Anti-War Larry Johnson debates Ukraine's Andrij Dobriansky
Unique debate held on Iranian TV
The war in Ukraine continues, the Black Sea Grain Deal is dead, and Putin is winning over Africa whilst our world is being realigned. That sets the scenario for an unexpected and unique debate that was held on Iranian TV (!), featuring Andrij Dobriansky (Director of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America) and Larry Johnson (an ex-CIA analyst who blames NATO for the war).
Johnson, who I’ve watched many times, got unusually upset when Dobriansky presented double-standards, lying about Russia having a history as an African coloniser and, without evidence, accusing it of the overthrow of the Niger government.
I assume that Dobriansky’s propaganda was to detract from any positive outcome from the Russia-Africa Summit that’s currently being held in St Petersburg.
Kudos to Iran’s Press TV for hosting the rarity of diametrically opposed viewpoints. Hopefully they invite Robert Kennedy Jnr. vs Joe Biden, Jeremy Corbyn vs Keir Starmer, and Julius Malema vs Helen Zille :)
Watch the the debate between Larry Johnson and Andrij Dobriansky below. Then read the interesting note at the bottom of this page.
Interesting Note:
Andrij Dobriansky provided interesting facts and positions when interviewed on 15 February 2019, long before the war in Ukraine began:
"I think even those in America who want lesser U.S. involvement in wars in the world still understand the importance of arms sale. Ukraine must first have its own factories, and Ukrainians must produce everything they can on their own. It will promote the development of technologies and innovation. The military who took an active part in the fighting know better the needs of the Ukrainian army.
In my opinion, training is even more important than arms sale. This not only raises the level of the Ukrainian army, the National Guard, but also helps to achieve the level of NATO. It is very valuable that ordinary Americans, say, from Tennessee, visit, for example, Yavoriv. Military from Syracuse and Oklahoma last visited Ukraine. Ordinary American guys. They go, see Ukraine, fall in love with the country, people, land, culture. Some of them will later become representatives of the authorities, mayors, congresspeople. It is extremely important that Americans get acquainted with Ukrainians, fall in love with Ukraine, become loyal friends of ordinary Ukrainians. We'll see in 20, 30 or 50 years what comes out of it...
In general, now is the time of the greatest changes. For six years, from 2012 to 2018, there were not so many changes in the Congress as we see today. We still know who prepares bills in every committee. But apart from meetings with some congressmen, we have not yet had official visits. Or, for example, we did not meet with the foreign affairs committee, or with the armed services committee with which it is important for us to maintain good ties. They form a defense budget, which includes military assistance to Ukraine, which has been steadily increasing since 2014. America has already provided more than $1.5 billion to Ukraine, and we would not want the aid to be reduced now, as long as an open war is ongoing.
The work of the Congress has just begun. So far, issues of the defense budget or the financing of the State Department are not on the agenda.
There is a different approach to working with government agencies. As far as I know, some activists would like to have a revolution everyday, and they always call on people to take to the streets. But for those who represent their community day by day, it is sometimes better to have friends rather than significant changes in the composition of elected politicians.
Of course, we will appeal as much as possible to our old friends - Democrats or Republicans - for support, when the time comes, when the budget is adopted and we will see if money has disappeared there. Or certain words in support of Ukraine. Every bill passes many stages. From subcommittees to committees, then to the House of Representatives, and then to the Senate. Changes can be made at all levels."