PBS Show on Khrushchev's Visit to the United States 1959

PBS American Experience is showing, Khrushchev's American Journey, aka Cold War Roadshow aka Travels with Nikita, covering Nikita Khrushchev's ten day visit to the United States in September 1959. Commentary is by Sergei Khrushchev, the son of Khrushchev, and William Taubman, Russian historian and biographer of Khrushchev.  Great film clips.  Definitely worth watching to remember that even at the very depths of the Cold War there was a small chance that it could all be avoided. You can find reviews of the episode in the Washington Post, New York Times, etc.

Ukraine and Russia November

Parliamentary elections have been held in Ukraine, with the exception of some of the eastern territories where elections were not possible, with a generally Western-oriented complexion to parliament having emerged.

It is clear that the cease-fire is a cease fire in name only. Russia's claims that it is not intervening in Ukraine with troops and equipment is just that a claim, but not a statement that has any truth to it. The photographic evidence is pretty clear that Russia is pouring heavy weaponry and troops into Ukraine. Not sure how those troops feel about embarking on war with Ukraine.

NATO, the UN, Europe and the United States seem paralyzed about how to deal with the Putin government after enacting a mixed bag of financial restrictions.