Vladimir Putin – Page 5 – mackaycartoons

The Quiet Before the Storm

February 22, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Politics, Hockey, and Trump
Saturday February 22, 2025 | Newsletter 17

Yet another week that’s has been a whirlwind of events, weaving together unique threads of provincial, national, and global themes, all underscored by the disruptive presence of Donald Trump lingering in the shadows. From the silence of local candidates in Ontario to the fierce political rivalry in Canada and Trump’s controversial statements on the global stage, the editorial cartoons created this week reflect a growing concern for genuine representation and accountability. The central theme is clear and repetitive to all of my posts in recent weeks: we need to demand more from our leaders and ensure they engage authentically with the public.

The Hamilton Spectator – November 30, 1934

It was a short work week due to the holiday on Monday, so I’ll begin this review not with one of my own editorial cartoons, but with a classic drawn long ago by Hamilton Spectator editorial cartoonist Ivan Glassco. He was a vocal critic of unqualified and ineffective local political candidates, and his sentiments resonate strongly in the current Ontario provincial election campaign.

This election cycle appears to be lacking the typical efforts from candidates to engage with voters—gone are the days of knocking on doors and delivering policy pledges through leaflets. Engagement should also include meeting with journalists and answering their questions. Calling an election during a particularly snowy winter is a convenient tactic by the governing party, ensuring low turnout.

Monday night featured one of two leaders’ debates, which can best be described as a cacophony of sound bites, with four candidates talking over one another while avoiding the pressing issues of the day. Frankly, these debates aren’t worth tuning into for a full 90 minutes. In the past, I found local debates informative in helping me decide whose name to mark with an X, but even those opportunities seem scarce, often lacking attendance from key candidates.

Running for public office should be viewed as an act of courage. However, if candidates merely put their names forward without addressing the who, what, how, and why behind their campaigns, then what’s the point? As Glassco suggests in his timeless cartoon, it’s time to sweep away the useless candidates.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025: The Silence of Candidates

In Ontario, the Progressive Conservative party’s strategy of tightly controlling candidates’ public appearances and media interactions is causing concern. The absence of local candidates from all-candidates debates leaves voters wondering if their representatives are truly equipped to advocate for their interests. The lack of engagement paints a picture of a nearly invisible campaign, depriving voters of meaningful political discourse.

Cartoon Summary: Doug Ford’s confident statement about Canadian independence is juxtaposed with the empty podiums at local debates, highlighting the irony of his words against the backdrop of disengagement. The making-of video: The Training of Parliamentary Trained Seals

Thursday, February 20, 2025: The Rise of Mark Carney

As Pierre Poilievre’s dominance in Ottawa appears to be faltering, the emergence of Mark Carney as a formidable contender promises a significant showdown in Canadian politics. Carney’s impressive credentials challenge Poilievre’s reliance on sharp critiques of Trudeau, reflecting a shift towards leadership that embodies integrity and competence.

Cartoon Summary: The rivalry between Poilievre and Carney, underscoring the contrast between political antics and substantive credentials. The making-of video: Poilievre mob goes after Trump

Friday, February 21, 2025: Putin’s Circus

Former President Donald Trump’s remarks about Ukraine’s conflict with Russia exemplify a troubling departure from democratic values and factual accuracy. His attempt to recast Ukraine as the aggressor undermines the unity of Western nations, highlighting the need for a robust response from global leaders committed to truth and resisting divisive revisionism.

Cartoon Summary: Trump and Musk as circus performers, amusingly juxtaposed with global dictators, capturing the farcical nature of current political discourse while emphasizing the seriousness of the underlying issues. The making-of video: Donald Trump’s Circus Act

Saturday, February 22, 2025: A Hockey Victory for Canada

Finally something to cheer about! Canada’s recent victory over the USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off final serves as a powerful symbol of national pride amidst political tensions with Trump. As the American King’s rhetoric raises concerns about Canada’s sovereignty, the hockey win becomes a rallying point for unity and resilience, reminding Canadians of their shared values and commitment to independence.

Cartoon Summary: A metaphorical ice rink scene features a determined player in a “Never 51” jersey, challenging Trump, Elon Musk and Putin, highlighting Canada’s defiance against external pressures. The making-of video: Never 51, vs. the Trump Clown Cart

* * *

This week’s events have highlighted the pressing need for political engagement and accountability from our leaders, both at the provincial and national levels. The shadow of Donald Trump looms large, complicating matters further with his ongoing interference in international affairs, which threatens the stability and sovereignty of nations. As we look ahead, it is imperative that our political discourse prioritizes transparent, authentic, and principled leadership that upholds democratic values.

Next week, a storm is brewing. On February 27, Ontario voters will express their sentiments regarding Doug Ford’s Trump tariff election and determine whether he deserves the strong mandate he is seeking. As we enter March, Canadians will discover how Trump’s sword of Damocles will affect the tariffs hanging over us. Finally, on March 9, we will learn who the Liberals believe should be Canada’s next Prime Minister. The weeks ahead promise to be pivotal, and it is crucial that we remain vigilant and engaged.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! I typically release posts every Saturday morning, offering a summary of the week through my editorial cartoons. My aim is to keep you informed without overwhelming you with constant notifications. Throughout the week, I also share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which enrich my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons.

Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will always be free. Thank you for your continued support!

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Saturday February 22, 2025

February 22, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 22, 2025

On Thin Ice: Canada’s Cool Defiance

February 20, 2025

Canada’s recent victory over the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off final was more than just a sports triumph; it was a powerful moment of national pride at a time when we needed it most. With President Trump’s provocative remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state and his soft stance towards Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Canadians have felt an increasing need to stand together and assert our sovereignty.

News: Trudeau swipes at Trump as Canada revels in hockey win against US

The game in Boston was a symbol of our resilience and unity. Prime Minister Trudeau’s quick response, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” resonated deeply with Canadians. It reminded us that our identity and values remain strong, no matter the external pressures we face.

Chantal Kreviazuk’s change to the national anthem lyrics, though contentious, was a bold way to express our stance against Trump’s comments. It showed that we won’t back down when our nationhood is questioned, and highlighted the importance of national symbols in rallying our collective spirit.

News: Chantal Kreviazuk’s revised ‘O Canada’ booed ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off final

January 11, 2025

This hockey win has sparked a wave of patriotism across the country. It’s a reminder that, even in challenging times, we can come together and celebrate what makes us uniquely Canadian. Now is the time to harness this sense of pride and turn it into action. We need to strengthen our position on the global stage, stand firm in our independence, and ensure that our friendly rivalry with the U.S. remains just that—friendly.

In these times, let’s build on this momentum, ensuring that Canada remains strong and united. The hockey victory is more than just a win on the ice; it’s a rallying point that urges us to look forward with confidence and determination. As we face challenges ahead, let this victory inspire us to secure our place in the world, ensuring that our values and identity are never compromised.

Hockey Canadian, Never 51, vs. the Trump Clown Cart

This cartoon came together by mixing the famous “Tank Man” photo by Jeff Widener with a modern twist. I added a guy in a “Never 51” Team Canada jersey, inspired by a meme I saw online, standing on an ice rink. It’s a nod to Canada’s hockey win and a jab at how things are changing globally.

I threw Trump, Putin, and Elon Musk into a big golf cart to poke fun at the USA’s shifting role. The cracked ice under them shows things are shaky, and the hockey player saying, “You’re on thin ice,” adds a bit of humour and critique.

Using memes and giving credit makes it more real and connects with people. Plus, it’s good to acknowledge where ideas come from when sharing online. This cartoon is about sparking conversation and having a laugh while highlighting the importance of standing firm in today’s world.

– The Graeme Gallery

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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

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Tuesday December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

December 10, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 10, 2024

The Fall of Assad—A Milestone with Challenges Ahead

June 14, 2000

The end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria marks the fall of one of the most brutal and kleptocratic regimes in modern history. For decades, Assad maintained power through violence, corruption, and fear, overseeing a system that prioritized personal enrichment and oligarchic control while Syria’s people endured economic stagnation and political repression. His crimes against humanity include some of the darkest chapters of the 21st century. Chief among them was the use of sarin gas in Ghouta in 2013, which killed over 1,400 civilians, including hundreds of children, and similar chemical attacks in Douma and other towns. These atrocities, along with systematic torture, extrajudicial killings, and targeting of civilian infrastructure, demand that Assad be brought to justice at The Hague.

October 20, 2023

The fall of Assad’s regime should be a moment of hope for the Syrian people and the world. It eliminates a linchpin of regional instability and weakens the axis of Iran and Russia, both of whom propped up Assad to extend their influence and wage proxy wars. Tehran and Moscow now face significant setbacks, as Syria’s descent into chaos was a crucial element of their geopolitical strategies. The loss of a loyal ally also strains their broader plans to undermine Western influence and protect their regional interests.

News: From Trump and Turkey, to Russia and Iran — Syria’s regime change has huge global consequences

August 24, 2011

Yet optimism is tempered by the lessons of recent history. The fall of other autocrats—such as Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen—has shown that the end of tyranny often leads not to peace, but to fragmentation. Already, Syria’s future is in question. The forces that toppled Assad remain fragmented, with unclear intentions. Will they work toward a pluralistic democracy, or will the vacuum be filled by militant Islamists or fractious warlords? The spectre of Syria becoming another Libya or Yemen looms large, and with it comes the threat of worsening humanitarian crises and regional instability.

News: Trump has big plans at home, but Syria shows why he can’t escape the world’s problems

October 10, 2019

Adding to the complexity is the stance of President-elect Donald Trump, who has signalled a reluctance to engage. Trump’s dismissal of the crisis as “not our fight” and his stated preference for American disengagement risk leaving Syria’s future to be shaped entirely by other powers. While his instinct to avoid another costly military intervention is understandable, a complete abdication of U.S. influence would be shortsighted. Syria’s fate affects global security, refugee flows, and the balance of power in the Middle East.

July 25, 2012

However, engagement does not need to mean boots on the ground. The U.S. and its allies have diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian tools that can help steer Syria toward stability. Coordinating international aid, mediating among rival factions, and ensuring accountability for war crimes—including Assad’s use of chemical weapons—are ways the U.S. can support Syria’s transition without direct military involvement. Ignoring this moment, as some readers and commentators have noted, risks exacerbating the chaos and allowing the most ruthless actors to dictate Syria’s future.

February 23, 2018

The fall of Assad is a victory against tyranny, but it is only a step on the path to rebuilding a shattered nation. Syria’s people have suffered enough under his rule and deserve the chance to chart their own course. It is incumbent upon the international community to ensure this pivotal moment leads to peace, justice, and the beginnings of a stable, inclusive government. Whether Assad himself faces justice for his crimes will be a key test of that effort and a signal to other despots that impunity is no longer an option.

This past weekend, the world woke up to something many thought they’d never see: the sudden collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal dictatorship. After over five decades of the Assad family’s grip on Syria, the regime crumbled as its two lifelines, Russia and Iran, finally pulled out, distracted by their own mounting crises. It’s a moment that feels both overdue and precarious, a mix of cautious hope and the dread of what’s next.

I’ve been drawing Bashar Assad for more than 25 years, watching his transformation from an awkward heir apparent to one of the Middle East’s most notorious autocrats. Back in 2000, when the younger Assad inherited power from his father Hafez, there was a brief flicker of optimism that maybe, just maybe, he’d steer Syria toward reform. He was, after all, “from my generation,” two years older than me—a fact that still unsettles me as I think about how differently our lives turned out. It took about five minutes for that hope to evaporate. My first drawing of Bashar captured that cynicism. Twenty years later, it’s not smugness I feel about being right—it’s exhaustion at the cost of his reign: a half-million lives lost, cities turned to rubble, the mass displacement of Syrians, and atrocities like barrel bombs and sarin gas attacks on his own people.

Now that he’s toppled, the map of Syria looks like a surreal Christmas cookie—splintered into countless zones of control, each a proxy for international players or local factions. Russia and Iran, Assad’s chief backers, are the obvious losers here. Their investment in this dictatorship hasn’t just failed; it’s left them weaker on the global stage. For Iran, it’s a blow to its regional influence. For Putin, it’s another humiliation in a year full of them. The rubble of Assad’s Syria is now their shared legacy.

And then there’s the United States, where President Trump seems blindsided by all of this. His long-standing preference for “staying out of the Middle East mess” is being tested in real time. It’s hard to imagine him being thrilled about having to recalibrate American policy—or frankly, even getting briefed on it. You can practically hear him grumbling, “This isn’t my problem,” as he reluctantly puts his golf clubs away.

In many ways, Assad’s collapse feels like the fall of Mubarak or Gaddafi—a dictator toppled, a power vacuum created, and a nervous world watching to see which warlord, faction, or proxy will claim the spoils. Yet there’s a unique tragedy to Syria, a country that has been so relentlessly broken by both its rulers and foreign meddling that it’s hard to imagine what “stability” even looks like anymore.

One thing is certain: whatever comes next, it cannot be worse than Assad’s reign. But then again, we’ve said that before, haven’t we?

This animated making-of clip of the Dec 10, 2024 editorial cartoon introduces an attempt at trying out an AI generated Trump voice. Yes, I know, it needs work… volume up please. Enjoy! Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Wednesday November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 20, 2024

The 1,000th Day of Ukraine’s War Marks a Critical Juncture for Global Democracy

October 26, 2024

As Ukraine endures the 1,000th day since Vladimir Putin’s invasion, the world watches an increasingly perilous intersection of geopolitics and human suffering. With less than 100 days before Donald Trump is inaugurated as U.S. president, the conflict is entering what could be its most decisive—and dangerous—phase. The stakes are not just for Ukraine, but for the broader values of democracy and collective security that have underpinned global stability since World War II.

President Joe Biden’s reported authorization for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike within Russia reflects an understanding of the narrowing window for action. These strikes, targeting critical Russian military infrastructure, are a last-ditch effort to shift the balance on the battlefield before negotiations likely begin under a Trump administration. Critics, particularly from Trump’s MAGA-aligned faction, decry this as reckless escalation, accusing Biden of provoking “World War Three” to complicate Trump’s peace promises.

News: Biden’s move on missiles for Ukraine angers Trump allies

September 28, 2024

While these criticisms are pointed, Biden’s strategy has merit. The war has dragged on as a brutal stalemate, with Ukrainian civilians bearing the brunt of Putin’s relentless aggression. Long-range strikes serve not only as a tactical necessity but as a psychological one, signalling that Russia’s aggression will no longer go unanswered on its own soil. As former U.S. envoy Kurt Volker noted, these weapons enable Ukraine to target Russian airfields and supply lines once considered untouchable sanctuaries.

However, Biden’s gamble unfolds under the shadow of Trump’s impending presidency. Trump’s rhetoric about NATO, combined with promises to “end the war in 24 hours,” fuels fears of a deal skewed in Russia’s favour. Trump’s disdain for multilateral alliances and his history of conciliatory remarks toward Putin lend credence to worries that Ukraine may be coerced into territorial concessions. The MAGA movement’s critiques of Biden’s decision highlight these concerns, framing continued support for Ukraine as “America last” while echoing Putin’s own talking points about Western overreach.

June 19, 2024

This potential retreat from U.S. leadership carries risks far beyond Ukraine. Europe, already grappling with economic fallout from the war, may find itself on the frontlines of a resurgent Russian imperialism. As reader feedback noted, Putin’s goals extend beyond Ukraine, aiming to reestablish Soviet-era influence across Eastern Europe. A U.S. withdrawal from its post-WWII role as democracy’s ultimate guarantor would embolden autocrats worldwide.

News: Russia’s Putin issues warning to United States with revised nuclear doctrine

Putin’s recent revision of Russia’s nuclear doctrine—lowering the threshold for deployment—adds a chilling dimension to this moment. By framing Ukraine’s U.S.-enabled strikes as a NATO-provoked attack, Russia has signalled its willingness to escalate dramatically. Though some analysts dismiss these threats as bluster, the risks of miscalculation in such a charged environment cannot be ignored.

January 4, 2023

Biden’s decision to empower Ukraine with long-range capabilities is not without peril, but it reflects a necessary recognition of what is at stake. This is not merely a war between two nations but a battle for the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. Allowing Ukraine to bring the fight to Russian territory may be the leverage needed to force Putin to the negotiating table under terms that preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the international order.

Trump’s vow to end the war within 24 hours underscores the urgency of this moment but raises uncomfortable questions. Peace, hastily brokered, risks becoming appeasement. Any settlement that rewards Russian aggression would validate not just Putin’s tactics but those of aspiring autocrats worldwide. As one commenter aptly stated, “War is not a one-way street”—Ukraine has the right to defend itself and demand accountability from its aggressor.

January 26, 2023

The next 100 days will test the resolve of democracies worldwide. Will they stand firm against tyranny, or will they retreat, ceding ground to a dictator whose ambitions extend beyond Ukraine? Biden’s decision, controversial as it is, offers a glimmer of hope that Ukraine will enter any negotiations from a position of strength, not surrender.

This is a defining moment not just for Ukraine but for the global order. The decisions made now will reverberate far beyond the battlefields of Eastern Europe, shaping the world’s trajectory for years to come. The stakes demand courage, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that have long been the foundation of international peace.

A thousand days into Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine, we’re standing at a precarious crossroads. With Joe Biden in his final weeks in office, he’s rolled the dice by giving Ukraine the green light to hit military targets inside Russia with U.S.-made missiles. It’s a bold move, one that could shake up the battlefield and give Ukraine a stronger position heading into negotiations—but not everyone sees it that way. Trump’s allies are calling it reckless, and there’s fear that come January, Trump might undo all of this in favour of a deal that flatters Putin at Ukraine’s expense.

Meanwhile, Putin has responded by doubling down on nuclear brinkmanship, rewriting his rules to lower the bar for launching nukes. He’s playing up the victim card, all while he continues to rain destruction on Ukrainian cities. It’s the ultimate hypocrisy: a bully whining about a punch back after almost three years of unprovoked aggression. But as history shows, appeasing bullies like Putin never works, and his admirer-in-chief, Trump, doesn’t inspire confidence in his promises to “end the war.”

The next 100 days aren’t just about Ukraine—they’re about the soul of the democratic world (I know, very Biden sounding, which is fitting giving the intent of his successor.) If Ukraine’s resistance is bargained away, it sends a chilling message to every authoritarian dreaming of territorial conquest. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the world is watching nervously to see how this all unfolds.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack