Azamat Junisbai
@azamatistan.bsky.social
almaty native - california transplant - sociology professor - views are my own - 🇰🇿🇺🇦
Many choice words could be used to describe this revelation about Steve-RussianWishlist-Witkoff. Traitorous or nauseating come to mind. The one word that doesn’t fit though is “surprising.” And that is truly dreadful. #ArmUkraineNow
EXCLUSIVE: US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff advised Russia on how to pitch Ukraine plans to Trump, in audio files reviewed by Bloomberg
Witkoff Advised Russia on How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, fresh from the triumph of the Gaza peace deal, held a phone call last month with a senior Kremlin official to suggest they work together on a similar plan for Ukraine — and that Vladimir Putin should raise it with Donald Trump.
bloom.bg
November 26, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Many choice words could be used to describe this revelation about Steve-RussianWishlist-Witkoff. Traitorous or nauseating come to mind. The one word that doesn’t fit though is “surprising.” And that is truly dreadful. #ArmUkraineNow
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
We are in a bizarre moment of diplomatic history. The purported "peace plan" that appeared a few days ago begins in Russian unreality and American weakness. Demanding everything of Ukraine and nothing of Russia, its purpose is imperialism and profiteering.
snyder.substack.com/p/russian-un...
snyder.substack.com/p/russian-un...
Russian Unreality and American Weakness
Notes from a bizarre moment of diplomatic history
snyder.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
We are in a bizarre moment of diplomatic history. The purported "peace plan" that appeared a few days ago begins in Russian unreality and American weakness. Demanding everything of Ukraine and nothing of Russia, its purpose is imperialism and profiteering.
snyder.substack.com/p/russian-un...
snyder.substack.com/p/russian-un...
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
Putin’s plan for Ukrainian surrender does not serve American national interests
Putin’s plan for Ukrainian surrender does not serve American national interests
Ukrainians and their democratically elected leaders will have to assess how to deal with Putin’s latest 28-point proposal for Ukrainian surrender — sometimes referred to as “Trump’s peace plan.”
It’s...
kyivindependent.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Putin’s plan for Ukrainian surrender does not serve American national interests
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
The 28-point wishlist from the kremlin is sucking oxygen out of every newsroom.
Meanwhile, we have 11 years of evidence that russia doesn’t want peace in Ukraine, it wants #Ukraine in pieces
Hot off the press nypost.com/2025/11/22/o...
Meanwhile, we have 11 years of evidence that russia doesn’t want peace in Ukraine, it wants #Ukraine in pieces
Hot off the press nypost.com/2025/11/22/o...
The Ukraine ‘peace plan’ distracts from the real issue: why Russia’s desperate to keep fighting
Say what you will about President Trump’s methods, but his wish to end Russia’s war is genuine. The problem is Moscow doesn’t want peace in Ukraine, it wants Ukraine in pieces. A panicking Vladimir…
nypost.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:59 AM
The 28-point wishlist from the kremlin is sucking oxygen out of every newsroom.
Meanwhile, we have 11 years of evidence that russia doesn’t want peace in Ukraine, it wants #Ukraine in pieces
Hot off the press nypost.com/2025/11/22/o...
Meanwhile, we have 11 years of evidence that russia doesn’t want peace in Ukraine, it wants #Ukraine in pieces
Hot off the press nypost.com/2025/11/22/o...
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
"The price for keeping the dialogue (with the U.S.) cannot be the sovereignty of Ukraine, which this plan undermines altogether," Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from the opposition Holos party, told the Kyiv Independent.
'A plan of capitulation' — US push for controversial peace plan met with backlash in Ukraine
Amid mounting pressure from the White House, Kyiv is now grappling with a U.S. 28-point peace plan that many in the country view as a "capitulation."
Ukrainian activists, lawmakers, soldiers and vete...
kyivindependent.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:53 PM
"The price for keeping the dialogue (with the U.S.) cannot be the sovereignty of Ukraine, which this plan undermines altogether," Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from the opposition Holos party, told the Kyiv Independent.
A new must-read from Andrew. Any policy toward Moscow that is not rooted in these hard truths is guaranteed to produce failed outcomes and misery.
Why russia cannot help but invade?
Been pondering this question for a decade now...
🇷🇺 didn’t “return” to dictatorship under POO-tihn. It never left.
Rusich is crowdsourcing war crimes, Navalnaya is asking 🇪🇺 to fix 🇷🇺 for russians, and I try to make sense of it all
kyivindependent.com/why-russia-c...
Been pondering this question for a decade now...
🇷🇺 didn’t “return” to dictatorship under POO-tihn. It never left.
Rusich is crowdsourcing war crimes, Navalnaya is asking 🇪🇺 to fix 🇷🇺 for russians, and I try to make sense of it all
kyivindependent.com/why-russia-c...
Why Russia cannot help but invade
The planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest has been shelved. The White House says there's no point meeting unless "we're going to make a deal." Some view this as a setback for diplomacy, but it may we...
kyivindependent.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:50 PM
A new must-read from Andrew. Any policy toward Moscow that is not rooted in these hard truths is guaranteed to produce failed outcomes and misery.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
When Putin talks to a Russians he consistently says that they invade Ukraine to destroy the state and nation and correct the path of history. NATO and similar framings are just for the useful foreigners.
Pu spells out Ru's imperialist motivations for the war. He calls the conquest a long-held dream and historical destiny.
He beclowns those who insist NATO expansion caused the war. Let's see if anyone from the Mearsheimer fan club admits the claim has been falsified.
www.kremlin.ru/events/presi...
He beclowns those who insist NATO expansion caused the war. Let's see if anyone from the Mearsheimer fan club admits the claim has been falsified.
www.kremlin.ru/events/presi...
Обращение по случаю Дня воссоединения ДНР, ЛНР, Запорожской и Херсонской областей с Россией
www.kremlin.ru
October 10, 2025 at 8:02 PM
When Putin talks to a Russians he consistently says that they invade Ukraine to destroy the state and nation and correct the path of history. NATO and similar framings are just for the useful foreigners.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
Pu spells out Ru's imperialist motivations for the war. He calls the conquest a long-held dream and historical destiny.
He beclowns those who insist NATO expansion caused the war. Let's see if anyone from the Mearsheimer fan club admits the claim has been falsified.
www.kremlin.ru/events/presi...
He beclowns those who insist NATO expansion caused the war. Let's see if anyone from the Mearsheimer fan club admits the claim has been falsified.
www.kremlin.ru/events/presi...
Обращение по случаю Дня воссоединения ДНР, ЛНР, Запорожской и Херсонской областей с Россией
www.kremlin.ru
October 1, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Pu spells out Ru's imperialist motivations for the war. He calls the conquest a long-held dream and historical destiny.
He beclowns those who insist NATO expansion caused the war. Let's see if anyone from the Mearsheimer fan club admits the claim has been falsified.
www.kremlin.ru/events/presi...
He beclowns those who insist NATO expansion caused the war. Let's see if anyone from the Mearsheimer fan club admits the claim has been falsified.
www.kremlin.ru/events/presi...
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
Congrats to Moldova!!! Russia threw everything to destabilize the election and failed spectacularly.
Democracy won 🙌🏼
Democracy won 🙌🏼
September 29, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Congrats to Moldova!!! Russia threw everything to destabilize the election and failed spectacularly.
Democracy won 🙌🏼
Democracy won 🙌🏼
Important thread from Prof. Popova. Please read it.
The discussion has me reminiscing, so here's a 🧵. Under Communism, people lived in authoritarian fear. I encountered it at least 3 times while still in grade school when I said things that could be construed as anti-regime: 1) Ru helped Bulgaria leave the Ottoman Empire to get access to the...
In Communist Bulgaria in the 1980s, my parents would invite friends over and spend hrs telling political jokes. I wasn’t allowed in the room because they were afraid I’d retell one of the jokes somewhere and get the family in trouble. The US isn’t there yet but still, WTH?! Pay attn and push back!
September 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Important thread from Prof. Popova. Please read it.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
A big undercurrent of the « NATO expansion was bad » claim is that the Cold War was a period of peace/stability in Europe. Sure, life in a NATO country was good. Life under the Soviet boot meant dictatorship, indignity, and shortages. Stop blaming EEurope for wanting to share in the peace/stability!
September 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM
A big undercurrent of the « NATO expansion was bad » claim is that the Cold War was a period of peace/stability in Europe. Sure, life in a NATO country was good. Life under the Soviet boot meant dictatorship, indignity, and shortages. Stop blaming EEurope for wanting to share in the peace/stability!
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
⚡️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 Azamat Junisbai
Russia murders pensioners
kyivindependent.com/russian-air-...
kyivindependent.com/russian-air-...
'Pure terrorism' — At least 25 killed in Russian air strike on Ukrainian village during pension payouts
The bombing took place around 11 a.m. while local residents lined up to receive pensions, according to officials. The casualties included local pensioners and employees of Ukrposhta, Ukraine's nationa...
kyivindependent.com
September 10, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Russia murders pensioners
kyivindependent.com/russian-air-...
kyivindependent.com/russian-air-...
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
By escalating strikes in Ukraine and now Poland, Putin is sending a message: He is not interested in a ceasefire, or in peace. He plans to keep fighting.
From @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/w...
From @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/w...
Putin’s Message to Ukraine, Europe and Trump: I Won’t Back Down
www.nytimes.com
September 10, 2025 at 12:54 PM
By escalating strikes in Ukraine and now Poland, Putin is sending a message: He is not interested in a ceasefire, or in peace. He plans to keep fighting.
From @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/w...
From @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/w...
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
Poland downs drones after Russian airspace violation
Poland downs drones after Russian airspace violation – DW – 09/10/2025
NATO member Poland's airforce is deploying weapons to down "drone-type objects" that have violated its airspace amid Russian attacks on western Ukraine. Follow DW live for more Ukraine war updates.
www.dw.com
September 10, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Poland downs drones after Russian airspace violation
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
“russia wants peace”
Feel free to spit in the face of anyone who repeats this blood-soaked lie!
Feel free to spit in the face of anyone who repeats this blood-soaked lie!
September 7, 2025 at 1:45 PM
“russia wants peace”
Feel free to spit in the face of anyone who repeats this blood-soaked lie!
Feel free to spit in the face of anyone who repeats this blood-soaked lie!
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
Apropos of some bravado by Pu that’s being reported, two reminders:
1) russia is demanding Ukrainian capitulation, not offering a deal.
2) Ru hasn’t achieved its goals in 11yrs of war. It’s not close to achieving them.
1) russia is demanding Ukrainian capitulation, not offering a deal.
2) Ru hasn’t achieved its goals in 11yrs of war. It’s not close to achieving them.
September 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Apropos of some bravado by Pu that’s being reported, two reminders:
1) russia is demanding Ukrainian capitulation, not offering a deal.
2) Ru hasn’t achieved its goals in 11yrs of war. It’s not close to achieving them.
1) russia is demanding Ukrainian capitulation, not offering a deal.
2) Ru hasn’t achieved its goals in 11yrs of war. It’s not close to achieving them.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
⚡️No regional centers captured, 1 million dead Russian soldiers — Ukrainian official responds to Putin's threats with list of Russia's military 'achievements.'
"Russia is not winning and Ukraine is not losing," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said.
"Russia is not winning and Ukraine is not losing," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said.
No regional centers captured, 1 million dead Russian soldiers — Ukrainian official responds to Putin's threats with list of Russia's military 'achievements'
Russia seized four Ukrainian regional centers in 2014, and has not managed to change that number after three and a half years of full-scale war, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said.
kyivindependent.com
September 3, 2025 at 11:23 PM
⚡️No regional centers captured, 1 million dead Russian soldiers — Ukrainian official responds to Putin's threats with list of Russia's military 'achievements.'
"Russia is not winning and Ukraine is not losing," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said.
"Russia is not winning and Ukraine is not losing," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
⚡️'The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit' — Trump, world leaders send Independence Day messages to Kyiv.
"As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation," Trump said.
"As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation," Trump said.
'The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit' — Trump, world leaders mark Independence Day with messages of support to Kyiv
"As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a letter...
kyivindependent.com
August 24, 2025 at 8:48 PM
⚡️'The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit' — Trump, world leaders send Independence Day messages to Kyiv.
"As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation," Trump said.
"As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation," Trump said.
З Днем НезалежностI! Слава Україні! Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!
August 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
З Днем НезалежностI! Слава Україні! Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
Ukrainian students at the University of Edinburgh plan to protest the upcoming appearance of the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a literary festival in the city over what they say are her imperialist views of Ukraine.
Ukrainian students to protest Navalny widow's appearance at Edinburgh literary festival over her Ukraine views
Ukrainian students at the University of Edinburgh plan to protest the upcoming appearance of the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a literary festival in the city over what the...
kyivindependent.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Ukrainian students at the University of Edinburgh plan to protest the upcoming appearance of the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a literary festival in the city over what they say are her imperialist views of Ukraine.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
President Zelenskyy:
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
August 9, 2025 at 8:21 AM
President Zelenskyy:
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
A reminder: Pu didn't stop the war when he got de facto control of Crimea and some of Donbas in 2014. He invaded further in 2022.
Trump: Putin may agree to stop war in exchange for territories – Bloomberg
Trump: Putin may agree to stop war in exchange for territories – Bloomberg
US President Donald Trump believes Russian ruler Vladimir Putin might be open to peace talks in exchange for territory.
www.pravda.com.ua
August 7, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A reminder: Pu didn't stop the war when he got de facto control of Crimea and some of Donbas in 2014. He invaded further in 2022.
Went to look at some locally made t-shirts last night. Fascinating to see that Russian-derived English spelling is gone from youth-oriented designs. The “kh” in “Kazakhstan” represented the Russian letter “х” that is absent from the way the country’s name is pronounced in Qazaq. Good riddance.
July 27, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Went to look at some locally made t-shirts last night. Fascinating to see that Russian-derived English spelling is gone from youth-oriented designs. The “kh” in “Kazakhstan” represented the Russian letter “х” that is absent from the way the country’s name is pronounced in Qazaq. Good riddance.
Reposted by Azamat Junisbai
⚡️Lithuania to allocate $32 million toward joint purchase of Patriot missile systems for Ukraine.
Lithuania plans to contribute up to 30 million euro ($32.5 million) toward the joint purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported on July 26.
Lithuania plans to contribute up to 30 million euro ($32.5 million) toward the joint purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported on July 26.
Lithuania to allocate $32 million toward joint purchase of Patriot missile systems for Ukraine
Lithuania plans to contribute up to 30 million euro ($32.5 million) toward the joint purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported on July 2...
kyivindependent.com
July 26, 2025 at 5:21 PM
⚡️Lithuania to allocate $32 million toward joint purchase of Patriot missile systems for Ukraine.
Lithuania plans to contribute up to 30 million euro ($32.5 million) toward the joint purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported on July 26.
Lithuania plans to contribute up to 30 million euro ($32.5 million) toward the joint purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported on July 26.