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Paul Knott

@paulknott11.bsky.social
413 followers 371 following 1.3K posts

Dockworker turned diplomat. Now, writer of 'The Accidental Diplomat'. Foreign policy for numerous outlets, including BBC radio at odd hours of the night. Rugby League & music fan.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Paul Knott
The Ukrainian Review @theukrainianreview.bsky.social · 5h
🇺🇦 Zelensky: Only this morning did the search and rescue work in Zaporizhzhia end, where Russia killed 23 people, four of them children. Yesterday in Kharkiv, the Russians struck a medical facility, this night there were Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and energy.
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 4h
The American tragedy. Twice over, Its response to war in Europe was hesitation followed by crucial involvement: now the world's foremost power is led by a latter-day Quisling, equal parts nasty & plain stupid www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Trump says Ukraine needs a new leader after diesel deal with Russia
US president suggests Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not done enough to end war
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Ian Bond @cerianbond.bsky.social · 4h
All excellent points - which is why Kellogg is no longer working for Trump, who would rather back Putin.
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Rima I Anabtawi @rimaanabtawi.bsky.social · 4h
Burnham first PM to confirm Kremlin role in Brexit vote The prime minister has revealed UK authorities told him there was ‘clear evidence’ that Moscow meddled in the referendum observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk
From Russia with interference: Burnham first PM to confir...
The prime minister has revealed UK authorities told him there was ‘clear evidence’ that Moscow meddled in the referendum
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Angus Young @angusyoung61.bsky.social · 4h
aqyoung61.substack.com/p/when-harry...
aqyoung61.substack.com
When Harry Houdini came to Hull
A tale of escape and illusion
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 4h
This is what your dirty Russian diesel dollars bought.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 4h
Sometimes powerful countries can recover from their mistakes. Other times the stain on their reputation is so great, it can never be removed. Sadly for the US, I think this might be one of the latter situations. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Trump says Ukraine needs a new leader after diesel deal with Russia
US president suggests Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not done enough to end war
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Reposted by Paul Knott
Kaja Kallas @kajakallas.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t. On Monday, EU Foreign Ministers intend to approve the biggest set of sanctions listings targeting Russia’s war machine since the start of the war.
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Kaja Kallas @kajakallas.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Russian strikes killed over 80 Ukrainian civilians in two days. Moreover, it has stepped up its hybrid attacks against Europe, both EU Member States and NATO Allies. Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 18h
Trump's dirty Russian diesel is paid for with the blood of innocent Ukrainian men, women & children. I hope every American thinks about that when they fill up their trucks and tractors. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Ukraine hit by deadly Russian strikes as ‘thanks’ for Trump diesel deal, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian president says money from fuel sales will intensify war as European leaders reiterate support for Kyiv
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Reposted by Paul Knott
David Rothkopf @djrothkopf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
This is what Trump and the US government are now sponsoring.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 19h
Trump's dirty Russian diesel is paid for with the blood of innocent Ukrainian men, women & children. I hope every American thinks about that when they fill up their trucks and tractors. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Ukraine hit by deadly Russian strikes as ‘thanks’ for Trump diesel deal, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian president says money from fuel sales will intensify war as European leaders reiterate support for Kyiv
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
"Every ton of diesel Russia sells funds the war machine that bombs Ukrainian cities, homes, schools, and hospitals every night." America, and anyone who buys this blood diesel, is now complicit in that. americancoalitionforukraine.org/2026/10/09/s...
americancoalitionforukraine.org
Statement on Diesel Purchase - American Coalition for Ukraine
_ultp_tb_ic_leftAngleBold_ultp_tb_ic_end_EN_ultp_tb_ic_rightAngleBold_ultp_tb_ic_end_ October 9, 2026Contact: communications@americancoalitionforukraine.org ACU Condemns Trump Administration Decision ...
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Helen Lewis @helenlewis.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I read the Cornell documents, and they paint an extremely grim picture of a group of men who saw Jane Doe not as a fellow human being, but as a vending machine dispensing bro points they could cash in with their buddies. (gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/1...
theatlantic.com
Everyone Knew What Happened at Cornell Was Wrong
The simple truth behind Jane Doe’s story
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Olga Nesterova @onestpress.onestnetwork.com · 09/10/2026
Navi Pillay receives the news while at the Courtroom 600, Nuremberg Palace of Justice The speech is worth listening to. Video by Sec Gen, Amnesty International, Agnes Callamard
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
It turns out you can't bomb people into liking & trusting you. And it puts off the people who were quite keen in the first place. Who knew? www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/irans-t...
foreignaffairs.com
Iran’s Theory of Victory
Tehran’s fight for great-power status in the post-American Middle East.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
In Texas, I'll believe it when I see it. But one day, maybe soon, more of the decent, hardworking people of that great state will tire of being ripped off, abused and exploited by the gluttonously corrupt Republicans they keep electing. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/09/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | ‘You’ve Lied to Me Enough.’ In Texas, MAGA Voters Are Breaking Ranks.
The Texas Democrat who says the culture wars are over.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
There is no evidence that the Kremlin is lying about the plague lab leak in Russia, apart from everything they have ever said and done. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/08/w...
nytimes.com
Russia’s Silence on Possible Plague Outbreak Stokes Fears of a Cover-Up
As rumors spread about a possible plague outbreak in Siberia, the Kremlin turned to a familiar playbook: offering little information about potential bad news.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
At this point, there is little to distinguish Putin's Russia from the worst terrorist organisations - mass murdering innocent civilians in a vile attempt to terrorise others into submission. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Russian attack on two buses kills 30 near Ukraine frontline
Authorities say 18 people also wounded after incident in Kramatorsk in country’s ‘fortess belt’
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Why Arturo Béjar left Meta – and blew the whistle: ‘I don’t recall Mark ever being empathetic’
Béjar’s daughter was 14 when she told him Instagram was failing to keep her safe. So when he became part of Meta’s ‘wellbeing team’, he knew he had to speak out – and his testimony cost it billions
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Hull City are a very disciplined team and certainly not dirty. I am delighted, though, that we are doing it our way and avoiding that awful fate of being patronisingly applauded off various Premier League cathedrals for having played nicely and got beat 5-1. www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/footba...
hulldailymail.co.uk
Jakirovic is getting what he wanted as Hull City sit top of the bad boys chart
The Tigers have been handed 18 yellow cards in five league games
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Deepest sympathies to everyone in Israel, and their families and friends around the world, who suffered loss and injury as a result of the vile Hamas terrorist attack on this day, October 7th, three years ago.
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Alon Pinkas @alonpinkas.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
7 October, 2023. A date which will live in infamy. A catastrophe of unimaginable proportions and scale, a debacle of profound dimensions and the absolute darkest day in Israel’s history. A day and a calamity for which a callous, mendacious, confabulating coward called Benjamin Netanyahu refused to..
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The goal of every decent person on earth should be that Putin spends his next birthday in prison. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Ukraine says Russia bombed apartment block as birthday gift for Putin
Building in Pryluky destroyed, killing nine people including three children, officials say, night before Russian president’s 74th birthday
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
It's sort of a more corrupt, less competent "Axis of Evil". www.nytimes.com/2026/10/06/u...
nytimes.com
Amid Midterm Crunch, Trump Advisers Took Time to Help Russia-Aligned Government
James Blair and Chris LaCivita, who are leading the president’s congressional campaign operation, traveled to Republika Srpska to provide election advice.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Credit to Chancellor Merz for this. It is absolutely crucial for Europe's security that we step up our support for Ukraine against Russia's terror attacks. www.dw.com/en/germanys-...
dw.com
Germany's chancellor arrives in Kyiv on unannounced visit to pledge more military support to Ukraine
As air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv, Chancellor Merz called on President Putin to end his "senseless war" and announced new measures to support Ukraine, including plans for joint Ukrainian-German drone...
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Angus Young @angusyoung61.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
aqyoung61.substack.com/p/always-exp...
aqyoung61.substack.com
Always expect tales of the unexpected
Getting out some good news about community sport in Hull
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I'm looking forward to the Rugby League World Cup a lot. www.rugby-league.com/article/6518...
rugby-league.com
England Men's squad confirmed for Rugby League World Cup
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Alon Pinkas @alonpinkas.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Exactly right
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
If only there was some precedent from elsewhere in the Americas to indicate whether electing a massively corrupt, coup-plotting and crime connected far-right crackpot was a good idea or not. www.economist.com/the-americas...
economist.com
The Bolsonaro comeback in Brazil
Voters are all but sure to make Flávio Bolsonaro the next president
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Russia has already inflicted war, death and famine on the world. I guess it was only a matter of time before it got to pestilence and plague. www.rferl.org/a/russia-pla...
rferl.org
Siberian Anti-Plague Institute Staff Isolated After Worker's Death
The United States is monitoring reports of a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia after the death of a 28-year-old laboratory worker in the Siberian region of Irkutsk, as some US political fig...
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Putin does not want peace. We must do two things now to pressure him. Remove all limits on Ukraine's use of weapons against Russia's military. Send Russia's $300bn in frozen assets to Ukraine as an advance of the reparations Russia will owe for its war crimes. www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
foreignaffairs.com
Russia’s Plan to Break Ukraine
What Kyiv needs to survive.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
China's achievements over recent decades are impressive. But dictatorships as harsh as Xi's rarely succeed in the long run. Many of China's people are struggling and it's continued advance is not inevitable. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Economic Strain Is Pitting China’s People Against Each Other (Gift Article)
Unable to question the government, Chinese are taking their economic frustrations out on each other.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The death penalty is wrong and the botched execution of Christa Pike by the authorities in Tennessee is grotesque. We should also remember the family of her young victim, Colleen Slemmer, and what they are going through with the case back in the headlines. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/01/u...
nytimes.com
Colleen Slemmer Was a Vibrant and Generous Presence, Her Mother Says (Gift Article)
Ms. Slemmer was killed in 1995 by Christa Pike, whose execution in Tennessee was botched on Wednesday. Her family celebrated what would have been her 51st birthday last month.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Russia's cowardly & criminal regime is trying to murder and terrorize us into submission by bombing Ukrainian schools, hospitals and homes. Putin has no sense of basic humanity but he can be made to suffer painful consequences and defeated. Let's make that happen. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian leader tells FT his Russian counterpart has given the order that ‘there are no rules now’
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
There is nothing "hybrid" about attacks such as trying to blow up planes at a civilian airport. We should call them what they are - acts of war. And do what is necessary to deter Russia accordingly. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... Article via @financialtimes.com
giftarticle.ft.com
Europe braces for ‘severe hybrid attacks’ from Russia, says Friedrich Merz
German chancellor says Moscow’s escalation shows ‘desperation’ over the war in Ukraine
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Whatever else is happening in other big powers, no-one should wish for Xi's China to have greater influence over the world. It's regime is a brutal, cynical, utterly self-interested dictatorship and I certainly would not want to live under its dominance. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
MI5 issues spy alert to UK universities over Chinese front company stealing research
Security service says academics should stop taking grants from and working with firm backed by China’s intelligence service
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
It's great to see a Prime Minister going for what be believes in and changing the overly negative, declinist mood. Andy Burnham might well be the first leader in a long time who is boldly willing to change Britain for the better. Good luck and all support to him. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘He persuaded us’: Labour ministers moved by Andy Burnham’s emotional conference speech
Prime minister’s pure political argument marks new era for party as he sets out his plans and priorities
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Reposted by Paul Knott
Anton Gerashchenko @antongerashchenko.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
and families trying for years to bring them home. Please watch and share this important report so more people understand what Ukrainian children are facing under Russian occupation. The full 30-minute video is available via the YouTube link in the comments.
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Anton Gerashchenko @antongerashchenko.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
shows how children under Russian occupation face indoctrination and military training, while boys approaching 18 risk being drafted and forced to fight against their own country. It also looks at abductions and forced transfers, Ukrainian children appearing on Russian adoption websites,
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Anton Gerashchenko @antongerashchenko.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
For ABC’s Foreign Correspondent, reporter Kathryn Diss traveled to Ukraine and embedded with Save Ukraine’s rescue team on a mission to bring Ukrainian children home from Russian-occupied territory. The report, The Children Russia Stole: The undercover network bringing Ukraine’s kids home,
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Thomas L Friedman @thomaslfriedman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
My column: Trump Is Going Viral in the Worst Ways www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Trump Is Going Viral in the Worst Ways
On the technological, diplomatic and biological fronts, Trump is creating a disaster.
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Olena Halushka @halushka.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
For the past 3d, russian drones have been bombing Kyiv nonstop. russia is particularly targeting education infrastructure. This horrifying photo shows people escaping a massive fire through a window in the National Academy of Science of Ukraine. russians also bombed 2 schools and 2 kindergartens.
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 28/09/2026
⚡️Update: Multiple fires across Kyiv, city center struck as all-day Russian drone attacks continue. Around 4:00 pm. local time, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported that the Russian attacked on the city center killed a woman and injured 19 other people, including three children.
kyivindependent.com
Breaking: Multiple fires across Kyiv, city center struck as all-day Russian drone attacks continue
In the city center, local media and Telegram channels reported a strike next to the main campus of Kyiv's Taras Shevchenko National University.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A vote of over 70% against the Swiss far-right's Russia-backed anti-sanctions "neutrality" initiative is quite a hammering. And a strong signal of support for European solidarity against Putin's evil dictatorship. www.tagesanzeiger.ch/neutralitaet...
tagesanzeiger.ch
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Olga Nesterova @onestpress.onestnetwork.com · 27/09/2026
Evil, just pure evil
Commissioner for Human Rights & X.com
@CommissionerHR
I am alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, a town in the temporarily occupied parts of the Kherson region of Ukraine.
Civilians, including children, are trapped without sufficient food, medicines, medical care, running water or electricity. Reports indicate that they face a high risk of death.
Under international humanitarian law, Russia, as the occupying power, has the duty to provide food and medical supplies and to facilitate humanitarian relief.
I call for an immediate local ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the safe evacuation of civilians.
The hardship and suffering of people caught along the frontlines of the war and in occupied territories demand international attention and action. #humanrights #Ukraine #Oleshky #Kherson
#HumanitarianLaw
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Diesel in the UK is now about $11 a US gallon. Thanks to Trump and all who voted for him.
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Congratulations to Wakefield Trinity. What a performance and what a story. Good luck to them in next Saturday's Super League Grand Final. @forty20live.bsky.social @forty20magazine.bsky.social @therfl.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Wakefield stun Wigan to storm into their first Super League Grand Final
Wakefield will face Warrington in the Super League Grand Final next Saturday after stunning Wigan 33-6
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Bloody hell. Via the @economist.com . www.economist.com/interactive/...
economist.com
He was one of the world’s most wanted men. So he bought a west African country
How Jos Leijdekkers turned Sierra Leone into a drug-dealer’s paradise
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Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Particularly for those of us still fascinated by America, and a sense of place in general, these weekly "Where I'm From" pieces in @thedispatchmedia.bsky.social are brilliant. thedispatch.com/article/newt...
thedispatch.com
At the Center of Things in Newton, Kansas
From this nexus of creation, you could go anywhere. Or you could stay put.
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