that has been, to put it mildly, opaque. This admission, however, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all sunshine and roses for Russia; far from it, in fact. It just confirms what many have suspected: this war is a massive, expensive undertaking, and it’s taking a huge bite out of Russia’s resources.
The numbers themselves are pretty eye-popping. With military spending reportedly at 7.3% of GDP, the true cost is probably much higher than officially stated.… Continue reading
Trump says airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety, and the immediate reaction is a mix of disbelief, anger, and concern. Many are questioning the legality and the motives behind such a drastic move, especially given the historical context of the “America First” rhetoric. There’s a palpable sense of betrayal, with accusations that the former president is abandoning his promises and potentially dragging the country into another protracted and costly conflict. The question on everyone’s mind seems to be: why now, and why Venezuela?
The action is seen as a potential “act of war,” or a prelude to one, under US law, drawing attention to the potential implications of armed conflict.… Continue reading
In a recent radio interview, Russia’s ambassador to France, Alexei Meshkov, stated that downing any Russian aircraft would be considered an act of war, regardless of airspace violations. This statement follows growing accusations from European nations regarding breaches of their airspace by Russian planes and drones. Meshkov also claimed that Russia does not shoot down aircraft that infringe on its airspace and asserted that the West has not provided evidence of the alleged violations, even though such incidents have occurred. These comments come amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions, with examples of similar acts happening in the past.
Read More
Ukraine’s GenStaff says its deep strikes have erased 4% of Russia’s GDP this year, and that figure certainly grabs your attention. Four percent might not seem like a colossal figure at first glance, but when you’re talking about the entire economic output of a country, it represents a significant dent, a real punch to the gut. It’s a substantial sum of money, and you have to wonder, just how much damage needs to be inflicted before it becomes truly unsustainable for Russia to keep up the fight?
This brings up the million-dollar question: What percentage point of economic damage would it take to make the war unfeasible for Russia to continue?… Continue reading
Russia’s recent warning to Kyiv of an “endless war” during peace talks in Turkey underscores a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. The implication is clear: Russia believes it can’t win a decisive victory, yet is unwilling or unable to withdraw. This admission, however veiled, reveals a concerning shift in Russia’s strategy.
Instead of aiming for a swift and decisive victory, the stated goal seems to have transitioned to a protracted conflict, seemingly accepting a scenario of indefinite warfare. This is a dramatic departure from the initial narrative of a rapid “special military operation,” and highlights a growing desperation within the Russian leadership.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood