EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). This is a remarkable 20′ interview for its clarity on RT.com with Judge Napolitano during his recent visit to Moscow. Truly a must-watch as he addresses all major geopolitical issues of our time. Here are the main points, but I strongly recommend watching the whole thing… An excellent libertarian approach to geopolitics…
- Ukraine war outlook: Judge Napolitano argues Ukraine is nearing defeat and says recent internal turmoil reflects growing pressure on Kyiv.
- Western support for Ukraine: He claims U.S. and UK governments and media continue backing Ukraine while minimizing developments that could weaken public support for the war.
- NATO escalation: He views European plans to expand weapons production and support for Ukraine as a “last-ditch” attempt to prevent Russia from achieving its military objectives.
- Russia’s goals in Ukraine: Napolitano says Russia seeks to prevent NATO from establishing itself in Ukraine and secure Russian-speaking areas in the east. He says: Putin has shown saint-like patience.
- Risk of Russia striking NATO states: He argues Putin has shown restraint, while claiming Russia could consider striking military or weapons-production sites supporting attacks inside Russia.
- Gaza and forced migration: The discussion shifts to proposals for Palestinians to leave Gaza; Napolitano condemns the idea and characterizes Israel’s conduct as genocide.
- U.S. support for Israel: He argues Washington enables Israeli military policy through funding and diplomatic protection, particularly at the UN.
- AIPAC and U.S. politics: Napolitano claims pro-Israel political donations have major influence over Congress and help explain continued U.S. support for Netanyahu.
- Future of the Gaza war: He predicts Israeli policy is unlikely to change significantly without a major shift in U.S. policy, regardless of who leads Israel.
- “Greater Israel” argument: Napolitano says he believes Israel’s broader strategic ambition extends beyond defeating Hamas and could create tensions with countries such as Turkey.
- U.S.–Iran conflict: He rejects claims that the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran and criticizes JD Vance for defending U.S. military actions after previously opposing escalation. He specifically withdraws his support for JD Vance.
- Iran’s nuclear threat: Napolitano argues U.S. intelligence did not view Iran as an immediate nuclear or national-security threat and says Trump disregarded those assessments. He specifically says: “17 U.S. intelligence agencies rarely agree on anything, but they agreed on this: Iran does not pose a nuclear threat!!
- Trump and an Iran “off-ramp”: He believes Trump regrets U.S. involvement and is looking for a way to disengage without publicly admitting failure.
- Oil and fuel prices: Napolitano links rising fuel costs to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and criticizes the U.S. government for failing to anticipate the economic impact.
- Trump and international law: He argues Trump has weakened respect for treaties and international legal institutions by treating U.S. interests as superior to established rules.
- ICC sanctions: Napolitano says U.S. pressure on International Criminal Court officials is partly intended to shield Israeli and possibly American officials from legal exposure.
