A Left Behind Europe (And Ukraine) Will Fall Into Chaos
Tuesday's talks (not yet 'negotiations') between the Foreign Ministers of the United States and the Russian Federation went well. More will follow. The readouts and interviews from the U.S. and Russia were all positive.
Embassies and Consulates of both sides, shut down for absurd reasons during the Obama and Biden administration, will be reopened and restaffed. Normal diplomatic relations will resume. That in itself is a huge step forward.
There were no negotiations yet about the war in Ukraine. Envoys and delegations will be named to crack that nut. It will be a challenge. The process will take some time.
Meanwhile discussions on other issues will resume and expand. Russia put out some bait. It offered cooperation in economic fields of bilateral interest. U.s. companies may get (re-)invited to explore Russian oil and gas fields, especially in the Arctic.
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Ukraine's former president Zelenski has rejected a blackmailing 'offer' Trump had made to gain 50% of all future Ukrainian income from its resources. (Offering U.S. access to Ukrainian resources had been part of Zelenski's 'victory plan'.) He also took a hostile position towards the talks with Russia and said he would no accept their results.
Shortly before the talks took place the Ukrainian military attacked U.S. interests in Russia. The Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov was asked about it:
Question: Right before the talks, the Ukrainian military attacked Kropotkinskaya Pumping Station in Kuban, which pumps oil owned by US and EU companies, among others. Is Zelensky trying to send a “black mark” to President Trump now that the United States had established a contact with Russia?Sergey Lavrov: This stunt involving an attack on the energy infrastructure of what is, in fact, Kazakhstan may have many reasons behind it, and we can only speculate about why Kiev issued that order. However, this should only reinforce everyone’s opinion that this cannot go on like that, and that this individual and his entire team must be reined in and called out on it.
The station pumps oil, owned by U.S. companies, from Kazakhstan to the Black Sea. Additionally a French drone, likely sent from Ukraine, was found on Kazakh territory! President Putin has invited the oil companies, which include Chevron, to send the necessary material to repair the station.
Following the attack President Trump went berserk on Zelinski. By calling for elections in Ukraine he clearly wants to remove the sad clown from office:
[Zelenski] finds himself in a very hard place. He is increasingly unpopular with two leaders having potential access to armed force enjoying greater popularity: former Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhniy, and Military Intelligence Administration chief Kyryll Budanov. Neither Ukraine’s democrats, neofascists, or moderates support Zelenskiy. The latter or more inclined to support Zaluzhniy or former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko. And Zelenskiy has few prospects of bolstering his chances for electoral success.
There is a danger in doing that:
With the front collapsing and the army on the verge of dissolving, Zelenskiy’s post-Maidan regime is deeply divided and in danger of dissolution, which could bring state collapse, internecine warfare, and widespread chaos.
A multiple organ failure of the Ukrainian state could make a peace agreement impossible:
A dysfunctional Ukrainian army, regime and state will disable Kiev from concluding any peace process and treaty that U.S. President Donald Trump or others might develop. In fact, the peace effort in which Trump is beginning to enlist Russian President Vladimir Putin will almost surely be foiled by a cascade of two or more of four momentous dysfunctions, collapses, and crises that appear to await Ukraine unless the war ends or a drastic change occurs in the correlation of Russian and NATO-Ukrainian forces. The first two of these collapses, of the front and the army, are certain to occur this year. The latter two – of the Maidan regime and Ukrainian state – could be held off until next year.
The U.S. coup against the president of South Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diệm, may hold a lesson:
Upon learning of Diệm's ouster and assassination, Hồ Chí Minh reportedly stated: "I can scarcely believe the Americans would be so stupid". The North Vietnamese Politburo was more explicit:The consequences of the 1 November coup d'état will be contrary to the calculations of the US imperialists ...After Diệm's assassination, South Vietnam was unable to establish a stable government and several coups took place.
After it had made itself irrelevant Europe is in disarray. It has no strategy at all. Being humiliated it is time for it to do the unthinkable: Shun NATO, make peace with Russia and seek a strategic deal with China.
Unfortunately such a drastic, but necessary, turn of direction will require a new crop of European (especially German) leadership which is still out of sight.
Posted by b on February 20, 2025 at 8:45 UTC | Permalink
next page »In light of Trump's remarks about Zelensky, I think the peace negotiations will proceed at a rapid pace. There is zero chance that Zelensky will remain in power for much longer.
The only question is will he flee to Miami or will he be hung from a light post or will the Ukrainian public parade his head on a stick.
Posted by: Anton Gorbatow | Feb 20 2025 9:08 utc | 2
'Unfortunately such a drastic, but necessary, turn of direction will require a new crop of European (especially German) leadership which is still out of sight.' -- b
Understatement of the year?
Surely a prediction market exists, where we can bet on whether the sad clown Zelensky or the 4-foot 6-inch hairless eunuch Scholz gets booted from office first.
It's a close horse race, but my money is on the mighty midget Scholz.
Posted by: Jim H | Feb 20 2025 9:09 utc | 3
Zelensky is a coward. Put the fear of God in the midget piano player, and he will come to the table with his tail tucked politely between his legs. Going forward, I'm more worried about what the 'leaders' of Europe - aside from Zelensky - will do to sabotage any peace effort.
On a side note, I think its slightly humorous that Trump still thinks that Russia has taken more casualties than Ukraine. Someone is clearly still blowing smoke up Trump's ass, and they're not trying very hard. Adding an extra zero at the end of the Russian casualty count is pretty lazy, IMO.
Posted by: Monos | Feb 20 2025 9:12 utc | 4
Unfortunately such a drastic, but necessary, turn of direction will require a new crop of European (especially German) leadership which is still out of sight.
Posted by b on February 20, 2025 at 8:45 UTC | Permalink
---
You cannot slide an onion skin between the French, German, UK and other Continental old money that feed in pan-European through.
With their imperial loss of Ukraine Europe's magnates will enjoy a Lehman moment accompanied by a brutal repricing of everything European.
My feeling is that we are in the very early days of a re-adjustment that cannot be accommodated by existing government structures.
Posted by: too scents | Feb 20 2025 9:12 utc | 5
The only way EU can avoid dissolution is totalitarian control, censorship, restricting citizen freedoms and jailing dissidents heavily, as is the case in Ukraine, which according to EU kleptocrats represent 'European values'. That is what they are trying to do.
Even if the EU survives and does not dissolude (very unlikely), it will be a hollowed out shell, with no industry, just some nice landscape and sea resorts to be sold to foreigners for cents on the dollar. It will literally be the North Korea western media has been depicting for decades as a sh#thole. The maximum security prison/open air prisoner camp everyone is trying to leave.
The German election is very important, and there are more than enough signs EU is attempting to make it impossible to vote for AFD like removing ballots, kind of like they made it impossible to vote in the Moldovan or Romanian presidential elections, and eventually ended up annulling the election and installed their own puppet through a corrupt court system.
If Ukraine becomes divvied up to the point Romania, Hungary and Russia (or a neutral/pro-RU Ukraine part) have common borders, that should significantly accelerate demise of EU and Nato, as they no longer need to care about their diktats and are directly connected to cheaper raw materials from the east. Whereas the EU, attempting to maintain sanctions is strangling anyone who is stupid enough to still give control to Brussels.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 20 2025 9:16 utc | 6
Zero mention of the UK, have they become that irrelevant? Living here I know the answer, it's all falling apart. Excellent analysis, thank you
Posted by: Mark Harper | Feb 20 2025 9:16 utc | 7
Dear Vragtes, unfortunately the peoples of Europe are not inert but blocked and harassed by an increasingly repressive policy.
Posted by: Gnuccoup | Feb 20 2025 9:22 utc | 8
Posted by: Anton Gorbatow | Feb 20 2025 9:08 utc | 2Wherever the 'modestly successful comedian' goes, he will have to face early death. If he survives up to and after losing his position, he will have two enemies in Trump and Putin. He won't make it.The only question is will he flee to Miami or will he be hung from a light post or will the Ukrainian public parade his head on a stick.
Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Feb 20 2025 9:31 utc | 9
At the moment European and UK leaders are doubling down on
a) support Ukraine whatever it takes
b) Orange Man Bad
Can't see a China switch, I think they're more likely to be hoping for a palace coup (or a man with a gun) in Washington. While I think that's quite possible, can't see it happening while Netanyahu has carte blanche to do as he likes in the Middle East, perhaps involving a major Iran attack as well as clearing the West Bank and Gaza. Trump has Netanyahu's back.
Nothing IMHO will happen to DJT while the Israeli agenda is unfinished. After that it's open season, no wonder Trump is acting like a man in a hurry.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 20 2025 9:36 utc | 11
I think no one with any EU power is worrying about the demise of the EU, more likely they're thinking more about how to enforce their will upon Hungary and Slovakia, how to sabotage anti-EU parties (Brexit must have been a huge shock), and of course "how to combat Russian disinformation".
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 20 2025 9:48 utc | 12
I understand they are cornered. We must do what is necessary. We do have a stake in this life, we workers and retirees .... ALL WE WISH IS OUR PROGENY TO BE HAPPY (without them there is a chance they will live a normal life. By all means necessary.
Salute from Lisbon!
Posted by: MANUEL BAPTISTA | Feb 20 2025 10:03 utc | 13
Depth of a Salesman
Geopolitical Glengarry Glen Ross in Riyadh: Trump’s good-cop piques Russia’s ambitions, luring and looping Putin into a grand bargain—or a grand trap—ever deeper into the maze of the Grand Chessboard.
The Federal Republic of Germany will hold a federal election on Sunday, Feb-23-2025. The stakes are perceived to be high but significant changes are not expected -- there is a glimmer of hope for Merz to become the next leader of the Bundestag -- but Scholz and his strong coalition could survive but in a different form. Sadly, Alice für Deutschland has little chance of winning power. However, BSW will surprise many. The Russia Federation would like the outcome.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 10:13 utc | 15
NATO functions can be subsidize with other mechanisms (with less counterparts for the US) so it will be terminated.
The EU as an institution on the other hand still has some uses for the US, and it's mostly an HR problem ... that will be solved one way or another.
Posted by: Savonarole | Feb 20 2025 10:13 utc | 16
As I predicted many moons ago ... no place at the table for warmonger-in-chief Mark Rutte ... the fully hailed Trump "whisperer" ... all he got is VDL's ear, the Hudson Institute maiden ... a 21st century Lady Godiva ... the empress has no clothes.
Rutte was Joe's drummer boy since the Maidan massacre [Robert Serry in Nuland’s phone call] and the downing of Malaysian flight MH-17, not closing the airspace above the Donbas in ambassador's meeting early July 2014.
My guise is starmer being a weak and inifectual man and polotitian will back down and kiss trumps arse.
Both of those partys will know how much weaker they are without the other, real polatic and pocket book /wallet priorites.
Their both imoral whores.
And if not the izzies will play the epstien card.
Did we know that peter mendleson recently appointed UK ambasador to america was a very very close freand of epstien. Appointed by starmer i should ad.
Mmmm so him and trump have that in commen.
Cozey.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 20 2025 10:14 utc | 18
"I think they're more likely to be hoping for a palace coup (or a man with a gun)"
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 20 2025 9:36 utc | 11
That would be complete lunacy. Do they think (Euro leaders and Dems / swamp goons) Vance will play nicer if they off Trump? Don't they realize he'd go after them even more forcefully? Or if they actually try to coup the whole lot or off Vance as well, can't they see the USA would go into civil war mode immediately, because half the country will ask for blood, and not figuratively?
In which case Europe and project Ukraine would be just as toast, because the US would have no resources left to waste on them.
Really, these clowns should see that NATO and EU are fucking over, and the only thing that might let them go on without economic and political implosions would be to play nice with Putin and restore full commercial and economic relationships in the next few months, so that their countries don't go deeper into economic hardships - assuming Russia would agree with that, that is.
Posted by: Clueless Joe | Feb 20 2025 10:15 utc | 19
Posted by: Mark Harper | Feb 20 2025 9:16 utc | 7
>>>
The British empire under the instructions from the House of Lords, has signed a 100-years agreement with Ukraine. Unfortunately for some including the US of A, while Mr. Donald J Trump rants on social media about the failures of the Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, the diplomats and bankers from the British Isles are quitly signing up contracts with their Ukranian counterparts showing their savviness way ahead everyone else's.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 10:22 utc | 20
Pepe
Not worth the paper ther written on and they new it.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 20 2025 10:24 utc | 21
As I predicted many moons ago ... no place at the table for warmonger-in-chief Mark Rutte ... the fully hailed Trump "whisperer" ... all he got is VDL's ear, the Hudson Institute maiden ... a 21st century Lady Godiva ... the empress has no clothes.
Rutte was Joe's drummer boy since the Maidan massacre [Robert Serry in Nuland’s phone call] and the downing of Malaysian flight MH-17, not closing the airspace above the Donbas in meeting early July 2014.
Should mention the spoiler Türkiye’s Erdoğan … has been crucial for West Asia, vies to profit from Donald and Ursula as kingpin … has set eyes on the “Tatar homeland” from the times of the Ottoman Empire … plays role in “New Syria” and runs a good portion of the battle hardened Islamists.
The role of “peacekeepers” can only be fulfilled by non-NATO states … Erdoğan may be offered as compromise.
Unless for sake of appearances, for Russian people this could be a mistake:
“Embassies and Consulates … will be reopened and restaffed. Normal diplomatic relations will resume. That in itself is a huge step forward.”
Why take steps to restore business as usual with nations and oligarchs that wanted them dead and dismembered but failed in their attempts? Continue strengthening relationships with RoW. That’s the biggest win for Russians.
Posted by: I forgot | Feb 20 2025 10:27 utc | 23
Posted by: Oui | Feb 20 2025 10:13 utc | 17
>>>
The US of A understands and practice blackmail very well. That's is why they placed Rutte as the head of the The North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 10:30 utc | 24
if the conditions are heavier than those imposed to germany after ww1, as already stated by some analysts, and if heavier peace conditions were the main cause of the birth of nazism in germany, it's quite clear what's the forecasted outcome. i don't believe there's not someone that knows such basic historical facts
Posted by: giandavide | Feb 20 2025 10:36 utc | 25
FAM Canada: Melanie Joly
https://x.com/melaniejoly/status/1891957948835881273
"In Brussels I met with the SecGen NATO, Mark Rutte. I reiterated Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine and to highlight the significant investment we are making in our Canadian Forces."
down with the nazi-clappers
Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 20 2025 10:51 utc | 26
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (Remastered)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzliaVBQKDs [2 mins Neil Sedaka
Posted by: Don Firineach | Feb 20 2025 10:56 utc | 27
Rutte’s fall-back position … like a used cars salesman, now selling MAGA weapons to some 30 odd NATO countries restoring relations w Donald … the Netherlands is suffering from 14 years VVD PM Rutte …
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 20 2025 10:24 utc | 21
>>>
This is not Mink I and II where Ms. Angela Merkel and Mr. François Hollande betrayed the Russian Federation in case you are having any doubts.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 11:07 utc | 29
The work on Ukraine's infrastructure continues
https://t.me/boris_rozhin/155210
On the night of February 19-20, 2025, Russian troops launched a massive attack on gas production and processing facilities, energy facilities, and military targets in Ukraine. As a result, gas compressor stations, main pipelines, electrical substations, and enemy military facilities were destroyed and disabled.Myrnoye, Kharkov Oblast (00:30–00:45; 06:30 20.02.2025)
As a result of strikes by Kalibr and Kh-101/555 cruise missiles, the gas production and processing infrastructure of the Shebelinkagazdobycha State Enterprise, which performs the functions of producing, primarily processing, and supplying gas to Ukraine's main networks, was damaged.Confirmed damage:
• Compressor shop #1, where high-pressure units for pumping gas into the main pipeline were located, was completely destroyed;
• Dresser-Rand DATUM and Siemens STC-GV compressors, critical for pumping gas into main gas pipelines, were disabled;
• The gas cleaning system was damaged, which led to flare combustion of gas;
• Control and protection stations were destroyed, which makes automatic regulation of gas supply impossible.SE Shebelinkagazdobycha is one of the largest gas production companies in Ukraine, its damage significantly reduces the volume of gas production and transportation to the central and eastern regions of the country.
Glazunovka, Kharkov Oblast (00:30–00:45; 06:15 20.02.2025)
As a result of strikes by the operational-tactical missile system and Iskander-M/Kalibr cruise missiles, a booster compressor station supplying gas to main gas pipelines was damaged.Strike consequences:
• The Cooper-Bessemer GMVH-12 compressor unit, which compressed gas before its transportation, was destroyed;
• The Siemens SIPROTEC power supply system, which was responsible for controlling the pump units, was disabled;
• A gas leak occurred in the main pipeline, which led to an explosion and fire;
• Long-term flare combustion confirms critical damage to the process equipment.The station in Glazunovka provided gas transportation to the western regions of Ukraine and its supply to underground storage facilities. Its damage aggravates problems with gas supply to industrial facilities and utilities.
Odessa (21:00–21:55 20.02.2025)
As a result of an attack by attack drones in the Odessa port, the BG-200 Balaklava marine security boat, which was patrolling coastal waters and escorting ships, was damaged.Consequences of the strike:
• The boat received shrapnel damage to the starboard side above the waterline;
• Part of the control and communication systems were disabled, which makes it impossible to operate it without repairs;
• Three servicemen who were part of the crew were confirmed to be injured.Marine security boats are actively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect ports and escort ships carrying military cargo. Their destruction reduces the ability to control maritime logistics.
https://t.me/don_partizan/7415
On February 19, 2025, at about 21:15, the substation PS "GRES" located in Odessa (coordinates: 46.5156234, 30.7258094) was hit. As a result of the destruction of key power modules, a number of high-voltage lines were completely disconnected, which caused a failure in the power supply to strategically important facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the port area, repair facilities and air defense command posts.
Posted by: 5thcolumn | Feb 20 2025 11:19 utc | 30
Trump's strategy seems to be to blame the Europeans for the failed policy of the collective West in the last years and downplay the US's part in it (by not mentioning it), even if the now crumbling US elite is his domestic enemy. This is arguably an "America First" strategy.
But here's JD Vance on X:
//The transatlantic elite have created so many institutions to silence their own people and to delegitimize the beliefs of the public. Of course, the Biden administration was the worst offender.//
So Biden&co are not off the hook yet. I'm looking forward how the NordStream blow up will play out.
Posted by: mk | Feb 20 2025 11:20 utc | 31
Pepe @ 29 The vanquished dont get to dictate terms and conditions. Preveous agreements are all off. The city of london can swival.
By vanquished i meen zelinsky, the UK, Europe and america.
Cheers
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 20 2025 11:22 utc | 32
I fear that no real settlement (peace) is possible without complete reset of relations between Russia and the US. For such a reset to be successful, it would be necessary for the US to take full responsibility for creating and implementing its anti-Russian warmongering policy.
Such an admission would not only extinguish the propaganda about "unprovoked aggression," but, more importantly, would clear the deck for reconstitution of relations on mutually accepted principles.
The Trump administration has the opportunity to put the blame on previous administrations, excusing even the Trump 1.0 waffling, blaming it all on deep state interference. However, I do not believe this is realistic, and I think that even the Russians believe it to be unrealistic, so that they would not even ask for it.
Posted by: Pagan | Feb 20 2025 11:53 utc | 33
I forgot | Feb 20 2025 10:27 utc | 23
"Why take steps to restore business as usual with nations and oligarchs that wanted them dead and dismembered but failed in their attempts? Continue strengthening relationships with RoW. That’s the biggest win for Russians."
They certainly must continue along the path of creating alternatives to SWIFT and every other critical imperial institution. The biggest mistake here would be to let all the Western interests come surging back into Russia just because of the seeming amicability of the new administration (and Trump's wonderful smackdown of the Eurotrash and khokols).
But it's a good step to resume talking and slowly laying the groundwork for the resumption of diplomatic and modified economic relations.
Of course none of that applies to the war. Russia's only option for a successful conclusion to the war remains the unilateral imposition of complete victory through force on the ground. The only action left available to the Ukraine is unconditional surrender, otherwise complete collapse and subjugation.
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Feb 20 2025 12:00 utc | 34
Pagan | Feb 20 2025 11:53 utc | 33
"The Trump administration has the opportunity to put the blame on previous administrations, excusing even the Trump 1.0 waffling, blaming it all on deep state interference. However, I do not believe this is realistic, and I think that even the Russians believe it to be unrealistic, so that they would not even ask for it."
I've long been saying that the best (i.e. least bad) thing Trump could do would be to drop the Borderland cold turkey and walk away while blaming the Ukrainians themselves, the Democrats and most of all Europe. Looks to me like he's off to a good start here.
That looks perfectly realistic to me. Why wouldn't it be?
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Feb 20 2025 12:03 utc | 35
Keep an eye on France. Macaroni, the little Rottenchild pet, is more and more unpopular, particularly in rural regions of that ever restive nation. Will the Tumbrils roll once again? The mood may be swinging in that direction. Of all the EU/Nato majors, the French are the most volatile. If a nexus develops amongst the students, unions, intellectuals and farmers...each grouping with numerous issues...all bets are off.
Meanwhile, the German election looms in two days time. Suspicion is that there a lot of "quiet" voters who have not revealed their true opinions to the pollsters. If the NATO stooges and the plus-crazy Greens get their asses properly kicked; we may see some changes developing earlier than expected. If Wagenknecht or the AFD leadership calls for a peace treaty with the UK and the U$$A...after a mere 80 years, come May...then the game would be up. The Trump gang has been whispering about removing the occupation forces out of Ramstein, et al. Should that come about over the next few months, Germany may be able to install a recovery program. #1 on the agenda would be a rapprochement with the R.U. and reinstallation of Nordstream.
Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 20 2025 12:07 utc | 36
DS daily map update:
https://deepstatemap.live/en#11/47.9644106/36.8323517
A second strong day in a row for the RFA, taking 24.2 kmsq, similar to the NOV2024 recent record monthly pace of 23.5/day.
Specific changes, S to N:
1. NW of Velyka Novasilka, small amount of fields.
2. N of VN town, expansion within Novoocheratuvate.
3. W of Dachne, large amount of fields, elimination of the Dachne pocket.
(A smaller pocket remains, in gray, about 10kmsq, between Andriivka and Shevchenko. There is sort of a second pocket, also about 10 kmsq, but it is half gray and half green, with Andriivka to the N and Kostiantynopil, to the S. The former will fall easier than the latter as it is "deeper" and also as the latter has some small settlements with two good supply routes, as well as the Vovcha River complicating things.)
4. [UFA gain] UFA regained control of Lysivka, S of Pokrovsk. No impact on RFA kmsq as it was just a conversion of gray in favor of the UFA.
5. Fields W of Baranivka, small area. This is on the W Pokrovsk flank, and somewhat near the interchange. But probably not that strategic, as it is about 8km E of the interchange, and also as the road itself bends N (as you go E). But you take what you can get. This is what we do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wDu8hkJJ6o
6. (Within Kursk incursion area) Taking of the town of Sverdlikovo. Note, this does not affect kmsq, as the map doesn't count Russian territory (in either combatants favor). Interestingly, Skruffy Talez sees this as a strategic win for the RFA, endangering the heart of the Kursk salient.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbVjDSLVHsE (from about minute 7, on).
Posted by: Anonymous | Feb 20 2025 12:08 utc | 37
I've long been saying that the best (i.e. least bad) thing Trump could do would be to drop the Borderland cold turkey and walk away while blaming the Ukrainians themselves, the Democrats and most of all Europe. Looks to me like he's off to a good start here.
That looks perfectly realistic to me. Why wouldn't it be?
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Feb 20 2025 12:03 utc | 35
Blaming the Ukrainians is certainly the easiest exit strategy and very realistic, but it is a far cry from admission of US culpability lasting over many decades. Blaming only the subordinates, who mostly followed US dictats, is not only disingenuous but shows that the US is still not-agreement-capable.
Posted by: Pagan | Feb 20 2025 12:22 utc | 38
The Pentagon prepares disconnecting Ukrainian information systems from American data from launching systems.In the coming days, we will see an increase in the efficiency of our missile strikes on the facilities of Ukraine.
machine translated
https://t.me/s/condottieros/9013
Posted by: too scents | Feb 20 2025 12:22 utc | 39
Zelenski, Zelenski is nothing other than the ventriloquist's voice,
the one who makes him move and speak is the black man who accompanies him in every appearance while remaining in the shadows,
Posted by: Cagliostro | Feb 20 2025 12:23 utc | 40
Pagan | Feb 20 2025 12:22 utc | 38
"Blaming the Ukrainians is certainly the easiest exit strategy and very realistic, but it is a far cry from admission of US culpability lasting over many decades. Blaming only the subordinates, who mostly followed US dictats, is not only disingenuous but shows that the US is still not-agreement-capable."
They're never going to admit US culpability (except to the extent they blame the Democrats and perhaps some RINOs as rogues who hijacked US policy). To expect this is to be as unrealistic as the Europeans are being. And they remain disingenuous and not-agreement-capable. That's the US government.
Of course it's not disingenuous to blame those parties, who are all fully culpable. It's only disingenuous for Trump to pretend this wasn't his own policy as well.
(If anyone doubts that, I think I recall a post at this very site which was just a very long list of links detailing Trump I's acts of aggression against Russia.)
But nothing's going to be perfect here, and if Trump II continues along this trajectory, it'll be the least bad thing the US now can do.
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Feb 20 2025 12:42 utc | 42
Posted by: Pagan | Feb 20 2025 12:22 utc | 38Didn't the Soviet Union support revolutions, guerrilla wars and regime change in LatAm, Asia and Africa? America is only culpable of foolishly playing the role of great power since Clinton.Blaming the Ukrainians is certainly the easiest exit strategy and very realistic, but it is a far cry from admission of US culpability lasting over many decades.
Whereas ukrops, they volunteered to help destroy Russia, their major business partner and source of its culture and religion, just for a silly fake dream of EU and NATO membership, mickey mouse and coco-cola. Of course the Ukrainians are the culpable ones.
Blaming only the subordinates, who mostly followed US dictats, is not only disingenuous but shows that the US is still not-agreement-capable.
Your comment is disingeneous. Ukrops were not subordinates. They had a choice and they chose to go to war with Russia to please American and European liberals, all the time begging for more money and weapons, all the time trying to involve America in their war with boots on the ground, the risk of nuclear armaggedon notwithsandting. Plus they stole so much Western treasure being the corrupt former commies that they are.
Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Feb 20 2025 12:44 utc | 43
[Russia] certainly must continue along the path of creating alternatives to SWIFT and every other critical imperial institution. The biggest mistake here would be to let all the Western interests come surging back into Russia just because of the seeming amicability of the new administration.Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Feb 20 2025 12:00 utc | 34
+1
Posted by: persiflo | Feb 20 2025 12:54 utc | 44
Ukrops were not subordinates...
Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Feb 20 2025 12:44 utc | 43
No one is saying that Ukrainians are not culpable, if nothing more than just being gullible. But if you believe that the US (CIA) meddling in Western Ukraine since the 1950s had nothing to do with colour revolutions, Maidan coup, the installation of pro-Western government and anti-Russian policy, then you are living in another universe.
Posted by: Pagan | Feb 20 2025 12:58 utc | 45
Was the targeting data necessary for the Ukrainian strike at the Kropotkinskaya Pumping Station in Kuban provided and controlled by Ukraine?
Or, if Ukraine is not capable, who provided this? Whose assets were used?
Another EU State? The UK? The US Deep State?
Posted by: Dave Hansell | Feb 20 2025 13:07 utc | 46
More neo-con 'splodey heads:
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5153983-pence-denounces-trumps-claim-ukraine-started-war/
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5153983-pence-denounces-trumps-claim-ukraine-started-war/
Pence and Bolton - two dinosaurs just waiting for an asteroid to take them out.
We should delight in the disembowelment of the war pigs. Enjoy the lamentations of their women. Savor the moment!
Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 20 2025 13:10 utc | 47
I find it interesting that the behavior of the European leaders shows exactly the same methods as the expired US administration. The blatant dishonesty, the edging toward authoritarianism as needed, the lawfare and accusing others of the unethical behavior that they themselves are pursuing and the hysterics.
It is essentially the globalist playbook.
Mercouris talks as if this puts them on a divergent path from Trump and the US, but I would say that rather this makes them the direct enemy of the US - a situation which has not yet become violent, but has the potential to do so. These are the people who supported Russia-gate and these are the people who created the atmosphere that resulted in Trump being shot at (very likely they were in some way directly involved, is my impression).
Trump is moving in the direction of mutually benefitial relationships (multi-polarity), rather than profit through conquest.
I think this is natural for him and not a ploy. And he sees that the current path would result in the destruction of the dollar - I suspect the plan of the Europeans. Apparently the globalists are ready to bail on their spent hedgemon.
Posted by: jared | Feb 20 2025 13:12 utc | 48
pepe wins his inaugural," The Most Retarded Post I Have Read Today Award", for this idiocy:
"The British empire under the instructions from the House of Lords, has signed a 100-years agreement with Ukraine. Unfortunately for some including the US of A, while Mr. Donald J Trump rants on social media about the failures of the Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, the diplomats and bankers from the British Isles are quietly signing up contracts with their Ukranian counterparts showing their savviness way ahead everyone else's.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 10:22 utc | 20
As I've noted elsewhere, it strikes me Trump is a "conspiracy realist" insofar as he believes dastardly conspiracies, namely by old money East Coast elites, are everywhere, to the point that they essentially constitute the American state, hence the avidity with which he seemingly is working to 'tear it all down" and perhaps make a few pecuniary gains for his troubles once it's all down.
Not surprisingly, assuming the above characterization is accurate, Trump is no policy wonk, but intuitive and a gut feeling sort of guy, ergo it would be fascinating to be able to get into his mind vis a vis 9/11 and indeed Oct 7. I suspect he holds heterodox views on these "jihadist" terroristic phenomena. However he's also a realist insofar as he seems to acknowledge Israel is there to stay and, who knows, maybe he truly feels a modicum of compassion for the Gazans and believes their literal survival depends on their wholesale decamping to another location, because the alternative is Israel reinitiating its take-no-prisoners approach to their "war against Hamas."
Posted by: Ludovic | Feb 20 2025 13:25 utc | 50
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 20 2025 11:22 utc | 32
>>>
You are conflating a plausible argument that provides the epitome of reality versus fiction. This is clearly demonstrated by your ubiquitous hand-writing of the English language failing to distinguish the syntax versus the semantics in an open and clear readable manner. Minsk I and II were deceiving documents orchestrated by the US of A -- men dressed up in suits and red ties -- and fully disguised by Ms. Angela Merkel and Mr. François Hollande even while sitting at the same table with Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin having supper in more than one occassion. The Russia Federation 'in good faith' signed these agreements and trusted Ms Merkel and Mr Hollande which was fatal. But rest assured that this time round the Russian Federation won't fall into that trap ever again and the US of A and Rubio know that very well indeed. We are looking at the East.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 13:26 utc | 51
> Didn't the Soviet Union support revolutions, guerrilla wars and regime change in LatAm, Asia and Africa?
The slaves working white owners’ pineapple plantations around the world fought those revolutions against foreign colonials. The SU supported organic causes, whereas the capitalist empires instigate and conquer in pursuit of profit for the very top.
Posted by: I forgot | Feb 20 2025 13:28 utc | 52
Posted by: canuck | Feb 20 2025 13:12 utc | 49
>>>
Your bullying tactics do not work among the intellectuals. I suggest you look out the window and take a breather.
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 13:29 utc | 53
Eleven years ago TODAY the US stage-managed coup
overthrew Ukraine’s President Victor Yanukovych.
When is Zelensky going down?
(And how much of a direct participation will US agencies play?)
I have already put down my bet:
Ok, so another coup in Kiev is almost inevitable and Trump's inauguration speeds up the timetable for that.
This year for sure, but which quarter? My bet is second quarter.
@Posted by: librul | Jan 12 2025 17:29 utc | 19
=====
Any takers?
Posted by: librul | Feb 20 2025 13:31 utc | 54
@ Anton Gorbatow, Zelenskyy will not flee to Miami, but rather to Israel, he is after all a Jew and possibly a Mossad asset
Posted by: Stephen Ambartzakis | Feb 20 2025 13:32 utc | 55
Ghost of Zanon #47. hahahaha. Thanks for that. To Canuck Get a life, preferably on some other planet. Who made you god of posts? to b thank you.
Posted by: Formerly Miss Lacy | Feb 20 2025 13:36 utc | 56
Posted by: Anton Gorbatow | Feb 20 2025 9:08 utc | 2
*The only question is will he flee to Miami or will he be hung from a light post or will the Ukrainian public parade his head on a stick.
At this moment Miami is out of question. Even Zelensky's properties are problematic, if US continues to investigate corruption.
“It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal.”
Supposedly by Henry Kissinger
Posted by: GreyCloud | Feb 20 2025 13:38 utc | 57
@Ludovic
Donald Trump Calls Into WWOR/UPN 9 News on 9/11: "I believe they had bombs going off ... "
Posted by: persiflo | Feb 20 2025 13:46 utc | 58
Posted by: Pagan | Feb 20 2025 12:58 utc | 45
Strawman argument. I said America was playing its role trying to undermine Russia, foolishly since Clinton, but it was its role. Not culpable. Whereas ukrops ...
Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Feb 20 2025 13:48 utc | 59
Trump, Vance and Musk are in a revelations spree : nothing seem too secret, nothing seems too sacred.
For the Don, I can understand he already cheated death and seems to lovin'it, but for the other two ... I'm less certain about their ulterior motives. Shock therapy or childish game ? Who knows ... but with the numbers of bodies in DC's closets, it's a risky game to play.
Posted by: Savonarole | Feb 20 2025 13:58 utc | 60
The Guardian (London) is raging about Trump and purports to "fact check" his statements on Zelensky and Ukraine.
Posted by: Waldorf | Feb 20 2025 14:03 utc | 61
Posted by: I forgot | Feb 20 2025 10:27 utc | 23The Russians are smarter than you so they will continue normalizing relations with America as much as possible, thus taking advantage of a healthy division in the Western camp.“Embassies and Consulates … will be reopened and restaffed. Normal diplomatic relations will resume. That in itself is a huge step forward.”
Why take steps to restore business as usual with nations and oligarchs that wanted them dead and dismembered but failed in their attempts? Continue strengthening relationships with RoW. That’s the biggest win for Russians.
Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Feb 20 2025 14:03 utc | 62
but for the other two ... I'm less certain about their ulterior motives.
Posted by: Savonarole | Feb 20 2025 13:58 utc | 60
---
It will be funny to watch Musk squirm as Trump holds a pardon over his head.
Posted by: too scents | Feb 20 2025 14:04 utc | 63
More irony. Seeking to destroy Russia with the colored revolution 2.0 in the maidan, they destroyed ukraine. May have "won" in Syria, but finished in europe (ergo soon in the Levant). Likewise libya, as Russia considering a naval base slap bang across from the EU...
Posted by: Sal | Feb 20 2025 14:06 utc | 64
It would appear to e at least, that many of Europe's leaders - don't actually care that much about their citizens - if they did, they wouldn't have let Europe get into the utter mess its in right now.
Meanwhile the Orange POTUS has another go at dictatorship in Ukraine.
"US President Donald Trump has accused the Ukrainian government of treating Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “rudely” during his visit to Kiev last week. Trump claimed that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky had chosen to sleep rather than meet the senior US official and finalize a minerals deal.
“Zelensky was sleeping and unavailable to meet him,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday. The secretary “traveled many hours on the train, which is a dangerous trip,” the US president added, saying the visit was in vain because the Ukrainians “told him ‘no’” on the deal."
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 20 2025 14:10 utc | 65
What passes for European 'foreign policy' is fast becoming a dystopian version of the Abilene Paradox.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abilene_paradox
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 20 2025 14:13 utc | 66
[email protected] coup, ces la vis, Zman now has EU security detail, do the Ukies kill Bog Roll Boy and risk killing French/English Security detail....you do see the issue.
Zman also put Big Don in his place, blew up an US English oil processing facility in the Caspian, that's in Russia? Someone will want to argue it actually in East Asia.
What kind of existential war is it, when Russia has been letting England and the US pump out oil to waiting US and English tankers....the monkeys yelp, the SMO rolls....on flat tires.
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 20 2025 14:14 utc | 67
Excellent b...
I was asking Karlof the other night if this is the Russian end game. If the diplomatic steps taking place is aimed at essentially Russia dealing with Ukraine directly. Getting their man or somebody sympathetic to Russian concerns in Kiev.
Then this will surely out pressure on the Nazis in Western Ukraine to think about seperation vote away from the rest of Ukraine. As it all collapses this will be the only choice the Banderites have and they have talked about it before.
When you think about it. It is the only way Russian objectives and red lines will be met. Russia knows it and the US knows it. Why suddenly Zelensky is being pushed out.
The real question is at this point is will Russia get their man in Kiev. If not how long will it take ?
I believe this is the Russian strategy that is being played along side the big picture geopolitical strategy at the these talks. If Russia can get their man in Kiev everything will fall into place. The banderites will only have On choice left if they don't want to be completely destroyed. To leave Ukraine and form their own state.
If they do. The EU can have them and that would be the cherry on the Russian cake.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Feb 20 2025 14:15 utc | 68
The Colonel Cassad website has Elon Musk announcing that Zelensky killed an American journalist. Namely, Gonzalo Lira. Obviously this is true but a grubby bit of nastiness that only got mentioned in oppositional sites like this one. Musk has now put it out there.
Posted by: Waldorf | Feb 20 2025 14:21 utc | 69
"Trump, Vance and Musk are in a revelations spree : nothing seem too secret, nothing seems too sacred.
For the Don, I can understand he already cheated death and seems to lovin'it, but for the other two ... I'm less certain about their ulterior motives. Shock therapy or childish game ? Who knows ... but with the numbers of bodies in DC's closets, it's a risky game to play."
Posted by: Savonarole | Feb 20 2025 13:58 utc | 60
It's very clear to me, even when you understand very little political science. Trumpian Phonefart timeline will look something like this..
Overwhelm… Overreach… Overthrown.
Happens to all dictorial disrupters throughout history. Thatcher and Reagan and Gorbachev are the most recent. Others in Asia and Africa. It Is even happening in Brussels as we speak.
Overwhelm… Overreach… Overthrown.
We are in the Overwhelm part of the timeline and the Overreaching is only beginning and all roads lead to the Supreme court.
As with Thatcher and Reagan and Gorbachev and Brussels and all dictorial disrupters. Those that cheered them in will boo them out.
You'll see.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Feb 20 2025 14:26 utc | 70
[email protected] you are saying that Joe Biden did not sign over 404s rare earth metal reserves to the EU? That's not what is being reported. I'll lay money and all your gold holdings betting that the "agreement" was written by English lawyers, with supreme command of the English language, and control of those rare metals now lies in the hands of the English Crown......
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 20 2025 14:31 utc | 71
The Federal Republic of Germany will hold a federal election on Sunday, Feb-23-2025. ...
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 10:13 utc | 15
Some surprising results from a personal poll, 270 participants:
AfD: 45%
CDU: 4%
SPD: 5%
Greens: 4%
The Left: 12%
FDP (Liberals): 2%
BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht): 4%
Others: 8%
No vote: 16%
That's from a private forum with a diverse set of Germans incl. a lot of non-Germans which are living in Germany; usually there's zero politics in this forum, just everyday topics. It's certainly not representative of the German electorate but it's quite surprising to see this.
Here's a screenshot of the poll: https://cln.sh/X8wnyRRf
Posted by: Zet | Feb 20 2025 14:32 utc | 72
In the dynamic duo of American politics today, Trump says, “Fuck that” and Vance steps in and says, “Let me expound on that a bit.” Here he is eviscerating the war party and globalist.
https://x.com/JDVance/status/1892569791140946073
Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 20 2025 14:35 utc | 73
Europe's weapons depots are depleted, Russia has numerical superiority over the Ukrainian Armed Forces, new supplies will not help Kiev, peace is needed - US Vice President Vance.Neither the West nor Ukraine had the slightest chance of winning the Ukrainian conflict - US Vice President J.D. Vance
US opposes use of 'aggressor' wording in relation to Russia in new G7 communique - FT, citing Western officials
NAFO on suicide watch can't seem to catch a break.
Posted by: 5thcolumn | Feb 20 2025 14:36 utc | 74
Sean the leprecharn @ 71
Posetion is nine tenths of the law.
At best it will make a good barganing chip in return for the release of Russias assits what wos seized.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 20 2025 14:41 utc | 75
Is there a carve up of not just Ukraine – but much of the globe such as the Arctic underway?
“I am increasingly convinced the termination of USAID and NED were preconditions dictated by Putin and Xi for trilateral talks on a new global indivisible security architecture.”
https://nitter.poast.org/Kathleen_Tyson_/status/1890372703653130471#m
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 20 2025 14:44 utc | 76
But will it go anywhere – that’s the crux of the matter.
“Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been referred to the International Criminal Court as an accessory to genocide in Gaza.
This is the first Western leader to be referred, as over 100 Australian lawyers backed this move.”
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 20 2025 14:49 utc | 77
B: "a turn of direction will require a new crop of European (especially German) leadership which is still out of sight."
All it takes is for Germany to leave EU/NATO. All it takes for Germany to do that is for Trump to let them know their own treasonous government allowed NordStream to be destroyed. Let the news drop before Sunday - problem solved.
Posted by: markw | Feb 20 2025 14:49 utc | 78
Anton Gorbatow | Feb 20 2025 9:08 utc | 2
In light of Trump's remarks about Zelensky
---
There's speculation Team Trumps comments are part of a legal process to freeze/seize/confiscate the Z Ukraine regime's assets.
Posted by: markw | Feb 20 2025 14:53 utc | 79
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Feb 20 2025 12:00 utc | 34
[Russia] certainly must continue along the path of creating alternatives to SWIFT and every other critical imperial institution. The biggest mistake here would be to let all the Western interests come surging back into Russia just because of the seeming amicability of the new administration.
<=Actually I think selling its oil and gas to the USA and taking Treasuries back in exchange is Russia's best option.. as it will allow Russia to build a wall to keep the EU out of Russia, such a exchange would dampen de-dollarization and help to insulate the Russian:China love affair and except for the EU it would lower the price of oil everywhere.
Posted by: jared | Feb 20 2025 13:12 utc | 48
Trump is moving in the direction of mutually beneficial relationships (multi-polarity), rather than profit through conquest. <=yes that is my take also..
Posted by: pepe | Feb 20 2025 10:22 utc | 20
The British empire under the instructions from the House of Lords, has signed a 100-years agreement with Ukraine... [the Brits] ..are quietly signing up contracts with their Ukranian counterparts
<=Like I say, the British will continue the war against Russia until Russia is defeated. the only Way for Russia to avoid that problem is to sell its oil and gas to the USA and let the USA sell Russian gas and oil to Europe.
canuck@49 to Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 20 2025 14:31 utc | 71.....so you are saying that Joe Biden did not sign over 404s rare earth metal reserves to the EU? That's not what is being reported. I'll lay money and all your gold holdings betting that the "agreement" was written by English lawyers, with supreme command of the English language, and control of those rare metals now lies in the hands of the English Crown......
<= I agree such an agreement probably exist to explain recent British support for Ukraine. The Brits started the war against Russia in Ukraine. I believe history will show the Brits used the used the UK controlled US State department to accomplish their mission.
Posted by: snake | Feb 20 2025 14:53 utc | 80
- I think Trump & Musk are making the US more vulnerable because the divide between the rich and poor will increase even more. "Income inequality" will continue to grow and grow. Emmanuel Todd has the same ideas but he calls it "stratification of society". When Trump says "America First" then he means "my wallet first".
- For democray to flourish we need a strong and large middle class but that middle class is shrinking in North America (= moving towards a dictatorship).
Posted by: WMG | Feb 20 2025 14:55 utc | 81
Well, well, well the Spanish authorities have been making big noises about opposing the genocide in Gaza – then this revealed.
“The Spanish Socialists have been caught with their proverbial pants down. Having proclaimed an embargo on arms sales/transfers to Israel, a new investigation revealed non-stop cargo flights replete with weapons from Zaragoza to Tel Aviv. Till this day!”
https://nitter.poast.org/yanisvaroufakis/status/1892509691944522111#m
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 20 2025 14:55 utc | 82
The current 'leadership' in Europe is comprised of the same broad 'western' faction as was just trounced by MAGA. Augustus has taken Rome, but Antonites still hold their provinces.
Posted by: Figleaf23 | Feb 20 2025 15:03 utc | 83
The harder longer crying, gnashing and hair pulling is accelerating amongst the Eurocrats and their Deepstate beneficiries across the political spectrum.
They are demented sad clowns … wasted lifetimes waiting to inherit the World and take Russia …
They stared laciviously into that abyss and now they are stared right back by that Magnificient Vaccuum.
It looks like the withdrawal of natzos BACK TO 1991 is seriously being discussed in the ‘surrender’ talks.
In return it is allowing back Coke and Fast Food franchises !
A win - err win.
Meanwhile the distraction show goes on under Musk … oh look $2billion dollars goes to some new set up company to provide home energy upgrade grants to Yanks - via that private company linked to Kamala and billionaire backers … looks like blatant boot filling is about to hit the shit fan there as it’s in EuroDisneyLaLa land.
The can of worms exploding so much it’s hard to keep up… even Palantir chief exec cashing out today & the missing gold bars and the black swan it is about to unleash…
Gonzalo Liras capture, torture, robbery and murder…
Even Piss Moron crying the same old tune … poootin curse him!
More popcorn!!! And better get me a bucket 😂
Posted by: DunGroanin | Feb 20 2025 15:04 utc | 84
[email protected] to add, not just Brits, but old EU money houses that lost everything when the USSR won WW2. They immigrated to the US. Through appointments and Epstienism, they slowly took control of US foreign policy. Naming them makes identifying them of the utmost importance. 350 million US citizens did not declare war on Russia, although they might start a BMO.....Banking Military Operation, at home.
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 20 2025 15:07 utc | 85
Posted by: Savonarole | Feb 20 2025 13:58 utc | 60
A President out of control has now upset the millions of people who didn’t vote for him. He is happy about that. Probably a little bit too happy.
He has convinced himself that he won in a “landslide.” He has called it “the most epic political victory our country has ever seen.” Both of those claims are false. Once the dust has settled he won by a miniscule 1.5% over Kamala Harris, one of the smallest percentage presidential wins ever. Only 2.2 million votes separated the two candidates.
Overwhelm - once the shock has subsided that shock turns into anger.
Overreach - ideological dictators just can't help themselves. That anger turns into a sea of hate.
Well the rest is history. Happens every time.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Feb 20 2025 15:08 utc | 86
"A multiple organ failure of the Ukrainian state could make a peace agreement impossible" b
Also unnecessary. The collapse of Ukraine is the endgame for Russia. Holding talks with the US is a placeholder, a chance to lower the temperature on relations between the countries, a step away from the brink towards normalcy. Russia is not going to make any concessions in the near future that compromise its destruction of the Ukro military. We'll see the true position of the Trump administration as the dominoes behind the front lines begin to fall. It ain't over till it's over.
Posted by: Mike R | Feb 20 2025 15:09 utc | 87
Pentagon is reportedly going to disconnect Ukraine from receiving US launch detection data or from the use of StarLink satellites from the beginning of March.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 20 2025 15:09 utc | 88
Nothing IMHO will happen to DJT while the Israeli agenda is unfinished. After that it's open season, no wonder Trump is acting like a man in a hurry.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 20 2025 9:36 utc | 11
Wasn't the Golden Pager gift to Trump a very sign for "either cooperate or else..." or do I see that wrong
Posted by: Marcus | Feb 20 2025 15:11 utc | 89
Here in Chicago am seeing new Ukrainian arrivals. This group is quite young and prosperous. Not Slavic construction labor types at all. Slim and Nordic. Good clothes. Nice cars. Rats jumping ship.
Posted by: oldhippie | Feb 20 2025 15:11 utc | 90
@ Waldorf | Feb 20 2025 14:21 utc | 69
The Colonel Cassad website has Elon Musk announcing that Zelensky killed an American journalist. Namely, Gonzalo Lira. [...] Musk has now put it out there.
To his credit, Elon Musk has brought that up back in 2023. It was naturally ignored in the Western state-controlled cabal, but now's the perfect time time bring this kind of stuff up.
On that note, there's a lot of so-called-ukrainian so-called-diplomacy waste pit of public statements to launder through for the juiciest bits to present on this level. The plain moronic bandits masquerading as 404 diplomats have left a gold mine for president Trump's administration to use against them.
My personal favorite is one of their former foreign ministers advertising banderastan as a mercenary-state: "We'll send our citizens to die anywhere you want so yours won't have to! Just give us money!" That's about the single most descriptive truthful thing stated by those rodents in more than a decade. Quite an overlooked gem.
Posted by: boneless | Feb 20 2025 15:13 utc | 91
Posted by: Anton Gorbatow | Feb 20 2025 9:08 utc | 2
###########
Trump's bark is loud but if he always followed through with it, he would have nuked Chairman "Rocketman" Kim 5 years ago.
Trump is old school. He is huge on respect, which is why I had no doubt he would get on well with the Russians.
The Ukrainians are like the European elites. Arrogant and emotional, I suspect Trump will use them to control Zelensky.
Trump hates losers. Zelensky behaves like a loser (petty, low class), back to before he was elected. We're going to get a lesson in how tolerant and vicious Trump can be. If he humiliates Trudeau, he cannot allow Zelensky to publicly disrespect him.
In Trump's mind, America is all powerful. Any perception to the contrary cannot be tolerated.
If Trump has to put down Zelensky, it will be a mad grab by Poland, Hungary, and Russia to take territory. The remaining non-government Ukrainians will begin a new round of suffering.
Russia has patiently not killed Zelensky. They would have to be advised on next steps of escalation.
Imagine American ISR helping the Russians end this faster on the battlefield ...
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 20 2025 15:16 utc | 92
More popcorn!!! And better get me a bucket 😂
Posted by: DunGroanin | Feb 20 2025 15:04 utc | 84
Haha, a bucket won't suffice, better use pockets too:
https://x.com/MULANEIUM/status/1891316226854396224
😂😂😂
Posted by: Zet | Feb 20 2025 15:17 utc | 93
*** The Trump gang has been whispering about removing the occupation forces out of Ramstein, et al. Should that come about over the next few months, Germany may be able to install a recovery program. #1 on the agenda would be a rapprochement with the R.U. and reinstallation of Nordstream.
Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 20 2025 12:07 utc | 36
Tripwire Force bases are obsolete, i.e. the expense in maintaining them does not justify their existence. The justification for a tripwire force was that if tanks start rolling in, there is a hard presence that can defend at least temporarily. This thinking is based upon WWII presumptions. Today, Tripwire Force bases, at minimum the underground guts of them, can be destroyed by the RF Oreshnik at will, without an invasion. Dronewar I lessons are being learned.
It seems no coincidence to me that a drawdown of bases such as Ramstein is now part of the discussion. There is even talk about the US withdrawing its bases from South Korea.
Posted by: frithguild | Feb 20 2025 15:24 utc | 94
Dima had a blurb from the only Ukie official with any legal authority where he basically told the Yanks and the Russians to go fuck themselves.....and Lavrov said, and this is so fucking pathetic, in his weakest diplomatic voice "Zielinski needs a slap on the wrist" how fucking lame is that......
Cheers M
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 20 2025 15:29 utc | 95
Awful as current statements seem, it looks like Trump and Co. are still pulling their punches on Zelensky. The comments about Gonzalo Lira are a modest step towards wrecking Zelensky. There has to be a huge amount of solid intel on his corruption and bank accounts and property. Maybe they're giving him a big hint to just get lost, go to Israel, whatever.
It is an amazing thing to watch how these events are manipulated in the mass media. They got through 20 years of war in Afghanistan with no public mention of Afghan boy rape as a national culture. The Week was the only exception I knew of, in an opinion piece, years ago.
It's kind of hilarious how any US figure up for a big appointment suddenly gets tagged as a wife beater or alcoholic or sexual harrasser or drug dependent or fraud. It's like, 'where was this scandal yeaterday?' "were you saving this stuff in a file for years?'. But that's how the system works.
Posted by: Eighthman | Feb 20 2025 15:30 utc | 96
Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 20 2025 15:29 utc | 95
What's really pathetic is Ukrainians barking, a little less pathetic than the barking of the Baltics chiuhuaus and, of course, the barking of some posters.
Posted by: Mario | Feb 20 2025 15:38 utc | 97
91 - To his credit, Elon Musk has brought that up back in 2023. It was naturally ignored in the Western state-controlled cabal, but now's the perfect time time bring this kind of stuff up.
Interesting. I didn't know he had. Zelensky's godhead is starting to be eroded. I suspected it would happen, sooner or later.
Posted by: Waldorf | Feb 20 2025 15:40 utc | 98
@Johan Kaspar | Feb 20 2025 12:44 utc | 43
I think you are a bit insensitive to the vast power of propaganda. Something the anglosaxons have researched and applied in a more subtle manner than any other culture.
Actually the british author C S Lewis has written about the Tavistock clinic in a revealing manner in the form of novel.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-136347208
‘That Hideous Strength’: A Tale of Transhumanism and the Occult
The fiction meant to point to Tavistock was
National Institute for Coordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.)
While it may not be a quick way to see how this relates to the present argument it is worth pointing to Cynthia's many good in depth explanations of our world.
While Cynthia is careful not to speculate I am quite sure Lewis was intel-related and that is why he knew.
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Feb 20 2025 15:41 utc | 99
99 - I suspect Lewis was indeed intel-related. Oxbridge academic, books with a significant impact on the culture, not left-wing at all (Screwtape Proposes A Toast is British Conservatism c.1960 packaged as a religious message - not that I think Lewis was insincere in his religious beliefs).
Posted by: Waldorf | Feb 20 2025 15:50 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Thanks for an excellent analysis, b.
Unfortunately, I agree with your final point regarding the emergence of a new crop of European (and UK) leaders. The same old same old. The names change; policies remain the same until the inert populations wake up.
Posted by: Vragtes | Feb 20 2025 9:03 utc | 1