The Neo-Nazi dictator is not invited to the carve up of the US proxy Ukraine.

"Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has confirmed that Kiev was not invited to the discussions between delegations from Washington and Moscow which are expected to take place in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Wednesday, marking their first known direct conversation since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. On Saturday, the countries’ top diplomats followed up with a call to discuss “preparations for a potential high-level Russian-American summit.”

Moscow has yet to confirm any details, but according to multiple media reports, a US delegation – likely composed of national security advisers – will travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days for talks with their Russian counterparts."

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2025 14:41 utc | 1

Looks like Trump is pushing Kellogg, to get some sort of peace deal organised - sooner than later.

"A US peace plan for Moscow and Kiev could come within days or weeks, President Donald Trump’s special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

In January, the WSJ reported that Trump had tasked Kellogg with outlining a settlement to the Ukraine conflict within 100 days. At the same time, the US president warned of new sanctions if Moscow refused an unspecified plan, but emphasized that he was “not looking to hurt Russia.”

“You got to give us a bit of breathing space and time, but when I say that, I’m not talking six months, I’m talking days and weeks,” Kellogg projected as cited by CNBC, adding that he was “on Trump time.”

“He’ll ask you to do this job today and he’ll want to know tomorrow why it isn’t solved,” Kellogg emphasized."

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2025 14:44 utc | 2

The MSC is looking like a harbinger of doom...The European elite are about to jump out of the plane without parachutes.

The US elites are right behind them, with their best yahoos.

The Russians will need to do what they do best, and with all due haste.

Posted by: donten | Feb 16 2025 14:56 utc | 3

Its not just Trump that wants access to these sought after elements - the English PM is said to have underwritten much of the Neo-Nazi dictator, and Ukraine's debt - and in return he also wants access to these rare minerals - a real problem with this mad bad plan is - that much of the desired minerals are in the Donbas.

On The English PM underwritting Ukrainian debts - it will be the British taxpayer who'll have to pay this, with many, public services cut, along with benefits for those unfit to work - add in that the same people will have suffer even more because a large chunk of cash will go to help rebuilding Gaza at a later date - added to the cost-of-living crisis - and energy price rises - and the UK public is in for at least decade of misery.

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2025 14:56 utc | 4

[email protected]'s a done deal. Trump said he'd talk to Putin, he did. Trump said he wants a Peace Agreement, he will get it. Russia has until 4/20, apropos is some circles, to take what they want in the LDPR.....the deal will be signed in SA in April.

Cheers M

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 14:57 utc | 5

Re my (4) comment meant to add this duh!

"The US could send troops to guard Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which it wants as repayment for American aid, NBC reported on Saturday, citing unnamed officials.

The report followed recent statements made by US President Donald Trump, who demanded the “equivalent of $500 billion worth of rare earths” from Ukraine in exchange for what he estimated to be “more than $300 billion” Washington had provided in aid since the escalation of Kiev’s conflict with Moscow in 2022.

Trump’s demand was presented to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a contract proposal he brought to their meeting in Kiev earlier this week. According to multiple reports, under the deal, the US is to be granted 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as reimbursement for US aid.

However, according to four officials who spoke to NBC, the proposed contract also signaled Washington’s intention to deploy American troops to the sites as a protection detail. The deployment could reportedly come after Russia and Ukraine reached a deal to end the ongoing conflict."

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2025 14:57 utc | 6

It looks like Trump wants to use his European minions troops - to patrol along the soon to be DMZ between Russia and Ukraine.

"The United States has asked its NATO allies in Europe to assess their available troops and weaponry and determine the size of the force they could deploy as a “security guarantee” to Kiev, if Washington and Moscow reach an agreement on ending the Ukraine conflict.

“The Americans are approaching European capitals and asking how many soldiers they are ready to deploy,” one diplomat told Reuters on Saturday. The US questionnaire, first reported by the Financial Times, posed six key questions, including one specifically for European Union member states."

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2025 15:01 utc | 7

The Russians will need to do what they do best, and with all due haste.

Posted by: donten | Feb 16 2025 14:56 utc | 3

---

No haste is required. The outcome is predetermined.

Posted by: too scents | Feb 16 2025 15:02 utc | 8

Amazing, isn't it, how certain posters have it all figured out?

They seem to make predictions with an end date - good. Perhaps they'll celebrate on 4/20 day with a good hit from the same model of pipe that the Green Goblin uses.

Some of them forgot the whole "non-agreement capable" thing. The US has broken every agreement it has entered into with sovereign lands since the time of the Indian wars. Including France, Iraq, and of course the Minsk agreements.

So when April rolls around and the war is still going, I will be here to tell you "I told you so."

Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 16 2025 15:09 utc | 9

Posted by: donten | Feb 16 2025 14:56 utc

The US elites are right behind the Euros

---

Suddenly then quickly. With cratering prices in DC, we'll see mass migration to TX & FL.

The euro version is increased emigration to Russia, especially from the UK.

Wars - and their endings - always create enormous population movements. So much for the end of history.

Posted by: Markw | Feb 16 2025 15:10 utc | 10

Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 16 2025

Some of them forgot the whole USA "non-agreement capable" thing.

---

It's interesting how certain people cannot let go of the past. Rather they stubbornly stick to a pet position and fail to move on.

The USA - just like any hegemon - wrote its own rules when they had the ability to enforce them. (Including walking away from treaties.)

But for those who might not have heard the news, Russia won. The USA has suffered its greatest defeat and is now in a desperate position to preserve whatever control it can maintain in the Americas.

Russia's challenge isn't the peace process, but rather one of allowing the USA some form of saving face.

For the bar in general, I would suggest focusing on the future, the already agreed upon global division into 3 primary spheres of influence, and the resulting political, demographic and investment changes now underway.

Posted by: Markw | Feb 16 2025 15:22 utc | 11

*** wants access to these rare minerals - a real problem with this mad bad plan is - that much of the desired minerals are in the Donbas.***

Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 16 2025 14:56 utc | 4

Rare Earth minerals are not rare at all. Monzanite is pretty common. IMHO calling these metals and other substances "rare" is part of a sci op.

What is rare is a government that permits the dirty job of extracting the valuable bits out of monzanite. RF is probably fine with keeping this high cost activity out of the Donbass.

We all have heard stories about making Ukraine a toxic waste dump. Those stories are not so curiously off our radar.

The gigantic real estate development deal is coming.

Posted by: frithguild | Feb 16 2025 15:34 utc | 12

Evidently the US, via Trump, want to keep the Euros down with their "necessary," indeed augmented, sanctions against Russia, plus with their increased military spending on US armaments, not to mention American gas. So that the EU economy becomes permanently depressed and can be bought on the cheap by the US, since the dollar will remain the supposed only safe haven for elites and finance ministries everywhere. They also want to own Ukraine (e.g. minerals, etc) and not share with the Euro vassals who ostensibly won't even be invited to the negotiating table. On the other hand, the Euros should also do themselves the coup de grace of sanctioning China as well, thereby becoming entirely a provincially captured economy of the US. All thanks to the fact previous US administrations went into Ukraine knowing they'd be making as much, if not more mischief, for Europe as for Russia, by meddling so very far from their own backyard.

Posted by: Ludovic | Feb 16 2025 15:37 utc | 13

But for those who might not have heard the news, Russia won. The USA has suffered its greatest defeat and is now in a desperate position to preserve whatever control it can maintain in the Americas.
The point Vance is trying to make is that this is not an American war. It is Europe's issue now. Were the Europeans numb to the idea that we will not follow them into the abyss. As for Europe's muscle, we have quit.

Posted by: thomas j cahill | Feb 16 2025 15:44 utc | 14

the main problem with the 'rare earth' idiocy is that these 'resources' are not actually 'rare' and they are extremely difficult and complicated to extract and refine. lots of these in canada and other places.

the value of the minerals in the donbas in their unrefined state is close to zero. as usual the ignoramous trump is being jerked around by his advisors and warmongers. this is the danger of having an idiot in an imperial presidency

i notice yesterday he invoked the devine right of kings. 'its not illegal if it is to save the country'

really, you americans with your "USA USA" embarrasment really are a simple lot.

Posted by: earl | Feb 16 2025 15:48 utc | 15

Posted by: earl | Feb 16 2025 15:48 utc | 16 "ignoramous trump" " idiot in an imperial presidency"

Trump doesn't need advisors to tell him what to do as he is the smartest man in the room. He has told us so. More than once.

Posted by: Ed4 | Feb 16 2025 15:51 utc | 16

US reportedly sent a questionnaire to Eastern European vassal states, asking their capability to provide troops to patrol an assumed DMZ zone in Ukraine. This is interesting, as I doubt EU states have any meaningful AD systems to protect their troops, nor artillery, which was mostly donated to Ukraine. So EU infantry can only be light infantry with no heavy weapon backing.

Posted by: unimperator | Feb 16 2025 15:57 utc | 17

Trump reportedly could want EU troops to protect US mineral holdings in Ukraine. Perhaps this is what the 'deal' really is about, to which Ukraine nor EU nor UK are invited.

Posted by: unimperator | Feb 16 2025 15:58 utc | 18

The Trump administration has three goals with its negotiations with Russia. First, it aims to stop the war. Second, it aims to extricate itself from the mess. And three, it wishes to establish friendly relations with Russia again, try to repair some of the damage done by the neocons over the last thirty years, and set a framework going forward.

Of those goals, the first priority is to extricate itself from the mess. The second priority is better relations with Russia. And the least important is stopping the war. It isn’t that stopping the war isn’t desirable or sincerely wanted, it’s that the US may not be able to deliver on it without the cooperation of Europe and Ukraine. And for now, Europe and Ukraine have not acquiesced to reality.

That’s why the Euros and the Ukrainians will not be included in the negotiations. Their demands will be so unreasonable as to make ending the war impossible and the Trump administration will not let that fact get in the way of the other two goals, getting out of Ukraine and better relations with Russia going forward. So, they don’t get to come to the table.

So, in the end they will be presented with a deal signed by Russia and the US. The US will the walk away giving the Euros a choice, accept the deal or fight the Russians on your own with no expectation of American help in the war as it stands now or if it progresses at some point to Oreshniks hitting Berlin or London.

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 16:03 utc | 19

Western Ukraine has little recoverable minerals.
Europeans have little to no Aviation, Armour or combat troops. And will have a lot fewer if they go to a DMZ.

Posted by: necromancer | Feb 16 2025 16:05 utc | 20

Lots of posturing and more to come. The official US message is 'Count me out.'

Rare earth, this, that, the other is just noise. Trump knows Putin and is not going to tackle him, although Trump loves driving the clown car to throw many parties off balance (same for Gaza). Anyone know what is still in the pipeline going from the Us to Ukraine?

The first order of business in Ukraine will be to figure out who can represent the country in case signatures are needed. That will take a while. In the meantime, Russia marches on.

Posted by: Acco Hengst | Feb 16 2025 16:05 utc | 21

Ghost of [email protected] pray/hope for peace, regardless. Others like the death piled higher....

You well know that the US will sign an agreement with Russia. Bog Roll Boy has zero authority. There is no sitting Ukie Government. Someone from the US side said there is a deal, and it's not going to be what's expected.....let's be positive, if possible, and hope this miss adventure comes to a ceasefire at least. Both side are tired, and the people would like to see an end.

Cheers M

.....the reason the US and Russia need to work together is that they both have a vested interest in securing Palestine for US and Russian squatters, I did say Putin gets a cut of Trump Plaza Gaza.....bidness, be bidness. The Art Of The Deal.

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 16:11 utc | 22

Losing side does not dictate terms and dates of truce. Winners would provide the terms of peace! The Russian Federation will take its time and the US of A must abide 'as a minimum' to the four conditions set up back in July last year by the Supreme Commander in Chief, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

Posted by: pepe | Feb 16 2025 16:14 utc | 23

I don’t see how in any way it is Russia’s job to save the face of the USA. The US got itself into this mess, it is up to the US to navigate a way out.

Russia has helpfully provided a couple of signposts:
- “taking account of the facts on the ground”
- “the root causes of the issues”

Has the US actually heard and understood these messages?

EU troops patrolling some theoretical DMZ or protecting supposed US-owned mineral rights neither takes account of the facts on the ground, nor addresses the root causes of the issues (not to mention any such troops being targetted by remnants of the Nazi nutters such as Azov or other Banderists).

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 16:15 utc | 24

Passing the blame:

Nato at odds with Ukraine over Soviet-style tactics - Telegraph
British defence sources have accused Zelensky’s troops of wasting expensive weapons and equipment

Posted by: b | Feb 16 2025 16:17 utc | 25

@unimperator | Feb 16 2025 15:58 utc | 18

Trump reportedly could want EU troops to protect US mineral holdings in Ukraine. Perhaps this is what the 'deal' really is about, to which Ukraine nor EU nor UK are invited.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 16 2025 16:29 utc | 26

[email protected] wasn't a US citizen that visited Kiev and nixed the Istanbul Peace Agreement it was a Brit. It wasn't the head of Centcom that told Biden "it is done" it was a Brit. It wasn't a US citizen that signed a 100 year support agreement, against Russia, with 404, it was a Brit.

The oldest ruling house of Europe? Hapsburg, there's a bit of homework, many here know where the Hapsburgs went and the control they had, still have financially even if their forward projection is diminished The City still controls the Gold Gilded Iron Bank.

Cheers M

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 16:33 utc | 27

@Acco Hengst | Feb 16 2025 16:05 utc | 21

The first order of business in Ukraine will be to figure out who can represent the country in case signatures are needed. That will take a while. In the meantime, Russia marches on.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 16 2025 16:34 utc | 28

Unimperator@1558 Feb16

It is wise to bear in mind that the entire Maidan coup regime is illegitimate. As a product of a U$$A concocted coup d' etat regime; the current regime in Kiev has no legal standing. Thus, all its contracts with outside powers or commercial entities have no legitimacy. So all such contracts can be stated by the R.U. as outside law.

The R.U. government may or may not forward this staunch stance. If they backpedal for temporary peace deals, they would likely rue that in the future.

Logically, what Moscow must insist is that the current regime in Kiev must be obliterated and that a referendum be held in all Oblasts within the former Ukraine SSR. That referendum would determine by popular vote whether they would join the R.U.; a NovoUkrainia entity; or choose on ethnic bases to adhere to other nations on the Western border OR to form a disarmed Banderite Statelet, under military protection by a consortium of NovoUkrainia Belarus; Poland and the Russian Union.

Thus, any compact or treaty between the current Kiev regime would automatically deemed null and void and could only be honored by such new governments as suggested in the previous paragraph...and that by referendum amongst the peoples of those reconstituted entities.

Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 16 2025 16:35 utc | 29

***“taking account of the facts on the ground”
- “the root causes of the issues”

Has the US actually heard and understood these messages?***

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 16:15 utc | 24

***And the least important is stopping the war. It isn’t that stopping the war isn’t desirable or sincerely wanted, it’s that the US may not be able to deliver on it without the cooperation of Europe and Ukraine.***

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 16:03 utc | 19

The setup now is that Europe collectively involves itself with censorship and false narratives, so it prolongs the war. A simple trap, but Europe doesn't have the ability any more to even climb out of a paper bag. The longer it goes the worse it will get for Ukraine, which will become more and more obvious. Then the US position is see I told you so.

Posted by: frithguild | Feb 16 2025 16:40 utc | 30

Trump asked for half of ukraine for continued support knowing ukraine couldn't accept that offer without us troops and nato infrastructure in Europe.

It doesn't matter where or how much the rare earth and other elements are worth. It's a plot to say see, ukraine won't accept a peace agreement as a prelude to dropping all support for the war.

Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Feb 16 2025 16:41 utc | 31

Jeremy [email protected] US did not get itself into any mess, look at the main players, we have several in Canada, the Brit House of Lords is full of them. A Nazi political faction infiltrated the US government through peerage or appointment. Those people are not loyal to the US...... although they are tightly entwined and aligned with a Genocidal Mid East Shit hole.

Cheers M

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 16:43 utc | 32

Let's not forget Zelensky collaborated with the Democrats to impeach Trump in 2019. He's absolute dogshit to Trump there's nothing he can do to reach a deal with Trump. At best he can flee Ukraine at worst hell be hung by a lamp post.

Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Feb 16 2025 16:45 utc | 33

@Neofeudalfuture | Feb 16 2025 16:45 utc | 33

Let's not forget Zelensky collaborated with the Democrats to impeach Trump in 2019. He's absolute dogshit to Trump there's nothing he can do to reach a deal with Trump. At best he can flee Ukraine at worst hell be hung by a lamp post.

This appears to be how such things are 'handled' in Ukraine
https://postimg.cc/1f4Y1c7Z

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 16 2025 16:56 utc | 34

really, you americans with your "USA USA" embarrasment really are a simple lot.

Posted by: earl | Feb 16 2025 15:48 utc | 15

You're as dumb as a post, earl. "Americans" just like the people of whatever sad country under the Imperialist boot that you come from, are not an undifferentiated mass. Blame the imperial master, not the wage slaves.

Victim blamers like you are the real embarrassment.

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Feb 16 2025 17:04 utc | 35

Let's not forget Zelensky collaborated with the Democrats to impeach Trump in 2019. He's absolute dogshit to Trump there's nothing he can do to reach a deal with Trump. At best he can flee Ukraine at worst hell be hung by a lamp post.

_______________________

He also made what amounted to a campaign appearance in swing state Pennsylvania on behalf of the Dems.

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 17:05 utc | 36

Will the initial meeting by the sherpas in SA be short? I think it will be because of the differences.

The only weapon the US has to bring to the table is the dollar financial system controlled by the God Of Mammon cult...will Pope Frank or King Chuck be at the meetings?

Is the US going to be forced to confront both sides of their mouth saying Ukraine is not their conflict but here we are talking to Russia about the conflict w/o any of the other players involved.

The US is trying very hard to establish regions of power/influence while Russia and China want an equalization of security for all nations....the God Of Mammon cult does not want to lose its finance hegemony and associated inherited elite. This is the civilization war the is being fought behind the curtain.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 16 2025 17:06 utc | 37

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 16:03 utc | 19

If Trump simply executed the plan as you describe it, his presidency will be considered a success and he will remain popular. Let's watch and see what happens.

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Feb 16 2025 17:08 utc | 38

If Trump simply executed the plan as you describe it, his presidency will be considered a success and he will remain popular. Let's watch and see what happens.

_____________________________________

I think he will though there might be bumps and bruises along the way. Why? It’s the only rational course. And despite what many around here think, Trump and his administration are rational.

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 17:13 utc | 39

The “talks” will go nowhere as intended.

Even Russia bothering with all these theatrics confirms he’s part of the problem, not the solution, or any solution.

Nevertheless, just like his weak friends Saudi, Egypt & Jordan, he’ll be overthrown by his own party if he keeps this going much longer with no show of anything of substance.

It’s obvious West wants a frozen conflict, ceasefire now, with “future” promises as long as “Russia” shows “good faith”. Nothing has changed. So what if US bypasses or trashed the EU, still changes nothing in US/UK plan.
They were never actually going to let Ukraine join NATO ever anyways.

Posted by: Trubind1 | Feb 16 2025 17:35 utc | 40

Posted by: aristodemos | Feb 16 2025 16:35 utc | 29

The gap between Putin's peace plan and the rhetoric being spewed on the MSM is deep and wide.

On the surface, it appears that Trump officials negating Ukrainian entry into NATO and Ukraine not regaining its pre-2014 territory would give one hope for a negotiated peace.

The fact is that this was demanded by Putin in order to start any negotiations. Trump will never agree to Putin's peace plan. But more so the West is agreement incapable and the Russians know this.

Interesting on CBS this morning Margret Brennan expressed disbelief that Trump would take the position announced at Munich and the neocon Dan Crenshaw let the cat out of the bag replying, "We can't keep sending money to Ukraine until the last Ukrainian dies".

This is the reason Trump is in such a hurry to reach a ceasefire. The Ukraine military is on the verge of collapse. By this summer it will be finished. Trump needs a Minsk 3.0.

The Deep State has fallen into disaster. It is their worst nightmare, which they never believed to be remotely possible, for Russia to gather itself up and defeat Ukraine.

The Deep State's only hope for salvation at this point is to get U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and go to war against Russia.

Posted by: Oswald | Feb 16 2025 17:50 utc | 41

No one here should be underestimating the EU.

Hear and am aware of all the slams and EU issues as they are, but I’d put the brakes on the idea the the “EU is toothless” “EU is lap poodles”…(although all true)

There is old, old, old money, influence & gold.
Singular enemies, sure… but put a bunch a snarly dogs in one place, and things can get nasty.

In addition, there are still many US enemies within as well.
Trump and his cult ilk, overplayed their hand on this one.

The game of the Corporatist vs Oligarchy just got hotter.

Posted by: Trubind1 | Feb 16 2025 17:50 utc | 42

Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 16 2025 17:06 utc | 37
>>>>
The US $$$ has become a toxic currency and must be supressed at all costs. Trump continues spouting relentless threats about the challenges faced by those opting to walk away from the $$$ domination in trade but in the scheme of things, they will not make any difference to the global majority and BRIICS+. The train has left the station.

Posted by: pepe | Feb 16 2025 17:52 utc | 43

The “talks” will go nowhere as intended.

Even Russia bothering with all these theatrics confirms he’s part of the problem, not the solution, or any solution.

That sounds like cope, as the kids say, friend.

The outcome of this war over which so many outlandish arguments and grandiose expectations were roasted like an endless procession of barbecued sacred cows was never much in doubt. Despite this, I have seen endless spurious assertions from many true believer types about American and NATO power, about economic strength, et cetera.

In the end, the analogy I presented of the Americans thinking Ukraine was some sweet pussy that turned out to be a steel jawed bear trap proved correct. But the secondary target was Europe, and it is the compromised Europeans who will pay the price for their masters folly. Remembering of course that the European governments are American puppets. This is all theater for the plebs. Europe is going to shoulder the bill for the defeat of the Ukronazis.

Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Feb 16 2025 17:59 utc | 44

"The US will pressure Russia with sanctions, breaking its alliances, demanding territorial concessions and a commitment to peace – Kellogg in Munich.
.....
Kellogg also noted that the United States will work to sever Russia’s alliances with North Korea, Iran, and China, which, according to him, did not exist four years ago during the first Trump administration.

He said that tightening sanctions against Russia could significantly affect its behavior."

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/47217

Good luck with that!

Posted by: venice12 | Feb 16 2025 18:01 utc | 45

There is old, old, old money, influence & gold. Singular enemies, sure… but put a bunch a snarly dogs in one place, and things can get nasty.

Please. Money doesn't win wars. You cannot buy soldiers, not really, any more than you can buy victories. It's the delusional take of people who see the winners and losers in life delineated by bank accounts. No amount of money will make the EU relevant from a power perspective. They'd need a decade or more likely two before that could translate into anything.

This isn't Syria and there isn't a rent a jihadhi army near Russia for the scumbag EU to throw their money at. These countries also might find thst they are quite a bit more vulnerable to such assymetric assault than their far better prepared and far more skillful adversaries.

The EU are a bunch of jokers. And dipshits. And you can take that to the bank, pal.

Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Feb 16 2025 18:04 utc | 46

@36 Cullen

Good point, that was also true as was direct UK interference from the latest UK PM.

Europe as well also piled on Trump when it was convenient. They're all in deep shit and know they're getting a feel for how deep it is. Trump knows revenge and they are going to feel the knife as the US controls Europe's energy and financial systems.

Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Feb 16 2025 18:17 utc | 47

No one here should be underestimating the EU.

LOL, please could you remind me, because I can’t find any information about this:

How many army divisions does the EU have under its direct command?

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 18:19 utc | 48

Russia has until 4/20

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 14:57 utc | 5

It's always 4:20 somewhere ...

Posted by: Drifter | Feb 16 2025 18:25 utc | 49

In Korea there is no official armistice, just a truce holding already 70 years. If there is ever a truce in Ukraine and more importantly an official DMZ, it should be guarded by BLUE HELMETS with Chinese, Africans, EU countries, but proportionally to their population ratios and under UN flags only.

Posted by: Teraspol | Feb 16 2025 18:28 utc | 50

Trump says he doesn't want EU into the negotiations, because EU are a bunch of war-mongering lunatics.

‼️👉Current American CNN:

Donald Trump: 🔊"It will be just me and Putin, we will not invite representatives of Europe. There will be no war for me and if Europe has a problem with that, then let Russia defeat it on its own without American participation.

Why don't I want the EU there?

Because their representatives need to go to war, they need a long-term conflict to cover up their incompetence, their lobbies and their stolen money.

I already classify the EU as a third world country, but it is a little better off, no one dictates anything to them.

I will not negotiate with anyone who wants to prolong the conflict, I will not negotiate with anyone who will send more weapons, I will not negotiate with anyone who will try to get any more ammunition initiatives, I will not negotiate with anyone who will try to prolong the conflict.

I will negotiate the peace, which is obviously a very censored word in the EU."

https://x.com/peacemaket71/status/1891159039624544324

Posted by: unimperator | Feb 16 2025 18:32 utc | 51

Europeans don’t have a feel for how quickly things have changed. If you are still talking about things like trans rights and climate change, you are being ridiculed in the US right now. That was the basis of Vance’s Greta Thunberg quip at Munich. Euros didn’t even get it because she is taken seriously there. Americans instantly got it because she has been an object of derision and ridicule in America for years. The difference now is that the government is joining in the ridicule instead of pretending she is someone to be taken seriously.

So basically the current US administration and the majority of American voters think all of the European leadership is ridiculous. Trump and his supporters have seen the supercilious bullshit the condescending Eurofags dished out when they thought he was an aberration and wouldn’t be back. Now they are going to get that same shit served back at them on fine china and they are going to have to eat it with a smile. Or not. But that shit served back at them is the only sustenance they’ll be getting from the Uas for quite some time. So they can eat it or go hungry.

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 18:35 utc | 52

These are all very good omens. Pres. Donald Trump - Master of Peace. Praise the Lord.

Posted by: guest from franconia | Feb 16 2025 18:45 utc | 53

How does the saying go?

To be an enemy of the yankeeland is dangerous, to be its friend is fatal.

Hopefully Russia will never forget it.

It looks like what will be left of Ukraine will be looted by the yankeeland. More than ever a 404 country.

All Russian oblasts should be given the right to become an element of the Federation of Russia.

Posted by: Naive | Feb 16 2025 18:52 utc | 54

North and west of Dneipr. Establish a dozen or so Kosovo style independent counties, let each run independent and suggest they fight each other like it was 1400 and the Mongols are gone!

Trump, Vance, Rubio and Kellogg are not talking to each other.

Hegseth is on his own. His big issue is medical care in Europe for retired US soldiers who live in Europe

Posted by: paddy | Feb 16 2025 18:52 utc | 55

[email protected] money is on Trump to do a deal with Russia, if the Feudal Houses of the EU keep it up they are in for a rude awakening.

Cheers M

....I'd expect a clause in the agreement will remove the US's commitment to Article Five, leaving the EU holding the ball.....bag, sack....

Posted by: sean the leprechaun | Feb 16 2025 18:53 utc | 56

"As Moscow and Warshington's top diplomats speak over the phone, over in Kiev, Zelensky is coming to terms with the fact that peace, not war, is part of Trump's game plan.

And judging from statements coming out of the White House, Ukraine's bid for NATO membership is over. As is its hope of taking back any lost territory.

All this has sent European leaders into panic mode, desperately finding a way to be included in the peace talks. That's as a member of the Trump team says the EU won't have a seat at the negotiating table."

RT News - February 16, 2025 (1700MSK)

https://www.rt.com/shows/news/612768-rtnews-february-16-17msk/

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 16 2025 18:54 utc | 57

@ CullenBaker, §52:
With all their glass palaces and sprawling bureaucracy, you expect quick decisions from the EU?
They take a decade to rule on the shape of bananas or how brown chips may be.
The whole EU needs swept away and the European nations go independently back to the drawing board.

Posted by: John Marks | Feb 16 2025 18:55 utc | 58

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 18:35 utc | 52
Uas for quite some [shit] time. So they can eat it [shit] or go hungry.

Things have gotten serious here! A heavy atmosphere! Let's laugh a little and leave this atmosphere of surrender behind! "Vae victis!"
https://www.rt.com/news/612724-trump-ukraine-european-leaders/

Posted by: Elber | Feb 16 2025 18:55 utc | 59

Rebuilding diplomatic relations:

🇷🇺🇺🇸 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that during contacts with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, they discussed the functioning of the American and Russian embassies.

"I raised the issue of our embassy in Moscow, which operates under very difficult conditions. I brought it up because it is important. It will be hard to engage with Russia on anything if our embassy is not functioning,"
Rubio said in an interview with CBS.

He noted that Lavrov also expressed concerns about the work of Russian diplomatic missions in the U.S. Rubio emphasized that functioning embassies in Moscow and Washington are essential for successful negotiations on a Ukraine settlement.

In 2021, the U.S. reduced its embassy staff in Moscow in response to Russian restrictions on hiring local and third-country nationals following another round of anti-Russian sanctions. The American embassy stopped issuing visas. Washington has yet to receive a new Russian ambassador to replace Anatoly Antonov, whose term ended.

Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 16 2025 18:55 utc | 60

British defence sources have accused Zelensky’s troops of wasting expensive weapons and equipment

They could also have criticised the Ukie troops for being mortal. It's criminally negligent.

Posted by: Leuk | Feb 16 2025 18:57 utc | 61

Russia will never accept Zionreich "troops" from Lithuania or Britain or Poland or France or any other Nazi province.
Then only peace-keepers worth talking about are from civilized countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand etc.
They should do the job.
Nazis will only ever be targets in Russia including in Ukraine.

Posted by: Andrew Sarchus | Feb 16 2025 19:05 utc | 62

The whole rare earth thing is a head fake. If the available deposits were financially viable for mining they would already be mined, like the coal and iron that is already being mined. When this is over what is left of Ukraine is not going to be able to pay war debt reparations of any consequence. Better to let it pass than to be trying to squeeze a little money out of the place. It wouldn't be worth the hostility it would create.

My guess is that the talk about rare earths is a PR thing. The Trump administration wants to be able to show some benefit when the war winds down.

And, by the way, if we can pass it off and make it a European war, all the better.

Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2025 19:09 utc | 63

MOATS, Ep 422, with George Galloway (& vid)

https://x.com/georgegalloway/status/1891199909124280556

"A new world order..."

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 16 2025 19:09 utc | 64

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 16:03 utc | 19

Exactly, not complicated.

Posted by: thomas j cahill | Feb 16 2025 19:13 utc | 65

US delegation going to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russia. US Sec-State Rubio and Security Advisor Walz to attend. 'There's hope for good progress' Walz - RT

Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 16 2025 19:15 utc | 66

Passing the blame:
Nato at odds with Ukraine over Soviet-style tactics - Telegraph
British defense sources have accused Zelensky’s troops of wasting expensive weapons and equipment
Posted by: b | Feb 16 2025 16:17 utc | 25

People will use an asset based on how much they had to pay for the asset: always. Blame whoever, but giving there military hardware at no cost or control of use produced this outcome. Remarkable just how incompetent the European leadership is.

Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2025 19:15 utc | 67

Posted by: Elber | Feb 16 2025 18:55 utc | 59
"Trump and Putin are already debating between caviar and steak for their peace talks while the EU stands outside like a rejected clubber, begging the bouncer to “check again, bro” – meanwhile, Zelensky is eyeing that tablecloth like a pyromaniac."
by Rachel Marsden*
* A columnist, political strategist, and host of independently produced talk-shows in French and English.

Dear barflies,
please read the full article and leave your opinion here!

Posted by: Elber | Feb 16 2025 19:16 utc | 68

The die is cast. The POTUS #47 regime, the buffoon builder/reality TV actor, and the 10 tech oligarchs behind him, can end their role in Ukraine anytime they want. That will be considered a victory by MAGA voters. All that remains is crafting a narrative to sell the surrender as a win. Putin will be happy to assist with that Kabuki theatre.

The POTUS #47 regime is NOT the same as the POTUS #45 regime. This time, someone, whether a SW Asian intelligence agency, or Tech Lord hackers, or moles in the FBI - has provided the regime with the control files for the major players in DC. The theatre continues, but already two 'not confirmable' cabinet picks have sailed through the Senate. The 'betrayal' by decrepit and deposed Mitch McConnell makes the show look real. The regime can politically survive walking away from Ukraine as the opposition has been neutralised.

No trust is required. The RF has conclusively demonstrated, once again, that Russia is unbeatable in a land war on her home field. Uncle Sam has had enough and desperately needs to tighten his grip on what is left of the US sphere of influence in the Americas. Retrenchment is not optional.

Will the UK and EU continue to sponsor war and terrorism against Russia? Almost certainly. At least for awhile. Until their 'leaders' discover that continuing a multigenerational war on their native populations and Russia at the same time is not a winner. Meanwhile, the US will be out and stay out.

Posted by: Drifter | Feb 16 2025 19:19 utc | 69

The western merdias are claiming between 50'000 and 100'000 servicemen dead.

Fucking liars!

Posted by: Naive | Feb 16 2025 19:22 utc | 70

Oups, forgot to says between 50'000 and 100'000 Ukrainians servicemen dead.

Posted by: Naive | Feb 16 2025 19:24 utc | 71

The Deep State's only hope for salvation at this point is to get U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and go to war against Russia.

Posted by: Oswald | Feb 16 2025 17:50 utc | 41

The American Deep State is being systematically dismantled as we speak.

Posted by: thomas j cahill | Feb 16 2025 19:27 utc | 72

What is rare is a government that permits the dirty job of extracting the valuable bits out of monzanite. RF is probably fine with keeping this high cost activity out of the Donbass.

We all have heard stories about making Ukraine a toxic waste dump. Those stories are not so curiously off our radar.

The gigantic real estate development deal is coming.

Posted by: frithguild | Feb 16 2025 15:34 utc | 12

The Russians will contract the dirty task of refining ores out to China. China is already in the Russian held Donbas rebuilding mines, mills and other industrial concerns. The USA sells banking and protects the oil trade and China is the worlds miner and manufacturer ... the Ukraine development project is right up their ally.

I doubt Trump can force any kind of deal on the Russians because the only thing they have to offer Russia is to back off with NATO and arms reduction and on that front they are no longer in a position of strength. Trump has zero leverage ... if Putin doesn't like what Trump is offering he'll just keep on fighting until he gets what he wants. Other than start WW3 there's fuck all Trump can do about it.

Posted by: HB_Norica | Feb 16 2025 19:33 utc | 73

Peacekeepers are not necessary once Ukraine will be demilitarized and denazified.

Posted by: Naive | Feb 16 2025 19:35 utc | 74

@unimperator | Feb 16 2025 18:32 utc | 51

Er... I think those were Trump's ulterior motives you posted.

Posted by: Leuk | Feb 16 2025 19:38 utc | 75

The whole rare earth thing is a head fake.

Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2025 19:09 utc | 63

There is WAY more mineral wealth in the Donbas other than rare earth metals. Even without Rare earth metals the Donbas is rich in titanium, manganese, uranium, graphite and nickel.

If it's not worth the cost of mining rare earth metals in Ukraine today the Russians will just leave it in the ground like you say because Russia/China have no problems with rare earth supply however the west does so as long as Trump wants to fight a trade war with China finding a supply of these minerals is critical to the US / EU economies.

Posted by: HB_Norica | Feb 16 2025 19:44 utc | 76

Some of them forgot the whole "non-agreement capable" thing.

Posted by: Ghost of Zanon | Feb 16 2025 15:09 utc | 9

It's sad to see but also fascinating to watch how a clever propaganda turn can completely capture the part which thought that it would be the critical thinkers.

They really don't get it... I'd suggest the latest video of Brian Berletic: 15 minutes really worth your time.

Posted by: Zet | Feb 16 2025 19:54 utc | 77

Oops, forgot the link to video of Brian:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIgjIok4Cfk

Posted by: Zet | Feb 16 2025 19:55 utc | 78

Per the Russian readout of the Rubio-Lavrov telephone conversation, will Trump normalize relations with Russia, while for the time being leaving the Ukraine matter completely unresolved?

Posted by: Stine | Feb 16 2025 19:55 utc | 79

Now then, who is in charge of this narrative?:

Date is set: Elections in Ukraine will be held in October — Poroshenko

Elections in Ukraine will be held on October 26 this year, former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said, according to the Ukrainian website "Censor.net".

"Write it down — October 26 of this year," Poroshenko quotes "Censor.no".

According to Poroshenko, he was informed about this by sources in the president's office, in law enforcement agencies, as well as in the management of the polygraph factory "Ukraine", which is now calculating how many ballots will be required.

On Thursday, Verkhovna Rada deputy Sofia Fedina said that the polygraph plant "Ukraine" was instructed to make the appropriate calculations for the presidential election.

On the other hand, it could be quite a presumption that Ukraine actually still exists in October 2025...

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 19:58 utc | 80

The whole rare earth thing is a head fake.

Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2025 19:09 utc | 63

There is WAY more mineral wealth in the Donbas other than rare earth metals. Even without Rare earth metals the Donbas is rich in titanium, manganese, uranium, graphite and nickel.

If it's not worth the cost of mining rare earth metals in Ukraine today the Russians will just leave it in the ground like you say because Russia/China have no problems with rare earth supply however the west does so as long as Trump wants to fight a trade war with China finding a supply of these minerals is critical to the US / EU economies.

Posted by: HB_Norica | Feb 16 2025 19:44 utc | 76

Rare earth minerals are not that rare.

What is rare is jurisdictions that will allow refinement of the metals by chlorinization which is the cheapest, most efficient method to refine the rare earth minerals.

Since chlorinization process is outlawed in almost every country as it is a horrible pollutant s the chlorine poisons creeks, river, water tables .

China does not ban the chlorine process so they have the majority of the market.

Ukraine will very soon be the second jurisdiction for chlorination to be legal that is the key point. Then the Empire can compete with China on costs-doesn't rally matter where the ore is-Grenland, Canada, Us-they ship the ores to Ukraine refining facilities.

Posted by: canuck | Feb 16 2025 20:05 utc | 81

Another source with a similar write-up:

Poroshenko announced the date of elections in Ukraine

[..] According to Poroshenko, the elections will be held on October 26, 2025.

"Write it down-October 26 of this year," he said, answering the question when elections can be expected in Ukraine.

Poroshenko noted that he learned about this from sources in the presidential office. This is also known in law enforcement agencies and in the Polygraph Factory "Ukraine", which will be engaged in printing ballots.

A recent poll showed that the majority of Ukrainians consider Petro Poroshenko to be the leader of the opposition in Ukraine.

The NSDC imposed sanctions against Poroshenko, Kolomoisky, Bogolyubov, Zhevago and Medvedchuk.

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 20:07 utc | 82

Maybe it’s a sneaky way of getting EU troops in as “election observers”?

“We must ensure the sanctity, probity and security of the Ukrainian election process.”...

Uh-huh...

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 20:14 utc | 83

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 20:14 utc | 83

#################

All election observers should be from China.

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 16 2025 20:21 utc | 84

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 16 2025 20:21 utc | 84

I’m sure North Korea and Iran could help out, especially as the North Koreans are already there... so I’m told... apparently...

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 16 2025 20:31 utc | 85

Gilbert Doctorow:

And so tomorrow the leaders of Germany, Italy and Poland will gather in Paris at Macron’s invitation. With a nod to the EU institutions which in principle set foreign policy, rather than any given coalition of Member States, Macron also invited Antonio Costa the president of the European Council, the top policy setting body of the EU consisting of heads of government of all 27 member states. But then in violation of the same principles, UK prime minister Keir Starmer will also be attending. Given that Britain, France and Poland are the countries most eager to send their troops to Ukraine as “peacekeepers,” it is safe to say that the first task of Macron’s little group will be to respond directly to the urging of General Kellogg that the Europeans prepare their own proposals for participating in the security arrangements for post-war Ukraine.

The very fact that only a few European Union leaders will convene in Paris tomorrow puts in question the notion of pooled sovereignty. It demonstrates that the 29-member supranational body is in disarray and coming apart at the seams. Meanwhile, in parallel, NATO is in disarray because the member country that enables all its military missions, the United States, has now stated unequivocally that it will not allow European peacekeepers or warriors against Russia, should the conflict in Ukraine continue, to claim NATO protection.

-----

Posted by: jayc | Feb 16 2025 20:50 utc | 86

reply to 69

Thank you for that. It offers a possible explanation for what's happening. I knew a guy with some connections who said you can't rise high in the government unless they 'have something on you'. It's about control.

The only question with this is, they must have an enormous amount of nasty stuff on Zelensky. Bribes, secret bank accounts and so on. His wife is a spendthrift. So, why don't they use this intel and bring him down?

Posted by: Eighthman | Feb 16 2025 20:54 utc | 87

There was a time when the new nation of the US had a point. It was all of that, a revolutionary young nation rejecting European feudal tyranny, hypocrisy, and parasitism. The aspiring empire of Russia could have said the same about the feudal Europe. As the upstarts, they both hated and envied European snobbery, arrogance and superiority. And then we had two Wars, not so much World Wars as anti-European wars. Both the US and Russia were drooling at seeing Europe cut down to size, devastated and reduced to a supplicant role.

After WWII, the immensity of the Soviet empire dwarfed not only the leading European countries but even the whole continent. Germany was divided, and at 60 million, the western part was diminished to a quarter of the size of Soviet Union. Looting of German assets by both sides, the Americans and the Soviets, was rampant but hidden from the public. The conscience of the world was even spared knowledge of the rape of some 2 million German women by the occupying American forces. Add to that the Soviets' free hand over the easten lands.

Now, here we go again. It is the hypocrisy of the same allies that claim Europe is at a dead end, as they try once more to settle their overreached interests at the expense of the battered Europeans.

But a strange thing has happened. Once a divided, quarreling gaggle of small nations, Europe has changed little by little, almost imperceptibly, into the European Union, a union of some 450 million people which suddenly dwarfs the two superpowers, even when combined. Europe is now a superpower on its own.

Has anybody noticed that? Both the US and Russia talk about Europe from a nineteenth-century mindset, like a little dog to be kicked around. They lecture the Europeans as to why they are not up to their own standards and their interests. Both the US and Russia take this superior position, talking about their armies as if all we have to compare is how many tanks or nukes one has. But their economies are in shambles - and that is not what worries them?

It is interesting to note that the Cold War and the post-Cold War economic self-mutilation inflicted by the US and Russia on each other resulted in the emergence of two incontestable winners, outside of their plan. China is the top winner, followed by the European Union. Little considered as a viable entity, the EU is an economic and demographic contender vastly better positioned vis-a-vis both the US and Russia.

This comes as such a surprise to the former adversaries that they are now in a frenzy to close ranks and talk about friendship against their very close former friends. They just discovered how much damage they inflicted on themselves and how far they have fallen behind both China and the EU.

Can they, in a nefarious new alliance, succeed in stabbing the Europeans in the back for the third time?

My money is on Europe this time. The new gambit is just not quite possible. Too late. A third time game of a European war is not going to work. Europe doesn't need to go to actual hot war. All it needs to do is to keep the two superpowers at a distance in terms of economic separation. Divorce. Neither one of them has the human resources to compete economically, with China, definitely, but neither with old Europe. Europe doesn't even need the energy resources from either one of the rivals. The eastern Mediterranean is full of gas and oil, and so is the nearby north Africa, never mind the Middle East.

All that the EU needs is to stand up to the hypocrisy of both former superpowers. For Russia, any claim to sovereignty by another small neighbor, like Moldova or Georgia, is labeled "Nazi". But their own sovereignty is sacrosant, just because they are Mother Russia. Same goes for the US. One day it's about Woke ideology, another day about democracy. But in fact, they both are lusting imperial bloodsuckers.

Enough. Let's have a new, revived Europe at one pole and ancient China at the other. Ultimately, it is not about Ukraine. It is about the overreach by two empires, at times naked and at times surreptitious, over other peoples' lives and lands.

https://www.algora.com/Algora_blog/2025/02/15/from-cold-war-rivals-to-sore-losers

Posted by: LongTimeObserver | Feb 16 2025 21:08 utc | 88

The simultaneous talk of “halving” military spending in a grand deal with Russia and China is interesting, and hardly reflected in arms stock prices. There might be something more than noise to it. If we assume that China and now Russia are running a reasonably tight ship as these things go, it might be a very bad bargain to make a deal as presented.

It reminds me of the climate negotiations where the very competent (despite right-wing allegations otherwise) U.S. negotiators got other countries to make commitments that cost real money while the U.S. did what it was going to do to do anyways for cost reasons and replaced coal plants with cheaper fracked natural gas.

Posted by: BillB | Feb 16 2025 21:12 utc | 89

maybe UK military traditionally conservative is trying to nullify Labour Starmer although they are seeking more funding and Starmer wants to increase the budget beyond current fraught and fragile levels going over the head of the Chancellor. He is proposing that he acts as a go-between after
the european leaders meeting tomorrow, to persuade DT that Europe must be part of the negotiations

Note previously that UK training of ukraine military has been reportedly insufficient outdated and deplorable.

The UK accuses the Ukrainian Armed Forces of squandering Western expensive weapons, the Telegraph newspaper reported, citing British military sources.

"British military sources accuse Vladimir Zelensky's army of squandering expensive weapons and equipment.... Kiev troops are combining Western-provided weapons with Soviet-style tactics, a mistake that is leading to the reckless waste of a significant amount of NATO weaponry,"
- the report said.

When the reputation of your wunderwaffles is tarnished by the realities of full-scale combat with a real army, not stone-age bombed-out Arabs, blame everything on Soviet tactics.

And the weapons themselves are serious, there is no argument here. It's just that in the realities of our conflict there is nothing that cannot be countered.

@Slavyangrad

Posted by: Jo | Feb 16 2025 21:21 utc | 90

The American Deep State is being systematically dismantled as we speak.

Posted by: thomas j cahill | Feb 16 2025 19:27 utc | 72

Let's see when that rotten Skunk Peter Stroke-me and that slimy Limey Stealing-Steele are locked up together at Gitmo. Then tell me the Deep Stench extermination Plan is fully on the way. Inside a small room urinating on each other. Priceless

Europe as part of the Uke Settlement? Letting the squabbling Uber-Alles Toe-Jam eaters in to eff up an agreement. No effing way.
Let me count the ways Zelenski braided his own noose with Trump. Paid/skimmed U.S. dollars for Biden. Set Trump up for Impeachment in that infamous phone call. Campaigned for Kumalot Harris in swing state Pennsylvania. Only question is, has any country volunteered a grave plot for him.
And while we are on the topic. Remember Nazis exceed at one thing very well, and this is little publicized. They make great Fertilizer. Ask the Russians. Ground into small pieces the fields grow better the following year.

Posted by: kupkee | Feb 16 2025 21:26 utc | 91

The Russians are creating facts on the ground, while we are creating narratives on the net.

Posted by: Passerby | Feb 16 2025 21:29 utc | 92

reply to longtimeobserver #88
wonderful post but written by someone who doesn't live in EU.
we are here in a bad caricature of soviet union's last days without weapons busy at dismantling industry under asphyxiating bureaucracy and agricolture under 'green' (cow farts promote climate change) or health (wine they say causes cancer, so put on barolo or bordeax bottles a picture of a liver cancer).
All the while our cities are no safer than US worst boroughs. Not to mention rampant lgbtq+pedo indoctrination, and I could keep writing about the heavenly life here in in EU 'rising superpower'.

Posted by: louis | Feb 16 2025 21:47 utc | 93

Ursula v d L.to sign the surrender? Would it have to be passed authorised by Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe? Who signed the EU Ukraine Asoociation agreement just before Maidan, that still has legal authority?

Posted by: Jo | Feb 16 2025 21:47 utc | 94

So Rubio arrives on scene…. Discovers Moscow Listening Post [u$ embassy] is shuttered…. And complains to the Russians. As if they created the situation.
>… doesn’t know, doesn’t care Obama stole Russian diplomatic property …. leaving a turd in the punchbowl for the first Trump admin.
Trump was then neutered with RussiaRussiaRussia and the Mueler “investigation”.
Both Biden and the EU continued to reduce diplomatic contacts to zero.
Now Rubio suddenly decides this doesn’t suit the U$…..
I think Rubio needs an acerbic recent history lesson from Maria.

Posted by: Melaleuca | Feb 16 2025 21:54 utc | 95

https://www.flightradar24.com/GLF6/3926ddd4

Anonymous Gulfstream G650 (possible spyplane) landing at Rzeszow from Munich.

https://www.flightradar24.com/B763/3926c65e

Anonymous 767 transport, Tallinn to ??

Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 16 2025 21:57 utc | 96

I think he will though there might be bumps and bruises along the way. Why? It’s the only rational course. And despite what many around here think, Trump and his administration are rational.

Posted by: CullenBaker | Feb 16 2025 17:13 utc | 39

I certainly hope they are.

Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Feb 16 2025 22:02 utc | 97

In an essay in the Telegraph British PM Starmer has endorsed sending troops to Ukraine

Potentially putting Britons in harm’s way is a huge responsibility – but we must be ready to do our bit for Europe

Helping to guarantee Ukraine’s security is helping to guarantee the security of our country and our continent

Keir Starmer
16 February 2025 10:00pm GMT

We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent. This is not only a question about the future of Ukraine – it is existential for Europe as a whole.

Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty for the long term is essential if we are to deter Putin from further aggression in the future.

To achieve it, Europe and America must continue to work closely together – and I believe the UK can play a unique role in helping to make this happen, just as we did this past week in stepping in to convene and chair the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

First, Europe must step up further to meet the demands of its own security. So I am heading to Paris with a very clear message for our European friends. We have got to show we are truly serious about our own defence and bearing our own burden. We have talked about it for too long – and President Trump is right to demand that we get on with it.

and so on ==> https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/02/16/sir-keir-starmer-british-troops-ukraine/

Following in the footsteps of Boris Johnson.

Posted by: too scents | Feb 16 2025 22:17 utc | 98

The whole rare earth thing is a head fake.
Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2025 19:09 utc | 63
Jmaas: You guys must really be determined to prove me wrong to come up with this nonsense.

There is WAY more mineral wealth in the Donbas other than rare earth metals...
Posted by: HB_Norica | Feb 16 2025 19:44 utc | 76

The deal Trump wants is half the value of the rare earth mineral wealth from Ukraine. As things are right now, it is wildly unlikely that the Donbas will be a part of Ukraine when the war ends. Russia has already annexed it. For Trump's deal to go through, Russia would have to agree to pay war reparations to the United States. Really, you think that is going to happen?

Rare earth minerals are not that rare.
What is rare is jurisdictions that will allow refinement of the metals by chlorinization which is the cheapest, most efficient method to refine the rare earth minerals. Since chlorinization process is outlawed in almost every country as it is a horrible pollutant s the chlorine poisons creeks, river, water tables.
China does not ban the chlorine process so they have the majority of the market.
Ukraine will very soon be the second jurisdiction for chlorination to be legal that is the key point...
Posted by: canuck | Feb 16 2025 20:05 utc | 81

The issue is not how common a rare earths are, the issue is if there are deposits rich enough to be mined. Don't know about the rest, but lithium is of hot interest right now because lithium based batteries are highly valued for electric cars, along with other uses. Mineable deposits right now are scarce enough that lacking a new battery technology, we may not have enough mineable lithium for use in electric cars if they should become common.

Apparently, the lithium deposits in Ukraine are not mineable owing to cost. That is, except that the Chinese can do it at lower cost using their polluting chlorination process. For Trump's scheme to work out the Russians (not Ukraine for the most part) are going to have to agree to having the Chinese mine in Russia with a highly polluting process and then ship half the product off to the Untied States in payment for what amount to war reparations. That is going to happen? Really? Really?

And then there is the matter of cost. For Trump's scheme to work out the Chinese will have to mine the deposits at less then half the cost of the currently available methods that are too high cost to be viable. Can't say that I know if this can be done, but it is a high hurdle.

And by the way: reparations. When the USSR fell apart, American financiers moved in and purchased up assets for pennies on the dollar. I don't know what happened to that money making scheme, but it apparently didn't work out because the oligarchs, the rich guys, are routinely described as Russian. Unless the Russians get their Western held funds back, the externally held assets are going to be seized. Somehow in the middle of all that we are going to get Trump’s desired mineral rights? Seems unlikely.

Posted by: Jmaas | Feb 16 2025 22:19 utc | 99

Thanks to b for The Telegraph piece. Provided many enjoyable mocking guffaws…..
Russia manufactures cheap firepower in huge quantities that Nato cannot match, as the alliance produces smaller amounts of hi-tech weapons designed for combined arms, manoeuvre warfare tactics.
No mention in shovels? Stolen washing machine chips?
Extols the virtues of “combined arms”…. Without acknowledging Ukraine lost its airforce pretty much immediately. Combined arms requires bombing defenceless sandal-clad brown people from a distance.
…”Ukraine was breaking up Nato-style formations into smaller units and not adapting to Western manoeuvre warfare, blaming a Ukrainian “operational doctrine” that was entrenched in its officer corps.”
Err. When Ukraine stored its troops in large quantities…. Russia kinzaled them. Killing hundreds.
The response to ubiquitous drone warfare is small groups moving quickly. Sitting in obvious trenches invites FPV drones….

And who can be blamed? [for Ukraine failing]
“General Oleksandr Syrsky, who is ethnically Russian and learnt his trade at the Moscow Higher Military Command School in the 1980s, had been appointed Ukrainian commander-in-chief in 2022
- “Ethnically Russian” . As is most of eastern Ukraine.
-
~~~~~
Small request. When referring to Saudi Arabia, it’s “KSA”. ”SA” can be confused for South Africa…

Posted by: Melaleuca | Feb 16 2025 22:21 utc | 100