Jon Sweet & Mark Toth - Ukraine has been Treated by History as a 'Corridor' and Pawn without Agency.

Is Ukraine too corrupt to join NATO? Escalation management still holds sway.
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Jon Sweet is an accomplished intelligence professional who served for 30 years within the Defence and Intelligence sector as an U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer. He is now a freelance author, contributor and columnist for The Hill, The Messenger, Washington Examiner, Kyiv Post and FOX News. He provides an experienced military perspective on current world events.
Mark Toth is a retired economist, historian and entrepreneur and has lived in US diplomatic and military communities around the world. Mark writes on issues of National Security and Foreign Policy and is a regular contributor to The Hill, BBC, Washington Examiner, Fox News, Kyiv Post and The Messenger.
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[@hrvojesvetec3058]

Stay strong Ukraine,stay united and NEVER give up!.people of Sweden belives in you and will allways support you.Slava Ukraini!🇺🇦💯🇸🇪💙💛👍

[@ClimateScepticSceptic-ub2rg]

Today, Ukraine. Yesterday, Poland. Poland survived and so will Ukraine.

[@djparn007]

Thank you, Jonathan. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

Heroyam slava! 🇺🇦

[@WonderMagician]

Jon Sweet and Mark Toth discussions are always enlightening. Appreciate their insightful and intelligent analysis, particularly on the issues of Ukraine fighting for its existence against a Western tolerated genocide.

[@karljensen893]

One of the best programs I have watched for a long time.

[@msvergara]

Russia says Ukraine is the aggressor and the USA says Ukraniane is corrupt!!!??? This world is mad

[@user-mz3in7vo5b]

They are DANSING, and the voter are clapping hands having FUN! Creating themselves...

[@JS-ti8ny]

Msvegara Not really. They do however want us to believe in their *orchestrated chaos* Research “Greater Israel” they already had plans to rename Odessa to “New Jerusalem” Btw you misspelled UiSrAel

[@18_rabbit]

'the USA' is not saying Ukr is corrupt, some ultraconservative reactionaries are saying that as part of their propganda that riles their ignorant base of voters in THE most severely under-educated/informed ppl in a not-poor country, on earth! I've been here for over 50 yrs, so i know it for sure!

[@jmcw9632]

excellent guests as usual

[@garyoconnor6131]

This travesty has its roots in two strands. Lack of education in a benevolent sense due to cultural differences and the shadow of the linkage between Ukraine and Russia as part of the USSR. The second strand is the outright refusal of many countries and significant people to challenge the Russian narrative that Ukraine is in effect Russian property with no right whatsoever to self determination. Both strands are of the same chord.

[@TheWildEntrepreneur]

Awesome once more 👏👏👏🔝🇵🇹🇺🇦

[@richardpeace4724]

Excellent post, bottom line is that putin cannot / must not win...he has to be defeated....so...get on with it..

[@planmet]

It would be totally uncharacteristic of Russia not to use corruption allegations against Ukraine - regarding weapons and financial support. They have already tried to discredit Zelensky and his wife -accusing them of buying expensive cars and yachts - but in a very amateurish way.

[@betterdonotanswer]

Zelensky has no reputation whatsoever and thus cannot be discredited any further. However, Muscovite propaganda is total and treats each audience independently. This information is intented for mass audience charmed by a false image of Zelensky created by CNN and such.

[@vanettevanhuyssteen5548]

Yes, exactly!

[@hrvojesvetec3058]

TY Jonathan,geat guests,great interview,great report👍👍👍

[@hammertoolz]

I remember as a teen watching the iron curtain fall and thinking the world was going to be free and peaceful, and now here we are

[@ahartify]

Very helpful, detailed overview of the military situation. Thanks!

[@KuleRucket]

Love these talks. Keep up the good work and good luck reaching 100K

[@J7463kl3]

Thank you for your support of Ukraine 🇺🇦. Ukraine is really fighting against corruption and its not corrupted more then some other countries. Its all russian propaganda trying to deminish the role of Ukraine in NATO. Ukraine would be really a gem to this treaty.

[@hopeless5151]

Lol

[@J7463kl3]

@hopeless5151 lol to you. Small but brave Ukraine third year resist to second horde army in a world . Your pathetic SVO turned from " Kiev for 3 days" to the war for 3 years ! 1000 russian soldiers die every day but you don't care!

[@christt6809]

@@J7463kl3 1000 Russian per day casualty mean most of them are wounded, around 1/3 die. But Russians should just leave Ukraine territory, and none of them will figure in those number anymore.

[@gerryhouska2859]

Ukraine has inherited enormous corruption from their time in the CCCP and has done wonders (unlike the muSScovite empire) working to dismantle this system.

[@JS-ti8ny]

Will they delete this comment as well..??? Will he call me a “Russian Bot” or Ivan..? Because I’m proving Ukrainian corruption and child trafficking and CIA biolabs and FACT: Victoria Nuland who while under the Obama administration, hand delivered $5Billion dollars to Ukrainian military commanders in Kiev, in order to initiate the Coup that led to the Maidan Massacre of 2014? which ultimately led to this current mess we’re in in Ukraine with a cocaine addled comedian for a puppet of Israeli billionaire oligarchs.

[@paulchambers3142]

A copy of this episode should be sent to Biden! Great guests who see the full picture. Thoroughly enjoyed it 👌 Thanks Jonathan 😊 Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@Whangareitaiji3138]

The problem with the US State Department is that it is filled with people who are ignorant of both history and military matters. Who also happen to be appeasers as a result.

[@18_rabbit]

well, really? how many such ppl are there? i really doubt very many are. Long ago i was headed in direction to work there possibly. They're pretty decent and often far above decent quality. US gvt agencies like it are very very competitive to qualify for. Absolutely not ignorant of history or military matters. So u r wrong on that, plainly so.

[@DarkestAlice]

Thank you, Jonathan, Jon Sweet, and Mark Toth, for another interesting conversation. 🇺🇦 Перемоги та миру всім українцям! 🇺🇦

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@glennpearce7093]

Thanks Jonathan and guests very interesting

[@Steve-gx9ot]

USA needs to TELL putin ==STOP ALL YOUR CRAP NOW. WAR IS HERE

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

More, please!

[@marna7325]

Yes, I don't remember in history books or Pres.Truman's Sunday afternoon memoirs on TV in the 50s any talk about a negotiated peace with Germany or Japan.

[@vanettevanhuyssteen5548]

Good point.

[@rafaelsanz3441]

Please, be aware that Israel is highly influential in German and US foreign policy, and Israel has strong ties and vested interests in Russia, and those countries are those blocking the entrance of Ukraine in NATO. Greetings from Brussels and thanks again for again a great interview with a great professional.

[@taras3702]

Let's just say the Tribe has as much if not more ethnic Ukrainian blood on its hands as ethnic Russian blood.

[@rafaelsanz3441]

@@taras3702 Sure , but they don’t know it…

[@michaelkelly1421]

Great show

[@kj1483]

Jon Sweet is a retired Army Colonel with 30 years of military intelligence experience, including leading the U.S. European Command Intelligence Engagement Division from 2012 to 2014. Mark Toth is a renowned commentator on national security and foreign policy, with contributions to The Hill, New York Post, Kyiv Post, TVP World, Fox News, and more.

[@agustinussiahaan6669]

Thank you, Jonathan. Glory to Ukraine. I sigh sadly since my country uses bribe as cosmetics.

[@zetristan4525]

Together you've got a Sweet Toth

[@RajuDas-qu1li]

Great analytical analysis ! Mark and John has cleared up my foggy brain about the current situations in Ukraine. The beauty of this analytical discussion is that an ordinary man without higher education degree could understand and assimilate. So simple, clear and succint! Your analytical explanations have allowed me to see further deep into the situation! Jonathan you have done a great job! Keep presenting episodes like this! Thank you Jonathan! Thank you Mark and John! You help us a lot in time of turbulance especially in a moment when Russian propaganda machine is quite active. Slava Ukraine!

[@lawrencenabozniak3498]

Corruption is endemic to all the old Soviet satellite states and we all know how it permeates the entire upper strata of Russia. The biggest difference is that Ukraine is actively fighting against this entrenched corrupt mentality whereas Russia tacitly endorses its presence as a normal element of business or government operations. My best bud, who works in a brokerage firm, told me that Ukraine is still regarded as "high risk" as a place in which to do business and much of that stems from its history of corruption.

[@vanettevanhuyssteen5548]

Sad.

[@gillydior]

🇬🇧❤🇺🇦

[@christineschafer5282]

Once again a wealth of information, eventhough so freightening !!

[@dianetourje1359]

One needs to investigate their support ofTrump

[@concord14]

Sadly, I think it is fear that they (us) might not be indispensable!

[@Sylvie_M]

Great discussion Jonathan, as usual. If only the US could get their crap together, deal with their own corruption and stop with the constraints on Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

[@user-ue3qf2vd7l]

And great work you guys

[@vonries]

Thanks

[@valdud9745]

Good 👍

[@vanettevanhuyssteen5548]

Thank you, Jonathan. Very interesting, highly informative.

[@roderickmacdonald6553]

Nice to see you have some hawks out to give their perspective. Great work !!!

[@APW-ry2ok]

Love that saying ,throw in the kitchen sink to enable Ukraines win faster,what’s the benefit of not doing this now ? Come on free world we can do better than this,let’s show true force to get back UN law as voted for years ago.

[@crimeajewel]

❤❤❤❤❤ 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 ❤❤❤❤

[@victoriahigman6802]

I think if they publicly state an outcome it means they’re more tied to provision of goods!

[@timmommens901]

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦✌✌🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@eoincathalkavanagh4226]

Lots of great perspective and insights both strategic (defeating the Kremlin faster, China's strategy, and Poland's ongoing strategic location in any new world order) but also tactical military considerations 👏. Many thanks and Slava Ukraini!

[@American-In-Mykolaiv]

The main reason there is no agency for Ukraine into the EU and into NATO, it is because the West fears Ukraine. This is the main reason the West wants to give Ukraine merely enough to survive, not to win. By bleeding Ukraine and Russia, they weaken both nations. Ukraine will certainly surpass Germany in technically, economically, and military power - and that is why Germany does not provide assistance it should. We will never forget! Slava Ukraini!

[@cmbergersct3492]

How can he say they're in the same position they were 18 months ago when their entire power grid has been eliminated! It's just is too compartmentalized to be realistic

[@andrewmacnab9069]

Up up up

[@petergaffney4915]

Serhii Plokhy "The Gates of Europe" Very good

[@axlslak]

Around 17:00 there's this assumption from Johnathan that a country's agency is automatic. No country has absolute agency. Even the most powerful nations navigate a world of interdependencies, alliances, and constraints. The notion of agency is more about the degree of autonomy and capacity to act within these constraints. For most countries, striving for greater agency involves balancing internal governance, economic resilience, and strategic diplomacy to mitigate external pressures. In essence, a country's agency is a spectrum rather than an absolute state, influenced by both internal capabilities and external conditions. Also war involves significant efforts to limit the agency of the adversary. This can be achieved through direct military action, economic disruption, political destabilization, and diplomatic isolation. The ultimate aim is to reduce the opponent's ability to make independent decisions, forcing them to act in ways that align with the victor's strategic interests or to capitulate entirely.

[@jeaniewilliams3274]

Is it possible that after the November election President Biden will feel more free to follow his own inclinations ad regards Ukraine? I can imagine a scenario where his advisors imply that somehow he cannot win the election if he is stronger on Ukraine.

[@hrvojesvetec3058]

Jake Sullivan GOTTA GO..hes so easy to read,predict and totaly lost..have no plan,scared of taking decisions,uncertain approach and unrealistic..useless and weak imo

[@TheStormtrooper00]

Just like Biden and even whole of the US.This is why Europe needs to become independent from the US and stand on it's own feet.

[@WalterBurton]

👍👍👍

[@boryskostenko]

Up!

[@Vomgnar.]

I doubt Ukraine's government is any more or less corrupt than any average government, including my own. They've also been making clear strides to clean up corruption. If the US was sending UA piles of cash, then maybe there would be a very thin argument there, but we're not. In my opinion, the topic of corruption is completely irrelevant to sending aid to Ukraine.

[@GregMoylan-pn6sr]

I’m hearing more & more criticism of Jake Sullivan. Is he really that influential?

[@cmbergersct3492]

It's costing them a lot of civilians! Do you think it's just a few? I can't believe how little they take into account how is civilian deaths and all the deaths are affecting the psychology of the ukrainians in as much as how much they want to fight

[@jank6340]

“What are the Western leaders protecting by not clarifying their foreign policy re Ukraine and/or Israel wars?”. Answer: their own incompetence,lack of vision, and most importantly their own inadequacy as political leaders, effectively betraying trust of those who elected them to do just that.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Is it Mark in this video wearing a suit? If so , you could use with an update in your background on video here! Looks 70 years old.....

[@martinpetersen3733]

I would like to see Anders Fogh Rasmussen on your show, have you considered that, he is very engaged in the Ukrainian cause?

[@SiliconCurtain]

I’ve reached out before… but will try again!

[@martinpetersen3733]

@@SiliconCurtain Good, but thank you for all the other interesting people you have on your channel, it is very rewarding and enriching. Thanks also for your engagement regarding Ukraine 👍

[@dianetourje1359]

Where's the data?

[@DougWedel-wj2jl]

Agency. It sounds like that means Ukrainian sovereignty, self direction vs being a vassal or tool of others, especially for Russia. Part of sovereignty is generating your own arms, which Ukraine is doing. If the west supplies arms, there are always strings attached. It’s been the sea drones which were most effective, with short range FPV drones coming second. And long range drones striking oil refineries. If they double and triple production while diligently innovating, that’s a show of sovereignty. The west can help with that. They say teach a man to fish. I keep coming back to the idea of communications skills. We depend on leaders being competent at this but it’s hard to see or measure so we often say I know it when I see it. Joe Biden, we say, had a disastrous presidential debate because he sucked at communicating. What I saw was the first presidential debate that got everyone talking about Biden, not Trump, poised Biden as the underdog, paraded Trump’s nonstop vomit of lies, and contrasted a range of candidates that could replace Biden vs the FORTY close associates, including the VP who publicly declare they oppose Trump. All that aside, where does the average Ukrainian score on communication skills? None of them are currently campaigning to be president of a powerful country so maybe it doesn’t matter so much about how the average Ukrainian communicates. And right now since they have a lot of actual fighting to do, it would make sense to save charm school for after the war. Right? Maybe. Skill at communicating gives us situational and political awareness. Street sense. It helps us form bonds with family and coworkers and fellow students. It can give us more resilience in hard times, to reduce PTSD. People are more willing to do difficult things and things like conscription are not as necessary.

[@DougWedel-wj2jl]

If the west supplies Ukraine with an abundance of arms, enough to win this war and do it relatively quickly, it likely would mean replacing Putin with a friendlier leader. That sounds a lot like the US toppling the leader of a foreign government and replacing him with... a puppet. We might not see it like that but plenty of other countries certainly will, like Iran, China, North Korea. If the west supplies Ukraine with enough arms to survive but needs to fend for itself for a categorical win.. and does... that will make the US look a bit less tyrannical. Hopefully.

[@no8637]

🎉

[@victoriahigman6802]

Sorry. Went off topic

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Dude you cite harry truman and lthat was 75 years ago

[@petershutak5573]

America describing Ukraine as corrupt is like the pot calling the kettle black. Where did the Afghan warlords get the money from for their luxurious mansions? The US taxpayer sent billions to buy their influence.

[@user-ue3qf2vd7l]

I wonder what Joe Blogs would say

[@user-ue3qf2vd7l]

Don't forget Ukraine supplied 40 per cent of GDP to the Soviet Union. That's 40 million supplying nearly half of Everything for 140 million. What were the 140 million doing besides guarding Thier interests in Ukraine and Europe

[@user-mz3in7vo5b]

Purpose, purpose can be a perpetum-mobile, a indefinite continuation of conflict. The view that everyone is intressted in solving conflicts, is based on prejudice... Eat the humble cake! 🤕

[@user-or3ld5so9c]

It's called cowards

[@user-mz3in7vo5b]

Looking for excuses? It take two parts to 'dans'...

[@user-mz3in7vo5b]

Increased, diversion into different 'Humanoid-types', evalution/analysis is done, to satisfy/motivate already pre-fabricated moulds. >>> IDENTITY > Not Agency/Integrity

[@NathansHVAC]

gonzo lira

[@sgill4833]

Strange no one talks about the Biden regimes ineptitude.

[@VictorBonello]

And today even more, a pawn in the hands of the USA

[@Curtis-ev3tz]

Ukraineins as with Poland's population will not be free from Russia for at least a generation and the Russians shameless to admit defeat syco thinking that more gruesome the human losses they suffer the more so Ukraine should want to negotiate. It's a twisted train of thought that only a phycologist can explain. I've been watching Western movies where stuff like this happens to bullies all the time. Putin's theme... "Don't cry for me Russia"...

[@judyjackson2260]

Wake up Biden.

[@andyzx9682]

i wish putin would help free Scotland from the english federation

[@marna7325]

Scotland voted not to leave -- Ukraine voted to leave.

[@andyzx9682]

@@marna7325 when .?? ..

[@andyzx9682]

@@marna7325 more people voted to leave , aye 10 fkn year ago .. than voted Labour the other day

[@APW-ry2ok]

@@andyzx9682The referendum was years ago and the vote was to stay in the U.K. We are on an small island get real.

[@andyzx9682]

@@APW-ry2ok get real ?? !! .. get rid of you cunxs more like

[@user-ue3qf2vd7l]

Meanwhile Mrs Putin Shops in Europe Asia and America.

[@zetristan4525]

Good conversation to have... But after 42 min in, you do realize these guys are either delusional or so in the gaslighting that they even believe some of their own lies? Kadyrov and Prigozhin (Wagner) are disgusting associates, but Putin is obviously highly disciplined and politely rational (almost like an AI or mildly autistic!) Why do we have these "old men kids" as 'prolific' professional talkers/writers, when they can't even represent different viewpoints accurately? What an anticlimax to a potentially deeply thoughtful analysis of how to put Ukrainians' interests first, instead of the US/UK/Russian security services using their lives as a manipulative weapon. As Jon said, Ukrainian have agency, they're not to be used as a pawn for our (fools') narratives💔🇺🇦💔

[@michaeldelisieux5252]

What else it’s necessary to happen in this two year long soap opera, for ppl to realize that the US/ EU/ NATO are playing ball with Russia? Ops… Wrong comment .

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Dude = Please cut down Lengtb of video or become more Efficient. 60 monutes is way too long....

[@Jimmy-ye3wg]

Trying to keep Ukraine afloat at this point is like trying to save the Titanic by handing out plastic buckets.

[@njswampfox474]

Another troll with his/her head firmly implanted deep up Putin's arse.

[@njswampfox474]

Face it. Biden is and always has been a weak coward as is and was his puppeteer, Obama. Unfortunately, Trump hasn't provided evidence he would be any better and he likely could be worse. It is unbelievable how corrupt the USA has become and how low it has fallen. None of these guys could shine Reagan's shoes.

[@cveng1]

fuck you, you're wrong and so what would you like, my family and I to die?

[@konfunable]

You mean, Russia? By this point the war is already won and Ukraine is just planning its membership in the EU, while Russia has no hope left.

[@APW-ry2ok]

Russia you mean comrade…

[@mikeshaunnessey9303]

The only place I've heard this rhetoric is here. Maybe I don't follow what you guys do, bit all this seems searching for ways to generate controversy where there is none. Thumbs down bye

[@user-bk5hy8kg7b]

Long live the West! SLAVA UKRAINE! From Italy ❤❤

[@user-bk5hy8kg7b]

Problem is that Sullivan is a Lawyer and thinks like Lawyer in an environment of srrategic geo-politics!!