My Vlogs
It is Ukrainian Independence Day. Finally free and sovereign the people of this country will never bend the knee again. And I am grateful and humbled to be so privileged to bear witness. Oh, and a criminal thug has died (apparently)
In all the years I have been coming to Ukraine the Shield of the Statue of the Motherland has had the Hammer & Sickle upon it. That ended today. A little vlog about it with some extra 'constant gardening' about Moscow's narrative.
Published on a day when shelling in Kherson took the lives of three and injured 17 more....including a teenager, volunteers and utility workers Kherson's difficulties in this war are unique. But then most cities are dealing with the circumstances and threats in their own way. For Kherson, it seems, there is always a new way in which they are beaten down. Never defeated but it seems one thing after the next plagues this lovely town on the Dnipro.
For the last 18 hours I have been under targeted attack digitally. My e-mails were hacked. Instagram also. My twitter feed is currently redirecting to a MAGA profile (obviously if you are redirected there looking for me anything posted after 0600 GMT are not my words). I have a ticket in and hopefully it can be restored. But if not here is my (hopefully temporary) replacement: https://twitter.com/IttnerPhilip And. heck, maybe the universe is signalling it's time to get off Elon's mess of a site.
Ukraine Interview: Sarah Ashton-Cirillo
My interview with Sgt. Sarah Ashton-Cirillo. To watch Sarah's updates for the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/@TDFMediaStud...
The Funeral Service of Ukrainian Journalist, Viktoria Amelina
Gone far too soon
Ukraine Interview: Jim Stewartson
Jim Stewartson is a game designer in Southern California. He is also being sued by one of the most powerful men in the country: Mike Flynn. Jim was good enough to spend some time with me on ZOOM to discuss this...the discussion was long and this is the edited down version. We talk about many different things but in the end it is this: -The GRU and Russia have long engaged in open warfare against the United States. - Michael Flynn is complicit in these attacks. And, as such, is a traitor to his country. - What Flynn and Qanon are doing to undermine the country and create a cult which divides us.
Displaced of Mariupol
Mariupol was a city of half a million people. That is until Russia decided they needed to connect a land bridge to the Crimean Peninsula. Mariupol is the city that Russia must control if it is to have that connection. And so it has been the site of some of the fiercest fighting between Ukraine and Russia. And, as always, it is the people who get caught in the middle.
Prigozhin Uprising Day 3 (Monday Morning, Kyiv)
Having delayed waiting for the implementation of the 'Lukashenko Plan' (pardon me while I try to stop laughing) I could wait no longer. Nothing in the 'agreement' has come to pass...Shoigu releases a tape with the implicit message he remains in control of the armed forces of Russia. Gerasimov and (tellingly) Putin not seen for some time. And Prigozhin has yet to arrive in Minsk. As I have said for some time: all of this is positioning by the Boyars to be the one who gets to pick Russia's next leader. Alone or in alliance with other in the power elite. But make no mistake about it...one way or the other...eventually...Putin will fall. In no small part because he foolishly attacked Ukraine. Meanwhile in Kyiv there is cautious optimism that the chief architect of so much misery may be facing his comeuppance. And that the war may be headed towards a conclusion. I will continue to watch and if needs require will put out another assessment.
Reaction to Prigozhin (Breaking News)
I don't do breaking news normally but here we are. This is a big moment for this war. I'll let the news organizations do the breaking information. But perhaps this will give some context and understanding as to why this is happening. My sparkling wine that I have from a Bakhmut Winery will remain chilling in my refrigerator. It's too early to pop that cork. But...maybe...a chilled glass on the celebrations for Victory Day on Kreschatyk will be coming sooner than later.
Ukraine Interview: John Sweeney
00:00 Intro (Music: How can I not love you, Kyiv of mine?)
02:00 Shevcehnko Park: the lovely spot we've chosen to chat...but with a sad history
03:13 The Nuclear Threat & The Nova Kakhovka Dam
05:45 Addressing the Russian Lie
06:45 The Flooding & The Cynical Russian Double Tap
09:02 Exposing John Simpson's Dirty Lies OR Rule Britannia!
10:00 Ukrainian Spirit is like Blitz Spirit
12:15 Resistant but Real Suffering
14:15 Putin's Fascists & Russian opposition
15:50 Dugin
17:30 Useful Idiots
18:35 The Eastern Front (https://byline.tv/putindocumentary/)
23:30 What about the End of the War?
25:00 Close
Ukraine Interview: Ambassador William Taylor
Interview with Former US Ambassador and Charge D'Affaires to Ukraine
Ukraine Interview: Malcolm Nance
An interview on Mikhailovskii Square with Former Naval Intelligence Officer, Bestselling Author and International Legionnaire, Malcolm Nance.
Most Intense Air Assault on Kyiv, Ukrainian Resilience and Russian Impotence
At 0330 I awoke to the most intense air assault on Kyiv since the beginning of the war. Russia attacked with more munitions in the shortest period of time since they began this useless effort. But Ukrainians are undeterred. And Ukrainian defenses knocked all munitions from the sky. I reflect on that in this short vlog.
The Chef
Support Chef Zhenya and his world food army: https://www.fvsm.net/en Just click on the banner at the top. And if you have experience in a professional kitchen you can reach out to be a volunteer through that website, too.
May 9th in Kyiv
My reflections on May 9th, 2023. And if you can bear to watch it here is one of the best war films ever made: Come and See:
• Come and See | WAR FILM | FULL MOVIE An addendum: I suspect I will catch it for my take on Russia's view about the Great Patriotic War being a mostly Russian affair. That is because, despite lip service to other republics, Moscow was always the center of gravity in the USSR and the Empire. And that's a big chunk of the problem.
The Expulsion of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Perchesk Lavra
Just a brief vlog about a very complicated issue (as issues of Religion and faith tend to be). From the Pechersk Lavra where the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been expelled. For many reasons. Not least of which the allegiance to Patriarch Kirill in Moscow. But also for storing and supporting anti-Kyiv elements. Other sects and religions have been untouched. But when does the clergy stop being the clergy and start being the 5th column?
The Graves of Izium
On my way back from Bakhmut I stopped in at the mass grave site outside the town of Izium. I was not prepared for what I saw. Hundreds of pits where dead Ukrainians were discarded by the invading Russian forces. Many have been identified. And putting a name to a hole in the ground makes it even more tragic. But there must be a proper investigation so that those bodies which show violent deaths must be documented. Hopefully the criminals who perpetrated this tragedy will be found an held to account. And, yes, there must be an investigation. But I have seen Russian cruelty before. And my gut tells me a truth that needs no court proceeding. And Ukraine has seen this before. It's history is littered with atrocities such as this. At the beginning of the war I made a video about a similar inhuman event from an other era:
• The Tragedy of Salina: Before There W...
It will not stop until Ukraine is independent and able to defend itself. The cycle of bloodshed must, once and for all, be brought to an end.
Bakhmut Salient
Vlog from my trip to Donbas and Bakhmut salient.
A Memorial on Kreschatyk
A couple of days before the mass turnout on Kreschatyk to pay respects to the Ukrainian warrior whose name de guerre was 'Da Vinci'
Hero of Ukraine ‘Da Vinci’ was bid...
I ran into this similar, if smaller, memorial. If you have not seen the footage of those paying tribute to Da Vinci I recommend seeking it out. In particular to see the faces of Zaluzhni and Reznick. Their earnest expression of thanks and loss are moving. The sacrifices being made by the people of Ukraine WILL mean something. Those who survive will make sure of it. I have no doubt. I have been traveling so was only able to post this today.
1 Year Anniversary of the Start of THIS War, but There's so Much More
We mark the 12 months since February 24th, 2022 but, as is my intent in these vlogs, we need to recognize that there is context and complexity here that goes well beyond a single year. How can wars of Ukraine and Russia's past give us an insight into this war? Obviously, it's far more complex than any one video can provide but these are some of my thoughts.
Hostomel, One Year On (with Operator Starsky)
The Russians hoped they could take the airfield at Hostomel. They thought wrong. As such their plans fell into disarray. In those crucial first 72 hours the Ukrainians who held the line changed the course of the war. And, in my opinion, the course of history. The battle could have gone either way. It was on a Knife's edge. If the Russians had taken it and flown in a large battle force which entered into Kyiv proper would the Western powers been so eager to send help? Or would they have waited to see what a "Battle for Kyiv" would look like? Thankfully, we'll never know. Because the Ukrainians held. Almost a full year from those historic events Operator Starsky (Andrii) met me at the site of the battle in which he fought. Starsky is known to many from his vlogs from Ukraine about his experience as a soldier in the ZSU (Armed Forces of Ukraine). We had issues with weather but I'm glad we had the chance to meet IRL after corresponding off and on through this difficult year. It was a good way to spend, what Andrii calls, the 380th-something Day of February 2022. The day everything changed. MUSIC: "Никогда мы не будем братьями" by my friend Анастасии Дмитрук
President Biden Visits Kyiv
In a show of solidarity that I do not believe can be broken, Joseph Robinette Biden visited the capital of a free and independent Ukraine. And despite the threat, despite an air raid warning, stood shoulder to shoulder with President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy. We are in this together. The alternative is worse than the horrors we see today. I am very proud today to be an American. And I am very proud of my Presidents (both of them). Слава Україні!, Слава США,! Героям слава!
The Kids
In war it's always the kids that get me most. But through international & domestic aid maybe there's hope of minimizing the trauma. No way of avoiding it completely. But we can hope to minimize the damage. The Parents are deeply thankful. And the children have a strength we sometimes underestimate. But there is a lot of work to be done. To help please check out the link below: The Ukrainian Children Action Project: https://irwinredlener.org/ukraine-chi...
Constant Gardening
https://www.accidentaltalmudist.org/h...
Neither Fascist or Jeffersonian, Ukraine is no one thing. And should not be treated as such. Do all Ukrainians deserve the same fate because there are people who believe in the worst ideas? Is Ukraine a holy lamb without flaws? No. But then who is? Would you bomb Houston because of Charlottesville? Paris because of the Dreyfus Affair?
RIP Pete Reed
Sad news about a man who showed us the best of what it means to be an American and a Marine. Who I was lucky enough to meet once upon a time in another awful war. RIP Pete Reed And, yes, the word I was looking for was indefatigable. Which he was.
DO F OFF
Following a lovely introductory meal at my rib shack... instead of dessert...@johnsweeneyroar and I thought we'd satiate our sweet tooth with a message to Vova. #shorts
The Question of Armour
UPDATE: Unfortunately, I was distracted by a painfully bad round table discussion while some breakthroughs have been made which makes some of this dated. But some points are worth still discussing. Regardless I hope folks can get some information and/or perspective from this.
Donbas War Vlog
A visit to the Donbas that was long overdue. Good to get a sense of the situation there. Also good to learn what the terrain is like.
My Thoughts after Dnipro Tragedy
My thoughts about the tragedy of the strike on the apartment building in Dnipro over the last weekend. Using a missile intended to take out an aircraft carrier and having it hit an apartment building full of civilians is a disgusting thing. Inadvertently or not. It also supports the idea that Russia is running out of a proper stockpile of missiles. Like screwing in a screw using a hammer. AND CAN WE PLEASE STOP WITH THE INCREMENTAL SUPPORT? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! LET'S GIVE THE UKRAINIANS WHAT THEY NEED TO END THIS THING! Also, when I am talking weights I am referrring to warheads. Not the entire missile. Just clarifying before the military nerd brigade comes at me.
Has the circling of the sharks begun?
New Years Attack: An Act of Terror
There was absolutely no military or strategic legitimacy in the Russian attack on Ukraine on December 31st into January 1st, 2023. It was an act of terror meant to intimidate and instill fear in the civilian population during one of the most important holidays of the year. It will, I believe, have the opposite reaction of steeling the resolve of the Ukrainians to stand strong against naked Russian aggression and cruelty in the coming year. We move into 2023 knowing that Ukraine must be free because clearly from the other side there is only contempt and a desire to force submission of an independent people.
Winter & Holiday Season in Kyiv
00:00 Introduction
02:48 Montage of the Vlog as a whole
06:30 Story of the "Carol of the Bells"...typically Ukrainian, both tragic and beautiful
10:20 Christmas Tree at Sofiivsky Square
12:25 Interview with Yulia Kardash, Ukrainian Children's Action Program. You can donate here: https://www.eifoundation.org/partners...
36:33 Walk from Sofiivsky down St. Andrew's Descent and into Podil
52:32 Funicular back up to Kreschatyk and into Post Office, sending mail to the diaspora or receiving mail from loved ones around the globe...the connect between people during this difficult time via mail
56:41 Kyiv Main Passender Train Station in Kyiv, Santa versus Ded Moroz (spoiler: Santa wins) & the emotions of people traveling during the holidays...reuniting during time of war
1:03:09 Hanukah in Ukraine
1:04:18 Holiday traditions, a very surface level take...for more substantive go to a Ukrainian...like Anna: • Ukrainian Christmas Traditions
1:09:17 What is a "Perexod"? The city beneath a city...and how Ukrainians are getting by in the cold and electrical crisis...getting online
1:18:16 Closing thoughts...reflections on 2022 and hopes for 2023...some personal and some bigger picture...and a thanks.
A Little Christmas Tease
I know I've been bad about posting. Things have been happening behind the scenes. And while I am not able to say everything right now I thought I'd show you a little something that Santa left under my tree a few days early. Happy Holidays, everyone. May next year truly be a season of Peace on Earth. But this year we resist. And we fight how we must. Watch this space. More to come.
Back in Lviv
On My Way Back
Before leaving the States I stopped in for a few quick thoughts in Ukrainian Village in Chicago
Vinnitsa, HIMARS and my status
4th of July Amidst a New War of Independance
My first Fourth of July as both a British and American citizen. I've been posting the scene from The Great Escape for years. But this year it's a little different as I'm a dual national. It's also different because I am bearing witness to another War of Independence against a colonial power attempting to subjugate a people who just want to pursue their own path. And as General Casimir Pulaski helped the American revolutionaries gain freedom (after losing his fight against Moscow) we too must stand with a plucky bunch of underdogs who need our help. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
The Odesa that was and the Odesa that Is. For now.
A vlog about the Odessa of today. And the Odessa of happier times. But also with eyes on the Odessa that will be in the future. Одесса жила. Одесса живет. Одесса будет жить.
Lviv Pit Stop
Some stores (I'll keep trying to add): https://vzhe-vzhe.com/en/ https://galychanka.com.ua/en https://merezhka.com/ Just a vlog from my brief visit to Lviv to pick up my passport with renewed approval to stay in Ukraine for another 90 days.
The Suffering of Ukraine's Children
Irwin Redlener: "Ukraine Children's Action Project"
www.UkraineCAP.org Anastasia Dymtruk's Petition and Video https://www.change.org/p/save-ukraini... https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Krb6..
Memorial Day. Paul & James. Now Pierre. F War.
Today is always a difficult day. 16 years ago today two friends & colleagues were killed reporting about Memorial Day observances in Baghdad. I will never forget them. And now I will also remember my dear friend Pierre. I hate war intensely. May it end here soon. I never want to see another one.
F U to Russian Hero Cities, An Update on Me & Geopolitics played out in Ukraine
Post Davos I wanted to get this out about the calls for appeasement. Also, an Update on my status here. And Ukraine sends a big F-U to Russia about the USSR's beloved Hero Citites. Ouch. ALSO: There is one other Geopolitical player that should be mentioned in China. But I was keeping it in terms of active participants here. But surely Beijing is watching what the world does in response because of their intent towards Taiwan. But that's not really in my wheelhouse. Aside from the obvious.
Back to Kyiv
From Lviv to Kyiv by train. First impressions of a city I've been coming to for over 20 years. And why I am doing what I am doing here.
Vyshyvanka Day 2022
This is not just about a piece of clothing
9TH OF MAY AND MY BRUNCH WITH PROFESSOR YAROSLAV HRYTSAK
In the end, the 9th of May passed in Moscow as a rather lackluster affair. There were concerns it could have gone another way. When I lived there it was always a highlight of the year. I have memories of all the heavy armour moving past my window on the Ring Road en route to Tverskaya and ultimately Red Square. But more importantly, I got the great honor to sit down in a storied coffeehouse in Lviv with the esteemed Professor of Ukrainian History, Yaroslav Hrytsak. Please see past the production value issues and listen to what I think was a very interesting conversation over a lovely brunch. In Lviv, there is always coffee.
The Cost & World Press Freedom Day 2022
War is a voracious beast. It takes and it takes and it takes. Even when the cause is just. As I do believe this one is. Also, marking World Press Freedom Day. For those who also pay a heavy price to record what is happening in this war. NOTE: At 13:34 I say it is more 'ephemeral' when I intended to say less...it is important to me that this is less scripted than a network TV piece would be and so I speak off the cuff often in these vlogs. And I don't have an editor as I am used to having. But my use of the word was to relay that even though we see things in war it is just a moment in time. But sometimes that moment can have far more lasting effects That cost is far less epehemaral than the moment itself. Always catch these things after the fact. But wanted to clarify.
Lviv Spring 2022 is Bittersweet
Spring. Normally a time of rebirth and joy. But in Lviv of 2022 it is bittersweet. The city is hosting over 700,00 internally displaced people. And the parents of those who have fled are desperate to shield their children from the trauma of war. Lviv is trying to welcome them in...easier said than done. While they can hand out chocolates and toys, finding clothes that fits each and every child is a more difficult task. And so the divide is painfully clear between those fleeing and those who are from this comparitvely peaceful enclave.