Trump is Compromised by Russia: Ukraine War Live w/ Zarina Zabrisky
🤖
This summary has been produced automatically by an AI Large Language Model (LLM) without any human intervention. Whilst every effort has been made to prompt the LLM to produce accurate output, there may be inconsistencies, inaccuracies or hallucinations!
Video on Youtube
Table of Contents 📖
"If it's not us, then whom, right? Please ask us. Nobody else is going to do it for us."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-01:28⏩
- Jonathan welcomes the audience to ATP Geopolitics.
- He introduces the guest, Zarina Zabrisky, an American writer and journalist originally from the USSR, who has expertise in hybrid warfare and Kremlin propaganda and has been covering the war in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, currently based in Kyiv.
- The topic of discussion is Donald Trump's alleged compromised relationship with Russia, examining whether he is acting as an agent, an asset, or if his policies coincidentally align with Russian interests.
- Jonathan expresses excitement about discussing these ideas with Zarina.
Introduction to Allegations of Trump-Russia Ties
🎦 01:28-07:40⏩
- Zarina introduces herself and her background, mentioning her 10 years of research into Russian oligarch and American connections, hybrid warfare, and Kremlin narratives.
- She quotes Luke Harding from The Guardian, who suggests hard evidence of Trump-Russia collusion may only emerge after the fall of the Kremlin and the opening of archives.
- Intelligence communities rely on patterns and indicators. The discussion will focus on the pattern of interactions between Donald Trump and Russian entities over decades, including real estate, political engagements, organised crime and KGB intelligence.
- Zarina recommends books by Luke Harding ("Collusion") and Craig Unger ("American Compromise", "House of Trump, House of Putin").
- She warns the discussion may sound conspiratorial due to the nature of KGB "active measures," long-term operations involving convoluted networks and characters reappearing over decades.
- She clarifies that "active measures" are a Machiavellian nightmare involving broad networks and long-term planning.
1976: Sam Kislin, Tamir Sapir and Trump's First Deal
🎦 07:40-11:28⏩
- Zarina begins the timeline in 1976, highlighting Sam Kislin, a Jewish immigrant from Odesa, and Tamir Sapir, from Georgia, who ran an electronics store in New York.
- In the Soviet Union, Jewish identity was considered an ethnicity, not a religion, noted in passports. Immigration was difficult and those seeking to emigrate were vulnerable to KGB recruitment.
- Yuri Shvets, a former KGB spy, claimed their store was a KGB cover, and Kislin was a recruiter.
- Donald Trump's first connection: buying 200 television sets from Kislin and Sapir for the Commodore Hotel on credit.
- The purpose of needing TVs capable of showing Soviet programs in the hotel is questioned, hinting at deeper connections.
1977: Ivana Trump and Czech Intelligence
🎦 11:28-18:10⏩
- 1977: Ivana Zelnickova, a ski instructor from Czechoslovakia, marries Donald Trump.
- Declassified Czech archives indicate Ivana was of interest to Czechoslovak secret services (collaborating with the KGB).
- Sasha Sotnik, a Russian journalist, reported a named source account of a high-ranked KGB officer claiming Ivana was recruited by Czech intelligence before marrying her first husband and Trump.
- Zarina shares her personal experience of being approached by the KGB in Leningrad as a teenager for recruitment as a "honey trap" due to her English fluency, highlighting the KGB's practice of using compromising material to manipulate foreigners.
- She suggests Ivana may have been recruited and monitored, with Czech agents reporting on her and monitoring her phone calls and Trump's children's visits to Czechoslovakia.
- Speculation suggests Ivana was at least a person of interest to Czech secret services and monitored during her marriage to Trump.
1984: Russian Organised Crime Buys Trump Tower Apartments
🎦 18:10-18:29⏩
- 1984: David Bogatin, a Russian organised crime figure later convicted of tax fraud, buys five Trump Tower apartments for $6 million.
- Trump personally attended the closing of the deal.
- Bogatin's family is connected to Simeon Magalevich, a top Russian mob boss on the FBI search list.
- This marks the first recorded instance of Russian mafia buying property in Trump Tower.
1987: Trump's First Trip to Moscow and KGB Tactics
🎦 18:29-21:44⏩
- 1987: Trump and Ivana's first trip to Leningrad and Moscow.
- Trump sat next to Soviet ambassador Yuri Dobrynin at a lunch in New York, a likely KGB "random bump-in" tactic.
- KGB flattered Trump, suggesting a Trump Tower in Moscow and promising him god-like treatment.
- Trump visited Moscow in 1987, staying at the National Hotel, in Lenin's room, as mentioned in "Art of the Deal".
- The invitation was technically from "Intourist," the State Committee for Foreign Tourism, linked to the KGB department responsible for recruiting and monitoring foreigners.
Allegations of 1987 KGB Recruitment and Code Name "Krasnov"
🎦 21:44-24:59⏩
- Former KGB agent from Kazakhstan, Alnur Musaev, recently claimed Trump was recruited in 1987 as a Kremlin operative, code name "Krasnov".
- While some former KGB officers corroborate this, others doubt the code name claim, suggesting VIP agents wouldn't have them.
- Jonathan finds it plausible that the KGB would target a narcissistic businessman like Trump in the 1980s Cold War era.
- Flattery would be an easy manipulation tactic, making businessmen easier targets than politicians.
- The evidence is circumstantial and based on claims from former spies, but the scenario is highly probable given the context of the Cold War and KGB practices.
The Nature of Business and Surveillance in the USSR
🎦 24:59-27:40⏩
- Zarina emphasises the need to understand the USSR's totalitarian nature, distinct from democratic societies.
- Foreigners in the USSR were state visitors under constant surveillance.
- Even tour guides were required to report on tourists. Everything was monitored under KGB control.
- It's crucial not to project democratic norms onto the totalitarian Soviet state where private business and individual freedom were non-existent.
1987: Anti-NATO Ads after Moscow Trip
🎦 27:40-29:08⏩
- Immediately after the Moscow trip, Trump published ads against NATO in major newspapers (New York Times, Boston Globe, Washington Post) for around $100,000.
- Jonathan argues this circumstantial evidence is compelling. A real estate mogul suddenly taking out anti-NATO ads after a Moscow trip strongly suggests a Russian connection.
- There's no other logical explanation for such actions from someone not previously involved in foreign policy.
Kremlin Narrative in Anti-NATO Ads and Call for Critical Thinking
🎦 29:08-30:31⏩
- The language and wording of Trump's anti-NATO ads closely resemble Kremlin narratives on NATO expansion.
- Zarina encourages viewers to do their own research and compare the language.
- She stresses critical thinking and independent research, not blind acceptance of information, as crucial in a democratic society and contrary to Russian propaganda methods.
1988-1989: Czech Archives and Monitoring of Trump's Presidential Ambitions
🎦 30:31-32:28⏩
- 1988: Czechoslovakian archives reveal a source named Milosh reported Trump being pressured to run for US presidency.
- 1989: Czech security services sent a spy to the US to monitor Trump, anticipating his potential presidential success and its impact on US-Czechoslovak/Soviet bloc relations.
- These archives offer further evidence of long-term interest and potential cultivation of Trump by Soviet bloc intelligence.
1992: Russian Criminal Vyacheslav Ivankov in Trump Tower
🎦 32:28-33:53⏩
- 1992: Russian criminal Vyacheslav Ivankov (Yaponchik), associated with mob boss Simon Magalevich, operated from Trump Tower and Trump's Taj Mahal Casino until FBI arrest in 1995.
- Ivankov was allegedly connected to the KGB, highlighting the historical cooperation between organised crime and security services in Russia, dating back to Stalin.
- Allegations suggest Ivankov was recruited by the KGB in prison and operated in the US under their direction.
1996: Trump in Moscow with Businessmen Linked to Organised Crime
🎦 33:53-35:08⏩
- 1996: American businessmen Howard Loeber and Van Lee Bow, running Liget Ducat tobacco factory in Moscow, brought Trump to Moscow to discuss a joint venture.
- These businessmen were connected to corrupt Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and organised crime.
- They reappear in 2016 after Trump's election.
- Czech sources in 1996 warned Ivana that any misstep could harm her husband's presidential ambitions, suggesting long-term planning for Trump's political career.
2007: Felix Sater and Growing Russian Connections
🎦 35:08-37:27⏩
- 2007: Felix Sater, a Russian-American real estate developer with criminal ties and Russian intelligence connections, became part of Bayrock Group, a real estate firm cooperating with Trump, located in Trump Tower.
- Bayrock played a role in Trump Tower construction.
- Connection to 1976: Tamir Sapir's organisation closely worked with Bayrock, linking early KGB connections to later business dealings.
- 2007: Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto developed by Alex Shnaider, a Ukrainian-Jewish-Canadian billionaire with ties to Russian criminals and son-in-law of Boris Birshtein, an organised crime figure.
- Project allegedly linked to Russian oligarch money, possibly involving Vnesheconombank (Russian state-owned entity).
- Russian-connected oligarchs and organised crime figures increasingly appear in Trump's business orbit.
2008-2013: Trump Jr. Admits Russian Investment and Miss Universe in Moscow
🎦 37:27-45:21⏩
- 2008: Donald Trump Jr. stated Russians made a "disproportionate cross-section" of Trump assets, admitting Russian investment in Trump properties.
- 2010: Felix Sater identified as Senior Advisor to Donald Trump with a Trump Organisation business card, confirming direct work for Trump.
- 2013: Trump's Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, invited by Aras Agalarov, a Russian oligarch close to Putin.
- Trump taken to Moscow by Alex Sapir (son of Tamir Sapir) and Rotem Rozum (son-in-law of Tamir Sapir), linking back to the 1976 electronics store and KGB connections.
- Tamir Sapir's daughter had a wedding ceremony hosted by Trump at Mar-a-Lago, highlighting close family ties.
2015: Michael Flynn at RT Gala with Putin
🎦 45:21-48:18⏩
- 2015: Michael Flynn, potential VP candidate for Trump, attended an RT (Russia Today) gala dinner in Moscow.
- Flynn was seated next to Vladimir Putin at the event, a highly unusual placement suggesting significant connection.
- Jonathan and Zarina highlight Michael Flynn's compromised position and connections to Russia, suggesting a separate video could be dedicated to him alone.
- This occurred after Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, amidst sanctions, making Flynn's presence even more notable.
2015-2016: Moscow Hotel Project and Campaign Contacts
🎦 48:18-50:27⏩
- 2015-2016: Trump Organisation resumed exploring a luxury hotel/condominium project in Moscow during Trump's presidential campaign.
- Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen, connected to Felix Sater and Soviet-born individuals, negotiated for the Moscow project.
- Numerous investigations suggest multiple contacts between Trump campaign members (Flynn, Kushner, Sessions) and Russian officials during the 2016 campaign.
Paul Manafort and Connections to Pro-Russian Figures in Ukraine and Russia
🎦 50:27-52:50⏩
- Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign chairman, was previously an advisor to Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine.
- Manafort had financial ties to Oleg Deripaska, a major Russian oligarch close to Putin, and allegedly provided campaign polling data to Deripaska associate Derek Pasca.
- Jonathan mentions Trump lifting sanctions on Rusal, owned by Deripaska, in his first term, and wanting to lift tariffs on Russia now, suggesting potential deals favouring Deripaska.
Putin's "Krisha" System and Mafia State
🎦 52:50-58:05⏩
- Zarina explains the "Krisha" system in Russia, a mafia term for "protection," where oligarchs owe their wealth and loyalty to Putin and the Kremlin.
- Putin's Russia is described as a "mafia state" with a vertical power structure where everyone reports upwards to Putin.
- Oligarchs are part of this system, working for the Kremlin, and face severe consequences for disloyalty.
- Bill Browder's claims about Putin taking 50% of oligarchs' income are mentioned, contributing to Putin being the richest man in the world.
Oil, Gas and Rosneft Deal
- Steel and aluminium are described as "side dishes" compared to the larger issue of oil and gas connections.
- The Rosneft deal with Axon Oil is briefly mentioned as highly convoluted and requiring a separate detailed discussion.
- Jonathan recommends Rachel Maddow's book "Blowout" for detailed understanding of US-Russia oil and gas connections, describing it as superb and essential reading to understand tangible Kremlin connections through hydrocarbons.
2016: Nixon Center Speech and Alpha Bank Connections
- 2016: Trump's first foreign policy speech at the Nixon Center (later Center for the National Interest) in Washington D.C., outlining a pro-Russian policy.
- Speech drafted with help from Richard Burt, on the senior advisory board of Alpha Bank.
- Alpha Bank is crucial to understanding the Kremlin structure and Putin's rule, linked to oligarchs Mikhail Friedman and Peter Aven.
- Peter Aven is highlighted for his role in protecting Putin in the 1990s and facilitating his move to Moscow, crucial for Putin's career.
- Alpha Bank was also linked to the Trump Organization server scandal in 2016.
2016: Carter Page, Rosneft Privatisation Deal and Tillerson's Nomination
- December 2016: Putin and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin announced the Rosneft privatisation deal.
- Carter Page, formerly of Gazprom, visited Moscow and secretly met Rosneft executives, denying it later.
- December 12, 2016: Carter Page presented in Moscow, indicating Axon Oil CEO Tillerson would become Secretary of State, before any official announcement.
- December 13, 2016: Trump announced Tillerson's nomination as Secretary of State.
- This timeline raises questions about inside knowledge and coordination.
Christopher Steele Dossier and Overwhelming Data
- The Christopher Steele dossier, while known for salacious details, also contained information about the Rosneft deal, often overlooked.
- The dossier alleged a 19% broker fee from the Rosneft sale was meant for Trump in exchange for removing Russia sanctions.
- Jonathan clarifies Christopher Steele's background as a respected former UK intelligence agent and business espionage expert.
- Zarina notes the psychological difficulty in processing overwhelming data and disturbing details, leading to potential rejection of the information.
- She highlights the challenge of presenting complex, conspiratorial material in a way that is digestible and meaningful without being dismissed.
American Exceptionalism and Psychological Defences
- Zarina points out "American exceptionalism" as a psychological barrier to accepting that a perceived "third world country" like Russia could manipulate the US in such a way.
- This is a blow to American integrity and self-perception, making it difficult to accept the scale of potential damage.
- This psychological defence mechanism hinders the processing and acceptance of the evidence.
Agent or Asset? Financial Compromise and Mafia Blackmail
- Jonathan and Zarina discuss whether Trump is an agent (acting knowingly for Russia) or an asset (being manipulated).
- Zarina believes Trump's primary ideology is self-interest, not necessarily pro-Kremlin ideology.
- She argues the main compromise is financial and political entanglement with an adversary, not necessarily salacious details.
- She posits Trump has been "tapped as an asset" and his actions since 2025 resemble those of a Russian agent.
- Discussion on RT (Russia Today) publishing naked photos of Melania Trump as potential blackmail or a "shot across the bow" from Russia.
- Zarina confirms writing an article about this, noting the photos coincided with Putin and Patrushev's indirect threats and "mafia blackmail" towards Trump and his family after the 2016 election.
Jill Stein and Third-Party Candidates
- Discussion on Jill Stein, a third-party candidate in the 2016 election, who arguably harmed Democratic chances.
- Stein's refusal to criticise Putin, even in an interview with Mehdi Hasan, is noted.
- Her attendance at an RT dinner with Putin and Michael Flynn is highlighted, raising questions about potential compromise.
- Russian troll support for Stein's campaign is mentioned, suggesting broader Russian active measures.
- Putin's opportunistic approach: using anyone (right-wing, left-wing) who serves his agenda, regardless of ideology.
Epstein Files and Potential Trump Compromise
- Discussion turns to Jeffrey Epstein and potential compromise related to Trump's association with him.
- Pam Bondi's release of redacted Epstein files, citing "national security reasons," raises suspicion.
- Videos and audio evidence of Trump's close relationship with Epstein are mentioned, suggesting another area of potential compromise.
- While avoiding conspiracy theories, Jonathan and Zarina note the overwhelming pattern of data points suggesting Trump's compromise.
Wendy Sigelman and Factual Research
- Zarina recommends Wendy Sigelman, an investigative journalist, for factual research on Epstein and related connections, praising her solid, non-conspiratorial work, including research on Cambridge Analytica.
- Jonathan shows Wendy Sigelman's Twitter profile on screen.
- Zarina describes her own approach as trying to present the complex information as a story with recurring characters, stemming from her background as a writer.
- She expresses her frustration at having to focus on these negative topics but feels compelled by the importance of the issue.
The War of Our Lives and Call to Action
- Zarina views the current situation as a "war of our lives," encompassing hybrid warfare, trolls, and conventional war.
- She stresses the urgency of recognising the "point of no return" and fighting back against these forces to protect democracy.
- She connects the current fight to her personal history growing up in the USSR and fighting for survival against the KGB, not wanting younger generations to inherit a world ruled by Putin and the KGB.
- She thanks the audience for their time and encourages further research.
Conclusion: High Probability of Trump's Compromise and Media Support
- Jonathan concludes that it is "incredibly improbable" to think Trump is not compromised by Russia in some way, considering the factual connections and patterns.
- He emphasises the tangible Russian connections through Trump Tower, real estate, and associated individuals.
- He stresses the importance of supporting independent media like Byline Times and journalistic work to hold politicians accountable.
- He mentions his own support for The Guardian and considers supporting Byline Times, urging viewers to support media to ensure its survival.
Fundraiser and Thank You to Supporters
- Jonathan promotes the NAFO fundraiser with Rick the Ukrainian and Roman Trochomet, highlighting the 43% progress and thanking early supporters.
- He encourages sharing the video and fundraiser on social media.
- He thanks Zarina for her insights and announces a future discussion on Georgia.
- Jonathan thanks viewers by name for their support, including Kevin Forst, Johnny Nebregaard, Michael Barnett, Henrik Alneasio, Johnny Christensen, and Stephen Vendel.
- He mentions a future live chat with Stephen Bendel about Norway and Ukraine.
- He apologises for the long outro and signs off with "Slava Ukraini".
Wrap up
- Jonathan and Zarina sign off.
🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand
None
🤖💭 AI Plan (pre task) - the AI's step by step thought process
The user wants me to summarise a YouTube transcript by ATP Geopolitics. I need to follow 6 tasks and output the result in XML format. First, I will read the transcript and understand the main topics. Then, I will go through each task step-by-step and generate the XML output. Task 1: Extract Title, Date and Part from the provided Youtube title and put in XML tags. Task 2: Split the transcript into topics and create topic titles, put in tags with id attributes. "Hello Team" for the first topic and "Wrap up" for the last topic. Task 3: Get timestamps for each topic and put in tags with matching id attributes. Task 4: Write summaries for each topic using bullet points and markdown, put in tags with matching id attributes. Task 5: Choose a quote and put in tags. Task 6: Identify any queries and put in 🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand tags. If no queries, then put "None". I will start by processing Task 1, then read through the transcript to identify topics for Task 2, 3, and 4. Finally, I will do Task 5 and Task 6.