US talk shows continue to make jokes about threat of Russian invasion of Ukraine
World headlines have been overrun with stories about Ukraine and the political and military situation in and around the country. This has sparked jokes and comedy from U.S. talk show hosts about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian propaganda, and German foreign policy.
NV has compiled some choice examples of how the U.S. late night sphere views the on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
During the latest episode, U.S. comedian and television host Stephen Colbert said, with a hint of surprise, that the only ones who are behaving calmly amid the threat of a further Russian invasion of Ukraine are the Ukrainians and President Zelensky.
Colbert, while talking about the possible invasion, displayed a map where Russian troops are now located: “Russia even has troops on the western side of Ukraine, in Moldova. That’s not even on the Russian border. What's their excuse? ‘It is not an invasion, we’re just here to enjoy scenic Moldova?’”
One detail that was missed by the show producers, however, was Ukraine’s territorial integrity – the map of Ukraine shown did not contain Crimea.
Saturday Night Live
On Jan. 29, U.S. comedy variety show Saturday Night Live put on a skit about the Russian military buildup on the Ukrainian border and the fight against Russian disinformation in the United States, and in Ukraine. The seven-minute-long skit is set in the White House, and revolves around a meeting of U.S. President Joe Biden with his advisors.
The group discusses the fight against disinformation, with the joke being the fictional news headlines showcased: “Ukrainian Border Encroaching on Russian Troops,” “Russian Forces Surrounding Ukraine Just to Give It Big Hug” and “Ukrainian President Horny for Drama, Wants War: “Slap Me Harder, Daddy.”
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, host of satiric news program The Daily Show, provides a joking overview of world events. He’s been discussing Russian aggression for the past month, with associated skits and comedic segments. On the Jan. 25 episode, the comedian talked about how Russia was amassing troops on the Ukrainian border and joked that there was no sense for Russia to invade Ukraine: “Have you seen the map of Russia? Let Putin just go to Siberia – a piece of land the size of Ukraine, where only one person lives. You don't have to fight the Ukrainians, just this Dmitry.”
Back in the world
Russia has been deploying troops to the Ukrainian borders since October 2021. According to Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov, the total amount of Russian troops that could be arrayed against Ukraine currently number 140,000.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said that Washington sees signs that Russia will decide on a new invasion of Ukraine before mid-February.
Western media outlets have speculated that Russia may invade with a force of up to 175,000 in early 2022.
The Kremlin says the troop movements are an internal affair of the Russian Federation.
At the same time, Moscow has repeatedly accused Ukraine of planning “provocations,” and alleged that Kyiv plans to regain control of the occupied territories by military means. The Kremlin has failed to back up any of its allegations with evidence, however.
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