motley
@motleypol.bsky.social
History | Politics
American Civil War and American Politics Focus
American Civil War and American Politics Focus
Pinned
motley
@motleypol.bsky.social
· Nov 23
I think it’s a fair assessment, based on Trump’s first time and the cabinet picks for his second, to say Trump will have similar effects on progressiveness as Andrew Johnson.
Reposted by motley
⚡️'Donetsk and maybe a land swap' —Witkoff promised Russian aides he could sway Trump, pressure Ukraine into peace deal in secret phone recording.
'Donetsk and maybe a land swap' —Witkoff promised Russian aides he could sway Trump, pressure Ukraine into peace deal in secret phone recording
"The president will give me a lot of space and discretion to get to the deal," U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov in a recorded phone call obtained by Bloomberg.
kyivindependent.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:49 PM
⚡️'Donetsk and maybe a land swap' —Witkoff promised Russian aides he could sway Trump, pressure Ukraine into peace deal in secret phone recording.
Trump doesn’t care about a just peace, we all know this. Donald just wants to inflate his performance by leaving what he deems a lasting legacy that very few presidents were able to achieve. He’d let Ukraine be defenseless and fall at a later date if it allowed his legacy to have this “win”.
⚡️Trump walks back Ukraine deadline, says 28-point peace plan was 'just a map.’
U.S. President Donald Trump said that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Thanksgiving agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Thanksgiving agreement.
Trump walks back Ukraine deadline, says 28-point peace plan was 'just a map'
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Nov. 25 that there is no specific deadline for Ukraine to accept the initially drafted 28-point proposal, easing previous statements that implied he hoped for a Tha...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Trump doesn’t care about a just peace, we all know this. Donald just wants to inflate his performance by leaving what he deems a lasting legacy that very few presidents were able to achieve. He’d let Ukraine be defenseless and fall at a later date if it allowed his legacy to have this “win”.
Reposted by motley
⚡️ 'Rewarding Russian butchery' — US lawmakers rail against Trump's Ukraine peace deal.
"Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests," U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said.
"Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests," U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said.
'Rewarding Russian butchery' — US lawmakers rail against Trump's Ukraine peace deal
"Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests," U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said.
kyivindependent.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
⚡️ 'Rewarding Russian butchery' — US lawmakers rail against Trump's Ukraine peace deal.
"Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests," U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said.
"Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests," U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said.
Reposted by motley
Trump may tell Americans — even his own supporters — that they won’t pay the tariffs.
But at the same time, his own lawyers are arguing before the Supreme Court that American businesses and consumers pay the tariffs.
Listen for yourself.
But at the same time, his own lawyers are arguing before the Supreme Court that American businesses and consumers pay the tariffs.
Listen for yourself.
November 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Trump may tell Americans — even his own supporters — that they won’t pay the tariffs.
But at the same time, his own lawyers are arguing before the Supreme Court that American businesses and consumers pay the tariffs.
Listen for yourself.
But at the same time, his own lawyers are arguing before the Supreme Court that American businesses and consumers pay the tariffs.
Listen for yourself.
Reposted by motley
Fundraiser time! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
The very definition of muh boys, Pheonix battalion, are asking for help for their new mobile drone groups.
They need $4500 for the additional equipment.
If can get more, the better.
PayPal: anastasiyaparaskevova@gmail.com
The very definition of muh boys, Pheonix battalion, are asking for help for their new mobile drone groups.
They need $4500 for the additional equipment.
If can get more, the better.
PayPal: anastasiyaparaskevova@gmail.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Fundraiser time! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
The very definition of muh boys, Pheonix battalion, are asking for help for their new mobile drone groups.
They need $4500 for the additional equipment.
If can get more, the better.
PayPal: anastasiyaparaskevova@gmail.com
The very definition of muh boys, Pheonix battalion, are asking for help for their new mobile drone groups.
They need $4500 for the additional equipment.
If can get more, the better.
PayPal: anastasiyaparaskevova@gmail.com
Reposted by motley
⚡️ 'Russians hunting Ukrainian farmers' in intercepted drone footage, Azov claims.
The video clearly shows at least four men in a field abandoning agricultural equipment and running from the drone.
The video clearly shows at least four men in a field abandoning agricultural equipment and running from the drone.
'Russians hunting Ukrainian farmers' in intercepted drone footage, Azov claims
The video clearly shows at least four men in a field abandoning agricultural equipment and running from the drone.
kyivindependent.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:43 AM
⚡️ 'Russians hunting Ukrainian farmers' in intercepted drone footage, Azov claims.
The video clearly shows at least four men in a field abandoning agricultural equipment and running from the drone.
The video clearly shows at least four men in a field abandoning agricultural equipment and running from the drone.
Reposted by motley
Do not miss our first-ever live event in New York City, "Stories From Democracy's Front Line," where the Kyiv Independent team will share stories from the life of a newsroom in times of war.
Reserve a place here: kyivindependent.com/stories-live...
Reserve a place here: kyivindependent.com/stories-live...
October 22, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Do not miss our first-ever live event in New York City, "Stories From Democracy's Front Line," where the Kyiv Independent team will share stories from the life of a newsroom in times of war.
Reserve a place here: kyivindependent.com/stories-live...
Reserve a place here: kyivindependent.com/stories-live...
“REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ARE LITERALLY THE SAME! AMIRITE MY FELLOW TROGLODYTES?!?!”
Democrats forced Franken to resign for a shitty joke, Republicans are fine with state legislators who want to gas their opposition and congressmen who beat the women they’re having affairs with.
Democrats forced Franken to resign for a shitty joke, Republicans are fine with state legislators who want to gas their opposition and congressmen who beat the women they’re having affairs with.
Q: This has been reported for a while. Cory Mills was accused of beating a girlfriend in his DC apt. Are you concerned about these allegations?
JOHNSON: You have to ask Rep. Mills about that. He's been a faithful colleague. I don't know the details. Let's talk about things that are really serious
JOHNSON: You have to ask Rep. Mills about that. He's been a faithful colleague. I don't know the details. Let's talk about things that are really serious
October 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
“REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ARE LITERALLY THE SAME! AMIRITE MY FELLOW TROGLODYTES?!?!”
Democrats forced Franken to resign for a shitty joke, Republicans are fine with state legislators who want to gas their opposition and congressmen who beat the women they’re having affairs with.
Democrats forced Franken to resign for a shitty joke, Republicans are fine with state legislators who want to gas their opposition and congressmen who beat the women they’re having affairs with.
Reposted by motley
⚡️'Not in Poland's interest,' to hand over Ukrainian in Nord Stream probe, Tusk says.
"From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and should remain silent on the issue of Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
"From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and should remain silent on the issue of Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
'Not in Poland's interest,' to hand over Ukrainian in Nord Stream probe, Tusk says
"From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and should remain silent on the issue of Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
kyivindependent.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:25 PM
⚡️'Not in Poland's interest,' to hand over Ukrainian in Nord Stream probe, Tusk says.
"From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and should remain silent on the issue of Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
"From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and should remain silent on the issue of Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
Reposted by motley
⚡️Up to 5,000 Cubans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Reuters reports.
An estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters are actively participating in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported Oct. 5, citing an internal U.S. State Department cable obtained by the outlet.
An estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters are actively participating in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported Oct. 5, citing an internal U.S. State Department cable obtained by the outlet.
Up to 5,000 Cubans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Reuters reports
An estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters are actively participating in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported Oct. 5, citing an internal U.S. State Department cable obtained by the outlet.
kyivindependent.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
⚡️Up to 5,000 Cubans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Reuters reports.
An estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters are actively participating in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported Oct. 5, citing an internal U.S. State Department cable obtained by the outlet.
An estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cuban fighters are actively participating in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported Oct. 5, citing an internal U.S. State Department cable obtained by the outlet.
Reposted by motley
⚡️French military intercepts Russian ship suspected of launching drones into European airspace, Guardian reports.
The French military has boarded a so-called Russian "shadow fleet" vessel suspected of launching drones into European airspace, the Guardian reported Oct. 1.
The French military has boarded a so-called Russian "shadow fleet" vessel suspected of launching drones into European airspace, the Guardian reported Oct. 1.
French military intercepts Russian ship suspected of launching drones into European airspace, Guardian reports
The ship was intercepted by the French Navy on Sept. 28 and diverted to the coast of Western France while investigations continue.
kyivindependent.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:39 PM
⚡️French military intercepts Russian ship suspected of launching drones into European airspace, Guardian reports.
The French military has boarded a so-called Russian "shadow fleet" vessel suspected of launching drones into European airspace, the Guardian reported Oct. 1.
The French military has boarded a so-called Russian "shadow fleet" vessel suspected of launching drones into European airspace, the Guardian reported Oct. 1.
Reposted by motley
⚡️NATO 'must respond accordingly, including militarily' to Russian provocations, Czech president says.
NATO must remain united and respond decisively to Russian provocations, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sept. 20 amid increased Russian violations of NATO airspace.
NATO must remain united and respond decisively to Russian provocations, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sept. 20 amid increased Russian violations of NATO airspace.
NATO 'must respond accordingly, including militarily' to Russian provocations, Czech president says
"What happened in recent days in Poland and Estonia, and what has been happening in Ukraine for four years, concerns us all, because if we don't remain united, sooner or later it will happen to us too...
kyivindependent.com
September 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
⚡️NATO 'must respond accordingly, including militarily' to Russian provocations, Czech president says.
NATO must remain united and respond decisively to Russian provocations, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sept. 20 amid increased Russian violations of NATO airspace.
NATO must remain united and respond decisively to Russian provocations, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sept. 20 amid increased Russian violations of NATO airspace.
Reposted by motley
⚡️Poland to send military representatives to Ukraine for training on shooting down Russian drones.
Poland to send military representatives to Ukraine for training on shooting down Russian drones
Poland will send its military representatives to Ukraine to undergo consultations and training on how to effectively shoot down Russian drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 11.
kyivindependent.com
September 11, 2025 at 10:26 PM
⚡️Poland to send military representatives to Ukraine for training on shooting down Russian drones.
Reposted by motley
⚡️Russian drones target on Sept. 10 Rzeszow Airport, key aid hub for Ukraine, media reports.
At least five drones targeted an airport near the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to Spiegel.
At least five drones targeted an airport near the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to Spiegel.
Russian drones targeted Poland's Rzeszow Airport, key aid hub for Ukraine, media reports
At least five drones targeted an airport near the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to Spiegel.
kyivindependent.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
⚡️Russian drones target on Sept. 10 Rzeszow Airport, key aid hub for Ukraine, media reports.
At least five drones targeted an airport near the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to Spiegel.
At least five drones targeted an airport near the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to Spiegel.
Reposted by motley
Elizabeth Warren on people who say Dems needs to tone down their rhetoric: "Oh, please. Why don't you start with the president of the United States? And every ugly meme he's posted and every ugly word."
September 11, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Elizabeth Warren on people who say Dems needs to tone down their rhetoric: "Oh, please. Why don't you start with the president of the United States? And every ugly meme he's posted and every ugly word."
Putin knows the U.S. is weak under Trump so now they provoke NATO.
This wouldn’t have happened under Biden, a truly strong and resolute president.
This wouldn’t have happened under Biden, a truly strong and resolute president.
⚡️ Update: Tusk confirms ‘huge number of Russian drones’ violated Polish airspace.
“Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X.
“Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X.
In first for NATO, Poland downs Russian drones amid mass attack on Ukraine as Putin 'testing the West'
"Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X, adding that those "that posed a direct threat were shot down."
kyivindependent.com
September 10, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Putin knows the U.S. is weak under Trump so now they provoke NATO.
This wouldn’t have happened under Biden, a truly strong and resolute president.
This wouldn’t have happened under Biden, a truly strong and resolute president.
Reposted by motley
Europe's "Coalition of the Willing" summit on Sept. 4 struggled to gain Washington's support for its proposed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine, and doubts remain over whether or not it can be implemented, European and Ukrainian officials have told the Kyiv Independent.
Europe's 'Coalition of the Willing' plan for Ukraine is already unravelling
Europe's "Coalition of the Willing" summit on Sept. 4 struggled to gain Washington's support for its proposed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine, and doubts remain over whether or not it can be imple...
kyivindependent.com
September 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Europe's "Coalition of the Willing" summit on Sept. 4 struggled to gain Washington's support for its proposed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine, and doubts remain over whether or not it can be implemented, European and Ukrainian officials have told the Kyiv Independent.
Interesting to note that people have said Putin has a significant fascination with life prolonging technology and is deeply insecure about his failing health.
These poor, little men never comprehended the inevitability of death that we all learned before we got to middle school.
These poor, little men never comprehended the inevitability of death that we all learned before we got to middle school.
⚡️ Hot mic captures Putin musing about biotechnology, immortality at Beijing parade.
Russia's male life expectancy is just 67 years, while most of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle is of similar age.
Russia's male life expectancy is just 67 years, while most of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle is of similar age.
Hot mic captures Putin musing about biotechnology, immortality at Beijing parade
Russia's male life expectancy is just 67 years, while most of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle is of similar age.
kyivindependent.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Interesting to note that people have said Putin has a significant fascination with life prolonging technology and is deeply insecure about his failing health.
These poor, little men never comprehended the inevitability of death that we all learned before we got to middle school.
These poor, little men never comprehended the inevitability of death that we all learned before we got to middle school.
Reposted by motley
Welch: As someone who lives in a red state, let me just tell you what MAGA supermajorities get you. We're 50th in education. The worst in the whole country for women to live. We're poorer, worst health care. And if you look at the bottom ten states, they are all MAGA supermajorities.
August 30, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Welch: As someone who lives in a red state, let me just tell you what MAGA supermajorities get you. We're 50th in education. The worst in the whole country for women to live. We're poorer, worst health care. And if you look at the bottom ten states, they are all MAGA supermajorities.
Reposted by motley
NEW: Trump suggested in meeting with Euro leaders & Zelensky at the White House last week deploying Chinese troops as peacekeepers in postwar Ukraine, lending support to a proposal first put forward by Putin.
Scoop w @henryjfoy.ft.com Steff Chavez @jprathbone.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/dc64...
Scoop w @henryjfoy.ft.com Steff Chavez @jprathbone.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/dc64...
Donald Trump ‘proposed Chinese peacekeepers’ for Ukraine
US president endorsed idea first pitched by Moscow, say people briefed on situation. White House denies the comments were made
www.ft.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:25 PM
NEW: Trump suggested in meeting with Euro leaders & Zelensky at the White House last week deploying Chinese troops as peacekeepers in postwar Ukraine, lending support to a proposal first put forward by Putin.
Scoop w @henryjfoy.ft.com Steff Chavez @jprathbone.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/dc64...
Scoop w @henryjfoy.ft.com Steff Chavez @jprathbone.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/dc64...
Reposted by motley
⚡ Witkoff misunderstood Putin's Ukraine land swap offer, left European leaders 'startled,' Reuters reports.
Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no previous diplomatic experience — reportedly went to the meeting with Putin without an official notetaker.
kyivindependent.com/land-swap-co...
Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no previous diplomatic experience — reportedly went to the meeting with Putin without an official notetaker.
kyivindependent.com/land-swap-co...
Witkoff misunderstood Putin's Ukraine land swap offer, left European leaders 'startled,' Reuters reports
Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no previous diplomatic experience — reportedly went to the meeting with Putin without a U.S. State Department notetaker.
kyivindependent.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:15 PM
⚡ Witkoff misunderstood Putin's Ukraine land swap offer, left European leaders 'startled,' Reuters reports.
Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no previous diplomatic experience — reportedly went to the meeting with Putin without an official notetaker.
kyivindependent.com/land-swap-co...
Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no previous diplomatic experience — reportedly went to the meeting with Putin without an official notetaker.
kyivindependent.com/land-swap-co...
Reposted by motley
⚡️Germany, Poland, Czech Republic named first countries included in Ukraine's multiple citizenship law.
The new law will be extended to these three countries first, and then to the U.S. and Canada, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The new law will be extended to these three countries first, and then to the U.S. and Canada, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Germany, Poland, Czech Republic named first countries included in Ukraine's multiple citizenship law
The new law will be extended to these three countries first, and then to the U.S. and Canada, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
kyivindependent.com
August 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
⚡️Germany, Poland, Czech Republic named first countries included in Ukraine's multiple citizenship law.
The new law will be extended to these three countries first, and then to the U.S. and Canada, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The new law will be extended to these three countries first, and then to the U.S. and Canada, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
For every semi-intelligent thing he says there’s about fifteen thousand other things he says where he reminds us how much of a mumbling moron he is.
⚡️'It's all bullsh*t' —Trump responds to Russia's attacks on Zelensky's legitimacy.
"It doesn't matter what they say. Everybody's posturing," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Aug. 26.
"It doesn't matter what they say. Everybody's posturing," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Aug. 26.
'It's all bullsh*t' —Trump responds to Russia's attacks on Zelensky's legitimacy
"It doesn't matter what they say. Everybody's posturing," U.S. President Donald Trump said during a Cabinet Meeting on Aug. 26.
kyivindependent.com
August 27, 2025 at 1:52 AM
For every semi-intelligent thing he says there’s about fifteen thousand other things he says where he reminds us how much of a mumbling moron he is.
Reposted by motley
⚡️Pentagon has quietly barred Ukrainian long-range strikes in Russia with US missiles, WSJ reports.
Pentagon has quietly barred Ukrainian long-range strikes in Russia with US missiles, WSJ reports
The U.S. has quietly implemented a review process giving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authority to approve Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia with American missiles, effectively blocking str...
kyivindependent.com
August 23, 2025 at 10:35 PM
⚡️Pentagon has quietly barred Ukrainian long-range strikes in Russia with US missiles, WSJ reports.
Reposted by motley
Murder rates for 2024 per 100,000 ppl
1. Birmingham, AL: 58.8
2. St. Louis, MO: 54.0
3. Memphis, TN: 40.6
4. Baltimore, MD: 34.7
5. Detroit, MI: 31.1
6. Cleveland, OH: 30.0
7. Dayton, OH: 29.6
8. Kansas City: 27.5
10. DC: 25.4
22. Chicago: 17.4
88. L.A.: 6.9
127: NY: 3.9
1. Birmingham, AL: 58.8
2. St. Louis, MO: 54.0
3. Memphis, TN: 40.6
4. Baltimore, MD: 34.7
5. Detroit, MI: 31.1
6. Cleveland, OH: 30.0
7. Dayton, OH: 29.6
8. Kansas City: 27.5
10. DC: 25.4
22. Chicago: 17.4
88. L.A.: 6.9
127: NY: 3.9
August 24, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Murder rates for 2024 per 100,000 ppl
1. Birmingham, AL: 58.8
2. St. Louis, MO: 54.0
3. Memphis, TN: 40.6
4. Baltimore, MD: 34.7
5. Detroit, MI: 31.1
6. Cleveland, OH: 30.0
7. Dayton, OH: 29.6
8. Kansas City: 27.5
10. DC: 25.4
22. Chicago: 17.4
88. L.A.: 6.9
127: NY: 3.9
1. Birmingham, AL: 58.8
2. St. Louis, MO: 54.0
3. Memphis, TN: 40.6
4. Baltimore, MD: 34.7
5. Detroit, MI: 31.1
6. Cleveland, OH: 30.0
7. Dayton, OH: 29.6
8. Kansas City: 27.5
10. DC: 25.4
22. Chicago: 17.4
88. L.A.: 6.9
127: NY: 3.9