Notices by Kevin Rothrock (kevinrothrock@infosec.exchange)

In NYRB, Adam Hochschild reviews a recent book by Manisha Sinha that treats Reconstruction America as our 2nd Republic, postulating that the the South's racist retrenchment later fueled the rise of the U.S. Empire. The Trump era fits this unfortunate trend. https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2025/05/29/one-brief-shining-moment-rise-and-fall-of-the-second-american-republic/

Zelensky comments on his two phone calls with Trump today and reiterates Ukraine’s readiness for peace, but he again describes a “full and unconditional ceasefire,” which Putin has explicitly rejected. Russia demands *conditions* for any ceasefire, so clearly there’s no deal unless somebody wavers.

Another interview with Bluesky CEO Jay Graber, but this one features maybe her best articulation yet of Bluesky's vision and appeal. "Nobody is fully grasping that this is potentially the last social identity you have to create." It's a "digital passport that moves with you." https://www.wired.com/story/big-interview-jay-graber-bluesky/

Pretty smart move here, though I wonder what Trump's reaction will be if Zelensky refuses to meet with whatever underling Putin sends, if it goes that way.

You’re the red, white, and bluuuue
The funny things you doooo
America, America, this is you

Oh well. https://mashable.com/article/elon-musk-x-twitter-eu-users-decline

Scathing investigation by Propublica and The Oregonian reveals that Nike's infamous sweatshop practices are hardly a thing of the past. Focusing on a supplier in Cambodia, journalists documented working conditions and low pay that make your skin crawl. https://www.propublica.org/article/nike-wages-clothing-factory-cambodia

Zelensky says Putin’s ceasefire response is a “manipulative” attempt to “drag out” the process until it fails. Very smartly, he takes a moment to mock Putin for being “afraid to tell Trump directly” that he rejects the offer. Feed Trump’s ego while insulting Putin — something for everyone.

Rubio en route to Saudi Arabia lays out Washington’s shuttle diplomacy philosophy. Whatever the U.S. can force on Kyiv, I doubt America has the leverage to compel Moscow to “do difficult things.” So long as Russia advances, a “military solution” potentially exists. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/10/us/politics/rubio-ukraine-russia.html

Another thank you requested and promptly received.

WaPo diplomacy and national security reporter John Hudson says the Trump admin is now considering “ending all ongoing shipments of military aid to Ukraine” as punishment for Zelensky’s Oval Office “remarks.”

Zelensky has now responded to his Oval Office meeting with this series of tweeted thanks to world leaders reaching out in consolation.

Zelensky begins with repeated thanks to America, its people and leadership alike. “Nobody wants to finish [this war] more than [Ukrainians]. […] We have to be on the same side. I hope the president is on the same side as us.”

Zelensky’s interview with Bret Baier at Fox News is now underway.

https://www.foxnews.com/video/5614615980001

“We are ready for peace, but we have to be in a strong position,” says Zekensky, referring again to the need for “security guarantees.” “We want peace. That’s why I’m in the United States.” The deal on minerals is a part of that progress toward peace.

Zelensky says he can’t change Ukrainians’ attitude about Russians and their killings of Ukrainians. Asked if he’ll ever accept a peace deal with Russia, Zelensky says, “It’s about a just and lasting peace.”

Bret Baier asks if Zelensky was told to limit his remarks to the minerals deal. Zelensky says he felt it necessary to share his thoughts with Trump when the subject of a ceasefire and stopping Putin came up. “[My people] just want to hear that Americans will remain on our side.” Zelensky then says Ukraine doesn’t have the same concerns about European allies.

Putin has broken the ceasefire 25 times. When asked if he thinks he owes Trump an apology, he says, “I respect the president and the American people,” and says some matters should be discussed “outside the media” in private.

“Nobody will stop. Because everyone is afraid that Putin will come back tomorrow,” says Zelensky, arguing that he can’t force Ukrainians to accept a peace settlement that isn’t lasting.

“This decision can only be made by the people of Ukraine,” Zelensky says when asked if he plans to step down from the Ukrainian presidency.