Patrick Rahir
@pmrahir.bsky.social
Journalist. Volunteering in Ukraine after 40 years of reporting around the world. Covered US foreign policy under Reagan. Et ego in Arcadia vixi...
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Let us not forget about #Ukraine
It’s unusually cold in Kyiv and Russia has wrecked Ukraine’s energy supply. The situation is seriously dire.
@lapatina.bsky.social and @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org have set up a fundraiser for portable batteries for Kyiv. Please consider this if you can.
@lapatina.bsky.social and @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org have set up a fundraiser for portable batteries for Kyiv. Please consider this if you can.
I'm in Kyiv. The energy crisis here is an emergency
Join my fundraiser to buy batteries and warm clothes for kids
open.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Let us not forget about #Ukraine
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Brave Ukrainian energy workers,day and night,in severe frost,are repairing Ukraine’s energy networks destroyed by Russia
Russia is trying to organize a “cold holodomor” -an energy genocide
Russia is killing the weak&the helpless.It subjects them to torture.We are talking about millions of people.
Russia is trying to organize a “cold holodomor” -an energy genocide
Russia is killing the weak&the helpless.It subjects them to torture.We are talking about millions of people.
January 17, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Brave Ukrainian energy workers,day and night,in severe frost,are repairing Ukraine’s energy networks destroyed by Russia
Russia is trying to organize a “cold holodomor” -an energy genocide
Russia is killing the weak&the helpless.It subjects them to torture.We are talking about millions of people.
Russia is trying to organize a “cold holodomor” -an energy genocide
Russia is killing the weak&the helpless.It subjects them to torture.We are talking about millions of people.
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Well there’s certainly no basis for negotiations now. I feel a bit sorry for everyone who has to go to Geneva for nothing. Maybe they can still cancel
US senators say they spoke with Rubio about Trump’s Ukraine peace plan who denied it is a US plan
U.S. senators critical of President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war say they spoke with U.S.
apnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Well there’s certainly no basis for negotiations now. I feel a bit sorry for everyone who has to go to Geneva for nothing. Maybe they can still cancel
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
The grovelling strategy, while imo justified for the sake of getting Ukraine patriots and the PURL scheme set up, always had an expiration date.
Agree that time is up now.
Agree that time is up now.
And Trump is weak right now. He just suffered a humiliating loss in Congress & the GOP was roundly defeated in the recent off-year elections. Trump’s approval ratings on the economy are dismal & SCOTUS may remove his ability to impose tariffs at will. Now is the time for Europe to stand up to him.
November 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The grovelling strategy, while imo justified for the sake of getting Ukraine patriots and the PURL scheme set up, always had an expiration date.
Agree that time is up now.
Agree that time is up now.
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Even during blackouts caused by Russian attacks,Ukrainians find ways to run businesses,study,cook,perform concerts,&do so much more
We are beyond tired but we are resilient
📹salon_zlatovlaska,wearefromkyiv, tinyvinnykennel,towerzona,veryovka.ukrainia,momotsha. store,coach18vygurivschina,kvitkalilya
We are beyond tired but we are resilient
📹salon_zlatovlaska,wearefromkyiv, tinyvinnykennel,towerzona,veryovka.ukrainia,momotsha. store,coach18vygurivschina,kvitkalilya
November 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Even during blackouts caused by Russian attacks,Ukrainians find ways to run businesses,study,cook,perform concerts,&do so much more
We are beyond tired but we are resilient
📹salon_zlatovlaska,wearefromkyiv, tinyvinnykennel,towerzona,veryovka.ukrainia,momotsha. store,coach18vygurivschina,kvitkalilya
We are beyond tired but we are resilient
📹salon_zlatovlaska,wearefromkyiv, tinyvinnykennel,towerzona,veryovka.ukrainia,momotsha. store,coach18vygurivschina,kvitkalilya
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
A Russian Shahed drone, flying toward a residential building, gets shot down 🤯
November 6, 2025 at 12:36 PM
A Russian Shahed drone, flying toward a residential building, gets shot down 🤯
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Kharkiv and autumn 🍂
October 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Kharkiv and autumn 🍂
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Any sane US president in any normal timeline would call for Putin to stop invading a sovereign state and murder its citizens.
But we are not in normal timeline:
But we are not in normal timeline:
September 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Any sane US president in any normal timeline would call for Putin to stop invading a sovereign state and murder its citizens.
But we are not in normal timeline:
But we are not in normal timeline:
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
If you want to fight Russia, you can start it right now. But I don't see anyone willing to do so. In international relations, there is nothing worse than giving guarantees that are not trustworthy," Sikorsky emphasized.
September 13, 2025 at 10:22 PM
If you want to fight Russia, you can start it right now. But I don't see anyone willing to do so. In international relations, there is nothing worse than giving guarantees that are not trustworthy," Sikorsky emphasized.
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Would 🇩🇰 purchase AD systems (the biggest defence order in our nation's history) from a regime that challenges our territorial integrity? From a regime that exploits dependencies for political gains at every turn? From a regime that adds 10% overhead to European arms purchases for 🇺🇦? HELL NO!
Denmark has chosen the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system over US Patriots, in a massive win for Paris and a blow to Donald Trump.
Denmark chooses Franco-Italian air defense system over US Patriots
The decision comes after Donald Trump threatened to annex Greenland.
ow.ly
September 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Would 🇩🇰 purchase AD systems (the biggest defence order in our nation's history) from a regime that challenges our territorial integrity? From a regime that exploits dependencies for political gains at every turn? From a regime that adds 10% overhead to European arms purchases for 🇺🇦? HELL NO!
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Vance can’t be this ignorant, can he? WWII was not ended with a negotiation. Germany and Japan were dictatorial and genicidal regimes that had to be crushed by the military might of the US and Russia. FDR did not sit down and negotiate with Hitler.
JD Vance: "This is how wars ultimately get settled. If you go back to World War 2, if you go back to every major conflict in human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation."
August 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Vance can’t be this ignorant, can he? WWII was not ended with a negotiation. Germany and Japan were dictatorial and genicidal regimes that had to be crushed by the military might of the US and Russia. FDR did not sit down and negotiate with Hitler.
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
U.S. President Donald Trump said he got “very angry” after Ukraine damaged a Russian oil pipeline that supplies his friend Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister.
Trump ‘very angry’ at Ukraine hitting Russian pipeline feeding Orbán
Hungary’s leader complained to the U.S. president following a Ukrainian drone strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline.
www.politico.eu
August 22, 2025 at 11:56 AM
U.S. President Donald Trump said he got “very angry” after Ukraine damaged a Russian oil pipeline that supplies his friend Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister.
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Exclusive Report: Shipments of engines, cylinders, pistons, and electronics are pouring from China into Alabuga, fueling Russia’s Shahed production. Frontelligence Insight analyzed export data, closed reports, and open sources, revealing the scale of support. 🧵Thread:
August 21, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Exclusive Report: Shipments of engines, cylinders, pistons, and electronics are pouring from China into Alabuga, fueling Russia’s Shahed production. Frontelligence Insight analyzed export data, closed reports, and open sources, revealing the scale of support. 🧵Thread:
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Double-unsmart as Orwell could have put it. The US undercutting the Five Eyes, one of its most effective tools of imperial influence projection since World War2, must be the wet dream of every one of its enemies or rivals
🇺🇸🚫 Tulsi Gabbard ordered US intelligence agencies not to share information on Russia-Ukraine peace talks with "Five Eyes" allies (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), - CBS News
August 22, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Double-unsmart as Orwell could have put it. The US undercutting the Five Eyes, one of its most effective tools of imperial influence projection since World War2, must be the wet dream of every one of its enemies or rivals
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
This video shows Ukrainian life during the war.
I am so proud of all #Ukrainians who continue fighting and supporting our country despite all the challenges.
📹: ira_kytsman / Instagram
I am so proud of all #Ukrainians who continue fighting and supporting our country despite all the challenges.
📹: ira_kytsman / Instagram
August 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM
This video shows Ukrainian life during the war.
I am so proud of all #Ukrainians who continue fighting and supporting our country despite all the challenges.
📹: ira_kytsman / Instagram
I am so proud of all #Ukrainians who continue fighting and supporting our country despite all the challenges.
📹: ira_kytsman / Instagram
Weekend Update #144: The Triumph Of Ukrainian Civil Society (And The Degradation Of Ours)
open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Weekend Update #144: The Triumph Of Ukrainian Civil Society (And The Degradation Of Ours)
Ukrainian Ranged Attacks On Russian Logistics--Can They Keep It Up?; The Week Trump Drops The Hammer?
open.substack.com
August 3, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Weekend Update #144: The Triumph Of Ukrainian Civil Society (And The Degradation Of Ours)
open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
@anneapplebaum.bsky.social:
“The West doesn’t understand the extremism of Putinism…that (its) goals involve the destruction of the transatlantic alliance & maybe of the EU…The path to peace is through convincing Putin that he won’t win the war, that it’s hopeless.”
(ht: @berlinbridge.bsky.social)
“The West doesn’t understand the extremism of Putinism…that (its) goals involve the destruction of the transatlantic alliance & maybe of the EU…The path to peace is through convincing Putin that he won’t win the war, that it’s hopeless.”
(ht: @berlinbridge.bsky.social)
July 29, 2025 at 3:40 PM
@anneapplebaum.bsky.social:
“The West doesn’t understand the extremism of Putinism…that (its) goals involve the destruction of the transatlantic alliance & maybe of the EU…The path to peace is through convincing Putin that he won’t win the war, that it’s hopeless.”
(ht: @berlinbridge.bsky.social)
“The West doesn’t understand the extremism of Putinism…that (its) goals involve the destruction of the transatlantic alliance & maybe of the EU…The path to peace is through convincing Putin that he won’t win the war, that it’s hopeless.”
(ht: @berlinbridge.bsky.social)
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Things you can do when your security doesn't depend on the US
July 31, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Things you can do when your security doesn't depend on the US
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Hi All, Just sent out this free-post on the humiliation imposed on Europe by the USA. While I believe it is a disaster for both sides, Europeans need to accept the blame for putting themselves in this subservient position. It was a choice, not an inevitability. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The European Humiliation By Trump Is Ultimately Europe's Fault
Long-Term and Short-Term Causes.
open.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Hi All, Just sent out this free-post on the humiliation imposed on Europe by the USA. While I believe it is a disaster for both sides, Europeans need to accept the blame for putting themselves in this subservient position. It was a choice, not an inevitability. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
"National defence spending targets do not encourage better co-ordination and co-operation in the EU... Efforts to co-ordinate demand and supply for more coherent procurement and production are therefore more important than any spending target."
While no one disputes that Europe needs to do more for its defence, the focus on defence spending percentage of GDP won’t get us there. Indeed, making Europeans commit to an arbitrary spending target is the best way to keep Europe from reaching strategic autonomy.
My rant in the @financialtimes.com
My rant in the @financialtimes.com
Spending 5 per cent on defence doesn’t make Nato stronger
An arbitrary target won’t enhance members’ capabilities or co-ordination and encourages creative accounting
www.ft.com
July 29, 2025 at 10:53 AM
"National defence spending targets do not encourage better co-ordination and co-operation in the EU... Efforts to co-ordinate demand and supply for more coherent procurement and production are therefore more important than any spending target."
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
The war will be over when Putin realizes that he can't win
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_R...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_R...
Anne Applebaum: 'The West doesn't understand the extremism of Putinism' | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
www.youtube.com
July 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The war will be over when Putin realizes that he can't win
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_R...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_R...
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
I gotta say, it’s quite interesting that this is happening in a country that is/was a leader in military drones.
“The reason everyone is using them now is that they’re dirt cheap,” …“From an infantry perspective, suddenly you can use way more firepower, much more easily.”
“The reason everyone is using them now is that they’re dirt cheap,” …“From an infantry perspective, suddenly you can use way more firepower, much more easily.”
Israel enforcing Gaza evacuations with grenade-firing drones
Israeli soldiers tell +972 they deliberately target Palestinian civilians with drone strikes so others will ‘learn’ not to return.
www.972mag.com
July 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM
I gotta say, it’s quite interesting that this is happening in a country that is/was a leader in military drones.
“The reason everyone is using them now is that they’re dirt cheap,” …“From an infantry perspective, suddenly you can use way more firepower, much more easily.”
“The reason everyone is using them now is that they’re dirt cheap,” …“From an infantry perspective, suddenly you can use way more firepower, much more easily.”
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Many of us, myself included, support the President, regardless of his name, because we’re at war, and chaos risks our independence, as in the early 20th century. But when large parts of Ukrainian society oppose certain laws, don’t lecture Ukrainians, if you care about Ukraine, not just President
The idea that Zelensky is incapable of making harmful decisions, or that there are no deeply corrupt individuals in his inner circle pushing for destabilizing policies, is just as naive and shallow as the MAGA mindset that justifies any of Trump’s decisions, no matter how bad they are.
July 24, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Many of us, myself included, support the President, regardless of his name, because we’re at war, and chaos risks our independence, as in the early 20th century. But when large parts of Ukrainian society oppose certain laws, don’t lecture Ukrainians, if you care about Ukraine, not just President
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
"We tried calling him, but he’s unreachable... But… I’m hoping for a miracle..."
Kyiv resident hopes for her dad to be found under the rubble of a residential building destroyed by a Russian strike.
In Kyiv, it is already known about 139 injured.15 people were killed.
Kyiv resident hopes for her dad to be found under the rubble of a residential building destroyed by a Russian strike.
In Kyiv, it is already known about 139 injured.15 people were killed.
June 17, 2025 at 12:47 PM
"We tried calling him, but he’s unreachable... But… I’m hoping for a miracle..."
Kyiv resident hopes for her dad to be found under the rubble of a residential building destroyed by a Russian strike.
In Kyiv, it is already known about 139 injured.15 people were killed.
Kyiv resident hopes for her dad to be found under the rubble of a residential building destroyed by a Russian strike.
In Kyiv, it is already known about 139 injured.15 people were killed.
Reposted by Patrick Rahir
Russia was kicked out of the G8 in March 2014 exactly BECAUSE it launched its war in Ukraine by invading and forcibly annexing Crimea.
Trump with Mark Carney: "The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn't want to have Russia in, and I would say that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia in."
June 16, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Russia was kicked out of the G8 in March 2014 exactly BECAUSE it launched its war in Ukraine by invading and forcibly annexing Crimea.