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drones

Thursday July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

As Russia intensifies its brutal assault on Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump makes a rare condemnation of Vladimir Putin—leaving the world uncertain whether this marks a true shift or another erratic turn in his long, troubling admiration for authoritarian power.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 10, 2025

Trump’s Dance with Putin Hits a Discordant Note

Ukraine's daring drone offensive against Russian airfields marks a strategic victory and a symbolic stand against aggression, offering hope for a just resolution and highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis of missing Ukrainian children.

June 3 2025

As missiles tore into Ukraine’s western regions this week and over 700 drones—many of them decoys—filled the skies in Russia’s largest single-night assault of the war, an equally surreal moment took shape in Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump, now in his second term, said he was “not happy” with Vladimir Putin. Days after halting vital weapons shipments to Ukraine, Trump then suggested the U.S. would need to send more.

To many observers, it was a whiplash moment—one that left allies wondering whether the man who has long praised autocrats might finally be taking a moral stance. But after years of watching Trump’s unpredictable and contradictory dealings with Russia’s president, few are ready to believe this signals a meaningful change.

News: How the long-running Trump-Putin bromance is still not delivering

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal highlights concerns of economic exploitation and the lack of security guarantees as Ukraine faces Russian aggression.

February 27, 2025

Trump’s fascination with Putin has long been a matter of concern—not just in the U.S., but for all Western allies. From his first campaign through his presidency and into this second term, Trump has repeatedly cast Putin in a favourable light. He questioned the findings of his own intelligence community, downplayed election interference, and often portrayed Russia’s aggression as something other than what it is: calculated, criminal, and destructive.

The human cost of that delusion is clearer than ever. Ukraine has spent three years under relentless assault, and this latest drone barrage—targeting supply corridors and civilian areas alike—is part of a wider Russian strategy to break the country’s will before Western weapons can arrive. The aim isn’t military victory alone. It’s terror.

While Ukrainian forces shot down hundreds of drones, the sheer scale of the attack reveals how emboldened Russia has become. This isn’t a miscalculation or an act of desperation. It’s a statement. And so far, the response from Trump’s White House has wavered between ambiguity and performative outrage.

The fall of Assad’s regime in Syria marks a crushing blow to Putin and Iran, stripping them of a key ally and undermining their influence in the Middle East.

December 10, 2024

To hear Trump say he’s “not happy” with Putin after years of adulation is something. But what exactly? Does this signal an overdue pivot in American policy—or is it just another tactical feint designed to buy time or please one audience while signalling something else to another?

History suggests caution. Trump’s actions rarely align with his rhetoric. One day he praises Zelensky’s courage; the next he undermines NATO. One week he suspends weapons shipments; the next he promises to send more. In the face of an authoritarian threat like Putin’s Russia, such inconsistency isn’t strategy—it’s peril.

Analysis: Has the Trump-Putin bromance finally run its course?

Even worse, there’s a pattern: every time Trump publicly criticizes Putin, the Kremlin seems to lash out more brutally. It’s as if Moscow views these rare rebukes not as deterrents but as invitations to escalate, to test Western resolve. With each fresh assault on Ukrainian soil, Putin appears to be saying, your president may talk, but we know he won’t act.

For those of us watching from outside the U.S.—from democracies that still place value on alliances, accountability, and the rule of law—it’s a bleak view. We are forced to wonder whether the world’s most powerful democracy has tethered its moral compass to the whims of one deeply erratic man.

News: Russia launches another record drone attack at Ukraine

The convergence of Elon Musk’s influence over U.S. elections, Donald Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, and Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical agenda feels eerily like the unfolding of a real-life James Bond thriller, with democracy and global security hanging in the balance.

October 26, 2024

Ukraine doesn’t need platitudes. It needs principled, sustained support. The international community—including the European Court of Human Rights, which this week formally held Russia responsible for grave violations—has made it clear that Putin’s war is not just unjust, it is criminal. He will not stop on his own. His aim is attrition—military, political, psychological.

If Trump truly wants peace, he must stop treating Putin like a misunderstood peer and start treating him like the war criminal he is. Words alone are no longer enough. The stakes are too high, and the cost in human lives too steep.

As drones strike deeper into Ukrainian cities and Russia readies its next wave, the question isn’t whether Trump is displeased. It’s whether he will finally act like a president of consequence—or remain a spectator in a theatre of atrocities.

The world cannot afford to wait much longer to find out.


Endless Bromance

Over the years, we’ve witnessed the tumultuous and often puzzling relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. It’s been a saga filled with speculation, headlines, and countless debates. And yet, here we are again, contemplating whether their so-called “bromance” is finally over. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Let’s be real. This relationship has always been shrouded in mystery, with moments that leave us scratching our heads. One minute Trump is praising Putin, the next he’s issuing a mild rebuke, only to return to admiration shortly after. It’s like watching a soap opera, with each episode more confusing than the last.

The truth is, there’s more beneath the surface than meets the eye. Many argue, and not without reason, that Putin has something on Trump. Whether it’s political leverage, personal secrets, or something else entirely, the Russian leader has managed to maneuver Trump with an ease that should concern us all. For years, Trump has been as malleable as putty in Putin’s hands, bending and shaping to fit whatever narrative suits Moscow best.

So, while some may hope that recent tensions signal the end of this “bromance,” history tells us otherwise. It’s an on-again, off-again affair, a strategic dance where the steps are dictated by Moscow’s whims and Washington’s unpredictable responses.

In the end, the real question isn’t whether the bromance is over. It’s whether we’ll finally see leadership that prioritizes national and global interests over personal ones. Until then, we should remain cautious, critical, and ever watchful. Because in the world of international relations, appearances can be deceiving, and alliances are rarely what they seem.

If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for July 10, 2025, below! Oh, these notes register hardly any traffic. Kindly click like it if you do, it’ll encourage me to post more!

Posted in: International, USA Tagged: aggression, airstrikes, bark collar, ceasefire, civilians, Donald Trump, drones, escalation, NATO, remote control, Russia, sanctions, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, war, weapons

Tuesday June 3 2025

June 3, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Ukraine's daring drone offensive against Russian airfields marks a strategic victory and a symbolic stand against aggression, offering hope for a just resolution and highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis of missing Ukrainian children.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 3 2025

Also published in the Yakima Herald-Republic, Washington.

Ukraine’s drones defy Russia, inspire hope

A tumultuous Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reveals a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy towards favouring Russian interests and prioritizing financial gains over democratic alliances.

March 1, 2025

In the shadow of a protracted and devastating conflict, Ukraine has delivered a resounding message to the world and, more importantly, to Russia. The recent drone offensive, targeting strategic Russian military airfields, stands as a testament to Ukraine’s resilience and ingenuity. This operation, meticulously coordinated over a year and a half, culminated in the destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft, including long-range bombers that have wreaked havoc on Ukrainian cities and civilian lives.

For over three years, Ukrainians have endured relentless aggression, with countless lives lost and families torn apart. The international community has watched, often with a sense of helplessness, as Russia’s brutal campaign unfolded. Yet, this daring strike by Ukraine signifies a pivotal moment in the conflict—a strategic and symbolic blow that not only cripples a significant portion of Russia’s aerial capabilities but also rekindles hope for a more just and swift resolution.

News: Ukraine destroys 40 aircraft deep inside Russia ahead of peace talks in Istanbul

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal highlights concerns of economic exploitation and the lack of security guarantees as Ukraine faces Russian aggression.

February 27, 2025

The audacity of this operation cannot be overstated. By infiltrating deep into Russian territory, Ukraine has once again demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate, even when faced with a much larger adversary. This act of defiance challenges the perception that Ukraine is faltering in this conflict, showing instead that it is capable of turning the tide through sheer determination and tactical brilliance.

Amidst these military maneuvers, a lesser-publicized yet profound tragedy continues to unfold: the systematic abduction and assimilation of Ukrainian children into Russian society. Over 19,000 children have reportedly been taken from their homeland, subjected to re-education, and placed into Russian families. This heinous act of cultural erasure has been met with widespread condemnation, yet it underscores the depth of the humanitarian crisis that Ukraine faces.

In the geopolitical arena, the implications of this strike are profound. While President Trump’s administration has been criticized for its ambiguous stance and perceived alignment with Putin, Ukraine’s unilateral action underscores the importance of unwavering support from allies who value freedom and justice. The temporary suspension of U.S. military aid, only to be resumed under pressure, highlights the complex dance of diplomacy and realpolitik that continues to shape the conflict’s trajectory.

News: In Russia Airfield Attacks, Ukraine Aims for Strategic and Symbolic Blow

As Ukraine fights for survival on the 1,000th day of war, Biden's controversial decision to permit U.S.-made missile strikes into Russia risks escalating the conflict while Trump's looming presidency raises fears of a peace deal favouring Putin and undermining global democracy.

November 20, 2024

Ukraine’s offensive should serve as a clarion call to the international community. It is a vivid reminder that the Ukrainian people are not merely victims of aggression but active agents in their quest for sovereignty and peace. The destruction of $2 billion worth of Russian military assets without the use of long-range missiles showcases a new era of warfare, where technological prowess and strategic acumen can level the playing field.

As the world watches, the hope is that this bold move will expedite the end of hostilities, forcing Russia to reconsider its prolonged and costly aggression. For Ukraine, this operation is not just a military success but a beacon of hope—a step closer to a future where justice prevails, and peace is restored. The courage and tenacity of the Ukrainian people continue to inspire, reminding us all that the fight for freedom is never in vain.

Analysis: Operation Spiderweb: a visual guide to Ukraine’s destruction of Russian aircraft

In this defining moment, Ukraine stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the unyielding spirit of a nation determined to chart its destiny. May this offensive be the catalyst for a more equitable resolution, one that honours the sacrifices made and paves the way for lasting peace. Slava Ukraini!


Drone Defiance by The Graeme Gallery

Monday June 2, 2025

Read on Substack


Posted in: International, USA Tagged: 2025-11, conflict, Donald Trump, drones, offensive, resilience, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Tuesday October 18, 2022

October 18, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 18, 2022

Drones Embody an Iran-Russia Alliance Built on Hostility to the U.S.

September 22, 2022

The Iranian-made drones that Russia sent on Monday to divebomb Ukraine’s capital delivered the most emphatic proof yet that Tehran has become a rare, increasingly close ally to the Kremlin, offering both weapons and international support that Russia sorely lacks.

There is no deep love between Russia, newly a pariah for attacking another country, and Iran, for decades one of the most strategically isolated nations in the world. But the two authoritarian governments, both chafing under Western sanctions, share a view of the United States as their great enemy and a threat to their grip on power.

“This is a partnership of convenience between two embattled dictatorships,” said Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran expert at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Both countries are deep in crisis, struggling economically and politically. Iran is attempting to quell street protests that pose the most serious challenge in years to the government, while Russia is trying to manage rising dissension over a faltering war effort and an unpopular draft.

The emergence of a Moscow-Tehran alliance has multiple international implications, potentially dimming prospects for a new agreement to rein in Iran’s nuclear program and raising the pressure on Israel, Iran’s sworn enemy, to take Ukraine’s side in the war.

The Ayatollah, by Graeme MacKay, c1980

The relationship between Russia and Iran has been developing for years. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia deployed his air force to Syria starting in 2015 to prevent the collapse of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally of Tehran. Russia and Iran worked in lock step militarily, with Russian warplanes providing cover for Iranian militiamen and Iranian proxy forces fighting on the ground.

Syria was one example of the effort by both to find ways to sap American strength and prestige wherever they could in the world, and Ukraine provides a similar opportunity on an even larger, more visible scale.

After its 1979 revolution, Iran formulated foreign policy around the slogan “Neither East nor West,” equally wary of the Soviet Union and the United States. Now, the Islamic Republic is choosing sides, analysts said, and images of Iran’s exploding drones accurately hitting their targets advertise it as a regional power to be taken seriously.

In Tehran, the spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry denied on Monday that his country was selling weapons to Russia, even as social media outlets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which developed the lumbering yet lethal drones, boasted about them.

“There is no doubt that the drones used by Russia’s military are Iranian,” said a post on Sepah Cyberi, a Telegram channel affiliated with the Guards, while the country’s cyberarmy chief, Ali Akbar Raefipour, gloated on Twitter that Iran’s Shahed drone was now “the most talked about weapon in the world.”

Iran does not want to highlight the weapons sales because Ukraine is generally more popular than Russia among ordinary Iranians, and the Islamic Republic casts itself as a defender of underdogs in world affairs, said Mahmoud Shoori, deputy director of the Institute of Iran and Eurasia Studies in Tehran and an expert on Iran-Russia relations.

But at the same time, “Iran also wants to show the world that it has a military superpower as an ally and it has the capacity to sell weapons to such a power,” he said in a telephone interview. “It shows the West’s policies of maximum pressure to isolate Iran have not worked.” (The New York Times) 

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro …

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-INT.mp4
Posted in: International Tagged: 2022-34, cleric, drones, ebrahim raisi, invasion, Iran, kamikaze, nternational, procreate, Russia, Ukraine, women

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

December 3, 2013 by Graeme MacKay

Tuesday, December 3, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Amazon PrimeAir drone deliveries coming soon, CEO Jeff Bezos says

Amazon.com Inc. is testing drones that it hopes will soon deliver packages to customers, company CEO Jeff Bezos says.

In an interview that aired Sunday on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Bezos said the small, unmanned aircraft could deliver packages that weigh up to 2.3 kilograms to homes or about 86 per cent of the items the company currently delivers. The drones could fly within 16 kilometres of the company’s distribution centres, covering a significant portion of the population in urban areas.

The aim would be half-hour delivery. The company hopes to deploy the drones within five years.

A video from the Seattle-based company showed a drone labelled “Amazon PrimeAir” taking a package from a distribution centre to a customer’s front yard.

“In urban areas, you could actually cover very significant portions of the population,” Bezos said. “It won’t work for everything — we’re not going to deliver kayaks or table saws this way. These are electric motors, so this is all electric. It’s very green. It’s better than driving trucks around.”

The drones would be autonomous, flying to programmed GPS co-ordinates.

“The hard part here is putting in all the redundancy, all the reliability, all the systems you need to say — look, this thing can’t land on somebody’s head while they’re walking around their neighbourhood.”
Bezos said the drones couldn’t be put in place until 2015 because it would take that long to work out regulations with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. He said he optimistically hopes the drones could be delivering packages in four or five years.

“It will work and it will happen and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.
The FAA currently forbids the use of commercial drones. That is expected to change in 2015 when its Drones Act, which was passed last year, will require commercial jets and drones to share the same air space. (Source: CBC News)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: business, commerce, cyber monday, delivery, drones, e-commerce, Editorial Cartoon, sales

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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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