Tendar's analysis on what Putin's future could look like.
I wish I was shocked by this, but unfortunately I find it entirely predictable. Orban in Hungary and Fico in Slovakia eulogise about their bilateral relationship, and Vehemently oppose Ukraine joining both the EU and Nato. They are both dependent upon Russian gas. Fico is threatening to withdraw Slovakia from both the EU and NATO. Slovakia is now Hungary's second largest trading partner, behind Germany. Putin is hot favourite with the bookmakers to be a bridesmaid at the forthcoming wedding of Orban and Fico.I'm shocked that any NATO country is still importing anything from Russia.
Worth a watch. Video clips of Trump having a go at Putin. ,. Broe hoping that MAGA may all flip now to support Ukraine.
Yes, it's a VERY stark difference in approach from Trump - what I hoped we would get (but feared we wouldn't).Yes, that was a good watch. The Russians evidently are still clinging on to the dream of a multipolar world.
The difference between the campaigning Trump and President Trump is quite stark. I took particular note of the remarks about Russian inflation, the length of the war and the numbers of casualties. I assume they are all designed to highlight Putin's failings to a wide audience, but in a veiled threat kind of way. He was addressing Putin of course. Putin would no doubt prefer if those statistics were not mentioned at all, or at least only spoken about in closed door meetings.
It's going to be fun.
I really hope that there is an agreement whereby resources are poured into Ukraine to help rebuild theYes, it's a VERY stark difference in approach from Trump - what I hoped we would get (but feared we wouldn't).
It's the 'deal' bit that makes me slightly nervous. It implies reciprocal benefits. Russia should not gain a damn thing.Donald Trump urges Putin to end ‘ridiculous’ Ukraine war or face new sanctions
The US president says Russia will face "high levels of taxes, tariffs and sanctions" if it does not make a deal to end the conflict.www.bbc.co.uk
Trump threatens 'taxes, tariffs and sanctions' on Russia over Ukraine war
US president Donald Trump says Russia will face "high levels of taxes, tariffs and sanctions" if President Vladimir Putin does not end the war in Ukraine.
Trump begins the post, external on his Truth Social platform expressing his "love" for the Russian people and his "good relationship" with Putin, and then issues a direct warning to "STOP this ridiculous War!"
He writes: "IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don't make a 'deal', and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries."
"It's time to 'MAKE A DEAL'. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST," he adds.
I understand governments & banks being unwilling to give out Russian money frozen in western banks however surely we are within our rights to tell Putin his personal money will be given to Ukraine to buy weapons & help their economy if he doesn't stop & pull back. He must have billions squirreled away in the west & he is personally responsible for what has & is happening.I really hope that there is an agreement whereby resources are poured into Ukraine to help rebuild the
country in every single way. And Russia watches it prosper while it stews in poverty. I know I shouldn't wish it
on average people - but those who support the war should be made 100% aware of what their "leaders" have done and
the consequences of that for future reference.
Yep, agreed, but we'll just have to see.It's the 'deal' bit that makes me slightly nervous. It implies reciprocal benefits. Russia should not gain a damn thing.
Yes, you're right. Anything that Putin is trying to frame as a success, can't be included in any deal.That land bridge to Crimea needs to go then...
This is exactly why Ukraine went into Kursk. They have no intention of staying.Trade the captured territory in Kursk for the land bridge to Crimea ?
I think Putin would prefer to keep the land bridge... I don't think he has a holiday home in KurskTrade the captured territory in Kursk for the land bridge to Crimea ?
Putin can't be allowed to settle for what he holds - he can't. Yes, I expect that may be one of a number of options 'on the table ' but would be just wrong.If it is a waiting game then Ukraine will win because of the financial muscle of the West.
Putin is contending with sanctions, disaffected oligarchs, obsolete military hardware and by diverting available labour and materials to his War Economy he is starving the rest of the economy from manpower and resources. Interest rates are also incredibly high so individuals and businesses can't borrow to grow / rehouse / retool.
If nothing else changes it will be a lack of cash that will force his hand.
Another problem that Trump hasn't factored in is that if Putin settles for what he holds then it is an admission of failure - he tried to take back the whole of Ukraine. That weakness could be seized upon by China who have their eyes on Soviet territory thousands of miles away from Moscow in the East.