10 Comments
Nov 16Liked by Phillips P. OBrien

Let Europe use the frozen Russian assets (300 billion USD) for buying South Korean equipment and munition and weapons

Expand full comment
author

Agree with that--but hard to see that happening in full. And there remains the question of SK will sell that much to Ukraine.

Expand full comment

Happy to still be giving 30 pounds a month to Come Back Alive as a result of this podcast.

Expand full comment
author

Thats awesome Stephen!

Expand full comment
Nov 16Liked by Phillips P. OBrien

What weaponry & tactics are needed to counter the glide bombs ?

Expand full comment
author

Its really tricky. They seem extremely difficult to shoot down in flight. So you have to shoot down the aircraft before launching, or hit the air base where they are being prepared. Ukraine is not being helped to do that.

Expand full comment

I’d like to know when the Ukrainians will equip their drones with thermobaric bombs like what the Russians do with their Shaheds.

Expand full comment
Nov 16Liked by Phillips P. OBrien

It is good to hear from you both again. You have shared much-needed perspectives in these troubling times.

Could you please address what actions/plans are being put in place for the lame-duck period until Trump takes charge? The media are keen to report that Putin has 50K men ready to begin the battle for Kursk. Losing Kursk would be significant in negotiation terms?

Another thought I had was the role of the unforeseen and how accidents in time can shape history. King Alexander's monkey bite comes to mind. It's going to be a long few weeks.

Expand full comment
author

Thats a big question. I think the Biden administration is talking a good game more than doing. Ukraine is trying to appeal to Trump while understanding that US aid could be cut. Europe seems stuck. All in all, its not been a positive process.

Yes, Kursk matters, so far Russian gains there have been marginal

Expand full comment
Nov 17Liked by Phillips P. OBrien

My thoughts are much the same. I hoped there would be an underground movement to shore up the contingencies surrounding Trump's election. As you write, lots of talk in the media. I guess we will see.

Expand full comment