Judging Freedom Ray McGovern : Is War in Europe Expanding?
May 11, 2026
Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst turned national security commentator, offers a candid take on diplomacy and brinksmanship. He discusses Putin's outreach to de-escalate Iran, nuances in Russian messaging about Ukraine, and how European politics differ from U.S. influence. He also explores possible China-Russia-US dynamics and what political incentives could shape conflict outcomes.
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Putin Offered A Practical Iran Off-Ramp
- Vladimir Putin offered a concrete diplomatic off-ramp on Iran involving Russian help with handling highly enriched uranium.
- Ray McGovern recounts Putin saying past JCPOA cooperation worked and Russia could again receive and reprocess Iranian material, with prior U.S., Israeli, and Iranian agreement.
Ambiguity Used As A Russian Deterrent
- Putin left Russia's response to Ukrainian long-range strikes deliberately ambiguous as a deterrent.
- McGovern describes Putin's exchange with journalist Paul Zarubin about Ukrainian drones reaching deep into Russia and Putin saying "they are going to respond."
U.S. Influence Can Restrain Ukraine More Than Europe
- The U.S. still exerts influence over Ukraine and can rein in Zelensky, while Europe increasingly frustrates Russia.
- McGovern points to Trump advising Ukraine not to attack Red Square and asserts the U.S. can still prevent actions Europeans push for.