Russia – mackaycartoons

Tuesday June 10 2025

June 10, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 10 2025

Canada’s Bold Move: Strengthening Defense Amid Global Pressures

May 7, 2025

This week, Canada has taken a significant step in shaping its defence strategy as Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $9 billion investment in military spending, with a commitment to meet NATO’s 2% GDP target this year. This decision reflects Canada’s dedication to strengthening its military capabilities in response to rising global tensions, particularly from countries like Russia and China, which have been expanding their military power. These challenges necessitate a robust defence posture from Canada.

News: Carney to announce Canada’s defence spending will hit NATO’s target of 2% of GDP this fiscal year, sources say

At the same time, Canada’s move is influenced by ongoing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about NATO allies increasing their defence budgets. Trump’s focus on military might is evident not only on the world stage but also at home, with his use of the National Guard to address protests and the upcoming military parade for his birthday. These actions highlight the expectation that allies like Canada share the burden of defence spending.

January 16, 2020

Interestingly, the pressure from Trump seems to echo the tactics used by leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who often wield their influence through displays of strength. For Canada, aligning with these demands means finding a balance between meeting international obligations and looking after national interests. Carney’s investment is not just a reaction to outside pressures; it’s a strategic move to ensure that Canada remains a capable and committed player on the global stage.

News: NATO to back 5% spending target in June, Secretary-General says

By focusing on enhancing military readiness and boosting the Canadian defence industry, Carney’s government aims to secure Canada’s future while maintaining its independence. This includes reforms in military procurement and the use of domestic resources like Canadian steel and aluminum, reducing reliance on the U.S., and strengthening ties with European allies.

As Canada takes this path, it’s important to support policies that reflect our values and commitment to security. This investment in defence will help ensure that Canada remains respected and influential in a world where power displays are on the rise.

A few thoughts about where we stand with our international security commitments. It’s no secret that Canada has been lagging in this area for a while now.

Our self-defence capabilities have weakened to the point where it’s hard to see how we can be a credible force in helping defend others when we can barely defend ourselves.

That said, I’m looking at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent commitments with a lot of hope. I’m cautiously optimistic about this new leadership and what it could mean for our defence posture. It’s definitely about results at this point, and I’m hoping Carney can deliver.

It’s interesting timing, isn’t it? Just ahead of the G7 meeting we’re hosting and right before the big NATO summit where talk of spending is heating up from 2% to 5%. And let’s not forget, it’s Trump’s birthday week, culminating in that over-the-top military parade. It feels like we’re all putting on a bit of a show right now.

Tuesday June 3 2025

June 3, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

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

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

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

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

Saturday March 1, 2025

March 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 1, 2025

Also Published in the Toronto Star. Also, the Daily Cartoonist.

The Oval Office Clash and America’s Troubling Shift in Foreign Policy

February 27, 2025

The recent explosive meeting in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has laid bare a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy. The disgraceful behaviour displayed by Trump and Vance not only confirms a departure from traditional American values but also signals a realignment with authoritarianism and financial interests over democratic principles.

Historically, the United States has been regarded as the leader of the free world, championing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. However, the confrontation with Zelenskyy reveals a stark departure from these ideals. Trump’s demand for gratitude and his ultimatum to Zelenskyy, alongside Vance’s aggressive lecturing, highlight an administration more interested in transactional diplomacy than principled leadership.

News: Trump, Vance shout at Zelenskyy in combative Oval Office meeting

February 21, 2025

This meeting, intended to finalize a minerals deal, devolved into a shouting match that resembled a scripted wrestling show, complete with public posturing and choreographed chaos. Such theatrics might be expected from a WWE event, but in the context of international diplomacy, they are both extraordinary and alarming. The behaviour of Trump and Vance, with its lack of decorum and respect, was not just a diplomatic faux pas; it was a deliberate display of bullying that undermines America’s standing on the global stage.

The comparison of this spectacle to a fixed wrestling match is not far-fetched. The meeting’s dynamics, with Vance’s sudden attack on Zelenskyy triggering Trump’s tirade, seemed orchestrated to humiliate the Ukrainian leader and assert dominance. This aligns disturbingly with the tactics of a narcissist, where manipulation and coercion replace genuine dialogue and negotiation.

January 21, 2025

Beyond the embarrassing display, the geopolitical implications are profound. The administration’s stance appears increasingly aligned with Vladimir Putin’s interests. Trump’s praise of Putin, coupled with his skepticism of Ukraine, suggests a pivot towards accommodating Russian narratives. This shift raises questions about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy and its commitment to supporting allies like Ukraine, who are fighting for their survival against aggression.

Furthermore, the administration’s focus on economic deals over strategic alliances indicates a prioritization of financial gain over moral leadership. This transactional approach, where everything is reduced to a negotiation chip, erodes the very foundation of alliances and partnerships built on shared values and mutual respect.

News: Tempers flare before Zelensky abruptly departs the White House without signing a minerals deal

October 26, 2024

In light of these developments, the perception of the United States as a beacon of democracy is under threat. The world watched in dismay as Trump and Vance’s conduct betrayed the principles America once stood for. The incident not only damages U.S.-Ukraine relations but also emboldens adversaries like Russia, who seek to exploit divisions within the Western alliance.

As the dust settles from this diplomatic debacle, it is crucial for American leaders and citizens alike to reflect on the country’s direction. The path towards aligning with tyranny and prioritizing the mighty dollar over democratic ideals is a perilous one. It is time for a recommitment to the values that have long defined American leadership on the world stage, ensuring that the United States remains a champion of freedom, not a supporter of authoritarianism.

Reflections on a Diplomatic Debacle

As I settled into my Chinese takeout lunch today, the news of the extraordinary and disgraceful Oval Office meeting broke, overshadowing the earlier event where UK Labour leader Keir Starmer had lavished flattery upon President Trump. Starmer had outdone even President Macron by presenting a personal letter from King Charles, inviting Trump for an unprecedented second state visit. This diplomatic maneuver, though noteworthy, was quickly eclipsed by the chaotic spectacle that unfolded with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In my latest editorial cartoon, I aimed to capture the essence of this debacle. The meeting, intended as a diplomatic engagement, devolved into a performance reminiscent of a WWE match. President Zelenskyy, a leader who has emerged as a symbol of resilience and freedom since Trump and Vance’s inauguration, was treated with shocking disrespect. The hosts, Trump and Vance, behaved as though they were managing a drive-thru restaurant rather than conducting a serious diplomatic dialogue.

This event reflects a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy, where theatrics and transactional diplomacy overshadow genuine leadership and support for democratic ideals. The cartoon serves as a visual critique of how the current administration’s actions have undermined America’s standing as the leader of the free world, with Zelenskyy stepping into that void as a beacon of courage and determination.

Through humour and satire, my cartoon aims to provoke thought and spark conversations about the values we hold dear and the direction we are heading. It is a call to recognize the importance of integrity, respect, and true leadership in our global interactions.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for March 1, 2025, below! 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. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Thursday February 27, 2025

February 27, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 27, 2025

Posted to Politico Europe.

Extortion in the Guise of Diplomacy

December 5, 2024

In the annals of modern history, few nations have fought as valiantly for their sovereignty and democracy as Ukraine has in the face of an illegal and ruthless invasion by Vladimir Putin. As the world watches, Ukraine stands as a testament to the resilience of a nation besieged yet unyielding. However, in a disheartening twist of fate, the very country that Ukraine looked to for support—the United States—has engaged in a maneuver that reeks of extortion, exploiting Ukraine’s vulnerability for economic gain.

Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, the United States has shifted from a traditional ally to a transactional partner, placing a price tag on global security. The proposed minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is emblematic of this shift, demanding Ukraine hand over a significant share of its mineral revenues in exchange for past military aid and vague promises of support. This approach transforms diplomacy into a mercantile transaction, undermining the principles of mutual respect and partnership.

News: U.S. and Ukraine Agree to Minerals Deal, Officials Say

June 15, 2022

Critics have rightly labeled this tactic as extortion. At a time when Ukraine desperately seeks security guarantees to fend off further Russian aggression, the U.S. has offered economic demands instead of concrete commitments. This power play has not gone unnoticed, with many viewing it as a neo-colonial expansion where economic interests overshadow ethical responsibilities.

The reader comments and reactions to this deal echo a collective outrage. There is a strong sense of betrayal and disappointment, as the world witnesses a nation that stood firm against tyranny being coerced into an unfavourable agreement. The absence of specific security guarantees further amplifies the perception that the U.S. is exploiting Ukraine’s plight rather than offering genuine support.

December 24, 2018

This scenario sets a dangerous precedent. If the world’s leading democracy can engage in such extortionist measures, leveraging its power to extract economic concessions from a war-torn nation, what message does this send to other countries? The fear is that this model of diplomacy—where security is bartered for profit—could be replicated elsewhere, including in regions like Canada, where strategic interests may one day be similarly exploited.

In this narrative, President Trump emerges not as a champion of global security but as a transactional leader, placing profit over principle. The notion of leveraging Ukraine’s mineral wealth for U.S. cooperation is seen as a shrewd yet ethically questionable move, one that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term alliances.

News: Ukraine outlines draft minerals deal with U.S., but touts no concrete security guarantees

October 26, 2024

As the world grapples with the implications of this deal, it is imperative to remember the cost of such transactional diplomacy. The fight for democracy and sovereignty should not be reduced to a mere financial transaction. Ukraine’s struggle and resilience deserve more than a price tag—they deserve unwavering support and solidarity from the international community.

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and moral dilemmas in international relations. It challenges us to reflect on the values we uphold and the kind of world we wish to build—a world where support for democracy is not contingent upon economic gain but rooted in shared principles and mutual respect.

Did Americans willingly vote to abandon being leader of the free world?

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal strikes me as economic extortion. While Ukraine seeks protection from Russia, the U.S. is demanding a significant chunk of its mineral wealth without offering any solid security guarantees. This feels more like a power play than genuine international support, with U.S. interests overshadowing true aid for Ukraine’s democracy. Under Trump, the U.S. has left a void in the world order, stepping away from its role as leader of the free world. For those of us who warned about Trump’s ways before his election last November, this is no surprise. Liberty, freedom, and the notion of a shining city on the hill no longer seem emblematic of the United States. Is this what Republicans voted for just three months ago? The world appears to be entering dark times.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 27, 2025, below! 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. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 21, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star)

Trump’s Dangerous Dance with Authoritarianism: Rewriting Reality

October 26, 2024

In a world increasingly fraught with geopolitical tensions and the stark realities of authoritarian aggression, the responsibility of democratic nations to uphold truth and justice has never been more critical. As former President Donald Trump seeks to rewrite history by casting Ukraine as a villain and its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a dictator, it is imperative that the global community stands united against this dangerous narrative.

The facts are clear and undisputed: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was an unprovoked act of aggression, a blatant breach of international law, and a humanitarian disaster that has claimed countless innocent lives. Ukraine, under the steadfast leadership of Zelenskyy, has fought valiantly to defend its sovereignty and democratic principles against an authoritarian regime bent on its destruction.

December 10, 2024

Trump’s recent comments not only distort these truths but also align disturbingly with the playbook of authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, a man widely recognized as a war criminal due to his regime’s actions in Ukraine. By shifting blame onto the victim of this brutal conflict, Trump undermines the very principles of justice and democracy that the United States and its allies have long championed.

As highlighted in a New York Times piece by Peter Baker, Trump’s revisionism involves “a striking distortion of reality,” where he falsely accuses Ukraine of initiating the conflict and portrays Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.” Such rhetoric not only misleads but also endangers the fragile alliances and support systems that have been built to uphold international law and order.

News: Trump Flips the Script on the Ukraine War, Blaming Zelensky Not Putin

September 28, 2024

This revisionist rhetoric poses a grave threat to the established world order, one that has, despite its imperfections, largely sought to promote peace, stability, and human rights. By sowing doubt and division, Trump risks weakening the unity of Western nations and emboldening authoritarian regimes that see opportunity in discord.

It is incumbent upon the leaders of democratic nations, including those in Europe, Canada, the UK, and beyond, to resist this dangerous narrative. Silence in the face of such blatant misinformation and revisionism is not an option. To remain silent is to tacitly endorse a worldview that values power over principle, lies over truth, and tyranny over freedom.

February 13, 2024

As one courageous GOP congressman pointed out, Vladimir Putin’s actions warrant the label of war criminal, a fact that cannot be ignored or softened by political expediency. It is a moral and ethical imperative for politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to speak out against any attempt to rehabilitate or justify his regime’s actions.

History will judge those who, in a time of moral crisis, chose the path of least resistance. It will remember those who stood by and allowed truth to be eclipsed by falsehoods for political gain. But it will also honour those who had the courage to speak out, to defend the values of democracy and human rights, and to stand with the oppressed against their oppressors.

In this pivotal moment, the global community must reaffirm its commitment to these principles. We must reject revisionism, support the victims of aggression, and hold accountable those who seek to distort reality for their own ends. Only by doing so can we hope to preserve the fragile peace and order that so many have fought and died to protect.

Today, I poured my creativity into crafting a cartoon that tackles a situation fraught with serious implications. The focus was on former President Donald Trump’s recent statements about Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the cartoon’s lighthearted approach, the underlying issues are deeply concerning.

It’s telling that a lot of people say everything Trump says is a lie, reflecting a widespread skepticism and mistrust. This perception adds a layer of complexity, especially as Trump leads efforts to broker peace in a critical conflict with questionable intentions. Many still believe him, which only deepens the divide between those who seek truth and those who follow his narrative.

While the cartoon aims to entertain, it also highlights the troubling reality of misleading rhetoric. It underscores my worry about the direction of global politics and the urgent need for leaders who prioritize truth and genuine peace efforts.

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 21, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack