The Hartmann Report Vlad's Impossible 12 Trillion Dollar Bribe
Feb 22, 2026
Phil Ittner, veteran war correspondent based in Kyiv who provides frontline reporting, joins to unpack claims of a $12–14 trillion Russian payoff. He explains why that sum is implausible and corrupting. Discussion covers Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilians, Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, and how narratives about huge bribes aim to fracture Western support.
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Why The $12–14 Trillion Claim Is Implausible
- Russia offered an implausible $12–14 trillion deal to entice Trump to abandon Ukraine.
- Phil Ittner and Thom Hartmann note Russia's GDP is ~$2.5 trillion, so such a sum would be impossible and likely a corrupt slush for elites like the Trumps and Kushners.
Russia Uses Corruption And Chaos As A War Tool
- Russia's strategy relies on obfuscation, delay, corruption, and injecting influence into Western politics to fracture support for Ukraine.
- Phil Ittner warns that accelerating corruption in Western bodies could aid Russian military aims by weakening unified resistance.
Ukraine Endures Civilian Hardship While Striking Back
- Ukraine is suffering severe civilian harm from strikes on infrastructure, while still mounting strikes deep inside Russia.
- Phil Ittner reports daily attacks on oil depots and air-force infrastructure and Ukrainian partisan/covert actions contributing to those strikes.
