Phillips OBrien
@phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Professor of Strategic Studies, Author, Lover of Sicily
Pinned
War and Power
A bold, revisionist study of modern warfare, showing that military victory is rooted not in large armies and decisive battles, but in the full spectrum of ec...
www.publicaffairsbooks.com
Hi All, my latest book, War and Power: Who Wins Wars and Why, is being released in North America in two weeks. The Publisher, Basic Books/Hatchette, has just released a discount code for 20% if you buy through them. Code is WAR&POWER (not case sensitive). www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/phill...
There was a time when Americans would have laughed at this sycophancy. And that would have been all of American history before now.
December 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM
There was a time when Americans would have laughed at this sycophancy. And that would have been all of American history before now.
Sent out two free pieces yesterday. First was this, about two key pieces which need to be understood about how/why the Trump administration played a con on Ukraine and Europe. Not pretty reading.
Just sent out this free post on two pieces of the puzzle in understanding the Trump administration's fake pivot to look like they might help Ukraine. Trump was keen to make sure that seized Russian assets were not given to Ukraine--as always follow the money. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Two Pieces of the Puzzle
Understanding the Trump Con on Ukraine and Europe
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Sent out two free pieces yesterday. First was this, about two key pieces which need to be understood about how/why the Trump administration played a con on Ukraine and Europe. Not pretty reading.
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
Yep, "follow the money"
Saw someone say that the West should give 🇺🇦 $2B/day from the frozen assets because that would cause 🇷🇺 to end the war much more quickly
Saw someone say that the West should give 🇺🇦 $2B/day from the frozen assets because that would cause 🇷🇺 to end the war much more quickly
Just sent out this free post on two pieces of the puzzle in understanding the Trump administration's fake pivot to look like they might help Ukraine. Trump was keen to make sure that seized Russian assets were not given to Ukraine--as always follow the money. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Two Pieces of the Puzzle
Understanding the Trump Con on Ukraine and Europe
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Yep, "follow the money"
Saw someone say that the West should give 🇺🇦 $2B/day from the frozen assets because that would cause 🇷🇺 to end the war much more quickly
Saw someone say that the West should give 🇺🇦 $2B/day from the frozen assets because that would cause 🇷🇺 to end the war much more quickly
Hi All, Am Bob Rae and I just held a substack live, and Bob was fascinating (and candid) about what is happening in US-Canadian relations, how democratic states need to now interact, and Canada’s growing commitment to Ukraine in the Russio-Ukraine war. substack.com/@phillipspob...
Phillips P. OBrien (@phillipspobrien)
Hi All, @Bob Rae and I just held a substack live, and Bob was fascinating (and candid) about what is happening in US-Canadian relations, how democratic states need to now interact, and Canada’s growin...
substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Hi All, Am Bob Rae and I just held a substack live, and Bob was fascinating (and candid) about what is happening in US-Canadian relations, how democratic states need to now interact, and Canada’s growing commitment to Ukraine in the Russio-Ukraine war. substack.com/@phillipspob...
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
“..there still is time for Europe to act, if they finally accept that they have been conned and that Trump is determined to get back to business with Russia as soon as possible.”
- Phillips OBrien
@phillipspobrien.bsky.social
- Phillips OBrien
@phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Just sent out this free post on two pieces of the puzzle in understanding the Trump administration's fake pivot to look like they might help Ukraine. Trump was keen to make sure that seized Russian assets were not given to Ukraine--as always follow the money. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Two Pieces of the Puzzle
Understanding the Trump Con on Ukraine and Europe
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:45 AM
“..there still is time for Europe to act, if they finally accept that they have been conned and that Trump is determined to get back to business with Russia as soon as possible.”
- Phillips OBrien
@phillipspobrien.bsky.social
- Phillips OBrien
@phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Just sent out this free post on two pieces of the puzzle in understanding the Trump administration's fake pivot to look like they might help Ukraine. Trump was keen to make sure that seized Russian assets were not given to Ukraine--as always follow the money. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Two Pieces of the Puzzle
Understanding the Trump Con on Ukraine and Europe
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Just sent out this free post on two pieces of the puzzle in understanding the Trump administration's fake pivot to look like they might help Ukraine. Trump was keen to make sure that seized Russian assets were not given to Ukraine--as always follow the money. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Yeesh, it’s almost like the last few months were a con and the Trump administration was always out to weaken NATO….
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Trump’s Push to End the Ukraine War Is Sowing Fresh Fear About NATO’s Future
The U.S.’s latest efforts to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia have jolted the trans-Atlantic alliance.
www.wsj.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Yeesh, it’s almost like the last few months were a con and the Trump administration was always out to weaken NATO….
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
In some ways, Trump has already devastated Ukraine in the USA. He has taken his "deal" that under any other administration would be seen as appeasing a dictator and selling out a democracy, and had it repackaged by the herd as a necessary compromise.
December 1, 2025 at 5:51 PM
In some ways, Trump has already devastated Ukraine in the USA. He has taken his "deal" that under any other administration would be seen as appeasing a dictator and selling out a democracy, and had it repackaged by the herd as a necessary compromise.
Hi All, Ukraine yesterday launched 2 naval attacks using maritime drones that could signal a serious escalation in the world-wide naval war. Russian shipping anywhere in the world is now at risk, but Ukraine also needs to be careful about environmental damage, etc. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Ukraine Opens Up A New War At Sea
Possibilities, Targeting and Risk
open.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Hi All, Ukraine yesterday launched 2 naval attacks using maritime drones that could signal a serious escalation in the world-wide naval war. Russian shipping anywhere in the world is now at risk, but Ukraine also needs to be careful about environmental damage, etc. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
"From the moment he was elected to his second term (now more than a year ago) Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense."
Just sent out my free weekend update. Though the reporting this week made it crystal clear that the Trump administration is with Putin, that was not a bad thing for Ukraine. Accepting the truth is the first step to recovery-and the truth cannot now be denied. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Weekend Update #161: Not A Bad Week For Ukraine
Truth, Democracy and Corruption, Possible High Command Changes, Are European Gloves Coming Off?
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:35 AM
"From the moment he was elected to his second term (now more than a year ago) Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense."
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
OBrien on hard truths for Europe 🎯👇
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
Just sent out my free weekend update. Though the reporting this week made it crystal clear that the Trump administration is with Putin, that was not a bad thing for Ukraine. Accepting the truth is the first step to recovery-and the truth cannot now be denied. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Weekend Update #161: Not A Bad Week For Ukraine
Truth, Democracy and Corruption, Possible High Command Changes, Are European Gloves Coming Off?
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
OBrien on hard truths for Europe 🎯👇
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
"It starts with one simple word—truth. Europeans needed to understand that they were on their own. They needed to prepare to support Ukraine on their own, to stop deferring to the USA, to prepare the continent greater for strategic autonomy and self-defense.
Just sent out my free weekend update. Though the reporting this week made it crystal clear that the Trump administration is with Putin, that was not a bad thing for Ukraine. Accepting the truth is the first step to recovery-and the truth cannot now be denied. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Weekend Update #161: Not A Bad Week For Ukraine
Truth, Democracy and Corruption, Possible High Command Changes, Are European Gloves Coming Off?
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Just sent out my free weekend update. Though the reporting this week made it crystal clear that the Trump administration is with Putin, that was not a bad thing for Ukraine. Accepting the truth is the first step to recovery-and the truth cannot now be denied. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Secretary of War Crimes might be more accurate….
Whoever leaked this information served Hegseth up in a platter. Good.
November 29, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Secretary of War Crimes might be more accurate….
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
'We have historically high welfare spending.' No we don't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
November 29, 2025 at 5:08 PM
'We have historically high welfare spending.' No we don't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
Though one should always be wary, the last few days have actually been better for Ukraine. Moves against corruption, possible changes mooted in Ukrainian high command, and signs that in Europe, ever so slightly, the gloves are coming off.
November 29, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Though one should always be wary, the last few days have actually been better for Ukraine. Moves against corruption, possible changes mooted in Ukrainian high command, and signs that in Europe, ever so slightly, the gloves are coming off.
To understand the balance of power between Trump and Witkoff, you must understand this. If Trump was president and did not appoint Witkoff, US policy towards Russia/Ukraine would be identical to how it is now. If Trump were not president, Witkoff would be irrelevant
November 29, 2025 at 10:28 AM
To understand the balance of power between Trump and Witkoff, you must understand this. If Trump was president and did not appoint Witkoff, US policy towards Russia/Ukraine would be identical to how it is now. If Trump were not president, Witkoff would be irrelevant
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
At this pivotal moment for 🇺🇦 it’s important to remember that corruption in next door Russia is equally endemic - except there is no independent anti-corruption agency. Putin himself is the ultimate ring leader. Everybody within this corrupt circle is beholden onto him. A position of unrivaled power.
The power of Ukrainian democracy is a sight to behold.
And Trump wants to take millions of people from Ukrainian democracy and gift them to dictatorial Russia.
And Trump wants to take millions of people from Ukrainian democracy and gift them to dictatorial Russia.
⚡️BREAKING: Zelensky's chief of staff Yermak resigns amid major corruption scandal.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, submitted his resignation following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at his premises earlier on Nov. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, submitted his resignation following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at his premises earlier on Nov. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
November 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
At this pivotal moment for 🇺🇦 it’s important to remember that corruption in next door Russia is equally endemic - except there is no independent anti-corruption agency. Putin himself is the ultimate ring leader. Everybody within this corrupt circle is beholden onto him. A position of unrivaled power.
The power of Ukrainian democracy is a sight to behold.
And Trump wants to take millions of people from Ukrainian democracy and gift them to dictatorial Russia.
And Trump wants to take millions of people from Ukrainian democracy and gift them to dictatorial Russia.
⚡️BREAKING: Zelensky's chief of staff Yermak resigns amid major corruption scandal.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, submitted his resignation following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at his premises earlier on Nov. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, submitted his resignation following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at his premises earlier on Nov. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
BREAKING: Zelensky's chief of staff Yermak resigns amid Ukraine's biggest corruption scandal
Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, submitted his resignation following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at his premises earlier on Nov. 28, President Volodymyr Zelens...
kyivindependent.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The power of Ukrainian democracy is a sight to behold.
And Trump wants to take millions of people from Ukrainian democracy and gift them to dictatorial Russia.
And Trump wants to take millions of people from Ukrainian democracy and gift them to dictatorial Russia.
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
"In the plan, the Trump Administration made the USA much more pro-Putin and anti-Ukraine in every area of strategic importance—in such a way that the Trump administration is threatening the long-term existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state."
Just sent out this free piece. Trump's 28 point plan put one thing in stark relief--and that was how much better the Biden Administration was for Ukraine than Trump's. There is no comparison. Biden was Ukraine's friend and Trump is not (he is Russia's). open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The Change From Biden To Trump Has Been Devastating For Ukraine
And Why it is Important for the Direction of US Foreign Policy
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:28 AM
"In the plan, the Trump Administration made the USA much more pro-Putin and anti-Ukraine in every area of strategic importance—in such a way that the Trump administration is threatening the long-term existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state."
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
This.
Just sent out this free piece. Trump's 28 point plan put one thing in stark relief--and that was how much better the Biden Administration was for Ukraine than Trump's. There is no comparison. Biden was Ukraine's friend and Trump is not (he is Russia's). open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The Change From Biden To Trump Has Been Devastating For Ukraine
And Why it is Important for the Direction of US Foreign Policy
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
This.
Just sent out this free piece. Trump's 28 point plan put one thing in stark relief--and that was how much better the Biden Administration was for Ukraine than Trump's. There is no comparison. Biden was Ukraine's friend and Trump is not (he is Russia's). open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The Change From Biden To Trump Has Been Devastating For Ukraine
And Why it is Important for the Direction of US Foreign Policy
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Just sent out this free piece. Trump's 28 point plan put one thing in stark relief--and that was how much better the Biden Administration was for Ukraine than Trump's. There is no comparison. Biden was Ukraine's friend and Trump is not (he is Russia's). open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
So its now been 4 days since the Witkoff-Ushakov transcript was released. And in that time, Witkoff has been confirmed in office, has been told he is off to Moscow, and has been strongly supported by Trump AND Putin.
Add 2+2 together and you get....
Add 2+2 together and you get....
November 28, 2025 at 7:24 AM
So its now been 4 days since the Witkoff-Ushakov transcript was released. And in that time, Witkoff has been confirmed in office, has been told he is off to Moscow, and has been strongly supported by Trump AND Putin.
Add 2+2 together and you get....
Add 2+2 together and you get....
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
Territory they hold? You mean Ukraine?
Putin: “When Ukrainians troops withdraw from the territories they hold, then we will cease hostilities; If they don’t leave, we will achieve this by military means “
November 27, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Territory they hold? You mean Ukraine?
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
"We now have proof, from the horse’s mouth so to speak, that Witkoff is doing exactly what Trump wants and Trump knows it. Can we stop, once and for all, making excuses on Trump’s behalf? The USA under his leadership is a danger to freedom—admit that and act on it."
Hi All, Just sent out this free piece. The controversial Bloomberg piece is the perfect example of why we must stop making excuses for Trump. Trump has reconfirmed that Witkoff was doing what he wanted and that Witkoff is soon off to Moscow to represent the USA. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The Bloomberg Story Demonstrated Just How Much Some People Will Make Excuses For Trump
Hi All,
open.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:24 PM
"We now have proof, from the horse’s mouth so to speak, that Witkoff is doing exactly what Trump wants and Trump knows it. Can we stop, once and for all, making excuses on Trump’s behalf? The USA under his leadership is a danger to freedom—admit that and act on it."
Reposted by Phillips OBrien
