Oleksa Drachewych
@odrachewych.bsky.social
Historian of 20th C international relations, USSR, Comintern, Russia's War in Ukraine; professor at Western University and King's University College. www.oleksadrachewych.com
Pinned
Replaying the Second World War | Columbia University Press
Oleksa Drachewych argues that Russia’s instrumentalization of its memory of WWII has played a significant role in leading Russian forces to commit similar ... | CUP
cup.columbia.edu
Forthcoming in February 2026, my new book Replaying the Second World War: Soviet Parallels and Inspirations for Russian Atrocities in the Russo-Ukrainian War, 2014-25, out with ibidem Press and distributed by Columbia University Press. cup.columbia.edu/book/replayi...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts told the Kyiv Independent.
Splitting Europe's largest nuclear plant between Russia, Ukraine in peace deal won't work, experts say
Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts tol...
kyivindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts told the Kyiv Independent.
My latest in @ca.theconversation.com outlining what we know of the latest chapter in the US-led peace process to end Russia's War in Ukraine, where we stand, and what's likely to follow (Full disclosure, this was written before the Witkoff phone leak): theconversation.com/peace-in-ukr...
Peace in Ukraine? Believe it when you see it, especially if Russian demands are prioritized
Expectations for peace between Russia and Ukraine should be tempered until there’s a presidential summit between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin and until their signatures are on a treaty.
theconversation.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:13 PM
My latest in @ca.theconversation.com outlining what we know of the latest chapter in the US-led peace process to end Russia's War in Ukraine, where we stand, and what's likely to follow (Full disclosure, this was written before the Witkoff phone leak): theconversation.com/peace-in-ukr...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
"The following is a transcript of an Oct. 14 phone call lasting just over 5 minutes between Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, and Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin’s most senior foreign-policy adviser."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Witkoff Discusses Ukraine Plans With Key Putin Aide: Transcript
The following is a transcript of an Oct. 14 phone call lasting just over 5 minutes between Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, and Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin’s most senio...
www.bloomberg.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:09 AM
"The following is a transcript of an Oct. 14 phone call lasting just over 5 minutes between Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, and Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin’s most senior foreign-policy adviser."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
More seems to suggest that Witkoff was pushing the peace process more than we realized, dating back over a month: kyivindependent.com/witkoff-says...
'Donetsk and maybe a land swap' —Witkoff promised Russian aides he could sway Trump, pressure Ukraine into peace deal in secret phone recording
"The president will give me a lot of space and discretion to get to the deal," U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov in a recorded phone call obtained by Bloomberg.
kyivindependent.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:51 PM
More seems to suggest that Witkoff was pushing the peace process more than we realized, dating back over a month: kyivindependent.com/witkoff-says...
My comments can be heard here: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
November 25, 2025 at 9:20 PM
My comments can be heard here: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
❗️Explosions reported in Kharkiv. Russia has just struck the city with aerial bombs!
November 25, 2025 at 12:29 PM
❗️Explosions reported in Kharkiv. Russia has just struck the city with aerial bombs!
Thanks again to @browncbc.bsky.social for having me on CBC London Morning to discuss the latest on the peace negotiations to end Russia's War in Ukraine. Always a pleasure to be on.
November 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Thanks again to @browncbc.bsky.social for having me on CBC London Morning to discuss the latest on the peace negotiations to end Russia's War in Ukraine. Always a pleasure to be on.
And as it looks like momentum moves away from the Russian friendly peace plan, Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainians: abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Kyiv targeted in large Russian missile attack: Mayor
"The enemy attack on Kyiv is ongoing," Kyiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said in a post to Telegram early Tuesday local time.
abcnews.go.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:12 AM
And as it looks like momentum moves away from the Russian friendly peace plan, Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainians: abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
One thing that is not getting enough attention is that Trump has normalized the idea of the United States supporting the transfer of territory and millions of people from a democracy to a dictatorship.
The ending of freedom for millions is now the official US position.
The ending of freedom for millions is now the official US position.
November 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
One thing that is not getting enough attention is that Trump has normalized the idea of the United States supporting the transfer of territory and millions of people from a democracy to a dictatorship.
The ending of freedom for millions is now the official US position.
The ending of freedom for millions is now the official US position.
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
One addendum - without justice, lasting peace is unlikely in Russia's War in Ukraine. Even if somehow this is agreed to (and I seriously doubt that), it won't resolve matters. I expand here: theconversation.com/why-justice-...
Why justice for Ukraine must be at the forefront of peace negotiations
Although a ceasefire and negotiations may be a good first step, any chance at lasting peace in Russia’s war in Ukraine requires consideration of Russian war crimes.
theconversation.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:28 AM
One addendum - without justice, lasting peace is unlikely in Russia's War in Ukraine. Even if somehow this is agreed to (and I seriously doubt that), it won't resolve matters. I expand here: theconversation.com/why-justice-...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
A reminder that this pattern of activity including the stupid handles and bio lines and emojis was catalogued in the Senate reports on Russia’s election interference in 2016 — a thing which actually happened!
Pretend Americans 🦅🇺🇸⭐️2A has been the game all along
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
Pretend Americans 🦅🇺🇸⭐️2A has been the game all along
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
Top MAGA Influencers Accidentally Unmasked as Foreign Actors
A new feature on Elon Musk’s X has given deeper insight into the online “America First” movement.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:18 AM
A reminder that this pattern of activity including the stupid handles and bio lines and emojis was catalogued in the Senate reports on Russia’s election interference in 2016 — a thing which actually happened!
Pretend Americans 🦅🇺🇸⭐️2A has been the game all along
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
Pretend Americans 🦅🇺🇸⭐️2A has been the game all along
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
Seemingly positive statements from both Ukrainians and US delegates from Geneva. Nothing of substance out. meduza.io/news/2025/11...
«Возможно, самая продуктивная встреча во всем этом процессе». Переговоры украинской и американской делегаций в Женеве завершились — Meduza
Встреча украинской и американской делегаций в Женеве, на которой обсуждался мирный план США, завершилась, сообщили госсекретарь США Марко Рубио и глава офиса президента Украины Андрей Ермак.
meduza.io
November 23, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Seemingly positive statements from both Ukrainians and US delegates from Geneva. Nothing of substance out. meduza.io/news/2025/11...
Ukrainian representatives continue to say the right thing as meetings in Geneva will occupy their attention. Of course, trust Trump to muddy things again with a rambling Truth Social post that revives his mistaken ideas about the war (and attacks Ukr. leadership). kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says...
Ukraine says US considers Kyiv’s priorities amid peace talks in Geneva as Trump rants about Ukraine, Europe
A Ukrainian delegation in Geneva, Switzerland, is working on a "workable solution" for ending Russia's war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Telegram post on Nov. 23.
kyivindependent.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Ukrainian representatives continue to say the right thing as meetings in Geneva will occupy their attention. Of course, trust Trump to muddy things again with a rambling Truth Social post that revives his mistaken ideas about the war (and attacks Ukr. leadership). kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
Reuters has confirmed that President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy Steve Witkoff held a private meeting in Miami with a sanctioned Kremlin proxy to help shape the new "peace plan" for Ukraine. www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Reuters has confirmed that President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy Steve Witkoff held a private meeting in Miami with a sanctioned Kremlin proxy to help shape the new "peace plan" for Ukraine. www.reuters.com/world/europe...
That you have to go "uh yeah, we authored this crap" unironically when so many see the plan for what it is....again, I think the recent blows that the Trump administration has taken is playing a bigger role as to why they are so desperately trying to force Ukraine to capitulate to "peace."
Russia-Ukraine war: US insists it authored peace plan
Russia-Ukraine war: US insists it authored peace plan
It comes after a group of senators said they were told by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the draft did not reflect Washington's position.
www.bbc.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:57 AM
That you have to go "uh yeah, we authored this crap" unironically when so many see the plan for what it is....again, I think the recent blows that the Trump administration has taken is playing a bigger role as to why they are so desperately trying to force Ukraine to capitulate to "peace."
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
The last few hours have proven 2 terrible things. First, the US and Russian governments are so close that the US government takes large parts of Russian proposals and passes them off as their own, and second that some people are so desperate to exonerate Trump that they act like this a good thing.
November 23, 2025 at 2:18 AM
The last few hours have proven 2 terrible things. First, the US and Russian governments are so close that the US government takes large parts of Russian proposals and passes them off as their own, and second that some people are so desperate to exonerate Trump that they act like this a good thing.
And at the G20 summit in South Africa, Canada, Japan, and the European leaders have released a joint statement feeling the US Peace Plan still needs work, while reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Trump keeps shifting - now it's more clearly a "starting point": www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:54 PM
And at the G20 summit in South Africa, Canada, Japan, and the European leaders have released a joint statement feeling the US Peace Plan still needs work, while reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Trump keeps shifting - now it's more clearly a "starting point": www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Ukrainian delegation to meet US delegation in Switzerland re: the "peace plan." We've been down this path before - until signatures are on paper and on an agreement, it's just the same as Feb, as April, as August, as Oct, etc. abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Top US officials to meet with Ukrainian delegation amid renewed peace talks
The Office of the President of Ukraine said in a statement on social media Saturday that "consultations on steps to end the war will take place in the coming days."
abcnews.go.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Ukrainian delegation to meet US delegation in Switzerland re: the "peace plan." We've been down this path before - until signatures are on paper and on an agreement, it's just the same as Feb, as April, as August, as Oct, etc. abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
All of this is to say that there's a lot to happen. And it's very possible it will all peter out like many other "peace plans" so far. Regardless, Putin gets what he wants - to play Great Power with the US and that may be enough for him while Russian strikes continue to terrorize Ukraine. (9/n)
November 21, 2025 at 12:27 AM
All of this is to say that there's a lot to happen. And it's very possible it will all peter out like many other "peace plans" so far. Regardless, Putin gets what he wants - to play Great Power with the US and that may be enough for him while Russian strikes continue to terrorize Ukraine. (9/n)
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
It's clear the US is in danger of no longer being a democracy, let alone protector of democracy.
The majority of Americans support Ukraine or are certainly anti-Putin.
Even the majority of elected Republicans such as Rep Brian Fitz, but can they force Trump to stop supporting Russia?
The majority of Americans support Ukraine or are certainly anti-Putin.
Even the majority of elected Republicans such as Rep Brian Fitz, but can they force Trump to stop supporting Russia?
November 22, 2025 at 6:45 AM
It's clear the US is in danger of no longer being a democracy, let alone protector of democracy.
The majority of Americans support Ukraine or are certainly anti-Putin.
Even the majority of elected Republicans such as Rep Brian Fitz, but can they force Trump to stop supporting Russia?
The majority of Americans support Ukraine or are certainly anti-Putin.
Even the majority of elected Republicans such as Rep Brian Fitz, but can they force Trump to stop supporting Russia?
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
PM Tusk:
Be for a strong West, not for Russia. Stand with #Ukraine in its war with Russia, no ifs and buts. Every 'but' works for Russia, and therefore against our security.
Be for a strong West, not for Russia. Stand with #Ukraine in its war with Russia, no ifs and buts. Every 'but' works for Russia, and therefore against our security.
November 21, 2025 at 8:58 PM
PM Tusk:
Be for a strong West, not for Russia. Stand with #Ukraine in its war with Russia, no ifs and buts. Every 'but' works for Russia, and therefore against our security.
Be for a strong West, not for Russia. Stand with #Ukraine in its war with Russia, no ifs and buts. Every 'but' works for Russia, and therefore against our security.
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
Much is moving quickly regarding the news with the new 28 point peace plan Americans have presented to Ukrainians, a peace plan drafted between American and Russian officials. A quick thread to analyze. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Much is moving quickly regarding the news with the new 28 point peace plan Americans have presented to Ukrainians, a peace plan drafted between American and Russian officials. A quick thread to analyze. 🧵
Reposted by Oleksa Drachewych
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
Trump envoys issue ultimatum to Ukraine to sign peace deal by Thursday
Hardline message over US-Russia plan at volatile meeting in Kyiv sparks alarm among European allies
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
To me, it's interesting how Trump's not framing it as an ultimatum but more at some point something has to change. More interesting is TASS sharing the quote, which to me, along with Putin's declaration that "Ukraine has already rejected it" may be their method to explain why the plan will fail.
"[Zelenskyy]'ll have to like [the "peace plan"], and if he doesn't like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess...At some point he's going to have to accept something he hasn't accepted," Trump said. TASS also specifically reprinting the first half. www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:12 PM
To me, it's interesting how Trump's not framing it as an ultimatum but more at some point something has to change. More interesting is TASS sharing the quote, which to me, along with Putin's declaration that "Ukraine has already rejected it" may be their method to explain why the plan will fail.
"[Zelenskyy]'ll have to like [the "peace plan"], and if he doesn't like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess...At some point he's going to have to accept something he hasn't accepted," Trump said. TASS also specifically reprinting the first half. www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:10 PM
"[Zelenskyy]'ll have to like [the "peace plan"], and if he doesn't like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess...At some point he's going to have to accept something he hasn't accepted," Trump said. TASS also specifically reprinting the first half. www.reuters.com/world/europe...