Steven Saum
@swamiriver.bsky.social
Writer, editor, wearer of hats including RPCV 🇺🇦 | Consular Officer, 🇨🇿 Czech Honorary Consulate Gen. in SF
Looking forward to hosting the conversation tonight with Mstyslav Chernov about 2000 Meters to Andriivka.
Tonight at @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco:
• 5:30 PM / Conversation on Writing and AI: Once Upon an Algorithm (SOLD OUT)
• 6 PM / ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’: Screening with Director Mstyslav Chernov
Details & tickets: commonwealthclub.org/events
• 5:30 PM / Conversation on Writing and AI: Once Upon an Algorithm (SOLD OUT)
• 6 PM / ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’: Screening with Director Mstyslav Chernov
Details & tickets: commonwealthclub.org/events
December 3, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Looking forward to hosting the conversation tonight with Mstyslav Chernov about 2000 Meters to Andriivka.
Tonight in #sanfrancisco at 6 p.m. I'll be hosting Mstyslav Chernov in conversation at @cwclub.bsky.social, along with a screening of "2000 Meters to Andriivka." Join us and bring your questions.
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
#ukraine #StandWithUkraine️
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
#ukraine #StandWithUkraine️
‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’: Screening with Director Mstyslav Chernov
Join us for a special screening of the new documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivka, followed by a conversation with acclaimed Ukrainian filmmaker and war correspondent Mstyslav Chernov. From the Oscar-wi...
www.commonwealthclub.org
December 2, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Tonight in #sanfrancisco at 6 p.m. I'll be hosting Mstyslav Chernov in conversation at @cwclub.bsky.social, along with a screening of "2000 Meters to Andriivka." Join us and bring your questions.
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
#ukraine #StandWithUkraine️
www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
#ukraine #StandWithUkraine️
Reposted by Steven Saum
It’s not that complicated, people.
November 26, 2025 at 9:14 PM
It’s not that complicated, people.
Reposted by Steven Saum
⚡️'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.
Reposted by Steven Saum
Russia showing just how serious it is about peace tonight, launching waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv. Air defenses are working to knock them down. A series of explosions just rocked Ukraine’s capital. It’ll be another long night.
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Russia showing just how serious it is about peace tonight, launching waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv. Air defenses are working to knock them down. A series of explosions just rocked Ukraine’s capital. It’ll be another long night.
Reposted by Steven Saum
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Steven Saum
We have a US administration trying to bully Ukrainians into accepting Russia’s proposal that their sovereignty be undone. Aside from the naked injustice of this, there are five basic practical reasons why it would make the world far more dangerous.
(video)
snyder.substack.com/p/the-putin-...
(video)
snyder.substack.com/p/the-putin-...
The Putin-Witkoff Plan Worsens the War
Five Reasons the US should not help Russia subjugate Ukraine
snyder.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:11 PM
We have a US administration trying to bully Ukrainians into accepting Russia’s proposal that their sovereignty be undone. Aside from the naked injustice of this, there are five basic practical reasons why it would make the world far more dangerous.
(video)
snyder.substack.com/p/the-putin-...
(video)
snyder.substack.com/p/the-putin-...
Reposted by Steven Saum
Executive overreach doesn’t just test our Constitution. It undermines alliances. The U.K. halted intel sharing about suspected drug trafficking vessels after it saw U.S. military strikes as illegal. When the executive operates without transparent legal or congressional review, trust erodes abroad.
UK stops sharing some intel with US over concerns about legality of US military strikes on alleged drug boats, sources tell CNN. https://cnn.it/47VvbVi
November 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Executive overreach doesn’t just test our Constitution. It undermines alliances. The U.K. halted intel sharing about suspected drug trafficking vessels after it saw U.S. military strikes as illegal. When the executive operates without transparent legal or congressional review, trust erodes abroad.
Reposted by Steven Saum
A little bit of history worth knowing. If it’s history, they are trying to wipe it out, to make room for the absurd tales of eternal innocence that bring fascism and bloodshed closer.
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
November 12, 2025 at 3:12 AM
A little bit of history worth knowing. If it’s history, they are trying to wipe it out, to make room for the absurd tales of eternal innocence that bring fascism and bloodshed closer.
Reposted by Steven Saum
substack.com/@jennifergre... I have long supported some kind of “national service” in the US. And as this makes clear—it pays off on so many fronts! Had we instituted this years ago when , we might not be in the authoritarian fix we find ourselves. Great article, Ken Syring!
Jennifer Gregg (@jennifergregg)
https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/ncr-article/the-peace-corps-and-americorps-americas-best-defenses-against-authoritarianism/
A great article from a colleague I work with at The Steady State. I hav...
substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:10 PM
substack.com/@jennifergre... I have long supported some kind of “national service” in the US. And as this makes clear—it pays off on so many fronts! Had we instituted this years ago when , we might not be in the authoritarian fix we find ourselves. Great article, Ken Syring!
Giving Up Is Unforgivable: scenes from a conversation I hosted on Tuesday at @cwclub.bsky.social with @joycewhitevance.bsky.social about politics, history, the present moment, frogs, and chickens. Her new book is now No. 4 on the NYT bestseller list.
On Tuesday, @joycewhitevance.bsky.social, law professor & author of the new book Giving Up Is Unforgivable (from @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social), spoke with @swamiriver.bsky.social before a sold-out crowd at @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco.
Photos by Ed Ritger
Photos by Ed Ritger
October 31, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Giving Up Is Unforgivable: scenes from a conversation I hosted on Tuesday at @cwclub.bsky.social with @joycewhitevance.bsky.social about politics, history, the present moment, frogs, and chickens. Her new book is now No. 4 on the NYT bestseller list.
Looking forward to hosting this conversation tonight. Online tickets still available for @joycewhitevance.bsky.social at @cwclub.bsky.social. Join us, and bring your questions.
Our Oct. 28 program with @joycewhitevance.bsky.social "Giving Up Is Unforgivable" is SOLD OUT of in-person tickets; online-only tickets are still available.
She will be in conversation with @swamiriver.bsky.social
Details: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
She will be in conversation with @swamiriver.bsky.social
Details: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
October 28, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Looking forward to hosting this conversation tonight. Online tickets still available for @joycewhitevance.bsky.social at @cwclub.bsky.social. Join us, and bring your questions.
Reposted by Steven Saum
Journalist @juliaioffe.bsky.social comes to @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco Nov. 5 for a talk with @crooked.com's @janecoaston.bsky.social about "Motherland"—her feminist history of modern Russia, from revolution to autocracy.
Details & tickets: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
Details & tickets: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
October 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Journalist @juliaioffe.bsky.social comes to @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco Nov. 5 for a talk with @crooked.com's @janecoaston.bsky.social about "Motherland"—her feminist history of modern Russia, from revolution to autocracy.
Details & tickets: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
Details & tickets: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
Jazzed to be hosting a conversation with @joycewhitevance.bsky.social for @cwclub.bsky.social on Oct. 28. In person is sold out -- but join us online, and bring your questions!
Our Oct. 28 program with @joycewhitevance.bsky.social "Giving Up Is Unforgivable" is SOLD OUT of in-person tickets; online-only tickets are still available.
She will be in conversation with @swamiriver.bsky.social
Details: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
She will be in conversation with @swamiriver.bsky.social
Details: www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-...
October 23, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Jazzed to be hosting a conversation with @joycewhitevance.bsky.social for @cwclub.bsky.social on Oct. 28. In person is sold out -- but join us online, and bring your questions!
Reposted by Steven Saum
"The US president tossed aside maps of the frontline in Ukraine, insisted Zelenskyy surrender the entire Donbas region to Putin, and repeatedly echoed talking points the Russian leader had made in their call a day earlier"
on.ft.com/4n9nlNd
on.ft.com/4n9nlNd
Trump urged Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s terms or be ‘destroyed’ by Russia
US president tossed aside maps of Ukraine frontline in volatile White House meeting
on.ft.com
October 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM
"The US president tossed aside maps of the frontline in Ukraine, insisted Zelenskyy surrender the entire Donbas region to Putin, and repeatedly echoed talking points the Russian leader had made in their call a day earlier"
on.ft.com/4n9nlNd
on.ft.com/4n9nlNd
Reposted by Steven Saum
I know something about aircraft pricing, and when you "need" to get updated avionics, safety equipment etc.
This is grotesquely wasteful, unnecessary, and self-aggrandizing.
No Kings. Also, no cosplay Marie Antoinettes.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
This is grotesquely wasteful, unnecessary, and self-aggrandizing.
No Kings. Also, no cosplay Marie Antoinettes.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I know something about aircraft pricing, and when you "need" to get updated avionics, safety equipment etc.
This is grotesquely wasteful, unnecessary, and self-aggrandizing.
No Kings. Also, no cosplay Marie Antoinettes.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
This is grotesquely wasteful, unnecessary, and self-aggrandizing.
No Kings. Also, no cosplay Marie Antoinettes.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Reposted by Steven Saum
You heard it at Commonwealth Club World Affairs
Over the summer, @valinasr.bsky.social spoke with @swamiriver.bsky.social at @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco about Iran's grand strategy.
Photos below by Sarah Gonzalez/Peopletography
You can watch the entire program: youtu.be/K6fWqR3LDXA?...
Over the summer, @valinasr.bsky.social spoke with @swamiriver.bsky.social at @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco about Iran's grand strategy.
Photos below by Sarah Gonzalez/Peopletography
You can watch the entire program: youtu.be/K6fWqR3LDXA?...
September 12, 2025 at 8:36 PM
You heard it at Commonwealth Club World Affairs
Over the summer, @valinasr.bsky.social spoke with @swamiriver.bsky.social at @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco about Iran's grand strategy.
Photos below by Sarah Gonzalez/Peopletography
You can watch the entire program: youtu.be/K6fWqR3LDXA?...
Over the summer, @valinasr.bsky.social spoke with @swamiriver.bsky.social at @cwclub.bsky.social in San Francisco about Iran's grand strategy.
Photos below by Sarah Gonzalez/Peopletography
You can watch the entire program: youtu.be/K6fWqR3LDXA?...
Reposted by Steven Saum
As Russia, China and Iran augment their information war tools America retreats from the cognitive domain…
On our unilateral disarmament: America is reorienting its foreign policy to help governments that manipulate and suppress information.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
America Surrenders in the Global Information Wars
The U.S. is reorienting its foreign policy to protect governments that manipulate and suppress information.
www.theatlantic.com
September 6, 2025 at 8:15 AM
As Russia, China and Iran augment their information war tools America retreats from the cognitive domain…
Reposted by Steven Saum
At least 31 civilians have been killed and 145 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.
5 days of diplomacy, 5 days of deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine
Despite the flurry of diplomacy between the U.S., Russia, Ukraine, and Europe over the last five days on ending the war, Moscow has continued to allow its forces to unleash daily attacks on Ukrainian ...
kyivindependent.com
August 20, 2025 at 7:44 PM
At least 31 civilians have been killed and 145 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.
"Whatever happens Friday, it’s imperative to never normalize Russia’s occupation. Some of the crimes Russia commits are blatant violations of international law."
time.com/7309587/trum...
#justice #truth #peace #standwithUkraine
time.com/7309587/trum...
#justice #truth #peace #standwithUkraine
The Real Danger of the Trump-Putin Summit
It's crucial that Russia's occupation of eastern Ukraine is never normalized, writes Peter Pomerantsev.
time.com
August 15, 2025 at 4:53 PM
"Whatever happens Friday, it’s imperative to never normalize Russia’s occupation. Some of the crimes Russia commits are blatant violations of international law."
time.com/7309587/trum...
#justice #truth #peace #standwithUkraine
time.com/7309587/trum...
#justice #truth #peace #standwithUkraine
Reposted by Steven Saum
Since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, it's always ramped up military operations ahead of high-level talks on the war. That has continued since Putin's full-scale invasion began in 2022. We're seeing the latest offensive intensify ahead of Friday's summit with Trump. www.ft.com/content/1a07...
Russian breach sparks alarm on Ukraine’s eastern front
Sudden advance beyond Ukrainian frontline in Donetsk region comes ahead of Trump-Putin summit in Alaska
www.ft.com
August 12, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, it's always ramped up military operations ahead of high-level talks on the war. That has continued since Putin's full-scale invasion began in 2022. We're seeing the latest offensive intensify ahead of Friday's summit with Trump. www.ft.com/content/1a07...
Reposted by Steven Saum
European leaders are pressing the US to ratchet up sanctions pressure on Moscow as they race to shape the outcome of a meeting between Trump and Putin that could determine the fate of Ukraine and long-term security of the continent.
on.ft.com/4mc7qOE
w/ @chassnews.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4mc7qOE
w/ @chassnews.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social
Europe urges Trump to use sanctions pressure ahead of Putin summit
[FREE TO READ] Washington advised to use economic penalties to shape talks and enforce any ceasefire
on.ft.com
August 10, 2025 at 10:50 PM
European leaders are pressing the US to ratchet up sanctions pressure on Moscow as they race to shape the outcome of a meeting between Trump and Putin that could determine the fate of Ukraine and long-term security of the continent.
on.ft.com/4mc7qOE
w/ @chassnews.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4mc7qOE
w/ @chassnews.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Saum
⚡️Update: 2 killed, 19 injured in Russian strike on bus in Kherson.
As police officers were recovering victims' bodies from the bus, a second Russian FPV drone struck the vehicle, leaving three officers with concussions.
As police officers were recovering victims' bodies from the bus, a second Russian FPV drone struck the vehicle, leaving three officers with concussions.
'This is how Russia wants peace' — Russian drone attacks bus in Kherson, killing 2, injuring 19
The Russian strike took place at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time, resulting in the hospitalization of 16 people, two of whom suffered serious injuries.
kyivindependent.com
August 9, 2025 at 12:21 PM
⚡️Update: 2 killed, 19 injured in Russian strike on bus in Kherson.
As police officers were recovering victims' bodies from the bus, a second Russian FPV drone struck the vehicle, leaving three officers with concussions.
As police officers were recovering victims' bodies from the bus, a second Russian FPV drone struck the vehicle, leaving three officers with concussions.
Reposted by Steven Saum
In Georgia the past is being rewritten about Russia’s invasion- turning the victim into an aggressor. What happens in Georgia then repeats in Ukraine and beyond. This is often the test tube for Russian imperialism
www.codastory.com/rewriting-hi...
www.codastory.com/rewriting-hi...
Why Georgia's National Memory is on Trial - Coda Story
On the anniversary of Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia, an increasingly autocratic Georgian government toes the Kremlin line, blaming its predecessors for "instigating" war
www.codastory.com
August 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
In Georgia the past is being rewritten about Russia’s invasion- turning the victim into an aggressor. What happens in Georgia then repeats in Ukraine and beyond. This is often the test tube for Russian imperialism
www.codastory.com/rewriting-hi...
www.codastory.com/rewriting-hi...
Looking forward to hosting a conversation with @valinasr.bsky.social on July 29. Join us—and bring your questions
Catch all of the speakers, topics, community and ideas at @cwclub.bsky.social this week.
Details & tickets: commonwealthclulb.org/events
@valinasr.bsky.social @jwassers.bsky.social @samkbloch.bsky.social
Details & tickets: commonwealthclulb.org/events
@valinasr.bsky.social @jwassers.bsky.social @samkbloch.bsky.social
July 29, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Looking forward to hosting a conversation with @valinasr.bsky.social on July 29. Join us—and bring your questions