Britain’s Foreign Secretary Insists Putin Rebukes Peace


Posted originally on Jan 19, 2026 by Martin Armstrong |  

Putin says Russia ready for 'serious' peace talks

Peace was never an option. The Russia-Ukraine war was plotted out over a decade ago by people unassociated with either nation. The Plot to Seize Russia explains everything in detail. Yeltsin handed Putin the reins to protect Russia from the oligarchs. The West installed Zelensky to quietly control Ukraine and position it for battle. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitted that the Minsk Agreement was a lie, an appeasement to pass time to allow Ukraine to build its military.

World leaders continually declare that Russia shows no signs of accepting peace. “What we’ve seen is the huge commitment to work being done by Ukraine, with the US and supported by Europe to draw up plans for peace including security guarantees,” Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said. “But so far, I don’t see the evidence that Putin is yet willing to come to the table, or yet willing to have discussions.”

?? President Vladimir #Putin said Thursday that #Russia agreed with US  proposals to stop fighting in #Ukraine ?? but said that any #ceasefire  should lead to a long-lasting peace. Putin said the
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday a US plan could “lay the  foundation” for a Ukraine peace deal, confirming for the first time that  Moscow had received a copy from the United

“Most importantly, we want peace and harmony to reign in Ukraine, and we are ready to work together with other countries to do everything to facilitate and support such a development,” President Putin stated on March 17, 2014, during his reunification speech.

“For eight years, for eight long years, we have done everything possible to resolve the situation by peaceful political means,” Putin said on a televised address on February 24, 2022, when Russia began its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Moscow was prepared to honor the Minsk Agreement, but Europe was not. The Minsk Agreement is paramount. Putin has repeatedly called for peace over the past four years.

“We are set on serious negotiations with Ukraine. Their aim is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and to achieve a long‑term lasting peace for a historical perspective,” the Russian President said in May 2025 when he discussed a potential ceasefire. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, reiterated readiness for “a peaceful settlement to end the war.”

The headlines continue to spit out propaganda—peace is not an option. Peace IS an option for Russia, and perhaps Ukraine, but the neocon elite simply will not allow the war to end. Zelensky seemed willing to accept a peace deal in 2022, but the UK’s Boris Johnson promptly talked him out of accepting the deal.

I submitted my peace proposal to Washington in November 2025. The Trump Administration, perhaps with the guidance of my proposal, created a strategy for peace that only one side was willing to accept.

War is a great way to default on debts. You get to form a new government, and they always disavow the debts of the previous government. Europe has been committing economic suicide. Between the COVID-19 Lockdowns, the NET-ZERO Climate Change, and then the sanctions on Russia that doubled their fuel costs, you could not ask for a more brain-dead group of politicians who have ZERO comprehension of even how the economy functions.

Russia_Peace_Deal Cover

President Trump Announces New Tariffs Against “EU Leadership” Nations Attempting to Interfere in North American Strategic Defense and Greenland Negotiations


Posted originally on CTH on January 17, 2026 | Sundance

President Trump has announced a new tariff regime against Germany, the UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands and Finland. The two-stage tariffs are in response to European leadership undermining U.S. strategic security discussions with Greenland.

PRESIDENT TRUMP – “We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.

Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.

On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown. This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.”

“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question. Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above-mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America.

On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused. Now, because of The Golden Dome, and Modern-Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important.

Hundreds of Billions of Dollars are currently being spent on Security Programs having to do with “The Dome,” including for the possible protection of Canada, and this very brilliant, but highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it.

The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

My message to those who worry about President Trump committing us to something protracted that will eventually end in our being pulled into a European theater of conflict vis-a-vis Ukraine, is to quit worrying.

Trump is telling the EU to quit talking and start actively being responsible for their own security.  In the background Trump has bigger plans.

Hans Mahncke has a solid take on the bigger picture:

“The notion that America wants Greenland for its raw materials is either insanely ignorant or just engagement bait. Extracting anything in the Arctic is prohibitively expensive, and often physically impossible, with extreme cold, thick ice, equipment that won’t function, and no roads, rail or ports to move anything once you have it.

The real reason America needs Greenland is its immense geostrategic military value, which should be obvious to anyone with a functioning brain, especially anyone who has ever looked at a map from above, with the North Pole at the center.

Sure, some tasks could be outsourced to NATO, but that alliance is on its last legs, burdened by too many countries with conflicting priorities, and has mainly served as a way for Europe to freeload on US security guarantees. Relying on it for American national security is reckless. It’s far smarter to cut out the endless middlemen and take direct control.” (source)

Mahncke is correct. On one side of the ice, you have North America. On the other side of the ice you have, well, the reason for President Trump to order dozens of icebreakers.

The position of Denmark and Greenland is pathetic. Denmark demands the USA protect the “territories of their kingdom” (their words) including Greenland, which they admit they “cannot do without the USA military.” However, they outright reject the notion the United States should gain something, anything, for providing that protection.

As also noted by Jim Ferguson“Ursula von der Leyen just went on camera and declared that Greenland “belongs to Denmark and NATO” — directly rebuking President Trump.

Let’s translate that. This isn’t about the Greenlandic people. This is about Brussels panicking because Trump is exposing the Arctic power game.

Greenland controls:

• the northern missile corridor
• Arctic shipping lanes
• and the gateway to North America

That makes it one of the most important strategic territories on Earth.

And Trump said the quiet part out loud: If the U.S. doesn’t secure it, China or Russia will.

Von der Leyen’s response wasn’t to protect the West, it was to protect EU control.

She wrapped it in pretty words about “NATO unity” — but what she really meant was: Brussels gets a veto over American security.

That’s what this is about.

Trump isn’t breaking the alliance. he’s breaking the illusion that unelected EU bureaucrats get to decide the future of the Arctic.

Greenland is not a Brussels bargaining chip; it is the northern shield of the United States, and for the first time in decades, America has a president willing to say it.

Ursula doesn’t hate Trump because he’s reckless, she hates him because he won’t let Europe freeload on American security while selling the future to Beijing.”

October, 2025: Finland is slightly smaller than Montana and wedged between Sweden and Russia. Finland, a nation of approximately 5 million people, has a security outlook shaped by its geography, a strategic position within the new NATO/Arctic strategy.

President Trump holds a bilateral discussion with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as the two leaders’ complete terms for eleven icebreaker ships valued at $6.1 billion. Under terms of the deal, three of the ships will be built by Davie in Galveston, Texas, and four by Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana.

Finland is the world leader in icebreaker ship building and will help teach U.S. ship building companies the latest advances in the technology. [SOURCE]

Stay Elevated:

December, 2025: Appearing on Fox News to discuss the Ukraine v Russia conflict, Finland President Alexander Stubb is questioned about the conflicting U.S. intelligence reports pushed by Reuters saying Russia will invade Europe, versus DNI Tulsi Gabbard saying Russia has no capability or intent to invade Europe.

President Stubb notes his agencies work closely with U.S. intelligence and in his view, Tulsi Gabbard is correct regarding President Vladimir Putin’s intention. [SOURCE]

President Trump is dancing through a geopolitical minefield, deconstructing numerous long-standing manipulative institutions along the way, while simultaneously keeping 100 domestic agenda plates spinning on sticks.

It is amazing to watch his navigation skills.  Smile and enjoy this.

Kremlin Disconnects from Global Internet


Posted originally on Jan 13, 2026 by Martin Armstrong |  

Surveilence

Russia is slinking back into its old Soviet Union methods of spying on citizens. Beginning on January 1, 2026, internet providers in Russia are now required to store all text, audio, and video messages for three years. The Center for Countering Disinformation has access to every Russian’s digital footprint.

Per usual, authorities claim the measure is to protect against fraud. The true motive is control, instant punishment, and the notion that citizens will begin to self-censor their private correspondence to avoid criticizing the Kremlin.

The Roskomnadzor (the federal communications regulator) has the authority to disconnect the Russian internet segment (Runet) from external sources at whim. Regulators may block or permanently ban individual websites or services if they believe they are a threat to national security. Telecom operators must issue commands and control network traffic in accordance with the Roskomnadzor. The Russian internet will be completely isolated from the global network.

Fines and penalties have been inconsequential despite increasing severity. As of September 1, 2025, Russians face a 5,000 ruble fine for “intentionally searching extremist materials.” This was significant as it was the first time Russia punished citizens for viewing prohibited online content.

Over one million websites have been analyzed for pretrial blocking by Roskomnadzor and the Prosecutor General’s Office. Over 150 media organizations are currently blocked in Russia. The government has repeatedly shut down the internet on a regional basis throughout the Ukraine war, with authorities claiming the blackouts are needed to support drone warfare.

Social media channels such as Twitter/X, Reddit, META/Facebook, LinkedIn, SnapChat, and Discord are inaccessible. YouTube and TikTok may be used on a limited basis. Russians are forbidden to view BBC News, Deutsche Welle, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, and other news outlets. VPNs are illegal, although widely used, and Russia ranked #1 in the top internet outages in 2025.

Russians all know that Big Brother is monitoring them online and tapping their phones. People in former communist nations do not trust the government. They’ve been taught throughout the generations to keep a guard up. Unlike those in the West, the Russians and Chinese understand that the mainstream media is merely a propaganda tool. The information displayed on your TV screen or the front page of the newspaper has been pre-approved by the government; otherwise, it would not be permitted to air. I can proudly say that this website is one of them, and we are permitted to operate in both Russia and China.

The Kremlin and every other government authority has unlimited access to text messages and online searches. You can delete your texts and clear your search history, but government can still see your complete digital footprint. Governments sued internet and phone providers years ago to ensure they had full backdoor access to every outlet. Social media outlets were compromised, and those who failed to comply like TikTok were either banned or sold out. Digital privacy is not a protected right. Modern civilization depends on the internet for communication and information, making it a prime target for government surveillance. We will see governments continually restrict internet access in the years ahead as each nation aims to create a digital firewall to protect its citizens from sharing information, or worse, collaborating against the regimes controlling them.

U.K Asks Germany and France, EU NATO, to Support Expanded Presence in Greenland


Posted originally on CTH on January 11, 2026 | Sundance

Seriously folks, you would think that after all this time the Europeans would finally understand how President Trump manipulates the media cycle and gets them to do exactly what he wants – while they and the majority of their constituents think it’s exactly the opposite.  This stuff is just too funny now.

According to European media outlets, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in discussions with Germany and France to send a NATO alliance to Greenland to establish a stronger NATO military footprint. {LINK}

The media present this, hilariously, as if European NATO is going to defend Greenland against President Trump and the USA military. {{INSERT SEVERAL LAUGHING EMOJIS HERE}} I mean, think about it rationally.

The U.K, France and Germany are unwilling to send troops into Ukraine without the protection of the U.S. military.  But somehow, for some reason, the U.K, France and Germany are going to send troops to Greenland to defend against the U.S. military.

The narrative sounds silly when put into context, right?

The reality is, for several years President Trump has been telling NATO they need to take the Arctic (Greenland) seriously and position more strongly against encroachment by China and Russia.   European NATO has not responded with urgency to the requests of President Trump… because orange man bad.

So, President Trump starts talking about the U.S. taking aggressive unilateral action to secure Greenland as a strategic national security matter.  Suddenly, ‘Voila!’ European NATO, under the auspices of defending their Denmark democracy, wakes up and says, ‘No, wait, you can’t just take Greenland, that’s bad.’  Then they assemble urgent talks to send EU NATO military resources to Greenland.  Exactly what President Trump has been requesting to formerly deaf ears.

See how that works?

The entire dynamic is so funny, it is difficult not to laugh.  It’s like being the only observer in a Candid Camera scenario when you know the entire group is being spoofed.

The former Dutch Chief of Defense, General Berlijn, even warns annexation of Greenland will cost the US its military bases in Europe. “Forget about Ramstein, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Aviano, Alconbury, Lajes, Móron and Zaragoza,” he said.

As if forcing U.S. troops out of Germany is a threat.

Oh dear, you mean U.S. military can pull back from German bases? Cool.  And the EU will step up their own military to defend their own continent?  Again, super cool. Punish us with a good time, General Berlijn; please!

President Trump has pulled off the impossible

The current EU plan, and keep in mind – this is NOW the EU plan, is to increase NATO defense forces in/around Greenland and then expand their own military in Europe so they can kick out the USA.

Perfect.

Now, we all know that Europe will never do the last part of that; especially when these same voices are demanding that President Trump protect and defend their troops in Ukraine.  However, just reading about how they are talking about it is beyond funny.

Only President Donald J. Trump could achieve this masterstroke of geopolitical maneuvering, ending with him getting exactly what he wants and exactly what the EU previously didn’t want, while the EU proclaim it is their intention to give Trump what he wants by fighting against him.

You couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried.

EUROPE – […] In a joint statement, the leaders of the European nations stressed that it was for Denmark and Greenland to decide on the future of the vast, frozen territory. and that they would defend its borders.

They spoke out after Trump said he wants to gain control of the autonomous Danish territory now.

[…] They emphasised that security in the Arctic must be achieved “collectively”, in conjunction with Nato allies including the US, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, “including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders”.

They added: “These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them.

“The United States is an essential partner in this endeavor, as a Nato ally and through the defense agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States of 1951.”

The statement was signed by Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, and Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark. (Source)

“We’ve got him this time, fellas!”

Russia Strikes Back Using Hypersonic Missiles Against Kiev Following Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence


Posted originally on CTH on January 10, 2026 | Sundance 

President Trump, President Zelenskyy and the CIA continue to deny any involvement on the drone attack against Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin’s state residence.  However, Russia has released evidence from the drones that were shot down including the guidance and targeting systems.

Someone launched the drones from Ukraine and targeted them at Putin’s residence to send a message.  There is considerable debate online about it, but if President Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are speaking truthfully, the most likely suspect who launched the drones was British intelligence inside Ukraine.  Then again, if the CIA was factually involved, everyone would have to deny it.

In retaliation for the December 29th attack, yesterday Russia fired a hypersonic Oreshnik missile and counterattack drones directly into the heart of Kiev, Ukraine.

The use of the Oreshnik missile comes just hours after Russian President Putin asserted publicly that Ukraine, Europe and NATO have no defenses against the hypersonics.

President Zelenskyy said the Russian attack involved 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, one Oreshnik missile and 22 cruise missiles. However, as with all things Zelenskyy, this dramatic claim seems to be slightly exaggerated.

Russia claims they targeted key electricity infrastructure as well as the production facilities for building drones in Kiev which are collocated in residential areas.

Images of the hypersonic missile warheads hitting their targets is shown at left.  Much of Kiev is now without power and electricity.

The Russian Defense Ministry said“in response to the terrorist attack by the Kiev regime on the residence of the President of the Russian Federation in Novgorod region, launched on the night of 29 December 2025, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massive strike with high-precision long-range ground- and sea-based weapons including the Oreshnik mobile ground-based medium-range missile system as well as attack unmanned aerial vehicles at critically important facilities on the territory of Ukraine. All the assigned targets have been hit. Production facilities of unmanned aerial vehicles that were used during the terrorist attack as well as power infrastructure enterprises that supported the defense industry of Ukraine have been damaged.”

Moscow appears ambivalent to the demands of the EU/NATO as they pertain to a ceasefire, and it appears the Kremlin has comprehensively rejected the European 20-point peace plan solution based on President Putin’s rejection of the ‘security guarantees’ as outlined by EU leadership.

Statement from Russia: “The document turned out to be extremely far from a peace settlement. The declaration is not aimed at achieving a lasting peace and security but rather at continuing the militarisation, escalation and further conflict aggravation.

Its core element is the deployment of “a multinational force” on Ukrainian territory that the coalition will have to form to contribute to the “rebuilding” of the Ukrainian armed forces and “support deterrence” [against Russia] following the cessation of the hostilities.

The document also includes clauses on further consolidation of Ukraine’s and NATO’s military industrial sectors.

As clarified by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who signed the corresponding trilateral statement along with Zelensky, London and Paris plan to establish their own military bases in Ukraine post-ceasefire and build weapon and military equipment storage facilities.

The Russian Foreign Ministry warns that the deployment of military units and the setting-up of military facilities, storages and other Western infrastructure on Ukrainian territory will be qualified as foreign intervention that directly threatens the security of Russia and other European countries.

All such units and facilities will be considered as legitimate military targets for the Russian Armed Forces.

Warnings to this effect have been repeatedly made at the highest level and remain relevant.

We also reaffirm that a peaceful resolution of the conflict is solely possible through the elimination of its root causes, the re-establishment of Ukraine’s neutral non-aligned status, its demilitarisation and denazification, and Kiev’s observance of the language, cultural and religious rights and freedoms, including those of ethnic Russians, Russian-speaking people, and members of ethnic minorities, and through the recognition of the current territorial realities that emerged as a result of the peoples’ exercised right to self-determination.

All these goals will, undoubtedly, be achieved either by political and diplomatic means or in the course of the special military operation, in which the Russian Armed Forces are maintaining full initiative on the battlefield.

The new militarist declarations of the so-called Coalition of the Willing and the Kiev regime are forming a true Axis of war.

Its participants’ plans are becoming increasingly more dangerous and destructive for the future of the European continent and its residents, who are also forced by Western politicians to pay for such ambitions out of their own pockets.” {SOURCE}

President Trump was asked about the current status during his meeting with oil executives on Friday:

On the positive side, it is good to remember the U.S. has now established strong diplomatic ties for deconfliction between the U.S. and Russia.  The Europeans and many within the U.S. congress want and demand escalated conflict with Russia, President Trump does not.

The “coalition of the willing” (Brussels, Great Britian, Canada, France, Germany and Australia) cannot reasonably go to war with Russia without the assistance of the United States.  President Trump does not want to involve us in the growing quagmire either in Ukraine or any of the various ancillary venues the EU are promoting.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has recently joined with French President Emmanuel Macron to say perhaps it is time for the EU to engage directly with Vladimir Putin.  The EU has a position, a 20-point plan, that is not supported by President Trump because it is contingent upon American involvement.

Perhaps it is time for the EU to take responsibility for their own diplomatic efforts and figure out a solution.  In the interim, President Putin continues taking apart Ukraine bit by bit.

Russia & Impossibility of Peace


Posted originally on Jan 9, 2026 by Martin Armstrong |  

Zelensky vs Putin

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected the latest US-backed offering to end the Russia-Ukraine war, issuing a damming rebuff that illustrates that Putin would have to be insane to accept any peace deal at this stage in the game with Ukraine because it would NEVER resolve this conflict. Moscow’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed the US-European proposal for security assurances for Ukraine, saying the protection plan amounts to “a true axis of war.” This is what I warned about on the Private Blog.

UK France Sign Deal Send Troops to Ukraine 1 7 26

I warned that with the UK and France sending in troops as soon as a ceasefire is agreed was a guarantee that no such ceasefire would take place for this would be effectively sending in NATO troops into Ukraine. Europe has ZERO intension of EVER seeking peace or a normal relationship with Russia returning to the world economy. This is a guarantee of PERMANENT war. Russia’s comment was clear:

“The document turned out to be extremely far from a peace settlement. The declaration is not aimed at achieving a lasting peace and security but rather at continuing the militarization, escalation and further conflict aggravation.” “Its core element is the deployment of ‘a multinational force’ on Ukrainian territory that the coalition will have to form to contribute to the ‘rebuilding’ of the Ukrainian armed forces and ‘support deterrence’ following the cessation of the hostilities.”

The Ukrainian long-range strike campaign has continued hitting Russian oil, military and infrastructure targets. Importantly, for a 48-hour period this week, the Ukrainians were able to shut down all of the airports in the Moscow region and force the Russians to shut down their mobile phone networks across the same area. Given the massive population of the Russian capital, this will be noticed by the populace. Ukraine is is claiming it is defeating Russia shutting down Moscow’s airports and mobile networks for two days. That’s the action of a country with operational capability striking deep into enemy territory with impunity using targeting from the United States and UK. Clearly, this is like hiring a contract killer to eliminate someone and then claiming you did not pull the trigger. Ukraine has no long-range targeting capability without eyes in the sky.

The Venezuela Invasion:

Monroe vs Trump Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was a cornerstone U.S. foreign policy statement, proclaimed by President James Monroe in his annual address to Congress on December 2nd, 1823. It declared the Western Hemisphere closed to future European colonization and interference, while pledging that the United States would not interfere in existing European colonies or in the internal affairs of Europe. Donald Trump has essentially asserted the same doctrine targeting both China and Russia to expel them from this hemisphere.

Ironically, to be objective, that justifies Russia taking all of Ukraine and it also justifies China taking Taiwan. We can’t have it both ways. But the Neocons see the US as dominating the world whereas Trump’s Chief of Staff Miller recognized that the world is divided among three empires – US, Russia, and China.

China’s Foreign Ministry has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he’d be “very unhappy” if Beijing attacked Taiwan.

“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves. … This is China’s internal affair that brooks no external interference.”

TaiwanMagnified

What China will do now is most likely, if I were them, would impose a total embargo preventing anything from leaving or entering. I would suspect that it would take about 90 days. I would suspect that China has just been given the Green Light thanks to Donald’s Doctrine. They could act as soon as April.

Tanker 2026 1

The Tanker Seizure:

American Coast Guard and military forces (assisted by the UK) undertook a boarding operation to seize one of Russia’s shadow fleet tankers, the Bella 1, in the north Atlantic. This vessel was sanctioned by the U.S. under its counter-Iran sanctions, aimed at stopping Iran from fueling instability in the Middle East through the profits of illegal oil sales and was linked to international terrorism and crime including Hezbollah. Yet this is debatable. The ship went through the Suez Canal and a ship of this size could only do so if it was empty.

Healey_Capture_of_Russian_tanker_protects_British_people_

The United States with the aid of the UK just boarded and seized a Russian-flagged vessel on the high seas. Russia did nothing but the US agreed to send the two Russian crew members to Russia. This was clearly a strong-arm tactic against Russia. John Healey made the dumbest bullshit excuse I have ever heard in 50 years. How does an empty tanker on its way to Russia threaten Britain and the British people? This is the most absurd excuse I have ever heard. Then any empty tanker on its way to to or from Russia on the high seas threatens the British people?

Oreshnik Missile

The Strategic Message: Weakness Disguised as Strength

NATO is now claiming that Putin fired an Oreshnik at Lviv—a city less than 70 kilometers from the Polish border and NATO territory. The message was supposed to be: “We have hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles and we’re willing to use them close to NATO borders. Be afraid.” They are spinning this as Russia needed to demonstrate military capability because its credibility had collapsed across multiple theaters simultaneously. Venezuela, Syria, Iran—every Russian client is falling or under severe pressure. The shadow fleet is being seized. Ukrainian drones are shutting down Moscow. NATO insists that their military analysts are skeptical of Oreshnik’s actual battlefield value. While Putin keeps warning about nuclear war, they insist that this is all hype and pay no attention because they can take Russia with one hand tied behind their back.

Kallas_rejects_possibility_of_Russia_returning_to_G8

The Oreshnik strike is the military equivalent of shouting “I’m still relevant!” while everyone watches Putin lose influence globally. NATO wasn’t impressed. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the strike shows that “Putin doesn’t want peace” and called it “meant as a warning to Europe and to the U.S.” Kallas is as ruthless as Zelensky. She represents why there can NEVER be any peace with Russia.

EU vs Russia Never Peace 1

Kallas has openly called for the destruction of Russia. She has stated that Russia is too big and needs to be broken up. She personally hates Russians not much different from Zelensky. This remains as a major obstacle to peace.

The U.S.-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine have entered a pivotal stage and is exposing that there will NEVER be peace between the EU abd Russia. This is critical. Peace negotiations are at this point pointless for the EU is seeking to install NATO troops into Ukraine under the pretense of peace-keeping when in fact it was Kiev that started this war 0 not Putin nor Russia.

John McCain, the godfather of Neocons, was there advocating the revolution in 2014 and lied to the people telling them this was about them and nobody else and it was about the peace that they deserved. There was peace with Russia. I believe McCain hated Russians because he was captured in Vietnam and was broken reading propaganda for the Vietnamese.

Robert McNamara admitted before he died that they assumed Russia was behind Vietnam but they were wrong. This has infected the Neocons who have grown up hating Russians all on a false assumption. This is what colored the Cold War and it is to this day warning that the European Union is seeking World War III because of people like Kallas who are wrapped up in personal hatred that she cannot see that she is condemning Europe and this EU experiment to its final destruction.

The Larger Pattern: The Cycle of Escalation

Russia used the Oreshnik missile on Lviv overnight January 8-9, 2026, hitting an underground gas storage facility in the first ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s western region. This marks only the second use of Russia’s newest intermediate-range weapon system.Lviv is significant because it’s Ukraine’s westernmost major city—less than 70 kilometers from the border with the European Union. Hitting it with a nuclear-capable missile sends an unmistakable message to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania: You’re within range despite NATO saying don’t worry.

But don’t be distracted by the technical capabilities or the psychological warfare. Focus on the strategic context: Russia deployed this weapon after suffering humiliating failures in Venezuela, Syria, and even Moscow itself. The strike represents Russia responding to the Donald Doctrine.  NATO wants to claim this is an act of desperation or weakness. But this is boasting their strength and desire to invade Russia as soon as they can.

NATO insists that the mathematics show that Russia’s global position is weakening across multiple theaters simultaneously. Its client states are falling. Its deterrence is failing. Its economic warfare through shadow fleets is being countered. And its response is to fire expensive, irreplaceable missiles at gas storage facilities to prove it’s still dangerous.

Quarter spinning

However, if we assume that Russia is now weakened dramatically, then the behavior of a declining power trying to convince everyone—including itself—that it still matters is far worse. Like a wounded animal, it will fight to the death and is most dangerous when cornered. There are two sides to that coin.

Kallas _Chinese_Foreign_Minister_Wang_Yi

The cycle suggests further escalation is coming. NATO likes to project Russia is just a injured fly to be swatted. When Kallas tried to threaten China to abandon Russia, Wang Yi respectfully stated that China had no intention of standing idly by and watching Russia lose. He stated that China believes that if Russia were defeated, the EU and NATO would turn on China next. This idea that the EU and NATO can destroy and break up Russia with no other impact is the linear thinking of madmen.

NATO Meeting 1950

The NEOCONS have won. They used Ukraine to revive the Cold War that they want to make RED HOT. This has all been forecast by our computer and it is certainly nothing I would like to see. This is not my OPINION. I have long hoped that if I scream loud enough then perhaps I could prevent it. That has been a fool’s dream. I have never been able to defeat the computer yet.

NATO Both Sides of Mouth

Watch the next days carefully into February and then April followed by June/July. If peace talks are more likely to break down, and I would expect more Oreshnik strikes or similar escalatory moves. I just find it curious that NATO keeps claiming Russia is weak and there is no threat. They seem to be talking out of both sides of their mouth.

Lots of Words – United States Supports but Does Not Sign “Coalition of Willing” Security Guarantees


Posted originally on CTH on January 7, 2026 | Sundance

I’ll post the video outcomes of the Paris summit comments below. However, in the interests of time and cutting to the chase, the picture below highlights the reality of things as they present.

The British-based “coalition of the willing” (+1 USA) assembled in Paris as the operation to manipulate the U.S. into forming the cornerstone of the Ukraine “security guarantees” continues. A great deal of this is public relations and psychological operations intended to create something against President Trump’s expressed intention.

However, everything you need to know about the eventual end of this long exposition is evident in the image that everyone pretends not to see.

German Chancellor Merz, Ukraine President Zelenskyy, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer and then you have Mr Witkoff & Mr Kushner. What’s missing? Trump. There’s your answer!

There’s no President Trump because the intent of the principals is against our America-first interest. Hence, the USA did not sign up to the EU created security guarantees, because Trump is demanding they do their own work.

Key word “proposed” [read agreement] …”These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US.”…

President Trump is presenting: The U.S. will provide intelligence *monitoring* assistance, but that’s it.

Not in our strategic interest. Not our war. Not our issue.

The U.S. delegation did not sign up to the statement the EU put forth after the meeting.

Lots of words were said.

Lots of gratitude was expressed.

Lots of support was mentioned. However, ultimately the responsibility for any agreed security guarantees will be carried by Europe, not by the United States.

As noted by Politico-EU[…] The statement from Kyiv’s European allies says they stand ready to commit to “legally binding” security guarantees to support Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.

Crucially, the monitoring and verification of a future ceasefire would be led by the U.S., with contributions from countries including the U.K. and Germany.

The plan also sets out security guarantees that would include long-term support for the Ukrainian armed forces, the deployment of a European-led multinational force in Ukraine in case of a peace settlement, and “binding” commitments to support Ukraine should there be a future Russian attack.

French President Macron continues misleading the media, changing the intention of President Trump:

“The coalition of the willing declaration for a solid and lasting peace … for the first time recognizes an operational convergence between the 35 countries, Ukraine and the U.S. to build robust security guarantees,” Macron told reporters. Washington will participate in those guarantees, including with the “backstop” that Europeans wanted, he added.

It’s professional parseltongue from Macron, a man well-versed in the art of linguistic manipulation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that after a ceasefire, the U.K. and France will set up military hubs across Ukraine and “build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine’s defense needs.”

France, the U.K. and Ukraine signed a separate declaration on Tuesday laying out these commitments.

The European-led multinational force will cover land, air and sea and will be stationed in Western Ukraine, far from the contact line, Macron said. France and the U.K. have previously said they would be willing to put boots on the ground — but most other coalition members, including Germany, have so far shied away from joining that commitment.

Other nations have suggested deploying aircraft based in neighboring NATO countries to monitor Ukrainian skies, and Turkey has agreed to lead the coalition’s maritime segment to secure the Black Sea.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin was open to deploying its troops in a neighboring NATO country that would act in case of Russian aggression, telling reporters “we are not ruling anything out.” But he stressed that the final decision would be up to Germany’s parliament.

“I will only make proposals to the Bundestag once there is a ceasefire and the coalition of the willing has agreed on the procedure to be followed,” he told reporters. “The prerequisite is a ceasefire.”

Some European countries, however, remain reluctant to deploy military assets in a post-war Ukraine. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis repeated that Greece will not participate in a European military force in Ukraine. However, Greek government officials said Mitsotakis has not ruled out other forms of assistance, such as in maritime surveillance. (more)

[The EU Readout HERE]

Witkoff and Kushner continued the Trump approach to heap praise upon the coalition, affirm their best intentions and openly, publicly advocate for the support therein. However, this is a European issue, supported by the U.S, but not operationally engaged with U.S. military despite the EU/Ukraine demands and continued requests.

The U.S. will monitor the Ukraine ceasefire situation and act as a diplomatic peacekeeper, establishing deconfliction channels of open communication between the USA and Russia.  However, Europe, this so-called “coalition of the willing,” will be responsible for any military backstop within that approach.

Prime Minister Starmer is all-in to put his British troops on the ground. France less so, with Macron hedging. Germany even less so with Chancellor Merz saying his parliament needs to approve of troop movements.

Everyone is hedging, unsure, seemingly tenuous because they have never operated without the USA acting as the heavy enforcement mechanism.  President Trump is coaching them to take responsibility for their own region.  The ‘coalition of the willing’ is doing their typically European thing, shouting strong words at Vladimir Putin – but checking to make sure the biggest playground enforcer is standing behind them.

♦ My message to those who worry about President Trump committing us to something protracted that will eventually end in our being pulled into a European theater of conflict, quit worrying.  Trump is telling the EU to quit talking and start actively being responsible for their own security.  In the background Trump has bigger plans.

Hans Mahncke has a solid take on the bigger picture:

The notion that America wants Greenland for its raw materials is either insanely ignorant or just engagement bait. Extracting anything in the Arctic is prohibitively expensive, and often physically impossible, with extreme cold, thick ice, equipment that won’t function, and no roads, rail or ports to move anything once you have it.

The real reason America needs Greenland is its immense geostrategic military value, which should be obvious to anyone with a functioning brain, especially anyone who has ever looked at a map from above, with the North Pole at the center.

Sure, some tasks could be outsourced to NATO, but that alliance is on its last legs, burdened by too many countries with conflicting priorities, and has mainly served as a way for Europe to freeload on US security guarantees. Relying on it for American national security is reckless. It’s far smarter to cut out the endless middlemen and take direct control. (source)

Mahncke is correct. On one side of the ice, you have North America. On the other side of the ice you have, well, the reason for President Trump to order dozens of icebreakers.

October, 2025: Finland is slightly smaller than Montana and wedged between Sweden and Russia. Finland, a nation of approximately 5 million people, has a security outlook shaped by its geography, a strategic position within the new NATO/Arctic strategy.

President Trump holds a bilateral discussion with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as the two leaders’ complete terms for eleven icebreaker ships valued at $6.1 billion. Under terms of the deal, three of the ships will be built by Davie in Galveston, Texas, and four by Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana.

Finland is the world leader in icebreaker ship building and will help teach U.S. ship building companies the latest advances in the technology. [SOURCE]

Stay Elevated:

December, 2025: Appearing on Fox News to discuss the Ukraine v Russia conflict, Finland President Alexander Stubb is questioned about the conflicting U.S. intelligence reports pushed by Reuters saying Russia will invade Europe, versus DNI Tulsi Gabbard saying Russia has no capability or intent to invade Europe.

President Stubb notes his agencies work closely with U.S. intelligence and in his view, Tulsi Gabbard is correct regarding President Vladimir Putin’s intention. [SOURCE]

President Trump is dancing through a geopolitical minefield, deconstructing numerous long-standing economic and manipulative institutions along the way, while simultaneously keeping 100 domestic agenda plates spinning on sticks.

It is amazing to watch his navigation skills.

Do not join the opposition effort to divide.  Instead, smile and enjoy this.

Be thankful that God has allowed you to see what is unfolding. Others that remain asleep are not as lucky as you.

Ask yourself in prayer, why you. Why now? Then, think about this daily in your quiet time.

Affirm your spirit and allow this sense of fortunate knowledge to elevate your faith and confidence in a loving and purposeful God. You have the unique gift of discernment. Ultimately, you have been chosen.

Be thankful. Remember, Romans 13:12

Live a positive, affirming, purposeful and incredible life.

Within every battle, challenge and contest we encounter, always remember to be thankful and continue living your best life.

[Support Our Ongoing Mission Here]

Zelenskyy Announces the Appointment of Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland as Economic Advisor


Posted originally on CTH on January 6, 2026 | Sundance

There is some good news within this announcement as Justin Trudeau’s former Deputy Prime Minister to Canada is well known to both President Donald Trump and North American political followers for a decade.

Chrystia Freeland was the former lead of the Canadian trade delegation when Trudeau realized he needed to try and offset the economic damage within the renegotiated NAFTA agreement known as the USMCA. Freeland was also the lead attack agent behind the debanking effort against Canadian truckers who opposed the vaccine mandate.

In addition to holding Ukraine roots, the ideology of Chrystia Freeland as a multinational globalist and promoter for the World Economic Forum’s ‘new world order’ is well documented.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY – “Today, I appointed Chrystia Freeland as an Advisor on Economic Development. Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations. Right now, Ukraine needs to strengthen its internal resilience – both for the sake of Ukraine’s recovery if diplomacy delivers results as swiftly as possible, and to reinforce our defense if, because of delays by our partners, it takes longer to bring this war to an end. I am grateful to everyone who is ready to support our state and our engagement with partners. Glory to Ukraine!” 

Presumably this appointment is intended to assist Zelenskyy in gaining western banking investment in Ukraine, part of the 20-point plan that relates to economic recovery. However, the downside is this announcement undermines any motivation the Trump administration might have toward that same objective.

In reality, given the recent revelations about billions of laundered aid funds being skimmed by corrupt members of the Ukraine government, we can only imagine how much of the recovery funds would be apportioned to maintaining the life of indulgence the political leaders expect.

In response to the lucrative “voluntary” appointment, Chrystia Freeland has announced her resignation from Canadian government in order to avoid any conflict of interest as the skimming is organized.

Approved by British intelligence, MI6, and the greater British Commonwealth in accordance with the needs of the World Economic Forum and banking control managers, it is likely that Freeland will join a growing list of Ukraine Economic “Advisors.”

As Zelenskyy recently said about the opportunity for the EU to confiscate the Russian sovereign wealth fund, “just give me the money.”

Today, around 27 leaders, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as well as the alliance’s top military officer, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, will gather in Paris amid so-called Coalition of the Willing format.  The objective will be to solidify the U.S. elements to provide the “security guarantees,” while Brussels organizes the financial structures that will be possible only because the USA will stand guard over their investment.

…. And, so it goes.

PARIS — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law — will travel to Paris and attend a meeting of Ukraine’s allies on Tuesday, an Elysée official told reporters on Monday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not be there “for obvious reasons,” the official added, referring to the situation in Venezuela.

“We have strived to bring the Americans closer to us, never resigning ourselves to the U.S. abandoning Ukraine. We have succeeded in this exercise of reconvergence between Ukraine, Europe, and America,” the official stressed. (read more)

Who knows, maybe we get Greenland in exchange for providing Ukraine security.

Why Did Trump Really Take Venezuela? It Wasn’t Just Oil!


Posted originally on Jan 4, 2026 by Martin Armstrong |  

COMMENT: You said these podcasts that Venezuela had the oil but the big question is China. Would like to expand on that now? Socrates showed the dollar taking off in October 2024 and the fourth quarter was a turning point. But it now shows volatility rising from February on. It looks like this is not over as you say until the fat lady sings.

FDS

Venezuela Bolivar Y 1 3 26

ANSWER: OK. I suppose I can now give the bigger picture that headlines miss. Trump’s comment throws in energy secondly. He does not mention drugs. Most of the drugs come in through Mexico. As I have said, China is the #1 client of Venezuela. This all depends on the takover of those oil assets by the American oil companies and do they cut off China. That may not be in the cards just yet because Venezuela owes a lot of monet to China. However, overlooked here is the connection to Russia. That is the real issue nobody is taking about and this has been a goal of Rubio for a very long time.

Russian lawmaker Alexei Zhuravlyov told Gazeta.ru on November 1st, 2025 that Russia MAY supply Venezuela with its new Oreshnik and Kalibr missiles, stating “I see no obstacles to providing our friendly nation with new systems such as the Oreshnik or the well-proven Kalibr missiles.” This wasn’t merely hypothetical posturing but a direct response to U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. This threat was taken seriously. The Oreshnik, with a reported maximum range of about 3,400 miles, could theoretically threaten much of the continental United States as well as Puerto Rico. The Kalibr is thought to have a range of between 930 and 1,550 miles, which could possibly threaten the southern continental U.S., as well as facilities throughout the Caribbean.

From Venezuelan territory, the missile could target most of South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and large portions of the United States—with Washington likely among its primary targets, given the tense relations between the US and Maduro’s regime. Even parts of Canada could fall within its range.

The relationship between Venezuela and Russia and China represented one of the most significant geopolitical realignments of the 21st century, built on anti-American sentiment, oil-for-loans arrangements, and mutual opposition to U.S. hegemony. This trilateral dynamic evolved from modest beginnings under Hugo Chávez into a comprehensive strategic partnership that has sustained the Maduro regime through economic collapse and international isolation.

The relationship between China and Venezuela took formal shape in 2006, under President Hugo Chávez, with Caracas signing several trade agreements with Beijing and describing China as a “Great Wall” against US influence. Chávez, seeking to diversify Venezuela’s oil exports away from the United States and counter American regional dominance, found in China an eager partner with rapidly growing energy needs and no political conditions attached to its financing.

The financial dimensions proved staggering. China began extending large loans to Venezuela, backed by future oil supplies of oil. In 2006, Beijing provided $2 billion in loans, which rose to $7 billion in 2007. Of the $150 billion the Chinese Development Bank loaned to Latin America in the past 12 years, a third went to Venezuela. These weren’t traditional loans but rather oil-collateralized arrangements where Venezuela repaid through petroleum shipments to Chinese state companies.

In 2007, China and Venezuela set up a joint fund worth $6 billion–$4 billion loan from the China Development Bank (CDB) and $2 billion from El Fondo De Desarrollo Nacional S.A. (FONDEN) set up by Caracas. This fund doubled to $12 billion by 2009. The mechanism was straightforward: China provided upfront capital, and Venezuela committed to shipping specified quantities of oil at predetermined prices. When oil prices collapsed in 2014 and Venezuela’s economy imploded, China extended additional lifelines including a $10 billion loan to support the country’s balance of payments.

The relationship peaked between 2010 and 2013, when Venezuela received approximately 64% of China’s new credit lines to Latin America. However, as Maduro’s mismanagement destroyed the oil industry and production plummeted, Chinese enthusiasm collapsed as a result. By 2016, Venezuela received only 10% of Chinese regional lending, and new financing essentially ceased. China focused instead on restructuring existing debt and protecting already-committed investments.

China is owed by Venezuela at least $20 billion in loans established before 2017. Some estimate that is even higher. The relationship shifted from expansion to damage control. Maduro’s rampant corruption and mismanagement has led to the region’s worst economic depression, creating unfavorable investment conditions, affecting oil production and exports, and limiting return on Chinese investment and Venezuela’s ability to repay Chinese loans.

Now, that said, we must look at the Russian comment and look at this video. Who is standing there with Trump? Marco Rubio. If you remember, Rubio was also running for president against Trump in 2016. Who was funding his campaign? Goldman Sachs. Rubio has pushed for regime change in Venezuela because of Russia for years. Marco Rubio has held many titles during Donald Trump’s presidency, and he now adds another: Viceroy of Venezuela.

Russia’s engagement with Venezuela followed different patterns than China’s, emphasizing military cooperation alongside energy sector involvement since Russia did not need their oil. Where China provided infrastructure loans, Russia sold weapons systems. From 2005, Venezuela purchased more than $4 billion worth of arms from Russia. These sales included fighter aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, transforming Venezuela’s military from American-equipped forces to Russian-supplied ones.

Russia and Venezuela forged a comprehensive strategic partnership centered on anti-hegemonic solidarity and pragmatic cooperation. This wasn’t merely commercial but explicitly geopolitical. Chávez and later Maduro positioned Venezuela as Russia’s foothold in the Western Hemisphere, allowing military exercises and bomber flights that signaled Moscow’s reach into America’s traditional sphere of influence.

The energy relationship proved more complex than China’s. Russia’s state oil company Rosneft provided billions in loans and took equity stakes in Venezuelan projects, though on smaller scale than Chinese financing. Russia’s state-backed oil company Rosneft loaned $2.3 billion, excluding interest. Critically, Russia helped Venezuela circumvent U.S. sanctions by facilitating oil exports through complex shipping arrangements and providing technical expertise to maintain declining production.

The trade balance between Moscow and Caracas increased by 64% in 2024, demonstrating sustained engagement despite Venezuela’s economic deterioration. Russia viewed Venezuela through multiple lenses simultaneously both as an economic opportunity, as well as a strategic geopolitical asset.

The Geopolitical Chess Move

Checkmate 2

I hope this explains behind the curtain for this is NOT simply a grab for oil NOR is it simply about drugs. We will see if Trump/Rubio cuts off the energy flow to China. But I believe that is a card to be played later in the game. I believe that #1 reason is to prevent Russia using Venezuela as a foothold like Cuba in 1962. But this is again only one reason in a complex strategic geopolitical move that is beyond the headlines right now.

Monday Should Be Really Interesting – And Other Random Stuff


My grandpa, and later my father, used to say something at particular moments that generally annoyed me but turned out to be entirely accurate, much to my youthful angst… “Well, hang around a one-legged group long enough, and you’re eventually going to end up limping.”

Yup, I learned to hate that lesson because the truth of it was always annoying.

This is perhaps the first time in memory when I look forward to Donald J Trump getting out of the Mar-a-Lago bubble and back to Washington DC.  Good grief, just typing that I can’t believe I’m saying it.  Here’s why:

Having followed and written about the optimal solution approach within the Trump Doctrine, a process that assigns responsibility to regional actors, then exits while providing support but not direct involvement [the delegation metric of high-support/low-direction], perhaps that is unfolding again in the background.  However, it seems like Trump is accepting the annoying Iran monkey problem on our behalf. [REF: How to Make The Monkey Jump]

To be clear in my personal position, charity begins at home.  (1) I don’t want conflict with Iran, nor do I really care about their internal political struggles; most of my day-to-day contacts feel the same. (2) At the same time, yes, I can imagine a scenario where Venezuela represents a threat to our continental objectives and national security, but would prefer to see them isolated from the outside.  Embargo them, stuff them inside an economic confinement zone (if needed), tell them why, then let the internal mess work itself out; most of my day-to-day contacts seem to feel the same.

Granting President Trump the long view of support; I mean, we don’t know what he is aware of; I sure hope all of this Iran stuff has a direct connection to American strategic interests.

Simultaneously, I can certainly see where deconflicting the USA, vis-a-vis Ukraine (literally London and the EU) from friction with Russia, has a strategic interest and factual bearing on the dollar-based trade system.  Attention on the Ukraine vs Russia stuff does have direct, albeit complicated outcomes attached to the economic standing of the average American.  Iran less so.

Pictured Center: a one-legged man.

Pictured Center: a one-legged man.

Looking at it from a geopolitically logical approach…. President Trump and Marco Rubio need Syria to remain stable.

Secretary Rubio has explained this aspect very well when he summarized the reason for President Trump lifting the sanctions against Syria.  I get that part.  But is this “locked and loaded” simply a brush back pitch against Iran to stop them from disrupting Trump’s Gaza objective.  Maybe so, it does make sense; thus, we extend the benefit of doubt.

If Syria destabilizes the tenuous Israel/Gaza stuff gets more complicated.  Iran can destabilize Syria. Therefore, putting pressure on the Iranian regime while simultaneously telling Israel to cool it over their Turkish opposition to the Gaza assist again does make sense.

Benjamin Netanyahu dislikes Recep Erdogan immensely and doesn’t trust him an inch.  I get that part also, but Turkey is a weird place held together by Erdogan’s very specific brand of Muslim Brotherhood patriotism.

In very direct ways keeping Syria stable helps Turkey and by extension the EU.

If Syria erupts, the refugee exodus heads north, and cunning Erdogan – a tenuous NATO member  seemingly never giving up on his Ottoman Empire rebuild – will play his “I can only absorb so much” card, thereby opening the gates for more authentic Islam travel further north into Europe.

[Our solid contacts in Istanbul have confirmed around 5 million Syrians have repatriated since President Ahmed al-Sharaa started his agenda to stabilize the region. The busy former al-Qaeda guy, 43-years-old, is also a bridge between Trump and Putin. So, there’s that.]

Keeping Syria stable also permits Trump’s Arab state coalition to deal with Gaza/Hamas in a constructive way. Trump told Netanyahu this publicly during the recent visit, essentially rebuking Israel’s justification for more IDF military action in Gaza.  Again, President Trump is dancing through the minefield here with the long game to get us the f**k out of it, while Netanyahu is hugging Trump to pull the USA deeper into it.

If you understand the Iranian tentacles that still remain in Syria (see recent ISIS attacks), confronting Iran makes Israel very happy; however, it’s not Netanyahu’s happiness that stands behind Trump’s motive for the confrontation.  Ultimately, the motive is Syria’s stability, Turkish Gaza support and the Arab money/engagement needed for the Mideast mess.

If our suspicions are correct, we should see Team Trump leaning toward Recep Erdogan, toward the Arab coalition and toward Syria at the same time he is managing Iran, managing Israel and managing a U.S. congress.

If the Ayatollahs are busy tamping down street protests, they are less likely to be poking Syria.

All of that is giving President Trump the maximum benefit of the doubt combined with the application of common sense.

♦ Meanwhile inside Russia, you might not hear about it from western media, but Ukraine and NATO are striking non-military targets, civilian areas, throughout Russia currently focusing heavy drone fire at Kazan, Russia’s third largest city.

STATE DEPT: “There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities.

Russian citizens are now very familiar with the sound of air raid sirens as increased drone attacks from Ukraine are extending into Russia.  This noticeable increase in activity is happening in combination with U.S/Ukraine strategic discussions on an EU created ceasefire agreement.

The Rubio state department has now updated the Russia advisory summary warning all Americans of the danger in traveling throughout Russia.

The update is also timed with the increased drone attacks into Russia’s main population centers and is likely due to concern that Americans would be street targets for angered Russian nationalists.

If President Trump walks away from the EU/Ukraine peace agreement construct, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin will likely increase retaliatory attacks against Ukraine by significant levels.   One of my good contacts shared, “if Trump walks away, Kiev will now be leveled.”

Apparently, despite the incoming fire increasing, Putin is holding back his response to give Trump room to operate, while still carefully managing the Kremlin politics and striking into Ukraine to appease those in Russian government who want the full weight of the Russian military to come down hard on Zelenskyy.

…”If Trump walks away, Kiev will now be leveled.”