Doug Klain
@dougklain.bsky.social
Deputy Director for Policy and Strategy @razomforukraine.org | Nonresident Fellow @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social | Writing and speaking on Ukraine, America, and the global fight for democracy. Opinions mine 🫡
The NDAA is finally passed—so what’s in it for Ukraine? I break it down for @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social.
My take: While it includes most welcome support for Kyiv, the NDAA’s Ukraine provisions are largely about mitigating potential harm from the Trump administration.
My take: While it includes most welcome support for Kyiv, the NDAA’s Ukraine provisions are largely about mitigating potential harm from the Trump administration.
What’s in the new US defense bill for Ukraine?
The NDAA includes the best legislative support from Congress that Ukraine has received all year. At the same time, it also underscores the dramatic reduction in overall US support for Ukraine during 2...
www.atlanticcouncil.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The NDAA is finally passed—so what’s in it for Ukraine? I break it down for @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social.
My take: While it includes most welcome support for Kyiv, the NDAA’s Ukraine provisions are largely about mitigating potential harm from the Trump administration.
My take: While it includes most welcome support for Kyiv, the NDAA’s Ukraine provisions are largely about mitigating potential harm from the Trump administration.
Reposted by Doug Klain
New: Zelenskyy told European leaders he feared the EU would drop a plan for a “reparations loan” to Ukraine backed by frozen Russian central bank assets, mainly over fears of upsetting Trump and losing support on Euro defence and security guarantees. w/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/ea36...
www.ft.com/content/ea36...
Trump gives Zelenskyy ‘days’ to respond to peace proposal
Ukrainian president pressed by US envoys for a swift response with an aim to agree ceasefire with Russia ‘by Christmas’
www.ft.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:15 PM
New: Zelenskyy told European leaders he feared the EU would drop a plan for a “reparations loan” to Ukraine backed by frozen Russian central bank assets, mainly over fears of upsetting Trump and losing support on Euro defence and security guarantees. w/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/ea36...
www.ft.com/content/ea36...
If we are indeed at the end of this latest round of Ukraine negotiations, it's important to keep in mind that the party to blame for a collapse in talks is Russia.
Russia keeps pushing for more, even demanding fortified land it cannot take by force.
Russia keeps pushing for more, even demanding fortified land it cannot take by force.
Zelensky rules out ceding land to Russia, refusing to bow to Putin or Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country would not give up territory, not to hasten peace talks, not to satisfy Washington and not under pressure from Moscow.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:37 PM
If we are indeed at the end of this latest round of Ukraine negotiations, it's important to keep in mind that the party to blame for a collapse in talks is Russia.
Russia keeps pushing for more, even demanding fortified land it cannot take by force.
Russia keeps pushing for more, even demanding fortified land it cannot take by force.
After weeks of backroom negotiations, Congress is poised to pass a defense spending bill filled with some rather good provisions to assist Ukraine and put up obstacles to the Trump admin's attempts to divert Ukraine aid or cut off intel support.
Here's what's in the bill 👇🧵
Here's what's in the bill 👇🧵
Just read through the new National Defense Authorization Act text to see what provisions are in for Ukraine. I’ll have a thread up later with the full breakdown but TL;DR is Congress is poised to pass some rather good legislation to assist Ukraine.
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
After weeks of backroom negotiations, Congress is poised to pass a defense spending bill filled with some rather good provisions to assist Ukraine and put up obstacles to the Trump admin's attempts to divert Ukraine aid or cut off intel support.
Here's what's in the bill 👇🧵
Here's what's in the bill 👇🧵
Just read through the new National Defense Authorization Act text to see what provisions are in for Ukraine. I’ll have a thread up later with the full breakdown but TL;DR is Congress is poised to pass some rather good legislation to assist Ukraine.
December 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Just read through the new National Defense Authorization Act text to see what provisions are in for Ukraine. I’ll have a thread up later with the full breakdown but TL;DR is Congress is poised to pass some rather good legislation to assist Ukraine.
“The ghosts of corruption still haunt Ukraine’s corridors of power, but impunity is giving way to accountability,” writes Myroslava Gongadze. “This is exactly the transformation that many Ukrainians are fighting for, and one of the main reasons why Ukraine scares Putin so much.”
Ukraine’s warning to the West: A bad peace will lead to a bigger war
It is delusional to think that sacrificing Ukraine will satisfy Russia. Instead, a bad peace will only lead to a bigger war, while the price of today's hesitation will ultimately be far higher than th...
www.atlanticcouncil.org
December 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
“The ghosts of corruption still haunt Ukraine’s corridors of power, but impunity is giving way to accountability,” writes Myroslava Gongadze. “This is exactly the transformation that many Ukrainians are fighting for, and one of the main reasons why Ukraine scares Putin so much.”
Last time I was in Ukraine, a popular Telegram blogger gifted me a “Make Ukraine Nuclear Again” shirt. Since then, opinion polls have found a plurality of Ukrainians think nuclear weapons are the best security guarantee. Important piece from @cjcmichel.bsky.social.
Opinion | A Bad Ukraine Deal Could Spur Nuclear Proliferation
From Warsaw to Seoul, allies are asking if they can rely on the U.S. to protect them against aggression.
www.wsj.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Last time I was in Ukraine, a popular Telegram blogger gifted me a “Make Ukraine Nuclear Again” shirt. Since then, opinion polls have found a plurality of Ukrainians think nuclear weapons are the best security guarantee. Important piece from @cjcmichel.bsky.social.
Here’s your must-listen podcast for the weekend 👇 @economist.com’s deep dive into Mindich-gate and the genuine heroism of Ukraine’s anticorruption investigators is excellent. This may be Ukraine’s largest-ever corruption scandal, but it’s also a genuine triumph for accountability and anticorruption.
The Weekend Intelligence: Operation Midas
Podcast Episode · Economist Podcasts · 12/06/2025 · 44m
podcasts.apple.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Here’s your must-listen podcast for the weekend 👇 @economist.com’s deep dive into Mindich-gate and the genuine heroism of Ukraine’s anticorruption investigators is excellent. This may be Ukraine’s largest-ever corruption scandal, but it’s also a genuine triumph for accountability and anticorruption.
“As long as Russia keeps making battlefield gains, it is unlikely to pursue meaningful negotiation to end the war,” writes @thestudyofwar.bsky.social’s George Barros. “All of the Trump administration’s diplomacy will amount to little until Russia’s advances are stopped cold.”
Opinion | Ominous maps of a falling fortress city reveal a change in Ukraine war
Putting Russia’s campaign to capture the Ukrainian fortress city into perspective.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:06 PM
“As long as Russia keeps making battlefield gains, it is unlikely to pursue meaningful negotiation to end the war,” writes @thestudyofwar.bsky.social’s George Barros. “All of the Trump administration’s diplomacy will amount to little until Russia’s advances are stopped cold.”
What did we think was going to happen? Just two weeks ago, the United States threatened to withhold arms sales for Ukraine that were *already paid for* by European allies. After a year of policy like that, it's hard to make the case that the United States is reliable.
December 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
What did we think was going to happen? Just two weeks ago, the United States threatened to withhold arms sales for Ukraine that were *already paid for* by European allies. After a year of policy like that, it's hard to make the case that the United States is reliable.
Reposted by Doug Klain
Department of Defense Law of War Manual, Sec. 18.3.2.1 states the "requirement" to refuse illegal orders.
What’s its key example? Wait for it . . . It’s "orders to fire upon the shipwrecked."
What’s its key example? Wait for it . . . It’s "orders to fire upon the shipwrecked."
December 1, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Department of Defense Law of War Manual, Sec. 18.3.2.1 states the "requirement" to refuse illegal orders.
What’s its key example? Wait for it . . . It’s "orders to fire upon the shipwrecked."
What’s its key example? Wait for it . . . It’s "orders to fire upon the shipwrecked."
It's actually a crazy result that Canada was able to join Europe's €150 billion rearmament scheme but talks with London broke down, so the United Kingdom won't take part.
Canada clinches deal to join Europe’s €150B defense scheme
The deal concludes months of tough talks and will allow Ottawa to take part in procurements financed by the EU’s SAFE program.
www.politico.eu
December 1, 2025 at 6:18 PM
It's actually a crazy result that Canada was able to join Europe's €150 billion rearmament scheme but talks with London broke down, so the United Kingdom won't take part.
Reposted by Doug Klain
Rep. Don Bacon: "We saw that WSJ article yesterday that many people around the president are hoping to make billions of dollars—these are all billionaires in their own right—from an agreement from Russia, if they get a favorable agreement with Ukraine. That alarms me tremendously."
November 30, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Rep. Don Bacon: "We saw that WSJ article yesterday that many people around the president are hoping to make billions of dollars—these are all billionaires in their own right—from an agreement from Russia, if they get a favorable agreement with Ukraine. That alarms me tremendously."
It’s been a remarkably busy week for Ukraine peace talks. Somehow the @kyivindependent.com fits it all in 10 paragraphs.
Americans showing 'constructive approach' in peace talks, Zelensky says as Ukrainian delegates arrive in US
Ukrainian officials will reportedly meet with Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Florida on Nov. 30. Zelensky said a final agreement could be ready "in the coming days."
kyivindependent.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM
It’s been a remarkably busy week for Ukraine peace talks. Somehow the @kyivindependent.com fits it all in 10 paragraphs.
Here’s a question: when Putin explicitly rejects signing a peace deal with Ukraine because he says it’s democratic government is illegitimate, why doesn’t Trump pressure Putin?
Especially after today’s WSJ report, the role that Trumpworld’s business interests play here can’t be ignored.
Especially after today’s WSJ report, the role that Trumpworld’s business interests play here can’t be ignored.
Just like that. After a week of frantic diplomacy and U.S. threats against Ukraine, Putin rejects ANY agreement.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
November 29, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Here’s a question: when Putin explicitly rejects signing a peace deal with Ukraine because he says it’s democratic government is illegitimate, why doesn’t Trump pressure Putin?
Especially after today’s WSJ report, the role that Trumpworld’s business interests play here can’t be ignored.
Especially after today’s WSJ report, the role that Trumpworld’s business interests play here can’t be ignored.
Congressional backlash to the Kremlin-designed 28-point proposal to end the war in Ukraine was significant.
But unless Congress starts passing legislation to mandate—not authorize—sanctions on Russia & military assistance to Ukraine, its role in all of this will remain marginal.
But unless Congress starts passing legislation to mandate—not authorize—sanctions on Russia & military assistance to Ukraine, its role in all of this will remain marginal.
Trump’s latest Ukraine peace proposal sparks strong Republican reaction
Congress is clearly eager to help Trump force Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Capitalizing on the revised peace framework agreed by US and Ukrainian negotiators will now require action from both sid...
www.atlanticcouncil.org
November 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Congressional backlash to the Kremlin-designed 28-point proposal to end the war in Ukraine was significant.
But unless Congress starts passing legislation to mandate—not authorize—sanctions on Russia & military assistance to Ukraine, its role in all of this will remain marginal.
But unless Congress starts passing legislation to mandate—not authorize—sanctions on Russia & military assistance to Ukraine, its role in all of this will remain marginal.
Reposted by Doug Klain
NEW: The frontline in Ukraine is not facing imminent collapse despite recent Russian gains and Kremlin assertions. (1/4)
Read the full Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 28, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar112825
More Key Takeaways ⬇️
Read the full Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 28, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar112825
More Key Takeaways ⬇️
November 29, 2025 at 6:34 AM
NEW: The frontline in Ukraine is not facing imminent collapse despite recent Russian gains and Kremlin assertions. (1/4)
Read the full Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 28, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar112825
More Key Takeaways ⬇️
Read the full Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 28, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar112825
More Key Takeaways ⬇️
The Kremlin bet that offering lucrative business deals would convince the White House to ignore its war crimes in Ukraine. The bet paid off.
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
November 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
The Kremlin bet that offering lucrative business deals would convince the White House to ignore its war crimes in Ukraine. The bet paid off.
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
Andriy Yermak’s ousting is likely to find plenty of fans among Ukraine's partners—certainly here in Washington, where the Trump admin has been open about not wanting to work with him. But more importantly, it's a win for the rule of law in Ukraine. Me on BBC News 👇
Doug Klain - BBC News on Yermak's resignation and Ukraine peace talks | November 28, 2025
YouTube video by Doug Klain
youtu.be
November 29, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Andriy Yermak’s ousting is likely to find plenty of fans among Ukraine's partners—certainly here in Washington, where the Trump admin has been open about not wanting to work with him. But more importantly, it's a win for the rule of law in Ukraine. Me on BBC News 👇
It’s a big news day for Ukraine. I’ll be joining BBC News at 1500 ET to break down the latest.
November 28, 2025 at 5:33 PM
It’s a big news day for Ukraine. I’ll be joining BBC News at 1500 ET to break down the latest.
Andriy Yermak just resigned as he faced an anticorruption investigation. It's a political earthquake in Ukraine likely to find significant approval from Kyiv's international partners, and a sign that Ukraine's anticorruption institutions remain strong.
November 28, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Andriy Yermak just resigned as he faced an anticorruption investigation. It's a political earthquake in Ukraine likely to find significant approval from Kyiv's international partners, and a sign that Ukraine's anticorruption institutions remain strong.
Reposted by Doug Klain
Ukraine is in Europe. And he’s attacking it every day.
⁉️ Putin says Russia can put in writing it will not attack Europe
Putin says Russia can put in writing it will not attack Europe
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has said that Russia has been ready to state in writing that it does not intend to attack Europe.
www.pravda.com.ua
November 27, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Ukraine is in Europe. And he’s attacking it every day.
Just like that. After a week of frantic diplomacy and U.S. threats against Ukraine, Putin rejects ANY agreement.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
November 27, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Just like that. After a week of frantic diplomacy and U.S. threats against Ukraine, Putin rejects ANY agreement.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
As we reach President Trump's Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to agree to a peace deal, President Zelenskyy says another "thank you" for US support after negotiators agreed to a partial framework in Geneva.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
November 27, 2025 at 2:49 PM
As we reach President Trump's Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to agree to a peace deal, President Zelenskyy says another "thank you" for US support after negotiators agreed to a partial framework in Geneva.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
New: NATO and Ukraine are launching a defense innovation competition to award tens of millions of euros to develop new counter-UAS systems, air defense solutions, and secure frontline communications that will strengthen Ukraine and NATO allies.
NATO and Ukraine announce new joint-initiative to accelerate defence innovation: UNITE – Brave NATO
Ukraine and NATO announced the launch of UNITE – Brave NATO, the Ukraine-NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering programme on 25 November 2025. UNITE – Brave NATO is the first joint NATO-Ukraine p...
www.nato.int
November 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
New: NATO and Ukraine are launching a defense innovation competition to award tens of millions of euros to develop new counter-UAS systems, air defense solutions, and secure frontline communications that will strengthen Ukraine and NATO allies.