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Luke Johnson

@ljohnson.bsky.social
655 followers 340 following 1K posts

Journalist in Berlin Lukegjohnson.com Publicsphere.news

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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 21h
Too funny. Also Jack Smith looks kinda like Dr. Robby from The Pitt
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Important conversation with @emmanuellechaze.com on the humanitarian catastrophe in #Oleshky publicsphere.news/p/q-and-a-59...
publicsphere.news
Q&A #59: Journalist Emmanuelle Chaze on the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Russian-Occupied Oleshky
Russia is engineering a humanitarian crisis in occupied Ukraine
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Please do join in about 90 minutes at open.substack.com/live-stream/...?
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: How Russia is engineering a humanitarian catastrophe in occupied Oleshky
Starting Sep 29 at 10:00 AM EDT
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Barbaric. an attack on a civilian target in the very center of Kyiv with people climbing out of windows to avoid being burned alive.
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Stanislav Aseyev @stanislavaseyev.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
So, in Russian-occupied Oleshky, people are boiling soup from grass and eating dogs; there are reports of people starving to death. Russia is completely blocking people from leaving the city and preventing humanitarian aid from getting in. Today it became known that Ukrainian drones...
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Trump's leverage in the world has greatly diminished. My weekly NL: publicsphere.news/p/the-incred...
publicsphere.news
The Incredible Shrinking U.S. Role in the World
Trump’s shock schtick shows diminished U.S. power
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Call me naive but what is the U.S. government doing funding political ads?
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
the pattern in these cases is when openAI doesn't get what it wants from open sources, it hacks into the system to get the information. dystopian. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/t...
nytimes.com
OpenAI’s A.I. Tried Breaching Four Other Targets, With No Prompting
In each incident, the technology appeared to be conducting mundane data collection and resorted to hacking techniques to get it, researchers said.
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Kevin Rothrock @kevinrothrock.me · 24/09/2026
Zelensky says Kyiv receives interceptors from partners *one or two at a time,* reliant on direct, personal negotiations with national leaders. He argues that only the US could help on a large scale and has asked Trump for more, despite shortages that are only getting worse. t.me/RBC_ua_news/...
t.me
РБК-Україна
🇺🇦 Зеленський розповів, як Україна "збирає по краплі" ракети від партнерів Про це президент заявив на брифінгу в Нью-Йорку. За його словами, ракети надходять не сотнями чи тисячами, а по одній-дві - ...
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The CDU failing to cross the 5 percent threshold in last night's Mecklenburg-West Pomerania is a first ever for one of the major German parties. It's more proof that Germany is increasingly difficult to govern as the center collapses and the far-right and far-left surge.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
This week saw a major acceleration in what Fareed Zakaria once called the "post-American world," not only with the EU-Canada "associate" membership but the declining influence of U.S. military power. publicsphere.news/p/trump-is-a...
publicsphere.news
Trump is Accelerating the Post-American World
It’s not only middle powers moving away from the U.S., but erstwhile allies like Canada
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I was on this trip to Georgia in 2024 and we met with the very brave organizers of Tbilisi Pride. Tugba should be freed immediately. She was arrested for simply interviewing them for a news story.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
In his mind, Trump’s comparison of calls for greater AI regulation to global warming is clear: he thinks both are conspiracies designed to hinder U.S. economic growth. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Trump says AI safety fears a 'hoax' as he rejects calls for greater safeguards
The US president's comments come after Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark told the BBC an AI "kill switch" may need to be mandatory.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Trump, again, gets out in front of his skis on a limited cease-fire for Ukraine. kyivindependent.com/breaking-tru...
kyivindependent.com
Trump claims Ukraine, Russia agree to halt strikes on energy targets, Kyiv unaware of deal
"Ukraine has agreed not to hit Russian Energy Targets. Russia has agreed to do, likewise!" Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sept. 14.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
just another Watergate, every day.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I wasn't going to write a 9/11 anniversary piece, but late yesterday, I realized that the military adventurism abroad and security state at home that was created after has reached its apex in Trump's 2nd term. publicsphere.news/p/how-the-us...
publicsphere.news
How the U.S. Response to 9/11 Led to the Second Trump Term
We’re still living in the world created in the days and weeks after the attacks.
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Emmanuelle Chaze @emmanuellechaze.com · 10/09/2026
Today is the 4th anniversary of the liberation of Izium. Back then, authorities uncovered mass graves where Russia had buried 447 bodies: mostly civilians, 215 women, 194 men & 5 children, as well as 22 Ukrainian soldiers. A sight I will never forget. That was my report👇 www.dw.com/en/ukraine-w...
dw.com
Ukraine: Izium bodies show signs of torture and execution
Over 400 people are being recovered from shallow graves outside the town of Izium, Ukraine. DW's Emmanuelle Chaze visited the horrific scene and spoke to investigators, who believe war crimes took pla...
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I was wrong. I predicted that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would not come to Kyiv, but they did, after the Kremlin announced a short cease-fire. However, Kushner’s floating of a “win-win” solution was fanciful. publicsphere.news/p/for-putin-...
publicsphere.news
For Putin, Jared Kushner’s ‘Win-Win’ Solution is Out of the Question
Putin views the world in zero-sum terms.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
I predict that the Witkoff-Kushner trip to Kyiv will never happen. It is like Lucy and the football. kyivindependent.com/trump-envoys...
kyivindependent.com
Exclusive: Trump envoys' first Kyiv trip thrown into doubt after Witkoff 'gets scared'
"The Russians don't want them to come here to Kyiv, and Witkoff is always sensitive to Russian sentiment," a person familiar with the matter said. "They're being told there that it's dangerous."
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
My latest on the Leipzig attacks and Berlin's response: "For Germany and Europe, time is running out to respond to these Russian attacks before the frog is boiled and they become the new normal." publicsphere.news/p/boiling-th...
publicsphere.news
Boiling the Frog
Russian attacks on Europe risk becoming the new normal
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Christiaan Triebert @trbrtc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This is reporting of the Visual Investigations team (@malachy.bsky.social + editors) and NYT international and DC colleagues: Farnaz Fassihi, Erika Solomon, @johnismay.bsky.social, Sanam Mahoozi, Adam Rasgon, Leily Nikounazar and Josh Holder. Gift link to article: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/v...
nytimes.com
In Small Iranian Town, a U.S. Attack Turns a Wedding Into a Tragedy (Gift Article)
The bomb that hit the residential area was American, according to a weapons expert and a visual analysis by The Times. It killed five people and wounded 67 others, the Iranian authorities said.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Notable that Germany eventually pointed the finger at Russia. However, most of these responses -- closing Bonn consulate / Berlin cultural center -- are too minor or too vague, like harsher action against Russia's shadow fleet. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Germany says Russia behind Leipzig airport drone attack
A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at the airport close to Ukrainian cargo planes on 4 August.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
It's not Putin "plans to" escalate. He's already escalating with daytime jet-powered Shahed attacks on Kyiv, attempts at sabotaging Ukrainian cargo in NATO territory, sending drones into Romania www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
economist.com
Cornered, Vladimir Putin plans to escalate his war
His refusal to back down is rooted in Russia’s gangster politics
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Reupping my interview published at the end of the week with historian Timothy Ryback about how Hitler dismantled a democracy in 53 days. His message is that in 1933 and now, elections have consequences. publicsphere.news/p/q-and-a-ho...
publicsphere.news
Q&A #58: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days
A conversation with historian Timothy Ryback about his new book, “53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy”
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Here's my interview with historian Timothy Ryback about his new book, "53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy.” We discussed how the 1933 election has a comparison with the upcoming midterm elections and this past spring's elections that unseated Viktor Orban. publicsphere.news/p/q-and-a-ho...
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
attention: free speech absolutists www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/u...
nytimes.com
West Point Climate Professor Says He Was Fired for Refusing to ‘Defy Science’
Dr. Adam Kalkstein is suing the U. S. Military Academy, where he was a professor of geography and the only climate scientist, after being fired.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Color me skeptical that John Ratcliffe's reported warning to Moscow not to attack NATO countries is very effective, when his boss, Donald Trump, has consistently cast doubt on whether the US would actually come to the defense of its NATO allies.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
It isn't publicly known why CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a surprise visit to Moscow. However, it is worrying because former CIA Director Bill Burns made a similar visit in late 2021 warning Putin against launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. www.wsj.com/world/cia-di...
wsj.com
CIA Director John Ratcliffe Makes Surprise Trip to Moscow
The agency declined to comment on Ratcliffe’s first publicly known trip to the Russian capital, where he spent about four hours before leaving.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Trump believes that weaker nations will capitulate to him because the U.S. is stronger. International affairs doesn't work like that, and Canada and Iran are showing the limits of this approach. publicsphere.news/p/in-canada-...
publicsphere.news
In Canada and Iran, Trump’s Coercive Foreign Policy Shows Its Limits
Trump thinks that the weak will surrender to him. He is wrong.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Washington Post Ordered to Rehire Fired Columnist www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/b...
nytimes.com
Washington Post Ordered to Rehire Fired Columnist Karen Attiah
An arbitrator ordered the newspaper to reinstate Karen Attiah, who was fired after posting about “white men who espouse hatred and violence” following Charlie Kirk’s killing.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Top Trump officials like JD Vance repeatedly said the U.S. should 'pivot' to Asia. However, the U.S. is disengaging. My latest. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
So Much for the Trump Administration’s ‘Pivot’ to Asia
Trump Administration officials complained that the U.S. needed to focus on East Asia to deter China. The Iran war changed that.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
quite the contrast from her late brother, who could give a cogent quote on say, the new prime minister of Pakistan, without much effort.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I've spoken to election experts in Ukraine and none of them thinks even a scaled-back election is feasible. Also, if he thought this before, why join the gov't? It seems like Fedorov is losing here. kyivindependent.com/fedorov-call...
kyivindependent.com
Fedorov calls for wartime elections, says Putin shouldn't decide when Ukrainians vote
Democracy is "part of what we are fighting for today," Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
It's the natural end point for the musical artist who has proven unable to be cancelled to perform in a country that wants to be uncancellable. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/a...
nytimes.com
Kanye West Announces Russia Concerts, Months After Western Europe Cancellations
Two St. Petersburg concerts by the rapper formerly known as Kanye West could become the first performances by a major Western act in Russia since the country invaded Ukraine.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Ukraine says that North Korea is planning to send 30-50,000 troops to Russia and has stepped up its delivery of ballistic missiles. Trump follows by cancelling routine military exercises with South Korea and talking about his "GREAT" relationship with Kim Jong Un. publicsphere.news/p/trump-appe...
publicsphere.news
Trump Appeases North Korea as It Steps Up Its Aggression Against Ukraine
Kyiv says that Kim Jong Un delivered ballistic missiles for Russian use in Ukraine. Trump cancelled a major military exercise and touted his 'GREAT' relationship with Kim Jong Un.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Here's my interview with @hannanotte.bsky.social about her new, original book on Russian statecraft: "We Shall Outlast Them: Putin’s Global Campaign to Defeat the West." It's a fascinating story about how Russia has a base of goodwill outside the West, despite its imperialist war in Ukraine.
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Emmanuelle Chaze @emmanuellechaze.com · 14/08/2026
🇺🇦 From Kharkiv, I wrote about Russia's war against Ukrainian culture, language, and identity. This summer alone, missile and drone attacks have targeted several publishing houses and destroyed more than 9 million books. Report for @rfi.fr 👇 rfi.my/CxfA
rfi.my
A war on words: why Russian strikes are targeting Ukrainian publishers
On 1 August Russian drone strikes on a logistics and distribution centre in northern Kharkiv destroyed more than 8 million books, in a war being waged not just at the frontline, but on Ukraine's cultu...
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Here's my interview with @cjcmichel.bsky.social about his new book, "The United States of Oligarchy." If you're concerned about wealth inequality and concentrated political power - watch or listen publicsphere.news/p/how-the-us...
publicsphere.news
How the U.S. Gained Its Own 'Oligarchy'
A conversation with investigative journalist Casey Michel about his new book, "The United States of Oligarchy."
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
going LIVE with @cjcmichel.bsky.social in 20 minutes to discuss his new book, "The United States of Oligarchy" TUNE IN!!!! open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: How the United States Became an Oligarchy
Starting Aug 12 at 9:30 AM EDT
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
My latest on how Trump has given Putin an opening to reverse Ukraine's momentum. publicsphere.news/p/trumps-war...
publicsphere.news
Trump's War in Iran Gives Russia an Opening to Reverse Ukraine's Momentum
A global shortage of missile interceptors has given Putin an opening to neutralize Kyiv's mid-strike campaign against Moscow.
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Stanislav Aseyev @stanislavaseyev.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
An illustration of the West's unwavering support. A night in Kyiv.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
This David Ellison op-ed really feels written by an LLM. It's that bad. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | David Ellison: In Defense of the Paramount-Warner Deal
The issue is whether I can be trusted as a steward of CNN
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
A reality check on yesterday's "good" meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy -- there were no new policy announcements. publicsphere.news/p/rumors-of-...
publicsphere.news
Rumors of a Trump-Zelenskyy Turnabout Are Greatly Exaggerated
Trump has spoken more positively about Ukraine, but given Kyiv nothing as Zelenskyy helps the U.S. in the war against Iran.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
NEW: Why Zelenskyy Ousted Ukraine's Top General publicsphere.news/p/why-zelens...
publicsphere.news
Why Zelenskyy Ousted Ukraine's Top General
Plus: Notes from my 8th visit to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion and reporting from the scene of a devastating airstrike
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Breaking: Zelenskyy fires Syrskyi. My quick take substack.com/@publicspher...
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
my report from kyiv on the political turmoil surrounding Fedorov's dismissal. Protests continued last night for a 4th straight day publicsphere.news/p/the-mykhai...
publicsphere.news
The Mykhailo Fedorov Ouster: What Happens When You Change Horses in Midstream
Summing up a week of political turmoil in Ukraine
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
horrible night in kyiv with 30-35 ballistic missiles in 30 minutes.
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
NEW and UPDATED with Zelenskyy's announcement that he had spoken with Fedorov and Syrskyi, although nothing has been decided. publicsphere.news/p/the-mykhai...
publicsphere.news
The Mykhailo Fedorov Ouster: What Happens When You Change Horses in Midstream
Summing up a week of political turmoil in Ukraine
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Luke Johnson @ljohnson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
protests continue tonight, larger than yesterday, over Fedorov's ouster. however, parliament is out until mid-august.
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Anton Barbashin @abarbashin.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
I am now officially on Russia's wanted list. It was not unexcepted and always a question of time. Russia state does not like what we do in ridl.io If you want to support us, please consider donating, reading and sharing the content that got me on the wanted list liberapay.com/ridl.io/donate
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