Jana Zikmundova
@jzk55.bsky.social
Former ambassador of Belgium (ret.) to Ukraine (2011-2014) and Colombia (2017-2021). Memories of Soviet tanks are part of my Czech roots (remember 21.8.1968 ?) Here mainly to denounce Putin's war on 🇺🇦. @DefendDemocracy team member 🇪🇺
Pinned
💙 Happy birthday to the European flag!
Adopted 70 years ago by the Council of Europe, it became the #EU emblem in 1985.
12 stars. Blue sky. A circle of unity. A symbol for the whole of Europe and shared values.
Learn more: go.coe.int/HmDIt
Adopted 70 years ago by the Council of Europe, it became the #EU emblem in 1985.
12 stars. Blue sky. A circle of unity. A symbol for the whole of Europe and shared values.
Learn more: go.coe.int/HmDIt
Brandished by people of 🇬🇪 and 🇺🇦 for good reasons : it stands for freedom, prosperity and democracy. You don't know what you have got until it is gone. 🇪🇺
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
🇩🇰 goal of keeping 🇬🇱 out of the headlines & avoiding megaphone diplomacy is over. They're leaning in - rightly
🇩🇰 PM: “I believe one should take the 🇺🇸 president seriously when he says he wants 🇬🇱. But if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO.”
🇩🇰 PM: “I believe one should take the 🇺🇸 president seriously when he says he wants 🇬🇱. But if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO.”
January 5, 2026 at 9:28 PM
🇩🇰 goal of keeping 🇬🇱 out of the headlines & avoiding megaphone diplomacy is over. They're leaning in - rightly
🇩🇰 PM: “I believe one should take the 🇺🇸 president seriously when he says he wants 🇬🇱. But if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO.”
🇩🇰 PM: “I believe one should take the 🇺🇸 president seriously when he says he wants 🇬🇱. But if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO.”
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Wenn sich die "Koalition der Willigen" zur Ukraine schon wieder zu einem Gipfel trifft - diesmal bei Macron in Paris, dann sollte sie endlich mal klar machen, wozu sie eigentlich "willig" ist. Gerade jetzt kommt es für Frieden und Sicherheit in Europa auf die Europäer an.
January 6, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Wenn sich die "Koalition der Willigen" zur Ukraine schon wieder zu einem Gipfel trifft - diesmal bei Macron in Paris, dann sollte sie endlich mal klar machen, wozu sie eigentlich "willig" ist. Gerade jetzt kommt es für Frieden und Sicherheit in Europa auf die Europäer an.
Tienduizenden in Berlijn al dagen zonder stroom: 'Dit is terrorisme'.
Lijkt wel op sabotage van #Putin 's 🇷🇺. Nog "hybride oorlog" te noemen ❔️
Lijkt wel op sabotage van #Putin 's 🇷🇺. Nog "hybride oorlog" te noemen ❔️
Tienduizenden in Berlijn al dagen zonder stroom: 'Dit is terrorisme'
Een anonieme groep heeft zware schade toegebracht aan het energienetwerk. In tienduizenden huizen wordt het steeds kouder. Noodpakketten raken op.
nos.nl
January 6, 2026 at 6:57 AM
Tienduizenden in Berlijn al dagen zonder stroom: 'Dit is terrorisme'.
Lijkt wel op sabotage van #Putin 's 🇷🇺. Nog "hybride oorlog" te noemen ❔️
Lijkt wel op sabotage van #Putin 's 🇷🇺. Nog "hybride oorlog" te noemen ❔️
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
5 January 1968: Alexander #Dubček was elected to lead the Communist Party of #Czechoslovakia, beginning the "Prague Spring". #History
January 5, 2026 at 6:23 PM
5 January 1968: Alexander #Dubček was elected to lead the Communist Party of #Czechoslovakia, beginning the "Prague Spring". #History
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Wirklich ein wichtiger Beitrag, der leider nicht weniger relevant geworden ist angesichts der erstarkenden politischen Kräften, die die EU abschaffen möchten. (Ich durfte damals mit Hintergrundinfos beigetragen). www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxWf...
#waswärewenn es die EU nicht mehr gäbe? | Joko & Klaas gegen ProSieben | 15 Minuten #JKlive
YouTube video by Joko & Klaas
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Wirklich ein wichtiger Beitrag, der leider nicht weniger relevant geworden ist angesichts der erstarkenden politischen Kräften, die die EU abschaffen möchten. (Ich durfte damals mit Hintergrundinfos beigetragen). www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxWf...
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
'The challenge will lie not in engineering regime change, but in supporting a legitimate, inclusive process that restores governance in Caracas, rebuilds the economy [...] and avoids reproducing the cycle of dependency and mistrust' writes Dr Carlos Solar in the latest RUSI Commentary.
The US Commits to Venezuela's Transition. Can it Succeed?
Capturing Nicolás Maduro is not a shortcut to rebuilding a broken country. Washington must now prevent a lengthy interregnum by Maduristas.
www.rusi.org
January 5, 2026 at 3:49 PM
'The challenge will lie not in engineering regime change, but in supporting a legitimate, inclusive process that restores governance in Caracas, rebuilds the economy [...] and avoids reproducing the cycle of dependency and mistrust' writes Dr Carlos Solar in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Reminder : following #Hitler 's orders did not count as legal argument at the #Nuremberg process.
This is no longer a democracy.
#MarkKelly a retired officer and elected senator, responsible for and representing all citizens, is punished for doing his job: reminding service members not to obey unlawful orders.
That’s a loyalty test, not the rule of law.
#MarkKelly a retired officer and elected senator, responsible for and representing all citizens, is punished for doing his job: reminding service members not to obey unlawful orders.
That’s a loyalty test, not the rule of law.
The Pentagon is taking steps to punish Sen. Mark Kelly in response to his November video warning servicemembers not to follow illegal orders.
January 5, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Reminder : following #Hitler 's orders did not count as legal argument at the #Nuremberg process.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Footage shows the moment of a direct Russian strike on the Oleina plant in Dnipro. One of Ukraine’s largest sunflower oil producers, the facility is owned by the American agribusiness giant Bunge.
January 5, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Europe isn't weak. But rearmament without democratic renewal is dangerous. Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int: "Military power is only as credible and safe as the democratic institutions that command it."
Read his op-ed in today's @euobserver.com: euobserver.com/eu-political...
Read his op-ed in today's @euobserver.com: euobserver.com/eu-political...
Europe isn’t weak – but rearmament without democracy is
At Cold War–scale rearmament, Europe’s risk is not military weakness, but losing democratic control over power
euobserver.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Europe isn't weak. But rearmament without democratic renewal is dangerous. Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int: "Military power is only as credible and safe as the democratic institutions that command it."
Read his op-ed in today's @euobserver.com: euobserver.com/eu-political...
Read his op-ed in today's @euobserver.com: euobserver.com/eu-political...
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Hoe begon 2026 voor de mensen in de Oekraïense Donbas?
Ik bracht vier dagen door in de regio: ijskoude temperaturen, drones en een avondklok.
“Het is een hel.”
Lees mijn reportage voor @vrtnws.be hier:
vrtnws.be/p.5w9RGY63N
Ik bracht vier dagen door in de regio: ijskoude temperaturen, drones en een avondklok.
“Het is een hel.”
Lees mijn reportage voor @vrtnws.be hier:
vrtnws.be/p.5w9RGY63N
"Zo beginnen wij het nieuwe jaar, het is een hel": 4 dagen in de Oekraïense Donbas tijdens de jaarwisseling | VRT NWS: nieuws
"Zo beginnen wij het nieuwe jaar. Het is een hel." In de Oekraïense Donbas trillen de steden niet door vuurwerk, maar door bommen. Markten liggen in puin, drones cirkelen boven de stad. VRT NWS was er...
vrtnws.be
January 5, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Hoe begon 2026 voor de mensen in de Oekraïense Donbas?
Ik bracht vier dagen door in de regio: ijskoude temperaturen, drones en een avondklok.
“Het is een hel.”
Lees mijn reportage voor @vrtnws.be hier:
vrtnws.be/p.5w9RGY63N
Ik bracht vier dagen door in de regio: ijskoude temperaturen, drones en een avondklok.
“Het is een hel.”
Lees mijn reportage voor @vrtnws.be hier:
vrtnws.be/p.5w9RGY63N
"In 2010, Cuban General Ramiro Valdés, the Czechoslovak-trained Communist who built the DI, came to Caracas (...) to serve as a government consultant, ostensibly to help solve Venezuela’s electricity crisis. In reality, Valdés began constructing a DI-run deep state within Venezuela" Fascinating 👀
Cuban intelligence has a reputation for being one of the most formidable in the Western Hem. Yet they were seemingly caught off guard by an elaborate and long-planned Maduro op, in spite of controlling Venezuela’s security. I have questions: open.substack.com/pub/macspaun...
The Dog That Didn't Bark in the Maduro Op
Cuban intelligence runs Venezuela's security apparatus. Where was it when the U.S. snatched the Venezuelan strongman?
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:06 AM
"In 2010, Cuban General Ramiro Valdés, the Czechoslovak-trained Communist who built the DI, came to Caracas (...) to serve as a government consultant, ostensibly to help solve Venezuela’s electricity crisis. In reality, Valdés began constructing a DI-run deep state within Venezuela" Fascinating 👀
"The logic of this is that the entire edifice of international law and the US constitution is now subordinate to the whims of any US district attorney who can be persuaded to indict a country’s leader. We are now squarely back in a world where might makes right."
How simple is that.
How simple is that.
What Trump’s “extraordinary military operation” may mean for Europe and the global economy - my latest
Trump Goes Caracas
Thoughts on what President Donald Trump's "extraordinary military operation" may mean for Europe and the global economy
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:46 AM
"The logic of this is that the entire edifice of international law and the US constitution is now subordinate to the whims of any US district attorney who can be persuaded to indict a country’s leader. We are now squarely back in a world where might makes right."
How simple is that.
How simple is that.
Yes please ❕️🦋
History remaining the best teacher, agree that Jean Monnet's "Mémoires" are a must-read in our times of upheaval. 🇪🇺
History remaining the best teacher, agree that Jean Monnet's "Mémoires" are a must-read in our times of upheaval. 🇪🇺
✨ Happy new year! ✨
So sometimes around Christmas I realised that I got quite a few followers on here, but somehow only post on LinkedIn. So I'll try to be a little more active on here this year. Starting with my 2025 review of books :)
open.substack.com/pub/sophiepo...
So sometimes around Christmas I realised that I got quite a few followers on here, but somehow only post on LinkedIn. So I'll try to be a little more active on here this year. Starting with my 2025 review of books :)
open.substack.com/pub/sophiepo...
📚 My 2025 review of books
I’ve always loved reading, and I’ve long considered sharing my thoughts on what I read, but work always seemed to get in the way.
open.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Yes please ❕️🦋
History remaining the best teacher, agree that Jean Monnet's "Mémoires" are a must-read in our times of upheaval. 🇪🇺
History remaining the best teacher, agree that Jean Monnet's "Mémoires" are a must-read in our times of upheaval. 🇪🇺
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Greenland calls for ‘respect’ for integrity after idiotic tweet from Katie Miller.
Le Groenland appelle au « respect » de son intégrité après un tweet de l’épouse d’un conseiller de Donald Trump
Le Groenland appelle au « respect » de son intégrité après un tweet de l’épouse d’un conseiller de Donald Trump
Katie Miller, épouse du directeur de cabinet adjoint de la Maison Blanche, Stephen Miller, a publié samedi sur son compte X une carte du Groenland aux couleurs du drapeau américain, assortie d’une courte légende en capitales : « SOON » (bientôt).
www.lemonde.fr
January 4, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Greenland calls for ‘respect’ for integrity after idiotic tweet from Katie Miller.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
This is an extraordinary posting by the wife of one of Trump's closest advisers Steve Miller. Combined with recent statements that the US "needs" Greenland and its strive to dominate the western hemisphere, threats against Greenland must be taken very seriously.
January 4, 2026 at 7:32 AM
This is an extraordinary posting by the wife of one of Trump's closest advisers Steve Miller. Combined with recent statements that the US "needs" Greenland and its strive to dominate the western hemisphere, threats against Greenland must be taken very seriously.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
"The focus is now on Diosdado Cabello," said Venezuelan military strategist Jose Garcia. "Because he is the most ideological, violent and unpredictable element of the Venezuelan regime."
Maduro is out but his top allies still hold power in Venezuela
The U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro - praised by President Donald Trump as stunning and powerful - leaves behind uncertainty about who is running the oil-rich country.
www.reuters.com
January 4, 2026 at 6:06 AM
"The focus is now on Diosdado Cabello," said Venezuelan military strategist Jose Garcia. "Because he is the most ideological, violent and unpredictable element of the Venezuelan regime."
⚠️ Welcome to #Venezuela 's quagmire ❕️ Here's what's coming up ⤵️
I’ve taught State Failure & Statebuilding @warstudieskcl.bsky.social at King’s for the past 13 years.
There are MANY reasons why it’s a bad idea for the US to ‘run’ Venezuela.
An economy in crisis. Disintegrating infrastructure. Nonstate armed groups deeply embedded into the state.
/1
There are MANY reasons why it’s a bad idea for the US to ‘run’ Venezuela.
An economy in crisis. Disintegrating infrastructure. Nonstate armed groups deeply embedded into the state.
/1
January 3, 2026 at 9:35 PM
⚠️ Welcome to #Venezuela 's quagmire ❕️ Here's what's coming up ⤵️
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Mercantilism, 21st century edition
Trump: "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so."
January 3, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Mercantilism, 21st century edition
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
During the US operation against Maduro X-Twitter was running in the background in the situation room, emphasizing how important the information space is even or especially during ongoing operations.
January 3, 2026 at 6:25 PM
During the US operation against Maduro X-Twitter was running in the background in the situation room, emphasizing how important the information space is even or especially during ongoing operations.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
If you call Russia your "ally", then you are lost.
January 3, 2026 at 6:11 PM
If you call Russia your "ally", then you are lost.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Putin will be thrilled that Trump is lowering the US to Russia’s level: a rogue state.
EU leaders once again urge the Trump regime to respect international law.
EU leaders once again urge the Trump regime to respect international law.
Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.
The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority. (2/2)
The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority. (2/2)
January 3, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Putin will be thrilled that Trump is lowering the US to Russia’s level: a rogue state.
EU leaders once again urge the Trump regime to respect international law.
EU leaders once again urge the Trump regime to respect international law.
Just imagine if these US military means were used to defend 🇺🇦 from 🇷🇺 aggression....Quod non.
A Venezuelan Buk-M2E air defense system, purchased from Russia, was destroyed this morning by U.S. forces during their strikes on key military targets.
January 3, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Just imagine if these US military means were used to defend 🇺🇦 from 🇷🇺 aggression....Quod non.
QUOTE "This morning, the United States carried out an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This causes deep concern and condemnation."UNQUOTE
#Moscow in vain attempt to defend international law and order, while making a mockery of it in 🇺🇦
#нетвойне
#Moscow in vain attempt to defend international law and order, while making a mockery of it in 🇺🇦
#нетвойне
👺 Russia backs Maduro, says disputes must be settled through dialogue
Russia backs Maduro, says disputes must be settled through dialogue
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned what it called US armed aggression against Venezuela on 3 January and said it is deeply concerned.
www.pravda.com.ua
January 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Meawhile in 🇺🇦 : only 🇷🇺death of innocent civilians and destruction of their property. 🖤
#RussiaIsATerroristState
#SpecialTribunal
#RussiaIsATerroristState
#SpecialTribunal
💔🕯️ As a result of a Russian missile attack on January 2 in Kharkiv, 22-year-old Anastasia Parkhomenko and her 3-year-old son Maksym were killed.
January 3, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Meawhile in 🇺🇦 : only 🇷🇺death of innocent civilians and destruction of their property. 🖤
#RussiaIsATerroristState
#SpecialTribunal
#RussiaIsATerroristState
#SpecialTribunal
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Trump's audacious and probably illegal capture of a Venezuelan leader of doubtful legality suggests he believes he has the right to intervene, i.e. grab what he wants, anywhere in the western hemisphere. Europe, already worried by Trump's Greenland rhetoric, has been warned
January 3, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Trump's audacious and probably illegal capture of a Venezuelan leader of doubtful legality suggests he believes he has the right to intervene, i.e. grab what he wants, anywhere in the western hemisphere. Europe, already worried by Trump's Greenland rhetoric, has been warned