Bill Park
@billpark.bsky.social
Retired KCL academic. Lives in Oxford. Interested in security issues, Turkey, Kurds, Ukraine. Remainer. Also lover of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Arsenal FC, jazz, travel, photography.
Reposted by Bill Park
OTD in 1994 the First Chechen War began. After incompetent initial assault that failed, Russian army turned to barbarism & crimes against humanity. It stopped when we signed a peace deal we would later violate.
None of this should sound familiar to you
None of this should sound familiar to you
December 11, 2025 at 8:27 AM
OTD in 1994 the First Chechen War began. After incompetent initial assault that failed, Russian army turned to barbarism & crimes against humanity. It stopped when we signed a peace deal we would later violate.
None of this should sound familiar to you
None of this should sound familiar to you
Reposted by Bill Park
🇺🇦🤔 There's one question I—and all Ukrainians—want an answer to: if Russia starts a war again, what will our partners do? — Zelensky
December 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM
🇺🇦🤔 There's one question I—and all Ukrainians—want an answer to: if Russia starts a war again, what will our partners do? — Zelensky
Reposted by Bill Park
There is only one path to peace:
Apply devastating sanctions that destroy the war economy of aggressor Russia; impose a total embargo.
Give massive assistance to Ukrainian defenders to secure victory; liberate all occupied land and people.
Apply devastating sanctions that destroy the war economy of aggressor Russia; impose a total embargo.
Give massive assistance to Ukrainian defenders to secure victory; liberate all occupied land and people.
December 8, 2025 at 2:58 PM
There is only one path to peace:
Apply devastating sanctions that destroy the war economy of aggressor Russia; impose a total embargo.
Give massive assistance to Ukrainian defenders to secure victory; liberate all occupied land and people.
Apply devastating sanctions that destroy the war economy of aggressor Russia; impose a total embargo.
Give massive assistance to Ukrainian defenders to secure victory; liberate all occupied land and people.
Reposted by Bill Park
There are solutions to almost every problem. Including reversing military invasions and ending occupations.
The solution to Russia's war against Ukraine is to shock Russia's economy into collapse, resulting in impoverished Russians who turn on Putin and his regime. That's how we solve this problem.
The solution to Russia's war against Ukraine is to shock Russia's economy into collapse, resulting in impoverished Russians who turn on Putin and his regime. That's how we solve this problem.
December 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
There are solutions to almost every problem. Including reversing military invasions and ending occupations.
The solution to Russia's war against Ukraine is to shock Russia's economy into collapse, resulting in impoverished Russians who turn on Putin and his regime. That's how we solve this problem.
The solution to Russia's war against Ukraine is to shock Russia's economy into collapse, resulting in impoverished Russians who turn on Putin and his regime. That's how we solve this problem.
Totally agree with this paper. As with pre-WW1 and pre-WW2, US is absent. But Ukraine is now a major player in securing European security into the future, and Ukraine's plight today matters.
When I finished writing this a couple of weeks ago, I didn't expect that the US would set out in its National Security Strategy how it could help Putin achieve his goals.
#Russia has made two failed attempts to get the West to accept a Russian sphere of influence in Eastern Europe by diplomatic means. Now #Putin is intent on creating a sphere of influence by force. 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social paper by @cerianbond.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/gzMAkk4
New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social paper by @cerianbond.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/gzMAkk4
December 8, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Totally agree with this paper. As with pre-WW1 and pre-WW2, US is absent. But Ukraine is now a major player in securing European security into the future, and Ukraine's plight today matters.
Reposted by Bill Park
#Europe has voted for defence. Now it must deliver
by Blythe Crawford
Europe’s landmark defence-industrial programme will mean nothing if it cannot translate political will into real capability
www.euractiv.com/opinion/euro...
by Blythe Crawford
Europe’s landmark defence-industrial programme will mean nothing if it cannot translate political will into real capability
www.euractiv.com/opinion/euro...
Europe has voted for defence. Now it must deliver | Euractiv
Europe’s landmark defence-industrial programme will mean nothing if it cannot translate political will into real capability
www.euractiv.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:25 AM
#Europe has voted for defence. Now it must deliver
by Blythe Crawford
Europe’s landmark defence-industrial programme will mean nothing if it cannot translate political will into real capability
www.euractiv.com/opinion/euro...
by Blythe Crawford
Europe’s landmark defence-industrial programme will mean nothing if it cannot translate political will into real capability
www.euractiv.com/opinion/euro...
He's right on the threats, but Europe shouldn't rely on China doing the decent thing. China, and the US, are protectionist. That's their business. But now so should Europe be, perhaps alongside its allies in Canada, Japan, S. Korea, Australasia etc.
European industry is facing a “life or death” moment, says French President Emmanuel Macron, squeezed between an ultra-competitive China and a protectionist America — and Beijing should ride to its rescue with long overdue foreign investment.
European industry faces ‘life or death,’ Macron says — and China needs to help
China’s trade surplus is “untenable” and Beijing needs to start importing from Europe instead of “killing their customers,” French president says.
www.politico.eu
December 8, 2025 at 9:51 AM
He's right on the threats, but Europe shouldn't rely on China doing the decent thing. China, and the US, are protectionist. That's their business. But now so should Europe be, perhaps alongside its allies in Canada, Japan, S. Korea, Australasia etc.
Reposted by Bill Park
Three more British MEPs in Nigel Farage’s bloc now alleged to have “followed the script” given to Nathan Gill by an alleged Russian asset, according to prosecutors.
At least eight UKIP and Brexit Party MPs were focus of efforts by Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
At least eight UKIP and Brexit Party MPs were focus of efforts by Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Three more Farage bloc MEPs alleged to have followed Russian asset’s script
At least eight MEPs elected for Ukip or Brexit party now known to have been focus of efforts by jailed Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Three more British MEPs in Nigel Farage’s bloc now alleged to have “followed the script” given to Nathan Gill by an alleged Russian asset, according to prosecutors.
At least eight UKIP and Brexit Party MPs were focus of efforts by Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
At least eight UKIP and Brexit Party MPs were focus of efforts by Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Bill Park
Does Europe Finally Realize It’s Alone?
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/05/n...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/05/n...
Does Europe Finally Realize It’s Alone?
Washington’s new National Security Strategy ratifies an adversarial relationship.
foreignpolicy.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Does Europe Finally Realize It’s Alone?
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/05/n...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/05/n...
Reposted by Bill Park
And Ukrainian journalists, civil society, and legal institutions still work.
The baroque corruption schemes playing out in America and Russia completely outclass the kickback scandal in Ukraine.
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
Trumpian Corruption Is Worse Than Ukrainian Corruption
The people of Ukraine want an honest government, even as American and Russian kleptocrats circle their country.
www.theatlantic.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:54 PM
And Ukrainian journalists, civil society, and legal institutions still work.
Reposted by Bill Park
62% of Germans say that Germany can no longer rely on the US nuclear umbrella for its security.
Source koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
Source koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
December 8, 2025 at 8:07 AM
62% of Germans say that Germany can no longer rely on the US nuclear umbrella for its security.
Source koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
Source koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
Reposted by Bill Park
He is worse than Putin. Bout broke their nations promises to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty In exchange for their nukes.
December 7, 2025 at 8:36 PM
He is worse than Putin. Bout broke their nations promises to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty In exchange for their nukes.
Reposted by Bill Park
This is so perfect. No one have any doubts at this point about what Elon Musk really represents.
December 7, 2025 at 1:50 PM
This is so perfect. No one have any doubts at this point about what Elon Musk really represents.
Reposted by Bill Park
Kremlin: Changes to US security strategy ‘largely consistent’ with Russia’s vision
Kremlin: Changes to US security strategy ‘largely consistent’ with Russia’s vision
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the document, which contains harsh criticism of European allies, is a welcome change from previous ones
dlvr.it
December 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Kremlin: Changes to US security strategy ‘largely consistent’ with Russia’s vision
Reposted by Bill Park
Czech President Pavel warns: “If Putin wins in Ukraine, we all lose.” He compared secret U.S.-Russia talks on territorial concessions to the 1938 Munich Agreement, calling them dangerously familiar. Letting Russia emerge victorious from this war, he stressed, would be a defeat for all of Europe.
December 7, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Czech President Pavel warns: “If Putin wins in Ukraine, we all lose.” He compared secret U.S.-Russia talks on territorial concessions to the 1938 Munich Agreement, calling them dangerously familiar. Letting Russia emerge victorious from this war, he stressed, would be a defeat for all of Europe.
Yes, something has changed. The US has reverted to the US of more than 80 years ago. Only joined WW1 and WW2 when directly attacked, didn't join the League of Nations, even post-WW2 softened Article 5.
December 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Yes, something has changed. The US has reverted to the US of more than 80 years ago. Only joined WW1 and WW2 when directly attacked, didn't join the League of Nations, even post-WW2 softened Article 5.
Exactly.
In reference to the recent Ukraine "talks" in Moscow, German foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter made following statements:
"The current talks between the US and Russia are nothing but sham negotiations that take place over our heads.
"The current talks between the US and Russia are nothing but sham negotiations that take place over our heads.
December 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Exactly.
Reposted by Bill Park
French authorities report that five drones have been seen over l’Ile Longue last where the French nuclear submarines are based. Reports are that anti-drone measures were taken (!). More infos to come, I expect.
www.lemonde.fr/pixels/artic...
www.lemonde.fr/pixels/artic...
La base sous-marine de l’île Longue, qui abrite les sous-marins nucléaires lanceurs d’engins, survolée par des drones
Cinq drones ont été détectés techniquement jeudi soir, vers 19 h 30, au-dessus de la base, qui borde la rade de Brest.
www.lemonde.fr
December 5, 2025 at 11:58 AM
French authorities report that five drones have been seen over l’Ile Longue last where the French nuclear submarines are based. Reports are that anti-drone measures were taken (!). More infos to come, I expect.
www.lemonde.fr/pixels/artic...
www.lemonde.fr/pixels/artic...
Every country along Russia's western borders did and does take them very seriously. That's why NATO expanded; to offer security to country's threatened by Russia. Here's an idea, Putin; behave like the rest of Europe, open up, stop threatening, and you'll find Russia will be 'unthreatened'.
‼️ Russia: “Putin called NATO a threat to Russia, and Ukraine's accession to the alliance is unacceptable.”
Says that NATO salesman of the decade
🇸🇪: 🥳
🇫🇮: 🥳
www.interfax.ru/russia/1061534
Says that NATO salesman of the decade
🇸🇪: 🥳
🇫🇮: 🥳
www.interfax.ru/russia/1061534
December 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Every country along Russia's western borders did and does take them very seriously. That's why NATO expanded; to offer security to country's threatened by Russia. Here's an idea, Putin; behave like the rest of Europe, open up, stop threatening, and you'll find Russia will be 'unthreatened'.
That is not an unreasonable position to take.
⚡️ Belgium says it won’t support using profits from frozen Russian assets unless the EU shares all legal and financial risks.
Belgium Sets Conditions for Using Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine Aid
Belgium sets three essential conditions for EU support of Ukraine's reparations loan from frozen Russian assets, emphasizing shared financial responsibility.
united24media.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
That is not an unreasonable position to take.
What is interesting here is that a/ the US also experiences immigration, and b/ if you take immigration and Silicon Valley/AI out of the equation, the US isn't looking too good either.
US national security strategy.
Something sure is unrecognisable here, but it’s not Europe.
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
Something sure is unrecognisable here, but it’s not Europe.
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
December 5, 2025 at 8:52 AM
What is interesting here is that a/ the US also experiences immigration, and b/ if you take immigration and Silicon Valley/AI out of the equation, the US isn't looking too good either.
Or maybe he's just a sad, isolated, obsessive fantasist.
Russian President Putin reiterated his commitment to his original war aims from 2021 and 2022 and unwillingness to compromise – likely as part of the Kremlin’s efforts to shape the international information space during the ongoing negotiations. More here: www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/rus...
December 5, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Or maybe he's just a sad, isolated, obsessive fantasist.
Reposted by Bill Park
‼️4 unknown drones were flying towards the plane with Zelenskyy (!) when he was leaving Ireland: UAVs violated the flight ban, – Irish media.
December 4, 2025 at 4:24 PM
‼️4 unknown drones were flying towards the plane with Zelenskyy (!) when he was leaving Ireland: UAVs violated the flight ban, – Irish media.
Reposted by Bill Park
The Times: Weeks of peace talks, revised US proposals, and a Trump envoy’s Kremlin visit failed to sway Putin, he remains committed to conquering Ukraine. The only clear result: Putin no longer fears Trump. Talks widened the rift between Europe and Washington, delighting Moscow.
December 4, 2025 at 11:19 AM
The Times: Weeks of peace talks, revised US proposals, and a Trump envoy’s Kremlin visit failed to sway Putin, he remains committed to conquering Ukraine. The only clear result: Putin no longer fears Trump. Talks widened the rift between Europe and Washington, delighting Moscow.
True. Trump surely encourages Putin to continue on his path, and discourages Russians - including those in positions of responsibility - from opposing him. Trump offers Russia the prospect of victory.
❗️Putin is stalling and trying to deceive the United States in order to seize more territory — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal commented on the talks that took place in Moscow, saying:
“Putin continues to delay and stall, buying time for further attacks and the killing of
“Putin continues to delay and stall, buying time for further attacks and the killing of
December 4, 2025 at 11:23 AM
True. Trump surely encourages Putin to continue on his path, and discourages Russians - including those in positions of responsibility - from opposing him. Trump offers Russia the prospect of victory.