Michael Bociurkiw
@michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social
New York Times-published OpEd writer. Global affairs analyst. Author. Sr Fellow - Atlantic Council. Former spox at OSCE & UNICEF. Founder - World Briefing report on Substack
Just landed in Johannesburg for #G20SouthAfrica - where there’s more questions than answers when it comes to the mysterious arrival of two plane loads of undocumented Gazans… #G20
November 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Just landed in Johannesburg for #G20SouthAfrica - where there’s more questions than answers when it comes to the mysterious arrival of two plane loads of undocumented Gazans… #G20
Hybrid warfare in pure form. Not large enough to trigger Article 5. Just large enough to show Russia can intrude, disrupt, intimidate inside NATO w/near-impunity. Takeaway should be: the frontline is not “moving toward” NATO, it has already reached it #G20
Russia Touches Three NATO States In A Day — And The Alliance Barely Blinks
Sabotage in Poland. Drones over Romania. A Turkish ship struck. Moscow is mapping Western weakness — in real time.
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Hybrid warfare in pure form. Not large enough to trigger Article 5. Just large enough to show Russia can intrude, disrupt, intimidate inside NATO w/near-impunity. Takeaway should be: the frontline is not “moving toward” NATO, it has already reached it #G20
Russia didn’t “accidentally” brush up against NATO this week — it engineered a stress test of the alliance. In roughly a 24-hour period, Moscow’s actions touched 3 of the alliance’s states: Poland, Romania & Turkey
Russia Touches Three NATO States In A Day — And The Alliance Barely Blinks
Sabotage in Poland. Drones over Romania. A Turkish ship struck. Moscow is mapping Western weakness — in real time.
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Russia didn’t “accidentally” brush up against NATO this week — it engineered a stress test of the alliance. In roughly a 24-hour period, Moscow’s actions touched 3 of the alliance’s states: Poland, Romania & Turkey
Tymur Mindich, a prominent businessman with links to President Zelensky & alleged ringleader of massive corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector, used a luxury taxi service to leave the country for Poland hours before authorities launched raids in connection with their investigation
November 17, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Tymur Mindich, a prominent businessman with links to President Zelensky & alleged ringleader of massive corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector, used a luxury taxi service to leave the country for Poland hours before authorities launched raids in connection with their investigation
A covert scheme to move Palestinians out of Gaza — with Israel allegedly facilitating flights to South Africa via the remote Ramon Airport — is drawing sharp scrutiny and prompting an official investigation in Pretoria
Alarm Over Secretive Scheme to Fly Palestinians From Gaza to South Africa
A covert scheme to move Palestinians out of Gaza — with Israel allegedly facilitating flights to South Africa — is drawing sharp scrutiny and prompting an official investigation in Pretoria
open.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:58 PM
A covert scheme to move Palestinians out of Gaza — with Israel allegedly facilitating flights to South Africa via the remote Ramon Airport — is drawing sharp scrutiny and prompting an official investigation in Pretoria
Ukrainian Businessman Embroiled In Massive Corruption Scandal Fled To Poland In Luxury Taxi: the former close associate of President Zelensky crossed UA-PL border in a Mercedes Benz hours before cops raided his home - @cxemu
www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mi... #Ukraine
www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mi... #Ukraine
Ukrainian Businessman Embroiled In Massive Corruption Scandal Fled To Poland In Luxury Taxi
Tymur Mindich, a prominent businessman and the alleged ringleader in a massive corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector, used a luxury taxi service to leave the country, an RFE/RL investigation h...
www.rferl.org
November 16, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Ukrainian Businessman Embroiled In Massive Corruption Scandal Fled To Poland In Luxury Taxi: the former close associate of President Zelensky crossed UA-PL border in a Mercedes Benz hours before cops raided his home - @cxemu
www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mi... #Ukraine
www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mi... #Ukraine
At night, Russia launched an "Iskander-M" missile and 176 drones at Ukraine. In the Odesa region, critical energy infrastructure was hit - including a solar power plant. This is the first known major Russian hit on a renewable energy plant
November 16, 2025 at 9:57 AM
At night, Russia launched an "Iskander-M" missile and 176 drones at Ukraine. In the Odesa region, critical energy infrastructure was hit - including a solar power plant. This is the first known major Russian hit on a renewable energy plant
Sadly this may be a little, too late. Immense reputational damage has been done - to the Zelensky brand and to brand #Ukraine. Will Kyiv demand that ringleader of the latest scam, Timur Mindich, be extradited back to Ukraine to face justice?
Zelensky vows energy sector overhaul after $100m corruption scandal
State-owned energy firms will be fully audited and new management brought in, the Ukrainian PM says.
www.bbc.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Sadly this may be a little, too late. Immense reputational damage has been done - to the Zelensky brand and to brand #Ukraine. Will Kyiv demand that ringleader of the latest scam, Timur Mindich, be extradited back to Ukraine to face justice?
Before we head to S Africa for our on-the-ground #G20 coverage, I’m unpacking a turbulent week in #Ukraine — from intensifying Russian strikes to a corruption scandal that threatens to harden the donor climate at the worst possible time
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri... #G20SouthAfrica
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri... #G20SouthAfrica
World Briefing Plus: Ukraine Under Pressure: Corruption, Donor Fatigue & the Road to G20
As the Zelensky government reels from a widening corruption scandal — and Western patience thins — I break down what this means for Ukraine’s war effort and for global diplomacy ahead of the G20
open.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Before we head to S Africa for our on-the-ground #G20 coverage, I’m unpacking a turbulent week in #Ukraine — from intensifying Russian strikes to a corruption scandal that threatens to harden the donor climate at the worst possible time
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri... #G20SouthAfrica
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri... #G20SouthAfrica
World Briefing: Asia Edition - As rolling blackouts deepen in #Ukraine and missiles pound the grid, allegations now suggest that more than $100 million meant to protect power plants — including nuclear facilities — was siphoned away
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri...
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri...
November 14, 2025 at 12:56 PM
World Briefing: Asia Edition - As rolling blackouts deepen in #Ukraine and missiles pound the grid, allegations now suggest that more than $100 million meant to protect power plants — including nuclear facilities — was siphoned away
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri...
open.substack.com/pub/worldbri...
Latest update from #Ukraine: fierce Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv has claimed lives of at least 4 people and injured 25. Seven buildings on fire & Embassy of Azerbaijan damaged. In all: 430 drones + 18 missiles - officials
November 14, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Latest update from #Ukraine: fierce Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv has claimed lives of at least 4 people and injured 25. Seven buildings on fire & Embassy of Azerbaijan damaged. In all: 430 drones + 18 missiles - officials
At least one dead and 24 injured in a massive Russian attack on Kyiv overnight, according to officials. Several multi-floor apartment buildings hit. The heating network has been further compromised as nighttime temperatures hover just above freezing. Odesa also targeted #Ukraine
November 14, 2025 at 4:36 AM
At least one dead and 24 injured in a massive Russian attack on Kyiv overnight, according to officials. Several multi-floor apartment buildings hit. The heating network has been further compromised as nighttime temperatures hover just above freezing. Odesa also targeted #Ukraine
In Kyiv, there are already 12 injured from an overnight massive Russian attack, say officials. Mayor @Vitaliy_Klychko says some heating networks damaged. Some districts without heating as overnight temps drop to 4C #ukraine
November 14, 2025 at 1:22 AM
In Kyiv, there are already 12 injured from an overnight massive Russian attack, say officials. Mayor @Vitaliy_Klychko says some heating networks damaged. Some districts without heating as overnight temps drop to 4C #ukraine
A dark period for Ukraine - in more ways than one. Even as Russian attacks cripple Ukraine’s energy grid, a sweeping corruption scandal is sending political shockwaves through Kyiv. Prosecutors allege multimillion-dollar kickbacks were arranged to protect energy facilities under fire….
A Dark Shadow of Corruption Falls Over a Darkened Ukraine
As Russian missiles plunge cities into darkness, Operation Midas exposes a network of kickbacks reaching deep into President Zelensky’s inner circle — threatening to erode trust at home and abroad
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:07 AM
A dark period for Ukraine - in more ways than one. Even as Russian attacks cripple Ukraine’s energy grid, a sweeping corruption scandal is sending political shockwaves through Kyiv. Prosecutors allege multimillion-dollar kickbacks were arranged to protect energy facilities under fire….
Ukraine's energy and justice ministers have resigned in the wake of a major investigation into corruption in the country's energy sector.
Major corruption scandal engulfs top Zelensky allies
The Ukrainian president has called for the justice and energy ministers to be removed from their posts.
www.bbc.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Ukraine's energy and justice ministers have resigned in the wake of a major investigation into corruption in the country's energy sector.
World Briefing: Thailand Edition - “Together, these flashpoints expose how the ‘peace’ Trump once boasted of brokering — from South Asia to the Middle East — is teetering under the weight of reality.”
Trump’s “Peace” Teetering: Explosions, Blackouts & Border Blasts Shake the World
From Islamabad to Ukraine to Indochina to Gaza, the conflicts Donald Trump claimed to have ended are reigniting — exposing just how thin the fabric of global stability has become
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
World Briefing: Thailand Edition - “Together, these flashpoints expose how the ‘peace’ Trump once boasted of brokering — from South Asia to the Middle East — is teetering under the weight of reality.”
Power outages triggered by Russia targeting of critical infrastructure in #Ukraine pummeling the economy. In some regions of Odesa there will be more hours of the day without power than with - 13 1/2 hours.
November 12, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Power outages triggered by Russia targeting of critical infrastructure in #Ukraine pummeling the economy. In some regions of Odesa there will be more hours of the day without power than with - 13 1/2 hours.
The Americas has lost its prized measles elimination status, @who.int confirmed, after more than a year of sustained outbreaks in Canada. In means the entire region — from the Canadian Arctic to Argentina — can no longer claim to be measles-free
Oh Canada! You Just Cost the Americas Its Coveted Measles-Free Status
After a year of outbreaks Canada has cost the Americas measles-free status - a preventable reversal fueled by vaccine hesitancy & disinformation. "Put simply an extremely sad day for public health"
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM
The Americas has lost its prized measles elimination status, @who.int confirmed, after more than a year of sustained outbreaks in Canada. In means the entire region — from the Canadian Arctic to Argentina — can no longer claim to be measles-free
From Gulfstreams over Lisbon to data farms in New Jersey, our digital revolution is deepening the climate divide - between those who can fly above the storm and those who must weather it #websummit #cop #cop30
While the Tech Bros Party, the Planet Boils: Climate Change Has Never Looked so First Class
Private jets stack up over Lisbon, data farms drain cities dry, and nearly a million flee a monster typhoon in the Philippines
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:47 AM
From Gulfstreams over Lisbon to data farms in New Jersey, our digital revolution is deepening the climate divide - between those who can fly above the storm and those who must weather it #websummit #cop #cop30
A top ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that media reports about Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov falling out of favor “are completely untrue.”
Kremlin denies growing rumors of Sergey Lavrov’s ouster
“Completely untrue,” insists Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, as chatter builds about the veteran foreign minister.
www.politico.eu
November 8, 2025 at 4:25 PM
A top ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that media reports about Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov falling out of favor “are completely untrue.”
World Briefing Plus: I also examine the growing Russian presence in Thailand, the new exodus of Ukrainian men aged 18–22 following loosened wartime rules, and the PR crisis now facing Kyiv as President Zelensky’s democratic credentials come under scrutiny….
From Bangkok to Brussels: Scam Empires, Russian Shadows, and Ukraine’s Rough Week
This World Briefing Plus video travels from Southeast Asia’s dark underbelly to Europe’s shifting frontlines - exposing online scam syndicates, Russia’s growing reach & Ukraine’s political headaches
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:20 PM
World Briefing Plus: I also examine the growing Russian presence in Thailand, the new exodus of Ukrainian men aged 18–22 following loosened wartime rules, and the PR crisis now facing Kyiv as President Zelensky’s democratic credentials come under scrutiny….
Angelina Jolie’s Driver in Ukraine Is Taken Away for the Draft: not the PR Kyiv would’ve wished from this high-profile visit but reflects the reality of life on the ground in #Ukraine
Angelina Jolie’s Driver in Ukraine Is Taken Away for the Draft
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Angelina Jolie’s Driver in Ukraine Is Taken Away for the Draft: not the PR Kyiv would’ve wished from this high-profile visit but reflects the reality of life on the ground in #Ukraine
Trump Bully Diplomacy Meets a Burning Planet: As US envoys strong-arm smaller nations to block UN pollution pact, world leaders in Brazil denounce his climate denialism - exposing a superpower willing to scorch alliances as easily as the atmosphere #COP30
Trump's Bully Diplomacy Meets a Burning Planet
As Trump pressures smaller nations to block a pollution pact, leaders in Brazil denounce his climate denialism - exposing a superpower willing to scorch alliances as easily as the as the atmosphere
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Trump Bully Diplomacy Meets a Burning Planet: As US envoys strong-arm smaller nations to block UN pollution pact, world leaders in Brazil denounce his climate denialism - exposing a superpower willing to scorch alliances as easily as the atmosphere #COP30
The embattled Thai host of #MissUniverse had quite the rap sheet well before the ongoing pageant here in Bangkok. His insulting treatment of Miss Mexico and other contestants shouldn’t have come as a surprise youtu.be/i8kOAxV-JtE?...
Miss Universe Meltdown in Bangkok | Contestants Walk Out After Miss Mexico Is Berated
YouTube video by MICHAEL BOCIURKIW
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The embattled Thai host of #MissUniverse had quite the rap sheet well before the ongoing pageant here in Bangkok. His insulting treatment of Miss Mexico and other contestants shouldn’t have come as a surprise youtu.be/i8kOAxV-JtE?...
As I said on CNN, Belgium & EU leaders can act now in a relatively painless — administratively complex but politically manageable way - & release frozen Russian assets. Or wait until Russian mischief escalates to where they are forced to pay more later, in the form of bomb shelters in kindergartens
Belgium Blocks Ukraine’s Reparations Loan — Then Gets a Taste of Hybrid War
Brussels balks at handing over frozen Russian assets even as suspected Kremlin drones shut down its skies.
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:15 PM
As I said on CNN, Belgium & EU leaders can act now in a relatively painless — administratively complex but politically manageable way - & release frozen Russian assets. Or wait until Russian mischief escalates to where they are forced to pay more later, in the form of bomb shelters in kindergartens