Thread on the origins of the narrative: "If Putin falls, the next one will be worse." This idea gained traction post-2014 amid Russia's actions in Ukraine. Here's a breakdown with early references. #Russia #Putin 🧵 1/5 The narrative emerged publicly in 2014, tied to Putin's brazen moves like the Crimea annexation. Earliest example: June 9, 2014, Russia expert David Kramer (ex-US Asst. Sec. of State) argued a successor to Putin is "likely to be worse," noting democratization was unlikely.

1/ 🚨 NATO’s hunting a Russian sub in the Norwegian Sea since Aug 24, 2025. Suspected of shadowing USS Gerald R. Ford. 27+ sorties flown by US, UK, Norwegian P-8A Poseidons. High-stakes cat-and-mouse game near Lofoten Islands. #NATO #SubHunt 2/ 🛩️ Operation involves RAF P-8s from Lossiemouth, Norwegian F-35s, and US Navy aircraft from Iceland/Sicily. Royal Navy’s HMS Somerset (Type 23 frigate) joins the search. Described as a “highly unusual surge” in activity. #NorwegianSea

Context and Timing: The vote followed raids by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on NABU officials, with allegations of Russian infiltration, raising suspicions of a coordinated effort to weaken anti-corruption bodies. The bill was proposed by lawmakers from Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party, prompting accusations of a power grab by his inner circle, including Andriy Yermak and Oleh Tatarov. • Domestic Pressure: Zelenskyy faces significant pressure from his own party, which controls parliament and pushed the bill. However, public outrage, protests, and calls from civil society, NGOs, and anti-corruption leaders like Kryvonos and Klymenko are urging a veto. Posts on X reflect strong public and activist opposition, with some alleging Zelenskyy’s administration aims to shield allies from corruption probes.

Communication and Power cables in the Baltic Sea:

What existing legislation?
What could be done: interested parties mutual agreement FIN/SWE/DEN/EST

This is what Grok 2.0 beta answers:
@alexstubb 😎

**Existing Legislation and Examples:** **Existing Legislation and Examples:**

1. **International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Telegraph Cables (1884):** This is one of the oldest pieces of international law concerning submarine cables. It criminalizes the willful or negligent damage to submarine cables but does not specify maritime zones outside territorial waters for special protection. However, it does allow for the inspection of vessels suspected of violating the convention's terms.