The Chris Hedges Report: The truth about Ukraine with Medea Benjamin

Peace activist and author Medea Benjamin joins The Chris Hedges Report to discuss the history of Ukraine as explained in her new book, War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict, co-authored with Nicholas Davies.
Medea Benjamin is the co-founder of Code Pink and author of Drone Warfare, Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the US Saudi Connection, and Inside Iran.
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[Andrew Emery]

I am British. I have lived in Crimea for many years and continue to live in Crimea. We are an ethnic Russian region, rich in tourism and wine production, 'given' to Ukraine by Nikita Kruschev in 1954. In 1991/2 on the breakup of the Soviet Union we tried to break-away, but were threatened with tanks on our streets by Kiev. A few years ago when there was turmoil in Ukraine, we again tried for independence, and again Kiev threatened to send in the tanks. But this time Russia stepped in and guaranteed the security of our border. We then held a free referendum in which my family participated, and voted to join with Russia for our own protection, protection from Kiev. Zelensky then felt confident with Biden behind him, and continued to threaten us with tanks, resulting in this conflict. Please understand one thing; we don't want to be part of Ukraine. It's as simple as that. Thank you.

[David Dunne]

@Parzival PlaysAtari2600 Not just yet. All in good time.

[Parzival PlaysAtari2600]

​@David Dunne Why don't you go to Crimea and find out for yourself?

[Jonny]

I was there in 2010, beautiful place. Shame this was instigated by outside forces. Everyone could live in peace no problem there if not for said people.

[Knut Frockenstöter]

Your opening monologue is (as always) a work of art! P.S.: The US spent 5 *billion* on the coup in Ukraine, Chris, not just millions..

[John Q]

​@Christiane Vanherck ...just like Chile with Pinochet or Iran with the Shah, Afghanistan, Iraq Libya etc.

[Brian O'Donoghue]

I was with friends last night and the subject came up where I expresses my concern that we could very well be given a false interpretation of what is actually happening there. We are essentially being fed a side of this story that benefits the American war machine more than our own individual interests. Here is a presentation of the opposition story, that I believe we should all hear that will allow us to decide for ourselves who is the bad guy here.

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Marina Choi Kostyantyn Tyshchenko, a professor of linguistics at Kyiv Taras Shevchenko National University, made a list of 82 specific features of Ukrainian grammar and phonetics. According to this list, Ukrainian has more features in common with Belarussian (29), Czech and Slovak (23), Polish (22), Croatian and Bulgarian (21) and Slovenian (20), than it has with Russian (11). Many historic documents prove that the Ukrainian language, and Ukrainian state, appeared earlier than the Russian ones. Russian comes from the Old Slavonic language, which was introduced by Kyivan colonizers to Muscovites, who were essentially Finno-Ugric. Their language then mixed with Mongolian, reflecting Muscovy’s centuries-long Mongol occupation, and hence has very few similarities with other Eastern Slavic languages. The Ukrainian people as a nation appeared at the time of Kyivan Rus, the major Slavic state on the grounds of modern Ukraine, in the 9th-13th centuries. However, the consolidation of the Ukrainian nation as well as the establishment of the Ukrainian language was blocked due to the fact that after the Mongol attack in the 13th century, Kyivan Rus was partitioned and its land was annexed by the Duchy of Lithuania and Poland. ("Ukrainian and Russian: Two Separate Languages and Peoples" article published by the Ukrainian Institute of America)

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Marina Choi You want me to study Russia's fake version of history, no thanks! The name Rus', like the Proto-Finnic name for Sweden (*rootsi), is derived from an Old Norse term for 'men who row' (rods-) because rowing was the main method of navigating the rivers of Eastern Europe, and could be linked to the Swedish coastal area of Roslagen (Rus-law) or Roden, as it was known in earlier times. The name Rus' would then have the same origin as the Finnish and Estonian names for Sweden: Ruotsi and Rootsi.

[Marina Choi]

​@Christiane Vanherck in USSR were even famous pop songs in Ukrainian languare. Whole country was singing that songs. And now you're saying the language was banned. Have you ever been in Ukraine during USSR period?

[Marina Choi]

​@Christiane Vanherck Could you please study history first. Any an biased course, for example Harvard's course or similar would do. Kiev was the first capital of Russia. That period of time even called Kiev's Russia. Check how Ukraine republic was formed and when it happened. Please make real an biased research first instead of repeating words from propagandistic videos and embarrassing yourself.

[Marina Choi]

If you need more information from the other side and reports from Donyetsk, you can check Patrick Lancaster's KZbin channel. He is a journalist and has been filming Donyetsk and what's going on there for many years.

[Jerky Jones Adventures]

Great interview with a smart lady. Would love to see more of her. Thanks Chris.

[Miroslav Funtek]

@Christiane Vanherck Realy and who told you that ?

[UrStoopid]

@Christiane Vanherck tldr

[UrStoopid]

@Christiane Vanherck are you their press secretary?

[UrStoopid]

@Christiane VanherckI'm interested in pointing people toward true things. I'm not interested in engaging in lengthy, slick bullshit in youtube comments sections to win a spot on the debate team.

[RareSense]

Refreshing to hear the truth spoken as an Australian you restore my faith in educated Americans, hopefully truthful Americans can vote in a president to make changes for the good.

[Mr Smith]

There will never be a candidate who does not come from the established elite. The fact that Trump was able to convince half of a country that a billionaire was not part of this elite group; and that he had their best interests in mind, is an amazing sleight of hand that they, for the most part, still believe.

[Ken Davies]

Hahahahahahaha, seriously?? Nixon, Reagan, Trump, Biden, the Clintons??😂

[Turley Thornton]

Thank you Medea for giving us a voice.

[mano a mano]

​@Christiane Vanherck "The far right"? What about Medea has anything to do with the Right? Are you for real?

[Christiane Vanherck]

What's the "us" you are referring to? the far right?

[Pura Vida dew]

There never seems to be a shortage of money for war, but never a dime for society and the people who only really want peace.

[Grant Sharp]

@Broadway Sam 0:41 0:47 to 😊go

[Sharon Noble]

True, but why do WE need THEM?

[Joe]

The world runs on oil it's that simple do the math

[Scaley Back]

It's the money spent on the preparations for possible war that maintains the hope for peace in the sane majority who wish for it - as true today as the first time a man in a cave picked up a stick and said no, not doing it. Show me where on this planet peace prevails without a military deterrence. Ask Tibet how it all worked out for them. If they'd had nukes and a functioning army China would not have dared to subjugate it. Ask the Ukrainians if they wish they'd held onto their nukes - Russia would not have brought their version of peace to their doorsteps for sure. Your post is as foolish as it is illogical.

[Liberty In Peril]

Wow! Best synopsis I've heard yet other than from my own head. After following this closely for 9 years and having a very solid grasp of the history of all the players; this report is an absolute share! Please share as far and wide and often. People all over the world must know what brought on the real Third World war and why our children are living in caves and burned out ruins of buildings. Because that is the end game.

[clinton washington]

I love shows like these. You guy’s question everything. PLEASE KEEP AS OBJECTIVE AS YOU CAN. There are no more objective news outlets that actually ask the most important questions like What led up to this? Should we get involved? Etc.. Thank you guys for your work.

[Miroslav Funtek]

@Rob Haythorne You didn't watch this ? Why are you here ?

[Miroslav Funtek]

@Mentally Challenged And who told you that ?

[Hugh Glass]

@Dave Martino only Simon Ostrovsky's piece. Russian roulette. It's one of the few chronicles of the Russian aggression.

[Dave Martino]

@Hugh Glass oh you mean not part of the military industrial complex media right?

[Dave Martino]

@Hugh Glass “ watch vice” that says it all for you right there 😆

[Kansax]

Finally, someone mentioning the OSCE! I've felt insane pointing out that we had international observers, that the West recognized and supported, witnessed Ukraine's aggression towards Donetsk and Luhansk.

[Scaley Back]

@Christiane Vanherck Yes, I've spoken with Ukrainian families living in my county - some saw what was coming and got away in relative safety before the arrival of Russian troops others tried to convince themselves it would be better to stady and were forced to make a more hazardous trip after the Russians had began showing just how barbaric they could be. Some of them have said there are more familiies not as fortunate as they were who did not make it! We don't ask for details of course.

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Desmond Burnett WWII lend-lease can't be compared with US aid to Ukraine. In August 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The countries agreed that they would not attack each other and secretly divided the countries that lay between them. That pact became a dead letter in June 1941 when Nazi Germany, after having invaded much of western and central Europe, attacked the Soviet Union without warning in Operation Barbarossa. After the launch of the invasion, the territories gained by the Soviet Union as a result of the pact were lost in a matter of weeks. Do you see what is the difference with helping Ukraine?

[Desmond Burnett]

@Christiane Vanherck yes. Russia owed billions of US dollars. remember, this was before the cold War and Russia needed the US mainly to defeat Germany

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Desmond Burnett US lend lease to the USSR during WWII?

[Desmond Burnett]

@Christiane Vanherck please research lend lease by the US government.

[Angel Nieves]

Im sitting here with my jaw wide open by all this truth being poured out in this video , and the fact that YT has allowed it to play !!!

[Miroslav Funtek]

@Angel Nieves Bravo . It is the truth for anyone who want's to see or hear .

[Miroslav Funtek]

@Julian Denormanville Because it is .

[Markt N]

@Julian Denormanville Somehow, most who speak up against, like you, are generally very young accounts under 3 years old. That’s how I know where truth stands.

[Dave Martino]

@Julian Denormanville how you know it’s not ?

[JosieTheatre]

Got some great notes from this. Empathy first not last. The rational debate cannot begin if feelings are ignored. This takes time and energy and persitance. Practicing empathy keeps us strong and healthy for when the climate is fair for debate.

[DB Edwards]

“Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute.” Tribute to our citizens. For the people. For their education, well being and FREEDOM.

[Miroslav Funtek]

60 bilions - not millions

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Dave Martino you should provide an argument, if you have one

[Dave Martino]

@Christiane Vanherck you’re Projecting yourself again

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Dave Martino that's what happens when you get stuck in far-right echo chambers

[Jerry Gunn]

The joy of listening to informed people Thank you

[Ray Kirkham]

@Hugh Glass No! Lifelong peace advocate. That is something you simply seem too simple to understand.

[Hugh Glass]

@Ray Kirkham oh.antifa sorts huh?

[Ketamincandy]

Thank you so much for this this straight and truthful talk, your voice's of reason are well needed right now

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Ketamincandy Sorry to interrupt you while you're playing video games.

[Ketamincandy]

@Christiane Vanherck oh please 🙄

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Faulty Echo Just wondering, are you with me on reporting them? For me personally, I feel that's the least I can do to give some support to Ukraine in their fight for freedom and democracy.

[moana hughes]

Been waiting for these facts to be acknowledged 🤗 thank you💜

[Thalita Greyvenstein]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻for all the world in wars. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you all 🙏🏻🕊💐

[Krymz]

how the hell am i just discovering this channel? I've loved chris hedges since the first time.

[Gisela Pfeifer]

Telling history is very important to understand the conflict.. It should be made more known to the public!

[Ron Callahan]

Assuming that the public actually cares what is going on anywhere over anything. Most Americans only care if their DoorDash gets to them fast or not!

[ascoop22]

@Rancid Crawfish You think I'm brainwashed because you don't like hearing the truth? That makes sense. Putin would be very proud of you.

[Rancid Crawfish]

@Jonathon don't forget what happened in Libya

[Silver Umbrella]

Good to see this information starting to come out… we need to go much, much deeper

[Dave Martino]

@Christiane Vanherck says the troll

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Penny Lockhart You should provide an argument, if you have one.

[Penny Lockhart]

@Christiane Vanherck spit!!

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Richard Minton Let's keep in mind that prior to the war NATO was a decaying organization without a justification for its existence. The Russian invasion of Ukraine basically gave it a new life.

[eyewaves]

Didn't know Medea Benjamin before this interview. So much on the ball with her analysis. Gonna read her book.. Thank you for this video.

[David Murray]

Her real name is Susan. I read it somewhere but don't know where. ✌️

[Manuel Baez]

Two of the bravest people i see on all the time questioning & exposing the MIC, both parties lies & hypocrisy, the congress has no idea what’s happening to the common & they can care less what ghouls

[flashpoint]

This needs to be on the main stream media, i myself have spoken out against the war and have been swiftly accused of being a Russian sympathizer. People need to take to the streets and demand an end to this slaughter

[Christiane Vanherck]

Yes, that needs to happen in Russia!

[Io oI]

Medea, such a beautiful name, also all the points she made are clear and well rooted in reality, I need to read one of her books :)

[Dave Martino]

@LD Freitas based on what ?

[Christiane Vanherck]

Her real name (birthname) is Susan.

[DIMITRA K]

Medea (Ancient Greek: Μήδεια, Mēdeia) is an ancient Greek tragedy written by Euripides, based upon the myth of Jason and Medea and first produced in 431 BC. The plot centers on the actions of Medea, a former princess of the kingdom of Colchis, and the wife of Jason; she finds her position in the Greek world threatened as Jason leaves her for a Greek princess of Corinth. Medea takes vengeance on Jason by murdering his new wife as well as her own two sons, after which she escapes to Athens to start a new life.

[Leonard McCannon]

Two excellent examples of public figures who fight the good fight to bring reason and sanity to the world. We need more people to follow their example - now more than ever.

[BidenWearsTrumps CrappyPampers]

justanothername then maybe you should volunteer.

[martinko40]

do you mean Biden and Putin ??

[Felix de Villiers]

I don't know much about life in Russia and I don't know how autocratic he may be at home but on the world stage he is about the only politician who talks sense. I have listgened to 4 of his speeches. He expressed himself moderately and tried to explain to the Western powers how hey were damaging themselves. Every word he said was true.

[ddddddd]

@Александр ВойкинLol, better watch out for those russian windows. big freedom vibes there.

[Felix de Villiers]

@Александр Войкин -Precisely.

[Александр Войкин]

@Felix de Villiers It takes one to know one

[Paul North]

Thank you Chris. This presents the clearest and most commonly understandable explenation of what is or is not going on. Very important!

[Toask]

Very informative and accurate video. Leagues above and beyond the propaganda that passes for journalism in the pathetic corporate mass media. Two good, intelligent, hard working people.

[Bob Belson]

This is an enlightening program that goes deep . This is what old news shows used to be ( more fact based rather than flashing lights and sensationism from the big three . Thanks for sharing !

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Bob Belson Ukraine is a shining beacon of democracy for the world. It deserves to continue to exist. And if Ukraine is victorious, it will show the world that authoritarians will lose when confronted with a freedom-loving people and global allies who refuse to stand aside when crimes against humanity are committed.

[Reality is Fake]

I appreciate that she's broadcasting from her daughter's dorm room

[Phoenix, Arizona Photography and Drone Services]

You go, Chris. I've been waiting for you to pipe in on this. You are one of the most highly credible and respected independent journalists. We need more people speaking truth to power and to the public. Thank you for this.

[martinko40]

@sven hanson Yes , 1890 change happened also in Hawaii , just like a many things in the world from that time happened, like wars, many countries change the borders, economy, technology, population, etc. . Many people move to America from different parts of the world, bringing their culture and contributing to development of the continent . Obviously, not everybody welcomed these changes , like native Americans, some still live in "reservations ' preserving their culture, history and past . Same in Hawaii, you still have your language , Hawaiian culture and territory .

[sven hanson]

@martinko40 You change issues fast. Got no idea what Hawaiin cave man comment is about. If you mean Hawaiin men I think you forgot its 1890 this occured, so the slur includes a huge part of that times humanity. Still does not take away the fact Hawaii was not anything near your whitewashing version. This will be my last comment, I am not intere sted in this level.

[martinko40]

@sven hanson First, Hawaii is one of the most developed islands in the world , with one of the highest pay for labor, advanced safety net and protection with strongest country in the world USA . Second , Stop crying after disappearance of your Hawaiian CAVE MAN .

[sven hanson]

@teacher AA40 So that was Hawaiis choice, end up like Cuba or be annexed in a coup to US and have its culture get destroyed, their beloved Queen getting deposed and ending with little land left in hawaiians hands and that is Right now.

[Olena Lev]

Thank you for a great show. Educational not the propaganda but history, thank you!!!

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Tom Suiter III You want facts or counter data on which topic exactly? First you will need to provide your argument, if you want me to counter it.

[Tom Suiter III]

@Christiane Vanherck Soooo, you have no facts or counter data. Got it. ✅

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Tom Suiter III FYI: your argument has been shadowbanned, just saying

[Eva B]

Such a smart well spoken lady providing great geopolitical analysis.

[joed]

At about 9:35, "...preemptive war is a war crime" What alternatives did Russia have with Ukraine/NATO? Self defense is not a war crime. We can be antiwar but sometimes we must defend self or suffer the consequence. Thank you Chris and Media for excellent and much needed conversation.

[Christiane Vanherck]

@joed Russia not implementing the Minsk Agreements allowed them to prepare for a full-scale war. Russia continued the ongoing process of modernizing its Armed Forces (which luckily has proven less successful than anticipated), building new bases and relocating military forces close to Ukraine’s international border, militarise the Crimean Peninsula, establishing, manning, equipping, training, and testing the 1st and 2nd Army Corps inside the Donbas, uphold its Hybrid War and attempt to undermine Ukraine, and not least, test the resolve of the West.

[Christiane Vanherck]

@joed The Minsk Agreements were violated by the Russian Federation on a regular basis. Signing of the first documents in September 2014 followed direct incursion of the Russian regular troops in Donbas and intense hostilities near the city of Ilovaysk - the place of one of the most shameful crimes, committed by the Russian Army in the Donbas. At least 366 Ukrainian servicemen were killed and 429 were wounded there while leaving the city in the so-called “green corridor” under the guarantees of commanders of Russian troops.

[T A]

Joed russian troll, have you got your 3 rubles?

[joed]

@Christiane Vanherck Can you tell us a little about the Minsk Accord of 2014/15.?

[Christiane Vanherck]

One of the bitter ironies of the invasion is that the devastation inflicted by Putin’s troops has fallen disproportionately on the regions of Ukraine that Moscow claims to be protecting. The Russian army has reduced dozens of towns and cities throughout southern and eastern Ukraine to rubble and killed thousands of civilians. Millions more have been subjected to a brutal occupation regime marked by systematic torturing, executions, abductions, terror tactics, and forced deportations.

[KCCMD]

Great interview, thank you, indeed

[LoneWolf Norman Finndian]

honestly i bet if we were born in donbass we would want russia to save us and im part finn

[Christiane Vanherck]

One of the bitter ironies of the invasion is that the devastation inflicted by Putin’s troops has fallen disproportionately on the regions of Ukraine that Moscow claims to be protecting. The Russian army has reduced dozens of towns and cities throughout southern and eastern Ukraine to rubble and killed thousands of civilians. Millions more have been subjected to a brutal occupation regime marked by systematic torturing, executions, abductions, terror tactics, and forced deportations.

[Duly Noted]

Voices of peace should always be louder than those of conflict.

[John Carroll]

I'm sure Putin is listening

[Dave Martino]

@MC it’s what she does and all she does

[Dave Martino]

@Erin Winslow no tell it to USA/NATO for breaking the Minsk accords.

[Cesar Gavilano]

At last someone telling the truth as it is👏👏👏👏

[Cesar Gavilano]

@Pang Kim Soo Ex but in her not-good girlfriends wax ???????

[Pang Kim Soo]

Ex但在吧的不-好闺蜜蜡

[Samsudin Udin]

Brillant analysis from a Brillant author.

[MinnaSpinna]

Thank you Medea for your courage, strength and perseverance over the years.

[Jon Humble]

Thanks to both of you for a great interview that was very informative and unbiased. Professional journalism of this caliber is rare.

[Christiane Vanherck]

@Penny Lockhart You should provide an argument, if you have one.

[Penny Lockhart]

@Christiane Vanherck in other words...SPIT!!! 😂

[Charles Canzater]

Thanks for sharing the truths about this story ! This honesty is why I follow you when looking for the truth !

[Jason Delvaux]

Even if the non-expansion of NATO was put into an "official" treaty, does anyone think that the U.S. would've stayed faithful to it? Just ask the native American populations of North America. The U.S. have broken over 400 treaties with them (and still counting).

[sven hanson]

@RedXlV And you know that for sure. I have understood it very differently and not only from one source. I suggest you read up on the reasons for this stupidity. Jaque Baud, a retired swiss army colonel, who has been a military advisor to both Ukraine and NATO came out with a book recently, Operation Z. At least check out some reviews of it and the video here on KZbin, where he is interviewed.

[RedXlV]

@sven hanson No, the self-appointed "people's republic" governments (elected by absolutely no one) who *claimed* to represent Donbas asked. The actual people of Dongas did not.

[sven hanson]

@RedXlV You are badly informed, Donbass did ask and Russia responded. Ukraine was on the verge of a huge offensive against Donbas, shelling had gone up a lot the weeks before and troops had amassed in the east. Donbass contacted Moscow,

[Михаил Кононов]

In Russia there is a proverb "give the word, hold on, and not give, be strong!". The book "Proverbs of the Russian people" (1853), V.I. Dahl. The reason why a person gives his word, undertakes obligations, signs an agreement, and then does not fulfill what he promised is always the same - mental weakness. There are two options when a person does not fulfill what he promised: either he did not calculate his strength, or he deliberately misled for personal gain. In the case of conscious non-fulfillment of the promised, we are dealing with criminal thinking, fraud, when a person deliberately misleads, promises, gives the word to get what he wants, and he did not initially intend to fulfill the promised. All fraudulent schemes are built on such a principle, where deception and misleading of the victim is put at the forefront in order to extract their own benefits. Fraud, criminal thinking are also a manifestation of mental weakness, but I will not describe this mechanism in detail here. When a person does not fulfill the promised, but at the same time initially planned to do it, then this is also a manifestation of mental weakness. Because there is a similar situation when, at the time of the promise, the promising person had a desire to fulfill the promised, but then he either could not do it, or he did not want to fulfill the promised, possibly for a number of reasons, and all of them are the result of weaknesses: A person who succumbs to weaknesses always and first of all suffers from them himself. Mental weakness decomposes the personality, weakens the will, a person loses his adequacy and orientation, and then destroys his life on his own. When a person is unable or unwilling to fulfill the promise, but initially he planned it, then subconsciously he understands perfectly well that he is showing weakness and meanness. This understanding will subconsciously form various phenomena: fear, doubt, pride, anger, as compensation for this understanding. Not to keep your word to anyone is not to respect either yourself or the other. (Aphorism).

[Karl Young]

Observation is a lovely tool without any division

[Acer Rome]

Chris Hedge Must have Own Permanent Channel here in KZbin. You Sir makes Exellent Analysis and Raw Reporting, Broadcast Truth Around the World.

[MC]

Yes! I'm a great believer and follower of Chris too. 😊

[NISSANKA KARUNARATNE]

An excellent realistic analysis. Thank you very much for both you Pro's.

[Christiane Vanherck]

They both are professional Russian propagandists.

[Krevetka]

"You don't push a powerful nation into a position where they have to choose between humiliating defeat and use of nuclear weapon" is a powerful quote from Kennedy which indeed resonates with current situation. Although I can't find it anywhere. If someone has the source on the internet please ping me, I want to have it on my vocabulary if it's legit. Cuz you don't throw around phrases without the source.

[Krymz]

kenedy or not, that's a good mantra.

[阿倫]

You’re voice of truth, truth comes always above the lies.

[J C Nel]

Thank you soooo much Chris and Medea! I have tried to get the truth out about Ukraine, The Maidan protests, The Dobass etc. to fellow Peace activists, friends, neighbors, family for the past 8 and a half years to deaf ears. Now after the " Special Operations' by Russia..we do not condone but all were warned by Putin. I have 5 Grandchildren..They do not understand..or any of the young about Nuclear War as we do. Love and Peace..See you in Portland Medea at your book signing. I will try and bring many.

[sven hanson]

@M Simon They were not allies, they had if I remember the name correct the ribbentrop document that was about not attacking each other and how to divide up Poland between each other. But allies, no

[Смотритель Маяка]

@M Simon 1 If the people of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia vote for joining Russia, as Donbas did, then who will interfere with this? 2 The USSR was NEVER in alliance with Hitler.

[M Simon]

@Kate O'Neal I see your point. Russia was at one time Allied with the German Nazis. Between them they divided up Poland.

[M Simon]

@Смотритель Маяка Since it was once Russian, they have no choice. They should also stop fighting. If Ukraine was again part of Russia there would be no war in Ukraine. Russia will have to annex part of Poland next. It was once part of Russia. And Latvia. And Estonia. And some other places.

[Paul Nicholson]

Thank you both so much!

[Maryanne Smyth]

Refreshing. To hear the truth for a change Medea Benjamin a wonderful Human being.

[Jeannot Nelson]

Excellent reporting - thank you -

[Tenzin Nordron]

I remember being highly annoyed by her initial vehement condemnation of Russian self-defense. So I’m glad she has apparently educated herself regarding the actual facts.

[Sister Creatura Pernicious]

Love your analysis...anything updated on your site now that another $50+ billion is approved?

[José Ramiro Montealegre III]

Great to see Chris Hedges back been missing those On Contact interviews !! Always great to see Madea too!!! 🖤

[Anthony John]

I wish everyone in America should watch this video I am so glad I watched it.

[LD Freitas]

She's in the wrong on this issue! So is Hedges!

[Stefan Pavlov]

Superb coverage!

[jonathan billing]

Listen to some of Putin's speeches. He goes into depth with regards to what is happening and why. Makes our western leaders look like intellectual minnows.

[William Jaeger]

Excellent show!

[Iliya Osnovikov]

@Chris Hedges, Victoria Nuland said the US put into Ukrainian "democracy" 5 Billion dollars not 5 Million (as you mentioned at 15:00).

[Rodrigo Fernandez]

Reject and ignore the dark force. Truth is a sharp light sword. Keep the good work.

[Michael Holloway]

A discussion about the nature of Ukraine

[Cvetan Nikolov]

Very educated opinion. Thanks.

[Benjamin Amegatsey]

@LD Freitas how does your mind work? 😂

[Jaqua]

Peace and love Chris, you're a revolutionary and you have my respect. 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[Christiane Vanherck]

@BigCoolViking. G.S. Wake up, it's December 31st 2022.

[BigCoolViking. G.S.]

@Christiane Vanherck YOU HAVE A LOT TO UNLEARN. What you said is absolute nonsense. I can assure you. I was in Russia in 1976 Leningrad and Moscow. on a School cruise, I was back working there in 2006 -9 Its beautiful, clean, very friendly vibrant, NO CRIME on the streets, woman walk about alone all the time at night. The shops are full of goods from all over the world. The prices are beyond amazing for everything and the underground Metro system is massive and elegant and spotless totally out of this world, the Eighth wonder of the world. The woman are tall classy very feminine natural, skin like porcelain, not slutty, cheap, forward or tattooed like a sailor or jail bird, and traditional, and I would go back in a heartbeat.

[BigCoolViking. G.S.]

@Christiane Vanherck Anyone with a curious intelligent analytical mind and a heart for the real truth is Pro Russian

[Jeffrey Bischoff]

In House of the Dragon, the character played by Matt Smith says "When dragons go to war, everything burns. " When nuclear weapons get used in war, it will be M.A.D. M.A.D. = Mutually Assured Destruction.

[Frank Gyedu]

Honest guys....thanks for your candid analysis

[MJ]

Excellent interview! The world is headed for a nuclear Apocalypse that will begin the countdown to Armageddon.

[KG_BRANDENBURG]

very good interview

[pannochka11]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for speaking up. I wish there were more and more people speaking the truth

[Rika Bosua]

@Dave Martino thankyou for pointing out that this person is for ever commenting aversely on the debate

[Dave Martino]

@Christiane Vanherck Everywhere I go here you are talking nonsense accusing others of exactly what you are doing

[Moustafa Homam]

At the end it's all about power of multinationals and controlling the world financial system.

[Christiane Vanherck]

@georges zschalig Looks like the OP is a computer-generated comment (bot) since there is no reply during the last 10 days.

[Patricio Torres]

Great work guys thank you.

[Michel Dumonceau]

Smart, knowledgeable, well spoken and courageous; Medea Benjamin is a hero.

[Lulu Huston]

THANK YOU FOR THIS ..BLESS YOU🙏🙏🙌👍

[Ronald Odendaal]

Chris and Madea. Thank you for the truth. It opened my eyes. Keep up the good work. Ronnie Odendaal. Durban. South Africa.

[Rika Bosua]

@Christiane Vanherck ag nee!!! Hier is die ene alweer!!!

[Christiane Vanherck]

I guess you're blind then.

[World Peace]

Always a pleasure listening to Chris, so refreshingly honest

[Colin Roach (Paralegal Services Barbados)]

The Real News Network, great works you are doing. Maximum respect to Mr. Hedges ❤🖤💚

[Colin Roach (Paralegal Services Barbados)]

@stephen humphrey many Countries you love as well, BUT, you don't live in any of them. Listen, this is what many people resort to when they don't have an educated response, so i understand your position, go spar with the featherweights.

[stephen humphrey]

@Colin Roach (Paralegal Services Barbados) Why don't you go and live in Russia then?

[Colin Roach (Paralegal Services Barbados)]

@ZEUS, I LOVE THE KREMLIN.

[ZEUS]

You are very welcome. Chris Hedges (State Media Propagandist, The Kremlin).

[A.J. Yahye]

World need such a brave experts you people, telling the truth...Thanks

[Kevin Bolger]

Thank you so much for providing such clarity

[Patrik Pacheco]

Eye opening interview. Thank you

[Rika Bosua]

@Christiane Vanherck and here she is again...relentless...must be worth her while yes?

[Christiane Vanherck]

and what exactly did you see because of the eye opening?

[Gunnar Forsgren]

Excellent lecture

[Margareta Torssell]

Very very interesting. Thank you

[RUBY Creel]

Excellent show. I will send this to people i have discussions with about Ukraine that should better understand what is really going on.

[sven hanson]

@Christiane Vanherck Read the book Operation Z by Baud, he was advisor to both Ukraine and NATO.

[Mahomed Akoon]

CHRISTIANE STEPHEN ASK ELON MUST LEAVE YOU ON THE MOON 🌙 🌚 😉

[Polo Alawi]

Good interview and honestly and truthfully

[sarut2]

“We can only imagine our reaction if a neighboring country like Canada or Mexico would build bases with nuclear arms around our borders…” No, we do not have to imagine, as we have it in history books under the “Cuban crisis”, when United States was planning air strikes on Cuba, followed by an invasion, followed by nuclear strikes on Russia (if Russia would respond militarily in defense of Cuba). That we would call a “defensive, preemptive war”. But when America forces Russia into an identical war path through Ukraine (and through other Eastern European countries with NATO military bases on them) Russia is condemned for war crimes by the same people who describe in detail the decades long planning for Ukraine war by the west. This double standard is brought into sharp contrast by the very historical and political details discussed.

[Vi Rel]

Good reporting Chris ... Reports not mentioned in other news

[George Paul]

MEDEA BENJAMIN Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom of the situation on the brink of nuclear war, our existence.

[ana ruiz]

Excellent interview . Gem

[Jay Koval]

Great interview. Worth watching for years to come!

[Fred Dibnah]

“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron.” Eisenhower

[Sweetest FRIEND4U]

Medea Benjamin ❤ so much love and respect

[T Arkwright]

I have no doubt we are on the right path when I find myself in complete agreement with you and your guest on this subject. I am certain that I have the polar opposite views as both of you with regard to governance, what is best for our society, the climate, and free market capitalism. I was absolutely shocked to listen to the entire interview and come away realizing that we agree on everything with regard to Ukraine, the US and western involvement and the chronology. This is a very good sign when people from opposite sides of the political spectrum see so clearly the misdeeds of our government. I hope we can unite on this and effect a change before it is too late.

[Partol Mwarike]

Both countries always share their thoughts and always in peace.

[Colin Gathercole]

Share these truths with everyone, this murder has to stop.

[xanbex]

This woman is beyond Heroic. My lasting image of her is...that of Medea being carried out of a Senate hearing { I believe}. She had each foot on the bottom door frame preventing her removal. What a woman. Love and respect!

[sven hanson]

@Lews Therin Telamon England paid it back with the last instalment just recently. told by and english friend of mine, with indignation I might add.

[sven hanson]

@Christiane Vanherck It began before that, with the attack on the greek resistance that was socialist in their political standpoint. By England. Same goes for some other resistance groups, for instance in Italy. And before that with the race to Berlin between the red army and the allies. This comes out of memory of studiyng history in the nineties, so details is lacking in what I remember

[xanbex]

@David burland Peace Buddy!

[David burland]

@xanbex thanks

[xanbex]

@David burland No I don't believe they beat her BUT ....they wanted to get rid of her FAST.....I think Senator McCain was Spokesman for the Panel and had some nasty things to say about her! Anyway a great gal!

[Eileen]

Thank-you for truth!

[Gerry]

Great analysis. Thankyou both.

[Christiane Vanherck]

7:58 NATO was in Afghanistan because the US activated article 5 when it was attacked by Al Qaeda which was based in Afghanistan. Regarding Iraq, there were countries who were members of NATO there, but this was purely by choice. It was not a NATO war.

[Steven Katz]

I have known these facts for many years , it is no great mystery, finally someone who knows exactly what she is talking about .

[igor zaycew]

I am from Russia and I am surprised that you are trying to get to the truth, this is not often found, in your Western world We want peace, but we are again forced to defend our own with radical solutions, we do not want this

[RD BT]

This was a surprisingly good interview. In the past I've heard Madea talk, but the childishly refuse to cooperate with conservatives who also see the truth about Ukraine and want to end this disaster instead of escalating it. Hopefully she has wisened up and will cooperate with other political parties for the good of the world

[zahrans]

Agreed. She gets so much right but lets herself down on a handful of ocassions on the most ridiculous of reasons or things that really shouldn't matter.

[Jane Jane]

I WISH THE BEST FOR UKRAINE AND ITS PEOPLE. HOPE THEY GET THEIR COUNTRY BACK SOON. VERY SAD WHAT IS GOING ON THERE RIGHT NOW.

[toni koscho]

Good Work good Journalist i honor your work for the truth.Thank you.

[hero hero]

No one talks better than Chris Hedges & Medea Benjamin.