Democracy is an illusion! It’s become a political system fostered by the élite, for the élite, in order to fool the people that they have a stake in the system. In actual fact, they have virtually none. The whole political system in the modern era, despite having noble beginnings, is now used to benefit the few at the expense of the many. – Mark Alexander, June 29, 2018
Oct 14, 2026 | Could Donald Trump’s diesel deal help protect Russia’s oil infrastructure from Ukrainian attacks? Bill Browder, an investor and long-time sanctions advocate, argues that the deal resulted from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plea to Trump to help protect Russia’s energy infrastructure from Ukrainian drone strikes. Browder argues that Russia’s dependence on oil revenues makes its energy infrastructure a critical vulnerability – and for the same reason, Ukraine should keep up the pressure.
The Kyiv Independent’s Tim Zadorozhnyy speaks with Browder about Trump’s deal to allow Russian diesel supplies to the U.S., the implications for Ukraine and Western policy, and whether sanctions can force Russia to negotiate. Browder explains why he believes sanctions on Russian crude oil could significantly weaken Moscow’s ability to fund the war.
Oct 10, 2026 | Just a day after striking a controversial diesel deal with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump has suggested it's time for Ukraine to get a new president. Trump blamed Volodymyr Zelenskyy for prolonging the war and even linked him to high diesel prices in the United States. The remarks have triggered a backlash in Kyiv and alarm among European allies already concerned by Washington's shifting approach to Russia. Kremlin critic Bill Browder calls Trump's comments "a new low" for US policy toward Ukraine.