was never discounted truthfully and effectively by Russia.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Mar 13 2025 21:46 utc | 201
Hard to counter when the entire western media is virulently propagandizing against you.

Posted by: TJandTheBear | Mar 13 2025 21:51 utc | 203

It took awhile to get the transcript done properly–Lukashenko is very hard to deal with, “The Putin Lukashenko Presser”. Indeed, he offered a new hypothesis for the war on Ukraine–the rare earths were the goal and for that Novorossiya needed to be depopulated. Putin didn’t comment on that, but I presume they discussed that possibility. the two will hold further talks including discussing whatever the American has to say. Overall relations with Belarus are glowing with mutual trade reaching a new all-time high.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 13 2025 21:51 utc | 205

What Putin said is the highly diplomatic version of GFY, its an art that both the Russian and Chinese leadership greatly understands – messaging in a way that maintains decorum while delivering a blunt message. Of course the US leadership is completely inept at such things.
Posted by: Roger Boyd | Mar 13 2025 19:42 utc | 154
Well put.

Posted by: Don Firineach | Mar 13 2025 22:04 utc | 207

Andrew Sarchus | Mar 13 2025 20:54 utc | 180
Western Europe is the Nazi Fourth Reich engaged in Barbarossa 2.0.
—
Yes, it’s always been this way, any time, any place on the planet.
The basic biological imperative is to grow and expand. Territorial conquest and subjugation (death or enslavement) are merely the means to gain, control and utilize (energy) resources.
Russia, more than any other country on the globe, has always known that they have what others covet, actually, must have to live life itself.
We are decades past peak economically recoverable energy resources, the very basis of our modern world. Everyone knows this, it’s not some kind of secret.
That’s why the war is existentional to both sides; the loser literally will cease to exist.

Posted by: Markw | Mar 13 2025 22:08 utc | 209

Posted by: Elber | Mar 13 2025 18:08 utc | 97
Of course Elber …
All laid out in these 2 books..
1. Eurozone Dystopia Groupthink and Denial on a Grand Scale
https://www.elgaronline.com/monobook/9781784716653.xml?rskey=lHJqkJ&result=1
2. Reclaiming the State – A Vision of Sovereignty for a Post-Neoliberal World
https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745337326/reclaiming-the-state/
You should read them both. Then have a chat about it over a beer at the bar.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Mar 13 2025 18:18 utc | 105
***
I saw the indexes, the introductions. I’ll try to find a way to get them (I live in Brazil). I found them very interesting. Thanks!

Posted by: Elber | Mar 13 2025 22:13 utc | 211

By late afternoon in the U.S., Fox News is stating that VVP has agreed in principle w/ the ceasefire hammered out in Jeddah, but not completely.
Fox News is asserting that when Zelensky balked @ a ceasefire deal, DJT had to get tough by cutting off military aid as a punishment. So naturally Fox News wonders—“will DJT have to punish Putin-?”
Beat me, abuse me, make me write bad checks

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 22:22 utc | 213

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 22:22 utc | 213
“Fox News is asserting that when Zelensky balked @ a ceasefire deal, DJT had to get tough by cutting off military aid as a punishment. So naturally Fox News wonders—“will DJT have to punish Putin-?””
<< We already know DJT likes to spank

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 22:30 utc | 215

Listen at the ones speaking softly instead of the ones bragging about making big things as they are the ones carrying the big stick.

Posted by: Hiro Masamune | Mar 13 2025 22:43 utc | 217

Posted by: Elber | Mar 13 2025 22:41 utc | 216
“Having said that, and knowing all of us about the special friendship between Xi and Putin, what will Trump’s delegation say to Putin on Friday? Barfly, don’t shy away! Have a drink! Now, give us your opinion!”
<< First, DJT's delegation will launch in tomorrow, heedlessly, showing all their cards. On the Russian side, they'll let this go on for several minutes, in order to ascertain in fact that the American partners really do not really have any cards. Which they already know, by the way. Then the Russian negotiators will cut them off and say, "Hey, listen. If you are serious about working w/ us, first of all--you have to stop airing your demands or 'asks' in public. We have back-channels, after all. If you are sincere in negotiating w/ us, then refrain from posting on social media, etc. Go ahead and work w/ us discretely through our back-channels--or come on. pick up the phone and have a conversation." Second, DJT and his delegation will have to recognize that the U.S., in a proxy war w/ Russia using Ukraine as a proxy, has lost the war. So dismiss Zelensky. Install Yulia Timoshenko's interim government. And then hold elections. Work from that fundamental reality. The U.S. has been in a proxy war w/ Russia since @ least 2004--the Orange Revolution--and they have lost this current iteration of the conflict. Suck it up. Russia can claim its Victor's Peace (dictating terms.)

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 22:53 utc | 219

FULL MEETING: Trump meets with NATO Secretary General as Russia-Ukraine peace talks intensify
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyn8TI0Uh_Q [45 mins

Posted by: Don Firineach | Mar 13 2025 23:04 utc | 221

The biggest mistake in politics is to cling to the carcass of dead policies.
Isolating Russia, or marginalizing Russia is not viable in the 21st Century. The EU-elites may believe that they have to continue along this path, which is their prerogative. But there is no reason for the U.S. to companion them on, what will become, a lonely journey.
All Germany can offer is to convert Volkswagon factories into weapons plants, in support of sending munitions to Ukraine.
Is this really inspirational to people in their mid-to late 20s–?

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 23:07 utc | 223

Watch for this: Yulia Timoshenko will become the interim president of Ukraine.
After that, Ukraine will hold elections.
During this process, from start to finish, Russia will continue prosecuting its SMO.

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 23:16 utc | 225

@: james | Mar 13 2025 21:59 utc | 206
re: you want russia to have a voice in the western msm? lol..
There a was a voice, granted lessor, which could and should have been stronger.
from a study
the dominant Western news media narrative assumes that Russia/Putin’s imperial ambitions and nefarious traits have caused the war, and a second narrative, advanced by several scholars, former diplomats and selected journalists, asserts that NATO’s eastward expansion created the context for Russia’s invasion. . .here

Posted by: Don Bacon | Mar 13 2025 23:31 utc | 227

One of the more interesting things that have happened in the long line of attempts at peace negotiations was showcased by President Putin today as he prefaced his answer to the second Q posed:
“But first of all, I would like to start by thanking the President the United States of Mr. Trump for devoting so much to the settlement in Ukraine A lot of attention. We all have enough of our current affairs. But many leaders, the President of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister of India, Presidents of Brazil and the Republic of South Africa are dealing with this issue, devoting a lot of time. We are grateful to all of them for this because this activity is aimed at achieving a noble mission–-mission to end hostilities and human losses.”
Trump’s efforts were put into the same class as those of BRICS leaders, and we all know how those efforts ended–failure to get anywhere. So, before Putin had answered, he answered–Trump’s effort was appreciated like those made by BRICS leaders, but the outcome was the same: NoGo.
Of course, Putin went on to explain to those unable to see his answer why it was a NoGo. To add to what Putin said, it was a NoGo the minute the Jeddah talks commenced without the Russians. That will probably be explained again to Witkoff. And I’m happy to see more have picked up my point that the Outlaw US Empire has no role to play in the negotiations unless it’s designated Ukraine’s agent or it admits its role in starting the war and that it’s a co-belligerent, which also means admitting it’s lost the war it started.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 13 2025 23:38 utc | 229

Trump — “We could do things very bad for Russia,” Trump told reporters. “Would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that because I want to see peace.”

Posted by: Don Bacon | Mar 13 2025 23:40 utc | 231

Don Bacon | Mar 13 2025 23:40 utc | 231–
The cardless Trump wandering around like a headless chicken yet still able to cluck. He’s reduced himself to the level of a New York Mob Boss.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 13 2025 23:49 utc | 233

Hey, I get it–everyone wants to Stand With Ukraine because Ukraine is such an undeniable paragon of democracy.
But where does one *start* the 30-day ceasefire clock ticking-? Does one start *after* the mop-up of Kursk, which has been a thumpingly overwhelming victory for Russia-?
Does one start *after* the Russian Forces cut the salient from Bryansk to Kursk in Ukraine’s Sumy region, an effort to create a sizeable buffer zone for Russia-?
Does one start *after* Russian Forces stop advancing along the south Donetsk direction-?
It is difficult to see compelling reasons for Russia, who is gaining territory daily, to take a pause right now.

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 14 2025 0:13 utc | 235

Posted by: james | Mar 13 2025 21:49 utc | 202
Thanks! Just what I was hinting and what one barflea failed to understand.

Posted by: Naive | Mar 14 2025 0:25 utc | 237

Posted by: vargas | Mar 13 2025 23:08 utc | 224
But why on earth do you want that your stupidity will be so obvious to everyone? Your only excuse would be if you are 10 yo. Are you?

Posted by: Naive | Mar 14 2025 0:29 utc | 239

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 13 2025 23:38 utc | 229
(…) And I’m happy to see more have picked up my point that the Outlaw US Empire has no role to play in the negotiations unless it’s designated Ukraine’s agent or it admits its role in starting the war and that it’s a co-belligerent, which also means admitting it’s lost the war it started.
***
My dear Karlof, I don’t think this is necessary; in Trump’s mind, the delegation is going on his behalf, not on behalf of the US.
And what does it need to do? I asked this question to the drunks at @Elber | Mar 13 2025 22:41 utc |  216.
The Trump delegation only needs to ask Putin for the terms of the armistice and deliver them to Trump.
Putin will not ask for anything unfeasible, because Trump’s downfall is the loss of an invaluable ally.
The important thing is that the ball is in Trump’s court, JD Vance… If they don’t implement the terms, then we will know where the impediment to peace is!

Posted by: Elber | Mar 14 2025 0:33 utc | 241

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 14 2025 0:28 utc | 238
(…)
I wonder what Russia told Witkoff?
***
The shit keeps going until it stops!

Posted by: Elber | Mar 14 2025 0:41 utc | 243

The so-called ceasefire negotiation is obviously bullshit, it’s clear to everyone with a functioning brain. So the question is: why? What could explain Trump doing a 180-degree shift in the negotiations?
At first, I thought maybe, this was in order to justify continuing the proxy war in Ukraine, hiding behind the claim he tried to negotiate for peace. Now, I’m beginning to think that is more a byproduct than the main goal.
First, he tried to pressure Ukraine with a deal they would never accept, and when that didn’t work, he tried to increase the pressure by withdrawing critical support and even publicly humiliating Zelensky. Now it’s the opposite, he is attempting to put pressure on Russia with a deal they would never accept. If peace was the goal, his strategy is incoherent, so we can immediately push that explanation aside.
To me, it points to him wanting something from Russia. When you think about it, it’s really obvious: it’s not about peace in Ukraine, Ukraine is merely a piece on a grand chessboard. He is maneuvering for leverage for something else, not seeking an end to the war as a primary goal.
But it’s not immediately clear what. I have seen many people speculate he is pivoting to China. That as US global power declines, he wants to isolate China and a new posture on Russia plays a role in that plan. But that’s really vague, and meanwhile he is actually alienating other powers like Europe and the Arab countries, which he would need in order for that to be an effective strategy. Additionally, it’s not clear to me why Russia would have any interest in assisting US designs on China. From a Russian perspective, I don’t see any sense in propping up a sickly and dying US hegemony.
Only a couple of weeks ago, when Trump was playing “good cop” with Russia, USA voted against the UNGA resolution condeming the invasion of Ukraine. So did a certain other state, Israel. At the time, it was framed as Israel feeling pressured, not wanting to risk Trump’s support for their genocide of the Palestinians, which is a ridiculous explanation on its face. It makes more sense that was a signal to Russia, they want a deal on Iran. Basically, the US stops the proxy war in Ukraine for the price of being given free rein in Iran, so US and Israel can install their puppet Pahlavi. Trump is so corrupted by Israel, that this is the only lens through which we can view his politics.

Posted by: GOLDEN SENSEI | Mar 14 2025 0:46 utc | 245

The Vietnam Peace Talks took how long?
Posted by: Acco Hengst | Mar 13 2025 20:58 utc | 182
______
Some of us are old enough to remember that it took several weeks for Le Duc Tho to agree to the size and shape of the negotiating table. If you can play Kissinger & Co. like a fiddle, imagine what Putin can do with Trump’s guys…

Posted by: malenkov | Mar 14 2025 1:00 utc | 247

Putin just told Trump to ‘Go To Hell’ in such a way that he’s looking forward to the trip.
That’s diplomacy at its finest!

Posted by: Peter4805 | Mar 14 2025 1:13 utc | 249

Posted by: Elber | Mar 13 2025 22:41 utc | 216
“Having said that, and knowing all of us about the special friendship between Xi and Putin, what will Trump’s delegation say to Putin on Friday? Barfly, don’t shy away! Have a drink! Now, give us your opinion!”
———————————————–
Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 22:53 utc | 219
————————————————————-
Archie, Man of Steel! How American of you.
Putin was credited above for speaking like a Chinese. I know it as a Japanese style, never so no, instead ‘Maybe, let us study this.’
Putin is one hell of a sly fox, listening to him in BeloRussya today. Somebody will tell Witkoff (light weight and not a diplomat) to quit using social media or any other megaphone to conduct diplomacy.
The Russians know that Trump cannot help himself when spouting off but that he has some good intentions and needs. How best to overcome the obstacles? We have a list we would like for you to understand. Zelensky said things today that are puzzling to us. Do you know what makes him say these things?
This approach can work with patience, while the beatings continue. If DJT gets impatient, does not help finding authoritative entities for Ukraine, things will go on as they have. The CIA is not fond of Trump and likely has an investment in having started this war. Who has been trying to kill Trump?

Posted by: Acco Hengst | Mar 14 2025 1:19 utc | 251

“It was he who opposed those in power who believed that our economy could exist solely on the sale of raw materials and that we would buy everything necessary abroad. Back in the mid-2000s, he insisted that we need to increase production ”
Too bad the USA didnt have similar individuals who actually cared and belonged to the society that allowed them success instead of CEOs and sharholders who outsourced everything and now want WW3 to protect their “USA interests”. I hope China nationalizes every last sq foot of manufacturing they outsourced except they dont have to and dont want to because every proprietary manufacturing product process sent was duplicated knocked off and improved within months of being set up. Nothing like sending your proprietary process to a nation that has the best reverse engineers in the world and is not signatory to intellectual property laws. But the stock price went up (for a while) because the product could be made cheaper thats the important thing. Actually those fat multi million dollar bonuses were the important thing. No matter that once the knockoffs happen no one wants your product at a price that actually makes profit. AWW the stock went to zero now who would have thought? No matter the bonuses you got paid while there was something left to pillage are tucked away in the Caymans. Yup all Chinas fault. Lets have a war with China!

Posted by: antcafe | Mar 14 2025 1:35 utc | 253

Posted by: vargas | Mar 14 2025 1:12 utc | 249
Look i wish everyone would stop calling me stupid. I may be stipud. I admit i am stupid. But stupud people have opinions too and a right to express them here too. But Dima is not stupid He is a god to me.
***
b, this poster is not from “vargas”. No one here at MOA would write something like that!

Posted by: Elber | Mar 14 2025 1:40 utc | 255

@ james | Mar 14 2025 0:08 utc | 234
Have you ever worked in sales? You recognize a need and you fill it. Oh, and if there is no need you create one. I started one sales gig working for a pro – “See this ashtray? I could sell it to anyone” he said. I once made a lot of money selling cheap magazine subscriptions at a high price, for a couple years.
The situation must be analyzed before taking any action. Get a team of experts together, and use their names to get a point across over the selected media. You credit success.
And above all, after days without a sale, you don’t throw up your hands and give it up and say we can’t deal with propaganda. Sell the product, which here is a war caused by NATO.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Mar 14 2025 1:58 utc | 257

VVP to DJT’s team: Remember that document we sent you in December 2021-?”
DJT’s team starts pawing through their very thick binder.
VVP adds a lump of sugar to his tea and stirs slowly. Outside the Kremlin, it is a sparkling late winter afternoon. The dripping of snow-melt in downspouts is audible.
DJT’s team, still pawing through the binder, ends up tearing a couple pages but they don’t seem to find the document from Dec 2021.
VVP rests the teaspoon in a saucer. He takes a sip from the cup and then slides a sheaf of paper across the conference table. “This will make things easier for you,” he says. “Remember, we want to focus on the underlying issues that created this conflict.” He pauses for effect, gazing at the guys. “We need to revisit the root causes.”
DJT’s team nods and begins looking through the sheaf of papers.
Here;s what they find:
“In addition to the fact that all our constitutional territories are unequivocally not subject to any revision, and the organization and conduct of a Tribunal on the facts of war crimes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our interests also extend to the entire left-bank Ukraine, where there should be no Ukrainian troops, and the territories themselves should be under our protectorate. The same applies to the Odessa and Nikolaev regions, where our monitoring missions will operate. This effectively means the establishment of our bases there. The administration of these regions should be appointed from representatives loyal to us. And, of course, these regions, like the regions of left-bank Ukraine, should have the right to self-determination.
In addition to monitoring missions on the left bank and the Black Sea region, a similar Russian monitoring mission should be located on Ukraine’s western border. Interestingly, Belarus is also expressing interest in the Chernihiv region to enhance its security.
On the remaining territory of the former Ukraine, there must unequivocally be a separation of powers, rehabilitation, and revival of political factions oriented towards Russia, with their provision of a worthy place in parliament. Also, one of the branches of power (either the president or the prime minister) must be entirely pro-Russian.
And this is only part of the bitter pill that we have presented to the West. Many have noticed that Kirill Dmitriev is present in the negotiation group. He is a seasoned investment entrepreneur with an excellent education, heading the Direct Investment Fund. He knows how the Western economic machine works. It was he who opposed those in power who believed that our economy could exist solely on the sale of raw materials and that we would buy everything necessary abroad. Back in the mid-2000s, he insisted that we need to increase production and not rely on high oil prices, as they would decline. He developed high-tech enterprises, including in medicine. And, probably, his task is to implement the economic package of our demands on Ukraine. Apparently, he will be engaged in the recovery and return of our economic assets stolen under Poroshenko and Zelensky. This includes about three hundred fairly large companies in the banking, energy, transit, and other sectors. Likely targets of his attention include the Odessa Port Plant, the gas transportation system and gas storage facilities, the Nikolaev shipyards, and much more.
Another of our demands is freedom of religion and the return of all parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. At the same time, the UOC must fully integrate into the Moscow Patriarchate, losing its autonomy.”
DJT’s team glances up from the sheaf of papers. “You’re saying there should be”–they swallow and lick their lips–“future talks-?”
VVP nods. “Please have President Trump phone me.”
The Spasskey Tower outside the Kremlin chimes 17:00. DJT’s team collects all the papers, including the new sheaf. They stand, ready to leave.
<< This is the Readers Digest version of what went down. For the Extended Director's Cut, see it at https://maratkhairullin.substack.com/p/russia-reparations-peace-details

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 14 2025 2:12 utc | 259

karlof1 | Mar 13 2025 18:31 utc | 110
*** Russian courts continue to sentence Ukrainian neo-Nazis and mercenaries for their war crimes.***
Ridiculously mild sentences for what they’ve done.
Posted by: Cynic | Mar 13 2025 20:02 utc | 162

I wonder whether you personally would be ale to survive a week in Russian penal system.

Posted by: Rutte | Mar 14 2025 2:54 utc | 261

I listened to Ritter with Nima today. I liked Ritter’s formulation but he is so bi-polar on Trump day-to-day that I can’t trust his conclusions (yet).
….
Thus far we have heard Trump bark loudly but not yet bite anyone.

Posted by: LoveDonbass | Mar 14 2025 3:02 utc | 263

In my wishful thinking opinion, China has demonstrated that it’s ready to support whatever decision Putin makes about the Eurotrash fake war in Ukraine.
Late Feb/early March this year, 2 Chinese warships and 1 supply ship circumnavigated Oz clockwise in International Waters. They started at the tip of Cape York Peninsular, sailed down the East Coast, then across the southern coast to Perth WA, then up most of the West Coast before sailing away.
Oz.gov wanted to get angry about the ‘incursion’ but couldn’t because it was perfectly legal – just like Oz’s US-inspired ‘incursions’ in the South China Sea.
I think the Chinese Oz visit was a signal to the Eurotrash that Xi Jinping has already sung The Pretenders song, I’ll Stand By You, to Putin.

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Mar 14 2025 3:18 utc | 265

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 13 2025 23:38 utc | 229
Yes , the “own your shit or get the fuck off the pot” is loud and clear.
Right now it is kamikaze Europe, not us that bothers me most.

Posted by: Newbie | Mar 14 2025 3:44 utc | 267

Gunners Shot / Dance With Bears – Special – Russia Ukraine War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNR6O60t9Oo
“The twists and turns to peace…”

Posted by: John Gilberts | Mar 14 2025 3:53 utc | 269

steel_porcupine, very nice; LoveDonbass, correct.
At least you guys now grudgingly recognize that Trump is perfectly aware of his predicament, as opposed to being a bumbling, clueless dummkopt.
This has got to be one of the most fascinating and delicate diplomatic ballet ever performed. At no time in prior history has the víctor needed to help orchestrate a face saving retreat to assist the vanquished. Rather they’d merely go in for the kill shot as with Germany and Japan.
We can thank nuclear weapons for this odd dance, simply because the loser can still inflict material loss as they go down for the count.
So, please give both Putin and Trump their due as they as they try to thread this very fine needle.

Posted by: Markw | Mar 14 2025 4:20 utc | 271

Whomever runs a vargas account is having a whole lot of fun lately.

Posted by: boneless | Mar 14 2025 5:09 utc | 273

what putin said according to RT – READ IN FULL: Putin’s statement on Trump’s Ukraine ceasefire proposal
bbc report on what putin said – Putin sets out conditions for Ukraine ceasefire
if you want a clear example of spin doctor bullshit, read the 2nd link… it takes something and spins it into bullshit – that is bbc’s great talent, lol…

Posted by: james | Mar 14 2025 5:24 utc | 275

Thank you very, very much, karlof1 at| Mar 13 2025 21:51 utc | 205. That is a remarkable feat of translation – with all we were trying to comprehend as well! It really puts it all in context.
The question of rare earths, technology and the rest must relate to this amusing quote from Lukashenko:
“… Many issues that seemed insurmountable to us three years ago, Vladimir Vladimirovich and I discussed them: for example, microelectronics -— oh chips, ah chips–-today everything flies, everything moves, everything goes and doesn’t drive, and so on…”
Lovely translation! I think of a quote from Dostoievski’s The Devils:
“…Dear was that man to me… ” And I remember the two presidents going into the little church at Valaam in the essay you gave us here then as well.

Posted by: juliania | Mar 14 2025 6:15 utc | 277

Nevertheless, no matter how well played, diplomatic & steadfast Putin/Russia is managing the Trump hand grenade and fakery behind the resolute desk, even those that understand & are tolerate of Putins back to verbiage of “of partners” recently, his allies and those that believed his former “the West is evil incarnate” narratives, are now cooling to his touch.
The state & condition of the Nations couldn’t have been made clearer than of late:
Every man (nation) for themselves.
No one is a “friend”…

Posted by: Trubind1 | Mar 14 2025 7:59 utc | 279

Did the meeting with Witkoff even take place ?
https://www.newsweek.com/moscow-kremlin-ukraine-steve-whitkoff-snub-2044089
Posted by: Night Tripper | Mar 14 2025 8:05 utc | 282
Not a word about it on RT, on the contrary, about 10 minutes ago there was just a report that DER had arrived in Moscow.
.
https://freedert.online/kurzclips/video/239535-trumps-sondergesandter-witkoff-in-moskau/

Posted by: Ost Rentner | Mar 14 2025 8:21 utc | 281

Hey—Richard Kemp-! Cry louder.
“Putin has the whip hand, and one of the strategic objectives of the Kursk Incursion—gaining a bargaining chip for future peace negotiations – could never realistically have paid off. General Syrsky, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army, now knows that—-which is why in recent days he has been talking about preserving as many of his soldiers’ lives as possible rather than fighting to hold his ground.”
Kemp, brushing away crocodile tears, focuses his op-ed in the Daily Telegraph on 14 March on a comparison of the failed Kursk Incursion w/ the failed Greatest Counteroffensive Ever in the summer of 2023. “Although battles and wars are sometimes won by high stakes gambles, the strategic wisdom of the Kursk Incursion was always questionable. It may be that in Kyiv’s high command, political rather than military considerations dominated the decision making. When the operation began, the US election was looming very close and there was the need to strengthen support in both the Republican and Democratic camps as well as in Europe.”
Now it can be told, right-?
Sobbing, Richard Kemp states that “since the failed counter offensive in 2023, Western hopes that Ukraine might prevail had sharply fallen away, and after that, much political bandwidth was diverted to the Middle East. At Kursk, Kiev hoped to galvanize international support through replicating the optimism created by successful counter attacks around Kharkiv and Kherson in 2022. With this bold new offensive Zelensky wanted to again show the world that Ukraine was still in the fight and could win, if only provided the tools to do so.”
But by then it was too late.
Even a month into the Kursk Incursion, the gambit was not only dicey but also hard to explain. At first, Zelensky indicated that the Incursion was an effort to occupy the Kursk nuclear power plant. Then he said it was an effort to make Russians, like the villagers in Kursk, ‘feel’ the ravages of war.
<< ***An aside: these people, forced to represent---collectively---all Russians, suffered war crimes, if reports emerging from liberated villages are an indicator*** >>
After that, Zelensky flailed, saying that the Kursk Incursion was intended to draw Russian troops from the original line of contact in the Donbass, which decidedly never happened. What with all this *messaging* governments in the West soured on Ukraine’s chances of defeating Russian Forces *anywhere* whether in Kursk or on the kinetic LOC, and they quietly pivoted toward some kind of negotiated settlement.
In rehearsing all this now in his op-ed, Kemp can nonetheless see the pragmatism, even through the tears: “Self-evidently, it is vital to show strength ahead of negotiations and the West’s failure over three years to adequately bolster Ukraine’s fighting capability has led us to the opposite position. The defeat at Kursk is a tragic allegory for the dire situation that the country now faces.”

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 14 2025 8:31 utc | 283

I get the feeling that Trump has decided to commence wwiii since he cannot deal with Russia..taking on Iran and others one on one is too slow.
I don’t think trump will affirmatively respond to Russia’s demands for a peace fire, it requires too much energy and is being conducted within a channel of sophistication unfamiliar to Trump. Energy needed to start and prosecute wwIII is about the same as the energy it takes to deal with Russia over Ukraine. Might as well do them all at once..
I believe Trump believes he is commander of an unbeatable military force..

Posted by: snake | Mar 14 2025 8:59 utc | 285

Posted by: Hot Carl | Mar 13 2025 15:48 utc | 26
The USA spent 10 times that (~35 US$ million) to kill one Taliban or Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
The wonders of fiat currencies.

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Mar 14 2025 9:21 utc | 287

Posted by: steel_porcupine | Mar 13 2025 17:02 utc | 64
VVP also thanked DJT for giving “so much attention” to the prospect of a deal.

Lol! Like when Cullen Baker said that Trump doesn’t give a fuck about Ukraine and I replied that for Trump not giving a fuck about Ukraine he certainly is trying very hard to get his way in the Russo-Ukrainian war. It looks like VVP is mocking DJT in the same way: Why do you care so much? Is it any of your business?

Posted by: Johan Kaspar | Mar 14 2025 9:43 utc | 289

“We are decades past peak economically recoverable energy resources, the very basis of our modern world. Everyone knows this, it’s not some kind of secret.
That’s why the war is existentional to both sides; the loser literally will cease to exist.”
Posted by: Markw | Mar 13 2025 22:08 utc | 209
So the Fourth Reich western collective actually does want nuclear war.
Fine – it will get it.
That, for about half of us, will be the end of all our problems.
For the other half, the beginning of some new ones.
Toss a coin…

Posted by: Andrew Sarchus | Mar 14 2025 10:02 utc | 291

lex Brandon
MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has already left Moscow, a source confirmed to TASS.
“He left on a plane,” the source said in response to a question.
Earlier, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Witkoff would take place when everything’s ready for it.
The US envoy had arrived in Moscow on March 13. According to the Flightradar website, Witkoff’s plane landed in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku after departing from Moscow.
Seems to me that until DT replies to VP requested required answers to his nuances as he wants them …no point in negotiation.

Posted by: Jo | Mar 14 2025 10:21 utc | 293

Seems to me that until DT replies to VP requested required answers to his nuances as he wants them …no point in negotiation.
Posted by: Jo | Mar 14 2025 10:21 utc | 295
Yes, the ball is in Trump’s court.

Putin received US special envoy Witkoff late yesterday evening and passed on information and additional signals to Trump through him, Peskov said

I agree with what Paul Craig Roberts has said on Nima’s live broadcast, Trump should have met first with Putin about the ceasefire and then present a deal to Zelensky, not the other way around. Meanwhile Trump tries to put even more pressure on Russia by new sanctions and not extending the exemption for the purchase of russian oil by the EU countries. The flow of weapons from the US to Ukraine has never really stopped. Same with intel and satellite data. Mind you the intel and data he supposedly stopped providing Ukraine were only for Russia’s pre 2014 borders. Providing ISR and satellite data for the new oblasts and even Crimea never stopped as they are parts of Ukraine in the US’s view. Either Trump “got the call” or wasn’t negotiating in a good faith from the start.

Posted by: 5thcolumn | Mar 14 2025 10:46 utc | 295

I saw the indexes, the introductions. I’ll try to find a way to get them (I live in Brazil). I found them very interesting. Thanks!
Posted by: Elber | Mar 13 2025 22:13 utc | 211
**********
Both available to download for free at Anna’s Archive (annas-archive.org)

Posted by: General Factotum | Mar 14 2025 11:06 utc | 297

🇪🇺🇺🇦Brussels is promising Ukraine EU membership in exchange for continuing the war with Russia, Orban said.
He recalled that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently confirmed her intention to ensure Ukraine’s accession to the EU by 2030.
@ukraine_watch

Posted by: Jo | Mar 14 2025 11:15 utc | 299