Russia has proven that it’s capable of retaining its nuclear second-strike capabilities, but the US’ continued attempt to neutralize them is very unfriendly, which greatly impedes any possible “New Détente” after the end of the Ukrainian Conflict.
That is an excellent analysis of a rather complex problem, thanks Andrew. If the EU nations throw Greenland under the bus they are performing a self-mutilation act. By allowing the US taking a major step toward an imaginary nuclear superiority, they actually increase the possibility of a nuclear war where they can be only the losers.
I mentioned this before: There is a serious issue with Lavrov, all the late night pizza consumers at the White House and the Pentagon together are unable to think up something that will pass by him unnoticed.
There is no more sentiment for Mutual Assured Destruction or Detente. That political thinking is long gone in mainstream American political parties. It's ALL about First Strike capabilities and not just in nuclear war but conventional wars as well. I read with both Biden and Trump. It will be a nuclear race to the bitter end. There is no reasoning with power-hungry, de-humanized corrupted human beings. The US is BEYOND unfriendly to Russia, China and Iran. And to other countries that challenge it's hegemony. For the US elites it's an existential battle. The same seems to apply to the crazy leaders of Europe.
More from Google AI on why Defense Dept does not want to renew START.
"Treaty Status: The New START treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2026, and cannot be extended again under its current terms. Russia suspended its participation in 2023 but indicated a willingness to discuss a follow-on agreement.
Defense Perspective: The U.S. military has historically supported the treaty because it provides predictability and transparency regarding Russian nuclear forces. However, some analysts and policy groups argue that the treaty should not be renewed in its current form because it restricts U.S. modernization, does not cover new Russian systems (like hypersonics), and ignores China's nuclear expansion.
Key Arguments Against Renewal: Those opposing a simple extension argue it rewards Russian non-compliance and prevents the U.S. from building up its own forces to address a "two-nuclear-peer" threat environment.
Modernization Focus: The focus for the U.S. defense sector is on the modernization of the nuclear triad (land, sea, and air components), which continues regardless of the treaty's fate. "
Please do not regurgitate AI platitudes and absurdities. ". . .treaty extension. . .rewards Russian non-compliance" Huh? "focus on modernization. . .continues regardless of the treaty's fate" WTF?
We are not interested to hear what verbal hashes Google AI assembles on the subject, or on any other serious subject. Stop.
Very informative and serious issue Andrew. An excellent article. The issue of the hour in perpetuity unless climate change gets to us first. The Silicon defense companies too like Palantir are like pigs at the trough gorging themselves on these kinds of contracts from the Pentagon. They egg and encourage Trump on, his campaign contributors. They are some frightening people!
From Google AI
"Key Details:
Company Affiliation: Palantir Technologies is known for its close work with U.S. government agencies, including defense and intelligence, and has significant federal contracts.
Peter Thiel's Role: Co-founder Peter Thiel is a prominent Trump supporter who endorsed him in 2016, donating significant funds.
Donations to Trump-Linked Projects: Palantir was listed as a donor to the Trust for the National Mall, which managed Trump's White House ballroom project, a practice raising ethics concerns about influence.
Shift in Stance: In 2025, Palantir's political focus shifted towards the Trump administration, causing internal concern, according to CNBC. "
And from Open Secrets:
"In essence, while the defense industry's direct political giving to Trump is notable but not top-tier, the broader picture involves significant lobbying, large federal contracts, and donor money being used for legal defense"
"Legal Expenses: Trump's political operation has steered hundreds of millions in donor funds to pay for legal costs, with a significant portion going to firms representing aides in various cases, notes OpenSecrets."
Thanks Andrew. I had already found it and have thoroughly gone through it all, and saved it with numerous highlights. It helps to try to understand Russia's positions and statements on so many things.
Interesting that Mr Lavrov focused only on the nuclear component, while the US is also marshaling economic, information, cyber, and non-nuclear military forces against its adversaries. This suggests a Russian intention to use the nuclear issue to raise fears in the west.
Very hard for someone like me to make sense of the US strategy at this point, other than as some menacing nightmare coughed up Palantir's creepy global domination robot.
The great danger imo is that the totality and rapidity of US moves creates pressure and incentive for adversaries to initiate non-nuclear conflict, including nuclear level, non-nuclear acts on the bet that the US won't retaliate with a nuclear response.
The craziness of actions in Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, Greenland, et al coupled with the unhinged rhetoric from numerous quarters creates a chaotic environment in which US leadership appears willing to do anything, including blowing it all up in a ridiculous game of nuclear chicken.
Such a nihilistic mentality would appear contrary to every impulse of humanity as would submitting to those exhibiting such a mentality. You can almost see the zealots crying out, "Trust the AI!", even knowing the machine has been told global domination is the sole objective and that it has been trained by watching no limit holdem' videos.
I dont know who can stop this train, but I sure would like to get off. I keep praying for an intervention by sober business or govt leadership, but thus far there are none. Everyone just sticks their head into the sand and hopes for the best.
About Greenland the sad joke is ending as expected.
USA, since 1945, were always allowed to put all the base it wanted in Greenland( and most of Europe). One must considerate that the Danemark is probably the country the most abjectly submitted to USA in Europe.
Remember the huge US base of Thule.
So, once more, in asking politely, Danes and Europeans would have allowed Trump to install the half of US army, navy, air force, Marines and even coast guards in Greenland.
But no, Trump, to show to his electors how strong he is and how he makes USA strong, he humiliated, insulted, mugged the oldest and closest US allies.
Revolt among the European puppies to show to their electors how they dare protect their country against the US ogre.
And now?
Now Trump triumph because he forced Europeans to allow USA to install US military bases on Greenland....
Triumph among the european puppies because they succeeded in prevent the US ogre to take Greenland.
The reason Trump wants total ownership of Greenland, rather than just a treaty, is because he wants to install more than just radar bases there---he wants to sink hundreds of ICBM silos into the glacier, on the threshold of Russia.
All of this talk is backstopped by the premise that Russia is the boogeyman. He’s the monster under kids beds. Considering what Russia spends on military affairs says that they are not the boogeyman. But the USA needs an excuse to continue this foolish arms race. No boogeyman then you’d have to build roads and infrastructure instead.
Trump will clearly not allow, as much as he can, the US to become BRICS-ed over. The power of the US is the USD and all the trading exchanges based over there, in particular the commodity exchanges. A defeat in Ukraine is coming close, and so is his desire to offset it with something BIG. Thinking of the man's behavior so far, this is a high probability event. Something BIG is achieving strategic dominance over Russia and China. I do not think he wastes a lot of time thinking of separating the two from each other; he knows it will not work. Putting some nuclear-capable devices in space is certainly the best and quickest way to achieve strategic dominance. Presently, I think Trump acts according to the saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer". Seeing the Russians continuing to negotiate with him and engaging in his initiatives, such as the Board of Peace, makes me sad. I would prefer a more detached position in global affairs and a more protective approach toward Russia's friends.
I say that because I perceive it in the claim of Poutine concerning the billion dollar he gives to the Trump Gaza Council ... To be taken on frozen Russian assets in USA.
I think the Russian attitude since February 2022 is: "what we gained, we have, what we lost we no longer have". So using 1Bio$ for the Peace Board from the frozen assets makes sense. Just like the yawn Russians yawned when Trump suggested to use some of the frozen assets for Ukraine and NovoRossiya reconstruction on either side of the line of control...
Another fact that the author might wish to add is the U.S. ‘outsourcing’ its nuclear shield in Eastern Europe (i.e., Poland) to proxies like France. Steps have already been taken by leaders in both states to form a Franco–Polish nuclear ‘entente‘. Further, the Greenland issue (made potent by Biden-era nuclear upgrades) is only hastening EU plans to act as nuclear subcontractor, in line with Trump’s formula for a more autonomous, flexible NATO.
No one cares what Lavrov has to say. Russia is a 3rd world country now
Nukes are useless as a threat. Stop worrying about them. Remember MAD? Billions of people will die but many will still remain alive to start a new world order. For certain, Lavrov, Putin and his cabel of criminals will NOT be among those who remain alive.
50% of their nukes probably don't work du eto lack of maintenance over the years. The other 50% have been stripped of parts to keep this losing war going that Putin refuses to walk away from.
Yes! Because they will all be hunted by whoever remains alive for their role in destroying the world. If they are deep in their hidey hole, people will find a way to dig them out or cut off their air supply. They would have nothing to live for anyway, except perhaps to beat their chests and congratulate each other for destroying the world.
Do not raise a sign like that in central Moscow. You will not win any popularity contests. Russia is part of the Western World since Peter the Great at least and a critical part. It is the present Western leadership that is seriously detached from reality and in many ways so.
That is an excellent analysis of a rather complex problem, thanks Andrew. If the EU nations throw Greenland under the bus they are performing a self-mutilation act. By allowing the US taking a major step toward an imaginary nuclear superiority, they actually increase the possibility of a nuclear war where they can be only the losers.
I mentioned this before: There is a serious issue with Lavrov, all the late night pizza consumers at the White House and the Pentagon together are unable to think up something that will pass by him unnoticed.
There is no more sentiment for Mutual Assured Destruction or Detente. That political thinking is long gone in mainstream American political parties. It's ALL about First Strike capabilities and not just in nuclear war but conventional wars as well. I read with both Biden and Trump. It will be a nuclear race to the bitter end. There is no reasoning with power-hungry, de-humanized corrupted human beings. The US is BEYOND unfriendly to Russia, China and Iran. And to other countries that challenge it's hegemony. For the US elites it's an existential battle. The same seems to apply to the crazy leaders of Europe.
More from Google AI on why Defense Dept does not want to renew START.
"Treaty Status: The New START treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2026, and cannot be extended again under its current terms. Russia suspended its participation in 2023 but indicated a willingness to discuss a follow-on agreement.
Defense Perspective: The U.S. military has historically supported the treaty because it provides predictability and transparency regarding Russian nuclear forces. However, some analysts and policy groups argue that the treaty should not be renewed in its current form because it restricts U.S. modernization, does not cover new Russian systems (like hypersonics), and ignores China's nuclear expansion.
Key Arguments Against Renewal: Those opposing a simple extension argue it rewards Russian non-compliance and prevents the U.S. from building up its own forces to address a "two-nuclear-peer" threat environment.
Modernization Focus: The focus for the U.S. defense sector is on the modernization of the nuclear triad (land, sea, and air components), which continues regardless of the treaty's fate. "
Please do not regurgitate AI platitudes and absurdities. ". . .treaty extension. . .rewards Russian non-compliance" Huh? "focus on modernization. . .continues regardless of the treaty's fate" WTF?
We are not interested to hear what verbal hashes Google AI assembles on the subject, or on any other serious subject. Stop.
Don't read my responses.
Very informative and serious issue Andrew. An excellent article. The issue of the hour in perpetuity unless climate change gets to us first. The Silicon defense companies too like Palantir are like pigs at the trough gorging themselves on these kinds of contracts from the Pentagon. They egg and encourage Trump on, his campaign contributors. They are some frightening people!
From Google AI
"Key Details:
Company Affiliation: Palantir Technologies is known for its close work with U.S. government agencies, including defense and intelligence, and has significant federal contracts.
Peter Thiel's Role: Co-founder Peter Thiel is a prominent Trump supporter who endorsed him in 2016, donating significant funds.
Donations to Trump-Linked Projects: Palantir was listed as a donor to the Trust for the National Mall, which managed Trump's White House ballroom project, a practice raising ethics concerns about influence.
Shift in Stance: In 2025, Palantir's political focus shifted towards the Trump administration, causing internal concern, according to CNBC. "
And from Open Secrets:
"In essence, while the defense industry's direct political giving to Trump is notable but not top-tier, the broader picture involves significant lobbying, large federal contracts, and donor money being used for legal defense"
"Legal Expenses: Trump's political operation has steered hundreds of millions in donor funds to pay for legal costs, with a significant portion going to firms representing aides in various cases, notes OpenSecrets."
If you are incapable of formulating thoughts on your own, do not spout artificial babble on us.
Good one Andrew! Can you share the link from the Foreign Ministry for the actual transcript?
Thanks, Regis, and the URL was already hyperlinked to the word "interpreted" at the end of the first pargraph:
https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/2073858/#sel=239:1:F6j,240:151:m3r
Thanks Andrew. I had already found it and have thoroughly gone through it all, and saved it with numerous highlights. It helps to try to understand Russia's positions and statements on so many things.
You're welcome, and agreed, it was a pretty comprehensive press conference!
Another excellent piece Andrew. Many thanks..
Interesting that Mr Lavrov focused only on the nuclear component, while the US is also marshaling economic, information, cyber, and non-nuclear military forces against its adversaries. This suggests a Russian intention to use the nuclear issue to raise fears in the west.
Very hard for someone like me to make sense of the US strategy at this point, other than as some menacing nightmare coughed up Palantir's creepy global domination robot.
The great danger imo is that the totality and rapidity of US moves creates pressure and incentive for adversaries to initiate non-nuclear conflict, including nuclear level, non-nuclear acts on the bet that the US won't retaliate with a nuclear response.
The craziness of actions in Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, Greenland, et al coupled with the unhinged rhetoric from numerous quarters creates a chaotic environment in which US leadership appears willing to do anything, including blowing it all up in a ridiculous game of nuclear chicken.
Such a nihilistic mentality would appear contrary to every impulse of humanity as would submitting to those exhibiting such a mentality. You can almost see the zealots crying out, "Trust the AI!", even knowing the machine has been told global domination is the sole objective and that it has been trained by watching no limit holdem' videos.
I dont know who can stop this train, but I sure would like to get off. I keep praying for an intervention by sober business or govt leadership, but thus far there are none. Everyone just sticks their head into the sand and hopes for the best.
About Greenland the sad joke is ending as expected.
USA, since 1945, were always allowed to put all the base it wanted in Greenland( and most of Europe). One must considerate that the Danemark is probably the country the most abjectly submitted to USA in Europe.
Remember the huge US base of Thule.
So, once more, in asking politely, Danes and Europeans would have allowed Trump to install the half of US army, navy, air force, Marines and even coast guards in Greenland.
But no, Trump, to show to his electors how strong he is and how he makes USA strong, he humiliated, insulted, mugged the oldest and closest US allies.
Revolt among the European puppies to show to their electors how they dare protect their country against the US ogre.
And now?
Now Trump triumph because he forced Europeans to allow USA to install US military bases on Greenland....
Triumph among the european puppies because they succeeded in prevent the US ogre to take Greenland.
Pathetic.
Greenland is melting down very rapidly now. It will be interesting to see if they can find solid bedrock to put US military bases.
The reason Trump wants total ownership of Greenland, rather than just a treaty, is because he wants to install more than just radar bases there---he wants to sink hundreds of ICBM silos into the glacier, on the threshold of Russia.
Danemark hasn't submitted to the US. Otherwise they would stop funding the US opposition.
All of this talk is backstopped by the premise that Russia is the boogeyman. He’s the monster under kids beds. Considering what Russia spends on military affairs says that they are not the boogeyman. But the USA needs an excuse to continue this foolish arms race. No boogeyman then you’d have to build roads and infrastructure instead.
Sheesh!!
Trump will clearly not allow, as much as he can, the US to become BRICS-ed over. The power of the US is the USD and all the trading exchanges based over there, in particular the commodity exchanges. A defeat in Ukraine is coming close, and so is his desire to offset it with something BIG. Thinking of the man's behavior so far, this is a high probability event. Something BIG is achieving strategic dominance over Russia and China. I do not think he wastes a lot of time thinking of separating the two from each other; he knows it will not work. Putting some nuclear-capable devices in space is certainly the best and quickest way to achieve strategic dominance. Presently, I think Trump acts according to the saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer". Seeing the Russians continuing to negotiate with him and engaging in his initiatives, such as the Board of Peace, makes me sad. I would prefer a more detached position in global affairs and a more protective approach toward Russia's friends.
There won't be any New Detente, only dominator and dominated.
Andrew, is there a typical russian humour?
I say that because I perceive it in the claim of Poutine concerning the billion dollar he gives to the Trump Gaza Council ... To be taken on frozen Russian assets in USA.
It was humour?
I think the Russian attitude since February 2022 is: "what we gained, we have, what we lost we no longer have". So using 1Bio$ for the Peace Board from the frozen assets makes sense. Just like the yawn Russians yawned when Trump suggested to use some of the frozen assets for Ukraine and NovoRossiya reconstruction on either side of the line of control...
Another fact that the author might wish to add is the U.S. ‘outsourcing’ its nuclear shield in Eastern Europe (i.e., Poland) to proxies like France. Steps have already been taken by leaders in both states to form a Franco–Polish nuclear ‘entente‘. Further, the Greenland issue (made potent by Biden-era nuclear upgrades) is only hastening EU plans to act as nuclear subcontractor, in line with Trump’s formula for a more autonomous, flexible NATO.
Thanks for your great work Andrew!
We've restacked and shared this link on 'The Stacks'
https://askeptic.substack.com/p/the-stacks
Russia has been in many wars and never lost. So why mess around with a nuclear super power?????????
No one cares what Lavrov has to say. Russia is a 3rd world country now
Nukes are useless as a threat. Stop worrying about them. Remember MAD? Billions of people will die but many will still remain alive to start a new world order. For certain, Lavrov, Putin and his cabel of criminals will NOT be among those who remain alive.
Jojo ,you are full of excrement . Stop your nonsense. Russia is a nuclear Super Power.
50% of their nukes probably don't work du eto lack of maintenance over the years. The other 50% have been stripped of parts to keep this losing war going that Putin refuses to walk away from.
Like, for certain certain?
Yes! Because they will all be hunted by whoever remains alive for their role in destroying the world. If they are deep in their hidey hole, people will find a way to dig them out or cut off their air supply. They would have nothing to live for anyway, except perhaps to beat their chests and congratulate each other for destroying the world.
I do not understand. If the USA nukes the world, why would people be digging the Russians out? Please explain.
From the replys you are getting, you are truly FULL of SHIT. Stop[ you r nonsense
'Russia is a 3rd world country now"
Do not raise a sign like that in central Moscow. You will not win any popularity contests. Russia is part of the Western World since Peter the Great at least and a critical part. It is the present Western leadership that is seriously detached from reality and in many ways so.
Nukes are not useless. However, nations don't use nukes when they can win by conventional means. Without too big loses, that is.