Doug Klain
@dougklain.bsky.social
Foreign Affairs on Capitol Hill | Views mine 🫡
Friends, an update: This week I joined @repmarcykaptur.bsky.social's team as her new Legislative Assistant for Military & Foreign Affairs. I'm thrilled to join Congresswoman Kaptur's team and to serve the people of Northwest Ohio. It's a big change, but an exciting one.
January 30, 2026 at 2:44 AM
Friends, an update: This week I joined @repmarcykaptur.bsky.social's team as her new Legislative Assistant for Military & Foreign Affairs. I'm thrilled to join Congresswoman Kaptur's team and to serve the people of Northwest Ohio. It's a big change, but an exciting one.
Great new @cepa.org report from Marianna Fakhurdinova on military assistance to Ukraine. Here's one of many findings: how have the weapons sent from the US to Ukraine impacted what systems the US still has available?
January 16, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Great new @cepa.org report from Marianna Fakhurdinova on military assistance to Ukraine. Here's one of many findings: how have the weapons sent from the US to Ukraine impacted what systems the US still has available?
What happened to “with Liberty and Justice for all?”
December 31, 2025 at 1:58 PM
What happened to “with Liberty and Justice for all?”
It's also remarkable to step back and realize just how much US support for Ukraine has ended. It's unlikely it will ever return to levels seen under the last administration as long as Trump is in office, and this legislation does not guarantee new arms to Ukraine.
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
It's also remarkable to step back and realize just how much US support for Ukraine has ended. It's unlikely it will ever return to levels seen under the last administration as long as Trump is in office, and this legislation does not guarantee new arms to Ukraine.
Repeatedly this year, the Trump admin has threatened to end intelligence support for Ukraine.
Sec. 1244 creates new oversight mechanisms requiring Congress to be notified immediately if that happens, signaling there would be serious backlash to such a move.
Sec. 1244 creates new oversight mechanisms requiring Congress to be notified immediately if that happens, signaling there would be serious backlash to such a move.
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Repeatedly this year, the Trump admin has threatened to end intelligence support for Ukraine.
Sec. 1244 creates new oversight mechanisms requiring Congress to be notified immediately if that happens, signaling there would be serious backlash to such a move.
Sec. 1244 creates new oversight mechanisms requiring Congress to be notified immediately if that happens, signaling there would be serious backlash to such a move.
Here’s an important point to note: The Trump administration doesn’t want to provide arms to Ukraine without getting paid to do so. Congress is reasserting that it is indeed in the US interest to arm Ukraine. The American public also agrees, according to recent polls.
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Here’s an important point to note: The Trump administration doesn’t want to provide arms to Ukraine without getting paid to do so. Congress is reasserting that it is indeed in the US interest to arm Ukraine. The American public also agrees, according to recent polls.
First, a quick reminder on how the US (used to) militarily aid Ukraine:
Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)=direct transfers of arms from US stocks.
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)=issuing contracts to build new arms for Ukraine.
Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)=direct transfers of arms from US stocks.
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)=issuing contracts to build new arms for Ukraine.
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
First, a quick reminder on how the US (used to) militarily aid Ukraine:
Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)=direct transfers of arms from US stocks.
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)=issuing contracts to build new arms for Ukraine.
Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)=direct transfers of arms from US stocks.
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)=issuing contracts to build new arms for Ukraine.
Sec. 1241: The new National Security Strategy may not view Russia as a major threat to US interests, but Congress sure does. This requires the administration to submit a formal assessment of the threat Russia poses to the United States and its allies.
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Sec. 1241: The new National Security Strategy may not view Russia as a major threat to US interests, but Congress sure does. This requires the administration to submit a formal assessment of the threat Russia poses to the United States and its allies.
First, here's the text itself. I'll be citing some of the key sections related to Ukraine below.
After the House and Senate passed their own versions, a conference committee worked over recent weeks to reconcile the differences—this is the result.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
After the House and Senate passed their own versions, a conference committee worked over recent weeks to reconcile the differences—this is the result.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
First, here's the text itself. I'll be citing some of the key sections related to Ukraine below.
After the House and Senate passed their own versions, a conference committee worked over recent weeks to reconcile the differences—this is the result.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
After the House and Senate passed their own versions, a conference committee worked over recent weeks to reconcile the differences—this is the result.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
What did we think was going to happen? Just two weeks ago, the United States threatened to withhold arms sales for Ukraine that were *already paid for* by European allies. After a year of policy like that, it's hard to make the case that the United States is reliable.
December 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
What did we think was going to happen? Just two weeks ago, the United States threatened to withhold arms sales for Ukraine that were *already paid for* by European allies. After a year of policy like that, it's hard to make the case that the United States is reliable.
The Kremlin bet that offering lucrative business deals would convince the White House to ignore its war crimes in Ukraine. The bet paid off.
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
November 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
The Kremlin bet that offering lucrative business deals would convince the White House to ignore its war crimes in Ukraine. The bet paid off.
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
Also, get a look at the kicker here. Why, Witkoff asks, would Ukraine want missiles when it can get a tariff exemption?
Just like that. After a week of frantic diplomacy and U.S. threats against Ukraine, Putin rejects ANY agreement.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
November 27, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Just like that. After a week of frantic diplomacy and U.S. threats against Ukraine, Putin rejects ANY agreement.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
The only path forward is pressure on Russia to change this stance—sanctions and resumed US military assistance to Ukraine. Otherwise, the last 10 months were a waste.
As we reach President Trump's Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to agree to a peace deal, President Zelenskyy says another "thank you" for US support after negotiators agreed to a partial framework in Geneva.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
November 27, 2025 at 2:49 PM
As we reach President Trump's Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to agree to a peace deal, President Zelenskyy says another "thank you" for US support after negotiators agreed to a partial framework in Geneva.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
I'm joining @thetimes.com Radio in 2 hours to talk about what comes next.
The president may have inherited the war, but he’ll own the peace. So let’s get it right.
November 23, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The president may have inherited the war, but he’ll own the peace. So let’s get it right.
If you’re confused about the Trump administration’s position on this Ukraine deal, you’re correct.
Rubio now says it is *not* the position of the admin, just that it was *received* and is being shared with Ukraine.
Backlash in Washington has been intense and isn’t going away.
Rubio now says it is *not* the position of the admin, just that it was *received* and is being shared with Ukraine.
Backlash in Washington has been intense and isn’t going away.
November 22, 2025 at 11:54 PM
If you’re confused about the Trump administration’s position on this Ukraine deal, you’re correct.
Rubio now says it is *not* the position of the admin, just that it was *received* and is being shared with Ukraine.
Backlash in Washington has been intense and isn’t going away.
Rubio now says it is *not* the position of the admin, just that it was *received* and is being shared with Ukraine.
Backlash in Washington has been intense and isn’t going away.
The Blue Angels flying over DC today!
October 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The Blue Angels flying over DC today!
It was great to moderate this #UkraineActionSummit panel on why U.S. security assistance to Ukraine is essential (and why it should resume). Thanks to Laura Cooper and @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social’s Amb. John Herbst for joining me!
October 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It was great to moderate this #UkraineActionSummit panel on why U.S. security assistance to Ukraine is essential (and why it should resume). Thanks to Laura Cooper and @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social’s Amb. John Herbst for joining me!
Big day in the Senate as these bills passed through the Foreign Relations Committee:
-Sanctions on China for supporting Russia's war on Ukraine
-Strengthening the REPO Act to transfer frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
-Designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Time to pass them!
-Sanctions on China for supporting Russia's war on Ukraine
-Strengthening the REPO Act to transfer frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
-Designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Time to pass them!
October 22, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Big day in the Senate as these bills passed through the Foreign Relations Committee:
-Sanctions on China for supporting Russia's war on Ukraine
-Strengthening the REPO Act to transfer frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
-Designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Time to pass them!
-Sanctions on China for supporting Russia's war on Ukraine
-Strengthening the REPO Act to transfer frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
-Designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Time to pass them!
Here’s something that hasn’t changed: a record 73% of Republicans voters want to see sanctions on Russia and arms to Ukraine. By refusing to act, Trump is flouting his own voters.
October 17, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Here’s something that hasn’t changed: a record 73% of Republicans voters want to see sanctions on Russia and arms to Ukraine. By refusing to act, Trump is flouting his own voters.
What a pleasant surprise to walk into a bar and see my former @razomforukraine.org colleague Allegra on @jeopardyofficial.bsky.social tonight! Go Allegra!
October 13, 2025 at 11:44 PM
What a pleasant surprise to walk into a bar and see my former @razomforukraine.org colleague Allegra on @jeopardyofficial.bsky.social tonight! Go Allegra!
Aw, is someone nervous about the U.S. helping Ukraine strike Russian oil refineries?
October 12, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Aw, is someone nervous about the U.S. helping Ukraine strike Russian oil refineries?
I’m also loving how many local DC spots are represented at DCA now. Solid State Books, Atlas Brewery, Zeke’s coffee, all favorites of mine.
October 1, 2025 at 4:17 PM
I’m also loving how many local DC spots are represented at DCA now. Solid State Books, Atlas Brewery, Zeke’s coffee, all favorites of mine.
It’s a beautiful day in Washington, our government has shut down, and I’ve got a hiking trip to get to. Perfect time to try taking a @bikeshare.bsky.social e-bike to the airport!
October 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
It’s a beautiful day in Washington, our government has shut down, and I’ve got a hiking trip to get to. Perfect time to try taking a @bikeshare.bsky.social e-bike to the airport!
Split-screen at the White House tonight—pro-Palestine protest chanting “from the river to the sea” and a handful of pro-Trump demonstrators trying to drown them out playing the song “America f*** yeah” and Zach Brown Band saying “Palestine isn’t real, name the first president of Palestine.”
September 29, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Split-screen at the White House tonight—pro-Palestine protest chanting “from the river to the sea” and a handful of pro-Trump demonstrators trying to drown them out playing the song “America f*** yeah” and Zach Brown Band saying “Palestine isn’t real, name the first president of Palestine.”