This one is unusual, in that it comes from the day’s headlines rather than the archives of history or literature. In fact, it is doubly unusual, because it is part of an article published yesterday by Russian news outlet Komsomolskaya Pravda — described by the EU as Vladimir Putin’s favorite newspaper, and obviously not one of my normal sources of inspiration.

In general, Russian media have been hailing Donald Trump’s stance on the “special military operation” in Ukraine as being decidedly pro-Russian. And this is a prime example, as reported today:

“America no longer sees our country as a threat. The threat is now a militaristic Europe. The US leader’s philosophy is closer to the values of Russia’s president, not the politicians of the Old World . . . he understands that a clash between two nuclear powers means the Apocalypse. He sees Europe as a liberal stronghold that must be destroyed to Make America Great Again.” [Charlie Bradley, Express.co.uk, December 29, 2025.]

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Winston Churchill once famously described the Soviet Union as “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”

To me, the language from Komsomolskaya Pravda sounds more like a smirk wrapped in a “hallelujah” inside an existential threat.

Is it any wonder we’re feeling as though the world has turned upside-down?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/30/25