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Olga Nesterova

Olga Nesterova

Olga Nesterova is a journalist and founder of ONEST Network, a reader-supported platform covering U.S. and global affairs. A former White House correspondent and UN diplomat, she focuses on international security and geopolitical strategy.
Washington Pulls Back — Then Calls Allied Adaptation a ‘Distraction’
National flags of participating countries displayed during the opening ceremony of Sea Breeze 2026 in Portland, United Kingdom, on July 13, 2026. The US co-sponsored exercise focuses on interoperability among NATO maritime and ground forces operating in the Black Sea region. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leon Vonguyen.
Explained

Washington Pulls Back — Then Calls Allied Adaptation a ‘Distraction’

The United States is reducing its physical commitments while asking allies to assume more responsibility. As Europe, Canada and Ukraine build mechanisms to fill the gaps, Washington is warning them not to become "too independent".
By Olga Nesterova • 8 min read
Middle East Brief: The Hormuz Standoff Returns the Region to War
A U.S. military aircraft prepares for operations connected to strikes on Iranian military targets, July 12, 2026. Credit: U.S. Central Command / Department of Defense.
Daily Brief

Middle East Brief: The Hormuz Standoff Returns the Region to War

The United States and Iran exchanged another round of attacks across the Gulf over the weekend, effectively dismantling the short-lived diplomatic framework that was supposed to create 60 days for negotiations. U.S. Central Command said it completed its latest wave of strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance systems, missile
By Olga Nesterova • 7 min read
NATO Day Two: Billions for Ukraine, an Alliance Rearming — and a New War Escalating Beside It
Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press encounter with President Trump at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara
Daily Brief

NATO Day Two: Billions for Ukraine, an Alliance Rearming — and a New War Escalating Beside It

NATO’s Ankara summit ended with a firm declaration of collective defense, major new weapons commitments and a two-year military support pledge for Ukraine. But the summit’s final hours were dominated by a different conflict: renewed American and Iranian strikes, the apparent collapse of their ceasefire framework and
By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read
NATO Summit Day One: Trump Questions the Alliance as Allies Build Around Ukraine
PM Mark Carney walks with President Erdogan at the NATO Summit in Ankara | Photo: shared by Carney on X
Daily Brief

NATO Summit Day One: Trump Questions the Alliance as Allies Build Around Ukraine

The first day in Ankara has produced two sharply different visions of NATO: one focused on rebuilding the alliance to confront an increasingly coordinated group of adversaries, and another questioning why the United States should remain so deeply invested in European security at all.
By Olga Nesterova • 14 min read
Treasury Launches Trump Accounts App as Billionaire-Backed Investment Program Goes Live
Trump speaking at the White House, July 6, 2026
News

Treasury Launches Trump Accounts App as Billionaire-Backed Investment Program Goes Live

The U.S. Treasury has officially launched the Trump Accounts mobile app, allowing eligible families to open and manage federally administered investment accounts for children. According to Treasury, the app enables users to track account balances, monitor investment performance, make contributions, and access financial literacy resources. The accounts are designed
By Olga Nesterova • 2 min read
America Turns 250, Russia Strikes Kyiv, and Canada Deepens Its Indo-Pacific Push
"The Patrouille de France flying over the Statue of Liberty. What a symbol. 250 years of shared history." | Photo shared by President Macron on X
Daily Brief

America Turns 250, Russia Strikes Kyiv, and Canada Deepens Its Indo-Pacific Push

Good evening. The United States is preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday this weekend with major events across Washington, New York and cities throughout the country. But the festivities are arriving alongside extreme heat, extensive security operations and — particularly in New York — an extraordinary concentration of major events. Here is
By Olga Nesterova • 11 min read