Based on the 1985 Soviet-U.S. citizen’s summit, the 2025 version with Russians in St. Petersburg and Americans in Kingston, N.Y., kicked off Tuesday with a discussion featuring Dennis Kucinich, Scott Ritter, Garland Nixon, Gerald Celente and Joe Lauria. Watch the replay.
Former U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich, ex-U.N. weapons inspector Scott Ritter, political commentator Garland Nixon,Trends Journal publisher Gerald Celente and Consortium NewsEditor-in-Chief Joe Lauria met on June 17, 2025 to discuss a world in crisis ahead of the Russia-U.S. Citizen’s Summit the following day in Kingston, NY. (See timestamps of discussion below.)
On Wednesday, June 18, Americans and Russians from all walks of life will come together to engage in an act of “people’s diplomacy.” Whether seated in a theater in beautiful Saint Petersburg, or in the historic Mohican Hotel in downtown Kingston, New York, the participants will be doing what we collectively can only hope our respective leadership will do — engage their citizen counterparts in constructive dialogue which seeks to better relations between their two nations.
The 2025 Space Bridge/Citizen’s Summit takes place on the 40th anniversary of the historic, groundbreaking 1985 “Leningrad-Seattle” Citizen’s Summit organized by two legendary journalists, Phil Donahue of the United States and Vladimir Pozner of the Soviet Union.
The 1985 Space Bridge became the gold standard for citizen-to-citizen diplomacy, setting in motion numerous follow-on Citizen’s Summits that helped both nations navigate the troubled waters of the Cold War toward a path that led toward peaceful coexistence.
Like its 1985 predecessor, the 2025 Citizen’s Summit seeks to strengthen the dialogue between the civil society of our two countries and promote the idea of “people’s diplomacy” – open dialogue, exchange of experience and establishment of cultural ties.
The Space Bridge aims to serve as a bridge between cultures, generations, and nations. The program will combine live discussions, cultural exchanges, historical reflection, and a forward-looking perspective. The main goal is to demonstrate that, despite differences, people can find common ground and understand each other.
Watch the entire 1985 Citizen’s Summit:
The goals of the 2025 US-Russia Citizen’s Summit for Peace are as follows:
• Strengthen mutual understanding between Russian and American citizens.
• Demonstrate that, despite disagreements, people can find common language.
• Create a positive news story amid tense international relations.
Timestamps of Discussion
00:00:10 – Introduction and analysis of the current situation
00:00:35 –Discussion on the beginning of a world war with the Ukraine conflict
00:00:58 –Escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran
00:01:21 – Introduction of guests and criticism towards politicians
00:02:13 – Guest introductions continue: Joe Lauria, Dennis Kucinich, Scott Ritter, and Garland Nixon
00:03:28 – Discussion on the differences between alternative and mainstream media, and the price of free speech
00:04:18 – Main discussion begins: The conflict between Israel and Iran
00:05:05 – Analysis of the conflict as a “war of aggression” with reference to the Nuremberg trials
00:06:16 – Contemplation on the role of the United States and comparison to the Iraq War
00:06:37 – Recollections of the time before the Iraq War and intelligence data
00:07:38 – Comparison of intelligence handling in the Iraq War versus the Iran situation
00:10:17 – Discussion on the origin of intelligence and Netanyahu’s possible influence
00:11:39 – Discussion on the alignment of US and Israeli interests
00:12:20 – Defining and applying the international law concept of “perfidy” to the situation
00:13:47 – Perspective on Israel as an extension or proxy of the US empire
00:14:55 – Discussion on potential grounds for impeachment
00:15:34 – Analysis of US actions in a changed geopolitical world
00:17:41 – Contemplation on the nature of modern warfare and potential casualties
00:18:53 – Discussion on the internal division in the US and its effect on the propensity for war
00:20:25 – The nature of future warfare: drones and the nuclear threat
00:21:08 – Discussion on the risks of strikes on nuclear facilities and the spread of radiation
00:23:01 – Discussion on the possibility of a “false flag” operation to justify war
00:24:04 – Discussion on the president’s authority to start a war without congressional approval
00:25:58 – Examining the economic consequences, such as rising oil prices
00:27:43 – Contemplation on internal turmoil caused by economic hardship
00:29:53 – Analysis of past protest movements and predictions of future public reaction
00:30:42 – Discussion on the construction of the threat narrative regarding Iran over the years
00:32:36 – Discussion on the historical background of the Pearl Harbor attack
00:34:08 – Analysis of the overlapping empires of the US and Israel and the goals of Zionism
00:38:18 – Discussion on responsibility: politicians versus the people
00:39:04 – Contemplation on public ignorance and the role of the media
00:41:51 – Analysis of the nature of the US system: militarization and colonialism
00:43:18 – Discussion on voting behavior during times of economic desperation
00:45:01 – The role of alternative media in reaching victims of propaganda
00:46:06 – Introduction to the upcoming “citizens’ summit”
00:48:12 – The summit’s goal: humanizing Russians and dismantling stereotypes
00:49:57 – A personal story about overcoming prejudice through personal contact
00:51:43 – Discussion on the importance of citizen dialogue after official dialogue has broken down
00:54:07 – Contemplation on the conflict between humanity and politics
00:55:40 – Plato’s quote on the duty of citizens to take an interest in the affairs of government
00:57:05 – Discussion on the Israeli Defense Minister’s statements and the Genocide Convention
00:58:18 – Contemplation on the potential regional expansion of the conflict
00:59:54 – Analysis of the president’s intelligence sources and potential treason
01:00:49 – Military analysis: Israel’s resource insufficiency in a prolonged conflict
01:01:59 – Prediction of the president’s political future and the betrayal of the MAGA movement
01:04:08 – Discussion on bypassing congressional approval and the increase in military spending
01:06:12 – Contemplation on how long Americans will tolerate an aggressive war
01:08:18 – Discussion comparing the president’s actions to those of George W. Bush
01:12:12 – Reminder of the “incubator babies” lie during the first Gulf War
01:13:01 – Discussion on Congress’s abdication of constitutional responsibilities
01:13:41 – The connection between military spending and the decline in American quality of life
01:16:34 – A story about the internal culture of the US military and a lack of respect
01:18:39 – Discussion on the perspective of the Iranian people and constitution regarding Palestine
01:19:47 – A call for humanity and respecting others
01:21:44 – Explanation of the historical origin of the “Death to America” slogan
01:22:50 – Discussion on the US role in overthrowing Iran’s democratically elected government in the 1950s
01:26:51 – Contemplation on political inertia and its impact on the current situation
01:28:30 – Discussion on the power of lobbyists and the “deep state”
01:30:30 – The need for an active citizenry to save the country
01:32:48 – The effect of the president’s words on normalizing a culture of violence
01:33:56 – Discussion on the law prohibiting assassinations and its violation
01:36:39 – Recap of the details and goals for the upcoming citizens’ summit
01:40:24 – The story of six-year-old Hind Rajab as an example of the human cost of war
01:42:47 – Discussion on the use of antisemitism accusations to silence criticism
01:46:33 – Analysis of the pressure campaign against universities and students
01:48:45 – News update: President Trump has canceled his big announcement
01:50:20 – Discussion on China’s strategic position and its relation to Iran and Taiwan
01:55:39 – A call for compassion for the people of Israel
01:57:34 – Closing remarks and summary of the importance of the citizens’ summit
7 comments for “WATCH: Day One of Citizen’s Summit”
LeoSun
June 21, 2025 at 11:01
*“Have you ever noticed, when you’re feeling really good; there’s always a pigeon that’ll come $h*t on your hood; or, you’re feeling your freedom; &, the world’s off your back!” BB & his “Hot $hot” in the WH, start their own war in Iran…
Tuesday 6.17.25: “A world in crisis.” A “discussion” facilitated, hosted, basically, it’s GERALD CELENTE “Living & Loving, Out Loud!!!” TY, Gerald Celente. Imo, this wholehearted “discussion,” is a First-Class flight to a higher level of consciousness. NO doubt, “Ahead of the Russia-U.S. Citizen’s Summit on Wednesday from Kingston, NY.,” Dennis Kucinich, Scott Ritter, Garland Nixon, Joe Lauria & Gerald Celente , “Unpacked the world in crisis!” TY, Gentlemen.
Wednesday, 6.15.25: “Vladimir Putin takes questions from International Journalists.” Kingston’s & St. Petersburg’s format’s formalities, differ; but, the concept is the same, “Creating a human foundation to develop “our” relations w/the People of the World!” “IMAGINE,” our gentlemen in Kingston, in St. Petersburg, imo, “Vladimir Putin would be loving life! The whole world would watch!!! @ hxxps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m2dAbqeIaVs&pp=ygU-IHN0IHBldGVyc2J1cmcganVuZSAyMDI1IHB1dGlu4oCZcyBpbml0aWFsIG1lZXRpbmcgd2l0aCBndWVzdHM%3D
“Roll the Tape!” Geoff Burns @ 52:38, President Vladimir Putin w/a Message to NATO, the West, always acting fm a position of force. The East is always perceived as a threat. The West always shifts blame. It goes back to 2014. “If, you listen, you will hear, a new sound coming in, as an old one disappears!”
TY, CN!!! “Keep It Lit!”
* “Some Humans Ain’t Human” John Prine (Fair & Square)
Geoff Burns
June 18, 2025 at 15:07
Why do you say in your opening that the Ukraine war was started by Russia on February 24th, 2022? What were the Minsk Accords all about? Interesting that the OSCE daily map of the line of contact and explosions published for eight years is closely traced by today’s front line. Who invaded Donetsk and Luhansk in 2014? (Hint: paramilitary militias with Nazi emblems on their uniforms were seen in the area.) Wasn’t that a war?
doris
June 18, 2025 at 14:34
I wish the guy who’s narrating would use more appropriate speech for a peace summit type deal. Save the name-calling for off-camera speech. It loses the whole thing credibility when the person uses street language instead of intelligent language.
Kudos to the other gentlemen for such intelligent discourse.
Bushrod Lake
June 18, 2025 at 13:26
Kucinich recommended The Lost Science Of Money that explains why a privatized FED is controlling our currency, and the implication is whoever controls money, the currency, control politics. Well with reading of you have the time.
SH
June 17, 2025 at 23:31
Excellent discussion!
The area I thought most interesting, perhaps, was the discussion as to how much we the people were/are responsible for what our Gov.t is doing – there was disagreement as to how much we knew. or perhaps wanted to know – and i think that is key, do we know, do we tune out – I do think that after awhile the violence becomes “normalized” – a “background noise” if you will – but then the question arises – why don’t we move to stop it before it gets to that point.
The role of propaganda is large – but the main question is “what can we do” –
The statement that we need a 3rd, or 4th etc Party – was followed by “Iwoud be happy with a 2nd one – ha,ha.
But the fact is we have had a 3rd Party on the ballot at a Nat.l level for decades – so why don’t we vote we vote for it
That is a discussion we need to have …
Meanwhile, the question of whether we go to war with Iran will depend, IMO, on what decision Trump sees as advancing his desire to, as he put it in a ’16 Rep, primary, be the “most powerful man in the country, in the world” everything he has done since he has been elected has been in pursuit of that goal ….
M
June 17, 2025 at 20:16
Hello, Where can one get a link for the event, tomorrow, the 18th?
Thanks, ]
M
Consortiumnews.com
June 18, 2025 at 00:22
It will be published here on CN just before the event begins.
*“Have you ever noticed, when you’re feeling really good; there’s always a pigeon that’ll come $h*t on your hood; or, you’re feeling your freedom; &, the world’s off your back!” BB & his “Hot $hot” in the WH, start their own war in Iran…
Tuesday 6.17.25: “A world in crisis.” A “discussion” facilitated, hosted, basically, it’s GERALD CELENTE “Living & Loving, Out Loud!!!” TY, Gerald Celente. Imo, this wholehearted “discussion,” is a First-Class flight to a higher level of consciousness. NO doubt, “Ahead of the Russia-U.S. Citizen’s Summit on Wednesday from Kingston, NY.,” Dennis Kucinich, Scott Ritter, Garland Nixon, Joe Lauria & Gerald Celente , “Unpacked the world in crisis!” TY, Gentlemen.
Wednesday, 6.15.25: “Vladimir Putin takes questions from International Journalists.” Kingston’s & St. Petersburg’s format’s formalities, differ; but, the concept is the same, “Creating a human foundation to develop “our” relations w/the People of the World!” “IMAGINE,” our gentlemen in Kingston, in St. Petersburg, imo, “Vladimir Putin would be loving life! The whole world would watch!!! @ hxxps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m2dAbqeIaVs&pp=ygU-IHN0IHBldGVyc2J1cmcganVuZSAyMDI1IHB1dGlu4oCZcyBpbml0aWFsIG1lZXRpbmcgd2l0aCBndWVzdHM%3D
“Roll the Tape!” Geoff Burns @ 52:38, President Vladimir Putin w/a Message to NATO, the West, always acting fm a position of force. The East is always perceived as a threat. The West always shifts blame. It goes back to 2014. “If, you listen, you will hear, a new sound coming in, as an old one disappears!”
TY, CN!!! “Keep It Lit!”
* “Some Humans Ain’t Human” John Prine (Fair & Square)
Why do you say in your opening that the Ukraine war was started by Russia on February 24th, 2022? What were the Minsk Accords all about? Interesting that the OSCE daily map of the line of contact and explosions published for eight years is closely traced by today’s front line. Who invaded Donetsk and Luhansk in 2014? (Hint: paramilitary militias with Nazi emblems on their uniforms were seen in the area.) Wasn’t that a war?
I wish the guy who’s narrating would use more appropriate speech for a peace summit type deal. Save the name-calling for off-camera speech. It loses the whole thing credibility when the person uses street language instead of intelligent language.
Kudos to the other gentlemen for such intelligent discourse.
Kucinich recommended The Lost Science Of Money that explains why a privatized FED is controlling our currency, and the implication is whoever controls money, the currency, control politics. Well with reading of you have the time.
Excellent discussion!
The area I thought most interesting, perhaps, was the discussion as to how much we the people were/are responsible for what our Gov.t is doing – there was disagreement as to how much we knew. or perhaps wanted to know – and i think that is key, do we know, do we tune out – I do think that after awhile the violence becomes “normalized” – a “background noise” if you will – but then the question arises – why don’t we move to stop it before it gets to that point.
The role of propaganda is large – but the main question is “what can we do” –
The statement that we need a 3rd, or 4th etc Party – was followed by “Iwoud be happy with a 2nd one – ha,ha.
But the fact is we have had a 3rd Party on the ballot at a Nat.l level for decades – so why don’t we vote we vote for it
That is a discussion we need to have …
Meanwhile, the question of whether we go to war with Iran will depend, IMO, on what decision Trump sees as advancing his desire to, as he put it in a ’16 Rep, primary, be the “most powerful man in the country, in the world” everything he has done since he has been elected has been in pursuit of that goal ….
Hello, Where can one get a link for the event, tomorrow, the 18th?
Thanks, ]
M
It will be published here on CN just before the event begins.