Sign in

Nick Vavich

@badgerintweed.bsky.social
3K followers 2.5K following 4.2K posts

Retired Marine Colonel. OEF/GWOT/Balkans Veteran. Husband. Dad to kids, dogs, and cats. Friend of animals anywhere. Reader. NAFO. Pacific Northwesterner. Believer in messy democracy and centrism.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Nick Vavich
MAKS 26 👀🇺🇦 @maks23.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
🇺🇦🇸🇮 Zelensky: Today in Kyiv, a government delegation from Slovenia, together with representatives of leading companies. Met with the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, together with the Minister of Defense.
112324
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Tom Flood @tomflood.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
The beautiful chaos of a used bookstore is unmatched.
Looking into bookstore from
The street at night
19885451082
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Reuters @reuters.com · 27/08/2026
Bosnian Serb general ‌Ratko Mladic, who was serving a life sentence for genocide in the bloody 1992-95 war in Bosnia, has died ‌in the United Nations detention center in The Hague, Belgrade's Informer TV reported reut.rs/3Sd1MSL
reut.rs
Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic, convicted of genocide, has died, Serbian TV reports
Bosnian ​Serb general ‌Ratko Mladic, who ​was serving ​a life sentence ⁠for ​genocide in ​the bloody 1992-95 war ​in ​Bosnia, has died ‌in ⁠the United Nations detention centre ​in ​The ⁠Hague, Belgrad...
94552137
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
My tribute to Tim Curry: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
theatlantic.com
The Absolute Pleasure of Tim Curry
His magic was to be outrageous without being self-conscious.
1451546266
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Alexander Dommerholt / Олександр Доммернольт @dommerholt.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
@juliadavisnews.bsky.social of Russian Media Monitor has put another video up of lead propagandist Vladimir Solovyov. He's furious about Ukrainian drone attacks and even more furious about Russia's inability to produce results. I've never seen this angry man be THIS angry youtu.be/bwmUX8Zz4Os?...
youtu.be
Vladimir Solovyov demands results
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
28410
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 26/08/2026
⚡️Ukraine thwarts FSB assassination plot against defense company head. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said it foiled an FSB plot to assassinate the head of a Kyiv defense company after a 63-year-old suspect allegedly planted a car bomb and planned to flee to Russia via Poland.
kyivindependent.com
Ukraine thwarts FSB assassination plot against defense company head
The suspected assassin is a 63-year-old pensioner, tasked by the FSB with placing explosives under the driver's seat of the supposed victim's car, according to the SBU.
325868
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Kate from Kharkiv @kateinkharkiv.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Kstovo oil refinery this morning 🔥 I lost count of how many times it was attacked already 👀
1341149
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
"Why Was Communism Appealing?" The sixth lecture in my new online course "Hitler and Stalin Today." Guest lecture by @marcishore.bsky.social Read more and watch the full lecture here: snyder.substack.com/p/why-was-co...
snyder.substack.com
Why Was Communism Appealing?
Lesson six in my new lecture series
1229386
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Julia Davis @juliadavisnews.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Meanwhile in Russia: decorated state TV host Vladimir Solovyov claimed that Russia is fighting a holy war and threatened the world with extinction. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSRM...
youtube.com
Vladimir Solovyov claims Russia is fighting a holy war and threatens the world with extinction
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
2020572
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Vatnik Soup @vatniksoup.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
OTD On this Day in 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, dividing Europe between the two totalitarian regimes. A week later, on September 1st, Germany invaded Poland, joined on September 17 by the Soviets, starting World War II.
520299
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 13/08/2026
A young man kneels in tribute at the temporary memorial on Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti), honoring Ukrainian soldiers who have given their lives defending the country against Russian aggression. Video: korobkin_andre / Instagram.
839666
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Kate from Kharkiv @kateinkharkiv.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
APPLEBAUM: This group of dictators, Russia, North Korea, Iran, China, not linked by any ideology. They’re not bothered about whether Iran is theocracy, or China is communist country. What links them is set of common interests. Their common interest in fighting us, essentially.
315345
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Julia Davis @juliadavisnews.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Meanwhile in Russia: state TV host Vladimir Solovyov was upset when Karen Shakhnazarov asserted that Ukrainian people do exist as a separate nationality. Solovyov praised free speech in Russia, but this portion of the broadcast was cut from the program. www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRMD...
youtube.com
Vladimir Solovyov is displeased when a guest acknowledges the existence of the Ukrainian nationality
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
728968
Reposted by Nick Vavich
EUvsDisinfo @euvsdisinfo.eu · 13/08/2026
According to Putin, Europe is culturally and spiritually ‘decadent’. A continent of living traditions, extraordinary art, historic churches, languages, architecture and some rather stubborn cultural continuity begs to differ.
2219546
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 11/08/2026
⚡️ Russia releases ailing ex-US Marine after 4 years in prison. Robert Gilman's health has seriously deteriorated in recent weeks, prompting U.S. officials to appeal to Moscow for his release.
kyivindependent.com
Russia releases ailing ex-US Marine after 4 years in prison
Robert Gilman's health has seriously deteriorated in recent weeks, prompting U.S. officials to appeal to Moscow for his release.
512238
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 11/08/2026
Smoke billowing over the Black Sea is now an everyday sight in Odesa Oblast as Russia continues to strike ports and vessels in Ukrainian waters. But it’s on land that the impact of Russia’s campaign is most keenly felt, with Ukraine facing an economic crisis unless the country finds a solution soon.
kyivindependent.com
Ukraine faces race against time as Russia chokes Black Sea ports
Smoke billowing over the Black Sea is now an everyday sight in Odesa Oblast as Russia continues to strike ports and vessels in Ukrainian waters. But it’s on land that the impact of Russia’s campaign i...
013439
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Kate from Kharkiv @kateinkharkiv.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
APPLEBAUM: The idea that Russia, by invading Ukraine, was somehow preventing NATO expansion is ridiculous. Particularly when this invasion created more anxiety, rearmament, and strengthening of NATO than anything else could've done. NATO has new members now, Sweden and Finland.
519449
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Alex Finley @alexzfinley.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
When Al-Qaeda targeted planes with bombs we called it terrorism. What about when Russia does the same? It’s past time to take action against Russia and make them realize aggression is not a viable strategy. Plus: an update on a Russian propagandist in France. open.substack.com/pub/alexzfin...
open.substack.com
Another Russian Bomb In Europe. When Do We Call It Terrorism?
Plus: An Update on RT France's Xenia Federova
614344
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Alex Finley @alexzfinley.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Most of us already knew it was Russia, even without the secret intelligence. open.substack.com/pub/alexzfin...
open.substack.com
Another Russian Bomb In Europe. When Do We Call It Terrorism?
Plus: An Update on RT France's Xenia Federova
27831
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 08/08/2026
What is life like for Ukrainians in Donbas as invading Russian forces inch closer? In this report, the Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko travel across Donetsk Oblast to document life in the remaining areas of Ukrainian-controlled Donbas. Watch the full video here:
youtu.be
Life in Ukraine’s last Donbas strongholds as Russia closes in
YouTube video by Kyiv Independent
616146
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 08/08/2026
⚡️Serbia's Vucic backs Ukraine's EU membership on 2nd day of summit with Zelensky. Serbian President Alexander Vucic on Aug. 8 backed Ukraine's bid for EU membership on the second day of President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the country.
kyivindependent.com
Serbia's Vucic backs Ukraine's EU membership on 2nd day of summit with Zelensky
Serbian President Alexander Vucic on Aug. 8 backed Ukraine's bid for EU membership on the second day of President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the country.
1127451
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Kate from Kharkiv @kateinkharkiv.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
APPLEBAUM: My 3 takeaways from Russia-Ukraine war. It'll determine future of democracy in Europe. It'll define future of military technology, lead the way, and show how future wars will be fought. It shows that grassroots way of organizing society can win against autocratic way.
614242
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Kate from Kharkiv @kateinkharkiv.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Journalist: "Short question for President Zelenskyy. Can you tell us, Europeans, what we can concretely do to help you kill more Russians [watch Vučić’s facial expression], more Russian soldiers, of course?" Zelenskyy later answered something like "more support."
822131
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Oliver Grimm @grimmse.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
The work of @peterpomerantsev.bsky.social has been a lodestar for me for a decade, so I thought it might help enlighten the current debate in some corners of Europe about opening up to Putin again. Read today's "Morning Post Europe" here: open.substack.com/pub/europemo...
open.substack.com
Should we talk with the Russians?
Good morning!
2149
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Lessa @libraryofcontext.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I highly recommend listening to this entire discussion. @peterpomerantsev.bsky.social defines the term "collective narcissism," something both the US and Russia are currently experiencing, and how it leads to the justification of violence. He also talks about ways to counter propaganda.
1177
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 05/08/2026
Russia has discovered a new purpose for drones, @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu writes: “Instead of avoiding civilians, Russian operators can now target them, as if they were playing a video game”:
bit.ly
The Dystopian Future Dawns in Kherson
Putin’s human safari in Ukraine is the beginning of a grim new normal.
19249124
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 06/08/2026
Update: The @financialtimes.com finds "Colombian illegal armed groups trying to send soldiers to gain cutting-edge Ukrainian expertise in drone warfare — and then deploy those skills against their own country’s army" giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Colombian narcos’ quest for Ukrainian drone expertise
Unmanned aerial vehicles have upended Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict, as cartels and rebel groups reclaim the skies
17559198
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Julia Davis @juliadavisnews.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Meanwhile in Russia: military expert Yury Knutov praised Iran and urged Moscow to take full advantage of America's missile shortage by destroying more of Ukraine. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4r1...
youtube.com
Yury Knutov urges Russia to take advantage of America's missile shortage
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
16251118
Reposted by Nick Vavich
fosfene.bsky.social @fosfene.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Russia's intent is to destroy Ukraine, its people, culture, language, and history. A textbook genocide. They literally admit this themselves: bsky.app/profile/juli...
511642
Reposted by Nick Vavich
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The dumbest idea ever. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/29/u...
nytimes.com
Inside Intelligence Agencies, a Fight Over Building a Master List of Spies
2313136
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 17/06/2026
⚡️ Zelensky holds post-G7 call with Trump and Macron, says it 'could make a big difference.' "I am grateful to President Trump for his attention to Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
kyivindependent.com
Zelensky holds post-G7 call with Trump and Macron, says it 'could make a big difference'
"I am grateful to President Trump for his attention to Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
715027
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 17/06/2026
⚡️European Council explores opening communication channels with Kremlin. The European Council has established limited diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin in recent weeks as the bloc explores reopening communication channels with Moscow, the Financial Times reported on June 17.
kyivindependent.com
European Council explores opening communication channels with Kremlin
The office of European Council President Antonio Costa has established limited diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin in recent weeks as the bloc explores reopening communication channels with Moscow, t...
78223
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 17/06/2026
"War has instead done what it usually does: empowered the powerful, rallied the faithful, and allowed an apparatus of repression to present its imperatives in terms of national security" Read Laura Secor on the abandonment of the Iranian people www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
theatlantic.com
The Betrayal of the Iranian People
The world has not reckoned with the violence visited on Iranians in 2026.
19626220
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The equivalent would be the absurdity of Belgium claiming that it destroyed Notre Dame because Notre Dame is the soul of Belgium. But yes this comparison takes us a step closer to seeing the madness of this.
19952319
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Julia Davis @juliadavisnews.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Meanwhile in Russia: host Andrey Norkin suggested targeting black Americans who visit Russia — except for Candace Owens, since Moscow considers her to be a tool of Russia's soft power. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4UH...
youtube.com
Host Andrey Norkin suggests targeting black Americans who visit Russia
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
1623898
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Julia Davis @juliadavisnews.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Meanwhile in Russia: one day before Russia struck Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Dmitry Evstafiev said "everyone" in Russia wanted it to happen. This state TV show aired live, but was never posted on the official website. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxfx...
youtube.com
One day before Russia struck Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Dmitry Evstafiev said everyone in Russia wanted it
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
421469
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Julia Davis @juliadavisnews.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Meanwhile in Russia: one month ago, state TV host Vladimir Solovyov explained why the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra should be destroyed along with the rest of Kyiv. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh21...
youtube.com
Vladimir Solovyov said that Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra should be destroyed along with all of Kyiv
YouTube video by Russian Media Monitor
1325899
Reposted by Nick Vavich
EUvsDisinfo @euvsdisinfo.eu · 15/06/2026
Alexandra Jost, the Russian propagandist know for disseminating Kremlin propaganda dressed up as lifestyle content on behalf of Russia Today, has just been placed under EU sanctions. Don’t expect ‘Sasha Meets Europe’ anytime soon.
20331102
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Hi All, we now have an official text of the USA-Iran MOU from the US point of view. It is extraordinary. The US is in a far weaker position than before it started this war fewer than four months ago. Here is a free, blow-by-blow description why. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
open.substack.com
Midweek Update #15: The MOU Is Out
Hi all,
39365171
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 09/06/2026
⚡️ EU unveils 21st Russia sanctions package, proposes entry ban for Russian soldiers. The package will also include a freeze on the current pricing mechanism for Russia energy imports until the end of 2026.
kyivindependent.com
EU unveils 21st Russia sanctions package, proposes entry ban for Russian soldiers
The package will also include a freeze on the current pricing mechanism for Russia energy imports until the end of 2026, meaning Moscow won't be able to profit from rising prices resulting from the U....
823740
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 09/06/2026
⚡️Russia's Starlink rival loses one of its first operational satellites, Russian media reports. Russia's answer to Starlink has lost one of the first satellites launched for its planned internet network, according to Russian state-controlled newspaper Kommersant.
kyivindependent.com
Russia's Starlink rival loses one of its first operational satellites, Russian media reports
Russia's answer to Starlink has lost one of the first satellites launched for its planned internet network, according to Russian state-controlled newspaper Kommersant.
623444
Reposted by Nick Vavich
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 09/06/2026
⚡️Neutrality won't save you from Russia, Kallas tells Ireland. "Neutrality does not provide immunity from the threats Europe faces today. No country in Europe is off Russia's target list since its invasion of Ukraine," Kallas told journalists at a press conference in Dublin.
kyivindependent.com
Neutrality won't save you from Russia, Kallas tells Ireland
"No country in Europe is off Russia's target list since its invasion of Ukraine," Kallas said.
32575162
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Kate from Kharkiv @kateinkharkiv.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
ZELENSKYY: Russia attacks us with more than 650 drones and 35 to 100 missiles per day. We respond with 300 to 350 drones, it’s not a competitive number. But, when we will have 600-plus drones and missiles, Russians will feel this war the way we do, but they will feel it at home.
826869
Nick Vavich @badgerintweed.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
A must read.
000
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Kyiv, Ukraine May 2026
A child's drawing with letters spelling out "Freedom"
8778122
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Vatnik Soup @vatniksoup.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
…putting his media empire at the service of war criminal Putin’s “Vladivostok to Lisbon” imperial ambitions, Bolloré has handed him an even more dangerous weapon than he ever had with RT France. Follow @vatniksoup-fr.bsky.social for this soup in French & exclusive content on French vatniques. 24/25
2889
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Vatnik Soup @vatniksoup.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
In today’s Vatnik Soup, we introduce Vincent Bolloré, a French billionaire and media tycoon. He’s best known for building a powerful media empire and for reshaping editorial lines across French media and publishing, pushing them toward far-right and pro-Kremlin positions. 1/25
11383178
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
The free weekend update is out. The big story of the week is that Ukraine reached out and touched Putin--twice. Once militarily with long-range strike and second diplomatically. It is a sign of initiative changing. Of course Putin still has Trump in his pocket. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
open.substack.com
Weekend Update #188: Ukraine Reaches Out And Touches Putin--Twice
Trump Is Helping Putin As Much As He Can
10432131
Reposted by Nick Vavich
Mick Ryan @warinthefuture.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
“Senior officers in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may be doing too little to advance military development and war preparation.” Another brilliant analysis from @KTristanTang jamestown.org/signs-of-pas...
jamestown.org
Signs of Passivity Emerge Among Senior Officers - Jamestown
Executive Summary: On May 27, Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin (张升民) chaired a special meeting on “deepening the equipping [of the armed forces] with Xi Jinping Thought o...
28213