8 chapters across the catalog
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will adhere to nuclear arms limits for one more year after the New START deal expires in February. The treaty, originally signed in 2010, limits the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each. While participation was suspended in 2023, the commitment to maintain current levels is seen as a de-escalation move despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Victoria Nuland Interview, Minsk Agreements, NATO Nuclear Weapons
In a recent interview, Victoria Nuland admitted that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was derailed because of a "secret annex" regarding limits on Ukrainian weaponry. The deal would have prevented Ukraine from hosting NATO nuclear weapons, a primary concern for Vladimir Putin. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly advised the Ukrainians to stop negotiating and pursue a military victory instead.
Russia suspends its participation in the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Following the announcement, Vladimir Putin held a massive rally in a Moscow stadium attended by an estimated 200,000 people to demonstrate national unity.
Harun Yilmaz Analysis, Russian Geopolitical Cost-Benefit
Academic editor Harun Yilmaz provides a skeptical analysis of the invasion narrative, arguing that a full-scale invasion does not fit Russia's "cost-benefit calculus." He suggests Putin's real goal is to force negotiations on European security and intermediate-range missiles.
Trump Arms Deal Defense, John Bolton Moscow Visit
President Trump expresses hesitation to cancel a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, citing the potential loss of over a million American jobs. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser John Bolton prepares for a trip to Moscow following Trump's announcement that the U.S. will withdraw from a Reagan-era nuclear treaty due to Russian violations involving prohibited cruise missiles.
Obama Iran Deal Speech, Nobel Peace Prize Irony
President Obama's speech at American University defending the Iran nuclear deal is analyzed for its hawkish rhetoric. Despite his Nobel Peace Prize, Obama noted he has ordered military action in seven countries, leading to characterizations of the President as a "warmonger" who views war as the only alternative to the deal.
START Treaty and Russian Nuclear Warhead Levels
Analysis of the new START Treaty suggests that while the United States will reduce its nuclear warheads, Russia may actually be permitted to increase its levels. Mikhail Margulov of the Russian Federation noted these discrepancies in a television interview. The hosts speculate that the treaty was less about disarmament and more about securing market access for American financial companies like Visa and Mastercard in Russia.
The New START treaty between the United States and Russia is highlighted as an underreported but significant arms control agreement. President Obama and Bill Clinton have both publicly advocated for its ratification. The hosts express distrust of the deal, citing the influence of organized crime in the Russian government.
