Paul T. Levin
@paultlevin.bsky.social
Director of the Stockholm University Institute for Turkish Studies. Managing Director Consortium for European Symposia on Turkey. Docent (Assoc. Prof.) of and pontificator on international relations. Opinionated. Painter.
Pinned
Paul T. Levin
@paultlevin.bsky.social
· Nov 1
I wrote my first Substack piece! In it, I ask if Turkey isn’t a better comparison to a second Trump administration than Nazi Germany. What can the US learn from an already autocratized Turkey? That the Washington Post is a precursor of what may come.
open.substack.com/pub/paultlev...
open.substack.com/pub/paultlev...
You could never convince me that James Comey’s reference to the Trump administration’s case against him as based on “incompetence” and “malevolence” isn’t a nod to @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org
The US Department of Justice says it will appeal after a federal judge dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia Dean.
Hours before the appeal was announced, Comey said he expected Trump ‘to come after me again’.
Hours before the appeal was announced, Comey said he expected Trump ‘to come after me again’.
November 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
You could never convince me that James Comey’s reference to the Trump administration’s case against him as based on “incompetence” and “malevolence” isn’t a nod to @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org
So, basically, Dim Philby (AKA Witkoff) got played by the Russians to accept their wish list (probably because he was mainly focused on ensuring that he & Trump get a cut from reconstruction) and then Trump embraced the “plan” as his, sort of. Explains the poor translation from Russian.
Bloomberg unfolds the history of the Vance-Dmitriev initiative... Dmitriev put it to Witkoff and Vance in a meeting in Miami, Axios published it, Trump and Rubio knew nothing of it. But then Trump decided to simply bless Dmitriev's draft after the fact. A perfect biopsy of "diplomacy" under Trump.
Secret US-Russia Talks Led to Peace Plan That Blindsided Ukraine
The controversial 28-point plan dropped suddenly by the Trump administration to Ukraine as a take-it-or-leave it proposition mere days ago was mostly the result of several weeks of negotiations behind...
www.bloomberg.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:44 AM
So, basically, Dim Philby (AKA Witkoff) got played by the Russians to accept their wish list (probably because he was mainly focused on ensuring that he & Trump get a cut from reconstruction) and then Trump embraced the “plan” as his, sort of. Explains the poor translation from Russian.
Perhaps the most important thing about this proposal is that Europe tries to seize the initiative for a change. The American press was discussing Dim Philby’s 28-point plan as if it were a serious and workable plan. It is not.
The Telegraph has leaked the full 24-point European peace proposal for Ukraine.
1. End the war and ensure it cannot restart.
2. Full unconditional ceasefire on land, in the sky and at sea.
3. Immediate technical talks on ceasefire monitoring with US and EU participation. 1/
1. End the war and ensure it cannot restart.
2. Full unconditional ceasefire on land, in the sky and at sea.
3. Immediate technical talks on ceasefire monitoring with US and EU participation. 1/
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Perhaps the most important thing about this proposal is that Europe tries to seize the initiative for a change. The American press was discussing Dim Philby’s 28-point plan as if it were a serious and workable plan. It is not.
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
The Telegraph has leaked the full 24-point European peace proposal for Ukraine.
1. End the war and ensure it cannot restart.
2. Full unconditional ceasefire on land, in the sky and at sea.
3. Immediate technical talks on ceasefire monitoring with US and EU participation. 1/
1. End the war and ensure it cannot restart.
2. Full unconditional ceasefire on land, in the sky and at sea.
3. Immediate technical talks on ceasefire monitoring with US and EU participation. 1/
November 23, 2025 at 7:38 PM
The Telegraph has leaked the full 24-point European peace proposal for Ukraine.
1. End the war and ensure it cannot restart.
2. Full unconditional ceasefire on land, in the sky and at sea.
3. Immediate technical talks on ceasefire monitoring with US and EU participation. 1/
1. End the war and ensure it cannot restart.
2. Full unconditional ceasefire on land, in the sky and at sea.
3. Immediate technical talks on ceasefire monitoring with US and EU participation. 1/
“U.S. capability is unique (…) and irreplaceable.” James Appathurai, interim head of NATO’s DIANA defense innovation program.
Europe’s alternative to Starlink is to goin service in 2030. That’s too late. Allies of 🇺🇦 will need to get creative & cobble together unorthodox solutions quicker than that.
Europe’s alternative to Starlink is to goin service in 2030. That’s too late. Allies of 🇺🇦 will need to get creative & cobble together unorthodox solutions quicker than that.
November 23, 2025 at 12:14 PM
“U.S. capability is unique (…) and irreplaceable.” James Appathurai, interim head of NATO’s DIANA defense innovation program.
Europe’s alternative to Starlink is to goin service in 2030. That’s too late. Allies of 🇺🇦 will need to get creative & cobble together unorthodox solutions quicker than that.
Europe’s alternative to Starlink is to goin service in 2030. That’s too late. Allies of 🇺🇦 will need to get creative & cobble together unorthodox solutions quicker than that.
Storbritannien har visserligen vaknat mycket sent till de omfattande ryska påverkansoperationerna i landet, men detta är ett föredömligt tydligt straff: Detta är allvarliga brott.
Hoppas att svensk polis och åklagare tar anteckningar.
Hoppas att svensk polis och åklagare tar anteckningar.
British politician Nathan Gill received ten and a half years for spreading Russian propaganda.
A Former MEP from the United Kingdom, leader of the UKIP & Reform UK right-wing populist party branches in Wales, Nathan Gill, was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison.
A Former MEP from the United Kingdom, leader of the UKIP & Reform UK right-wing populist party branches in Wales, Nathan Gill, was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison.
November 23, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Storbritannien har visserligen vaknat mycket sent till de omfattande ryska påverkansoperationerna i landet, men detta är ett föredömligt tydligt straff: Detta är allvarliga brott.
Hoppas att svensk polis och åklagare tar anteckningar.
Hoppas att svensk polis och åklagare tar anteckningar.
“Solutions that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and that will bring Ukraine and Europe greater security and stability have our full support.
We will continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defence to deter further Russian aggression.“
We will continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defence to deter further Russian aggression.“
Joint Statement by the Leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eighth, 22 November 2025
"We [...] have [...] stood by Ukraine’s side and we will continue to do so. Our resolve comes from the fact that we know that this is not only about Ukrainian security, it is also about the wider security of Europe."
"We [...] have [...] stood by Ukraine’s side and we will continue to do so. Our resolve comes from the fact that we know that this is not only about Ukrainian security, it is also about the wider security of Europe."
Joint Statement by the Leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight
We – the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight – spoke with President Zelenskyy today. We have from the outset of Russia’s war of aggression stood by...
www.government.se
November 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
“Solutions that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and that will bring Ukraine and Europe greater security and stability have our full support.
We will continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defence to deter further Russian aggression.“
We will continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defence to deter further Russian aggression.“
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
An absolute scandal compounded in this case by failure of French government and EU institutions to forcefully react and sanction in turn those who have sanctioned ICC judges and prosecutors. Makes a total mockery of FR/EU's repeated commitment to the rule of law/ICC
www.lemonde.fr/en/internati...
www.lemonde.fr/en/internati...
November 21, 2025 at 9:58 AM
An absolute scandal compounded in this case by failure of French government and EU institutions to forcefully react and sanction in turn those who have sanctioned ICC judges and prosecutors. Makes a total mockery of FR/EU's repeated commitment to the rule of law/ICC
www.lemonde.fr/en/internati...
www.lemonde.fr/en/internati...
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
It’s amazing what a country can achieve when its accountability mechanisms function without fear or political interference.
Brazil's Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Jair Bolsonaro, with a judge claiming the former president was intent on escaping as he was set to begin his prison sentence for leading a coup attempt. n.pr/48l5ldE
Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested for allegedly plotting escape ahead of prison term
Brazil's Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Jair Bolsonaro, with a judge claiming the former president was intent on escaping as he was set to begin his prison sentence for leading a coup attempt.
n.pr
November 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
It’s amazing what a country can achieve when its accountability mechanisms function without fear or political interference.
By the way, this Gromyko quote also describes President Donald Trump’s negotiating style perfectly, with the addition that he often caves when push comes to shove. Something for European leaders to consider when dealing with him, whether on tariffs or Ukraine.
November 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM
By the way, this Gromyko quote also describes President Donald Trump’s negotiating style perfectly, with the addition that he often caves when push comes to shove. Something for European leaders to consider when dealing with him, whether on tariffs or Ukraine.
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
🇺🇦 Zelensky: Spoke with our friends, the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Informed about the work with American and European partners on the plan to end the war and our next steps. Ukraine has been striving for a decent peace like no other since the first days of this war.
Informed about the work with American and European partners on the plan to end the war and our next steps. Ukraine has been striving for a decent peace like no other since the first days of this war.
November 22, 2025 at 1:15 PM
🇺🇦 Zelensky: Spoke with our friends, the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Informed about the work with American and European partners on the plan to end the war and our next steps. Ukraine has been striving for a decent peace like no other since the first days of this war.
Informed about the work with American and European partners on the plan to end the war and our next steps. Ukraine has been striving for a decent peace like no other since the first days of this war.
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
This morning, the Turkish Ministry of Interior has granted permission for an investigation into Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and his Private Secretary Nevzat Uzunoğlu for “abuse of office” over irregularities regarding concert expenses.
t24.com.tr/haber/icisle...
t24.com.tr/haber/icisle...
November 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
This morning, the Turkish Ministry of Interior has granted permission for an investigation into Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and his Private Secretary Nevzat Uzunoğlu for “abuse of office” over irregularities regarding concert expenses.
t24.com.tr/haber/icisle...
t24.com.tr/haber/icisle...
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
The grovelling strategy, while imo justified for the sake of getting Ukraine patriots and the PURL scheme set up, always had an expiration date.
Agree that time is up now.
Agree that time is up now.
And Trump is weak right now. He just suffered a humiliating loss in Congress & the GOP was roundly defeated in the recent off-year elections. Trump’s approval ratings on the economy are dismal & SCOTUS may remove his ability to impose tariffs at will. Now is the time for Europe to stand up to him.
November 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The grovelling strategy, while imo justified for the sake of getting Ukraine patriots and the PURL scheme set up, always had an expiration date.
Agree that time is up now.
Agree that time is up now.
There is a broader future consideration for European leaders here: Do they want a slightly humbled Trump or an empowered POTUS who can bully allies with abandon? Caving & granting Trump a major foreign policy victory at a time where he faces serious political problems at home gives them the latter.
And Trump is weak right now. He just suffered a humiliating loss in Congress & the GOP was roundly defeated in the recent off-year elections. Trump’s approval ratings on the economy are dismal & SCOTUS may remove his ability to impose tariffs at will. Now is the time for Europe to stand up to him.
November 22, 2025 at 10:13 AM
There is a broader future consideration for European leaders here: Do they want a slightly humbled Trump or an empowered POTUS who can bully allies with abandon? Caving & granting Trump a major foreign policy victory at a time where he faces serious political problems at home gives them the latter.
I don’t blame European leaders for flattering Trump. He responds to it & they desperately don’t want him to abandon Europe. But they now have to ask themselves what their groveling has brought them & if they really risk much worse by taking a stand. What are US security guarantees to Europe worth? +
Fully agree with my paper's editorial on Trump. Ukraine needs Europe to stop flattering Trump the conman and take a clear stand for its own survival and values. www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
Trump’s world view: cynical, self-interested and money-grabbing
Latest Ukraine peace plan presented by the US would be a capitulation to Moscow
www.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:12 AM
I don’t blame European leaders for flattering Trump. He responds to it & they desperately don’t want him to abandon Europe. But they now have to ask themselves what their groveling has brought them & if they really risk much worse by taking a stand. What are US security guarantees to Europe worth? +
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
I don’t think the Rutte “daddy strategy” worked
November 22, 2025 at 6:01 AM
I don’t think the Rutte “daddy strategy” worked
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
So the Witkoff-Putin plan is for Ukraine to partially disarm, have no European troops stationed on its territory, and no security from NATO membership, while Putin pinky promises, crosses his heart & hopes to d1e really really sincerely that he won’t attack Ukraine again?
November 21, 2025 at 6:39 AM
So the Witkoff-Putin plan is for Ukraine to partially disarm, have no European troops stationed on its territory, and no security from NATO membership, while Putin pinky promises, crosses his heart & hopes to d1e really really sincerely that he won’t attack Ukraine again?
It’s a slogan, but it’s true:
If Russia stops fighting, it’s the end of the war.
If Ukraine stops fighting, it’s the end of Ukraine.
If Russia stops fighting, it’s the end of the war.
If Ukraine stops fighting, it’s the end of Ukraine.
November 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
It’s a slogan, but it’s true:
If Russia stops fighting, it’s the end of the war.
If Ukraine stops fighting, it’s the end of Ukraine.
If Russia stops fighting, it’s the end of the war.
If Ukraine stops fighting, it’s the end of Ukraine.
“Most Americans (…) still don’t like Nazis.” Controversial take by JD Vance supporter & Viktor Orbán acolyte Rod Dreher in the ongoing GOP civil war in his recent Substack post. In fairness to Republicans, whether the party should embrace Nazism or not is a difficult question with lots of nuance. 😳
JD Vance Is The Right's Only Hope
And: Tucker vs. Bonhoeffer; Young Hitler; Exiling The Sacred; Two Churches, More
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
“Most Americans (…) still don’t like Nazis.” Controversial take by JD Vance supporter & Viktor Orbán acolyte Rod Dreher in the ongoing GOP civil war in his recent Substack post. In fairness to Republicans, whether the party should embrace Nazism or not is a difficult question with lots of nuance. 😳
Add another €6 billion to the EU’s support for Ukraine in the below graph.
November 13, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Add another €6 billion to the EU’s support for Ukraine in the below graph.
Jag pratade med Ekots Filip Kotsamboukidis om ett gryende försiktigt hopp om att fredsprocessen på Cypern skulle kunna återupptas.
Nytt hopp om återförening av Cypern: ”Tydligt ställningstagande” - Ekot
På Cypern har den icke-erkända Turkcypriotiska republiken röstat fram en kandidat som vill se en återförening av ön, Tufan Erhürman.Sveriges Radios Filip ...
www.sverigesradio.se
November 10, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Jag pratade med Ekots Filip Kotsamboukidis om ett gryende försiktigt hopp om att fredsprocessen på Cypern skulle kunna återupptas.
Reposted by Paul T. Levin
reagan judges, democracy's strongest soldiers
BREAKING: Mark Wolf, appointed to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan, writes that he is resigning as a judge to have the freedom to speak out against the president's assault on the rule of law.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
November 9, 2025 at 3:28 PM
reagan judges, democracy's strongest soldiers