Simon Mackay
@ayemackay.bsky.social
Mountains. Moors. Peat bogs. Rivers. Forests. Woods. Beaches. Meadows. Dry stone walls. A-Series engines.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
We don’t need another delegation of European leaders flying off to Washington to kiss Trump’s ring now. We need them to get on the train to Kyiv and stand shoulder to shoulder with Zelenskyy.
November 21, 2025 at 7:39 PM
We don’t need another delegation of European leaders flying off to Washington to kiss Trump’s ring now. We need them to get on the train to Kyiv and stand shoulder to shoulder with Zelenskyy.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Some notable things in what's being called the "Trump peace plan" but which could not have been more clearly written in Moscow if it came with a 2 for 1 deal on tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Some notable things in what's being called the "Trump peace plan" but which could not have been more clearly written in Moscow if it came with a 2 for 1 deal on tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet. 🧵
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Six great reads: the fragile internet, how to be cool and Don McCullin’s best shots
Six great reads: the fragile internet, how to be cool and Don McCullin’s best shots
Need something brilliant to read this weekend? Here are six of our favourite pieces from the last seven days
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Six great reads: the fragile internet, how to be cool and Don McCullin’s best shots
Reposted by Simon Mackay
We invite you to join the Kyiv Independent for an evening of human stories that illuminate war, courage, and democracy.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
October 31, 2025 at 1:08 PM
We invite you to join the Kyiv Independent for an evening of human stories that illuminate war, courage, and democracy.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
Reposted by Simon Mackay
I have persistently argued that Trump is Putin's obedient servant and that all his objections about Putin have just been insubstantial statements to delude his base that he is not Putin's obedient servant.
I am afraid that I have been right all along:
Trump serves Putin.
I am afraid that I have been right all along:
Trump serves Putin.
October 20, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I have persistently argued that Trump is Putin's obedient servant and that all his objections about Putin have just been insubstantial statements to delude his base that he is not Putin's obedient servant.
I am afraid that I have been right all along:
Trump serves Putin.
I am afraid that I have been right all along:
Trump serves Putin.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Putin might negotiate to end the war only if Ru is losing it. And even then, he might reject an off-ramp because he thinks he has a chance to turn things around. He sure as hell isn't negotiating in good faith now. Just wasting time and sabotaging aid to Ukraine.
October 17, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Putin might negotiate to end the war only if Ru is losing it. And even then, he might reject an off-ramp because he thinks he has a chance to turn things around. He sure as hell isn't negotiating in good faith now. Just wasting time and sabotaging aid to Ukraine.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Carole Cadwalladr was right and we’d be in a better world if more people had listened.
This tweet has been doing the rounds on Twitter now that Nathan Gill has pleaded guilty.
If only someone had tried to investigate UKIP & Russian interference 🧐
There’s another timeline where the Guardian supported me, doubled down on the investigation & I look 5 years younger ..
If only someone had tried to investigate UKIP & Russian interference 🧐
There’s another timeline where the Guardian supported me, doubled down on the investigation & I look 5 years younger ..
October 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Carole Cadwalladr was right and we’d be in a better world if more people had listened.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
NEW: We need to talk about Russia.
So, yes, that's why we need to talk about Nigel Farage.
My personal newsletter on the story behind the story. Brexit, Trump, Russia & now...Nathan Gill.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
So, yes, that's why we need to talk about Nigel Farage.
My personal newsletter on the story behind the story. Brexit, Trump, Russia & now...Nathan Gill.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
October 12, 2025 at 7:10 PM
NEW: We need to talk about Russia.
So, yes, that's why we need to talk about Nigel Farage.
My personal newsletter on the story behind the story. Brexit, Trump, Russia & now...Nathan Gill.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
So, yes, that's why we need to talk about Nigel Farage.
My personal newsletter on the story behind the story. Brexit, Trump, Russia & now...Nathan Gill.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Reposted by Simon Mackay
"I am happy, but my happiness is clouded by the fact that my friends are still there [in Russian captivity]."
Ukrainian Defender spent almost 3,5 years in Russian captivity. He has been counting days up to the moment when he finally returned home.
📹: Ombudsman of Ukraine
Ukrainian Defender spent almost 3,5 years in Russian captivity. He has been counting days up to the moment when he finally returned home.
📹: Ombudsman of Ukraine
October 3, 2025 at 8:36 AM
"I am happy, but my happiness is clouded by the fact that my friends are still there [in Russian captivity]."
Ukrainian Defender spent almost 3,5 years in Russian captivity. He has been counting days up to the moment when he finally returned home.
📹: Ombudsman of Ukraine
Ukrainian Defender spent almost 3,5 years in Russian captivity. He has been counting days up to the moment when he finally returned home.
📹: Ombudsman of Ukraine
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Russian colonialism. A long 🧵
Some didn´t get the memo but Russia was - and is - a colonial power.
Let´s take a tour around this marvelous empire:
(I merged two threads here. That´s why the Balts are more thoroughly pictured)
1/x
Some didn´t get the memo but Russia was - and is - a colonial power.
Let´s take a tour around this marvelous empire:
(I merged two threads here. That´s why the Balts are more thoroughly pictured)
1/x
August 21, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Russian colonialism. A long 🧵
Some didn´t get the memo but Russia was - and is - a colonial power.
Let´s take a tour around this marvelous empire:
(I merged two threads here. That´s why the Balts are more thoroughly pictured)
1/x
Some didn´t get the memo but Russia was - and is - a colonial power.
Let´s take a tour around this marvelous empire:
(I merged two threads here. That´s why the Balts are more thoroughly pictured)
1/x
Reposted by Simon Mackay
So you think Ukraine can just leave Donbas? It’s the shield forged in steel — and paid in blood
The Donbas fortress belt has held for years against Russia’s army. Surrendering it would open the road west.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/08/14/u...
The Donbas fortress belt has held for years against Russia’s army. Surrendering it would open the road west.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/08/14/u...
So you think Ukraine can just leave Donbas? It’s the shield forged in steel — and paid in blood
The Donbas fortress belt has held for years against Russia’s army. Surrendering it would open the road west.
euromaidanpress.com
August 15, 2025 at 8:38 AM
So you think Ukraine can just leave Donbas? It’s the shield forged in steel — and paid in blood
The Donbas fortress belt has held for years against Russia’s army. Surrendering it would open the road west.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/08/14/u...
The Donbas fortress belt has held for years against Russia’s army. Surrendering it would open the road west.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/08/14/u...
Reposted by Simon Mackay
The truth came out for even the most deluded people who really thought Trump would help Ukraine and punish Russia. Trump and Putin have been maneuvering for this all summer, a summit which will result in a horrific deal for Ukraine and Europe: a win-win for Putin. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Despicable: Very Effectively Done
Trump Hands Putin A Win-Win Scenario, Which Was Always The Plan
open.substack.com
August 9, 2025 at 7:29 AM
The truth came out for even the most deluded people who really thought Trump would help Ukraine and punish Russia. Trump and Putin have been maneuvering for this all summer, a summit which will result in a horrific deal for Ukraine and Europe: a win-win for Putin. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Same mistake, different century.
July 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Same mistake, different century.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
In today’s Vatnik Soup video, I discuss Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children.
This was by far the most difficult video I’ve ever made — but also the most important.
youtu.be/C8BSPZn5RJs
This was by far the most difficult video I’ve ever made — but also the most important.
youtu.be/C8BSPZn5RJs
Russia’s Darkest War Crime Yet: Targeting Ukraine’s Children
YouTube video by Vatnik Soup
youtu.be
June 7, 2025 at 9:25 AM
In today’s Vatnik Soup video, I discuss Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children.
This was by far the most difficult video I’ve ever made — but also the most important.
youtu.be/C8BSPZn5RJs
This was by far the most difficult video I’ve ever made — but also the most important.
youtu.be/C8BSPZn5RJs
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Putin telling Trump Russia must retaliate is really non-news. Russia already had been launching significant strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. Russia already is committing genocidal acts. Let's stop acting like Putin hasn't already escalated unprovoked many ways over the last three years.
June 4, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Putin telling Trump Russia must retaliate is really non-news. Russia already had been launching significant strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. Russia already is committing genocidal acts. Let's stop acting like Putin hasn't already escalated unprovoked many ways over the last three years.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
The US on Jan. 10 - in the last days of the Biden Presidency - sanctioned 75 Russian shadow fleet oil tankers. Activity in those vessels has since gone to zero (orange), so US sanctions essentially shut down the shadow fleet and are highly effective. This is how to hurt Putin. Sanctions work...
May 31, 2025 at 7:36 AM
The US on Jan. 10 - in the last days of the Biden Presidency - sanctioned 75 Russian shadow fleet oil tankers. Activity in those vessels has since gone to zero (orange), so US sanctions essentially shut down the shadow fleet and are highly effective. This is how to hurt Putin. Sanctions work...
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Russian intelligence officers recruited two teenagers, one 15 and the other 17, with the prospect of earning “easy money” for making an improvised explosive device. The teens hadn’t realized they were going to be part of the butcher’s bill.
Russia’s New Weapon: Child 'Suicide Bombers'
Moscow’s intelligence services are recruiting civilians, including the young and vulnerable, to carry remotely detonated explosives
newlinesmag.com
May 13, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Russian intelligence officers recruited two teenagers, one 15 and the other 17, with the prospect of earning “easy money” for making an improvised explosive device. The teens hadn’t realized they were going to be part of the butcher’s bill.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
So I'm attempting my first Substack Live tonight with @the-citizens.bsky.social & @peterjukes.bsky.social & Sergei Cristo, the Tory whistleblower who's at the centre of Sergei & the Westminster Spy Ring. We'll be answering any qs you have on Russia, UK & govt refusal to hold an inquiry. Do join!
Substack Live: Sergei and the Westminster Spy Ring
Tuesday 29th April, 6pm BST / 1pm EST
Join online carolecadwalla.bsky.social, peterjukes.bsky.social and Sergei Cristo and ask them questions about our chart-topping spy thriller
citizensreunited.substack.com/p/substack-l...
Tuesday 29th April, 6pm BST / 1pm EST
Join online carolecadwalla.bsky.social, peterjukes.bsky.social and Sergei Cristo and ask them questions about our chart-topping spy thriller
citizensreunited.substack.com/p/substack-l...
Substack Live: Sergei and the Westminster Spy Ring - April 29th
Join Carole Cadwalladr, Peter Jukes and Sergei Cristo and ask them questions about the making of this 10-part spy thriller that went to No. 1 in the Apple charts
citizensreunited.substack.com
April 29, 2025 at 6:38 AM
So I'm attempting my first Substack Live tonight with @the-citizens.bsky.social & @peterjukes.bsky.social & Sergei Cristo, the Tory whistleblower who's at the centre of Sergei & the Westminster Spy Ring. We'll be answering any qs you have on Russia, UK & govt refusal to hold an inquiry. Do join!
Reposted by Simon Mackay
I'm very pleased to announce that my debut feature documentary, The Battle For Kyiv, will be released on Apple TV, Amazon Prime & Google Play on June 6th 2025 in association with BylineTV.
Available in all territories and countries these platforms operate in except for Russia.
Available in all territories and countries these platforms operate in except for Russia.
April 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
I'm very pleased to announce that my debut feature documentary, The Battle For Kyiv, will be released on Apple TV, Amazon Prime & Google Play on June 6th 2025 in association with BylineTV.
Available in all territories and countries these platforms operate in except for Russia.
Available in all territories and countries these platforms operate in except for Russia.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Russia murdered five people in Kharkiv last night and at least twelve (I fear the number will rise) in Kryvyi Rih just now. Where are the headlines? I'm so sick and tired of the world press treating Russia's murder of Ukrainians as something unworthy of mention.
April 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Russia murdered five people in Kharkiv last night and at least twelve (I fear the number will rise) in Kryvyi Rih just now. Where are the headlines? I'm so sick and tired of the world press treating Russia's murder of Ukrainians as something unworthy of mention.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Three years after Ukraine liberated Irpin, iconic photos captured the destruction, evacuations, and resilience of its people.
🧵 1/12
🧵 1/12
March 29, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Three years after Ukraine liberated Irpin, iconic photos captured the destruction, evacuations, and resilience of its people.
🧵 1/12
🧵 1/12
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Ukraine is the test for where people really stand on freedom, independence and democracy. Those who believe a people should be able to chose their own destiny, live in freedom and democracy support Ukraine, those who don't find all kinds of argument for not supporting Ukraine.
March 16, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Ukraine is the test for where people really stand on freedom, independence and democracy. Those who believe a people should be able to chose their own destiny, live in freedom and democracy support Ukraine, those who don't find all kinds of argument for not supporting Ukraine.
Reposted by Simon Mackay
Russia has kidnapped tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Putin was indicted for this crime. Yale has a unit searching for them. Musk eliminated the funding.
inews.co.uk/news/world/m...
inews.co.uk/news/world/m...
Musk cuts the team finding Ukrainian children stolen by Russia
Trump’s federal cost-cutting - led by Elon Musk's Doge – has now hit the unit helping rescue Ukrainian children taken by Russia
inews.co.uk
March 15, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Russia has kidnapped tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Putin was indicted for this crime. Yale has a unit searching for them. Musk eliminated the funding.
inews.co.uk/news/world/m...
inews.co.uk/news/world/m...
Reposted by Simon Mackay
🧵 I want to follow up this earlier thread by examining why the USA finds itself in the state it does at the moment; the process of disordered discourse capturing state institutions and how it inevitably results in a slide towards authoritarianism, a process we're seeing unfold before our very eyes.
What we’re witnessing in America is what happens when disordered discourse captures a political party, then the state itself. The Republican Party was the first to fall - abandoning truth for conspiracy, ideology for grievance, and policy for performative outrage.
March 12, 2025 at 7:28 PM
🧵 I want to follow up this earlier thread by examining why the USA finds itself in the state it does at the moment; the process of disordered discourse capturing state institutions and how it inevitably results in a slide towards authoritarianism, a process we're seeing unfold before our very eyes.