Ex-U.S. Ambassador to USSR: Ukraine Crisis Stems Directly from Post-Cold War Push to Expand NATO

U.S. officials are accusing Russia of sending more forces to the Ukrainian border just days after Moscow announced it was pulling some troops back. This comes as Ukrainian authorities and Russian-backed separatists are both accusing the other side of violating a ceasefire in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. For more on the history behind the present crisis in Ukraine, we speak with one of the last U.S. ambassadors to the Soviet Union prior to the collapse of the USSR, Ambassador Jack Matlock, who says the U.S.-led expansion of NATO following the end of the Cold War helped lay the groundwork for the current standoff over Ukraine. He argues continued escalation could stoke another nuclear arms race, and lays out some of the parallels with the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
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[@haleybrown2836]

This is a prime example why congress should not be allowed to trade on the stock market. War is profit and no doubt our congress is heavily invested in defense stocks. A clear conflict of interest.

[@pohakumana4288]

Not when your gov. is an MICorpratocracy. Profiting since their Coup D'état on Nov. 22, 1963.

[@barquerojuancarlos7253]

Yeah, read Andrew Cockburn's book "Spoils of War" - it's a very much updated version of Smedley Butler's 1930s book "War is a Racket"

[@craigkeller]

Absolutely right.

[@DaveyJonesLockerwithJazzy]

Thank you.. you are the ONLY individual to state what we all suspect.. this is about global institutions' requirement to develop business.. we're all in need of big business right now, so in some ways this is not a bad thing.. we need the money.. after all, we live in countries of which whoms' industry sectors invest, serve & rely on "defence" systems manufacture .. we can't publicly advocate peace and simultaneously advocate war.. we've signed up to living in these societies.. so.. let's got for it!

[@geoeconomics5629]

It Is Imperative that no EurAsian challenger emerges capable of dominating EurAsia and thus of also challenging America - Zbignew Brzezinski USA started war in Ukraina in 2014 to separate Ukraina from Russia why ? Russia with Ukraina is global power (empire) Russia without Ukraina is regional power - Zbignew Brzezinski

[@AmericanAntiCorruptionAct]

"War is rich old men protecting their property by sending middle class and lower class young men off to die. It always has been." - George Carlin

[@loripapapetros4894]

Kill and destroy total civilizations cities factories hospitals all necessary infrastructures. In every part of the world to depopulate and steal resources and to total control.

[@robertrichard6107]

War is the elimination of population and changing of borders. War sanctions precede, and extend from war.

[@janiekcarney5482]

True for the people who start the war. Not true for the people who defend their countries.

[@gofar5185]

"NATO"

[@darrickmalloy3083]

Man will spend 50 dollars for war 50 cents on peace spends 100 hours of energy and thought on war 1 hour of energy and thought on peace. Just my opinion.😞

[@nickmaliha983]

We need more and more people like you, Mr Matlock. May God grant heath for many years to come...

[@Andonios88]

I definitely agree with this guy, I wish we would have followed his lead in foreign policy.

[@justicematters427]

Blinken is so damned incompetant and a laughing stock in the world!

[@wf645]

@@justicematters427 Blinken bows to the MIC

[@battlefield5826]

Jack matlock not so hard to see his name. He deserves to be recognized

[@marceechristensen2533]

Mr Matlock, 92 or 93 years old you are “sharp as a tack” glowing with health and most deserving to be an elder commissioned to depart your knowledge and be respected at the highest level for that!!! Thank You Wholeheartedly 🇺🇸

[@rebeccajohnson8579]

and he LOOKS GREAT TOO, not at all in his 90's! May God continue to Bless and Keep him!

[@sezwo5774]

@@rebeccajohnson8579 Also surprised how good he looks. Early 70s at most, ...not 90s.

[@LochEden]

I'm sure you meant "impart".....

[@marceechristensen2533]

@@LochEden Yes you are correct!! Impart is the correct word!! I live in Iowa and slipped on the ice, breaking my right shoulder, being extremely right handed I am having a heck of a time texting with my left hand. So I find I am not as diligent in being concise with what I want to convey in my comment

[@MrVioletpandora]

USA evil Propaganda is dead. Donbas is celebrating, singing Russian anthem and flying Russian flags bursting crackers,- Putin just declared the two Donbas regions as republics

[@buxtehude123]

“The media’s job is to create a misinformed electorate that will make irrational decisions, often against their own interests.” - Noam Chomsky.

[@mackenziedog1872]

World's most quoted person after Plato and Shakespeare. I quote him too. Him and Angela Davis were the two Amy had for Democracy Now 25th celebration. My mum's welsh communist so being a white from that island, I don't count, apparently?

[@HateTheIRS]

Noam Chomsky is a tyrant. He loves socialism. He loved Venezuela.

[@h2didenkov]

@Mike Ned Price? Is that you?

[@HateTheIRS]

@@h2didenkov no

[@ralfgottfridhansson3127]

"it's a advantage to have the media narrative on the side"

[@allandavies1642]

Jack Matlock, A voice of sanity that every one should listen to..

[@johnnychannel7824]

Why this guy hasn’t been interviewed by mainstream media? Even he is 92 years old, he is still in good health and mind and knowledge to address the root of problems in Ukrainian crisis right now.

[@seanmurphy5770]

Because his narrative of what had happened does not fit in with the Neocons in Washington agenda to attack Russia.

[@MrJacobrabbit]

U said yourself why

[@jirikrajnak9047]

Because he's spewing nonsense.

[@TomFlaTTop_BMW]

@@seanmurphy5770 Exactly. 100% correct. 👍

[@MrVioletpandora]

USA evil Propaganda is dead. Donbas is celebrating, singing Russian anthem and flying Russian flags bursting crackers,- Putin just declared the two Donbas regions as republics

[@joehoey6337]

we don't often see an american, with a total grasp of the situation, and willing to speak up. it's a pleasure to see. not the usual warmongers!!!.

[@gofar5185]

highly agree... though the missing important piece: it is the russia/soviet union that was capable to stabilize the east bloc & west bloc EUROPE and east & west ASIA... for 80years... (before the DESTRUCTIONS in libya iraq, etc)... it is what putin/russia xi/china are UNDERTAKING to EXTEND the PEACE & STABILITY IN A GLOBAL SCOPE... africa continent and latin america NEED TO HASTEN THEIR TECHNOLOGY PROGRESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...

[@xanders.3810]

U act like America is the only country to mess up. The whole world is a joke

[@ermiasd2695]

@@xanders.3810 no. It’s evil American empire. Everyone else is perfect. I challenge you to state one bad thing Putin did. If it wasn’t for NATO Putin, I am sure, would be in peaceful coexistence and would never undermine democratic aspiration of its neighbors. It would be a beacon of democracy. It’s Only America that messes up the world 🗺

[@waltergoodwin7463]

@@ermiasd2695 you wish you perfect, my own country not but we not evil like you in which to blame someone else for somebody else 💩 we own our faults n mistakes but you quick to do so with USA 🇺🇸 but we do not. You total hater🤨🇮🇹

[@waltergoodwin7463]

@@gofar5185 and yet those countries take the money but kick them out. But you not point that out. So how can you be trusted, you can’t be. And stories all over tube but not tell truth. You lie you lie you lie! Always with compliments but lie. 🤨🇮🇹

[@gregdvorkin]

Amazing. Mr. Matlock explains Russia's concerns (and the actual facts) much more clear than Russians themselves. Thanks for letting him speak.

[@OurPlanet]

Not really, This was/is a subject that MSM deliberately made/makes opaque - because of their links to the Military Industrial Complex. The American and world public are intentionally kept in the dark about events like this. Thus we are in this mess as a result.

[@metaphysicalnaturalist988]

Wait. You seriously think that Russia invaded Donbas and Luhansk, then attempted to decapitate the government in Kyiv and install a puppet regime because of NATO? That has nothing to do with NATO. If it was about NATO, Russia would be asking for a NEUTRAL UKRAINE

[@gregdvorkin]

@@metaphysicalnaturalist988 I am not sure if I you understand the issue. In the beginning of 1990-s Russia was and could stay a US partner if not a friend. But due to the stupid political moves including NATO expansion US encouraged Russians with anti-western mood to win the power. US created Putin the way he is now, there is no question about it. Now about what Putin wants. I am not a magician but it is more or less clear that he thinks the same way as the other side. US imposes sanction on Russia to make sure Russia "never again" gain enough power to do another military strike and stop the current one as soon as possible. The same way Putin wants to destroy Ukrainian ability to pose any threat to Russia or supported separatists as well as to make sure "never again" in Ukraine pro-western or anti-russsian forces can get close to the power. This is very simplified picture, but hopefully can clarify the situation. Again, in Putin's mind NATO membership would allow US to deploy weapons like middle range missiles that would hit Russian targets quicker without Russia's ability to provide the same threat to US mainland. He did want to negotiate and come to the resolution the same way as it was in 1962 during Cuban missile crisis but among the responses he got was "NATO expansion is none of your business". So it just made him think (right or wrong but definitely provoked) military action is all he got. Otherwise he would continue to deal with hostile Ukrainian government and at the same time fund it through the payments for the use of the gas pipeline which was built by USSR long before the dissolution and by providing jobs for 2 million Ukrainian workers who currently work in Russia to feed their families in Ukraine. Again - this is how it worked in 1962: US/NATO deploys missiles in Turkey. Russia (USSR then) retaliate and deploys its forces and missiles in Cuba, crisis starts. US-USSR negotiate, USSR agrees to remove missiles and removes them it and US promises (end delivers) removal of the missiles from Turkey. Despite the cold war the trust was developed, war was avoided.

[@TheRasputinTrabelsi]

@@metaphysicalnaturalist988 Americans have no idea about Putins russia and its intensions apparently...

[@richarddyasonihc]

Yeah, he’s real ckrear. You might do well to ask him for Somme tuition in written English.

[@michelekett8450]

This man is 92? He looks great and speaks directly and with clarity.Good to have people who were there speaking the truth.

[@melanieenmats]

Unfortunately the west has run out of politicians that remember WW2 and the Cold War. All we have is snotty brats who know nothing more but what wikipedia tells their phone.

[@michelekett8450]

@@melanieenmatsPutin could have been stopped before this if the West had put sanctions in place when he was killing people outside of Russia. When the president of a country like America kowtows to authoritarians like Putin, Kim and Xi, as Trump did, it’s unlikely that others will stand up and condemn his behaviour. The moment was lost, when the snooty brat didn’t do it, because he wanted to be just like those megalomaniac dictators.

[@melanieenmats]

@@michelekett8450 The US deep state is even more authoritarian than Russia. It has invaded countless countries the last 40 years, and has organised dozens of CIA coups around the world. US has zero moral standing.

[@michelekett8450]

@@melanieenmats We all know that. Eisenhower warned America about the Military Industrial Complex in 1945. But you guys allowed it to happen by voting for the Republican Party too often. Being seen as the policemen of the world felt good. Trouble is that armaments manufacture became America’s wealthiest and most lucrative business. To feed the beast meant ongoing conflict somewhere. The war against drugs was a joke, when pharmaceutical companies were producing far more dangerous and addictive drugs. It was an excuse to go after small time dealers when the whole industry ought to have been legalised to protect those who wanted to feel chilled out, and use the weapons they manufactured to create hell in small countries in South America. Change is coming, thanks to a Consciousness shift that’s sweeping the world. Putin may think he can ride roughshod over another country that existed when Moscow was just a swamp, but his downfall will be had through money. Russia’s economy is bad, they have only oil and gas, the people are not doing well, anyone opposing Putin is either gaoled, or murdered. He’s a KGB thug from the days of East Germany who wants to be another Stalin. It’s time that America got back to building infrastructure and getting its own house in order. Ridding itself of racism and mega rich companies and corporate executives that don’t pay any or enough tax, having a universal health care system, a better birth survival rate than a lot of third world countries (unless you didn’t know, your live birth survival rate is appalling) a better education system that provides knowledge about the rest of the world and a nationwide voting system that cannot be played with.

[@TomRivieremusic]

“U.S. accusations directed at others are always a projection of its own failures and wrongdoing.”

[@tonys92178]

you are 100% on the mark

[@TheRasputinTrabelsi]

Sounds pretty much like Russia.....

[@californiaslastgasp6847]

Who said that?

[@naveed210]

Who is this quote taken from?

[@TomRivieremusic]

@@californiaslastgasp6847 I'm a Vietnam vet. I got it back then from someone?

[@user-rf9ws7hp3e]

WOW…WOW this old gentleman’s testimony casts an illuminating light to the lead up to the conflict we have today in the Ukraine. Something he said resonated with me, that the historical truth is being turned on its head. This is why old people are so important, they were there and they are now old enough to identify the re-occurring patterns of deceit.

[@gofar5185]

"ELDERS"

[@themilosgrozni237]

nicely put

[@MrVioletpandora]

USA evil Propaganda is dead. Donbas is celebrating, singing Russian anthem and flying Russian flags bursting crackers,- Putin just declared the two Donbas regions as republics

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

EXACTLY, we all learned that is IS name "THE Ukraine" as in "part" of a LARGER part, like one of OUR "states".

[@victoriapruitt1209]

First time ever I finally get to give "Democracy Now" some well deserved Kudos. Good job for having the real expert with the biggest amount of experience on. Thank you.

[@MrVioletpandora]

USA evil Propaganda is dead. Donbas is celebrating, singing Russian anthem and flying Russian flags bursting crackers,- Putin just declared the two Donbas regions as republics

[@melanieenmats]

20 years ago DMCN was great, and actually anti-war. They have lost it in the last 10 years, being coopted by the identarian left. Let's hope they continue with more quality like this. Some of the best journos they had when they were good are now elsewhere. Many at "thegreyzone" (Aaron Maté, Max Blumenthal) . Matt Taibbi at iirc Rolling Stone and on his own podcast now. They are still doing great work.

[@ghostlyphantasm2352]

@@melanieenmats It has got to be an intelligence operation, to co-opt the anti war movement to make them pro war and anti putin, and they did a real number on democracy now.

[@melanieenmats]

@@ghostlyphantasm2352 Indeed they did. I can still remember when DMCN turned from anti-war to pro-war. They pivoted slowly during Obama. Then when Hillary lost to Trump DMCN just went crazy losing all the principles that once had made them great. I think DMCN was infiltrated by SJW's and/or DNC operatives.

[@hajileserpud9539]

@@ghostlyphantasm2352 you are 100% correct

[@arunthattadath]

Thank you for bringing such a knowledgeable person to explain what is going on in that part of the world..

[@MrVioletpandora]

USA evil Propaganda is dead. Donbas is celebrating, singing Russian anthem and flying Russian flags bursting crackers,- Putin just declared the two Donbas regions as republics

[@TomasxJK]

@@MrVioletpandora Celebrating just like Chechnya was celebrating when Putin killed thousands of their citizens and forcefully put them back under Russia's control. I guess separatism is only allowed when it's not in Russia.

[@kaimingraymondchoi9909]

This interview should be viewed by all American and all Western Countries. We should question whether the US strategy is to enhance stability in Europe or the other way round.

[@davd1986]

When has the US ever been for 'stability' anywhere? Most countries invaded since 1945 and most military bases around the world. Why is that? How many countries have Russian military bases in them?

[@kayt9576]

American business thrives with wars. Especially corporations. The people pay the price though.

[@Zodak5D]

It is clear that US is being the villain and being aggressive and needs to stop. The American people need to understand this US aggression and not tolerate it.

[@dangelo1369]

Let's say for the sake of argument, that what he says is valid. What does that have to do with the policy solution chosen by the Russian government, specifically, Putin to resolve the issue, namely the invasion of a sovereign nation? The issue at hand isn't "NATO expansionism" but Ukrainian sovereignty. I hardly think that the solution to alleviate Russian anxieties is a full scale invasion. If it was wrong in the case of the United States invading Iraq, then tell me what makes it correct in the case of Ukraine?

[@Zodak5D]

@@dangelo1369 What invasion?

[@mehdihasan3690]

The quality of this news, the information, the guest .. is just amazing. If these programs doesnt inflict some minute level of Shame to the mainstream media & their journalists.. i don't know what will.

[@thisorthat4195]

Moron much ?

[@alfredepding974]

@@thisorthat4195 ; Brainwashed much?

[@adoe2305]

They're pushing their agenda just as much as msm. Are you real or a bot?

[@charlesandrews2360]

@@adoe2305 You apparently are not a discerning news consumer. The guest did most of the talking. It's about what he said not about the interviewer. So when Cornel West goes on RT I'm sure I would agree with everything he said. I can't watch RT because it's so laughably ridiculous but if Cornel West is on it makes no difference what RTs agenda is because we know what it is. Stop being such a hater

[@charlesandrews2360]

I agree with you 100%. This is one of my more trustworthy mainstream news sources. I thought this guest was brilliant especially considering that he's 92 years old. Amazing

[@LyBamOli]

What an amazing man. Why are Americans not hearing more from him?

[@syedjamil6372]

Because major media is controlled by military industrial complex (providing major advertizement dollars)

[@ericliu5491]

Weapons industry-funded western media

[@edwardjones2202]

Well done Democracy Now. Trying to understand the world with the information from mainstream media is like trying to play chess without seeing the whole board.

[@O1OO1O1]

It's more like being plugged into a simulation where you think you're playing chess, but in reality, you're actually a pawn.

[@edwardjones2202]

@@O1OO1O1 😂😂

[@peterstafford4426]

Well done, except they were wrong.

[@ExiledGypsy]

Instead of deleting replies answer them or if you don't have the guts to get a response don't comment at all.

[@ExiledGypsy]

That is a terrible analysis. It is all based on the assumption of Gorbachev and USSR bureaucracy surviving that simply didn't happen. 1st of all NATO is not just U.S. 2ndly NATO doesn't expand. Countries apply to join. 3rdly there was never an agreement not to allow Eastern European countries to join NATO. 4thly As I mentioned which is THE biggest oversight of this whole none sense and its irrelevance to the current situation: Gorbachev was ousted and so was the USSR. Therefore even if there was such an absurd agreement it would have been nullified. 5thly what he is proposing about including Russia in the European peace agreement was/is impossible. Finally, even if there was it would have made no difference to Putin. Putin's argument for attacking Ukraine doesn't have anything to do with any of this. Putin simply has never recognised the existence of Ukraine as a separate nation from Russia. If you are going to use the luxury of dissent provided by democracy use it properly and based on current facts. The biggest shame to be laid on US and NATO is that they guaranteed Ukraine's sovereignty in return for giving up its nuclear arsenal. Not keeping that promise has huge implications. Now even Australia wants its own nuclear deterrent because as China warned them, the US is not going to come to their help.

[@bwhennes]

Thank you for being a news outlet to explain to people why Russia is concerned about this NATO expansion.

[@factsmatter6625]

Excellent interview! Thank you, Democracy Now. Americans need to listen to Mr Matlock.

[@simon1italy]

It was fascinating to hear what this gentleman had to say. He has lived through some incredible times and has seen things most people can only imagine. I am definitely going to read his book.

[@6ixthChild]

You’re a fool. Soros backed trash on this channel

[@cindypomerleau950]

She should have stopped at five.

[@gofar5185]

@@6ixthChild delete your comment, it is the "trash" in this section...

[@GalacticNovaOverlord]

@@6ixthChild Soros backs Western imperialism. Do your research lol

[@NuisanceMan]

Matlock is a Reagan appointee and certainly no opponent of U.S. imperialism. What he has to say is nonetheless interesting, but it should be taken with a big grain of salt.

[@realitycheck4086]

Brilliant interview, much respect to Mr Matlock. He makes more sense at 92 than politicians decades younger in UK and EU - much respect to him.

[@pavelshnaps2345]

Мистер Метлок, светлейшая голова. Американцы, слушайте мудрого человека!

[@andrefasset3266]

Вы так правы... Действительно ли Путин выводит войска, или это ложь?

[@temitopeoshokoya4906]

Надеюсь, россияне и дальше будут поддерживать Путина. В своем старом интервью он предсказал, что это произойдет. Я могу не соглашаться со всеми его идеологиями, но как президент Путин отказывается ставить американские интересы выше интересов России - вот почему Запад его демонизирует.

[@roberthevern6249]

Finally, a westerner who sees this thing with some clarity. Well done for bringing this great man on camera. Thank you.

[@michaelgnit8476]

This man certainly makes sense too bad he's not got the ear of some of those American war hawks.

[@robertrichard6107]

Gov. W Bush was on a dry drunk with the PNAC boys.

[@marydenk2457]

Actually he’s pro Russian. No thanks!

[@valeriehaider3273]

Excellent coverage Ms. Amy and crew!! Keep it coming!! 5 star coverage of truth!!

[@mouradbelkas598]

Yes, great job.. He really knows what he is talking about.... This is the kind of person Biden needs to listen to and get a good advise from..

[@James-hm9on]

Thank you for a non bs take on this crisis , you give me hope

[@TomRivieremusic]

The U.S. manufactured crisis in Ukraine cannot be separated from the drive for full spectrum dominance all over the world. Today the empire uses Ukraine for its purposes, other nations will be next unless there are organized mass movements against US/NATO aggressions.

[@dmitrykarabchievsky5848]

Matlock is great! All is right to the point!

[@user-gu8yr9fi3m]

A very insightful interview. Mr. Matlock is a true diplomat - I admire his wisdom, thoughtfulness and expertise. Too bad that diplomats often have to tackle with problems politicians recklessly create and then ask diplomats to negotiate a solution. Like, "hey, we messed up with the region we know nothing about and spiced it up with a few war crimes, I'm sure you can figure something out". In Russia, we have a lot of ideology and just plain chauvinism in political leaders' narrative, but I do agree with the ex-ambassador that the concern about security is genuine for Russia. Continued disregard for it in the end of 90s - beginning of 2000s contributed greatly to why Putin and his crew grew so paranoid of the U.S.. The worst part is that now it is too late to actually do anything about it - Putin and other politicians in Russia are dead-stuck in their ways, see Russia as a "besieged fortress" and imagine being the last heroes holding the line against the imaginary NATO onslaught. They are like a malicious brain tumor which grew too large for a safe surgery.

[@Brett_S_420]

I'm a US citizen and I know my government lies. Especially when it comes to war. I understand why Russia would want to keep the countries that border Russia free from US involvement and interference. That being said, your government lies to you as well. Both of our countries governments corruptly serve the rich at the expense of the welfare of other citizens. Our politicians (especially Republicans) have given the CIA and it's previous iterations a hundred and fifty years of nearly unlimited funds to do black ops and "shadow diplomacy" with zero accountability to the public and seemingly the opposite of what any kind of decency or sense of what good foreign policy should entail. We have earned the world's mistrust with our evil acts and enabling of oppression around the globe from our form of gangster Capitalism. Within our country, the corruption reigns supreme and stays just hidden enough that most goes unnoticed by both under-educated & brainwashed Trump cultists (thanks to their right-wing propaganda networks) or because the pacified & apathetic general public have lost all interest. There is no accountability for the rich and powerful, even when it harms our citizens. There are a few who want to put a check on that power and stop the flow of all the shady cash in politics, but they are few. It likely is too late to change course now, as the melting of the permafrost is creating a very negative (for human & animal life) positive-feedback loop of releasing methane and carbon that will snow-ball downhill into an avalanche of consequences from the effects of catastrophic climate change that will be the end of any kind of "normal" life for us all. This will be happening because of the short-sightedness of greed of some people and their never ending chase for more money causing them to work towards derailing & delaying any meaningful action to prevent it all.

[@user-gu8yr9fi3m]

@@Brett_S_420 In Russia it is somewhat even worse, the richest people are the government. In the U.S. you can at least distinguish between the two, in Russia corruption is so rampant that the wealthiest people sit in the government already. They preach that the world is ending and Russia is a bastion of hope, morality and conservative values while all their children live and study in Europe and have foreign citizenships. That's so hypocritical. It's somewhat similar to "alt-right" rhetoric in the U.S. - they would be amazed how similar they are.

[@supersawheather]

Amy Goodman and her team are such professionals. I feel so lucky I found democracy now when the pandemic started because this is actual journalism and not corporate cable news most people unfortunately digest daily. Thank you for covering topics like these with accuracy and integrity.

[@ivanfreely6366]

Be careful. They are good on some topics but bad on others. Don't solely rely on them. Other better journalists are Max Blumenthal, Ben Norton, Aaron Mate, and Chris Hedges.

[@jon8367]

They are wrong about a lot of stuff, still better than any MSM.

[@ramonalaniz2963]

@@jon8367 They are wrong about Russian Aggression. They are wrong about their interpretation of history ...does no one remember what the KGB did behind the Iron Curtain??? Does no one remember that Putin is KGB? A Tiger does not change his stripes nor has Putin changed his view that democracies are weak and this gives a green light to his continued aggression in Ukraine. Georgia, Crotia and now Ukraine. Does no one see a pattern here? While it is nice to review history and point fingers how does this interpret the facts on the ground which includes criminal activity of a Russian Autocrat who loves Democracy Now! I am saddened by self righteous people who are quick to judge others but refuse to criticize autocrats in Russia who would love to divide and destroy the West.

[@Don-md6wn]

@@ivanfreely6366 LOL

[@petergoh6180]

Leading by example of journalism - speaking the truth and neutral.

[@suzegiljer3206]

WHat a great honest man.Thank you Sir

[@kaimingraymondchoi9909]

Why US pulled out of the arms treaty? One possible reason is that it gives more room for US to propagandize Russia threat to the entire Europe which in turn will seriously disturb the stability of Europe and making it less competitive to US.

[@kayt9576]

I agree, US needs to remove from this conflict. Ukraine is not part of NATO. We should not involve our country in their disputes.

[@stevenreed6802]

At some point the US has to admit the Cold War was never really ideological, it was about maintaining as much control over the Eurasian continent as possible.

[@alexanderplatypus3664]

It was both.

[@peterstafford4426]

It 100% about preserving democracy and rule of law.

[@charlesscott4722]

@@peterstafford4426 How is US overthrowing other countries'leaders preserving democracy and rule of law?

[@peterstafford4426]

@@charlesscott4722 Move to Russia. Then you can get an appreciation of rule of law and democracy.

[@charlesscott4722]

@@peterstafford4426 What are you blabbering about? How is US overthrowing other countries' leaders preserving democracy and rule of law? Simple question

[@polybius23]

Bravo Democracy Now, and thanks to Mr. Matlock, a great American and a voice of reason.

[@Tupelo927]

This gentleman is a font of experience, knowledge, & wisdom. His input was crucial during some of America's most harrowing & uncertain moments. Even now, as a great-grandfather, Ambassador Matlock _continues_ to answer the call of duty. What a truly remarkable human being; I would be honored to shake his hand.

[@MotivationalGreatness99]

You couldn't have written that better, just amazing.

[@gettothepoint_already3858]

I had scrolled down to express the exact same sentiments Rebecca. You have, however, put it so well, I cannot add much further to what you've so eloquently stated, save for one thing. The world owes this man and others like him a debt they cannot repay.

[@mladyriad]

Really glad this got uploaded as it’s one of the best episodes that actually talk about why we need to avoid any Russian conflict or aggravation. Ty💙

[@jayobannon5359]

Totally agree, my interest in Dem Now has been waning considerably over the last couple of years. They certainly brought us some poignant truth to this gawddamned situation.

[@davidsalcido383]

“Give a Carpenter a hammer 🔨 and every problem is a nail!!!”

[@Brett_S_420]

Twice Russian officers stopped the process that called for the launching of nuclear weapons against us. Once against our aggression once and the Soviet radar system mistakenly showing a US launch. Mr. Matlock talked about the one near Cuba, but there was another at a Soviet missile base where they had alarms blaring and radar systems showing multiple US launches against Russia and what seemed to be calling for a retaliatory strike where the officer instead had stood down. Carl Sagan likened our stupidity to this: Imagine a room doused in gasoline that has two bitter enemies locked inside it together. Both are frantically gathering matches up in an attempt to hold more than the other for the purpose of self defense, yet both sides know that if either one of them manages to light even ONE match then they are both doomed.

[@tnndll4294]

Russia has been starting World Wars for the last 100 years. World War 2 started when Germany invaded half of Poland, while Russia invaded the other half. It was a deal Russia made with Hitler in the Molotov Pact. Russia only joined the allies later when Hitler double-crossed Stalin in that deal. That Pact had a secret agreement where Russia and Germany would divide Europe between them. They even list the countries. The cold war was going to happen because it was already planned in advance.

[@rogerdean5313]

@@tnndll4294 well said, the pack was 1939 to 1941..

[@nanfattchia3341]

It’s sad that USA 🇺🇸 do not have many people like his excellency; Jack Matlock . May we pray him good health to guide the world back to peaceful time 🙏🌈

[@jayobannon5359]

I was a young lad in '62 and was quite traumatized by the duck and cover drills we had in school. Neighbors building fallout shelters in their backyards, and the conflicting rhetoric about the situation. To hear this man speak from inside experience and relate it to today makes me quite ill. History is doomed to repeat itself and it is all for the behest of the MIC. Eisenhower wasn't a good player but he at least was the highest ranking official to tell us about who we cannot let control our country. But where are we?

[@SuanLuang]

Time to get out your old school desk and practice your drills. Russia is now at Defcon One. Two weeks ago: “Over 95% of ground installations of the Russian nuclear forces are in readiness for combat use”- General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Today- Russia is getting its intercontinental ballistic missiles ready. “Putin to take part in nuclear war drills The strategic weapons exercises are scheduled to take place on Saturday Russian President Vladimir Putin will take direct command of scheduled ballistic missile training on Saturday, which will see the country’s military test its nuclear capabilities, Moscow has confirmed. … More Officials released a statement on Friday, writing, “on February 19, under the supervision of the supreme commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, a planned exercise of the forces of strategic deterrence will take place, during which ballistic and cruise missiles will be launched.” The statement goes on to explain that the drills were scheduled “to check the preparedness of the military organs, launch crews, and the crews of warships and missile carriers to carry out their tasks, and to test the reliability of strategic nuclear and non-nuclear weaponry.” The Kremlin has since explained that drills of this nature, which involve the chain of command in the event of a nuclear attack, are not possible without the head of state.”

[@GalacticNovaOverlord]

@@SuanLuang lol

[@ethericboy]

And by "not letting them control the counyty "you mean The military industrial complex because he warned abiut them in the farwewll speech

[@udontknowme7798]

Drill as much you can, American also have a problem with overweight, so drill the whole day long. As long US break the agreement written that the American shouldn't place nuclear weapons more east, that already have been violated. US should have left Europe after the cold war. But as all know, US are a war mongering country. Had US left Europe nothing of this would have happened.

[@liamo4]

@@udontknowme7798 You are so right.

[@AntonioCostaRealEstate]

That is why you always go back to your elders in your own tribe. He is retired and all of the sudden becomes forgotten. Experience and wisdom

[@antennawilde]

Refreshing to hear someone from the US media telling the truth.

[@Sequence322]

If only they were part of are big media -=( US mainstream media is a dumpster fire of propaganda =(

[@gabenewell3955]

@@Sequence322 they wouldn’t let him on

[@benpavlovic9922]

This are Americans I deeply respect New generation of politicians can't open there moth without lying Thank you for your service Sir.

[@dabay200]

He looks pretty good for 92 years old, and very knowledgeable.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

Never forget who prevented a nuclear exchange: Vasili Arkhipov, and he did so singlehandedly, at a moment when he thought his own death was inevitable. The Guardian did a great piece on it.

[@MrVioletpandora]

USA evil; Propaganda is dead. Donbas is celebrating, singing Russian anthem and flying Russian flags bursting crackers Putin just declared the two Donbas regions as republics

[@user-pk1gf9ni9q]

The so called free western press have different orders, any good is barely mentioned geopolitics lies and greater lies is their agenda

[@Brett_S_420]

I'm a US citizen and I know my government lies. Especially when it comes to war. I understand why Russia would want to keep the countries that border Russia free from US involvement and interference. That being said, your government lies to you as well. Both of our countries governments corruptly serve the rich at the expense of the welfare of other citizens.

[@Brett_S_420]

There was one timetable in a submarine and another that didn't order a retaliatory strike at a radar installation that showed a US Attack. It happened two separate times.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

@@Brett_S_420 I'm not Russian.

[@wolf-man-bear-pig-torque]

Long story short: Months ago, Macron called for a European only security pact tied with the EU...meaning anyone outside Europe would be excluded. Several voices seem to on same track. This triggered the US government, because such a move, if possible, would strike at the relevance of NATO, which helps keep American leverage of Europe. This would also have an impact on the EURO against the US dollar in terms of usage and purchasing power. The Ukraine tensions are a complicated quagmire, full of internal issues, which many are aware, and it is just a front for that bigger issue. The real battle isn't between Russia and Ukraine/West, but between NATO and voices calling for a European only security pact.

[@carladehaas7866]

Doesn't NATO help our arms sales?

[@Zodak5D]

Looks like a Europe led security pact is necessary to keep out US aggression. Let France,Germany, Poland and Russia come to an agreement. Perhaps the Baltic states too.

[@TA_Tactics]

Voices of reason being lost and ignored in all of this.

[@clarelau7484]

Just sad..don't know why...this is truth is actually good for the world.

[@cesarino72]

Ambassador Matlock is a great guest. So clear in his explanations and thoughts. I agree with Amy that he should be invited on all the news networks...it would keep people well informed. We can only hope...

[@mannixisle]

Matlock 06:22 "As the first Sec. General stated, NATO was to keep the Russians out, to keep the Germans down and to keep the Americans in."

[@cheguevara5560]

That sentence explained everything so all that other shit about Ukraine and freedom blah blah blah is only a smoke screen . Nothing new here ,same old US

[@JP-tq7ni]

I am writing this one down. So revealing

[@lorenacortez9377]

It’s funny he got stopped when he was about to talk why we invaded Iraq without a real purpose

[@joyfuljoyful6598]

Because Hussein was, trading oil for gold he didn't want the worthless USD currency, likewise with Gadaffi, 144 tons of Gold bullion disappeared when the US & NATO invaded Libya and assassinated Gadaffi.

[@nilsfrederking62]

thought the same, I wish she would have let him continue. It was very informative and valuable information he gave.

[@ednan9]

Mr Matlock is perhaps one of the most experienced individual on Russia- its quite sad that he is not heard often due to his anti war position

[@frankvictorrood]

I constantly thought, how could this guy be a diplomat during that period. To hear that he is 92 years old left me stunned, he seems more like in his 70s

[@bohdanoryshkevich2140]

But he is frozen in time: August 11, 1991 when he left Moscow. He is inspiring. But Ukraine has been independent for thirty years. Ukraine is not responsible for the expansion of Nato. Nato expanded because Ukraine's neighbors were afraid of what Russia is doing today. Russia's hostility towards Ukraine is irrational and will be terrible for Russia not to mention Ukraine.

[@rachelg785]

@@bohdanoryshkevich2140 'Russian hostility' is a fictitious narrative invented by the western politicians and media. Russia has actively, and verifiably, been peacefully negotiating and doing business at least since Putin became President, if not before. Instead of listening to the msm BS narrative, go read the actual historical records.

[@MJ-wi7oo]

I agree with your assessment.

[@esp4yu]

@@bohdanoryshkevich2140 Since 2014, Russia have not shown Aggression or taken over Ukraine, where is your prove of Russia's hostility?

[@ripvanwando]

@@rachelg785 That's the fun of hybrid war hey, you can deny it even exists at all! • 2007 Russian Cyberattacks on Estonia • 2008 Russo-Georgian War • 2010 Stuxnet against Iran - just for some balance ;) • 2010-2013 Havex cyberattack • 2015 Bundestag & OPCW hacks • 2013 Armageddon Cyberattack on ukraine • 2014 Snake cyberattack & elections hack on ukraine • 2014 post-maidan crimea annexation and asymmetric war in donbas • 2015/16 BlackEnergy powergrid attacks in ukraine • 2016 Industroyer, CrashOverride, Blackenergy2 & Petya Global attacks • 2017/18 Notpetya global cyberattack • 2018 Georgian spearphishing and parliament hacks • 2020 Estonia/Georgia Fake documents cyberattack • 2021 February DDOS/ government filesharing hack ukraine • 2022 January DEV-0586 post-nato negotiation ddos on ukraine Also if this isn't a show of force backed by nationalistic ideology as a means of self-interested negotiation, i.e. hostility, then explain to me the logic of involving Transnistria in the strategic demonstration of encirclement?

[@ricardoavilapaulette7060]

Experience, knowledge and a wealth of common sense. Thanks for the interview. To the interviewers and the one interviewed.

[@gofar5185]

"experience knowledge and a wealth of common sense"... china russia india iran has all...

[@elisabethbordin982]

Thank you … what a reminder most don’t know and don’t want to know…

[@jackieOAT]

Most people in my country (Slovakia) did not want to join NATO a to this day many feel that cooperation of Slovak Government with US Army feels like a betrayal (now and when 'humanitarian' bombing of former Yugoslavia was allowed). With regard to occupation by Soviet Union lots of people still feel that it wasn't an occupation in the same sense as by Germany during second world war.

[@bumba6900]

They bombed Serbia, Yugoslavia had already stopped existing.

[@anuvisraa5786]

@@bumba6900 nop it was still yugoslavia they where servia montenegro and kosovo, the former yugoslavia socialist republic was disbanded befor and replace by the federal republic of yugoslavia

[@bumba6900]

@@anuvisraa5786 fine but it's still Serbia cuz Belgrade is the capital

[@aleksandrafilipovic758]

@@bumba6900 Belgrade was always a capital: of Kingdom of Serbia then after WW1 of Kingdom of Serbs, Croatians and Slovenian, of Kingdom of Yugoslavia and of SFRJ ie Post WW2 Yugoslavia..

[@bumba6900]

@@aleksandrafilipovic758 my man idc, they bombed Serbia, they are basically the only ones complaining about it.

[@chinampina5]

Its revisiting history and yet this country has once again failed to learn. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Also, he does NOT look 92. Bless him 🙏🏽

[@clinthowe7629]

unfortunately i think it’s true, we crated the situation by showing a callous disrespect towards Russia, even way back when clinton was President i remember Yeltsin complaining that Russia wasn’t being treated ed with respect and i thought in my 22 year old brain “why not treat them with respect? this will only cause problems for us in the future” even then, me, a 21-22 year old kid i was smart enough to see where this attitude would lead, How is it the democratic party establishment was too stupid or conceited or blind or all three to see this? why are our leaders such short sighted idiots?

[@jaswinderbhogal2035]

Clinton gave more respect to the woman he was shagging

[@temitopeoshokoya4906]

Conceited! I am with you, I could never understand the total disregard and disrespect towards Russia. I heard an analyst say that America overlooked Russia because the nation was so weak after the cold war, now with its growing influence in the world due to energy resources America is trying to weaken Russia.

[@clinthowe7629]

@@temitopeoshokoya4906 i just always believed it’s better not to rub salt in the wound while somebody is weak, knowing that things change and we might not always be strong, and they might not always be weak, however, i’m not saying that Russia isn’t responsible for its own actions, it chose to invade Ukraine. i was talking about the flippant attitude i saw from the clinton administration, as i recall, George W Bush invited Putin out to his ranch, so its clear that the US tried to be nice and work with him.

[@saeedmustapha1334]

What an amazing human being.

[@dimicdragan5922]

Very good points from this experienced ambasador... in other words, putin is giving to the nato the "taste of their own medicine"... nato is not liking it... which means putin has successfully scored a clear point... if nato have behaved better and within boundaries of international law, putin would not have invaded ukraine... probably

[@kynn884]

NATO is a defensive treaty. Obviously Ukraine wants to join, they have been getting invaded slowly by russia for nearly a decade

[@matthewgairns1001]

she cut him off when he started talking about the US's violations of the UN Charter

[@spandon]

Wow! took me back. Someone with wisdom from experience. Respect - and thanks.

[@mccamman]

Thank you Amy for your years of fearless journalism

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

That's the sort of clear eyed diplomatic mind the current world needs more of. A lot of us seem to have forgotten the horror of European mass conflict, and certainly the threat of nuclear war and the risks of nuclear brinkmanship. Thank you for giving Mr Matlock a voice today.

[@adeodata6364]

I guess the ambassador has been left speechless over this situation

[@loripapapetros4894]

Quite the contraire. Totally in the spot with his commentary. Truth that no one hears today.

[@adeodata6364]

@@loripapapetros4894 When I left this comment, there was no sound on this video 😆 That's the reason for my comment. I'm going to listen now, thanks for making me aware of the change 👍

[@meggallucci5300]

He was on the right track in his discussion before he was rudely interrupted. He was pulling us into a thread leading to the present where we want to be. This discussion became disjointed due to the interviewers, not Mr. Matlock, who knows a considerable amount and can follow the important historical thread to the present. He should have been permitted to continue without interruption.

[@alisaalisa3725]

Yes, it would be so great to let him speak up.

[@SueFerreira75]

"I was there" - experience and wisdom are so important as Jack Matlock reveals. This is why after 80 - 100 years or three generations on when those who participated in the horrors of "The Last Time We Said "Never Again" are no longer with us, no one now has first hand experience of the horror of war and we repeat the same mistakes. Such a Failed Species - we never learn.

[@AbdulK-kr2jv]

Bro whatre you smoking. The world has had Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Bosnian Genocide (or whatevers happening there) and all the other countless coups. YET, your euro centric minds cannot grasp the afflictions which the global south faces (which the US and EU is directly to blame)

[@morninboy]

Similar to the current anti-vaxxers who did not know small pox, polio, measles, mumps and typhoid. We will not be around in such numbers for long.

[@manofsan]

He looks really good for someone in his 90s. Sounds like a very smart and experienced man, too.

[@moenhaiderjwalamukhi7052]

Ambassador Matlock has a scholarly and historical perspective on Nato expansion..the root cause of ukranian crisis..highly appreciated. Peace to the world.

[@notprovided1131]

Remember that at one point that it was promised to Russia that NATO would not move one inch to the east.

[@WylieECoyote56]

I won't rather have a wise and cognitively sound man like Jack Matlock running the US than Brandon!

[@janhansen5438]

John Matlock should be om all mainstream media, spreading his knowledge and visdom

[@paulmcknight4137]

Mr. Maitlock lays it out. The more pieces of the puzzle put together, the more obvious the power of the defense contractors across the river, becomes.

[@Zodak5D]

More obvious who the villain is. Americans cannot be happy about that.

[@davidbeckett6019]

Grow up war babies, all the world wants is harmony, so get it together and break this stupid cycle.

[@Zodak5D]

They make money off conflict and war. It's legal. Who is going to regulate it?

[@sashagrey2984]

@@Zodak5D since communism is banned, the coprorations, politicians and wise old bankers

[@powpow241]

Madame, you are genuine and professional, and Mr Matlock is champion of truth and diplomacy

[@najiyyahharris123]

He needs to shout this to the WORLD!!!

[@rtorres4132]

Am I the only one without sound?

[@kellywest111]

Me too

[@istotazielona9970]

Me too

[@oggoblin295]

No

[@conniekeshet]

Nope.

[@shahji1390]

Gone are the people of such integrity !

[@rockyjforay]

I enjoyed the video interview here with former ambassador John Matlock and happy that a man of his age is still around to discuss Soviet-American history. The comments here seem very constructive and there doesn’t seem to be much immature exchange of NATO did this, Russia did that. So I hope to carry on constructively as well: my biggest complaint in this interview was that there is too much comparison with the Cuban Missile Crisis and Ukraine. And I appreciate that Mr. Matlock was present during Cuba in 1962, and also the negotiations with Bush 41 and Reagan with Gorbachev. The thing is Ukraine doesn’t have any nuclear missiles and haven’t had them since 1994 after The Budapest Memorandum for Security Assurances. Ukraine at the time had the third largest stockpile of Nuclear weapons, but they allowed Russia to take them back and off their soil…provided that their national borders would be respected. It’s important to note that Belarus, and Kazakhstan followed suit with the same agreement. But now Belarus, under Lukashenko, who was also president during that memorandum, has made a constitutional referendum to allow weapons on their soil again this year. Ukraine’s borders have been violated since 2014 in Crimea and now the Donbas region. It seems to me that Russia has become too overly aggressive for no apparent reason at all other than Ukraine’s desire to have national security and inclusion in the European Union, and for some reason, the Putin era in Russia finds this a threat to their own security, and seem justified in terrorizing the citizens and government of Ukraine the same way they did to Georgia in 2005. This is not acceptable. Did NATO expansion cause this? Maybe, but are we to deny the independence of new democracies in Europe just because they border a paranoid regime guided by Vladimir Putin?

[@ianbeddowes5362]

No country is as paranoid as the USA. No other country is so aggressive and destructive.

[@kubeheadful]

Matlock shares an underreported perspective but he is still perpetuating myths. The purpose of expanding NATO was to expand the market for American defense contractors.

[@Zodak5D]

Which is ofcourse problematic and due to war being horrid, such a corporate interest is obscene.

[@Froggy77100]

He literally mentioned weapons trade.

[@steik6414]

Yes, WAS to expand the market. And the invasion of Georgia WAS to annex territory for the Russian state. So what? How many hybrid wars need to be fought before we accept that pacificism in the face of aggression is childish?

[@kurtbogle2973]

Money lies at the core of this too. Free Humanity! OUTLAW banks and money!

[@pullmanstandard81203]

I agree with the Bank part. Money is ok but currency is the problem.

[@maungkyaw3519]

Why No Sound????????????????????????

[@oldschool8oy]

Finally someone tell it as it is! Good job sir !

[@gerry4281]

Brilliant coverage. Thankyou.

[@altansuvdbatmunkh6816]

Finally, someone who makes sense is on. Thank you! Nato expansion is threat to all of EuroAsia not just Russia, fyi.

[@drmodestoesq]

It is a treat. NATO prevents Russia expansionism.

[@petestanton1945]

*threat

[@altansuvdbatmunkh6816]

@@petestanton1945 thank you!

[@altansuvdbatmunkh6816]

@@drmodestoesq The last thing we want is teenager with a gun in charge of security in the hood.

[@jdlane5136]

I was so impressed with Dem Now bringing this guest on i donated money for the first time to DN. Jack Matlock cleared up the history of what caused this war. Our Government love war...or love war profits for it BIG donors in the Military Industrial Complex.

[@valeriehaider3273]

Thank you thank you thank you Mr. Matlock!!

[@brianbozo2447]

Matlock and Gorbachev could talk to the UN security council. They could even do it with zoom and speak from their own homes.

[@carnaud]

Of course it is! They have objected many times on the record and nobody wants to pay them any mind.

[@jakeschmell]

This is by far and away the best, most positive and constructive piece I’ve ever watched from your channel and from pbs. It’s insightful. It asks the right questions of the right person. Is brave. It gives voice to the (relatively) voiceless. And goes against the current narrative of the democrat / leftist power base that you are traditionally so adherent to. Wonderfully unexpected. I applaud you. The world thanks you.

[@lines1nwax]

Please do not conflate the Democrats with Leftists. We are not the same.

[@jenme4796]

Finally a truthful man!!

[@MANNY33100]

Jack Matlock has the knowlege, the independence and the authority to express an honest, objetive opinion on what is happening in Ukrain. Shame on other puppets repeating the same bullshit given to them by US authorities.

[@milosdunjic8718]

Brilliant man 👍👏

[@lordofbulls]

Experience speak volumes!! Such a man of wisdom. I wish the present dispensation had an iota of it.

[@eugenegauggel1000]

It has been said, "The best way to defeat an enemy is to make him your friend." Isn't it time to make friends.......making enemies is so old fashined and futile. Isn't it time to replace competion with cooperation and collaboration? This is the only way we can have a wonderful world. We will thrive as a global family instead of mutual destruction by thinking we have to be right.

[@MrMoss786]

there's no money in that approach for Lockheed-Martin, Ratheon, etc the real controllers of the government strategy.

[@kerrymarris4260]

Thanks for being honest Mr Matlock about U.S. failures to.

[@richardsimms251]

What a knowledgeable and profoundly wise person to listen to. He has absorbed so much experience from watching both sides over so much tim

[@huwwiliams8426]

Cheers guys. Abundantly shinning levels of truth, brilliant, Thanks.

[@Userkzb20253]

Our risks of triggering a nuclear exchange is definitely higher. Thank you for reminding the world, Mr Matlock.

[@fjordhellas4077]

What an eye opening and excellent interview between Amy Goodman and Ambassador J.Matlock.