When his friendship with Putin becomes sour and you need rescuing, please don’t come to Europe asking for boots.
Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #13
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When his friendship with Putin becomes sour and you need rescuing, please don’t come to Europe asking for boots.
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4h ago04.02 GMT
Trump pledges to 'plant the American flag on Mars'
Trump says it is time for America to take its destiny into its own hands.
He says he will lead the nation to forge “the freest, most advanced, most dynamic and most dominant civilization ever to exist on the face of this earth.”
He says America will “conquer the vast frontiers of science” and “lead humanity into space” and “plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond”.
“My fellow Americans, get ready for an incredible future, because the golden age of America has only just begun. It will be like nothing that has ever been seen before,” he says, concluding his address to Congress.
Trump touts renewal of rightwing policies in lengthy speech as Democrats jeer, protest and walk out – as it happened
Trump praises Elon Musk and defends trade wars; Democratic congressman Al Green was removed from chamber for early disruption to Trump’s speechwww.theguardian.com
Towards the practical task of planting the American flag on Mars:
“The surface of Mars is rocky, dusty and covered in craters, volcanoes and canyons. The planet's surface is mostly made of volcanic rock and is colored by oxidized iron.“
And they wanted to go beyond?
Has the US spent $350bn on Ukraine?
By Nick Eardley and Shayan Sardarizadeh
Let's turn back to a line on Ukraine from President Trump during his speech to Congress.
He repeated his unsubstantiated claim that the US has provided $350bn in aid to Ukraine.
"We've spent perhaps $350bn… and they [Europe] have spent $100bn. What a difference that is."
BBC Verify is unable to find any evidence for Trump’s $350bn claim and some figures suggest Europe has spent more as whole when all aid to Ukraine is included.
The US is, by some margin, the largest single donor to Ukraine. But Europe combined has spent more money than the US, according to the Kiel Institute think tank.
They calculate that between 24 January 2022 and the end of 2024, Europe as a whole spent $138.7bn on Ukraine, while the US spent $119.7bn. Their figure for Europe includes aid directly from the European Union, but also from bilateral deals from European countries, both inside and outside the EU. It includes military, financial and humanitarian aid.
[The US Department of Defense has also done a calculation, which looks at a broader range of US military activity in Europe and includes replenishing defence stocks. Its figure is $182.8bn - still considerably less than the figure the president has mentioned.]
We asked the White House where their figure had come from, but we haven't had an answer.
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
'Ukrainians didn't get any answers'
We've been hearing some analysis of Trump's speech from Zhanna Bezpiatchuk, from the BBC's Ukrainian service.
Speaking to BBC News, she says she thinks "Ukrainians didn't get any answers" from Trump's speech.
Bezpiatchuk says the president didn't give "any clear vision" of what he means by "peace", or mention anything about "any security guarantees for Ukraine" or "whether he is ready to resume" military aid.
"It's a very tough moment for Ukraine," she says.
We've been hearing some analysis of Trump's speech from Zhanna Bezpiatchuk, from the BBC's Ukrainian service.
Speaking to BBC News, she says she thinks "Ukrainians didn't get any answers" from Trump's speech.
Bezpiatchuk says the president didn't give "any clear vision" of what he means by "peace", or mention anything about "any security guarantees for Ukraine" or "whether he is ready to resume" military aid.
"It's a very tough moment for Ukraine," she says.
Watch Trump speech live: President addresses Congress
The US president outlined his plans for Ukraine, tariffs, and touted the actions his administration has taken so far.
www.bbc.co.uk
Wed 5 Mar 2025 01.21 GMT
Ukraine war briefing: Deadly Odesa drone attack cuts power, water and heating for second day
Woman aged 77 died of shrapnel wounds; Zelenskyy offers minerals deal signature and peace plan. What we know on day 1,106
Ukraine war briefing: Deadly Odesa drone attack cuts power, water and heating for second day
Woman aged 77 died of shrapnel wounds; Zelenskyy offers minerals deal signature and peace plan. What we know on day 1,106
For all Trump's words of appreciation, Ukraine aid pause remains
James LandaleDiplomatic correspondent
Donald Trump’s congressional address is being seen as conciliatory towards Ukraine.
Well, maybe. But the first few months of the president’s second term have taught us to be cautious about inferring too much from individual statements or acts.
Trump blows hot and cold. During the election, Trump’s campaign speeches were taken with a pinch of salt. The speech to Congress had a similar electoral tone.
So, as in the campaign, so in government, the trick is to look for the substance and the trends.
The substance in the speech was his claim he had been in "serious discussions with Russia" and had "received strong signals that they are ready for peace". Who and what and when were unclear.
The trend is that the president is still imposing extraordinary pressure on a supposed ally to agree a surrender ceasefire on the administration’s terms, one that cedes territory to Russia and mineral resources to the US, without guarantees to ensure Ukraine’s future security.
For all Trump’s words of appreciation for President Zelensky’s olive-branch letter, his suspension on US military aid to Ukraine remains.
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
Zelensky expresses willingness for partial truce
We're continuing to lead on Donald Trump's declaration that Ukraine and Russia have signalled they are ready to begin peace negotiations.
Compared to recent days, Trump was more conciliatory in his tone towards Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as he made the announcement in his speech to Congress last night.
It came hours after Zelensky himself shared a statement on X, in which he said it was "time to make things right".
He also expressed a willingness to consider a partial truce if Russia agreed to do the same.
But what exactly does the Ukrainian president envisage? He's suggested some initial stages:
- The release of prisoners
- A truce in the sky, with a "ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure"
- An "immediate truce" in the sea
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
Kremlin welcomes 'positive' Trump address
Vitaliy Shevchenko
Russia editor, BBC Monitoring
Over in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has welcomed Donald Trump’s remarks overnight that Ukraine is ready to sit down for peace talks "as soon as possible".
Asked how the Kremlin viewed the US president’s statement, Peskov says: “Positively. The question is who we sit down with.”
He recalls that the Ukrainian government’s ban on talks with Russia was still in place.
“That’s why this approach is positive on the whole, but the details haven’t changed,” Peskov says.
- Some context: Moscow has repeatedly questioned Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy, claiming that his presidential mandate has run out. Elections are suspended under martial law in Ukraine, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
Yesterday, before the Congress talk:
IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES
As Zelensky issued his statement - summarised in one of our previous posts - US Vice-President JD Vance spoke to reporters about the war in Ukraine and the US decision to pause military aid.
He says the US needs to "get some payback for the incredible financial investment" it has made in Ukraine, adding that European nations are getting repaid for their support.
"Well, it's really ridiculous, and frankly, an insult to the American people, that the Europeans are getting a better deal than the American people," Vance says.
Asked if the US might resume providing Ukraine with military aid, Vance says that when Kyiv begins negotiating "everything is on the table".
He says to move forward, they need Ukraine to come and tell them what they need privately: "That is the most important thing, and that lack of private engagement is what is US needs payback for its investment in Ukraine, Vance says concerning to us."
www.bbc.co.uk
Then Trump in his Congress speech told the world he received a letter from Z and then discussed the contents of that letter:
See what he said in this one-minute clip:
[video at link]
www.bbc.co.uk
Also, from 0:50 of the video:
“Simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and I have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”
When is he having these discussions with Russia? Are they formal meetings, letters, pally phonecalls as they are also discussing their Mars domination? Does he keep any of the NATO nations informed of his discussions with Russia?
US needs payback for its investment in Ukraine, Vance says
As Zelensky issued his statement - summarised in one of our previous posts - US Vice-President JD Vance spoke to reporters about the war in Ukraine and the US decision to pause military aid.
He says the US needs to "get some payback for the incredible financial investment" it has made in Ukraine, adding that European nations are getting repaid for their support.
"Well, it's really ridiculous, and frankly, an insult to the American people, that the Europeans are getting a better deal than the American people," Vance says.
Asked if the US might resume providing Ukraine with military aid, Vance says that when Kyiv begins negotiating "everything is on the table".
He says to move forward, they need Ukraine to come and tell them what they need privately: "That is the most important thing, and that lack of private engagement is what is US needs payback for its investment in Ukraine, Vance says concerning to us."
Zelensky ready to work under Trump's 'strong leadership' after 'regrettable' showdown
The Ukrainian president says last week's fiery Oval Office meeting "did not go the way it was supposed to", adding Kyiv is ready to sign a minerals deal.
www.bbc.co.uk
Then Trump in his Congress speech told the world he received a letter from Z and then discussed the contents of that letter:
'I appreciate that': Watch Trump read Zelensky letter to Congress
Let's bring you the moment Donald Trump read out an "important letter" he said he'd received from Ukraine's Zelensky.See what he said in this one-minute clip:
[video at link]
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
Also, from 0:50 of the video:
“Simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and I have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”
When is he having these discussions with Russia? Are they formal meetings, letters, pally phonecalls as they are also discussing their Mars domination? Does he keep any of the NATO nations informed of his discussions with Russia?
Last edited:
Macron considering DC visit with Zelensky and Starmer - spokesperson
French President Emmanuel Macron is considering returning to Washington for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK PM Keir Starmer, government spokesperson Sophie Primas says at a news conference at the Élysée Palace.Earlier today, Primas reiterared France's commitment to helping Kyiv re-establish its relations with the US.
- For context: All three leaders visited the White House separately for talks last week with US President Donald Trump
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
It is as I expected, it appears Z and the Euro's are coming to the table.Macron considering DC visit with Zelensky and Starmer - spokesperson
French President Emmanuel Macron is considering returning to Washington for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK PM Keir Starmer, government spokesperson Sophie Primas says at a news conference at the Élysée Palace.
Earlier today, Primas reiterared France's commitment to helping Kyiv re-establish its relations with the US.
- For context: All three leaders visited the White House separately for talks last week with US President Donald Trump
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
Hopefully he will be more courteous to the president of the Ukraine in their presence.
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Just pulling out the most important line in the article, which happens to be the first.
The United Kingdom has been banned from sharing American intelligence with Ukraine following a move by President Donald Trump, it has been claimed.
The article does not state any sources for this "claim".
“The US has cut off intelligence-sharing with Kyiv in a move that could seriously hamper the Ukrainian military’s ability to target Russian forces, according to officials familiar with the matter.”
“Two officials confirmed that Washington had frozen intelligence channels with Kyiv. But one of the officials said the US was still sharing intelligence on Russia and Ukraine with its closest allies, including the UK.”
“Two officials confirmed that Washington had frozen intelligence channels with Kyiv. But one of the officials said the US was still sharing intelligence on Russia and Ukraine with its closest allies, including the UK.”
I really dislike most mainstream news media, but here's another...
Washington BANS Britain from sharing US intelligence with Ukraine
Donald Trump 's decision to freeze American military aid to Kyiv yesterday brought warnings that Ukraine could run out of weapons in as little as two to three months' time.
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Sounds as if the US is trying to freeze Ukraine out, or at least tightly control what it can and cannot know (in the US opinion).
This is pretty horrible stuff.
imo
He added: “The US will tightly control distribution of its intelligence to Ukraine through agencies based in Kyiv.”
" .... which could impact Ukraine’s ability to defend itself ....."
Washington prohibits Britain from sharing US military intelligence with Ukraine amid withdrawal of support for Zelensky
The ban affects the UK’s GCHQ, the sky agencies and intelligence branches of the MoD
www.gbnews.com
8m ago12.55 GMT
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month. Photograph: José Luis Magaña/AP
President Donald Trump will consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks are arranged and confidence-building measures are taken, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
“I think if we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations, and in fact, put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the president will take a hard look at lifting this pause,” Waltz said in an interview with Fox News.
www.theguardian.com
By jean gouders cartoons
www.toonpool.com
US aid blockade could be lifted if talks with Ukraine progress, US national security adviser Waltz says
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month. Photograph: José Luis Magaña/AP
President Donald Trump will consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks are arranged and confidence-building measures are taken, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
“I think if we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations, and in fact, put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the president will take a hard look at lifting this pause,” Waltz said in an interview with Fox News.
Macron open to extending France’s nuclear umbrella to European allies as US reconsiders Ukraine funding – as it happened
French president says he will debate offer at European summit to be attended by Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy
By jean gouders cartoons
An offer you cant refuse By jean gouders cartoons | Politics Cartoon | TOONPOOL
TOONPOOL Cartoons - An offer you cant refuse by jean gouders cartoons, tagged trump, zelensky, minerals, deal, trump, zelensky, minerals, deal - Category Politics - rated 5.00 / 5.00
A telling moment from Starmer on Trump and Nato
Chris MasonPolitical editor
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Keir Starmer has again pointed to President Trump’s public backing for Nato’s Article 5 – the commitment of each member to come to the assistance of another in the event of an attack.
But it is telling in itself that such reassurances have to be sought – as Nato's capacity for deterrence relies on Article 5 being sancosanct and so beyond even the subject of discussion.
It would be a little bit like having to be reassured that your front door keys will actually open your front door.
The prospect that they won’t isn’t normal.
US and Ukraine officials to meet next week to discuss peace plans, Zelensky says
The Ukrainian leader says he will travel to Saudi Arabia where talks on bringing a "lasting" peace will take place.
www.bbc.co.uk
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