News & views related to the war in Ukraine …
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August 13, 2025
Ukraine Open Thread 2025-183
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Russian forces liberated 110 km² in a single day, setting a record for the annual offensive – it usually took 5-6 days to achieve a similar result. – American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Where is Anonymous?
Posted by: Czarat | Aug 13 2025 16:06 utc | 1
I haven’t read the comments on B’s previous Ukraine post, but Awful Avalanche has an embedded video up of Willie OAM giving a blow by blow on the dire situation from a pro-Ukrainian position. Dire indeed for the UAF. We will see what goes down Friday, but I expect that VP will lay out conditions that Ukraine will still refuse, and the situation on the ground will continue to deteriorate rapidly. There is buzz about a possible false flag operation in Karkov before Friday as a kind of hail Mary by Kiev to ruin the summit. This won’t correct the situation on the ground, regardless. We will see.
Posted by: the pessimist | Aug 13 2025 17:09 utc | 2
The wests insistence on an occupying force in the west of Ukraine in the event of a casesfire/deal, has met with no pushback from DJT.
No peace deal can be signed by Russia with that as an outcome and all parties are aware of that. The existence of such a requirement is just a mechanism for the EU/US to ensure that Ukraine will never be able to sign a reasonable deal.
Posted by: Night Tripper | Aug 13 2025 17:12 utc | 3
I don’t think we will see Putin in Alaska but Lavrov. Nothing will be reached there anyway. Trump will “agree” to some peace offering, then whistle for his EU subordinates with “their wiggly tails”, demand they dig deeper in their near empty pockets (the bottom is probably the Russian frozen assets in the heart of Europe which would cement the total collapse of Europe’s financial posture) and then say that he tried but that Putin is an uncompromising bastard or something like that.
There just isn’t anything Russia could compromise on. Not on its strategic partnerships with China or Iran or North Korea nor on any security related issue in the Ukraine sphere. It’s a charade where Russia doesn’t have the luxury to not play along to keep its allies on board.
Posted by: xor | Aug 13 2025 17:18 utc | 4
There is buzz about a possible false flag operation in Karkov before Friday as a kind of hail Mary by Kiev to ruin the summit.
Posted by: the pessimist | Aug 13 2025 17:09 utc | 2
******
Berletic has a different take. That the cia runs all ukr “intelligence” & any action they take will be on cia orders.
@BrianJBerletic
🇺🇸🇷🇺🇺🇦 Regarding claims Ukraine’s SBU is preparing operations to “disrupt” the meeting between the US-Russian presidents…
…the US CIA has rebuilt and now directs ALL of Ukraine’s intelligence agencies – including the SBU – since 2014, according to the New York Times itself.
Everything the SBU does is directed by the US.
Source: https://archive.ph/KxYig
In other words it isn’t “Ukraine” disrupting the US-Russian meeting – it is the US itself.
And not because there is a “split” between the Trump administration and the CIA – but precisely because both are working together to do exactly to Russia what they BOTH just did to Iran.
The US is creating the illusion of seeking diplomacy while US proxies carry out US-engineered provocations the US wants to create distance from (anything from an attack on President Putin himself to the movement of European troops directly into Ukraine and anything in between).
Posted by: Mary | Aug 13 2025 17:20 utc | 5
Russian forces liberated 110 km² in a single day, setting a record for the annual offensive – it usually took 5-6 days to achieve a similar result. – American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Where is Anonymous?
Posted by: Czarat | Aug 13 2025 16:06 utc | 1
DS barely gives a net 7 km2 (the white rabbit is grey so, not a bad day /s)
Meanwhile 1.415 casualties for so many FABS seems low (the under-counting problem when FAB/artillery)
For those who missed it
some marat
https://maratkhairullin.substack.com/p/brief-frontline-report-august-12th
Some S
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/the-collapse-begins-russian-forces
As for the (baked?) alaska summit
https://tass.com/world/2001911
“US President Donald Trump has been seeking a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin for several months, The Atlantic reported ahead of the August 15 summit.
According to the magazine, Russia, having supported the idea of a summit in Alaska, agreed to what Trump “has wanted for months: a one-on-one summit to discuss the end of the conflict” in Ukraine.
“Putin has already won,” John Bolton, one of Trump’s former national security advisers, told the magazine. “Trump wants a deal. And if he can’t get one now, he may walk away from it entirely.”
Bolton worked in the White House during the first Trump administration in 2018-2019.
The story also says that Kiev has to act very cautiously in the current situation.”
https://tass.com/world/2001901
“US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff supports the idea of Russia’s military and economic control over the Ukrainian territories it liberated, The Times quoted a source close to the US National Security Council.
According to the story, this issue was raised during Witkoff’s recent visit to Moscow. Such an agreement, the newspaper notes, would allow Kiev not to hold an all-Ukrainian referendum on the border changes, as required by the country’s constitution.”
You’re fired moment? https://tass.com/world/2001851
“The administration of US President Donald Trump is looking for a venue for a trilateral summit with Russia and Ukraine to be held at the end of next week, the CBS News television reported citing own sources.
This information was confirmed by two sources, the channel said.”
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 13 2025 17:28 utc | 6
In the old thread i had just mentioned a full 20 kilometer deep retreat from both cities to behind the second defense line would be a band-aid, for current AFU strength even holding the dniepre river would not be likely.
Meanwhile, whatever troops AFU has are on dniepre’s left bank, what happens if RF cuts the bridges now? While already behind last lines of AFU defense?
Either nato puts boots on the ground or it’s over… soon
But maybe cutting bridges is unneeded (except for psychological effect)
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/russian-kamikaze-drones-mine-warfare
1.000 km range remote mining sounds nice.
Posted by: Newbie | Aug 13 2025 17:35 utc | 7
For some reason I keep coming back to this: Maybe the Trump meeting with Putin in Alaska is really about getting those UK Generals back after they were captured in last weeks raid in Ukraine. Is Putin doing a “quiet” prisoner exchange or deal for them? Russia had wanted to try them in Russian courts but now everything is very quiet about them. Is Trump going to pay a ransom for them? How else is UK going to get them back?
All I know is this “meeting” is NOT about peace………..
Posted by: CeaClearly | Aug 13 2025 17:56 utc | 8
After the reassurances Trump gave to the Eurotards and Ukraine, I wonder what is the goal of this VVP/Trump encounter.
Again conditions such as first ceasefire, then no negociations without Ukraine.
Back to Istambul.
Posted by: scc | Aug 13 2025 17:56 utc | 9
A new entry for the next barfly vocabulary quiz: Burevestnik!
Russia is planning a new missile surprise for the world as it prepares to test its 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Aug 13 2025 17:57 utc | 10
Putin sends body double on plane with UK Generals. They exit plane. Meeting over. “Sorry folks no peace yet but Trump will give Russia a few more weeks”.
Posted by: CeaClearly | Aug 13 2025 17:59 utc | 11
Unless Pootin agrees to whatever Trump demands he’ll not leave Alaska alive.
Posted by: Surferket | Aug 13 2025 18:01 utc | 12
I do not believe either Trump or Putin will be there. Both body doubles. Exchange of those pesky UK Generals…….. UK wants their boys back but only Trump can get that “deal” done. IMHO.
Posted by: CeaClearly | Aug 13 2025 18:05 utc | 13
Youtube has silenced/shut down https://x.com/Panchenko_X
This once again (for the hunderdth time) demonstrates how important it is, not to have monopolies in the media sphere. Whenever possible use or post alternatives to the monopoly!
She herself could have simply used an alternative as a backup, it doesn’cost anything and is a statement of resistance in and by itself. Her 2 million followers would now be supporting a more diverse platform infrastructure.
Posted by: Hamburger | Aug 13 2025 18:08 utc | 14
Re: CeaClearly #8
Repeatedly covered — fake incident — a dud
Line it up w Larry Johnson’s fabricated Alaska “assassin”
A little taste to whet your curiosity about military vocabulary, from the IndiaTimes article linked above. Andrei sez “it is a well established fact that the second generation of hypersonic weapons is ready.”
While the West broke new frontiers in gender-reassignment surgery, Russian engineers had other interests…
The Burevestnik is a nuclear-powered cruise missile that can carry a nuclear warhead. It is a cruise missile that can fly at a very low altitude, maneuver, and display extreme agility. If Russia successfully carries out the test, it will become the first country in history to have an operational cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead that uses a nuclear propulsion system. All active nuclear missiles in the world are ballistic missiles.
This gives it an unlimited range that can hit any point on the planet. The range of this missile is unlimited because it has a nuclear reactor as a power source, according to media reports. It is pertinent to mention that the Burevestnik is one of six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Vladimir Putin in 2018, according to Technology.org. Moscow has so far kept the details about the Burevestnik’s design and capabilities under wraps.
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Aug 13 2025 18:11 utc | 16
https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/08/04/these-are-not-tourists-two-british-colonels-were-captured-by-russian-special-forces
UK wants their boys back, Trump is going there to go get them.
Posted by: CeaClearly | Aug 13 2025 18:11 utc | 17
What are the Russians planning?
All Russian sources (OSINT) have gone too quiet, gone on holiday or shut down for a while.
Even one of my favourites, Naumova, who interviews ordinary people in Donetsk area, is silent.
As a wild card guess;-
One thing that is also “said” is that the areas mentioned as Russian held on the maps are out of date (Late) etc. That Russian groups are now investing areas further into Uke “controlled” territory. So putting two and two together to get five, some rapid advance, (even introduction of their new laser antidrone units?)is very possible. Or the opening of a “new” front is a also on the cards. (Kherson? Dnipro from the South?)
Aha, everything makes perfect sense. Russians are breaking through Ukrainian lines, Ukrop defenses collapsing. Putin is thus in a hurry to sell out Russia to Trump ASAP before the Russians win despite his best efforts, and so he’s flying to Alaska to bend the knee and potentially get assassinated as well before he wins. Putin is that kind of guy, y’know, he likes to play on suicidal difficulty and enjoys getting killed also, otherwise it’s just too damn easy.
Posted by: Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:14 utc | 19
@ Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:14 utc | 19
You forgot to mention that he’s doing it with 17 brain tumors, 14 of which have already been lethal.
Posted by: boneless | Aug 13 2025 18:17 utc | 20
In response to boneless@20,
Tumor schmumor. In Russia, you drink some vodka in the morning, some in the evening, a little bit in between, and forget about lethal tumor, and lethal tumor forget about you. That’s why Putin doesn’t drink, it would make things too easy. He is sportsman, likes a good challenge.
Posted by: Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:20 utc | 21
Posted by: boneless | Aug 13 2025 18:17 utc | 20
> You forgot to mention that he’s doing it with 17 brain tumors, 14 of which have already been lethal.
With his net worth of 250 trillion dollars, fixing them tumors is easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Posted by: hopehely | Aug 13 2025 18:28 utc | 22
The Ukrainian Twittersphere is convinced that Putin died years ago and all of the appearances today are done by a cadre of actors.
Not joking.
Humans are nuts.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Aug 13 2025 18:29 utc | 23
People are being unreasonable, asking for logic from Russian actions. Logic is cornerstone of civilization, found only in civilized West, which is why all of their decisions always make perfect sense and work as intended. Look at master logician Donald J. Trump — he has the best logic, better than normal logic, the bestest. Look at Ursula or Kaya Kallas, grand tacticians, as clever as they are beautiful. So if you want actions you can understand, look to Europe and the US. If you want to see man riding bear riding unicycle, for no reason, just because he can, look to Russia.
Posted by: Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:36 utc | 24
The Russian President will arrive with knife and fork in his breast pocket.
Lou Reed: “Stick a fork in their ass and turn them over, they’re done”
The Last Great American Whale
Posted by: NH | Aug 13 2025 18:40 utc | 25
Double(s) trouble
OT a bit, but one real meeting of doubles happened. Years ago about 1970, the Emperor Haïlé Sélassié Ier of Ethiopia flew to Riyadh (SA) to meet the then King Ibn Saud. He solemnly descended from the plane and walked across the red carpet, A Band played the correct anthems. In the middle he met King Ibn Saud and shook his hand.
Then silence. They just stood there looking at each other. Neither spoke. BOTH were doubles and they had been told what to do for the ceremonial meeting, but neither had been told what to say or do after that.
Why would trump mention positioning of ‘nuclear submarines’ unless something big was in the making? (He abruptly changed the timing from 50 days to 10 days, like he did with the iran peace talks. He usually does that when he is told that some sort of plan is ready. He just can’t contain his excitement.) He wasn’t responding to medvedev; he was warning russians to not do anything once usa arrests putin on the icc warrant (usa could sign the ICC protocol as soon as putin touches down or is still in alaska) If usa arrests him what could the russian state do or offer to get him back? recent events tell us leadership isn’t off limits any more.
Posted by: bee | Aug 13 2025 18:44 utc | 27
In response to bee@27,
That’s just what Putin wants, a chance to infiltrate American prison complexes to plant evidence on Epstein’s suicide to clear Bibi Netanyahu. Everyone knows Putin is a golem under the control of Zionists, he started the aggressive unprovoked invasion of Ukraine just to get to this point, this was all planned in advance by Jews who as we know have genius-level intellects and are also magical.
Posted by: Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:52 utc | 28
Russia’s behavior is so much better–keeping quiet and let the battlefield do the talking. In stark contrast to the hysteria coming from the Collective West here’s this short report by TASS:
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in the Russia-US summit in Alaska on August 15, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Alexey Fadeyev said at a briefing.
“Yes, I can confirm Lavrov’s participation in the event that is expected to take place in Alaska on Friday,” he noted.
However, the diplomat suggested redirecting the question about the summit’s agenda to the Russian presidential press service.
“As we all know, relations between the two countries significantly declined, particularly under previous administrations. We expect the meeting to allow the leaders to focus on the entire range of issues, from the Ukraine crisis to the obstacles hindering normal and meaningful dialogue, which is crucial for ensuring international peace and stability,” Fadeyev stressed.
US President Donald Trump announced on August 8 that he expected to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov later confirmed plans for such talks. According to him, the leaders will focus on options for a long-term peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis. The Kremlin expects that the next meeting between Putin and Trump will take place in Russia, Ushakov added.
The Russians don’t say much, but when they do talk listen very closely. Meanwhile, the West continues to voice unrealistic expectations.
Russia already stepped back from its demand that a big groundwork must be done before Trump-Putin so that meeting wasn’t just for show, yet here we are. Who have expected this a week ago. Putin made a lot of phone calls with foreign leaders after the meeting with Witkoff which never happened before. People should stop paying attention to the gigabytes of nonsense which is spilling from the news agencies right now and just quietly wait for Friday instead of writing “sure” comments.
Posted by: imagica | Aug 13 2025 18:58 utc | 30
People are being unreasonable, asking for logic from Russian actions. Logic is cornerstone of civilization, found only in civilized West, which is why all of their decisions always make perfect sense and work as intended…So if you want actions you can understand, look to Europe and the US. If you want to see man riding bear riding unicycle, for no reason, just because he can, look to Russia.
Posted by: Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:36 utc | 24
I love your little satire, laughter is hugely needed in these times. Thank you.
Posted by: JB | Aug 13 2025 19:12 utc | 31
When he arrives in Alaska Putin will table a list of Home Truths, and conditions to be fulfilled in order for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Then he’ll return to Russia and wait for Trump and Zelenski to agree to his terms.
Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Aug 13 2025 19:18 utc | 32
https://www.southfront.press/exposed-documentary-reveals-international-child-trafficking-network-in-ukraine/
can anyone confirm the claims made in the video. Something else to be negotiated on Friday maybe?
Posted by: snake | Aug 13 2025 19:20 utc | 33
Things RF will never do:
– Allow EU peacekeepers into Ukronazi land
– Allow the Ukronazis to retain Odessa and the Black Sea ports
– Fail to disarm the Nazis
– Fail to turn the rest of Ukraine into a neutral nation
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2025 19:28 utc | 34
The Ukronazi front is now in a state of rapid collapse.
Volo holds no ace cards only a deuce………..
This meeting is for Ukronazi capitulation only.
The west needs to be aware of this……the game is over there is no resolution possible.
Bring up the railway car and sign the surrender.
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2025 19:33 utc | 35
The hot war’s transferring to the South Caucuses in the near future.
Russia and Iran better be getting ready
Posted by: jpc | Aug 13 2025 19:39 utc | 36
Alexander Mercouris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIl3ZF0nqrE
“Zelensky rejects all concessions: EU demands US accept his red-lines; Big Kiev force trapped in Pokrovsk”
Posted by: JohnGilberts | Aug 13 2025 19:39 utc | 37
luvvin the satire, sniffer very amusing.
best wishes Jim
Posted by: James | Aug 13 2025 19:48 utc | 38
You knew this was coming…
“Trump floats ‘quick’ Putin-Zelensky meeting”
https://swentr.site/news/622858-trump-putin-zelensky-meeting/
Posted by: I forgot | Aug 13 2025 19:55 utc | 39
Today featured two doses of Pepe Escobar: First with Nima then with Judge Nap. The first is almost three times as long as the second; and while there’s some duplication, both ought to be watched. Pepe has one article out, “Pepe Escobar: The Bear and the Eagle Face-Off in Alaska” and another is written and ought to be published tomorrow. It was suggested to Pepe that Trump is similar to Goldfinger; and during his liaison with Epstein, he very likely had his own version of Pussy Galore.
CeaClearly (13).
I tend to agree – the visit tomorrow by Putin is the best opportunity that Ukraine, and the US will get to assassinate Putin – no doubt Ukrainian forces will have been informed as to where the meeting would take place as soon as it was announced (internally – not externally).
A few patsy scape goats will be killed after they assassinate Putin’s double in Alaska, and lets face it Russia isn’t going to start a nuclear war, just for the death of one Russian even though he is the president, nor would it expand it war beyond Ukraine, for it doesn’t have the resources, so its a win win situation for Trump at least – and I’d imagine that there’s quite few SOF/SSO Ukrainians willing to die to take out Putin, or a stand in at least.
Lets look at the bigger picture – Ukrainian forces are in the process of collapsing – Russia is making unprecedented gains in Ukraine – so how to put a dent in Russian morale – and possibly put doubt in the minds of Russian forces in Ukraine – take out the president, and show that no one is safe from attack.
Of course American security’s reputation will take a massive hit – come meet our president and be assassinated would be running through the minds of many world leaders – however I don’t think Trump is the kind of man and leader to worry too much about that – he could easily write it off as a solo Ukrainian adventure – by men who were more than determined to find and kill their target – in other words quickly shift the blame to Zelensky, who I might add, would be more than willing to take the credit for assassinating a Putin lookalike.
So yeah if it is the real Putin that shows up tomorrow, he’s taking a big risk – no doubt the Kremlin will have a contingency plan in place just incase Putin is assassinated – Medvedev might find himself back in the hotseat if that scenario unfolds.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Aug 13 2025 19:57 utc | 41
@karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 19:55 utc | 40
It was suggested to Pepe that Trump is similar to Goldfinger; and during his liaison with Epstein, he very likely had his own version of Pussy Galore.
The remaining question is who in the Trump team plays OddJob?
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 20:02 utc | 42
For some reason I keep coming back to this: Maybe the Trump meeting with Putin in Alaska is really about getting those UK Generals back after they were captured in last weeks raid in Ukraine. Is Putin doing a “quiet” prisoner exchange or deal for them? Russia had wanted to try them in Russian courts but now everything is very quiet about them.
Posted by: CeaClearly | Aug 13 2025 17:56 utc | 8
Has any credible source substantiated the story? In order to prevent it from wasting valuable space in your brain, I suggest playing a game of broken telephone with your friends. I see you have upgraded them to Generals so you’re off to a good start.
Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Aug 13 2025 20:03 utc | 43
The King & Queen will attend the royal military tattoo at Edinburgh Castle on Friday 15th of August, before travelling north to bunker down at Balmoral. No further official engagements are planned for the next month until they host President Trump and his wife at Windsor Castle from the 17th to 19th of September.
Posted by: Nicholas Witchell | Aug 13 2025 20:10 utc | 44
Glenn Diesen interview:
Douglas Macgregor: Ukraine War Is Over & NATO Exhausted Itself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsARQjsfqPQ
There is an upcoming parliamentary election in Norway in September. Glenn Diesen is a candidate for the new party Fred og Rettferdighet (Peace and Justice) and is thus savagely attacked in MSM. I will vote for him as there are no other alternatives.
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 20:14 utc | 45
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2025 19:28 utc | 34
and add: give Trump any kind of trade deal without first a European security treaty
Posted by: Jams O’Donnell | Aug 13 2025 20:21 utc | 46
IIRC, the captured Brits are officers, not necessarily Generals. There may have been one General, but the rest were all lower-ranked officers. I believe they were specialized in information warfare.
It’s not that the Russians have them. The Empire doesn’t value any individual. Everyone is a pawn.
It’s what their capture, debriefings, and public trial could mean to the NATO project.
Could they be turned? To give up MI5 agents in Russia? Do they possess any codes or signals? Are they able to point out secret NATO bases inside or outside of Ukraine?
Grabbing these Nazis using Spetsnaz was a big move.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Aug 13 2025 20:22 utc | 47
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 19:55 utc | 40
Thank you, karlof1. I am just halfway through the Nima conversation, and I am a bit worried that isn’t factoring in the dynamics that Robert Barnes pointed out in the last 3 way discussion on the Duran. That is, that things have moved quickly specifically because the Senate is in recess. I don’t know how much difference that makes, but Mercouris is giving a lot of weight to Trump’s team and to the two major internal investigation lines, Epstein and Russiagate that give Trump some ground to stand on.
Putin will certainly be aware of Trump’s shortcomings, but he also knows the dangers Trump has faced at home. I’m hopeful only that nothing will obstruct this first attempt at a dialogue in spite of all the looming obstacles, that both teams will create a positive atmosphere for this important meeting. They don’t have to solve all the problems; they just have to shake hands.
Well, I will return to Nima and Pepe.
Posted by: juliania | Aug 13 2025 20:29 utc | 48
Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 20:02 utc | 42–
Thanks for your reply and excellent question. I can’t think of anyone having Oddjob’s credentials in Team Trump. I recall reading the book before seeing the film. The early 60’s were consumed by the James Bond craze–my parents bought all sorts of clothing and such proclaiming their addiction. Does Trump work for the US version of SMERSH? Some barflies are sure to answer yes.
juliania | Aug 13 2025 20:29 utc | 48–
Thanks for your reply. As Larry Johnson pointed out, this will be the fourth Putin-Trump meeting; so, who knows who better? With Lavrov in tow, Team Putin overmatches Team Trump, but will that matter? We still have no idea what the “acceptable” American proposal consists of and probably won’t until the Summit ends. Pepe reveals it was the Russians who suggested Alaska, so all conspiracy theorists can go pound sand.
Testing Burevestnik missile at this time is unwise. The last time it was tested there was a major mishap. It’s completely new technology and this is to be expected. Better test it when PR wins are not required.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 13 2025 20:45 utc | 51
ZH: Trump has told President Zelensky that he wants a ceasefire from the Putin summit, which is to be held at a US military base in Anchorage on Friday.
So, nothing has changed, B. Berletic was right. Trump wants the same as Zelensky and EU. Yhere is no srparate US politics. Putin is being fooled again.
Posted by: vargas | Aug 13 2025 20:55 utc | 52
Posted by: Jason | Aug 13 2025 20:45 utc | 51
I am sure the responsible russian scientists/engineers/generals come here to partake in your wisdom and the test will be postponed.
Please let them know what a more convenient date will be.
Posted by: kspr | Aug 13 2025 20:56 utc | 53
Did’nt check if a month ago, B or someone else shared this link to the bar ; emmanuel todd’s visit in Moscow :
https://emmanueltodd.substack.com/p/russia-is-our-rorschach
“Last April, I was interviewed by a Russian television channel about Western Russophobia and I had an epiphany. I more or less replied: “It’s going to be unpleasant for you to hear this, but our Russophobia has nothing to do with you. It’s a fantasy, a pathology of Western societies, an endogenous need of ours to imagine a Russian monster.”
please enter the geopsychyatric analysis…in the mirror:
“France is far from the front line. If Germany is a Hezbollah, our mission as proxies will be to be the Empire’s Houthis.”
Posted by: malamatias | Aug 13 2025 21:01 utc | 54
A priceless video update from Sebastian Sas today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8iZB0sja50
Posted by: Avtonom | Aug 13 2025 21:03 utc | 55
Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 20:02 utc | 42–
I see Escobar asked the same question in his newest article but also provides a questionable answer: “Hegseth?” “Bear, Dragon, Elephant, Toucan, Nightingale stare down Goldfinger”
Pepe describes the stakes very well, going well beyond what’s discussed here because the Big Picture is rarely looked into closely, with superficial spin dominating daily.
@Avtonom | Aug 13 2025 21:03 utc | 55
Thank you. I am 10 minutes into that video. Very good analysis so far.
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 21:11 utc | 57
The front at many places is in an active state of collapse……..Trump knows this well!
His recent remarks are more kabuki theater, its a all political cover to prepare the public and MSM for the inevitable disintegration of the Ukronazi army.
There will be no ceasefire, on to Berlin, or in this case Odessa!
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2025 21:14 utc | 58
@karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 21:05 utc | 56
Yes, it seems like a relevant question then 🙂
Indeed, the “big picture” is probably the area where something can be agreed, if anything. Macgregor seemed to have a similar opinion.
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 21:15 utc | 59
Tis a long way to Tipperary.
How far is it to Odessa now?
Posted by: Formerly T-Bear | Aug 13 2025 21:18 utc | 60
@ karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 21:05 utc | 56
interesting overview from pepe.. thanks!
Posted by: james | Aug 13 2025 21:24 utc | 61
It only took 2 days for EU/Ukraine to “sway” Trump to their side if you believe the garbage media in the West. I don’t see what Putin can achieve with the Orange Buffoon outside of the “deal” that EU/Ukraine try to settle.
As Mearsheimer mentioned a lot of times but also Brian B (who is quite good at these analysis), there is no way that EU/Ukraine will concede without a significant military loss. Being close to losing Donbass region might be one of it (the last few days were impressive), but its far from done.
Russia will not get a inch of territory without fighting tooth and nail for it.
Which makes this summit now on Friday, fairly pointless if they still believe they can get anything else outside of what was proposed in Istanbul a few months ago.
Posted by: JamesBond | Aug 13 2025 21:26 utc | 62
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 20:42 utc | 50
I just finished the Pepe/Nima discussion, karlof1, and hah! Pepe said the magic word– Lukashenko! I agree, no question Putin’s team outmatches Trump’s, but what I keep coming back to is that is certainly the case between Putin and Lukashenko as well. At Valaam, you could see the differences between them, and yet it is important to both nations, to both men, that they be friends.
Also, I don’t agree that the US can simply print more money. I’m not an economist but where’s the money going to come from for Europe to buy the weapons, and where’s the rare earths going to come from to make them? I guess Australia might be willing to set aside land for that project but it will take a few years … well, so many, as Trump said, parameters! His tariffs aren’t hard and fast — we can see that. It’s just what he knows how to do. Maybe Putin’s team can advise Trump’s team that there are different ways to do things…
Thanks, karlof1 – I see your link to Pepe’s article, so off I go again.
Posted by: juliania | Aug 13 2025 21:27 utc | 63
How far is it to Odessa now?
Posted by: Formerly T-Bear | Aug 13 2025 21:18 utc | 60
Shorter than to Crimea.
Posted by: NoName | Aug 13 2025 21:32 utc | 64
… Still on my way to elephants and nightingales, but went to Pepe’s first link back to his previous essay, and from there back to two notes by Michael Hudson – here’s the first one:
https://globalsouth.co/2025/08/12/michael-hudson-notes-on-the-planned-alaska-meeting/
These are short, but I’m ready now for toucans! (Pepe’s deep state team is a good one!}
Posted by: juliania | Aug 13 2025 21:48 utc | 65
General Breedlove, former Commander of NATO Forces on the BBC America program.
An unbelievable deep state apologist…..demanding that there be an immediate ceasefire and an EU peacekeeping force with US air cover.
Completely delusional and so emblematic of neo con brain fog in DC….omgosh!
That is not going to happen.
Posted by: tobias cole | Aug 13 2025 21:48 utc | 66
Kremlin adviser outlines Putin’s Ukraine terms:
Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, no NATO bid.
Dmitry Suslov done an interview today with an Italian newspaper – Corriere della Sera.
Phase 1:
withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas, while Russia, in return, would pull its forces out of the Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, Kremlin adviser Dmitry Suslov said.
If both sides pull back, the frontline elsewhere would remain where it. A key part of the deal would be a pledge by Ukraine not to join NATO, he added.
A preliminary agreement would be struck by Russia and the United States without representatives of Ukraine or Europe, Suslov said in an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera. Suslov is deputy director of the Center for European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics and a Kremlin foreign policy adviser.
So in short Ukraine pulls out of Donbas.
Russia pulls out of Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions,
Everywhere else the front lines are frozen.
Phase 2:
The demilitarization of Ukraine and constitutional reform. No entry to NATO.
Here
https://uawire.org/kremlin-adviser-outlines-putin-s-ukraine-terms-ukrainian-withdrawal-from-donbas-no-nato-bid
Make of that what you will. However, it does the in with the rumours of exchange of territories.
I don’t know what to make of it myself. A mistake by Russia is the first thing that comes to mind.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Aug 13 2025 21:51 utc | 67
Agree with tobias cole @58
Trump and EuroNATO know it is game over for them in Ukraine. Those losers can’t hold their FDLs. They are collapsing all around. Give another winter and Ukraine will be unrecognizably small just how it was before 1922. They want a dignified exit.
Choosing Alaska sends a signal to Ukraine. In 1867 Russia ceded territory to USA for economic benefit in return. Time Ukraine did same. Since 1922 Ukraine has been padded with others’ territory. Time to give them back.
What will Poland, Hungary and Romania do with the territory Ukraine stole from them? A weak Ukraine will be forced to give up these to NATO countries. NATO expands effortlessly and avoids taking in Europe’s new sick man, Ukraine.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 13 2025 21:56 utc | 68
If this happens. Putin will have moved significantly away from Istanbul plus.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Aug 13 2025 21:59 utc | 69
Carney, World Leaders Meet Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit on Ukraine War
https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/carney-world-leaders-meet-ahead-of-trump-putin-summit-on-ukraine-war/
“Prime Minister Mark Carney met today with the ‘Coalition of the Willing’*, a group of nations who’ve agreed to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion, ahead of the ceasefire negotiations set for Friday.
Today’s meeting was chaired by the leaders of the UK, France and Germany and also involved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance.
French President Emmanuel Macron says Trump was very clear he wants to achieve a ceasefire by Friday.”
*’Coalition of the Willing’ was first applied to the US-led ‘multi-national coalition’ in the 2003 war on Iraq.
Posted by: JohnGilberts | Aug 13 2025 21:59 utc | 70
How can Russia have talks when Ukraine is systematically destroying Russia’s infrastructure and refineries? Ukraine has more high tech weapons then ever and it will continue to provoke and attack despite any deal signed by Trump & Putin. And just like Minsk, the west will be quiet while Ukraine attacks but condemn any response by the Donbas/Russia.
https://deepnewz.com/russia/rosneft-shuts-saratov-refinery-after-deadly-ukrainian-drone-strike-f7e0b38c
Rosneft has suspended crude intake at its 140,000-barrel-a-day Saratov refinery after a weekend wave of Ukrainian drones set parts of the Volga-region plant ablaze.
Posted by: MiniMO | Aug 13 2025 22:02 utc | 71
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 21:05 utc | 56
That was a great ride, karlof1 – thanks! I have only one correction to Pepe’s entourage — I think the deep state is Goldfinger. Trump is a buffalo, a vanishing breed hard to domesticate. Difficult to manage. Obstinate. Willful.
Good luck, Putin! If anyone can do it, you can!
Posted by: juliania | Aug 13 2025 22:02 utc | 72
Australia is the next US nuclear weapons playground. However there is a catch. Australia now symbolically recognize the traditional custodians of the land, water and air. Aboriginal leaders don’t want their nation polluted by nuclear waste. But still they have a faint say in these matters. Time China and Russia finance them to ask for more power and influence.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 13 2025 22:03 utc | 73
ZH:
Posted by: vargas | Aug 13 2025 20:55 utc | 52
ewww gross
Posted by: natrat | Aug 13 2025 22:08 utc | 74
Non-stop chatter about a “ceasefire” now…
All the West, including Trump, believes a conflict freeze is here…
Putin you deserve it… go ahead, get out of this one…
This is what “talking” with the West gets you.
You were better off with cold shoulder Biden in charge.
From RT:
Resistance at home and abroad
“Not everyone in Russia is cheering. Many prominent “Z”-aligned war correspondents see the war as unfinished and oppose any truce. But they have been asked to stick to the official line. If the Alaska meeting produces a deal, they will be expected to back it – or at least use “cooling” language for their audiences.**** The Kremlin is betting it can manage this dissent.”***
Lol … sure they can, just use “cooling language” and that’ll fix the dead bodies that have been brought home.
Posted by: Trubind1 | Aug 13 2025 22:09 utc | 75
@ Sun Of Alabama | Aug 13 2025 21:51 utc | 67
thanks.. i can’t see ukraine and friends going along with any of that..
Posted by: james | Aug 13 2025 22:09 utc | 76
So in short Ukraine pulls out of Donbas.
Russia pulls out of Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions,
Everywhere else the front lines are frozen.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Aug 13 2025 21:51 utc | 67
And also, any talk of “observers” watching for breaches at the frozen lines must be rejected unless Russia as a say in what countries participate. None of that OSCE shit who observed the contact lines between donbass and ukraine between 2015 and 2021. They turned out to spies and failed to tell the truth about WHO was breaking the ceasefire. Observers must include China IMO.
Posted by: HERMIUS | Aug 13 2025 22:10 utc | 77
TV state side scrolls beneath the news that Trump says if Putin does not accept the ceasefire offer he will .. well you know
I am beginning to think if i were Putin i would not go. I would consider that kind of threat off base and suggestive that Trump may have changed his mind.
Posted by: snake | Aug 13 2025 22:10 utc | 78
@ JohnGilberts | Aug 13 2025 21:59 utc | 70
carney must think canucks are a real stupid lot to believe the continuation of lies under his ‘leadership’ for us.. the invasion was nato for the previous however many years in ukraine setting up for this conflict… until canada gets out of nato, we are a huge part of the problem.. of course the bank and military complex thinks we are a part of the solution for obvious reasons..
Posted by: james | Aug 13 2025 22:12 utc | 79
Everyone knows Putin is a golem under the control of Zionists, he started the aggressive unprovoked invasion of Ukraine just to get to this point, this was all planned in advance by Jews who as we know have genius-level intellects and are also magical.
Posted by: Skiffer | Aug 13 2025 18:52 utc | 28
You have been fooled by the Zionist media, Skiffer. Putin is actually a Jew, just like Hitler, Trump, and the Ayatollah.
They are all working together to create a one-world government, run by the Torah. Or something like that.
Posted by: wagelaborer | Aug 13 2025 22:14 utc | 80
@67,
Might be the most probable outcome. Considering the high number of drones on both sides but Ukraine supplied endlessly with money & ammunition from EU vassals and US, chances to take a city like Zaporizhia are close to 0%. Much less crossing the Dniper and take Herson and the rest of the region.
In the case of Russia, they might have some doubts that BRICS is currently in any shape as a unified front. They failed badly with their take on Palestine which would’ve given them much needed recognition in the Global South.
I’m not saying that they should have the vassal-to-master relations as EU has with US, but its clearly not there when it comes to having a unified front and some basic principles between members.
Posted by: JamesBond | Aug 13 2025 22:26 utc | 81
Trump says whatever the last person he talked to says. So yesterday the WH and DoS were officially saying that Friday is not a negotiation and that Trump wants to hear Putin’s position directly. Then Trump meets with the Euros and Zelensky, so today he’s demanding Russia surrender on Friday. For all we know, on Friday Trump will agree to Kiev ceding the Donbass. But he won’t have gotten Kiev to agree to it and he won’t be able to.
Putin is merely playing to Trump’s ego because in doing so there’s a small but non-zero chance that it will divide the US and the EU/Kiev temporarily. With the front and the advantage being pushed to a point where at least local/operational catastrophe can happen, it’s an excellent time to potentially cause some level of destabilization in the political rear.
The idea of an assassination is far fetched, more so now that the venue of a US military base has been announced.
Posted by: Lex | Aug 13 2025 22:27 utc | 82
RE: “The Russians don’t say much, but when they do talk listen very closely. Meanwhile, the West continues to voice unrealistic expectations.”
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 18:55 utc | 29
Agreed, but what good does yapping about “unrealistic expectations” do when you are very aware your target audience is irrational and delusional?
I rather say the “unrealistic expectation” here is Kremlin expecting anything else from the West.
Perhaps the Kremlin enjoys playing the tease, likes the drama, however, the “unmet unrealistic expectation” will likely result in a violent backlash on the Russian people.
Posted by: Trubind1 | Aug 13 2025 22:28 utc | 83
tobias cole | Aug 13 2025 21:48 utc | 66
U$ air cover.
Ukrainian proved one thing (among many) that the U$ is wedded to “air supremacy” and can’t fight without it.
They are still smirking “Russia *still* doesn’t have air supremacy in Ukraine”.
Posted by: Melaleuca | Aug 13 2025 22:40 utc | 84
Here’s my latest effort that attempts to inform about the bigger picture that’s in play as the Summit approaches, “Sovereignty: The Name of the Geopolitical Match”. Yes, the Great Game under a different name for a different time.
Some of you are much more attentive at this forum than I am. If one of you could help compile a list of posters who predicted the assassination of Putin (sometimes with Trump bonus assassination), I’ll be grateful. This thread so far has
Surferket (Aug 13 2025 18:01 utc | 12)
bee (Aug 13 2025 18:44 utc | 27) <-- predicts USA arrest Putin on ICC warrant (I know, I know)
Republicofscotland (Aug 13 2025 19:57 utc | 41)
But there were so many more in the previous threads... For science: testing the hypothesis!
Posted by: Konami | Aug 13 2025 23:03 utc | 86
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 20:14 utc | 45
Thank you so much, Norwegian. That is a very good explanation. I liked very much his remarks about Washington, DC. Sounds like a plus for Trump if he can do something there. Here’s the link more directly (it went first to another discussion):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l47tdElSfOA
Best wishes for your elections!
Posted by: juliania | Aug 13 2025 23:04 utc | 87
Posted by: james | Aug 13 2025 22:12 utc |79
james, I recommend the link to the Diesen talk with Colonel MacGregor that Norwegian posted, and I commented on at 87 above. He has some things to say about Nato that gave me hope it might be on its last legs. (As might be a few other entities, globalization for one.)
Posted by: juliania | Aug 13 2025 23:20 utc | 88
Donny is talking himself into another implacable position.
Journo: Will the war in Ukraine end on Friday.
Orange: Yes. Yes it will.
Journo: What happens if it doesn’t?
Orange: There will be consequences.(journo rabble). There will be very severe consequences. (louder journo rabble-noises).
Orange: I don’t have to say. But there will be very severe consequences.
https://t.me/intelslava/78166
Posted by: Melaleuca | Aug 13 2025 23:24 utc | 89
I think the meeting on Friday will be focused by the US deep state about the Neocons main worry which is supporting Israel
Msin points being
1. Getting the IAEA back in Iran
2. Armenia and Azerbaijan corridor
3. Secondary Sanctions on Brazil, India, and China.
4. Ensuring Russia supports the freedom of oil through the straight even with another attack on Iran.
5. The alternate Gold exchange and clearing system coming online for BRICS countries.
6. Some kind of limited 30 day ceasefire perhaps on missiles between Ukraine and Russia that can used to cover up the real agenda which is IMHO points 1-5 and what Iran was able to prove during the 12 day war.
Posted by: TundraTide | Aug 13 2025 23:24 utc | 90
>>> “Larry Johnson’s fabricated Alaska “assassin”’ <<< Posted by: Oui | Aug 13 2025 18:10 utc | 15 . . Yeah, I think that guy is still a CIA agent.
Posted by: seer | Aug 13 2025 23:33 utc | 91
I think that Outin now wants to prevent the Russian victory.
Posted by: vargas | Aug 13 2025 23:57 utc | 92
“Sovereignty: The Name of the Geopolitical Match”. Yes, the Great Game under a different name for a different time.
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 13 2025 22:59 utc | 85
Well done, karlof1! Thank you.
Posted by: juliania | Aug 14 2025 0:03 utc | 93
That is nothing short of a capitulation of the Russian Federation…As I constantly wrote for years here now, the Jewish-Neoliberal Trojan Hors is just about to finish his mission he was told years back after his return from Germany…Every single position he was installed since then was just a overture…From Leningrad to FSB, from Prime Minister to the Office of the Presidency….
Because what does a “freeze” of a thousand kilometer frontline mean??? It just means a constant sucking dry of the recources of the Russian Federation on all levels, financially, manwise, logistical etc. … Afghanistan ten times, game set and match!!!
Posted by: Brigitte Mohnhaupt | Aug 14 2025 0:08 utc | 94
Posted by: Melaleuca | Aug 13 2025 23:24 utc | 89
######
Brings to mind Trump saying that he would bring hell to Ansar Allah and Hamas.
The threat is good if you back it up. But repeatedly threatening without follow-through starts to become a punchline.
Couldn’t bring hell to Hamas, Iran, Ansar Allah, and now Russia.
Needless to say, Trump is now scared of China, constantly pushing back on his tariffs.
Trump would spook some people if he stopped posting on Truth Social for a few days and took a break from 3x daily impromptu pressers.
Radio silence as he tours military bases and gets photographed meeting with Generals. Lots of photos with military men in military contexts. Lots of video of him touring bases and inspecting MIC manufacturing plants.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Aug 14 2025 0:16 utc | 95
@Konami | Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:03:00 GMT | 86
But there were so many more in the previous threads… For science: testing the hypothesis!
What hypothesis are you testing? Off the top of my head, I think William Gruff, maybe DunGroanin, seer, Jane, acementhead maybe. There are also posters who I have blocked, but who would probably say something idiotic like that – Mrs. Donbass (LoveDonbass), vargas, and hopehely are good candidates.
Posted by: James M. | Aug 14 2025 0:20 utc | 96
@ Norwegian | Aug 13 2025 20:14 utc | 45
That is outstanding to hear about Diesen’s run; may he be successful, as it would go a long way to showing there is hope for restoring sanity to certain occidental countries.
Posted by: robjira | Aug 14 2025 0:24 utc | 97
@70: “Mark Carney meets with coalition of the willing”
What a farce. The Canadian Airforce consists mainly of prop wing aircraft and a few ancient F-14s. Our navy is a couple of frigates and two leaky submarines. We don’t have tanks; we have tiny Bison MPC. We couldn’t do a damn thing to help anyone.
Posted by: FrankDrakman | Aug 14 2025 0:24 utc | 98
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Aug 14 2025 0:16 utc | 95
######
Not that pretending to be serious will solve any of the tangible issues that America faces.
They can’t deploy a lot of men.
They are low on munitions.
Their kit is all last gen
They don’t have competent air defenses against modern missiles and drones
Their opponents are all far away. The downside of being an isolated nation surrounded by oceans is that its logistical tail is a big weakness in sustained operations.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Aug 14 2025 0:30 utc | 99
I expect, contrary to the usual suspects who gab about Big Pictures and push geopolitical narratives (which then seem to echo-chamber), that the Alaska meetup will (gasp) focus on Ukraine, at least 50% of the time spent on it, likely more like 75%. But we’ll probably not be told in any case, what will have taken place.
Posted by: Call it what u will | Aug 14 2025 0:31 utc | 100