The highlight of this week was, without question, the public dressing down of the once great Z at a Press Conference in the Oval office on February 28th 2025 - several hours after I had published the Update. The Conference will be remembered for the drama of an unsavoury exchange in which Zelensky was accused of being disrespectful by Trump and Vance. Afterwards US officials made it clear that America will no longer feed the Ukraine gravy train or pander to the discourtesy of the once great Z that so many globalists have tolerated. Here it became clear to see that Zelensky is not interested in negotiations and a peace deal, even though his hosts were led to believe that he wanted this, according to US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent.
Later, Zelensky expressed a determination to continue the war even without US support because he believes that the freedom of the Ukrainian people is at stake. This is worrying. Does he think that the Russians would enslave his people?
The financial and moral support Zelensky received from the globalist Europeans following this embarrassing encounter is creating a chasm between Trumpian peaceniks and the warmongering European globalists.
If you would like some expert in depth analysis of the Press Conference Simplicius provides it here or you can have a look at Russian perspective from Yury Podolyak here. I have written a 4 minute summary of the 49 minute conference (Trump-Zelensky) which subscribers to the Busker or my Telegram Channel can access.
In spite of the disagreements between Trump and Zelensky, it appears that a ‘minerals deal’ of sorts could still be agreed at some point (see below). Since the Press Conference, Trump claims to have received a letter from Zelensky stating that he is willing to negotiate and Tass is reporting that according to US Treasury Secretary Bessent, the deal is not yet finalised. Some are speculating that Trump is holding out for a bigger and better deal.
Following the debacle in the White House, the Globalist Europeans have doubled down on their support for Ukraine and their condemnation of Russia. Many out there will be wondering why. For the past three years and longer the European Globalists have demonised Russia as an unreasonable aggressor. They could have attempted to understand why Russia started the SMO but they didn’t. The reasons for this are multiple and complex and many commentators are addressing the matter.
Perhaps their construction of an evil Russian edifice has become so ingrained among most European leaders that it is difficult for them to change. Once you have created a Devil who is irredeemably evil it is impossible to offer it redemption just as those suffering a Woke mentality cannot forgive transgressors who use the wrong pronouns. There could be a psychological dimension to this which may involve a reluctance to accept that the massive emotional and financial investment in Ukraine has all been for nothing. Moreover it has also been very damaging for them, politically and economically. Now, they are like gamblers at a casino who will sell their car or even their house for one last throw of the dice. Justin Trudeau suggested such desperation when he said:
We've invested $20 BILLION in support of Ukraine, we're gonna continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Of course, they could also be obeying the orders of their globalist masters. Globalism is a cult of sorts which is shared mostly among the leadership rather than a majority of the ignored masses, most of whom want an end to war, good relations with Trump and a rapprochement with Russia. Therefore, globalism will be defeated only gradually as the globalist leaders are ejected.
It seems that Trump and the Americans have realised what Zelensky and the Globalist Europeans have failed to appreciate what is obvious to Gilbert Doctorow: ‘You can’t have a durable peace with a sworn enemy'. Converting Russia into a friend will be difficult, but for the Russians it will take a long time before most of the Europeans are trusted again. The US, on the other hand, now presenting with different policies and a more friendly attitude towards Russia, could be welcomed into the the bear’s ample bosom long before the Europeans are. Anyway, the globalists gathered in London on the 2nd March for a consoling, yet embarrassing, ‘group hug’ (see below).
Emmanuel Macron did his best to perpetuate the myth of the ‘Russian threat’ in a televised address to the French nation and the Europeans (see below) in which he insists that Russian must be ‘pacified’ but acknowledges that the US may not stand by their side. The European leaders are panicking at the thought of being freed from America’s umbilical chord and they simply do not know what to do. Eventually they will have to grow up.
In the Middle East, the Israelis continue to occupy territory illegally and are trying to kill more Palestinians by blocking aid to Gaza - as you can read here. Palestinians are calling this a war crime. The Israelis have also stepped up raids on the West Bank. The next stage of the ceasefire deal which would eject the Israelis from Gaza has been delayed amid Israeli protests for the remaining hostages to be released. The situation in Syria is complicated as various groups clash with each other and with HTS.
In bullying mood, and demonstrating his ignorance, Donald Trump warned Hamas that he will destroy them if they don’t release the hostages. His statement has made the Palestinians more angry and more determined. Apparently, he has no idea that Netanyahu doesn’t want the hostages released - as a Palestinian spokesman makes clear here. Trump is Dr. Jekyll on Ukraine and Mr. Hyde on Palestine - which is perplexing. He still thinks he can employ the carrot and stick method to any situation in order to get his way. Hopefully, he will learn. If the Israeli lobby is so strong that it can force this transformation in Trump, making him an accomplice to genocide, it is no friend of America.
On the battlefronts of Ukraine, the shortage of manpower has become critical as Ukraine’s recruitment figures are far short of that required to keep pace with losses (see below). The slow attritional warfare continues but Ukraine’s casualties have reduced to around 10-12,000 a week compared to 16,000 not many months ago. The Ukrainian army is far from finished however and has launched massive counter attacks in the Pokrovsk and Toretsk Directions which have forced the outnumbered Russians to retreat in some areas.
In a sign of the times, Trump, who gave his first speech to Congress this week, has asked Putin to mediate in talks between the US and Iran regarding the latter’s alleged plans to develop nuclear weapons. He also announced that he is planning to revoke the temporary legal status of the 240,000 Ukrainians who fled to the US. Ouch!
Finally, Donald Trump’s Tariff Wars have begun while Marco Rubio admits what many of us have been saying for the past three years: this is a proxy war between two nuclear powers - the US (using Ukraine) and Russia.
It’s been an historic week.
US Funding and Intelligence Stopped.
Addressing Zelensky, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Fox News:
We will not give you money until you come to us in peace.
Later, Washington announced that everything that is not on Ukrainian soil (including military supplies) will be stopped until Zelensky commits himself to peace. CNN is reporting that the effect of the suspension could be felt on the battlefields within days or weeks and JD Vance has pointed out that Ukraine does not have sufficient manpower while the US lacks the funds to continue providing military aid. According to Zero Hedge the Ukrainians have only 90 days’ worth of weapons and other supplies to keep fighting the Russians at the current rate: even less if the Russians step up a gear.
The US has also asked Britain and others to stop sharing its intelligence information with Ukraine. According to this report, the US has cut off air alert systems and information necessary for long range HIMARS strikes but this is disputed. According to Zero Hedge, the Ukrainians will still be assisted by the US with:
time-sensitive and high-value intelligence, such as that needed for Ukraine to conduct precision strikes on moveable Russian targets.
This is likely to include assistance in the cross-border attacks using Western weaponry which have crossed Russia's red lines in the past. But this report suggests that the Ukrainians will not be able to use Stormshadows.
According to Politico the Americans are in talks with opposition leaders such as Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko discussing how quickly elections can be held. Another source reports that the ten year security deal agreed between Biden and Zelensky in the summer of 2024 was removed from the White House website - so the deal is probably in the trash. But if there were a deal, why did Zelensky not refer to it. This doesn’t make sense to me.
Zelensky Responds
On the 4th March, in a statement posted on X and prompted by the suspension of aid, Zelensky had this to say:
I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace. None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.
We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky – ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure – and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same. Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the US to agree a strong final deal.
He added:
We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this.
Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.
Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively.
This readiness to negotiate may sound good but if Zelensky is not willing to make territorial concessions it is pointless. It may have been made in the hope that US aid will be restored. According to a Ukrainian source, Zelensky has not had a change of heart. I think this could be an attempt at a little trickery because Zelensky is offering ceasefire concessions only in areas where the Ukrainians are at a considerable disadvantage. I should point out that this plan was initially put forward by Emmanuel Macron.
Obsequious reference to Trump’s ‘Strong leadership’ and gratitude for providing Javelins do not smack of sincerity in my view and there is no apology - which will not please the Trump Team. It is not the first time that a ‘ceasefire’ of this kind has been agreed between the two sides with regard to mutual strikes on energy infrastructure. Such an agreement once in place was broken and abandoned when the Ukrainians invaded Kursk.
RADA Responds - Wants Peace
I should point out that surveys I have reported on in the Update show that a majority of Ukrainians would be willing to give up territory for peace. The RADA has announced that:
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine welcomes the initiatives of President Donald Trump to launch a negotiation process aimed at ensuring peace.
Mobilisation Not Replacing Losses
According to the Russian MoD:
….in February 2025 , the TCC "mobilized" less than 28 thousand Ukrainians with total losses for the month of 38,920 servicemen. In January, the TCC mobilized about 28 thousand people with total losses of 51,960 servicemen, in December 2024 - about 33 thousand against the loss of 48,470 servicemen, in November - about 34 thousand people with losses of 60,805 servicemen.
The Ukrainian army will not last long if this shortfall continues.
Ukraine Terrorist Attacks
28th February/1st March
According to the Russian MoD:
Between 17:44 and 19:45 Moscow time, air defense systems on duty destroyed 53 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles:
▪️43 UAVs – over the territory of the Bryansk region,
▪️ five UAVs over the territory of the Republic of Crimea,
▪️four UAVs over the territory of the Oryol region
▪️ one UAV over the territory of the Kaluga region.
In Belgorod, drones damaged agricultural enterprises and private dwellings while shelling injured two civilians. In the DPR, two civilians were injured: one by a mine and another by cluster munitions.
In Kherson, three people were killed and five injured by cluster munitions.
Overnight, according to the Russian MoD, the compressor at Gai-Kodzor on the Turkstream gas pipeline was attacked by drones - all of which were destroyed on this occasion.
1st/2nd March
In Bryansk region, the village of Lomakovka was hit by a mortar attack which injured one civilian.
2nd/3rd March
As always, Belgorod suffered drone and artillery strikes which caused some damage but no casualties were reported.
3rd/4th March
Overnight, five civilians were wounded by shelling in the Kherson Direction while a husband and wife were injured in Belgorod region when a drone hit their car. Elsewhere in Belgorod, many villages suffered drone attacks and shelling which damaged private dwellings along with industrial and agricultural enterprises. But no casualties were reported. In Gorlovka, poor Gorlovka, one man was killed by barrel artillery while another man and a woman were injured. Elsewhere in the DPR, a man was injured when a drone drop landed next to him.
4th/5th March
Overnight, the village of Karlo-Marksovo (DPR) was attacked with ‘long range high precision weapons’ which injured two civilians, completely demolished two residential buildings while causing damage to other buildings, cars, power lines and a gas pipeline. In the village of Nikolaevka, a man was injured by a drone drop.
5th/6th March
Overnight, one civilian was killed by shelling in Zaporozhye while two more were injured in Kherson. Once again, Gorlovka (DPR) was not spared as drone attacks killed one and injured another two. A petrol station and a motor transport enterprise were hit in the village of Dobropillya in Donetsk. Belgorod suffered a massive drone and artillery attack overnight which damaged houses, cars and power lines but no casualties were reported.
6th/7th March
Overnight, Shebekino in Belgorod came under artillery fire which injured two civilians. Three civilians were injured in Donetsk by a downed Ukrainian missile while three more were injured by barrel artillery in Gorlovka where three more civilians were injured by drone drops. In Pavlovka, a woman was injured by an explosive device while 7 drones were destroyed over Kursk. Rostov, Kursk and Oryol regions also suffered drone attacks.
The Sea War
1st/2nd March
Overnight, a massive attack using aircraft-type drones was launched over the Black Sea.
6th/7th March
Overnight, 14 drones were destroyed over Crimea and another 12 over the Black Sea and three over the Sea of Azov.
The Air War (Map)
Russian Missile/Drone Attacks
28th February/1st March
According to the Majors:
The Russian Armed Forces fired Geraniums at the port in Ilyichevsk, Odessa Region during the night. Footage of the strikes are circulating on the Internet. There were also reports of explosions in the Kiev and Kharkov Regions.
1st/2nd March
Overnight, the Russians attacked Odessa and Kiev. According to the Russian MoD:
Operational-Tactical Aviation, strike drones, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces engaged infrastructure of military airfields, gas-recycling facilities that support the work of the Ukrainian military-industrial sector, production workshops and depots for the storage of strike UAVs.
2nd/3rd March
According to a report confirmed by Ukrainian sources the training centre at Novomoskovsky was hit by Iskanders. It is thought that the attack killed 150 Ukrainian servicemen along with 30 foreign instructors.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry:
At night, the enemy's monitoring channels reported explosions in Cherkassy, Kharkov, Chuguev, Pavlograd, Krivoy Rog, Dnepropetrovsk, and the Kiev Regions. During the day, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a successful combined strike on the infrastructure of Ukrainian military airfields, gas processing facilities that support the operation of enterprises in the military-industrial sector, along with workshops for the production of UAVs and their storage depots.
3rd/4th March
Overnight, Geraniums attacked electric substations in Odessa while explosions were heard in Dnepropetrovsk, Sumy and Kharkov.
4th/5th March
According to the Two Majors:
Another night, the Russian Armed Forces fired Geraniums at targets in the port cities of the Odessa region, and part of the regional center experienced problems with electricity supply. Enemy channels from Pavlograd, Krivoy Rog, Dnepropetrovsk, Kiev, Poltava, Kremenchug, Cherkassy, Kharkov also reported the work of air defense and explosions.
5th/6th March
According to the Majors:
Night strikes by the Russian Armed Forces hit the enemy's rear positions at the Yuzhny Port in the Odessa Region, as well as a hotel where members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO Mercenaries were staying in the Krivoy Rog Region. Explosions were also reported in the Kharkov, Sumy, Kiev, Poltava, Cherkassy, Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye Regions.
A substation was hit by Geraniums in Odessa and caused electricity outages.
7th March
According to the War Chronicle:
Since 4 am, strikes have been carried out on the gas and military infrastructure of Ukraine. The total number of missiles is 35, mainly Kalibr and Kh-101. 10 explosions in Myrhorod, as well as explosions in Poltava, Sumy and Trenopil regions. Traditionally1, Geranium strikes on substations in Odessa.
The strike on the Ternopil gas pipeline caused a fire as you can see here.
Ukrainian Missile/Drone Attacks
2nd/3rd March
Overnight drones attacked an oil refinery in Ufa , which is around 1,300 kms inside Russian, causing a fire.
3rd/4th March
Overnight, the oil refinery in Syzran was attacked with PD-2 drones. In the Chertkovsky District of Rostov Region, drones attacked an oil pipeline causing a fire. A nearby warehouse was also set on fire which was extinguished by morning.
The Ground War
Russian MoD Reports - Ukrainian Losses (excludes Kursk)
w/e February 14th 2025 10,570 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 658
w/e February 21st 2025 9,235 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 732
w/e February 28th 2025 8,680 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 700.
w/e March 7th 2025 10,375 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 539.
Kursk
Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 65,400 troops, 386 tanks, 296 infantry fighting vehicles, 257 armoured personnel carriers, 2,137 armoured fighting vehicles, 2,328 motor vehicles, 516 artillery guns, 52 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and seven of MLRS made by the USA, 25 anti-aircraft missile launchers, one self-propelled anti-aircraft system, ten transport-loading vehicles…
The Fronts
Front Line Cats
Kursk
By the end of the week, the situation of the Ukrainian forces in Kursk was deteriorating. According to the Majors:
Our troops are currently advancing towards Kurilovka, striking enemy positions in Guevo with heavy aerial bombs. Fighting is underway in the forests southwest of the Sudzhansky District, as well as the eastern outskirts of Lebedevka, and the surrounding area of the settlement and in the Malaya Loknya area.
According to this report, the Ukrainians no longer have continuous defensive lines in some areas and much of the battlefield is controlled by Russian drones. Some believe that a cauldron is being created. HIMARS are still being used in Kursk - so US intelligence must be available to the Ukrainians.
Kharkov
Kupyansk
By the end of the week, the Russians crossed the Oskol River in the Kruglyakovka area, are gaining a foothold in Senkovo.
Lyman
On March 5th, according to Marat Khairullin:
In the Liman direction, units of the Russian armed forces destroyed the defensive positions of the 66th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Novolyubovka area, as a result of which the enemy was pushed back to a distance of up to half a kilometer. In the area of the Ivanovkov bridgehead on the right bank of the Zherebets, they advanced in the direction of the settlement of Zelenaya Dolina for almost three kilometers.
Toretsk
On March 6th, according to the Majors:
In Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk): they report counteroffensive actions by the AFU, who have managed to pull together reserves. Apparently, the enemy was able to penetrate our defense, and in some areas, the buildings were taken. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, at the time of the previously published report on the liberation of the city, it's reported that the suburbs of the Dzerzhinsk agglomeration have become a combat zone.
On the 7th March the War Chronicle reported that:
Most of Toretsk is now in the gray zone, there are fierce battles of small assault groups. Most of Krymskoye in the north is again under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and up to half of the Fomikha area is under the control of the enemy. From time to time, enemy soldiers get to the Avangard stadium, where they are destroyed by our attack aircraft.
This is a huge reverse for the Russians who recently liberated Toretsk. But I imagine that it will not end well for the Ukrainians.
Pokrovsk
On the 6th March, according to the Majors:
In the Pokrovsk direction: the AFU announced their counterattack within the proximity of the settlements of Uspenovka, Udachnoye, Kotlino, Peschanoye and Shevchenko. Our forces have retreated from a number of positions, saving personnel, and are inflicting fire damage on the enemy with barrel artillery and mortars.
Velikaya Novosyolki
According to the Majors:
North of Velikaya (Bolshaya) Novosyolki: the "Vostok" forces liberated the village of Privolnoye, while intensive offensive operations continue, closing the "pocket" between Privolnoye and Burlatskoye.
Constantinople-Kurakhovo
On the 5th March, the Russians finally completed the liberation of Andreyevka. According to Marat Khairullin:
In the Yuzhno-Donetsk direction, attempts to consolidate in the Alekseyevka area continue, increasing pressure from Andreyevka. To the north of the latter, our troops are pressing along forest belts, dislodging the enemy from strongholds and pushing them into the fields. The enemy, clinging to the northwestern part of Constantinople, is being subjected to intensive artillery strikes, as well as the use of drones. In the Razliv area and north of Razdolnoye, our soldiers are probing the enemy’s defenses to identify weak spots.
Zaporozhye
On the 7th February, according to the Majors:
The paratroopers of the 7th Mountain Airborne Division continue their offensive on Pyatikhatki from the southern and southeastern parts of the settlement, the enemy is resisting, and during the offensive we note well-prepared firing positions of the enemy. The enemy has shelters and all movements underground along communication routes, which complicates its detection and destruction. Fierce fighting is ongoing.
Kherson
Counter-battery warfare is ongoing in this Direction.
The Economic War
Audi Closes Big Plant
Audi (a subsidiary of VW) has closed down its ‘electric drive’ plant in Brussels: 3,000 jobs were lost. The company will attempt to make savings of 8 billions Euros before 2030 and save €1 billions by cutting staff.
Druzhba Oil Pipeline
The pipeline, which provides Czechoslovakia with 40% of its oil was damaged by Ukrainian drone attack in Krasnador some time ago. Now it appears that the country has only 90 days worth of oil left.
World Politics
Russia-US Talks
Talks between Russia and the US were held in Istanbul on February 27th. The US delegation was led by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, who, among other things, is in charge of Russia-related affairs. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department Director Alexander Darchiyev headed the Russian delegation.
Russian FM Statement
The "substantive" talks were business-like, with the two sides agreeing to continue communication via this channel.
Russia floated the idea of restoring direct flights between the two countries.
The two sides also coordinated joint steps on financing for their diplomatic missions and discussed ways to remove multiple "irritants" in bilateral relations.
The Russians described the talks as ‘very constructive'.
US Statement
US delegates "raised concerns" regarding access to banking transactions and contracted services as they also highlighted the need "to ensure stable and sustainable staffing levels at the US Embassy in Moscow." The two sides agreed to hold "a follow-up meeting on these issues" in the near future.
The Historical Press Conference - Responses
Brazil’s President Lula
In the history of diplomacy, there has never been a scene as grotesque, as irreverent, as the one we witnessed in the Oval Office of the White House. I believe that Zelensky's speech damaged the European Union, and I told the German President that it is quite possible that Europe will be responsible for the reconstruction of Ukraine, it is quite possible that Europe will be responsible for the preservation of NATO, and it is very possible that Europe will be held responsible for the catastrophe that is happening.
Kaja
Dmitry Medvedev responded: ‘The Free world has a new leader. His name is Vladimir Putin’.
Annalena
Lithuania
Jungle Josep
Ursula
Medvedev
A fierce scolding in the Oval Office. For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face: the Kiev regime is gambling with World War III. And the ungrateful swine got a hard slap in the face from the owners of the pigsty. That's a good thing, but not enough – we must stop military aid to the Nazi machine.
Ukraine Summit UK
The London gathering of The Irrelevants (March 2nd), which Simplicius ridicules as the EU carnival, is not, strictly speaking, confined to the EU, since it includes Starmer (wannabe EU member) and the Canadian Trudeau (who probably wishes Canada was in Europe). But most are globalists and warmongers: this is what unites them. As expected, they couldn’t produce a good idea or a decent slogan between them. Tweeted phrases such as ‘Be strong, be brave, be fearless dear President Zelensky’ are nauseatingly cringeworthy. As for the ideas, they went for the much used ‘ceasefire followed by negotiations’ and a ‘second stage’ in which peacekeeping forces would be deployed, backed up by the Americans. But this is based on the wishful assumption that Russia and its army didn’t exist.
All their discussion was simply pointless blathering given the fact that Zelensky continues to tell the press that he will not give up any land and the Americans will not provide back up. The ‘peace plan’ will be handed to their master when finished so that he can have a laugh. As Alastair Crooke said: ‘It is more important [for the Europeans] to defeat the Russians than it is to have peace’.
Two Tier Keir hosted the Summit of leaders ‘in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine’, according to a UK government web site. This is Orwellian jargon for stepping up efforts to support the war in which the UK has pledged another £2.6 billions loan to Ukraine so that the killing can continue. The loan will be paid back by stealing from frozen Russian funds. But the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia feel ‘betrayed’ at not being invited.
Ursula
At the end of the Summit Ursula had this to say:
It is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time. It’s for the security of the European Union, and we need … in the geostrategic environment in which we live, to prepare for the worst, and therefore stepping up the defences.
She appears to be taking about a EU force, but there is nothing in the European treaties that allows a common defence structure - as Alastair Crooke points out. She also said that leaders had a ‘good and frank discussion’ about what is needed to place Ukraine in a ‘position of strength’. I am not sure whether or not they considered praying to God for a miracle. She also had a message for the US:
We are ready, together with you, to defend democracy and the principle that there is a rule of law, that you cannot invade … and bully your neighbour or cannot change borders with force.
But Ukraine bullied its neighbours in Luhansk and Donetsk so much that they had no choice but to change their borders.
Starmer
Like Tony Bliar before him, Starmer appears to see himself as a warrior whose army will lead a ‘coalition of the willing’,2 which will put ‘boots on the ground’ to enforce the peace deal. He will keep military aid flowing to Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Russia. I know I am British but the idea that the British army could enforce anything is laughable. Britain may also put planes in the air so they can be shot down by the Russians. But Starmer, acting on behalf of the Deep State he serves, rather arrogantly and disrespectfully, appeared to be telling the US that the Europeans expect the Americans to support them. He will know that the phrases he has chosen are warlike and provocative. But his position is not a courageous one since it is fully dependent on backing from the US without which the Europeans are spineless.
France and Britain will work on the ‘peace plan’ with Zelensky that will be presented to the US. You can read more at Zero Hedge.
Zelensky even had a meeting with King Charles III during his visit.
Scholz
Chief irrelevant, Olaf Scholz, summed up the attitude of the globalists when he insisted that Russia’s demands for demilitarisation and the creation of a Ukrainian government willing to ‘dance to Russia’s tune’ will never be accepted. Ukraine must be strong enough militarily to withstand further Russian attacks, he demanded, not appreciating that Russia attacked because Ukraine posed a military threat. Furthermore, Russia wants a Ukraine government cleansed of Nazis and neutral not one that dances to its tune. Such an attitude cannot possibly lead to peace. These people are in their own bubble which will burst soon enough when confronted with reality.
Orban’s Spanner in the Works
Viktor Orban, who was not invited to the Summit, responded on X:
European leaders decided in London today (on March 2 - TASS) that they want to go on with the war instead of opting for peace. They decided that Ukraine must continue the war. This is bad, dangerous and mistaken. Hungary remains on the side of peace.
Orban has urged the EU to negotiate directly with the Russians rather than doing so through the Americans. But this won’t happen as I have suggested above.
To back this up, Hungary has blocked a draft EU document that would provide Ukraine with military aid and security guarantees - according to Tass. The EU has had to suspend a €20 billion military aid package due to objections from Hungary. Slovakia’s Robert Fico takes a similar view on funding.
Trolling Medvedev Had This To Say:
Martin Armstrong On The Minerals Deal
I discussed the minerals deal in my last Update (under Economic War) when I pointed to a Ukrainian source claiming that Zelensky had already completed a deal with the Brits on rare earth minerals, coal, gas and ports. There didn’t appear to be surplus minerals/fossil fuels outside of this deal that would be available to become part of the Trump deal. Anyway, economist Martin Armstrong claims to have inside information that Zelensky, pumped up by US and European globalists, was encouraged to go to Washington, ostensibly to sign a deal that was originally intended to be signed in Kiev, but in reality he was urged to humiliate Trump in the process of scuppering the deal. Krainer takes a similar view. Zelensky needed to scupper the deal because he couldn’t fulfil his promises to Starmer and Trump at the same time. You can obtain more detail here (first 30 minutes at least). If this is true, why has Zelensky now said that he will make a ‘minerals deal’ with Trump? I should say that personally I have no idea what is going on here but I think that probably Zelensky also wanted to derail peace negotiations. It should also be noted that Zelensky is not authorised to sign anything because his Presidential term expired last May. Even though the RADA voted to extend his powers they have no authority to do so because the constitution does not allow it.
Macron’s Call To Arms
In a televised address to the nation Emmanuel Macron, in a call for major rearmament, attempted to inspire his nation and the Europeans with pure garbage. Let’s hope that most people will recognise it as such:
We are entering a new era. If a country can invade its neighbour in Europe and go unpunished, nobody can be sure of anything. Beyond Ukraine, the Russian threat is real - it affects the European countries.
Europe cannot be safe until Russia is pacified, he claimed, which represents a commitment to solving the imagined Russian problem by force. Macron made the obligatory accusations of Russian interference in elections and the assassination of its opponents. He also boasted that France has a ‘special status’ with the most efficient army in Europe and offered Europeans the comfort of a French nuclear ‘umbrella’. With the Americans on their way out, Macron is making his bid for leader of the ‘free world’ in Europe. Someone should throw some cold water in his face and remind him that his nuclear arsenal is a mere pin prick compared to that of the Russians and his army, though it may be efficient, needs to be about 100 times larger in order to inconvenience Putin. In an attempt to frighten his audience Macron claimed that Russia will mobilise 3 million men and produce 4,000 tanks to invade Europe by 2030. But why on earth would Russia want to invade Europe? Macron doesn’t say. You can read more at Zero Hedge.
Sergei Lavrov compared the diminutive warrior to Hitler and Napoleon as you can read at Tass and insisted that Russia has no desire or plans to invade Europe as he explains here.
Marcon was mocked on Twitter, where he was told ‘98% want him at the front’ and ‘...you are alone against Russia: no one supports you'. The fact is, dear Monsieur Macron, that the people are not with you and you don’t have the money to make it happen.
Macron and Starmer, in the absence of Sleepy Joe and Cackling Kamala, are simply obeying orders from the Globalist Deep State which insists on continuing the war.
Meloni Breaks Ranks
I never believed that Giorgia Meloni was 100% committed to the globalist project given her position on the migration crisis, yet she has supported funding for Ukraine. However, she has been reluctant to commit Italian troops to the project. Recently, she has reaffirmed this view in the wake of Starmer and Macron’s warmongering rhetoric. She has also removed all photographs of the once great Z from her X account.
Mayhem in Serbian Parliament
According to Tass:
The Serbian opposition tried to disrupt a parliamentary session by starting a fight and using smoke grenades.
One MP is reported to have been hit in the head by one of the smoke grenades, a pregnant MP had to be hospitalised, and a third woman suffered a stroke.
EU Summit March 6th
This Emergency Summit in Paris proposed a five-point agreement including security guarantees for Ukraine, a commitment that no negotiations with Russia would take place without Kiev, and a pledge to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It also involved a €30 billions aid package.
However, Viktor Orban, a vocal critic of military aid to Ukraine, vetoed the proposal, including the aid package, arguing that it was not in Hungary’s interests and conflicts with its commitment to peace. You can read more at Politico.
The issue of Ukraine’s ‘territorial integrity’ conflicts with Russia’s insistence that the five oblasts which have joined the Russian Federation must be accepted as a starting point for negotiations.
Protests
Romania
Last week, following the arrest of Georgescu I suggested that the Romanian people would be on the streets soon. Well, they wasted no time and were out in force on March 1st - St David’s Day in Wales.
Nazis in Ukraine
The Israeli Foreign Minister, visiting Kiev, has claimed that he knows nothing of Nazis in Ukraine. This has been obvious to anyone paying attention. Nazi regalia was displayed for all to see in Azov command posts in Mariupol almost three years ago and it can also be seen on social media because Nazis like to boast.
The emerging Multi-Polar World
Brazil Invites Latin American Countries to BRICS Summit
Brazil, which currently chairs BRICS, has invited Mexico, Uruguay and Colombia to the upcoming BRICS Summit.
Lavrov on the Old Empire
Over the last 500 years, all the world's tragedies have been born in Europe or due to European policy. Colonization, wars, crusaders, the Crimean War, Napoleon, World War I, Hitler. The peacekeepers' plan in Ukraine is a continuation of the incitement of the Kyiv regime to war against us.
Just as they are not going to implement the Minsk agreements. Just as they brought Poroshenko to power on their bayonets, then Zelensky, and as they incited Zelensky to make a 180-degree turn.
Although, perhaps, Annalena Baerbock would have regarded this as a 360, he turned around 180 and from a man who came to power on slogans of peace, on slogans of “leave the Russian language alone, it is our common language, our common culture,” in six months he turned into a pure Nazi.
This is Lavrov speaking truth to idiots who have deluded themselves into thinking that they are a force for good.
That’s it for yet another eventful week. I am grateful for you views, subscriptions, shares, restacks, likes and comments. Have a good week - best Rob
Non subscribers can view Updates on Telegram: https://t.me/UWUupdate.
I think this means - ‘as usual.’
Trisha on the MoA called it a ‘coalition of the killing’ - post 259, March 4th.
Epic update, Rob.
It’s crazy to think how few are considering that we are discussing peace while Ukraine is using American weapons, facilitated by US intelligence, to attack civilians in Russia. Not sure how anyone would expect the Russians to take the west in good faith.
And trumps move late this week to threaten even stronger sanctions against Russia should they not act per Washington’s dictates is even sillier.
Not to mention the shrill, screaming harpies in the EU claiming the Russians are coming. Good lord, the west is simply embarrassing at this point.
Coalition of the willing….
What is wrong with these people?