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Volodymyr Zelenskyy

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

Saturday March 1, 2025

March 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

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.

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

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 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

Trump's revisionist narrative on the Ukraine invasion threatens democratic alliances by aligning with authoritarian rhetoric.

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.

The inauguration of Donald Trump in the Capitol Rotunda, a site of past chaos, highlights the deepening divides and fears surrounding his administration while Biden's preemptive pardons attempt to shield his adversaries from potential retribution against a backdrop of oligarchic influence.

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

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

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

Posted in: International, USA Tagged: 2025-05, authoritarianism, conflict, confrontation, Democracy, diplomacy, Donald Trump, foreign policy, JD Vance, minerals, NATO, Oval Office, Putin, Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, wrestling

Friday February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

 Trump's revisionist narrative on the Ukraine invasion threatens democratic alliances by aligning with authoritarian rhetoric.

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

Trump’s Dangerous Dance with Authoritarianism: Rewriting Reality

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

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.

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

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

Donald Trump's proposals to end the Ukraine war by conceding territory to Russia undermine the Ukrainian people's fight for sovereignty and should not dictate the fate of a nation fighting for its freedom.

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.

Donald Trump's recent remarks, cheering on aggression against NATO countries, and Canada's position as a buffer between Russia and potential U.S. instability, highlight the urgent need for a rethink on global security.

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

Posted in: International, USA Tagged: 2025-04, aggression, alliances, authoritarianism, Ayatolla, bear, China, circus, Democracy, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Iran, Kim Jong Un, North Korea, revisionism, rhetoric, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Xi Jinping

Wednesday November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

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.

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

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

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

Donald Trump's proposals to end the Ukraine war by conceding territory to Russia undermine the Ukrainian people's fight for sovereignty and should not dictate the fate of a nation fighting for its freedom.

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.

Putin's visit to North Korea, seeking arms amid Russia's decline as an exporter of advanced weaponry, underscores his nation's desperate geopolitical maneuvers and the erosion of its global influence.

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.

Both former President Trump and President Biden have expressed differing approaches towards Ukraine, with Trump facing impeachment over allegations of pressuring Ukraine for political gain, while Biden has pledged continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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

Posted in: International Tagged: 2024-21, bear, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, map, missiles, Russia, Substack, Substack3, Ukraine, USA, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, world
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