Did Ukraine start the war?
Trump on Tuesday appeared to blame Ukraine’s leaders for the war triggered by a Russian invasion three years ago, scoffing at comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Kyiv being left out of a meeting between American and Russian officials.
“I think I have the power to end this war. And I think it’s going very well,” Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago on the heels of a meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia."
“But today I heard, ‘Oh, well we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been there for three years,” Trump continued. “You should’ve ended it in three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal. I could have made a deal for Ukraine that would have given them almost all of the land, and no people would have been killed, and no city would have been demolished and not one dome would have been knocked down. But they chose not to do it that way.”
Criticizing Zelensky...
“Look, you have leadership — and I like him personally. He’s fine. But I don’t care about personally. I care about getting the job done. You have leadership now that’s allowed a war to go on that should have never even happened, even without the United States.”
WOW. Putin puppet? And Trump claims that Ukraine could have done a deal with him but they chose not to? When?? Personally, I think it's reprehensible that he has picked on and bullied our allies while we get this weak, soft crap toward Russia.
https://www.cbs42.com/hill-politics/tru … -invasion/Why did Vladimir Putin invade Ukraine in 2022?
Last Updated: Feb 3, 2025 source, Britannica
Vladimir Putin’s invasion followed years of tension between Russia and Ukraine as Ukraine moved toward closer ties with the West, which Putin viewed as a threat to Russia’s influence.
Between October and November 2021, he amassed troops and military equipment along Russia’s border with Ukraine and made various demands that were rejected, including de facto veto power over NATO expansion. On February 21, 2022, Putin recognized the independence of the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and ordered Russian troops into Ukrainian territory as “peacekeepers,” and on February 24 he launched a full-scale invasion that he called a “special military operation.”
Putin’s stated reasons for the invasion included the false claim that Ukraine was committing genocide against Russian speakers in the Donbas. Putin’s reasons were widely discredited internationally, and his invasion was instead seen as an attempt to reassert Russian influence over Ukraine and prevent its further integration with the European Union and NATO.The west, specifically the active projection of, "soft power," via hostile social initiatives in Ukraine and the surrounding regions, started the Ukraine war.
It isn't as if the Russians didn't warn year after year that this would happen if the west continued with their hostile soft power initiatives directly adjacent to Russian clay. They were quite clear that any NATO interference in the Balkans would result in military action, which only increased year over year as we watched Russian loyalists and Ukrainian separatists fighting bloody battles regularly since 2014.
I can't speak for everyone, but if a foreign nation such as Russia came onto Mexican or Canadian soil and began to push an anti-America agenda that resulted in a major, violent culture clash that cost lives and livelihoods on both sides, I would want my government to take an active approach to stop this.
Fundamentally, at its core, this war is based on resources, though. Any further argument/speculation is simply to attempt to make sense of a complex, incalculable system instituted to gain control of said resources for the foreseeable future.To say this matter has been discussed ad-nauseum in these forums is an understatement... and I admit to being the one doing most of the discussing and 'splaining with Mike taking umbrage with nearly every word I had to say about it.
You are on it however, this was our 'Democracy building' through various NGOs, many funded by USAID along with Soros funded Open Border efforts along with the Biden crime family activities in Ukraine (along with some others, like the Clintons) who politic to enrich and empower themselves.
Of course, many choose to ignore the facts, Russia bad, Russia the enemy, CNN said so, NYTimes said so, Trump is a Russian agent don't you know... along with Gabbard, Kennedy, Musk, etc.
Funny... no missiles or drones made in Russia are falling on DC... but plenty of missiles and drones made in America have found their way to hitting Moscow...
Ah well, the vanity and vainglorious entitlement that goes with being a programmed nescient American of the 21st century knows no bounds.
It should be no wonder they were so enamored with Biden and Harris those two were equal to the challenge of being proper representatives of the people who voted for them.So you are saying that Russia was to incompetent to play the game of soft power. There is a huge difference between Soft power and a full on war.
And to put the blame on the west for playing soft power politics is a lousy excuse to invade a country.
Ukraine is an independent country. Just like Mexico. And if such a country would have a different way of living or political system, it will by no means be an excuse for a military invasion.
The resources of the Ukraine are for the Ukraine and not for Russia to take nor for America. That Russia invades it's neighbour to rip it of it's resources should be protested against. Not tolerated with whatever excuses.
Another thing that is in play is that the Ukrainians are heavenly connected with Russia through family ties and business, etc. Ukraine became a democracy. And the idea of an democracy as a neighbour is seen in the eyes of a dictator as dangerous. The idea of a functional democracy is a threat to the oligarchy of Russia itself. The idea of a democracy could spread to Russia itself. Dictatorships don't like democracies as neighbours.
As President Zelensky said. "Trump is living in his own disinformation bubble." fed by the Russians. He takes for face value the things that are said by the Russian camp. Without listening to the Ukrainian side. That's like buying a house on face value without doing research. Bad move and from someone who claims to be a brilliant negotiator and knowing the art of the deal incredibly stupid.
Fact: President Zelensky is a democratic chosen president with a approval rate among it citizens higher than Trump himself.
Fact: Ukraine is an independent country invaded by its neighbour.
Trump stating the opposite that Zelensky was not chosen democratically and that Ukraine started the war is pure Russian propaganda. And the fact that Trump believes this and shouts it around, shows how naive, incompetent geopolitical wise and uncritical the president of the United States is.
Giving Ukraine to Russia will lead to a permission for other bigger countries to invade smaller neighbours. As the US won't have the backbone to stand in it's way. The scenario could well be that China will make use of the weak position of the US and invade Taiwan.Fact: President Zelensky is a democratic chosen president with a approval rate among it citizens higher than Trump himself.
Fact: Ukraine is an independent country invaded by its neighbour.
—————-
Hitler stabs Stalin in the back in 1941, invading Russia breaking the non-aggression pact agreed to in 1939.
This Ukraine matter may well be an unwinnable situation for either side, but Trumps attacks on Zelenskyy is an unjustified two-faced turnabout not just against the Ukraine, but against the principles that America is supposed to stand for.
Trump sycophants and supporters are trying to skew all of this into some brilliant bit of diplomatic strategy on his part instead of acknowledging this for what it is.
Treachery is now a part of American foreign policy and I fear for myself and the world.
How is all of this playing in Europe? Do they not find it somewhat arrogant for Trump to exclude any of them from any participation in a negotiated peace between Russia and the Ukraine?
An America that consistently fails to live up to principles that it extols can no longer be “my country”.Trump is a weak president and easily exploitable as he only cares about himself. So give him some money and he will be on your side. Now this is not something that you can call loyalty.
Europe understands that the US can't be seen as an ally at the moment. And so I imagine that security details, data and Interpol information isn't shared anymore with the US in the same way it used to be.
Trump promoting the fascist parties in France and Germany are red flags. Sometimes it can take a while for Europe to wake up. But it can act quickly if it needs. So if Trump will act with tariffs on Europe, I'm pretty sure Europe will act. There is a limit on a tolerance of weirdness.
The Ukraine crisis and Trump could well be the deciding factors for organizing an European Army. (Now the UK is out of the Euro, who was always against an European Army.)
The German elections will be important. And hopefully AfD (Alternatif fur Deutschland won't become the biggest party, because that would be the end of many things)
I just read that the minister of immigration of the Netherlands also repeated Trumps lie about Zelensky not being chosen democratically, which de Prime minister had to correct. Which was a bit embarrassing (The Netherlands has a three party coalition government with the extreme right-wing party as the largest of the three.)
Zelensky has sent his people to be slaughtered.
He is a criminal fool who should have stuck to playing the piano with his penis.Really? Ukraine is invaded by a foreign country. And you say that you are not allowed to defend your country?
You would give your own country up? Such a person is called a traitor.Wow. Not hiding anything now.
"Playing the piano with his penis"
LOL and I've been admonished for so cruelly stating Elon was incoherent at CPAC . My oh my. But this is cool?Cool or not it is fact.
Guess you don't know much about the past doings of your hero Zelensky.
https://youtu.be/oolZgz4B49k?si=006XN4cL1UCsbr6vBetter playing the piano with a penis than fu$%# a porn star while your wife just has given birth. And being best friends with a sex trafficker and pedophile, enjoying his parties and now voted in as president of the United States.
You have to check your moral compass!They have no moral compass. They are cheering their leaders using the word "retard" to describe half of the country. Maga is becoming uglier and uglier. There seems to be no line that these people won't cross in following musk and trump.
In Trump's first term, he had a run in with Zelensky. He tried to get him to investigate Biden and his son about something called CrowdStrike.
Zelensky refused to do it so Trump in his sick egotistical mind is now seeking revenge on Zelensky and is calling him a dictator who started the war. He is willing to put all of Ukraine and its people at risk, just because he wants to get even with Zelensky. Trump and his sick ego are a danger to our democratic republic.
Here is the transcript of the phone conversation, just to prove I didn't make this up.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/25/politics … index.html
Rattling off a lot of propaganda there ...better watch out, too much misinformation is bad for you.
Should Ukraine agree to Russia's terms? A simple yes or no.
It's disgusting. But it's not a surprise. We all know which side they're on.
Btw, he also said this,
Trump also confirmed his interest in forcing elections in Ukraine as part of any diplomatic resolution to the war.
“We have a situation where we haven’t had elections in Ukraine, where we have martial law in Ukraine, where the leader in Ukraine — I mean I hate to say it, but he’s down at 4% approval rating — and the country’s been blown to smithereens,” Trump said.Trump now wants 50% of Ukraine's rare earth minerals. He said he is wiling to deploy US troops to guard those resources if Zelensky agrees to end the war.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/nation … rcna192325
https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-rare-m … al-2032517Wait, wait, wait! Your articles are outdated--- Trump always proposed the 50% from day one. Please take a moment to research the details of that deal—I'm not here to school you, but where have you been? He proposed the 50% from the very beginning. I must ask, wouldn't it make sense to protect our interests in the areas where we'd be working and mining minerals? What am I missing here? Can you step back and look at how this deal could benefit both nations? Ukraine needs to rebuild its country right now; they should be welcoming investors to help with that process. You don't see this? In fact, common sense tells you that if the US invests, other nations might follow suit with their investments. Your negative stance is surprising. It seems like you're following whatever the media tells you. Could you take a moment to step back and understand what this deal could mean for Ukraine—perhaps an end to their war and the chance for real prosperity? Oh well, I’ll step away from this conversation, it’s getting a bit too far out for me. But I do understand where you're coming from—and unfortunately, it seems to be from a biased media perspective that paints Trump as all bad. LOL.
The NBC article is dated 2/15/2025. The Newsweek article is dated 2/18/2025. Outdated is a relative term. If you put yourself in Zelensky's place all he wants is for :Putin to get the hell out of his country, so he and his people can live a prosperous and peaceful life. He doesn't need Trump and his deal making.
If Trump really wanted to help, he would have talked to Putin first and tried to come up with an offer for peace. The fact that he won't talk to Putin first speaks volumes of what Trump's vision is with Putin. But I will save that for another discussion.This morning, I watched Fareed Zakaria’s program, which featured two guests: Ann Applebaum, a Senior Fellow at the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Franz Zimmermann, the former Executive Vice President of the European Commission.
The discussion centered on Vladimir Putin's desire to return Ukraine to its status during the Soviet Union era. Donald Trump's vision appears to align with Putin's, as they both perceive each other as part of a new world order. They believe that Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO are obstacles to this objective.
In the event that Zelensky cannot secure assistance from the United States due to Trump's position, the European Union may step in. There is potential for a new coalition of European countries to form with the aim of protecting themselves from Putin's expansionist ambitions.
The link to the relevant segment of the show is provided below. It is approximately five minutes long but offers significant insights into the visions and motivations of Trump and Putin.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/02/world/vi … ice-winnerMoscow said there will be no concessions. Trump wanted Ukraine to take the deal based on the idea that he believes Russia can be trusted... Even though they've broken The Budapest memorandum how many times? You're right, they don't need Trump in his dealings.
The news clearly shows that Trump has been actively engaging with world leaders—holding discussions with Putin and Zelensky—and several heads of state have recently visited the White House for negotiations. He is diligently pursuing what he believes is a mutually beneficial deal for both the United States and Ukraine, and it’s important to note that this deal is not designed to benefit Trump personally but to serve America’s interests while opening up promising opportunities for Ukraine.
Even though Ukraine has never been considered a wealthy nation by GDP per capita, its historical potential is undeniable. The country boasts abundant natural resources, a strong industrial base, and fertile agricultural lands. Unfortunately, corruption, mismanagement, and geopolitical instability have prevented Ukraine from fully realizing its economic promise. With this new mineral deal on the table, however, there is an opportunity for a transformative investment that could attract countless investors to a country in dire need of rebuilding.
My God, they have a country that will need rebuilding! It is ridiculous that some would look down on this mineral deal with one of the richest nations in the world. Such an investment by the US could bring in countless investors to a country that has seen little investment. Frankly, I can’t understand your view—I can only see a clouded judgment due to a bias against Trump. My gosh!
Given these recent developments, earlier analyses appear outdated in light of the evolving international relations and economic strategies. Trump's approach—working with a man like Putin, who seems to hold all the cards, while also engaging with other world leaders—suggests a strategic effort to secure a deal that benefits not only the US but also offers Ukraine a pathway toward renewed prosperity.How does Ukraine have a pathway to "renewed prosperity" with no security assurances and conceding to the sizable demands of Russia?
Wow, I think Trump is trying to undermine Zelensky. I'm pretty sure Putin would like to see a puppet installed in Ukraine. I'm sure Trump and Tulsi will do everything in their power too help that along.
My thoughts go out to the Ukrainian people. What a tragedy. Ukraine is not at the table...they are on the table.
And they have the Biden Administration to thank for that.
A war that never had to happen and didn't happen under Trump.
There was this thing called the Minsk Agreement... ah well...
The Biden crime family gets off without a slap on the wrist, after hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians die because of the idiocy that ruled over DC and the UK the last 4 years... as incompetent in completing the defeat of Russia or the toppling of Putin as they were in doing anything else.
Right wing media not on board...
President Trump’s demand that Ukraine sign over a huge chunk of its economy as repayment for help fending off Russia is flat-out wrong. Period.
The proposed contract, which reportedly hit Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desk last week, demands half the country’s revenues from natural resources, ports and infrastructure indefinitely as payback for US military aid since the war began.
That would quickly add up to countless billions more than we’ve given Ukraine; it’s a demand a victor might make of a country that started and lost a war, to teach a lesson.
Indeed, as a share of GDP it looks to be harsher than what the victorious allies imposed on Germany in the Peace of Versailles after World War One.
Hello: Ukraine is the victim of this war, not too mention our ally.
And the president’s off-the-cuff remarks about Zelensky late Tuesday were wildly off-base: “You’ve been there for three years. You should have ended it. You should have never started it.”
He didn’t start it, and he’s had no chance to end it except by surrendering to the blood-soaked invader: Whatever negotiating tactics Trump cares to use, turning the truth completely upside down ought to be beneath him.
A source within the Trump admin told The Post that the proposed deal was about “recouping hundreds of billions of dollars of American taxpayers’ money,” as if a bunch of Kyiv conmen have been picking Yankee pockets.
But that’s a fantasy pushed by populist pundits (some all too happy to play Kremlin stooge).
Yes, American-provided weapons were crucial to Ukrainians’ defense against the Russian invasion.
But sending aid to Kyiv has been a fantastic deal for Uncle Sam, not a blank check the beleaguered nation squandered.
Of roughly $175 billion Washington has spent on the war, about $70 billion was put right back into our economy to build new weaponry to replace the older models we shipped to Kyiv — a boon for US defense manufacturers (and American factory workers).
Much of the remaining funding is lend-leases, not giveaways.
And the West has massively benefitted in other ways.
Kyiv’s efforts have weakened Moscow’s military capabilities, and the war is tanking Russia’s economy.
Most important: Helping Ukraine defend itself from Vladimir Putin’s illegal, barbaric invasion was the right thing to do.
To squeeze the war-crippled country for all we can, simply because we can, would be despicable.
The president is an infamously tough negotiator; we hope this proposal is simply an opening salvo.
There is the possibility for a deal that leaves Ukraine’s dignity intact and benefits both parties — perhaps something like that $500 billion accord on rare earth minerals floated the other week — but this isn’t it.
On this one, Trump is asking for too much.
https://nypost.com/2025/02/18/opinion/t … n-ukraine/
The Wall Street journal published something very similar. Wonder if they will face repercussions?
Zelenskyy hits back at Trump's comments, says Ukraine is not for sale
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hit back at Donald Trump's accusation overnight that Ukraine started its war with Russia, saying that the American president is trapped in a “disinformation bubble” and adding that his country was not for sale.
The pugnacious response followed Trump’s surprising comments Tuesday that Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s invasion of the country three years ago. Trump also argued that Kyiv could have made a deal to avoid the conflict.
The president added that his Ukrainian counterpart's approval ratings sat at 4% in Ukraine — despite an opinion poll released Wednesday by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showing that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy.
“As we are talking about 4%, we have seen this disinformation, we understand it’s coming from Russia,” Zelenskyy told a news conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, as he dismissed Trump’s claim.
He added that any attempts to replace him during the war would fail — Trump raised the question of Ukrainian elections following Russian President Vladimir Putin's repeated assertions that Zelenskyy is not Ukraine's legitimate leader — contending that the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians would not support concessions to Russia.
“The army is quite resilient, and it is the most resilient in Europe ... and it guarantees us the opportunity to speak with dignity and on an equal footing with other partners — allies or non-allies,” Zelenskyy said.
Referring to U.S. support given to Ukraine so far — $67 billion in weapons and $31.5 billion in budgetary support — Zelenskyy said that American demands that Ukraine should hand more than $500 billion in minerals was “not a serious conversation” and added that he cannot sell his country.
Zelenskyy's statements came the day after Trump responded to remarks the Ukrainian leader had made earlier about not wanting “anyone making decisions behind our backs.”As usual, Trump is incorrect, irresponsible and anti-democratic. Trying to distort reality in favor of Russia. Wondering if we will hear dissent from Republicans? This is sickening and embarrassing for our country.
This all is kinda dumb. Does Trump believe that he can really negotiate a settlement to the war without Kiev's involvement?
He is dismissing the European allies from the process forgetting that they lie in very shadow of Putin and his threat to the Ukraine.
He will "fix things" by selling the Ukraine out.He is selling out by the minute Credence:
Trump just posted on his truth social site...
"Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and “TRUMP,” will never be able to settle. The United States has spent $200 Billion Dollars more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back. Why didn’t Sleepy Joe Biden demand Equalization, in that this War is far more important to Europe than it is to us — We have a big, beautiful Ocean as separation. On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is “MISSING.” He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden “like a fiddle.” A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only “TRUMP,” and the Trump Administration, can do. Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring Peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the “gravy train” going. I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues….."
He has moved to openly attacking Zelenskyy. Calling him a dictator. Regurgitating Putin's talking points. It's grotesque.Let's here from two of the most conservative posters on the forum that have a different position on the crisis. How do they reconcile this most recent development, what say them?
I don't think they'll touch it. They know Trump is wrong and they can't defend him.
Buddying up to Putin and sliding into autocracy, it's all okie dokie with them.
Volodymyr Zelensky is NOT a dictator.
Vladimir Putin IS a dictator.
Zelensky didn’t start the war in Ukraine.
Putin did.
Hope this clarifies things for anyone who is confused.
"Strength" through weakness and capitulation... It only took him 30 days to roll over to PutinUkrainians are not happy.
I hope what President Donald Trump is doing is a bargaining plea.
As one wise Ukrainian told me "We will wait. We will see. We will do what is best for us the Ukrainian people."
This is just one response from a fellow Ukrainian.
For those who choose to spread fake news, let me correct the lies herein:
1. America did not spend $350 Billion, it has delivered to Ukraine about $185 Billion, primarily in overvalued military equipment, not cash
2. ‘a war that couldn’t be won’ With the proper tools, it can still be won. To believe Russia is so invincible is to buy into their propaganda
3. ‘War that never had to start’ - don’t blame the victim. Ukraine didn’t start this, Russia did.
5. USA did NOT spend $200 billion more than Europe (see chart)
6. That ‘big beautiful ocean’ isn’t out of reach of Russian nor North Korean nukes. And make no mistake, they consider the US their ultimate enemy
7. ‘Half the money we sent is missing’. No, that’s not what he said. Half of the amount of aid committed to be delivered hasn’t yet been. It’s not missing (but certainly being missed by Ukraine right now)
8. Zelensky does not refuse to have elections. They are under martial law only because of Russia’s war against them. Blame Russia for the inability to hold a proper election, which they can’t under the Ukrainian constitution.
9. Low in the polls? Fake news
Despite the US president's claims of low support, Zelenskyy's approval rating reached 57% in February — higher than Trump's own (https://www.euronews.com/.../zelenskyys … -rating...)
10. Calling Zelensky a dictator is false and unfair. He was duly elected by his people.
I’d like to ask why the US President is cozying up to a real dictator: Putin? He hasn’t held a fair election, either declaring his opponents ineligible to run, or just killing them (think poison or open windows)
11. ‘successfully negotiating an end to the war’
How? By capitulating to the aggressor? It’s just like locking a rape victim in a cell with the rapist.
There hasn’t been one proposal yet by Trump that even remotely can be defined as a successful negotiation. The proposals thus far are the ultimate in failure in negotiation.
12. ‘End to the war that only Trump can do’.
This should be rewarded to state that Trump is proposing an end to the war that only he would ever agree to, no other American.
13. ‘Zelensky probably wants to keep the gravy train going’. This is just a despicable statement because Zelensky wants nothing more than for this war to be over. A war he never wanted to start every Ukrainian would gladly have given up every penny of aid received by other nations to not have been invaded in the first place.
14. ‘ I love Ukraine’. By all appearances, it seems that Trump loves Russia much much more.
And if his statements about Ukraine reflect love to him, I would hate to see what his hate looks like!
——————————————————————————
Do not be fooled! The bond between the CRINK Alliance (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea) has been tightening and they have one very clear common enemy, and it is the United States of America.
We have a chance right now to stop Russia and prevent further attacks against our allies, such as Israel and Taiwan, if we show strength!
We cannot afford to lose this opportunity right now to stop Russia and maintain our stature in the world as the strongest nation on whom others can rely to always do the right thing to preserve liberty, freedom and democracy!
PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH
-Ronald Reagan
Even if you don’t care about Ukraine, you can not support RussiaFirst, the link goes to a . . .
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The page you are looking for doesn't exist.
Click here to reach the Euronews homepage
This link should work going to the article . . .
https://www.euronews.com/2025/02/19/zel … port-claim
The EuroNews got their information from KYIV International Institute of Sociology. The study/article is Dynamics of trust in President V. Zelenskyi in 2019-2025. From that arrives the following graphic.
https://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&c … amp;page=1
[Edit] As far as the testament offered by the Ukrainian citizen I get mixed messages in the sense I recognize, understand, and have empathy for his position, but the fact is Trump is a bottom line manager. He doesn't care about loyalty, ethics, or history. He only cares about the bottom line. Gaining the power to force the outcome to his liking is the goal to reach the bottom line. It is physics.
"power = force × distance (in direction of the force ) time taken, so power = force × velocity. (However, this only works if the velocity is steady, i.e. the force is not the resultant force on the moving object.)"
Think about with analogous thought process.
It should be utterly obvious that a Zelensky-controlled poll about his OWN approval is not credible!!
If Zelensky was actually loved by the people of Ukraine, he would hold an election. He knows he would lose in a landslide, despite having seized control of ALL Ukrainian media, so he canceled the election.
In reality, he is despised by the people of Ukraine, which is why he has refused to hold an election. I challenge Zelensky to hold an election and refute this. He will not.
President Trump is right to ignore him and solve for peace independent of the disgusting, massive graft machine feeding off the dead bodies of Ukrainian soldiers.
- Elon Musk
MAGA comments are... SMH
But this is no surprise. They've say who they support long before the elections.Says the man who was not elected, but runs as a vice president...
Trump and crew swiftly resort to bullying migrants and trans individuals, yet when confronted with a genuine tyrant like Putin, they eagerly bend over backwards to appease him. It's effortless to prey on the vulnerable, but when faced with true power and oppression, they crumble.
US not co-sponsoring UN resolution supporting Ukraine: report
The U.S. is reportedly refusing to co-sponsor a draft U.N. resolution marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, signaling weakening U.S. political support for Ukraine as President Trump is reaching out to Russia to end its war against the country.
Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that the U.S. is refusing to sign onto a resolution that backs Ukraine’s territorial integrity and again demands Russia withdraw its troops. The resolution is expected to go before the General Assembly for a vote on Monday.
The diplomatic standoff at the U.N. comes as the U.S. is also objecting to language in a Group of 7 draft statement marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow launched on Feb. 24, 2022.
The U.S. objected to statements that are viewed as pro-Ukrainian, the New York Times reported, and objected to statements labeling Russia as the aggressor.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also changed language the U.S. uses to refer to the war, in a departure from the former Biden administration.
After a meeting with Russian officials in Riyadh earlier this week, Rubio described discussions surrounding “the conflict in Ukraine,” avoiding the term “war.” Russia refers to its aggression against Ukraine as a “special military operation” and passed a law criminalizing the use of the word “war” to describe the situation.It all sounds like the UN doing what the UN does best: pass meaningless "resolutions" that mean, and accomplish, nothing while everyone involved demands mealy-mouthed terminology that, again, means nothing.
From Bettison arrives . . .
Smoke and Mirrors
Definition: something intended to disguise or draw attention away from an often embarrassing or unpleasant issue (Source: Merriam Webster)
The origin of the phrase ‘smoke and mirrors’ comes from when stage performers and magicians (1770) actually use smoke and mirrors to beguile the audience. Now the idiom is often used in a political sense. The American Journalist, Jimmy Breslin wrote in his Notes of Impeachment Summer. 1975:
“All political power is primarily an illusion…Mirrors and blue smoke, beautiful blue smoke rolling over the surface of highly polished mirrors…”
Jimmy Breslin didn’t directly say ‘smoke and mirrors’, but others began to use the phrase more and more often. And now we use it too.
Also . . .
The expression is “smoke and mirrors”, indicating an inability to separate truth from fiction. It comes from old conjuring techniques aimed at obfuscating reality. The smoke to obscure vision and the mirrors to deflect.
Is that what is being witnessed?
I wondered when all the "rationalizers" would show up.
Yes. Far better that the UN tell Russia (again!) to back off in the hopes they will do so this time. After all, we all know the definition of repeating an action while hoping for a different result.
I agree with tsmog. It is all smoke and mirrors. That's what team Trump has been doing since his first day in office. His senior advisor, Steve Bannon calls it flooding the zone with muzzle velocity.
Its purpose is to overwhelm the public and the media so we can't keep up with all the policies and statements they are releasing. Many of them are decoys so that we go down a rabbit hole trying to figure out why they say things like Zelensky started the war, when everybody knows he didn't. Meanwhile they are busy destroying our democratic republic for King Trump, all in the guise of making our government smaller.
https://www.newsweek.com/steve-bannon-f … tz-2027482
Ah yes... much better if we start WWIII... lets march millions of Americans off to war... why not?
Have any kids or grandkids... well you make sure you tell them to enlist and request getting sent to the front line...
Ukrainians are running out of people to send to their deaths... so lets support the continued slaughter with Americans...
We can always bring in a few million migrants to replace those Americans lost.
US votes against UN resolution condemning Russia for Ukraine war
The U.S. voted against a resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in the war in Ukraine that passed the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, marking three years since Russia’s launched its full-scale invasion of the country.
Among the 17 countries that joined the U.S. in opposition to the non-binding measure were Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Israel and Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a close ally to President Trump. China abstained along with 64 other countries.
Ukraine’s European allies were unanimously in support. The resolution is an expression of the body, and not a binding action, but signals weakening U.S. political support for Ukraine under the Trump administration, in favor of improved relations with Russia.
President Trump, asked about the vote in the Oval Office on Monday, said he would rather not explain the rationale behind it, but called it “self-evident.”
The resolution, titled “Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” passed the General assembly with a vote of 93 in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstaining.
The text of the resolution calls for de-escalation, early cessation of hostilities and peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine.
The U.S. proposed a competing resolution that omitted any mention of Russian aggression. The U.S. abstained from voting for its own resolution following amendments to the text. The resolution passed with 93 in favor, eight against and 73 abstaining.I'm SO disheartened and embarrassed by this. Shameful .
"The U.S. proposed a competing resolution that omitted any mention of Russian aggression."
Ah yes , leading through capitulation, appeasement and weakness.Now the US takes a different course then Europe there will be many side effects.
For years Europe and the US have shared military and strategic information. Now the question arises that the possibility exists that the US will be aggressive towards Europe, this information and working together will come to a halt or on a slow burn.
The consequences are difficult to see. But what about sharing sensitive scientific information, or field work.
I have the feeling that Trump does not understand the side effects of his actions at all. He hits a domino without seeing that there are a lot of dominoes behind the one he hit. The same with USAid that endangered many people working for human rights directly.
The incompetence of this president is beyond words. Some people say now, well he is working the system with a sledgehammer.... But to many operations are to complex for such an approach. You can have good ideas, but if you use the wrong tools you destroy more than you bargained for.
For a complex operation a scalpel is a better tool.
The incompatible of the POTUS will have dear consequences for de US. For its economy, freedom of speech, social structure and many more.
It is sad to see this all happening.
In spite of the verbosity and mumbo-jumbo from the forum-Right supporting the Russian aggressor, the sheer absurdity of what has transpired cannot be concealed.
Trump is a total wrecking ball for every decent value that this country claims to promote world wide. How can we side with North Korea on anything?
I am ashamed and terrorfied and I believe that the West in general is I believe harboring the same thoughts.
Tyranny at home, tyrants abroad.....
Germany dropped out of the League of Nations In 1933, as driven by Hitler. Will Trump take the US out of NATO and the UN? Deja vu?This is Europe affair of which I'm not keen or interested. When the war started, I said the same thing, following the discussion. I'll keep an open mind here, rather than watch from the edge.
Just a little common sense for those who keep ignoring the elephant in the room...
What a disgraceful show. If there was any doubt, there's no more excuses. They yelled and insulted Zelensky while defending poor Putin. SMH
Pres. Zelenskyy was right to leave early.
GASo what's your take on Trump and Vance? How they handled the meeting?
Stop sending American Taxpayer money and Arms and they can fight as long as they want to fight... on their own.
Yes, it was our Democracy Building NGO and CIA efforts that led to Ukraine going from a Russian beholden satellite state to a grasping for Western support quasi colonial nation that it is today.
Oh well, new sheriff in town and he doesn't want to use American taxpayer dollars to prop up some unelected government to use as a proxy to fight Russia.
Ukraine can do whatever it wants to do... without us... THAT is what that meeting was all about... a very public (on purpose) divorce.
A divorce from everything Biden's corrupt crew supported and stood for... its time to cut Ukraine off completely, and if the EU doesn't wise up and stop their retarded sabre rattling, exit NATO as well.
The EU is like this continuously contagious ill patient that is dying and trying to take America along down the sewer drain with it... where free speech is an arrestable offense, where Green Energy is more important than keeping people from freezing during the winter... they went along with Biden and the UKs idiocy... they supported the insane ranting of Zelensky when he was going around the world in 2021 demanding that he get support to kick Russia out of Crimea and the Donbas.
Let the Ukrainian people deal with him... without the CIA and DC support propping him up, Zelensky won't live out the rest of the year.Zelensky came to test the [money] market, but the Trump Admin has something else in mind... ending this war now!
I believe that we just saw the beginning of this war ending!
I predict a call to Trump, from Putin, resulting in Putin pulling back.I think Trump is five steps ahead, this was just more proof.
Zelensky had no idea that was coming, he showed up expecting the same old pandering and prostrating and instead got served his divorce papers.
Wouldn't surprise me if his 'government' collapses in a few days,Definitely always 5 steps ahead and J.D. is in lockstep. Love it!
After the Trump Vance performance today? Putin is celebrating. I think he's going to get everything he wants
To Trump and Vance and their negotiation skill: "Smooth move, Exlax"....
That was just unbelievable. An absolute ambush. Trump just signaled to Putin that he can go ahead and ramp up World war 3. I hope Europe is ready because we are at least 4 years away from helping our friends and allies.
Respect to Zelenskyy. He went into the oval office and stood up to Russia’s best negotiators.
Seriously a day of shame for this country.
"Top Russian official and former president Dmitry Medvedev celebrated what he called President Trump’s “proper slap down” of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday.
“The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office,” Medvedev, the deputy chair of Moscow’s security council and former prime minister of Russia, said in a post on the social platform X."
https://thehill.com/policy/internationa … al-office/Why was Vance even there? Let alone allowed to speak? The man is so inept. He is actually the one that instigated the whole thing . Prodding and poking him, berating him about not being a grateful enough.. really looked like a setup.
Did anyone see little Marco's face? He was really contemplating his life choices.“Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine. We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the ag[g]ressor.
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge” - The European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
“Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.” - Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you.” - Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine.” - Moldova President Maia Sandu.
"We stand with Ukraine in good and in testing times." - Friedrich Merz, likely Germany’s next chancellor
“Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine,” he said. “For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.” - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Btw, "The Trump administration is considering ending all ongoing shipments of military aid to Ukraine." SMHRahm Emanuel says Trump's policies have gone from making us an isolationist country to now making us a predatory country. We are predatory with Canada, Greenland, Panama, and now Ukraine.
Trump is only looking at what's in it for him and his oligarchs who have kissed his ring and given millions for his campaigns. Just follow the money.My view,just the other side of the coin---
The criticism from Rahm Emanuel that Trump's policies have shifted the U.S. from an isolationist stance to a "predatory" one is an oversimplification of the nuanced realities of international relations, particularly in the context of his dealings with Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, and Panama. What Emanuel misses is that Trump's approach to foreign policy was rooted in strengthening America's interests while ensuring that the U.S. was no longer footing the bill for the world’s problems without clear reciprocal benefits.
Trump's "America First" doctrine, which was often labeled as isolationist, sought to eliminate the U.S. as the world's global policeman, burdened with endless commitments that didn't serve the interests of the American people. By pulling back in certain areas, he pushed for fairer trade deals and expected our allies to contribute their fair share, which in some cases included military funding, NATO support, and trade practices that favored American businesses. Far from making the U.S. "predatory," these policies were meant to level the playing field, ensuring that the U.S. was not being taken advantage of.
When it comes to Ukraine, for instance, the U.S. support under Trump was primarily about countering Russian aggression and promoting stability in Europe, which directly impacts U.S. national security interests. There’s no indication that Trump’s support for Ukraine was designed to benefit his personal interests or the interests of oligarchs. If anything, the U.S. military assistance was meant to empower Ukraine to defend itself, especially considering the threats posed by Russia.
As for the claim that Trump’s foreign dealings were driven by "what's in it for him," this is an attempt to paint a cynical, one-dimensional picture. Trump's foreign policy decisions were not just about financial gain but about reshaping global dynamics in ways that ensured American power and influence in the long term. The notion of oligarchs and campaign donations being the driving force behind his decisions ignores the fact that his administration made significant strides in reducing dependence on foreign resources (like energy independence) and focused on securing economic deals that benefited working-class Americans, such as the USMCA deal with Canada and Mexico.
Trump's foreign policy was grounded in self-preservation and pragmatism, not predation. The true question we should be asking is: Would a continuation of a more globalist approach have been more beneficial for the average American citizen, or did Trump’s stance on foreign policy prioritize securing America’s place in the world without unnecessary entanglements?Why is it that Trump wants Ukraine's rare earth mineral deposits and no guarantee of security from Trump? Why does he need Canada to be the 51st state? Why does he want to buy Greenland and control the Panama Canal? From the rest of the world those decisions look predatory and imperialistic.
Trump's and Vance's meeting with Zelensky looked like a protection Mafia scene. . They were trying to intimidate Zelensky into paying for our support. If they put themselves in Zelensky's shoes, it has been a proxy war since the beginning for us and other countries.
He has protected us and the rest of the world from Putin. In other words, he and his people have paid the price to keep Putin in his place with their lives and well being.. What do you think he would do with that money? When he can't even guarantee their security.
He brought the media in to make himself and Vance look good. They may have looked good to MAGA, but to the rest of us, they looked like bullying thugs in a protection racket.. Say thank you or we will beat you up and harm your family. (JD Vance). You don't have the cards, so you better do it our way. (Trump)In my view, Trump's approach to Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal could be seen not as imperialistic but as a strategic recalibration of U.S. interests in a shifting global order. The pursuit of rare earth minerals in Ukraine isn't about conquest but about reducing dependency on China, which currently dominates the global supply. If the U.S. were to gain access to these resources through investment or negotiation, it could ensure economic security and technological independence—something every major power actively seeks. As for Canada, the idea of incorporating it as a "51st state" is more of a rhetorical flourish than a policy initiative, but it does highlight concerns about North American energy security and shared economic interests. Buying Greenland, a move that Denmark itself once considered selling to the U.S., aligns with a broader strategy of securing Arctic resources and countering growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Controlling the Panama Canal, historically vital to U.S. trade and military movement, would prevent adversarial nations from weaponizing global supply chains against America’s economy.
The meeting with Zelensky, rather than a mafia-style shakedown, could be interpreted as a necessary shift in U.S. foreign policy—one that demands accountability for the immense financial and military aid already provided to Ukraine. With over $100 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars sent to Ukraine, some Americans believe it's reasonable to ask for transparency and strategic alignment rather than handing over a blank check. Trump’s and Vance’s stance may appear transactional, but in a realpolitik sense, it acknowledges that Ukraine's war effort is intertwined with U.S. interests—not purely an altruistic endeavor. While Zelensky has undeniably borne the cost of resisting Putin, it’s also true that the war has dragged on without a clear resolution, and asking for financial responsibility isn't the same as extortion.
The media presence at the meeting can also be framed differently. Rather than a vanity exercise, it ensured that discussions were not conducted in secrecy, offering a level of transparency that counteracts the backroom dealings often associated with global diplomacy. Trump and Vance may appeal to the MAGA base, but their message also resonates with a broader audience skeptical of endless foreign entanglements. It’s understandable why some see their posture as aggressive, but to others, it represents a much-needed recalibration of American priorities—one that stops prioritizing foreign conflicts over domestic needs."In my view, Trump's approach to Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal could be seen not as imperialistic but as a strategic recalibration of U.S. interests in a shifting global order. "
That is what I call weasel wording. Isn't that what imperialism is all about, a strategic recalibration of interests in a shifting global order. Historically, nations that have pursued imperialistic policies have done so with the intention of exerting control over other territories they dominate for their own advantage.'"In my view, Trump's approach to Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal could be seen not as imperialistic but as a strategic recalibration of U.S. interests in a shifting global order. Sharlee
I felt my point was clear, but I’ll reword it to better convey what I meant. I don’t think I was trying to weasel out of anything—I was simply sharing my view, even if it’s not a popular one. I’ve definitely strayed from what some people believe, especially when it comes to the idea that Trump is an imperialist. On that point, I’ve completely gone against the crowd.
I don’t believe Trump was trying to be imperialistic. Instead, his approach to Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal seemed more like a strategic adjustment to protect U.S. interests in a changing world.
I think yesterday’s meeting with Zelensky reinforced my perspective. In my view, Trump is clearly thinking strategically, prioritizing U.S. interests while navigating global challenges. His decision to push for an end to U.S. involvement in the Ukraine war reflects a renewed America First agenda—one that seeks to protect American interests through diplomacy and economic opportunities rather than prolonged conflict. The proposed minerals deal was an example of that, offering a path where both nations could benefit instead of continuing down a road of destruction and loss of life. Trump seeks peace, not war. He’s looking to build and strengthen, not to watch more people die and more land be destroyed.
I find it, for lack of a better word, sad that more people do not recognize his stance on war and the death it brings. It’s clear that the narrative has been poisoned for some when it comes to seeing what Trump has gone through and how he continues to stand strong and work hard for American citizens. His world is turned upside down, yet he keeps going. Please consider this phenomenon and, at best, try to have an open mind to both sides of the coin.
Bitterness only seeks to harm the one that harbors it.
He brought the media in to make himself and Vance look good. They may have looked good to MAGA, but to the rest of us, they looked like bullying thugs in a protection racket.. Say thank you or we will beat you up and harm your family. (JD Vance). You don't have the cards, so you better do it our way. (Trump)
Not only to MAGA.
Russian state-media reporter gains access, but is later removed from Trump-Zelenskiy meeting
A reporter from Russia's state-owned news agency gained access to a Friday meeting in the Oval Office between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as they clashed about their different views on how to end the three-year war.
A White House official said that the White House had not permitted entry to the reporter from Russia's TASS, and added that he was removed as soon as press officials were notified of his presence.
A Reuters reporter saw some White House officials check reporter identities and allow the TASS reporter to walk in before the Trump-Zelenskiy meeting began, as the White House officials handpicked journalists who could cover the Oval Office meeting.
It was unclear if the TASS reporter had been allowed into the Oval Office through a mistake by those White House officials, or whether there was a conflict between the press office's plans and the access decisions made by other White House officials.
The White House did not respond to questions posed by Reuters about how the TASS reporter gained entry to the Oval Office.
"TASS was not on the approved list of media for today's pool," a White House official said. "As soon as it came to the attention of press office staff that he was in the Oval, he was escorted out by the Press Secretary."
The U.S. Secret Service didn't immediately respond to comment on the matter. TASS did not respond to a request for comment. The TASS journalist, Dmitry Kirsanov, declined a request for comment.
Reporters from outlets, including Reuters and the Associated Press which have covered the U.S. President's press pool for decades, were stopped by the same White House officials from walking in.
And there is the final piece to the puzzle...
Even when America can correct course to try and avoid disaster by electing a few true Patriots into office to try and steer us clear...
The EU will march the world forward, into yet another world war...
And the people will cheer it on as civilization collapses down around them.
SMH.. indeed...It’s a grim but understandable perspective, especially given the way global conflicts are escalating and how intertwined international alliances have become. The concern that the EU—and, by extension, Western globalists—are pushing toward another large-scale war isn’t unfounded, especially when you look at how deeply entrenched they are in conflicts like Ukraine and the Middle East. While some argue that American leadership, through strong nationalist policies, can prevent disaster, others fear that the inertia of globalist institutions will continue driving the world toward chaos, regardless of who holds power in the U.S.
The real question is whether enough people recognize what’s happening before it’s too late. History has shown that wars often begin with manufactured consent—citizens being convinced that intervention is necessary for democracy, human rights, or security. But as we’ve seen time and time again, the ones pushing hardest for war aren’t the ones who fight or suffer the consequences. If the U.S. doesn’t take a hard stance on self-preservation and economic independence, it risks being dragged along with the EU’s ambitions, whether the American people want it or not. That’s why this next phase of leadership is critical—because if the wrong decisions are made now, reversing course later may not be an option.
I was pleased, and relieved, to see President Trump and J.D. Vance handle this meeting showing strength and transparency, lay out the truth, and most of all make it clear the U.S. will no longer be involved with the war if negotiations are not on the table. In my view, this was the first time I have ever seen Trump get angry. I can only imagine what the NATO nations are thinking about now. I also feel like you—they now will have a full-scale, no-holds-barred war on their hands. Russia will become more aggressive, where Europe will need to send in their own. I feel content to be out of this mess. I truly hope Trump keeps to what he said: "Come back when you want to negotiate."Wasn't it you who said not too long ago that Putin should get out of Ukraine and that he shouldn't be given a single inch of Ukrainian land? Trump wanted a minerals deal with no security assurances given to Ukraine... Based on Putin's history of breaking deals, you really think Trump was negotiating in good faith?
I think you may be referring to a heartfelt comment I shared with Mike..
I did offer Mike a sentiment that clearly expressed my hope that Ukraine could regain its land, I pray for it—that would be the best outcome. Just my thoughts on what would be optimal. However, I did not claim nor did Mike ask me what I believed the final outcome would be. I certainly hope Ukraine could get back all its land, but will this happen? I doubt it very much. That doesn’t mean I can’t wish for it, especially for the sake of the people living through this nightmare—including Mike’s family, who are directly affected.
As for Trump’s negotiation strategy, the assumption that he was not acting in good faith is speculation. If anything, his approach was about leveraging economic deals rather than pouring endless resources into a prolonged war. Given Putin’s history, trusting any agreement is always a risk—but that applies to any administration trying to broker peace. The question is whether prolonging this conflict indefinitely, without a clear path to Ukraine regaining all its land, is the better alternative.
I felt the meeting was well handled. Trump laid his cards out with clear transparency, showed strength, and clarity—pure Trump. I voted for his agenda, trusting that he would handle foreign affairs with strength and transparency, and I could not have been more pleased with how he is handling the problem of the Ukraine war. Peace or hit the road.
During negotiations, President Trump suggested that having American business interests in Ukraine could serve as a form of implicit security assurance, as the U.S. would naturally have a vested interest in stability where its companies were operating. However, providing explicit security guarantees would have been unwise, as it could have drawn the U.S. into a conflict initiated by Ukraine or one in which American involvement was neither planned nor desired. If the U.S. had formally committed to Ukraine’s defense, it could have been obligated to respond militarily in situations beyond its control, escalating tensions with Russia and potentially leading to a larger war. By avoiding explicit assurances, Trump’s approach seemed to prioritize economic cooperation while keeping the U.S. from making binding commitments that could entangle it in an unpredictable and costly conflict.
Zelensky put forth an insulting deal that would have been very unwise. Remarkably, some don’t think beyond the fodder, what they are being led to believe by the media. Sad and disgusting in my view."Zelensky put forth an insulting deal
What deal was that?? I think I need to remind folks here that Russia invaded Ukraine. What is the deal being put forward by putin? What are his assurances he is bringing to the negotiation table?
Insightful....
Collective manufactured consent....
So easily done in the past ...tbd on how in this new age of information... it may be reality is too hard a thing to hide... that is why people in the EU are losing all their free speech abilities online.Ken, that's just my view, but I feel this war was manufactured from the start—and badly at that. It certainly backfired because of Trump. He made his position clear: peace or get lost. I loved the open meeting yesterday. Zelensky was trying to gain media support, but his BS got shut down right away.
I’d think Trump would be pleased with the outcome. Now he can wash his hands of it and focus on America. Could he have roped him in the open meeting, realizing in the closed meeting that Zelensky wasn’t here for peace but just for more cash?The war was manufactured? You mean Putin invading a sovereign nation?
Zelensky is a wartime leader watching his people suffer and die under Russian attacks every day. To be lectured and lied to by Trump and Vance, as they defend the war criminal dictator committing these atrocities, was unbelievable... An everlasting shame for America.
What is the deal Putin is offering in these negotiations? He invaded. What are his peace offerings?
And what was Trump offering? For Ukraine to make a minerals deal and receive no security assurances? Other than Trump saying we can trust Putin...LMFAO. What has history shown us on that matter??At this point, even engaging with such an attitude makes me feel unintelligent. and as I am feeding into something that is not healthy. You don't seem to research both sides of any media report, and much of the time, present debate that can't be followed up with sources. Indeed, at times you ignore facts, and just divert or fail to address what I shared.
I hope you can refrain from replying to my comments, and I’ll do the same. I have a few people here whose views I respect and enjoy conversing with, but unfortunately, you are not one of them. I hope my comment came across as polite, yet straightforward. No one can accuse me of not being straightforward.I hope you are willing to enlist... heck with that passion you should be over there right now fighting this war.
At the very least, I hope you have donated every cent you can spare to helping the Ukrainians end this war.Folks keep ignoring the Putin part, as if he doesn't exist. As if he has no role in this war. As if his unchecked power has no consequences. Very odd
Hmmm... who puts a check on America's unchecked power?
When Russia/Putin said NO... I don't want NATO and American missiles on MY Border, just a few hundred miles from Moscow...
Biden said F_U... no compromise, no negotiations...
When Russia said we are going to protect the Russian speaking people of Crimea and the Donbas regions, whom are asking for our protection... and all the details and facts that went into the hundreds of years that bring us to where we are now, in Ukraine...
Obama (with Biden spearheading our interference in Ukraine), then Trump, were negotiating and working to avoid war...
Biden couldn't wait to start it, had his lapdog Zelensky crying to anyone who would listen that Ukraine would NO MATTER THE COST get Crimea back... Crimea that had requested and been granted acceptance into the Russian Republic nearly 10 years prior...
Biden and Zelensky sought this war... sought the ruination of Putin and Russia... and they failed.
To continue to support this epic failure will only bring our downfall and destruction... not Russia.
Russia is defending its borders and people from OUR invasion into its nation and sphere of influence.
America is the Asshole in this war... the world is tired of America toppling nation after nation and leaving ruination in its wake... they are gathering to oppose our belligerence.
You know, you "lefties" are funny... you are pissed when Trump talks about the need to secure Greenland from China and Russia... but you want him to escalate the war so we can control Ukraine.
Maybe if we weren't funding all these proxy wars and 'Democracy Building' NGOs we wouldn't be fast tracking to being 50 Trillion dollars in debt and having the rest of the world aligning against us?The title of this forum is Did Ukraine Start This War? The answer is an unequivocal no. Did Putin start the war? Yes, he did by invading a sovereign nation. What is his motive. He wants to make Russia Great Again by grabbing the land mass that belonged to the Soviet Union.
His problem is he is using asymmetrical warfare to invade the country. Every time these tactics are used, there is no clear winner or loser. We have done it in every war since WWII. Netanyahu invaded the Gaza Strip and turned it into rubble and made refugees of the people who lived there.
Trump asked Zelensky if he wanted peace and of course he said yes. Trump said pay us back for all the money that Biden has spent and give us some land in return for Biden’s expenses and then maybe we can talk, but I'm not going to guarantee you any security and then maybe I will talk to Putin.
Trump is driven by his underlying narcissism and his need to be a master con-artist. Possibly, if Zelensky had shown some admiration to Trump, the meeting wouldn’t have gone off the rails. Plus, he had his VP there to gang up on Zelensky and chosen TV media outlets.
There are some on this forum who say that is one of Trump’s means to show transparency. I believe it was all political theater for MAGA and to show how tough Trump can be. I believe the rest of the world see it as a sad state of affairs for Zelensky.
Instead of this being a positive for Trump and company, this could blow up in their faces. I believe Trump and Musk are not capable of empathy, but I will save that for another forum.Russia did first blood as Rambo would call it. Full stop. Russia invaded Ukraine, not the other way around.
It is a war between a dictatorship/oligarchy against a democracy.
Russia invaded a sovereign country.
Now you can talk about all that happened before the war. But diplomacy is not the same as killing people with bullets.
You basically say that it is okay to invade a country and start killing people if diplomacy does not work. In this way you give a card blanch to many dictatorships, like China, to invade Taiwan."You basically say that it is okay to invade a country and start killing people if diplomacy does not work. In this way you give a card blanch to many dictatorships, like China, to invade Taiwan." peterstreep
Ken has expressed from the beginning, when Russia was massing troops on Ukraine’s border for months, that peace negotiations were necessary—with the U.S. demonstrating strength in those talks. Common sense tells me this would have been the best approach. However, little negotiation took place, and Biden was not at the center of what did occur. It is clear that Zelensky believes he must continue the war, and while that is his decision, I believe it is time for the U.S. to step up with real strength to bring an end to the war, the destruction, and the loss of life. Walking away may be the only way to accomplish this. At that point, it will be up to the remaining NATO nations to decide if they will continue supporting the war, and whatever horrific consequences follow will be on their hands.
In my view, Trump is on the side of peace—focused on stopping the carnage and fostering rebuilding through a strong deal with the U.S. that could provide security for Ukraine and encourage investment from other nations. The “pound-the-chest” attitude is disheartening, especially since it’s not other nations being reduced to rubble or losing their people in this war. In my opinion, the liberal mindset on this issue is deeply skewed.Peace through capitulation to an aggressor? Not sure why maga doesn't see that Putin was not interested in negotiation then any more than he is interested in it today. He has clearly laid out his demands.
No one in the general public has seen or reported the recent talks Trump has had with Putin. Your comment makes little sense, and presents old information. Putin had not shared anything nor has Trump in their conversations. But it looks like you have an inside track on what these two men are talking about.
Don't think it matters what Trump has said to Putin...
"Putin remains committed to war, Kremlin rejects ceasefire without Ukraine’s full capitulation...
Russia’s FM Lavrov insists on battlefield “realities” and Ukraine’s ban from NATO, while Putin frames Kyiv’s full retreat as a “compromise,” despite no concessions in return.
Lavrov reiterated that Moscow would only end military operations if a peace settlement fully aligns with Russia’s strategic objectives. Russian state media Channel One (Pervyi Kanal) summarized his statements, emphasizing that “[Russia] will only end combat operations” under conditions that serve Russian interests.
The Kremlin continues to insist that Ukraine must withdraw from territories currently under Kyiv’s control in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. Ryabkov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s June 2024 demands – including Ukraine’s full retreat from these regions and permanent abandonment of NATO aspirations – constitute a “significant compromise” that should serve as a basis for future negotiations. Despite presenting these demands as “balanced,” Russia offers no reciprocal concessions."
https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/02/25/ … itulation/
Russia is the country that invaded Ukraine, not the other way around. Peace could stop any moment if Russia takes all it's soldiers back to Russia.
Now Russia don't want to do that, it even uses North-Korean soldiers.
If you refer to Zelensky with a "pound on the chest" attitude, that's not what I saw when I looked at the disgusting interaction between Vance and Zelensky. This was something unheard of in diplomacy. The European reaction however today is that the US can't be seen as partners any more, and the US has isolated itself.
Zelensky was voted in in piece time. By a democratic vote. He has been thrown into this war and is a remarkable leader. Stronger than Putin thought. As Putin gambled on the inexperience of the newly elected Zelensky and marched over the border to occupy Ukraine. Putin didn't even see it as a war but a special military operation.There is still time for you to head to the front lines and fight this war...
I fully support anyone who believes as you do to go to Ukraine and fight on their behalf... otherwise, if you aren't willing to fight, if you don't believe in your position that strongly... stop suggesting that others be forced to go fight and die... that more of Ukraine be turned in to a wasteland.
That would be the reasonable thing to do...
Or we can end a war we are losing before it gets much worse.
After all this war IS being conducted IN Russia... NOT America... NOT Europe... Ukraine is NOT Europe... NOT NATO... it is because the effort is being made to bring Ukraine into our sphere of influence and control that this war is occurring... and that is the core of the truth.
And we will be as successful in this endeavor... of taking Crimea out of the Russian Republic... as we were converting Afghanistan into a 'Western nation'.I agree, and I think it's fair that those who feel Trump was unreasonable to not agree to offering the Ukraine Military security in perpetuity, also to offer this deal from their nation.... I mean, have you ever witnessed such a lack of common sense? It's like the silly old cereal ad "give it to Mikie he will eat anything" LOL Itis so hard to offer a polite reply here anymore. How can one even placate these attitudes?
Does this individual not realize if we made such an agreement Russia would go ballistic? Yeah, the US sitting on their border. OMG What the hell is wrong here Ken?Zelensky is a left-over of the idiots and idiocy that perpetuated this war in the first place.
Understanding that 'the West' in its efforts to pull Ukraine out of Russia's sphere of influence and into OUR sphere of influence and control is what caused this war.
Our hubris that believed Putin would be overthrown by his people, our arrogance that believed Russia could not sustain the war for more than a year and we could wipe their military out in a proxy war.
But in general... it is just one more failure in a litany of failures of the Biden Administration. One we need to end a quickly as possible.I agree—can you imagine if Biden or Harris were president and decided to put American troops on the Russian border? It would probably lead to an ongoing conflict, potentially spiraling into a world war, not to mention the endless costs. But it looks like Trump might come out on top in the end—his approach is working. The EU is stepping up, at least saying they’ll contribute troops, and there's likely a major mineral deal in the works. You've got to give him credit for that. Now, I’m just waiting for the next move—pulling our troops out of Europe. Hey, it was a promise.
I am so enjoying all of this.The EU is not stepping up... it is siding with the lunacy that allowed us to get to this point.
The EU is delusional... they are fast tracking to bankruptcy... China is replacing all of their industrial base, China even now is buying up their factories in Germany and elsewhere.
These fools that are in control of the EU think they are in control of the world, they are in denial of reality, they only make things worse... for everyone, increasing the suffering of their own people as well as the Ukrainians and Russians.
The arrogance of the "leadership" in the EU is beyond the pale, it makes the Biden Administration look positively brilliant in comparison.Ken, yeah, it's lunacy, but it's the kind of lunacy we've walked away from for now. It seems like this group believes Russia will accept troops on their border and somehow come to a peace settlement. I’m not so sure about that—it could easily escalate into back-and-forth fighting. But honestly, I’m fine with letting the EU handle their own wars. We've been watching this nonsensical conflict for three years. I think stepping back was the best move at this point. These people never seem to consider that Russia is a ticking time bomb, and I don’t want our troops caught up in it if it blows. I get where you're coming from and I agree, but for now, I’m actually happy with Trump's strategy. I think he’s used some solid common sense on this issue as it stands today. Tomorrow might bring more complications in peace talks, but I just hope Trump keeps us out of the EU’s dealings.
Who said anything about perpetuity? In Trump's first term he met with Putin behind closed doors.. No one knows what the outcome of that meeting was. I believe they were plotting a new world order where Trump and Putin were going to expand their reach. Putin to bring back as much of the land that belonged to the Soviet Union and Trump to expand his reach into Panama, Greenland, and Canada for strategic reasons.
Both of them see NATO and Zelensky as obstacles in their plan. Trump is currently harassing Zelensky on his posts. However Zelensky is in meetings with the UK and other NATO countries to address ways to support Ukraine without Trump's support.
If Trump truly wanted peace, he would have gone to Putin first, but one of the symptoms of narcissism is admiring those who have more power than you. The headlines today: Moscow reacts with glee to Trump berating Zelensky, and pushes on with restoring US ties That is not a sign of peace. The only time there will be peace is when Putin pulls out of Ukraine and lets those people live in peace.Fact--- Trump has been communicating with Putin from day one. He has shared that fact in news conferences. He refused to speak of their conversation to the media openly. You have assumed that Trump is not communicating with Putin. Fact shows he is, by his own admissions.
Fact--- If you researched the demands of Zelensky, he has asked, mind you asked, the US to agree to --- "While there were discussions about the United States providing security guarantees to Ukraine in exchange for access to its mineral resources, the finalized agreement did not include specific commitments such as the permanent stationing of U.S. troops in Ukraine. President Trump stated that the United States would not offer significant security guarantees as part of the minerals deal."
https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-u … ion=global
I agree Trump has harassed Zelensky verbally over social media. This is not something I approve of. But he does use social media to share his open thoughts. Hey free speech can be a bitch.What I meant about going to Putin first is to have a face-to-face meeting with him, like he did with Zelensky for the world to see and hear. The meeting with Zelensky was all political theater with selected media being there.
Maga viewers may have seen him as tough guy, but the rest of the world saw him as running a protection racket, except Putin. He was giddy with joy..
Your 2nd paragraph and the link provide inconclusive information that can't be acted on. I believe the EU and Zelensky are going to tell Trump to go pound sand.
Just like when Trump tried to put tariffs on selling agriculture to other countries, they went elsewhere for their produce. Trump then had to subsidize the farmers for lack of income. All though he claimed, he made 39 billion out of the deal. It was all a lie.
You are right, free speech can be a bitch, but Trump and company should be ashamed of themselves for treating a head of state of a sovereign nation with such disrespect in front of the world. I'm pretty sure they don't see America as Great Again.All my view---- If Trump had met with Putin first, the media would have exploded, calling him a puppet or worse. Meeting with Zelensky first wasn’t just political theater—it was a message. It showed that Trump is willing to engage but on his own terms, not Ukraine’s or the establishment’s. Zelensky wanted more U.S. aid, but Trump made it clear that his focus is on peace, not endless funding.
A face-to-face with Putin could still happen, but let’s be real—Putin doesn’t need a public spectacle. Trump has always said he can negotiate better deals behind closed doors, and that’s likely how he’d approach Putin. The meeting with Zelensky was strategic; it put Trump in control of the narrative and reinforced that he’s the one calling the shots, not playing by the rules of the political elite. If anything, the selective media access just proves how carefully this was handled. It wasn’t just for show—it was a preview of how Trump would handle this war differently.
Trump’s tariffs had a mix of wins and losses, but some definitely worked in his favor. The China tariffs pushed China into the Phase One trade deal, where they agreed to buy $200 billion in U.S. goods. They didn’t meet all their commitments, but the tariffs forced them to negotiate and shifted U.S.-China trade policy. The steel and aluminum tariffs helped boost U.S. production, reopening some plants, though they also raised costs for industries that rely on those materials. The washing machine tariffs were a clear win—companies like Whirlpool saw a boost, and LG and Samsung even opened U.S. factories to avoid the tariffs, though prices for consumers went up about 12%. The solar panel tariffs were meant to protect U.S. manufacturers from China, but they also made solar energy projects more expensive. In the end, tariffs on steel, aluminum, and washing machines had the best results, while the China trade war was a mixed bag—it helped some industries but hurt farmers and raised prices. Whether they were worth it depends on what you value more: protecting American industries or keeping prices low.
Trump didn’t disrespect Zelensky—Zelensky came to that meeting knowing Trump’s stance: stop asking for endless U.S. aid and start negotiating for peace. That’s not disrespect; that’s reality. The war has dragged on for years, costing billions, and Trump made it clear that under his leadership, the U.S. won’t be a blank check for Ukraine. During the meeting, discussions were expected to focus on a mutual deal regarding mineral rights for the U.S. However, Zelensky appeared on TV and demanded security assurances and continued military aid in exchange for signing the deal. He knew full well that Trump was done supporting the war. If anything, he treated Zelensky like an equal, not someone who can just demand American resources without question. And let’s be honest—Ukraine isn’t entitled to endless support just because it’s a sovereign nation. Trump has always prioritized American interests first, and if that means telling Ukraine to figure out a real path to peace instead of prolonging a war, then so be it. If other countries don’t see America as "Great Again" because we stop handing out unlimited aid, that says more about them than about Trump. Leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about making the right decisions for your own country.But the meeting in the oval office wasn't about any of what you mention... It was to sign a mineral rights deal.
Please make me understand:
Why did the market drop over 600 points right after Trump made his tariffs announcement?
What do you think Putin means, when right after the Zelensky meeting, he says, "Trump's foreign policy aligns with his"?
You said, "Trump can negotiate better deals with Putin behind closed doors, he doesn't need the spectacle", but yet he made a spectacle out of Zelensky's meeting just to show he is in control of the narrative.
Why is Zelensky not afforded the same protocol as Putin, behind closed doors? They are both Presidents of sovereign nations. Trump even allowed questions from the "selected" media about Zelensky not wearing a formal suit.
Why is it that Musk can come to high-level meetings in a tee shirt and a ball camp, but yet Zelensky has to wear a formal suit? He was wearing the uniform of his people for god's sake.
You call it strategically controlling the narrative, I call it berating a head of state to make him look weak, like a mafia protection takedown. He may look weak to Maga, but Trump looks weak to the rest of the world in my opinion.
You implied that Zelensky wants endless funding and Trump wants peace. It's not about funding. It's about Putin getting out of Ukraine without taking any of the land from Ukraine.
If that is not achieved, it will be an endless war of attrition. I have said this before. If a country is invaded by another country, it has to control the entire land mass of that country, not just bits and pieces of it. That is asymmetrical warfare and there are no clear winners or losers. That's what Putin is doing with Ukraine.
A general once said, "if you want to control a city, you have to turn it into rubble." That is precisely what Netanyahu has done with Gaza. But that is another story.The market is now down 730...and dropping. What a mess this bunch has gotten us into
Its not dropping fast enough for me... would love to see drop considerably more... best time to buy is when everyone else is selling.
But, you had better hope that it rebounds sooner rather than later or you are going to "take a bath".....
If you are emotional in your trades, or a poor swing trader... yes you can lose money easily.
I had to sit on a couple hundred shares of Tesla waiting for it to cross $400, for two years I believe. But it eventually did, and I sold, and now I wait to buy back on the cheap.
Every trader has his methods.My hats off to you as an obviously successful trader, taking infinite patience and having nerves of steel. I got caught up in the day trader craze of the 1990s and had dreams of wealth beyond imagination. But Back then, during the days of the “BlackBerry”, it was difficult to find the tools to monitor your trades on a full time basis and on the fly. But, while I admire the success and refined skill of people who do this, like you, I made too many mistakes. But, I learned a little since then and probably would do better now.
It only became possible for someone like myself due to technology of the last ten years.
From the free flow of economic information that can be easily collected and followed via the internet, to Aps that allow you to make a trade in a seconds time on your phone.
To almost no transactional costs, unlike even a few years ago.
Its one of the reasons I pay attention to what is going on in the world... not nearly as much for politics as you imagine.
Its amazing the story of Elon Musk... history is going to immortalize him like Nikoli Tesla and Thomas Edison, if he gets to Mars, past them, past Michael Angelo... to dabble into so many things... and keep pulling of the impossible...
The guy launches 300 rockets a year... sometimes 5 in one week just on Cape Canaveral. While building the worlds largest Auto company... of EVs... that no one wanted 10 years ago.... while creating a new Satellite Network vastly superior to anyone else that our own government piggy backs off of... and creating Neuralink... and the most advanced AI in the world... and taking over twitter... and now tearing through the obscene waste and fraud of government spending... Whew... that is ten people's lifetimes or more!I give credit where it is due but I also acknowledge that everybody is ignorant just on different subjects, according to Will Rogers. While you may well be good at the markets that does not make you expert in other areas, where I do have experience and knowledge.
Cmon, what kind of man gloats while ripping the government apart and given authority for firing people without cause? A nut running around with a chainsaw. there are many aspects that are lacking in his personality and character as far as I am concerned. Looking at the “man”, I don’t consider him a deity, not by a long shot. We all have a world view, I have not been convinced by you that your views, which aligns with the very worse of the Republican objectives, is correct from an objective standpoint.
"Why did the market drop over 600 points right after Trump made his tariffs announcement?" PP
You want me to explain why the market will react to tariffs? All I can say is—it absolutely WILL and it won’t be pretty, AS WE SEE THIS AM. But let me remind you, Trump never hid his plan to use tariffs.. He campaigned openly on using tariffs, so no one should be surprised. He is attempting to bring, once and for all, free, fair trade. I can understand all views on this issue. I happen to be on board with the Trump tariffs to bring a better, more even trade. I look to building a new, not remaining in the status quo. I realize eggs need to be broken to create better trade. That is my view.
"What do you think Putin means, when right after the Zelensky meeting, he says, "Trump's foreign policy aligns with his"? PP
Can't find a quote from Putin on the statement---I do know following the recent heated meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, the Kremlin has noted a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, suggesting it now "largely aligns" with Russia's vision. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said ---Trump administration's actions are "rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations," aligning closely with Russia's interests. I have no way of knowing what Putin and Trump have shared in their phone conversations. Trump has not shared one word on that.
"You said, "Trump can negotiate better deals with Putin behind closed doors, he doesn't need the spectacle", but yet he made a spectacle out of Zelensky's meeting just to show he is in control of the narrative." PP
I can only share my perspective, but I believe Trump understands the importance of careful negotiation and knows how to assess his opponents. I don’t think he anticipated what happened during that press conference. Everything was going smoothly until Zelensky brought up his expectation for the U.S. to keep providing aid and military support. Trump didn’t hesitate, cutting him off right there and, being Trump, he gave his own blunt take on the war to Zelensky. I will remind you they had a closed door meeting, it appeared that Zelensky brought some of what was said behind closed doors, and angered Trump.
I'm not sure why Trump brought up Zelensky not wearing a suit, but it’s common for leaders to wear one when visiting the White House as a sign of respect. I can’t even imagine the reaction if Trump showed up in gold clothes to a meeting—imagine what the left would say. Musk isn't a world leader, but I get your point. Trump wasn’t trying to berate Zelensky, and if you watch the video, you'll see that. He stayed calm until Zelensky mentioned that the U.S. would feel the effects of the war, even with the protection of an ocean. After that, Trump spoke his mind, and Zelensky did too. You can find the video on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch0q31cfEIQ.
Trump is trying to bring peace, I give him great credit, when he says that doesn't happen, he’ll walk away. Zelensky should, at best, allow the U.S. to try to broker peace. Trump made a lot of good points throughout the exchange. Negotiations need to be given a real chance.
Omg...with humans, it's hard to farthan peace. Give Trump, a chance?
Thanks for your reply. I don’t think you fully understood my comment. I never claimed that Ukraine attacked Russia or was responsible for the war in any way. As you pointed out, "Russia is the country that invaded Ukraine, not the other way around."
I also did not insult Zelensky’s leadership. However, I believe that during negotiations, it’s unwise to take a confrontational stance, and in my view, he did just that—publicly—on YouTube. This is simply my opinion. I also feel that he made an extraordinary demand by asking the U.S. to provide security in perpetuity. Perhaps your own country could make such a commitment in the form of a binding agreement.
It seems some have overlooked the enormous financial burden this would place on American taxpayers. Yes, there are Americans who would support such a gesture, but many of them are not well-informed about the reality of our national debt, which is already outrageous due to excessive spending. From a common-sense perspective, why should the U.S. take on such a massive cost?
Additionally, many will soon be upset because one of Trump’s key promises was to bring U.S. troops home and end America’s role in providing global military security. That was part of the agenda Americans voted for. Given that, I’m not sure why Zelensky would even make such a demand.
I understand that we have very different views on this issue, and I appreciate your response. I've shared my perspective, and at this point, I think further debate would lead to a standstill, so I'll step away from the discussion. I would be pleased to just give you the last word.Hi Sharlee, if I read your comment wrongly, sorry about that. And thank you for giving me a chance to explain myself. You have your opinion and I won't spar with it. Thanks for sharing. So I will give you my own thoughts about the matter.
Basically Russia is a Dictatorship, a one party democracy with a leader who rules with absolute power.
Ukraine is a Democracy. These two things matter to me. I think you should always defend democracies in this world. And if in this case a dictatorship is invading a democracy than I think the other democracies in this world have to support Ukraine and not a dictatorship.
This is the core of my support for Ukraine.
I have the same principle with Israel and Gaza. I support Israel because it is a democracy and Gaza is a dictatorship ruled by Hamas. Although I'm completely against Netanyahu's policy and the way he handles the war. But Netanyahu can be voted out by a democratic vote, Hamas not.
As the US is openly supporting Russia, (Voting together with Russia against the UN resolution about Ukraine) and with the diplomatic debacle live on tv.
The US has isolated itself. Europe has a complete different point of view towards the conflict. And not only because it is closer to home. But also because diplomatic values are being broken. The attitude (and you will see it perhaps different) pr. Trump and especially vice pr. Vance had towards Zelenskyy is unheard of and incredible unprofessional. Perhaps this is because Trump is a business man and not a politician. But in situations like these a business attitude is not how it works.
No matter how you look at it, this diplomatic debacle had as a consequence that Europe distances itself from the US as a partner. This has many consequences. For example Europe and the US share many military and police information. And data about I don't know what. This sharing of information could well be put in the freezer. If on top of that the US want's to go ahead with economic tariffs against Europe, the long lasting friendship will be over. With an economic crisis as a result.
Many things are connected in this global world we live in. And if the US wants to stop playing the police in the world, I think it will have dangerous consequences.Who will fill the gap? Who will take over the role of the police? China? (I hope not) Policing is the responsibility of being the boss. It costs to be the boss.
If the US stops with policing, more and more sea pirates will make transport unsafe.. More attacks on internet lines in the ocean will follow. More conflicts worldwide. The list is huge. Stop policing the world will cost the US and other nations in many ways and the question is, is it worth it, to pull the plug and only look at your own country. In today's world, world economies are connected. The parts of a car are made in many different countries. Stocks and shares are sold world wide and if the Dow Jones goes down, so go other stock exchanges, and the other way around.
And so what happens in the Ukraine today is of worldwide consequences. For the US to step away from what is happening there is loosing control and perhaps more important face. If Russia can attack a neighboring country and get away with a big chunk of land, so why can't China? If the US is not stopping them and playing the police, what will happen? China taking Taiwan means that China owns the most important computer hardware made in the world.
Any way, things are always more complicated than at first glance. And of course we all hope that this terrible war (and also the one in Gaza) will end as soon as possible. Hopefully Russia excepts a ceasefire so negotiations can take place.That most likely is the goal the other way around as well... The Trump Administration has no desire to carry the EU's water... does not want to foot the bill for their needs, be they military or energy.
America is BROKE...
China is buying up everything in the EU and the EU is letting it happen while it squabbles with Russia trying to pull Ukraine out of its sphere of influence.
Fine... the EU and UK can continue its spat with Russia... without the US.
Old plans from a bygone time when America was truly the sole world power and no other nation was close.
That is not the case today... China was allowed to gut our Industrial base and is currently doing that and more to the EU... meanwhile Russia is shipping its energy and material resources to China and India... resources that once went to the EU and helped its economy thrive.
The EU is screwed... when the US stops fighting wars for it... in the Ukraine and Middle East... the economic woes it will suffer will be severe.
Choosing to pick this fight with Russia has cost them immensely... doubling down on their failed efforts will make things much worse, the words recession and depression are ill suited to describe what is in store for the EU if they pursue this course and Ukraine does not sue for peace... soon.I agree with you that China is becoming the world dominant super power.
But because of this it is more than ever that the west (EU and US) should work together to encounter this problem.
The US has chosen at this stage to alienate itself from Europe, which makes the position of both the US and Europe weaker.
If the US and Europe work together there is much more chance to create a space for democratic values.
If we choose to implode, the direction Trump is going to, the world dominance that is already incredibly weak will go. But also the cultural dominance will go. Hollywood will be a thing of the past and more and more Chinese films and art, design and with it values will take over the west.
The whole strange thing about the war in Ukraine shows actually how weak Russia is. Russia was unable to conquer Ukraine. Something that was unthinkable in the ´60.
Also the GDP of Russia is small. It's comparable with the GDP of Italy! And we are taking about Europe. So basically Russia should not be a threat.
Helping Ukraine should not be such a big issue you would say.
But yes, as you say the US has overstretched itself. And it is not possible for the US to fight and in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East and in the Chinese Sea.
Basically if China would attack Taiwan today, I don't think the US could do much against it. But it could do something against Russia and make a stronger pact with Europe to fight a global force against western values (Extrem Islam and China).
So I think the US makes the wrong choice here for not helping Ukraine, and making a pact with Europe. But I guess it's how you look at it.
If you look at Trump though, you could argue that he does fight war with tariffs. But if you want to make an economic war, why not make an economic war with Russia? Why not hurt Putin where it counts and freeze all Russian assets?
Trump is talking about tariffs against Canada, Mexico, Europe and China. But not a word about Russia. Why not? It would be a strong weapon to end the war. Hit Putin where it hurts. Money. Freeze all Russian assets in the US.Peterstreep, your last paragraphy hold the truth. Trump is too friendly with Putin. But why didn't biden do it, I'm wondering.
Your perspective is completely out of touch with reality.
You are putting the efforts of China and Russia, their collective think tanks, their experts and analysts... at your level of intelligence and understanding.
The equivalent of me saying I am just as informed and intelligent as Elon Musk.
There are games within games... moves within moves... America and its EU allies have only harmed themselves.
You think any of the BS that went on during the Biden Administration wasn't expected?
You think Putin and Xi hadn't figured out what was going to be attempted?
After America (and its allies) toppled and occupied Afghanistan and Iraq... and toppled Libya and Syria turning once functional nations into hellscapes on earth...
You think they didn't see Biden and his Administration of Misfits coming?
Come on... get real... the UAE and Saudi Arabia are partnered with BRICS now... half the world has lined up to join them or already have.
Russia is far more powerful and influential today than it was in 2020.
China sits back and lets us waste our economic and military might across the globe.
You really think Dementia Joe and the criminally idiotic and out of touch leadership in DC, the UK and the EU... the ones supporting wide open borders and cultural suicide... were outsmarting and outmaneuvering Putin and Xi?
Hate to tell you this, those arrogant Fs you call your leaders in the EU are so out of touch, and have been so badly outplayed by their competition, I don't see how the EU survives the next 4 years without completely collapsing.
What are you talking about...again, your perception is...
Biden did what for the last four years?
Put as much pressure on other nations to sanction Russia as possible, perhaps?
Froze and seized all the assets they could get their hands on?
The Biden Administration said Russia could not fight this war for two years without collapsing...
That was said over three years ago?
Russia is doing just fine... while the EU economy is doing what?
What is Germany's economic outlook for 2025?The BRIC may seem strong but it is at it's beginning. And does not have a integrated systems of laws like the EU. It may well grow stronger in the future but that is speculation. As it is a melting pot of cultures and different attitudes.
But even more so a reason that the US should work together with Europe and not against it. The US makes itself weaker and Europe too, to isolate itself.
I haven't said anything about Biden.You haven't said anything about Biden... but that is where this truly began, the escalation and continued war with Russia... the cutting off of oil and gas from Russia to Germany and the EU... resources critical for fertilizer from Russia... raw minerals to make into auto components from Russia...
When the EU got on board with the Biden Administration's desire to reclaim Crimea from Russia, to use it as leverage to pit the whole world against Russia, so that it could be toppled and regime change would allow the US, EU, UK to put in a pro-Western puppet... they chose the losing side.
And in turn, became the biggest losers, other than Ukraine, for it.
It is the EU's economy that is in shambles... not Russia's.
There is nothing to be done, other than escalate the war against Russia, than to admit their efforts FAILED... and get to the negotiation table and try to salvage what is left of Ukraine.
Anything else will only lead to further economic hardships for the EU... and continued lives lost... Crimea was never going back to the Ukraine without a full blown World War and millions upon millions being slaughtered.
Anyone that doesn't realize that by now is not cognizant of the military and economic issues relevant to this.You completely ignore the fact that Russia is the aggressor for years on end. Not just under Biden or Trump. If you had sided with Russia in the '70 you would have been seen as a traitor and a commie..
Russia has not really changed. In the '40 it was a one party country with a dictator and today it is a one party country with a dictator.
Since the '90 Russia has been highly aggressive and today the president of the United states is best friends with this dictator.
It is not Europe nor the US who killed people in these countries. Russia/Putin pulls the trigger and not the other way around.
Negotiations and war are two different things. If Ukraine becomes a member of the NATO it will not kill anybody. If a Russian army invades a independent country it kills people. There is a huge difference there.
Transnistria War (1990–1992)
First Chechen War (1994–1996)
Second Chechen War (1999–2009)
Russo-Georgian War (2008)
Annexation of Crimea (2014)
War in Donbas (2014–2022)
Intervention in Syria (2015–Present)
Russo-Ukrainian War (2022–Present)
And tell me. How many wars has NATO started?So .... ... what.
Let me reiterate.
There is nothing to be done, other than escalate the war against Russia.
OR
Admit their efforts FAILED... and get to the negotiation table and try to salvage what is left of Ukraine.
Putin is stronger not weaker than 4 years ago. Russia is stronger not weaker than 4 years ago.
Continuing the war will lead to further economic hardships for the EU... and continued lives lost...
These are facts... not opinions.
Crimea was never going back to Ukraine without a full blown World War and millions upon millions being slaughtered... and just as likely a global nuclear war as Crimea being shunted back to Ukraine.
Anyone that doesn't realize these realities by now is not cognizant of the military and economic issues relevant to this.
But I am all for Ukraine and the EU doing what they want to do... so long as the Trump Administration keeps our money and our troops out of it.
It was Biden's arrogance and ignorance that supported, if not instigated, Zelensky's world tour efforts in 2021 to demand Crimea be taken back from Russia.
I have no... as in none... respect for Biden, his former warmongering lunatics that thought Russia would collapse after a year or two... and certainly none for Zelensky.
They are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dead... millions more whose lives have been ruined... because they didn't want to accept reality.... that Crimea was part of the Russian Republic and there was no way to change that.
Short of a massive, global, civilization altering war.
Nothing has changed... other than my certainty that only the worst war in human history could possibly alter that... not after all that Russia has suffered in this war.
See... that's the thing... I see reality... I recognize the OTHER side sees things differently and think THEY are the 'good guys' in this fight. They think WE are invading and attacking them."It was Biden's arrogance and ignorance that supported, if not instigated, Zelensky's world tour efforts in 2021 to demand Crimea be taken back from Russia".
Well for anybody asking the question "maybe you should give up Crimea and Donbas in exchange for peace?
Before asking the question name me one specific region in this country you would be willing to give up if Putin started bombing?Russia has controlled Crimea since February–March 2014, when it annexed the peninsula from Ukraine. That means it has been under Russian control for about 11 years now. Obama pretty much handled that issue. Why do you feel Russia would step out of Crimea,
Public opinion in Crimea regarding Russian control has varied over time, influenced by factors such as the political environment and available information sources.
Pre-Annexation Sentiments:
Before Russia's annexation in 2014, surveys indicated mixed feelings among Crimeans about joining Russia. For instance, a poll conducted between February 8–18, 2014, found that approximately 41% of Crimeans supported unification with Russia.
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Post-Annexation Surveys:
After the annexation, several surveys reported increased support for joining Russia:
April 2014: A Gallup poll indicated that 82.8% of Crimeans believed the referendum results reflected the views of most residents, and 73.9% expected that joining Russia would improve their lives.
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
January 2015: A GfK Ukraine survey found that 82% of respondents fully supported Crimea's inclusion in Russia, with an additional 11% mostly supporting it.
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
February 2015: A VTsIOM survey reported that 97% of ethnic Russians, 91% of ethnic Ukrainians, and 49% of ethnic Tatars in Crimea would vote to join Russia if a referendum were held again.So based on history, if Mexico decided it wanted to regain Texas territory by and unprovoked incursion into the country... Folks would be interested in carving out that area in order to keep the peace?
You seem to have misunderstood my point. I was responding to your concern about whether Ukraine should regain control of Crimea in peace talks. My argument is that, based on polls, the people of Crimea appear to be content with how things turned out.
Your analogy doesn’t apply to Ukraine’s situation. There was no major armed resistance from the Crimean people when Russia annexed the region in 2014. The takeover was quick, with Russian forces securing key locations while Ukrainian forces, outnumbered, offered little resistance. The pro-Russian government then organized a referendum to join Russia.
Crimea isn’t being “carved out”—it belongs to Russia now. Texas was taken through war, and historically, the spoils of war go to the victor. Crimea, on the other hand, became part of Russia with very little actual conflict. So, why in the world would Crimea even be a chip in negotiations? It makes no sense at all.
Ukraine could ask for the territory back that Russia currently controls in negotiations, but I highly doubt Putin would give it up. Hopefully, he would—or at least part of it. As Trump tried to point out, Zelensky has no real cards to play in this situation..
As of March 2025, both the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) continue to support Ukraine, although there is growing debate over the extent of this backing. Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has been vocal about its opposition to the EU's financial aid to Ukraine, with Orbán claiming that continued funding could "ruin Europe." This stance has sparked discussions, including a public consultation about Ukraine's potential EU membership, signaling concerns over the economic impact of supporting the war. Meanwhile, the UK remains committed to Ukraine’s defense. In early 2025, the UK hosted a summit in London where Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined a four-point plan to continue military aid, economic sanctions on Russia, and the strengthening of Ukraine's defense capabilities. The UK has also pledged significant financial support, including billions in loans and defense funding. On the EU side, leaders have agreed to ramp up defense spending, with €150 billion designated for joint procurement of defense equipment as part of efforts to counter shifting U.S. support. The U.S. has scaled back its involvement, including halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, leading to discussions about Europe taking on a larger share of the responsibility.
It would seem that Ukraine could continue the war with the funds and weapons provided by the UK and EU, but ultimately, the decision lies with Zelensky and his people. Based on what Mike shared, it appears that this is what they hope to do. Personally, I am for peace. I see nothing but death and destruction continuing from this war, and sooner or later, the UK and EU will likely recognize that the cost is just too high to bear. So, then what? I hope to see a fair, negotiated deal that satisfies everyone involved.."My argument is that, based on polls, the people of Crimea appear to be content with how things turned out
Says who? Based on a sham election?
"Crimea isn’t being “carved out”—it belongs to Russia now. Texas was taken through war, and historically, the spoils of war go to the victor. Crimea, on the other hand, became part of Russia with very little actual conflict. ""
Isn't that irrelevant? Does it matter how a land is taken over, whether it is through bloody conflict or a slow rolling occupation? The end result is still the same.All of your comment is conjecture. Oh my-- yes, do research regarding wars, as a rule, the winner takes the spoils of war. I am not about to give a history lesson. Russia more or less walked in, took Crimea over. One can bet they would not consider giving it up. Hopefully they will give up the lands they have taken in Ukraine. How rediculous to think Russia would hand over Crimea to Ukraine.
Here’s a list of wars where nations conquered and kept land as part of the spoils of war, including examples involving the United States:
1. The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815)
France: After the Napoleonic Wars, France expanded its territory significantly, though much of this land was lost after Napoleon's defeat.
2. The Mexican-American War (1846–1848)
United States: Following its victory, the U.S. acquired vast territories from Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas.
3. World War I (1914–1918)
Germany: Following its defeat, Germany lost significant territories, including the Saar region to France and large parts of Eastern Europe to the newly formed countries.
France: Reclaimed Alsace-Lorraine from Germany.
Italy: Gained land from Austria-Hungary (South Tyrol and Trentino).
4. The Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)
Russia: After defeating the Ottoman Empire, Russia annexed parts of the Ottoman Balkans, including parts of modern-day Bulgaria, and gained control of Armenia.
5. World War II (1939–1945)
Germany: Conquered large parts of Europe, including France, Poland, and much of Eastern Europe.
Soviet Union: After WWII, the USSR annexed the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), parts of Poland, and other territories in Eastern Europe.
United States: Gained control over territories such as Puerto Rico and the Philippines (from Spain in the Spanish-American War), though these were before WWII, not as a direct result of the war.
6. The Spanish-American War (1898)
United States: Following its victory over Spain, the U.S. acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and later annexed Hawaii.
7. The Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871)
Germany: After defeating France, Germany annexed the regions of Alsace and Lorraine, which remained part of Germany until after World War I.
8. The War of 1812 (1812–1815)
United States: Though the war ended in a stalemate, the U.S. did maintain control of territories like Florida after Spain ceded it to the U.S. following the conflict.
9. The Anglo-Zulu War (1879)
United Kingdom: After defeating the Zulu Kingdom, the British annexed large portions of Zulu territory in South Africa.
10. The Franco-Algerian War (1954–1962)
France: France maintained control over Algeria, annexing it as part of its colonial empire until Algerian independence in 1962 following the war.
11. The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905)
Japan: Following its victory over Russia, Japan gained control over territories like Port Arthur and Korea.
12. The Italian-Turkish War (1911–1912)
Italy: Italy seized Libya from the Ottoman Empire after its victory.
13. The Chinese Civil War (1927–1949)
China: Although not a traditional "war of conquest," the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ultimately took control of mainland China, with the Nationalists fleeing to Taiwan.
These wars, especially those involving imperial conquests or territorial annexation, demonstrate how the victors often kept the spoils of war, changing the maps of nations and empires for generations.
But there is a difference in not being involved and siding with the enemy.
The US is threatening allies like Canada and Europe with tariffs but does nothing financially to threaten Russia. It does not freeze assets nor Russian property nor tariffs on Russian goods.
The US has basically taken sides with Russia. Vetoing on the same agenda and negotiating without Ukraine at the table.
Today more then ever in a world where China is taking over, traditional allies like the US and Europe should stand strong and not be divided.
"Ken has expressed from the beginning, when Russia was massing troops on Ukraine’s border for months, that peace negotiations were necessary—with the U.S. demonstrating strength in those talks.
Please listen to what Marco said about those negotiations...
https://x.com/marcorubio/status/1484285791354376197That was in 2022 and he was being a 'good soldier' and propagating the messaging of that moment.
He was stating the same thing Biden did at that time, it was the American Government position... the Biden Administration did not respect Russia's concerns or perspective, openly spoke of taking back Crimea, and have supported a losing effort ever since.
Now we can see the cost of that hubris and ignorance, millions dead and displaced, hundreds of billions spent and it can only get worse from here if we continue to support this effort.
The opportunity to overthrow Putin or gain International support is long gone... Biden and Co. were inept and incompetent in this, as in all things they did.I think he's being more of a "good soldier" now... As Secretary of State he had more right or responsibility to speak instead of sinking into the couch during that oval office meeting. Certainly more than someone as inexperienced as Vance, who really shouldn't have even been there at all.
Are you saying that Little Marco doesn't really have any views or expertise of his own? He just parrots the message of whomever he works under?
LOL in 2022 he certainly had no reason to go along with Biden... Thanks to the internet, his commentary during that time lives on. He made a lot of sense.If you would like to consider what Rubio thinks about the matter, lets consider what he recently said, not where he stood 3 years ago.
'You Don't See All The Things That Led Up To This': Rubio Defends Trump After Clash With Zelensky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wFx3WSVdm8Sorry Ken, I don't buy it. He sat on that couch biting his tongue listening to Vance blather and Trump turn all shades of red with his hands flailing. I could only imagine what was going through little Marco's mind...
That is how you saw it, how your media presented it.
I spent some time viewing quite a few commentaries on this to try and find the 'correct' one... the 'truthful and balanced' one... this one does a fair job at explaining the matter, correctly IMO:
Zelensky's Big Mistake: Why He Made It And How He Can Fix It - Konstantin Kisin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEGTOVYEoGE
Its under ten minutes... give it a try.
Who or what will end the war? It's God's intervention that can.
One thing against Russia, that will not let her give up the war is her economic greed in Ukraine.
Putin invaded Ukraine. His terms to leave?
Moscow’s terms are known: formal recognition that the four regions it annexed in September 2022 plus Crimea are now part of Russia, and withdrawal of the remaining Ukrainian troops from those regions. Kyiv must pledge permanent neutrality, limits on its armed forces. It must recognise and establish Russian language rights in Ukraine and ban far-right parties.
Reasonable demands of an aggressor? LOL if these demands were met, where WOULDN'T he go next??
And in America, what do we ask of Ukraine? We want their minerals in exchange for a ceasefire with no security guarantees... Along with no NATO membership. Sound like a good deal?This is the problem in this country... Putin invades its neighbor, then wants to dictate the terms of peace and people here demonize Zelensky for not completely accepting the terms!
Generally correct.
Ukraine was a part of Russia's sphere of influence and economy the way that Mexico, NAFTA and all, is a part of the American sphere of influence and economy.
America, NATO, the EU... has chosen to rip Ukraine out of Russia's influence and in so doing, hoped to bring about the destruction of Russia's government, in particular, the downfall of Putin and the break-up of Russia into more controllable banana-republic states.
The greed and economic aspects of it I understand... I understand why BlackRock wants the war, along with so many corporations that fill those government contracts for more missiles, drones, rounds...
https://247wallst.com/special-report/20 … ery-state/
War is a multi-trillion dollar business... and from Iraq and Afghanistan to Ukraine and Syria the bulk of the national debt... 36 of the 37 trillion dollars we have of it... has been created since the Soviet Union fell... funding these wars... subtract the cost of these wars and incursions over the last 30 years and we don't have 3 trillion dollars of National Debt.
But we do have 37 trillion dollars of National Debt...
We pay more than 1 trillion dollars a year on that debt...
We spend more than 2 trillion dollars a year than we take in...
Its not only unsustainable... its at the point where the Dollar's collapse is imminent if we stay the course.
We cannot afford war with Russia...
We cannot afford to front the expense to keep running Ukraine's budget as we have been doing...
Russia has no where to go... we are fighting this war IN Russia... so they will never stop, never surrender... they have the nukes to keep us at bay... they have allies that are far stronger economically than ours... our allies are weak, military, economically.
Its time to end the nonsense... the idiocy that supported and drove the Biden Administration is still in the government and media... it needs to be rooted out, cast out, exposed for the idiocy and evil that it is.
Or we will fall, like every other 'empire' that became too arrogant and allowed insanity to rule... Biden was our Caligula... complete with orgies and insanity and starting wars we could not win while telling the citizens we were winning when we are doing nothing of the sort.I appreciate all the information you've shared, and I completely agree with your assessment. Personally, I was so pleased with Trump stepping away from supporting this war and telling Zelensky to return when he wants peace—I could not be more pleased. Continuing to throw money at this war is throwing it away on a lost cause. Let the EU pay for their great war.
They offered Zelensky Putin's demands and when he wants to negotiate? Folks say he wasn't there for peace.... So peace can only be obtained by accepting Putin's terms?
No, more like, "come back when you are ready to capitulate".
Exactly.... It's like a burglar coming into your home, killing a few of your family members and refusing to leave. When the police finally arrive they ask what else of value you can offer the burglar before admonishing you for not thanking them enough for showing up. And the resolution? They tell you to forget about filing a restraining order, the burglar does not need to face charges and he has promised not to return! They leave telling you to stop causing so many problems...
I feel much the same way. It’s come to the point where I feel there’s nothing left to discuss. At this stage, even pretending to agree with such an attitude makes me feel unintelligent. I hope you can refrain from replying to my comments, and I’ll do the same. I have a few people here whose views I respect and enjoy conversing with. Unfortunately, you're no longer one of them. If I am anything, I am truthful. I hope this came over as polite, but straight forward.
It's a fact that Russia, invaded Ukraine first. And yes, the later's resistance taking up to 3 years is game changer. Becausd Russia, the aggresor is yet to win the war.
Trump bending over for Putin while using a stick on Ukraine...
The vast majority of American voters think the U.S. should not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Quinnipiac University Poll released Wednesday found 81 percent of respondents said Putin should not be trusted.
Americans are not with the administration, whoever is running it, stance on Russia.
https://thehill.com/policy/internationa … tin-trust/Starmer embraces Zelensky after Trump spat: ‘We stand with you’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered a warm embrace of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a Friday clash with President Trump which prompted questions about future U.S. support for the Eastern European nation.
“You have full backing from the United Kingdom and we stand with you with Ukraine for as long as it may take,” Starmer, who visited the White House on Thursday, said during a presser with Zelensky.
“And I hope you’ve heard some of that cheering in the street, that is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine, and our absolute determination to stand with unwavering determination,” the British leader added.
The meeting between the two European leaders follows the Friday blowout between Trump, Zelensky and Vice President Vance televised from the Oval Office.
Dozens of European leaders took to social media to signal solidify their support for Ukraine after the Friday spat.
Starmer and Zelensky’s Saturday meeting also comes a day before European leaders will gather in London to brainstorm efforts to end the three-year war with Russia.
Leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania, as well as the NATO secretary-general and the presidents of the European Commission and European Council are expected to attend.
Zelensky is also slated to meet with King Charles on Sunday.BREAKING: TRUMP STANDS ALONE: After Trump and Vance's disgraceful Oval Office ambush of President Zelensky, major world players just came out to DEFEND Ukraine and Zelensky:
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
- President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausea: “Ukraine, you’ll never walk alone.”
- Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen: “Dear Zelensky, Denmark proudly stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
- French President Emmanual Macron: “There is an aggressor: Russia.
There is a people being aggressed: Ukraine. We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so. We, that’s the Americans, the Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others... Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe.”
- President of Moldova Maia Sandu: “The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson: “Sweden stands with Ukraine.
You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini! ”
- Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Mer: “Dear Zelenskyy, we stand with Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.
- Crotia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković: “Croatia knows from its own experience that only a just peace can last. The Croatian Government stands firm in its belief that Ukraine needs such a peace - a peace that means sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a secure Europe.”
- Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo: “Finland and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace.”
- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal: “We stand united with
Zelenskyy and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy.”
- Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris: “Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine.“
- Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics: “Ukraine is a victim of the Russian aggression. It fights the war with the help from many friends and partners. We need to spare no effort for just and lasting peace. Latvia stands with Ukraine”
- Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof: ”The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever. We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”
- Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Friedsen: “Luxembourg stands with Ukraine. You are fighting for your freedom and a rules based international order. ”
The West stands with the heroic Zelensky. Trump sides with the evil Putin. What has America become?I don’t see standing alone to promote a peace agreement as a bad thing. The idea that war is good and peace is bad seems completely backward. It makes more sense to wait and see how the leaders who have spoken up respond when Zelensky asks for help one too many times. Trump has made it clear he supports peacekeeping and ending this war through negotiations, but it’s uncertain how the American public will react to his “peace or nothing” stance. This isn’t about Zelensky or Putin—it’s about Trump taking a stand for peace, and he has made it clear he will be available if either side truly wants it. It’s just a matter of waiting and seeing. From day one, I’ve wanted peace negotiations, so I’m pleased the U.S. is stepping away rather than fueling more war and death. That’s just my view, but I couldn’t be more pleased with Trump walking away. It’s time to stop the killing.
Quinnipiac poll last week showed that 81% of Americans oppose Putin's actions. Americans will not embrace Putin the way Trump has
There has been no embracing of Putin. The only thing Trump has consistently embraced is PEACE, and bringing this war to an end.
So you support Putin's position in terms of his demands for peace?
Where did Sharlee mention embracing Putin, and where did I mention supporting Putin in any way, shape or form?
Don't bother looking, we didn't!Folks here have made Zelensky out to be the villain... As if he is to blame for the war and as if he is the one stopping a peace agreement.
Again, should he accept Putin's terms? It's just a simple question.
It is very clear that Putin is not budging. Putin's terms have already been accepted by our administration. Should Ukraine accept those terms?Thank you. It was clear she was trying to divert the conversation, which seems to be her usual approach when she can't engage in a real debate. I find it frustrating to talk with someone who constantly shifts the focus. I'm not sure why she brought Putin into the mix with that poll—who would actually agree with him on anything? And where is this idea that people are making Zelensky out to be a villain?
It seems like some liberals struggle to step away from negativity and see the bigger picture. At most, some media outlets have portrayed Zelensky as possibly unrealistic in his thinking, but many believe he has a real opportunity to pursue negotiations and secure a beneficial mineral deal for Ukraine. What people often overlook is that such a deal wouldn’t just help in the short term—it could attract further investment from other nations, boosting Ukraine’s future.
Liberals rarely seem to consider the full picture. They never see another side to any coin—at best, I call that odd. As Trump pointed out, if the U.S. were doing business in Ukraine, that alone would provide a level of security. What does Zelensky not understand about that?
I think we will see a Zelensky that, after thinking about what he has turned down, will be back to sign the deal. But I am not sure it's still on the table--- Trump stated " "What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelensky again."My God, they have to stay aligned with Trump even if it means siding with Putin.
Yes Trump. Maybe we have a wait and see what the future brings, before adding a silly comment. I mean we have been down this road time and time again. Trump won--- guess Ya forgot that.
Can't engage in a real debate? Can any of you answer, yes or no
Should Ukraine except Putin's demands?
"I mean who would be in agreement with Putin on anything.'
This administration is pushing Ukraine to agree with Putin's demands.
There has been no evidence that Trump has embraced Putin or taken one side over the other. He has shut down media questions regarding Putin, maintaining a strategic silence. At this point, Putin has kept his position guarded and made no recent public statements, which is typical in serious negotiations. Meanwhile, Zelensky openly courts the media, but when it comes to negotiating peace, running to the press and playing the victim is not an effective strategy.
Trump has also kept his cards close to his chest, but now he has taken a firm stand—throwing his card on the table and essentially saying, “You’re on your own. Come back when you’re ready for peace.” I couldn’t be prouder or feel more secure with him as president. Of course, many world leaders have rushed to climb onto their plastic pedestals, loudly proclaiming their support for Ukraine. But I wonder if they’ve considered that, yes, Trump is watching them—seeing typical politicians seize the moment for their 15 minutes of fame. Meanwhile, their grandstanding only ensures that Ukraine remains trapped in endless war, suffering more death and destruction.
This week will be crucial because a new hand has been dealt, and Trump holds the winning cards.
As always, I keep the faith. And as for that poll everyone keeps talking about—who the F--- would say they don’t oppose Putin’s invasion of Ukraine or, really, any of his actions? Not sure what she was trying to prove or why anyone would push a poll that’s such an obvious gimmie—go figure. Sorry for the F word, but it is warranted and no other word will suit my view in this case."Putin has kept his position guarded..."
What? His position has been detailed all over the place. Russia's position and demands have been stated over and over and over... Actually for years now. Unchanged.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/11/20/ru … sy-atacms/
"The idea that war is good and peace is bad seems completely backward."
And Putin is promoting peace? How so?
UK, Ukraine sign loan agreement after ‘meaningful and warm’ visit
The United Kingdom agreed to loan Ukraine around $3 billion on Saturday to support their efforts in the war against Russia after a contentious White House meeting left the world wondering about the nation’s ability to secure its sovereign borders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the fellow European country for its assistance amid the conflict.
“This loan will enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets. The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine,” the Ukrainian leader wrote.
“This is true justice – the one who started the war must be the one to pay.”
Current funds will be pooled from the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration for Ukraine (ERA) which is valued at $50 billion. Under the G7 ERA mechanism, Ukraine has already received $1 billion from the U.S. and Europe in addition to $3 billion from the European Union, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance.
“The United Kingdom continues to stand in defense of Ukraine. Today’s agreement, which contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, confirms this. I am grateful to the UK Government for this support and personally to Rachel Reeves for her significant efforts that made this agreement possible,” Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko said.
The agreement follows the heated Friday Oval Office meeting, during which President Trump and Vice President Vance fired at Zelensky, accusing him of being ungrateful for U.S. support and aid. After the meeting, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Zelensky “is not ready for Peace if America is involved.”
Zelensky’s meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was notably more friendly, with the Ukrainian leader referring to it as “meaningful and warm” in a post on X,Paid by Russian frozen assets.
It's clear that the US ruled by billionaires will never ever do such a thing. As you protect your own class no matter what.
The real reason why Trump and Musk sides with Putin.
Putin's s terms are known: formal recognition that the four regions it annexed in September 2022 plus Crimea are now part of Russia, and withdrawal of the remaining Ukrainian troops from those regions. Kyiv must pledge permanent neutrality, limits on its armed forces. It must recognise and establish Russian language rights in Ukraine and ban far-right parties.
This is what folks are beating Zelensky over the head with to accept?
This is an acceptable agreement?
A yes or no will suffice.Little Marco spot on!
He explains how USA, Russia & the UK promised Ukraine security assurances if they gave up the huge stockpile of nuclear weapons left in the country after the Soviet Union fell.
https://x.com/ResoluteSquare/status/1896020572498436360An absolute banger from Little Marco...spot on. Can anyone answer his question?
https://x.com/An_AGINear/status/1895693576279093732You need to do more research--- You come forward with something that is not relevant. Bits and pieces of a very complicated issue.
Ultimately, both the UK and the US have upheld the Budapest Memorandum this time around. Under Biden the Budapest Memorandum was respected. While neither country deployed troops to fight in Ukraine when it was attacked, both provided significant aid through grants, loans, and weapons. However, the situation was different in 2014 under Obama when Russia annexed Crimea. The lack of military intervention at that time raised serious questions about the memorandum’s true effectiveness. While some financial support was provided, it did not align with the direct military protection that had been expected. No troops or weapons were supplied initially, which deviated from the commitments made. In 2014, the Budapest Memorandum was not fully respected. The US, UK, and other signatories had pledged to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons. However, neither the US nor the UK provided military intervention to defend Ukraine’s territory, though both countries, along with other Western allies, imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response. The absence of military action raised significant doubts about the true effectiveness and enforcement of the Budapest Memorandum.Oh no, absolutely not. Marco is spot on... Not sure why this administration isn't following his lead on this?
https://x.com/marcorubio/status/1484285791354376197I did not say Roubio was incorrect. He certainly was --- read my comment, I said Biden respected the memorandum and actually, thus far so has Trump. Obama did not. You need to read comments in full. My full comment
Sharlee01 wrote:
You need to do more research--- You come forward with something that is not relevant. Bits and pieces of a very complicated issue.
Ultimately, both the UK and the US have upheld the Budapest Memorandum this time around. Under Biden the Budapest Memorandum was respected. While neither country deployed troops to fight in Ukraine when it was attacked, both provided significant aid through grants, loans, and weapons. However, the situation was different in 2014 under Obama when Russia annexed Crimea. The lack of military intervention at that time raised serious questions about the memorandum’s true effectiveness. While some financial support was provided, it did not align with the direct military protection that had been expected. No troops or weapons were supplied initially, which deviated from the commitments made. In 2014, the Budapest Memorandum was not fully respected. The US, UK, and other signatories had pledged to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons. However, neither the US nor the UK provided military intervention to defend Ukraine’s territory, though both countries, along with other Western allies, imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response. The absence of military action raised significant doubts about the true effectiveness and enforcement of the Budapest Memorandum.What does the Budapest memorandum have to do with negotiating a ceasefire? Peace? Russia is the one that keeps violating it
What is wrong with you --- you brought the Budapest memorandum into the conversation. Your bait and your divertions are weak. Remember your little X post with Rubio. Here is the link you posted on your comment, the comment I responded to. Perhaps you did not understand Rubip was discussing the Budapest memorandum... You do little to no background research. https://x.com/ResoluteSquare/status/1896020572498436360
I so hope others are catching this obvious baiting, and defer from becoming involved.Do you mean this?
https://x.com/ResoluteSquare/status/1896020572498436360
Your post ignores the fact that Russia is the one violating the agreement.
They have violated it once again. And it would seem that some in this country believe that Ukraine should capitulate to Putin's demands...That would be a gimmie --- so did Obama as I pointed out. I took the conversation to understand you were speaking about the Memorandum, because that's what Rubio referred to in your clip. And offered those who kept it as well as who did not. again the link you posted --- https://x.com/ResoluteSquare/status/1896020572498436360
So, what did you feel about Obama ignoring it--- he was right alongside Russia when the agreement was not kept by either in the Crimean conflict.
It's very hard to have a conversation with someone that ignores the other side os a debate. To be truthful, I was shocked you would want to go there--- being I assume a liberal --- one of your guys kept to the agreement and spoke of it (Biden) but one shamefully did not. He did as Russia did--- ignore it. And that was Obama.
He mentioned there about a Putin puppet in Ukraine...
Isnt Trump pushing for elections in Ukraine?
So cute to see how they work so well together... And how his clapping seals enjoy it.
SMHLittle Marco's old videos are absolute gold... I'm sure he realized that as he was slumping into the couch trying to disappear during the oval office meeting the other day
Russia celebrates US foreign policy that now ‘coincides’ with Moscow’s worldview
The Kremlin on Sunday cheered the shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, saying the American view now “largely coincides” with Russia’s take on geopolitics.
“The new [U.S.] administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations. This largely coincides with our vision,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday in a video published on Telegram.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hailed the U.S. decision to back a United Nations draft resolution that refrained from calling Russia the aggressor in the Ukraine war, calling it something that previously had been “impossible to imagine.”Interesting!!
On the back of my mind I keep reminiscing about the investigations on the activity with Russian Oligarchs investing into Trump properties when he was teetering with bankruptcies in the early 90's. And, negotiations with Putin on things like a Trump Tower in Moscow and the Miss Universe Pageant. How does Trump overlook those? Weren't they the beginning of the saga between Trump and Putin?
Nothing MORE neutral than telling one guy he's a dictator, an inept, undermine his leadership, and accusing him of starting a war, while you praise the other as smart, genius, trustworthy, honorable, and a victim.
SMH
Are MAGAs that blind? I know most are not.
Yet they clap for everything he says.Kremlin welcomes US foreign policy "alignment" with Russia...
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, believes that US President Donald Trump’s administration’s approach to foreign policy "largely" aligns with Russia’s.
"The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations,” the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told a reporter from state television. “This largely coincides with our vision.”
Peskov added: “There is a long way to go, because there is huge damage to the whole complex of bilateral relations. But if the political will of the two leaders, President Putin and President Trump, is maintained, this path can be quite quick and successful.”
Wow
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/ … des-vision"it appeared that Zelensky brought some of what was said behind closed doors, and angered Trump".
Huh? Trump got mad, turned red with hands flailing, when Zelensky dared to say that Russia has broken agreement after agreement in the past...Funny, I saw classic Trump using his hands as he always does, as he talks, no flailing, he certainly was angry, and said his piece. Zelensky certainly was the aggressor, and bit off more than he could chew. At the end of the meeting Trump was composed, and even joking with the press..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch0q31cfEIQ&t=708sIt's interesting if you read the comments on your link. Most of them are not in favor of Trump at all. I find it interesting that people can see and hear the same situation and come to entire different conclusions.
That link is from the BBC, so it is not even an American perspective. It's very simple. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. I believe that is what Trump and Putin are all about.Yes, it is classic Trump, he is very expressive with his hands when he speaks. And when he takes to dancing--- LOL
He's a marvellous fellow, though Head Of Government, and President.
What did Zelensky say during that meeting that was aggressive?
Maybe you watch it, and come to your conclusion. It could differ from mine.
Zelensky walked into that office after being called a dictator who started the war. Fair to say the cards were stacked against him
"The United States has cut off intelligence-sharing with Kyiv in a move that could seriously hamper the Ukrainian military's ability to target Russian forces, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing officials familiar with the matter."
Ukraine is now blind on the ground.
Trump softening them up for Putin's demands?
https://www.ft.com/content/c58fccea-00c … 85b7415579I have said this before. Trump is like the head of the mafia and he is running a protection racket. You either kiss his ring or you pay the consequences to the capo di capo.
I hope NATO makes Ukraine a member and their member countries can provide what is needed to stop Putin without kissing Trump's A**I must ask, after reading your post, and please understand I am not addressing or debating the actual thoughts you shared. My question straight up--- How will you feel if Trump brings about a fair end to the war in Ukraine? Mind you, I use the word fair to mean both sides are at least equally satisfied with a peace agreement?
Would you feel this piece is a good thing? You should realize this could well happen, Trump is a very good negotiator. I think keeping to this one issue is best, I know your feelings regarding the man.I would be happy, but I don't see that happening. in order for that to happen, Trump has to convince Putin to pull out of Ukraine without taking any land from Ukraine. Also without Trump taking anything from Ukraine. Ukraine is a sovereign nation and should be treated as such.
I see your point--- Trump has been very transparent that he does not see a deal happening unless both sides give a little. So it will be a very hard deal to close. If he pulls it off, I think it would show him as a very masterful negotiator. I will give credit where due. I feel he will, I have faith he will.
After watching this man, I believe he tries hard to keep the promises he made. Can he keep them all--- not sure, but sure he will try. He much of the time beats the odds.
Where do you get the idea, after all of his bankruptcies and business failures, that he is a good negotiator?
It's best to await the outcomes of these negotiations without delving into past business dealings, which I find irrelevant. My focus remains on his current performance as president, as I don't ruminate on the past. Ever
And if they do, I hope Trump removes America from NATO and lets them fight that battle without us.
That would most likely lead to the people in the EU rising up and overthrowing their arrogant, ignorant and abusive governments that don't care who they get in a war with because it is never the elites, or their children, that go and fight these wars... or pay the hefty economic price for them.
A sovereign nation is a sovereign nation. To invade such without provocation is wrong. I think the Unted Nbtions has failed in its duties.
I've not provided any opinions on this thread as I am too close to the topic to be objective. I've seen and heard too much about the war to take anyone else's as based on a lack of knowledge. This is basically what many of the Ukrainians I have talked to feel about the situation.
I will share an article from The Kyiv Independent.
Trump-Zelensky clash from a Ukrainian perspective
Dear Kyiv Independent readers,
Thank you for your continued attention.
As we start this week, we’re still reeling from the end of last week, when a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky ended with an unprecedented public clash between heads of state in the Oval Office.
Once the dust settles from the scandal, the country affected most by all of this is Ukraine. That’s why we want to remind you of the importance of centering Ukrainian voices and understanding Ukraine’s perspective on the situation. Thank you for being one of our readers, staying informed and engaged, at a time when it matters the most.
On Friday night, the Kyiv Independent team published an editorial, “A president just disrespected America in the Oval Office. It wasn’t Zelensky.” We want the editorial with you — in case you missed it on our website.
It’s time to say it plainly. America’s leadership has switched sides in the war. The American people have not, and they should speak up.
In the past several weeks, the U.S. leadership has demonstrated explicit hostility towards Ukraine and aligned its rhetoric and policy with Russia.
The animosity culminated today when U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting in the Oval Office.
After a hostile meeting, Zelensky left the White House. Trump reportedly ordered the Ukrainian delegation out.
Let this sink in. The president of a battered Ukraine, an ally of the U.S., became the first world leader in history to be kicked out of the White House. Not a dictator, not a disgraced politician — the president of Ukraine, a country suffering from the worst invasion in the 21st century. The country that the U.S. administration swore to bring peace to.
In an ugly exchange, the president and vice president joined forces to admonish Zelensky for “not being grateful” enough for the help Ukraine was getting.
To that, Zelensky reminded them that he had thanked the American people multiple times, including earlier that day. But it appears that gratitude to the American people isn’t what Trump and Vance were looking for — they wanted him to grovel and prostrate himself in front of Trump. Kiss the ring.
For sure, Zelensky could have done a better job composing himself and restraining his reactions, but it’s fair to say that he was put in a situation he couldn’t win. If he let Trump and Vance — and apparently, it takes two of them to win a verbal argument against one non-native English speaker — continue their line of attack on Ukraine, unchecked, he would be seen as weak both at home and abroad. Weakness is something a country at war can’t afford to project.
Trump didn’t get into the same kind of arguments with other world leaders who publicly disagreed with him during recent meetings. He smiled and shrugged when French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer corrected him and Vance on their provocative and false statements about Europe.
Will Trump and Vance hit Vladimir Putin with the same attitude they showed towards Zelensky and scold the Russian leader for attacking Ukraine? By now, we’ve seen enough to know for sure that they won’t. If any ring-kissing happens in their meeting with Putin, the ring will be Russian.
During the heated exchange in the Oval Office, Trump even complained that Zelensky has “hatred” for Putin — the man who ordered an invasion of his country, killing thousands of civilians — saying it would be “tough” for him to “make a deal with that kind of hate.”
After the meeting, Trump claimed that Zelensky didn’t want peace. That’s a dangerous lie.
Let’s be clear. There is only one force in the world that can bring peace unilaterally, at any moment: Russia. Putin can order his troops to leave Ukraine and end the war any minute he wants. But Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants Ukraine.
Zelensky, and Ukraine, want a fair peace — one that would bring security to the embattled country and pay honor to the enormous price that it paid, losing the best of its people in a bloody fight against the invader.
What happened in the Oval Office is unprecedented, but it’s not entirely a surprise. Throughout the weeks leading up to it, Trump has demonstrated hostility towards Zelensky and Ukraine, while embracing Russia.
We’ve seen it in the things he has said and done. At every turn, there were people that stayed optimistic and tried to interpret it in a way that isn’t so bad for Ukraine — saying it’s part of a strategy, or that it’s different from what goes on behind the scenes. It appears it’s much simpler than that.
Today, Trump said that he is both “for Ukraine and Russia” in the talks. Then, he kicked Ukraine’s delegation out of the White House. There is only one simple way to understand what happened:
Donald Trump is for Russia.
The president of the United States picked Russia’s side in the war it started against its democratic neighbor — whose only fault was that it wanted to stay a democracy. Trump is choosing to side with a murderous tyrant over a democratically elected leader.
Trump and his government are now making sure Ukraine will lose this war. They are also choking their other allies in the process. But most importantly, they are betraying the interests of America, and making it weaker.
The tragedy is that Trump is doing it all in the name of millions of Americans who completely disagree with that and are disgusted with Trump’s line.
The Kyiv Independent’s emails have been overflowing with words of support, embarrassment, disgust, and apologies from our American readers who support Ukraine and disagree with Trump’s actions.
But the U.S. remains a democracy, whether its leadership cherishes it or not — and in a democracy, the people’s voices can and must be heard.
If you disagree with America’s current trajectory, with the idea that emboldening tyrants is the path to sustainable peace and prosperity, you have the power to make a difference: Call and email your representatives. Demand support for Ukraine. Organize and go to pro-Ukraine rallies. Write, post, speak, advocate. Donate to Ukrainian causes. Disagree. You are America — make your voice heard.
Americans should stand up and send their political leadership a clear message: We don’t support what you’re doing, so stop doing it in our name. We don’t want an alliance with Russia, and we don’t want a betrayal of Ukraine. And frankly, we are embarrassed.
Speak up now, before it’s too late.
America’s president may have chosen his side of history. The American people are still free to choose theirs.
Now is the time to act — it makes a real, tangible difference when our readers — readers like you — choose to act. You can go beyond just reading the news and make a contribution to support our journalism today.
It’s thanks to our community of nearly 16,000 members that we have a sustainable source of funding for our reporting — and as the future looks more unstable and unpredictable, we are increasingly relying on you, our readers.
For as little as $5 a month, you can support the Kyiv Independent, as our reporters are working hard to bring the world reliable information — and a Ukrainian perspective — at a time when it matters the most.
We don’t know what’s coming next, but we know that we have you with us. Thank you for your support.I am truly sorry for you and the Ukrainian people. I know you were looking for good to come from Trump and company, but it appears his loyalty is aligned with Putin for a New World Order. Putin wants Ukraine back and Trump wants to steal land and resources from Ukraine.
Here is another way to consider it...
The delusions of the cross-dressing, playing a piano with his penis, unelected leader of Ukraine... is no longer supported by a Dementia patient led Administration that wrongfully believed that it could use Ukraine as a proxy/excuse to overthrow the Putin government.
Idiots like Milley and Victoria Nuland who thought toppling Russia would be an easy task, finished in two years or less, were proven to be completely wrong.
Millions of Ukrainians lost their homes, lost their health, and lost their lives and livelihood because of some arrogant pricks in DC that believed it is America's right to dominate the globe and tell everyone what to do.
That hubris led to no negotiations for the last 4 years with Russia... no compromise... and if Ukraine still wants to go on with the insane idea that they can defeat Russia, that's fine, they can fight that battle... but they aren't going to pull America into it, not with this Administration that has no interest in paying for it, or escalating it.
Biden: 'We don't recognize Russia's actions in Crimea' - 10 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpSrhDUDKHk
Biden criticises Russia's actions in Crimea during Ukraine parliament address - 9 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnwHP3k8egs
Its not personal against you, or Ukraine.
Your country was used by evil people... they were not interested or concerned about your lives or your freedoms... they only cared about the trillions of dollars worth of mineral resources and farmland and exploitable energy.
Trump isn't interested in carrying on a war against Ukraine, he is interested in ending it so the killing can stop and the negotiating deals where everyone can thrive begins. Continuing the war does none of that.
Ukraine is in a far worse position today than it was before 2021... they need to face that reality, accept it, and move on. Crimea is part of the Russian Republic, has been for ten years... and the rest of the world is not interested in fighting and dying over it.That was a fine example of whataboutism. In another words, it's all Biden and how he handled Russia and Ukraine. You didn't even have to use the verbose narrative that you did.
It is... and Ukraine, Europe, our economy has paid a very high price for the arrogance and hubris of a few entitled lowlifes that spent the majority of their lives living off the hard work of others... life long politicians and bureaucrats like Biden, that made a horrible mess of it.
I don't know, if my kid keeps punching another kid on recess and taking his lunch money and I reward or praise him for doing so, I think he keeps doing it... Just common sense
Cruelty is the point?
Trump admin plans to revoke legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees, Reuters reports.
According to Reuters, the revocation is expected as soon as April and potentially puts them on a fast-track to deportation.
https://kyivindependent.com/trump-admin … s-reports/Again "WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is planning to revoke temporary legal status for some 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict with Russia, a senior Trump official and three sources familiar with the matter said, potentially putting them on a fast-track to deportation." Reuters
Again, no one is backing this report. I noticed only one person who could be quoted.
"White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back on the Reuters report in a post on X, saying "no decision has been made at this time." U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said on Wednesday that the department had no new announcements. Ukrainian government agencies did not respond to requests for comment."
This type of journalism is flawed, which is why many, including myself, find it difficult to accept. At this point, the article presents rumors rather than facts.Would you support the removal these people? If that were the final decision?
Okay, 'fake news' or not, let's hope that don't happen.
Top Trump allies hold secret talks with Zelenskyy’s Ukrainian opponents..
"Four senior members of Donald Trump’s entourage have held secret discussions with some of Kyiv’s top political opponents to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just as Washington aligns with Moscow in seeking to lever the Ukrainian president out of his job.
The senior Trump allies held talks with Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, a remorselessly ambitious former prime minister, and senior members of the party of Petro Poroshenko, Zelenskyy’s immediate predecessor as president, according to three Ukrainian parliamentarians and a U.S. Republican foreign policy expert.
The official line from the U.S. administration is that Trump is not interfering in Ukraine’s domestic politics. This week, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick denied his boss was “weighing into Ukrainian politics,” adding all that Trump wants is a partner for peace.
But the behavior of Trump and his officials suggests quite the opposite. Trump has accused Zelenskyy of being a “dictator without elections,” and hinted he would not be “around very long” if he didn’t do a deal with Russia. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has falsely accused Kyiv of canceling the election.
But while the Trump camp may hope an election will sink Zelenskyy, he is still massively more popular than Tymoshenko and Poroshenko."
Trump trying to install a more Putin friendly government in Ukraine??
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald- … oroshenko/Once again--- an article that is purely speculation. it’s questionable journalism to publish a report with such serious claims while failing to provide named sources or concrete evidence. Without verifiable U.S. officials or direct quotes from those involved, it leans more toward speculation than solid reporting. It’s one thing to analyze political tensions, but making accusations about secret talks and Washington aligning with Moscow without clear attribution undermines the article’s credibility. This kind of reporting leaves readers with more questions than answers, making it difficult to take seriously.
This was interesting, but for me holds no merit until I see some form of statement out of Washington.
You never seem to post articles with sources. This would be a very sensational piece if backed by a name."After publication of this story, the parties of both Tymoshenko and Poroshenko issued statements to defend their diplomatic activities. Tymoshenko said her team was negotiating “with all our allies who can help ensure a just peace as soon as possible.” She added it was currently impossible to hold elections.
From the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN
"Eight days ago, as Trump slapped Macron on the back in the White House, the U.S. voted at the U.N. along with Russia and North Korea – against Europe, which demands the withdrawal of Russian troops. Two days later in the Oval Office, Trump, who "drawn away from the army" taught war hero Zelensky morally and strategically, and then sent him off, like a careless lackey, stating: "Obey or leave." Tonight, he went even further - stopping the supply of weapons that had already been promised.
How to respond to this betrayal? The answer is simple: give detachment. First of all, make no mistake. The defeat of Ukraine will be the defeat of Europe.
The list of the Kremlin already includes the Baltic countries, Georgia, Moldova. Putin's goal is to return to Yalta, where half-Europe was given to Stalin. And the countries of the global South are waiting for the outcome of this conflict to decide whether to still respect Europe or it is possible to despise it.
Putin seeks to destroy the order established 80 years ago by the United States and its allies, the main principle of which is the prohibition of the seizure of territories by force. This principle is at the core of the UN, and today America votes for the aggressor and against the victim because "trumpism" coincides with Putin's worldview. Return to the spheres of influence where great states decide the fate of small countries.
"I have Greenland, Panama and Canada, you have Ukraine, the Baltic and Eastern Europe, he has Taiwan and the South China Sea." In the circles of Mar-a-Lago oligarchs, this is called "diplomatic realism." And in reality it means one thing: we are left alone.
But the statement that Putin cannot resist is a lie. On the contrary, despite the Kremlin propaganda, Russia is weakening. For three years, her "second army of the world" managed to win only crumbs in a country that is three times the population.
25% interest rates, exhaustion of foreign currency and gold reserves, demographic collapse - Russia is on the edge of a gap. Putin's support from the United States is the biggest strategic mistake in the history of wars. However, this blow sobered up Europe.
For one day in Munich, Europeans realized: the fate of Ukraine and the future of Europe are in their hands. Now we have three primary tasks:
1. Accelerate arms supply to Ukraine - compensate America's betrayal, strengthen its defense and assert a European presence in any negotiations. It's expensive but necessary. It’s time to break the taboo and use frozen Russian assets, and create a coalition of determined countries, despite pro-Russian saboteurs within the EU.
2 Any agreement must provide for the return of kidnapped children, the release of prisoners and absolute guarantees of security. After Budapest, Georgia and Minsk we know the price of "agreements" with Putin. And so, Europe must have enough military power to prevent a new invasion.
3. Create European defense, neglected after 1945 and blown up after the collapse of the USSR. It's a titanic task, but it is by its success or failure to judge the current leaders of Europe that will be future generations.
Friedrich Mertz claimed that Europe needs its own military coalition - so France has been right all these decades, defending strategic autonomy. Now she needs to be built.
Large-scale investment, the European Defense Fund beyond the Maastricht debt limits, the unification of weapon systems, the accelerated admission of Ukraine to the EU - Europe's first army. A new nuclear strategy with support on French and British forces. Development of PRO and satellite systems. Ursula von der Leyen's plan is a good start, but more will be needed.
Europe will again become a military state only if it regains the status of the industrial superpower. And so, you need a plan of Mario Dragí - and this time it will have to be executed.
But the main factor in European rearmament is moral mobilization. It is up to us to convince society, overcome fatigue, fear of war, and resistance of Putin's allies - ultra-right and ultra-left. Yesterday they spoke again in the National Assembly, Mr. Prime Minister, against European unity, against European defense.
They say they want peace. But what they really want is surrender. Their "peace" is defeat. This is the replacement of Gollia-Zelensky for the Ukrainian Peten, obedient to Putin. This is the "peace" of collaborators who have been sabotuût - any help to Ukraine for three years.
Is the end of the Atlantic Alliance? The risk is high. But in recent days, Zelensky's humiliation and a number of crazy decisions have caused outrage in the United States.
Trump's ratings are dropping, Republicans in their districts are being met by enemy crowds, even Fox News has begun criticizing the president. The Trumpists still control the executive, the Congress, the Supreme Court and social media, but in American history, freedom fighters have always won. And they are already raising their heads.
The fate of Ukraine is decided in the trenches. But it is up to those in the United States fighting for democracy, and to us - whether we can unite Europe, create its defensive shield, and restore its status as a great country.
Our ancestors defeated fascism and communism at the cost of their greatest victims. Our task is to defeat totalitarianism of the 21st century.
Glory to the free Ukraine! Long live a democratic Europe!"Trump isn't the enemy, he wants this war ended! He doesn't want any more young men dying on either side!!
He is working toward getting Zelinskyy and Putin to the negotiating table to work toward a peace deal!
I am praying that happens soon!
Most people are!
War is hell!
Got it! The Ambassador is p*ssed off, a lot of money was free flowing in from this Nation, much of it unaccounted for, and, now, that has been cutoff.
How can a President, in good conscience, work toward peace, while funding a war... all at the same time!?
I'm not sure which "freedom fighters, raising their heads" the Ambassador is referring to, but the peace process needs time, not interference, and certainly not new war fronts.'How can a President working towards peace...while funding a war...all at the same time?' You have a point. Trump, wants peace, not war. Putin, start the war by his intrusion into an independent Ukraine. Zelesky, is defending and protecting his country and people.
Mike, do you think the people will continue fighting if support from the EU and UK dwindles, especially with the U.S. pulling out? This is such a tragic situation. It’s hard to even comment on. I just pray that Trump can help bring some form of peace. The people have sacrificed so much and fought so hard. If only this war could have been prevented. I can only pray, Putin will do the right thing.
Does Putin sound like he's ready for peace on anything but his own terms?
"Russia will seek a peace deal in Ukraine that safeguards its own long-term security and will not retreat from the gains it has made in the conflict, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday in comments to relatives of soldiers killed there."
"We must choose for ourselves a peace option that will suit us and that will ensure peace for our country in the long term," Putin told a group of Russian women who have lost loved ones during the three-year war in Ukraine.
Asked by the mother of one fallen soldier if Russia would retreat, Putin said he did not intend to do that."
https://www.yahoo.com/news/putin-says-u … 54941.html"I've always had a good relationship with Putin. He wants to end the war; I think he's going to be more generous than he has to be."
Trump in the oval office earlier.
WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?
Putin invaded Ukraine and now we're talking about him being generous?
That's surrender. He needs to stop fooling around with the words "negotiation" and "peace"When Trump said, "I've always had a good relationship with Putin. He wants to end the war; I think he's going to be more generous than he has to be," he likely meant that, based on his past interactions with Putin, he believes the Russian president is open to negotiations and would be willing to make concessions to end the conflict. Trump seems to suggest that Putin may be more flexible than people expect, offering terms that go beyond what he strictly needs in order to resolve the situation. This reflects Trump's typical belief that personal relationships and direct communication can lead to more successful negotiations, even with tough leaders like Putin. Trump's context was clear, seems your reading into something that is not there. Trump is hoping to negotiate a peace, and an end to a war that has left a nation in rubble, with enormous death. What do you mean "When Trump should "He needs to stop fooling around with the words "negotiation" and "peace" Willow
It seems like you believe the war should continue without any negotiations, as it has for the past three years under Biden. To me, that doesn’t make sense. Peace should always be the preferred option over war in any society. Your perspective feels a bit off, as it seems to prioritize ongoing conflict instead of seeking a resolution.Putin is the aggressor, Putin started this war, Putin invaded Ukraine. For Trump to be talking about the "generosity" of Putin is ridiculous.
The man invaded a sovereign country. He has stolen land. There’s no generosity here.What? I don't quite understand your sentiment. Trump's comment reflects his perspective, and he must genuinely feel that way. He’s the one in communication with Putin, so hopefully, Putin will be generous in these negotiations. The truth is, we don’t know what's happening or if anything is happening at all regarding negotiations. What we can hope for is that both Putin and Zelensky can come to a mutually satisfactory agreement so that the war can finally end.
I just can't understand the mindset of those who struggle to grasp common sense. Trump was clearly sharing insights gained from his dealings with Putin in these negotiations. If he believes Putin might be generous, one would think that’s a positive development for Ukraine and its people. The pure hate some have for this man must be caustic to their health. I am never shocked anymore at the off attitudes I see some share.
"More generous than he has to be"
So the example set is that you can be the bully, you can be the aggressor and we don't have to expect concessions from you because you don't have to be generous? After all, you're the bully.
Again, if my little monster goes to school and targets the weak kid to shake down daily for his lunch money but is eventually caught... I should expect the principal to look at how the little victim can maybe make some changes in his look or his behavior or attitude to ensure that my little monster doesn't continue to target him? And maybe if the bully decides he will only shake my kid down every Monday Wednesday and Friday, I could consider that generous... After all, he's the bully and he holds the cards, right?Your analogies escape me. These are world leaders negotiating for peace and an end to the killing and destruction. Common sense and, if necessary, great strength must be used. I see no bullying in any regard. Nothing has been decided, nor do they seem close to reaching an agreement.
You and I both have no way of knowing what’s happening behind closed doors, and it’s not smart to make assumptions in this case. From my perspective, it seems like you’re actually hoping these negotiations fail—just because it would be Trump who brings an end to the carnage. Sorry, but your attitude is very clear in my opinion.
What I see, he will end this war, the killing--- and what will you move onto then?
Yes, Putin, is the aggressor. I love peace above and beyond war. While Trump and Putin work hand-in-hand, other peace loving nations should wade in The UN is not helping matters. It failed.
It is clear to everyone that Putin was the aggressor. Logically, Trump is referring to his most recent conversations with Putin and Putin's thoughts on what can be negotiated. What Trump has shared reflects his perspective, based on discussions with Putin. He seems to believe that Putin might, and the key word is might, be more open to negotiations. Recently, Trump has been threatening to impose sanctions on Russia, pushing them to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and, hopefully, an end to the war.
March 6, 2025: President Trump announced plans to impose extensive sanctions and tariffs on Russia, particularly targeting the banking sector. He stated these measures would remain until a peace agreement is reached, emphasizing the urgency due to Russia's intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Trump expressed his belief that Putin desires peace and might be more amenable to negotiations under increased pressure.
WSJ.COM
March 7, 2025: Trump demonstrated a mixed approach by first announcing harsh sanctions and tariffs against Russia to force negotiations, but later expressing understanding of Putin's actions, describing his attacks as "understandable" and praising their relationship. This inconsistency has raised concerns about the effectiveness of his strategy.
BILD.DE
He is hell bent on peace... What will you move onto after he accomplishes that peace?
In the past week, President Trump has expressed intentions to visit Saudi Arabia in the spring. He aims to advance the peace process concerning Ukraine and has indicated that dealing with Putin might be more straightforward than engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
THESUN.CO.UKFormer White House national security adviser John Bolton brushed off President Trump’s recent threat to impose sanctions on Russia ...
I'm thinking he probably knows a little more than most of us do.
“He did it simply to try and show some kind of balance, given the things he had said about Zelensky and the Ukrainians,” Bolton told host Anderson Cooper on CNN’s “AC360.”
“I think Putin completely understood that that threat was totally hollow,” he added
“This is all part of how Trump does business. It’s all personal. I know this is hard to understand that people think there’s some policy behind it, but [there’s] not,” he said, adding that “Trump believes that U.S. relations with other countries are embodied in his personal relations with the foreign heads of state.”
“He thinks Vladimir Putin is his friend. He’s never liked Zelensky, not since the famous perfect phone call in 2019. And this is what you’re getting,” Bolton continued, calling it a “huge mistake” for the U.S.
https://thehill.com/policy/internationa … sanctions/I could care nothing about what a guess on CNN says about anything. No, he does not know anymore than we do --- his security clearance was removed most likely due to being a tout on CNN.
Like I said --- what will you move onto after Trump ends this horrific war.John Bolton is more than a "guest" and whatever Network he appears on is on is irrelevant... Should I find his exact commentary on a more conservative network? And he certainly has more of an inside view of trump than any of us
It all fits together with Trump being a master con-artist and suffering from extreme narcissism. The con is those sanctions are trivial. One of the symptoms of narcissism is being attracted to powerful people. Hence his love affair with Putin and Kim Jung Un.
Trump has said he wants to be a dictator only on his first day in office. But knowing Trump, he means for the duration.China has to be watching this so closely. If Trump appeases Putin in any manner he will be giving them the green light in terms of Taiwan.
Appeases Putin by imposing large-scale banking sanctions. If Trump were to hit Russian banks with heavy sanctions, it would have serious consequences for both Russia and the global economy. For Russia, these sanctions would pretty much cut them off from the rest of the world financially. Their banks wouldn’t be able to do business internationally, and they'd struggle to process foreign transactions. Being kicked off SWIFT, which is the global messaging system used for payments, would make it tough for Russia to trade and get paid in foreign currencies. This could cause major economic problems, like people pulling their money out of Russia, the ruble losing value, inflation going up, and imports becoming way more expensive. All of this would make life harder for everyday Russians.
You never seem to look at the full picture. Trump has threatened to impose heavy sanctions on Russia—do you really think he won’t follow through on that? I think Putin learned that lesson during Trump’s first term. You should probably Google the list of sanctions Trump slapped on Putin back then. I’d say Putin knows that Trump will do what he says if it comes down to it."Google the list of sanctions Trump slapped on Putin back then".
Trump never wanted sanctions on Russia during his first term. He was forced by Congress. The sanctions on Russia never originated with Trump. In fact, he wanted sanctions eased on Russia when he entered office the first time.
Oct. 2017
Timeline of Trump's delays on Russia sanctions...
"Nearly four weeks after the deadline, the Trump administration has finally taken steps to implement sanctions against Russia’s defense and intelligence sectors that Congress passed with veto-proof majorities in July.
President Donald Trump was essentially forced to sign the legislation over the summer after his administration lobbied for changes to the bill.
While Congress has felt compelled to punish Russia beyond the sanctions President Barack Obama imposed at the end of his term, Trump -- who has called for warmer relations with Russia as a candidate and president -- opposed sanctions.."
June 2017...
*The Republican-controlled Congress does not trust President Trump on Russia or on sanctions. As a result, the House is now considering legislation passed by the Senate that would severely limit the administration’s flexibility regarding sanctions on Russia. How deep is the problem? The Senate approved the legislation on June 19 by a vote of 98-2, ignoring Secretary of State Tillerson’s plea just two days earlier."
He's always been soft on Russia...
"House rebukes Trump for easing Russia sanctions"...2019
"The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to block the Trump administration from lifting sanctions on a Russian oligarch with deep ties to Vladimir Putin.*
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/trum … sanctions/
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/timelin … d=50733408
https://www.npr.org/2017/06/02/53126909 … -sanctionsDue to the global effect o sanctioning Russia, then peace parlay seems the best.
I thought so as well, and that Trump should put sanctions. But apparently there is not much left...
Quote John Bolton: "I don't know if there are any banking sanctions left that we can apply to Russia that we haven't put on in the last 3 years."
And about the tariffs. The US hardly has any trade with Russia so that won't hurt them either.
Trump’s ‘empty threats’ to Putin won’t have any impact | John BoltonBiden already hit Russia with some heavy banking sanctions back in 2022 when the Ukraine war kicked off. He went after major Russian banks like V.E.B. and cut off some of Putin’s inner circle from the global financial system. On top of that, a bunch of Russian banks got booted from SWIFT, which really hurt their ability to do business internationally. Other countries, like the UK, jumped in too, freezing Russian bank assets and making it even tougher for them to move money around.
Now, Trump is talking about hitting Russia with new sanctions and tariffs, basically trying to push them into negotiating a peace deal. If he wanted to go even harder, he could expand sanctions to cover more Russian banks, completely cut them off from SWIFT, or go after Russia’s central bank assets even more aggressively. Any of those moves would put serious economic pressure on Russia because they rely on access to global markets to fund their government, military, and major industries. Cutting them off even further would strangle their ability to trade, weaken the ruble, and make it much harder for them to finance the war. I would think the above would be the kind of sanctions Trump is considering.
Regarding Bolton, I find it hard to take what he's saying seriously, and honestly, it feels inappropriate, considering Trump is actually trying to bring peace to the region. Does he really need people from his own country undermining his efforts? It seems like Bolton's main goal is to push the idea that Trump's approach is doomed to fail. And while that’s frustrating, I also know there are some in America who actually want him to fail. It’s a strange mindset, but it’s definitely a reality in our society. They’d rather see something like what Biden did—pouring funds into the war while ignoring negotiations—because that’s the easy route. After all, it’s always easier to keep a war going when the people dying aren’t on your own soil.Bolton is giving an opinion. He's allowed to do such and it's what I would call an "informed opinion".
I find it an even more strange mindset if we are all just expected to fall in line and agree with whatever Trump puts forward. No criticism, no dissent? Otherwise we are labeled as opposing peace??We’re all entitled to our opinions—he shared his, and I shared mine regarding his interview. I didn’t attack his opinion; instead, I gave a detailed argument on why I believe Trump’s sanctions could be stronger than Biden’s. I also made sure to explain the kinds of sanctions Trump could impose if he chooses to. As you can see, there are indeed stronger sanctions Trump could apply if he feels it's necessary.
Regarding Bolton again -- "I find it hard to take what he's saying seriously, and honestly, it feels inappropriate, considering Trump is actually trying to bring peace to the region. Does he really need people from his own country undermining his efforts? It seems like Bolton's main goal is to push the idea that Trump's approach is doomed to fail. And while that’s frustrating, I also know there are some in America who actually want him to fail. It’s a strange mindset, but it’s definitely a reality in our society. They’d rather see something like what Biden did—pouring funds into the war while ignoring negotiations—because that’s the easy route. After all, it’s always easier to keep a war going when the people dying aren’t on your own soil." Sharlee
As said. The words of Trump are empty. Putting tariffs on Russian goods has no impact as there is hardly any import.
Biden has already put banking sanctions and froze Russian money. Trump is simply talking about it.. But hasn't done anything yet.
Compare the actions Trump has undertaken against Ukraine and look at the actions he has done against Russia. Than it's clear that Trump doesn't have an objective peace maker role but works actively against Ukraine and is pro Russia.
To end the war, Putin, must withdraw his troops from Ukraine soil. Why is that not being actualize?
Because he wants Ukraine to be part of Russia as it was during the time of the Soviet Union. You are right. If he wants peace, all he has to do is withdraw his troops from Ukraine, pure and simple.
That may be well true that those negotiating are asking Putin to pull out of all land they occupy--- I think in conversations like this, we tend to speculate. The truth is, we don’t know what's happening behind the scenes in the negotiations. I believe it’s best to trust information that comes with a clear quote and a name to back it up. I think sharing views can be interesting, but in the end facts will be all that matters.
Not a fan of WSJ but since Trump came into office they've given some spot on commentary.
The Kremlin Keeps Escalating
Russia responds to Trump by raising its ‘peace’ demands.
"President Trump assures Americans that Vladimir Putin wants “peace” in Ukraine, but the key question is what kind of peace? The answer seems to be a peace of subjugation in which Ukraine is left to defend itself with no outside help until Russia decides to invade again.
That’s the implication of Thursday’s comments from Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, that the Kremlin won’t tolerate Western European troops on Ukrainian soil. “We see no room for compromise,” Mr. Lavrov told reporters Thursday at a press conference in Moscow. The presence of European forces in Ukraine would mean the “undisguised involvement of NATO countries in a war against the Russian Federation. It’s impossible to allow this.”
This is no surprise, as Russia responds to Mr. Trump’s pressure on Ukraine by increasing its demands as part of any agreement with Ukraine. Mr. Trump has already conceded to Mr. Putin’s demand that Ukraine not be allowed to join NATO after the war ends. Now Russia is rejecting the French-British Plan B, which would put some of their troops in Ukraine after the war, though not under NATO auspices.
If Mr. Putin really wants peace, why would he object to a modest deployment that poses no threat to Russia? The answer is that his postwar goal is to leave Ukraine in a weakened state that isn’t aligned with the West and is ripe for his next imperial assault. He wants to own or dominate Ukraine, full stop..."I see the UN failing here. Where are it's peace keeping forces?
This article was written Feb 7 2025/ So mich has changed, so many more quotes from Trump on the negotiations. TRump is working to bring peace, and I might add working on the issue himself. This is an ongoing situation,old articles only offer old info.
Current articles offer what Trump is doing factually in the past two days.
In recent developments concerning the Ukraine-Russia conflict, President Donald Trump has made several statements that shed light on the current state of negotiations:
Sanctions and Tariffs on Russia: Trump has announced potential large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a peace agreement is reached. He emphasized the urgency for both sides to negotiate a ceasefire and final settlement, stating that continued aggression could lead to further escalation.
WSJ.COM
Challenges with Ukrainian Leadership: Expressing frustration, Trump indicated that negotiating with Ukraine's leadership has been more challenging than anticipated. He suggested that working with Russian President Vladimir Putin might be easier, despite Russia's aggressive actions.
THESUN.IE
Shift in Approach: Trump's recent threats of imposing large-scale sanctions on Russia represent a significant change in his strategy, indicating a greater willingness to apply economic pressure to achieve a ceasefire and peace settlement.
HUFFINGTONPOST.ES
Directives to Moscow and Kyiv: Trump has urged both Moscow and Kyiv to "get to the table right now" for peace negotiations, highlighting the necessity of immediate dialogue to prevent further conflict.
NYPOST.COM
These statements reflect a complex and evolving negotiation landscape, with the U.S. administration adopting a more assertive stance to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump's Recent Moves in Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations
wsj.com
Trump Threatens to Hit Russia With Sanctions in Push for Peace Deal
Today
thesun.ie
Trump to fly to Saudi Arabia and wants Ukraine deal 'back on track' as he says Putin easier to deal with than Zelensky
Today
nypost.com
Trump threatens massive sanctions on Russia for continued attacks on Ukraine, tells Moscow and Kyiv 'get to the table right now'
Yesterday
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