Ukraine Weekly Update
31st January 2025
It’s been hard trying to keep up with Donald J this week as the US legacy media, coming out of the soporative sleepy Joe period, complained that ‘it’s all too much’. Trump is dishing out executive orders like confetti at a wedding. In another dig at the Europeans, Trump announced that he will no longer deal with the EU as an entity but only with the various countries separately. I’d love to have seen von der leyen’s face when she heard this. It is no surprise, therefore, that most commentators have had something to say about The Donald this week.
Unfortunately, Trump’s advisors are telling him that Russia has sustained more than a million casualties (compared to 800,000 for Ukraine) and that its economy is in freefall. These falsehoods are placing Trump in a disadvantageous negotiating position vis a vis his rival Putin, who knows the truth. Trump believes that Putin is on the ropes when he is actually standing over an opponent who is spreadeagled on the canvas. He is therefore less interested in negotiations than Trump appreciates. And so far Trump has not arranged to phone Putin or meet with him - as far as we know. This is a little strange in itself but there are rumours of clandestine talks between the two.
It seems that Trump is eager to create an impression that America has at least the prospect of being great again - according to his view of what being great entails. In line with this latter understanding of ‘great’, Trump feels that bullying other nations will demonstrate ‘greatness’. But Trump’s America is like the ageing alpha male in a chimpanzee troop whose barks at his subordinates no longer secure obedience. Trump is barking all over the place but for the most part he is not being taken seriously. I have no idea what he is trying to do.
Maybe he feels that he has to make good on his campaign promise. I should say that although I am critical of Trump, I do get the sense that he has humanity - though given his reputation as an entertainer one could be forgiven for believing that this is all part of the political show - just like kissing babies on the campaign trail.
In response to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, France has reassured Denmark that it will provide military support in the event that a US attack is made on sovereign European or EU territory. Anyway, I think the Europeans may have been subjected to a half joking ‘testing of the water’ by Trump and are overreacting, according to their nature.
In response to Trump’s very serious suggestion that Gazans be relocated to Egypt and elsewhere, Slavyangrad reported:
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with Sky News, referred to Trump's plan to transfer Gazans to other countries, suggesting instead Israelis could be transferred to Greenland.
In Syria, the violence against Shias and Alawites continues, according to this report, while fighting between the other factions is also ongoing. The head chopper, Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa (aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani), has been declared President of Syria. The Baath Party constitution, its arms of government, along with its military and security services will be dissolved and replaced.
It has been pleasing to watch images on Telegram showing Palestinian joy as thousands return to Gaza (see below). There have been many emotional reunions and an evident sense of pride at the victory achieved, though at great cost. This makes a change from posts dominated by horrible images and the tearful icons of contributors - which are, nevertheless, still in evidence. The Israelis have still not stopped killing in Lebanon or the West Bank as Colonel Larry Wilkerson discusses here.
The divisions within the EU are still evident as Serbia, Hungary and others are becoming more vocal in their opposition to Ukrainian funding. Many European people are showing their disapproval of government policies as elections loom in Germany and Romanians protest against the cancellation of the recent election (see below).
It has long been clear that public opinion in Europe is moving to ‘the right’ as a reaction to out of control, nonsensical ‘liberalism’ and nothing can be done to stop it (see below). It will be slow and painful but it is also inevitable.
In Ukraine, the factions within the government are attempting to neutralise their rivals as Trump Fright kicks in and US funding is halted. Ukrainian politicians and military people are expressing pessimism about the prospects of their armies on the fronts. And this is clearly justified by recent reversals for Ukrainian forces. The recent losses of Kurakhovo and Velikaya (Bolshoya) Novosyolka have been catastrophic but the prospect that Pokrovsk could fall within a matter of weeks is the sort of battlefield development that will change Western narratives and actions. I wrote about the importance of Pokrovsk recently, with reference to Podolyak, and I write about it again below, with reference to Kairullin. The Russian army is advancing virtually everywhere.
The bunch of amateurs that present themselves as European politicians, including the bellicose Callous Kallas, continue to read their nonsensical script anticipating Russian expansionism but I am optimistic that ordinary people are beginning to see through it.
It has been yet another eventful week.
27th January - A Day To Remember
This week, Russia celebrated its complete liberation of Leningrad, 81 years ago and its liberation of Auschwitz, 80 years ago. But in an ‘affront to history’ Russia was not invited to the Auschwitz commemoration ceremony in Poland.
In relation to this snub, Serbian Deputy PM, Aleksander Vulin, said:
On this day in 1945, the Red Army liberated Auschwitz. The unthinkable crimes of the German people and state were "rewarded" by the unification of Germany. 80 years later , the liberation of Auschwitz is celebrated with the participation of the countries that organized the Holocaust in Auschwitz, such as Germany and its allies, or the countries that provided guards, such as Poland or Croatia, but without representatives of Russia - the country that defeated the Third Reich and liberated Auschwitz . Every new evil begins with the oblivion of an old evil..
Wise words. And so are the following:
The grandchildren of the guardians and organizers of Auschwitz are not ashamed of the crimes of their grandfathers, they are ashamed of their defeat. That is why Russia is forbidden to be where its grandfathers were - on the right side of history, where there is freedom. If there are still living prisoners of Auschwitz among us, ask them to whom they owe their lives - the grandchildren of the Red Army soldiers or the grandchildren of the SS and Wehrmacht soldiers. EU, if you had a conscience, you would know what I am asking.
Yet Nasty Zelensky was invited to the commemoration, which has annoyed many people in Poland:
I didn’t know, until one of my knowledgeable subscribers told me, that Putin’s family was vey much involved in the siege - which lasted 872 days. You can read about Putin’s family involvement in Leningrad here and here if you have Telegram.
Anton Chekov was born on this day in 1860.
Putin on Trump
In an interview, Vladimir Putin stated that he is ready to negotiate regarding Ukraine but the fact that negotiations were outlawed by Zelensky when he was a legitimate president will get in the way. Since Zelensky’s term has expired, he is not able to cancel the ban. Putin said that he would not object to Zelensky taking part in negotiations and would allocate staff to negotiate with him but his signature on any documents would be illegitimate. But apparently any negotiation documents could legitimately be signed by the RADA chair. Putin also said that the war would not have happened if the 2020 election hadn’t been stolen from Trump. Putin knows that Trump will enjoy hearing this.
Sigma Boy
This catchy tune, written by the father of two Russian bloggers, has obtained 60 millions views on YouTube. The lyrics are simple and speak of a Sigma Boy who all the girls want to dance with. I could see nothing offensive in it but then I am no Wokist. However, a member of the European parliament - who is Wokist - complained that the song promotes ‘patriarchal and Russian values’. German MEP, Nela Riehl, said the song was ‘harmful’. Hey Nela don’t you remember that boys desire ‘fit’ girls and girls desire ‘fit’ boys. Can a song that reflects this simple biological fact be harmful and why should it be judged to be conveying ‘patriarchal values’? And isn’t this a case of the pot calling the kettle black? After all, Wokism has been rammed down our throats for decades and my own friends and family members have been infected by it. But dear Nela is also accusing the Russians of promoting such songs in order to ‘infiltrate these ideas into society’. People such as Nela are truly beyond help.
Trump on Biden’s ‘Proxy War’
Donald Trump has publicly admitted what we all know: that Ukraine was Biden/The US’s proxy war. He also criticized Zelensky for ‘allowing’ a war which he could not possibly win against a vastly superior opponent. Zelensky may have agreed to the war, Mr. Trump but the US made it happen.
But this is a huge narrative shift in which The Donald, for political reasons, must characterise the war as a mistake which would not have been made had he been President. Even Putin (above) is saying the same thing. Trump also lambasted Biden for all the money that has been wasted on Ukraine and the fact that he didn’t ask the Europeans to pay their fair share. I wonder whether Putin and Trump have been having a private natter? According to The Donald, Zelensky now appreciates that he must make a deal to end the war. This is not the impression Zelensky gives but maybe Trump is telling Zelensky that he must make a deal.
Ukraine Aid Suspended
As I mentioned last week, US foreign aid that is not strategically beneficial has been suspended. This includes developmental aid as well as military aid. We have now had confirmation that this includes new aid to Ukraine and will not affect that which is already in the pipeline. Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, has announced the move as you can read at RT. However, aid to Israel and Egypt will continue. Trump’s administration will examine and review all aid commitments. This has caused panic in Ukraine, especially among Ukraine’s journalists who rely on US grants to operate. But the move has also caused Zelensky to pressure the Europeans to fill in the gap. The US has also suspended migrant programs, including the Ukrainian initiative - as you can read at Sputnik.
Ukrainians Want Peace
A year ago, only 58% of Ukrainians wanted negotiations with Russia but according to a recent survey that figure has now increased to 73% among the civilian population and 80% among military personnel. The Ukrainians lost 30% of their combat force in 2024, according to the report. Another report, claimed that in a December survey 50.6% of Ukrainians said that they were willing to make concessions in order to obtain peace. Only 14.7% want to continue the war until the army reaches the 1991 borders - that means capturing Crimea and taking it away from Crimeans who voted to join Russia.
The 100 Day Plan
The plan, which was obtained from Ukrainian news outlet Strana and reported in Newsweek was attributed to the Trump team. It provides a timetable for negotiations with a ceasefire penciled in for Easter (April 20th 2025). You can see the whole plan at the Two Majors. The source of the plan is unknown and it may carry no legitimacy but it contains some proposals of which the Russians are unlikely to approve for a number of reasons.
First, even though Ukraine will become neutral, it will not become demilitarised. Second, Ukraine will not be obliged to recognise the five Oblasts that have become part of the Russian Federation - which could create problems in the future. Third, the process will involve a European peacekeeping force being sent to Ukraine following the ceasefire. If I were Russian, I would not allow any European or American soldiers into Ukraine. Once there, they may not want to leave. Fourth, Russian sanctions will be lifted but Russia will be expected to pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine with a percentage of gas and oil revenues for a limited period. Since the war was forced upon Russia by the US I can’t see it agreeing to pay - especially since it has paid a very high blood price already.
Alexander Mercouris believes that this plan could have been produced from within Ukraine, as he discusses here. He also speculates that the Budanov announcement (see below) that the war cannot last more than five months has been made in conjunction with the plan in order to gauge the reaction - or gaslight the Ukrainian public.
Where Are Our Men?
Protests are breaking out all over Ukraine as wives and mothers demand to know what has happened to their men. Many have heard nothing about their loved ones for more than a year.
Mobilisation - The Class Divide
According to a Ukrainian source, 80% of the mobilised are poor people from the countryside (small towns and villages) whereas only 25% come from big cities such as Lvov, Kiev and Dnipro. The rich can buy ‘exemptions’.
Ukraine Units Collapse
A Ukrainian source is claiming that virtually all the effective, well trained and well equipped brigades have been sent to Kursk, leaving only undertrained newly formed brigades to plug gaps in the Donbass. The Ukrainian 157th brigade, for example, comprised entirely of newly mobilised, fresh troops and was sent to Pokrovsk where most left their post immediately on arrival. Alarmed by this, the commander split the brigade, sending units to existing experienced brigades elsewhere. But this merely accelerated the process of disintegration. There are another eight 150 series brigades on the fronts - just like the 157th.
Budanov Fears Extinction
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian GUR has expressed fears that unless negotiations start before the summer, Ukraine may cease to exist. This admission came after Budanov was acquainted with the true situation on the fronts (or so we re told). Following his announcement, everyone in the room fell silent. A fellow RADA MP claimed that Budanov’s statement was taken out of context. The report could be a form of gaslighting to acclimatize the population to the new reality they have to face. If Ukraine does cease to exist, the regime can congratulate itself on being one of very few in history to have lost its country. However, according to this report, the Ukrainian SBU has opened a criminal case against Budanov for his remarks. In the Ukraine of 2025, rival factions will take every opportunity to eliminate their enemies.
Umerov Faces Corruption Charges
In what could also be an expression of the power struggle being played out in Ukraine, a criminal case of ‘corruption of office’ against Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov has been opened, according to Slavyangrad.
Ukraine Terrorist Attacks
24th/25th January
Overnight, the village of Khinel in Bryansk region suffered drone attacks that injured a member of the territorial defence. Long suffering Gorlovka was attacked again by cluster munitions which killed one and injured twelve. Residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, including a gas pipeline and power lines, were also damaged by cluster shells. In Belgorod, several dwellings were damaged by drone attacks and one civilian was injured.
26th/27th January
Overnight, Belgorod suffered drone attacks which caused minor damage but no casualties, while one man was injured in Gorlovka (DPR) by cluster munitions. According to the Russian MoD:
During the past night, air defense systems on duty destroyed and intercepted 32 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles :
▪️fifteen – over the territory of the Voronezh region;
▪️eleven – over the territory of the Belgorod region;
▪️four – over the territory of the Kursk region;
▪️one each over the territories of the Oryol and Tver regions.
27th/28th January
Overnight, one drone was shot down over Kursk and one over Belgorod where artillery strikes damaged residential buildings and cars. No casualties were reported. However, in long suffering Gorlovka (DPR) four civilians were injured by cluster munitions.
28th/29th January
According to the War Chronicle:
At night, 26 enemy drones were shot down over the Bryansk region, and 3 of them were jets. In the Smolensk region, one of the drones was shot down during an attack on a nuclear power facility - a nuclear power plant. Over the Toropetsky district of the Tver region, an attack by 20 enemy drones was repelled.
Belgorod suffered drone and artillery attacks that damaged power lines and apartments but caused only two casualties. However, a later drone attack on an apartment building at Razumnoye killed a mother and her two year old child and injured the father and their son.
The Russian MoD reported that 104 drones were destroyed/disabled:
47 – over the territory of the Kursk region, 27 – over the territory of the Bryansk region, 11 – over the territory of the Smolensk region, 7 – over the territory of the Tver region, 4 – over the territory of the Belgorod region, 3 – over the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod region, 3 – over the territory of the Kaluga region, one – over the territory of the Rostov region, one – over the territory of the Leningrad region.
The Nuclear Power Plant in Smolensk was targeted with drones but all were shot down causing no damage. This day the Russians were lucky but a nuclear catastrophe is still a possibility in the future as the Ukrainians get more and more desperate.
29th/30th January
According to the War Chronicle:
Bryansk region, Novozybkovi district, at night, a UAV of the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked the distribution station of the Druzhba oil pipeline. Several drones were shot down in the air.
Zaporozhye suffered drone attacks which caused some small fires but no casualties while Belgorod also came under drone attack which damaged a commercial enterprise and a mini bus but caused no casualties. In Gorlovka (DPR) three people were injured by cluster munitions.
30th/31st January
Overnight, according to the War Chronicle:
Explosions at night were also heard in Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don. In the Rostov region, 25 UAVs were shot down: in Rostov, Taganrog, Shakhty, Novoshakhtinsk, Azovsky, Chertkovsky, Oktyabrsky ruralsky, Tarasovsky, Krasnosulinsky (power line break), Millerovsky and Zernogradsky districts. 11 drones were shot down over the territory of the Kursk region.
Two civilians were injured by drone/artillery strikes on residential buildings in Kherson while Belgorod suffered drone attacks that caused some damage but no casualties.
The Sea War
25th/26th January
Overnight, two unmanned boats heading toward Crimea were destroyed in the Black Sea.
27th/28th January
Overnight, three drones were shot down over Crimea.
29th/30th January
Overnight, several drones were shot down over Crimea.
The Air War
Russian Missile/Drone Attacks
24th/25th January
Russia attacked targets in Kiev region overnight while Geraniums attacked electric infrastructure in Cherkassy leaving many without electricity.
26th/27th January
On the 27th January, Tass published this short report from the Russian MoD:
Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck the infrastructure of military airfields, production workshops and storage sites of unmanned aerial vehicles, a fuel base of the Ukrainian army and amassed enemy manpower and equipment in 149 areas.
According to this comprehensive report of the damage it is clear that energy facilities, including electric sub stations, fuel storage depots were also attacked.
27th/28th January
Overnight, the Russians launched an attack on Ukraine’s military and energy facilities, according to Slavyangrad:
Russian "Geraniums" and missiles hit military enterprises of the AFU in several regions. Arrivals and fires are reported in Kharkov and Kiev regions, in Odessa and Krivoy Rog - explosions with repeated detonation. In the Nikolaev region destroyed AFU point if temporary dislocation, tentatively, with NATO equipment.
Electric infrastructure was attacked with drones in Uman and Ivano-Frankivsk and an industrial facility was attacked in Kharkov.
29th/30th January
Overnight, Russian drones attacked Mykolaiv, Kyiv and Odesa.
30th January
According to Rybar:
Over the course of the day, Russian forces struck infrastructure facilities in the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime, including the port of Izmail in Odesa Region, as well as airfields in Kharkiv, Sumy and Zaporizhia Regions.
Ukrainian Missile/Drone Attacks
24th/25th January
Overnight, Ukrainian drones attacked fuel and energy facilities in Ryazan.
28th/29th January
According to the War Chronicle:
In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the refinery in Kstovo was attacked - the governor routinely reports about the "wreckage of a drone", the fire is strong.
30th/31st January
Overnight, Voronezh suffered a drone attack which set an industrial facility alight while fragments from a destroyed drone injured one civilian.
The Ground War
Russian Weekly MoD Reports (excludes Kursk)
w/e 10th January 2025 13, 370 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 724 (record high).
w/e 17th January 2025 12,945 Casualties killed and wounded : equipment losses 661
w/e 24th January 2025 12,815 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 654
w/e 31st January 2025 11,400 Casualties killed and wounded: equipment losses 570
Kursk
Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 56,410 troops, 327 tanks, 241 infantry fighting vehicles, 185 armoured personnel carriers, 1,660 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,735 motor vehicles, 396 artillery guns, 45 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers,
The Fronts
Front Line Cats
Kursk
On January 30th, according to the War Chronicle:
Stubborn battles [continue] in Sverdlikovo and the surrounding forest belts. Heavy fighting in Makhnovka in the southeast of the Sudzhansky district, the enemy tried to storm the village with the support of an armored vehicle, but was destroyed.
Kupyansk
Svatove-Kreminna
Seversk
On January 31st, according to the Two Majors:
In the long-stagnant Seversky direction, they report the entry of our assault groups into Verkhnekamenskoye in the Artemovsky district.
Chasiv Yar
On January 30th, according to the Two Majors:
In Chasov Yar, our units took up a position on top of a dump on the western edge of the Block-9 mine. Most of the Severny microdistrict in Chasov Yar is under the control of the Russian military, said the commander of the assault group of the Espanyola brigade. Airborne units are operating to the south, and the 200th motorized rifle brigade of the Russian Armed Forces is operating to the north.
Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk)
By the end of the week, fighting continued in the northern part of the city and in the area of the Fomikha waste heap.
Pokrovsk Detail
Pokrovsk - Overview Report by Marat Khairullin
On January 28th, Marat Khairullin provided a concise but comprehensive report of the situation in Donetsk - especially around Pokrovsk. Recently, I published a summary of a report by Yury Podolyaka which you may wish to look at because it highlights the importance of Pokrovsk. The Russians have been attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the south by capturing places such as Kurakhovo and Selidove. They need only cut the supply arteries to Pokrovsk in order to force the Ukrainians to leave.
The overall objective is to capture the whole of Donetsk including the large agglomerations at Kramatorsk and Slavyansk to the north east of Pokrovsk (top of map). Once Toretsk and Chasiv Yar are fully secured the Russians will be able to outflank Pokrovsk from the north. They will also be able to put pressure on Konstantinovka whose capture will open the road to Kramatorsk. The Ukrainians will attempt to hold on to Pokrovsk and the neighbouring settlement of Mirnograd but once the Russians secure these places Marat believes they will be able to take Ukrainian held sections of Zaporozhye and Kherson regions quickly.
Khairullin believes that the Russians are deploying 10-12 armies in the area covered by the map. They have not employed such large forces in combination since World War 2.
At the end of the week battles were being fought near Udachny and Kotlino - south west of Pokrovsk and close to the village of Nedeyevka.
Velikaya (Bolshaya) Novosyolka
On January 26th, according to the Russian MoD:
As a result of active offensive actions by units of the Vostok Group of Forces, Velikaya Novosyolka was liberated (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov congratulated the commanders and personnel of the 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade of the 36th Army and the 40th Guards Marine Brigade of the Vostok Group of Forces for successful combat missions during the liberation of Velikaya Novosyolka (Donetsk People's Republic).
Velikaya (Bolshoy) Novosyolka was one of the largest fortified areas in the DPR. Note the flag of St. Andrews.
By the end of the week, the Russians were expanding their control north and north west of the village and fighting in the area of Novy Komar.
Kurakhovo
Kurakhovo - Detail - Marat Khairullin
By the end of the week, the Russians were attacking from the south towards Konstyantynopil (Constantinople) and expanding their control of Dachnoye. Clashes also continued in and around Andreevka.
Zaporozhye
There have been no significant changes in this Direction.
Kherson
Mutual strikes with drones and artillery continue.
The Economic War
Ukraine’s Lost Resources
Over the course of the SMO and in the years preceding it when the LPR, DPR and Crimea left Ukraine, the country lost an enormous amount of resources including rare metals and rare minerals along with gas, coal and oil deposits. You can view a complete list at Geopolitics. If you don’t have Telegram, Sputnik covers the story here. It seems that since the start of the SMO, Russia has taken over half of Ukraine’s resources (which have effectively financed the war) - according to Slavyangrad.
US Arms Exports Skyrocket
US arms sales to other countries reached a record high of $318.7 billions in 2024.
Tariff Aggression Won’t Work Donald
Donald Trump has come out of his corner fighting the rest of the world and threatening tariffs or sanctions on anyone who doesn’t fall in line. His anachronistic rhetoric assumes that America will be the winner and everyone else should lose gracefully. But the world has changed Donald and an aggressive tariff policy will backfire. According to Michael Hudson:
His tariff policy will accelerate U.S. price inflation and, even more fatally, cause chaos in U.S. and foreign financial markets. Supply chains will be disrupted, interrupting U.S. exports of everything from aircraft to information technology. And other countries will find themselves obliged to make their economies no longer dependent on U.S. exports or dollar credit.
In the long run, this policy will accelerate both the decline of the Hegemon and the expansion of the Multi-Polar World Order as BRICS countries strive to set themselves free from the dollar.
Gazprom in Trouble
According to a report in Zero Hedge, Gazprom is in deep trouble, facing losses, huge debts and layoffs. In order to deal with this, a request has been made of the Russian government that it increases the price of gas threefold for domestic consumers. The Russians are expecting a decrease in economic growth from 4% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025.
Dismantle the Nordstreams - Duda
Andrzej Duda, President of Poland has warned against restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe via pipelines just in case the Europeans become dependent on Russian energy. In order to insure against this, he is proposing that the Nordstream pipelines be dismantled. Such a move would be terrorist vandalism and most Germans would not approve. Even if there is a peace deal, he said, Russian gas should still be banned from Europe. This man could be stupid, he could be overwhelmed by hatred or he may simply be obeying orders. He doesn’t seem to appreciate these pipelines could save Europe from a future catastrophe or that without them Europe would become even more reliant on Russian LNG.
Chip Wars
US sanctions have attempted to stifle China’s AI aspirations along with its semi-conductor industry over many years. However, this has prompted China to accelerate its tech independence to the extent that it has advanced beyond its Western competitors in some respects. China has just introduced an AI ‘chat bot ’ known as DeepSeek which is superior to and 98% cheaper than its US counterparts produced by Nvidia and others.
Shares in many US tech firms plummeted in response as you can see from the above chart. Nvidia lost $600 billions in a single day. This is yet another own goal courtesy of Western sanctions. When will they ever learn. You can read more here or you can listen to Rachel Blevins take on it here.
No More Aid to Ukraine - Fico
Robert Fico, responding to pressure from NATO to continue aid to Ukraine, said: ‘No, Slovakia will no longer pay for the weapons sent by the US to Ukraine’. The Slovakian opposition is attempting to secure sufficient seats in parliament to conduct a vote of no confidence in the PM. So far, it has failed.
World Politics
Russia is the Largest Ice Breaker
Musk Speaks at AfD Rally
Speaking at the rally, a member of the global elite urged people to resist the global elites. He also told the Germans to be proud.
Lukashenko Wins
Alexander Lukashenko won his Belorussian election with around 87% of the vote, according to Slavyangrad.
Macron Popularity Falls
Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating has plummeted historical depths to a mere 21%.
Ukraine Will Be Divided - Georgescu
Romanian Presidential Candidate, Calin Georgescu has described Ukraine as a ‘fictitious state’ created by the soviets out of territories that once belonged to other countries such as Romania, Hungary and Poland. He is convinced that Ukraine will be divided in the future:
The world is changing, the borders will change. Moreover, if the borders change, where will we end up? We are interested in Northern Bukovina, as well as Budzhak and Northern Maramures, right? Part of Transcarpathia, as they called it. Part will remain with the Hungarians. Lviv will go to the Poles and Little Russia will remain.
He is not the first to say this.
Protests
Attempted Maidan - Slovakia
Many of the activists who were involved in the Maidan Coup are currently attempting to foment unrest in Slovakia, according to Sputnik. PM Robert Fico is convinced that the US is behind the recent unrest/demonstrations in the country along with previous ‘colour revolutions’ around the world. No surprise there. Over the weekend, 60,000 protested in Bratislava chanting ‘Slovakia is Europe’ and ‘Peace to Ukraine’. Fico saw this coming and knows that this is no grass roots movement but one funded by Soros. According to this report, Fico has claimed that one third of the ‘protesters’ were Ukrainian and will be expelled. He has accused Ukraine’s administration of organising them.
Fico will have annoyed the Woke Globalists by proposing an alteration to the constitution so that it recognises only two genders: male and female:
We’re dealing, as I said, with two genders. It won’t be a helicopter, it won’t be a swan, nor a cat, nor a bear. It will either be a man or a woman.
You can read more at RT.
Romania - ‘We Want Our Liberty Back’
Thousands of Romanians protested against Western attempts to overturn the results of the recent election in which Călin Georgescu was leading by a significant margin after the first round. This woman said: ‘We don’t want your mansions, we don’t want your luxury cars or your idle lifestyle: we just want our liberty back'.
Germany - Anti AfD Protests
100,000 people in Berlin and 40,000 in Cologne rallied against the AfD, shouting ‘down with racism and Nazism’ according to Tass. I thought that the idea of democracy involves an acceptance that people can vote for whoever they please. If people cannot accept this, they are definitely not democratic. It is an historical tragedy that most lefties don’t even realise this.
Transnistria
Thousands protested in Transnistria this week because their gas supplies were cut off when Ukraine refused to renew its contract with Gazprom. Transnistria broke away from Moldova some time ago and the protesters are accusing the Moldovan government of ‘politicising’ the energy issue. Although Moldova has been cut off from Gazprom gas it could still transfer gas from Europe to Transnistria. The Moldovan authorities are claiming that the Transnistrians are refusing the offer of gas from Europe because they want Russian supplies to be reconnected. This is a complicated mess that I do not fully understand. You can read more at RT.
Hungary
Polish PM Donald Tusk has threatened Orban and Hungary of they continue to block Ukrainian aid:
If Viktor Orban really blocks European sanctions at a key moment for the war, it’ll be absolutely clear that in this big game for the security and future of Europe, he is playing in Putin’s team, not in ours. With all the consequences of this fact.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto (pictured), responded thus:
Maybe it's difficult for Soros' agent to understand this, but if we talk about teams - we play on the Hungarian team. That's why we represent Hungary's interests, refuse to pay for other people's wars and will not let anyone threaten our energy security.
According to this report, Hungary is likely to allow the sanctions renewal in exchange for EU guarantees regarding energy security. Time will tell.
Wise Westerners - Michael von der Schulenberg
Schulenberg is an MEP and former advisor to the UN General Secretary. He is dismayed by the EU’s approach to the Ukraine conflict and their insistence, even now, that Ukraine must beat Russia:
The EU has chosen war, it has chosen confrontation, it has chosen uncompromising. The amazing thing is that this is in the EU, which was once established as a peace project. Today, if you are in the European Parliament, the word peace, diplomacy and negotiation are swear words. It is a policy based on moral arrogance and uncompromising.
He believes that some resolutions being passed by the EU Parliament, including its advocation of a military solution to the conflict and the rejection of any talk of negotiations, actually contravene the UN Charter.
Images of Freedom
Father Meets Son After 20 Years in Prison
It makes a change to report on some happiness in Gaza and the Palestinian Telegram Channel I follow is full of such news at the moment mixed in with some sadness. The man pictured was imprisoned 20 years ago while his son was in his mother’s womb. Their first meeting was a joy to behold.
Four Female Israeli Soldiers Released
The soldiers were treated well, apparently. All four were just 19 when they were taken hostage by Hamas in October 2023. The occasion was used to condemn the Israelis: ‘Gaza is the graveyard of the criminal Zionists’.
Fares Meets His Family
Two weeks ago, I featured a brief story about journalist Yousef Fares who talked about ‘optimism’ - which has now been fulfilled. Here he is meeting his family after a long separation. ‘It was not a meeting’, he said, it was a rebirth and a return of the soul'.
Return to Gaza
Settlers commenting on the photos of the return of the people of northern Gaza: “In short, the war has ended completely and definitively. Every point of achievement has been destroyed… This is not a prisoner exchange deal, it is a final and official surrender deal.”
This is from a Palestinian source quoting Israeli settlers.
The emerging Multi-Polar World
Trump Threatens BRICS
Donald J has warned BRICS countries that if they continue with their alleged plans to create their own currency they will face 100% tariffs. It should be noted that BRICS countries have no plans to create their own separate currency but will use their own currencies to trade in favour of the dollar. This will undermine the dollar of course but countries seeking independence and sovereignty can do so only by dumping the dollar which the US is using to blackmail other nations. But placing tariffs on BRICS countries will invite retaliation and the denial of resources that are much needed by the US. $550 billions worth of goods produced by BRICS countries and currently sold to the US could be withheld. These include rare minerals, fertilizers, lithium batteries and so on. You can view a full list at Sputnik.
Trump’s stumbling attempts to bully or bribe OPEC+ members into reducing oil prices has failed miserably as the oil producing countries are simply ignoring him.
I think the above quote shows how ill informed Trump is on economic matters.
I must say that I am probably not alone in being frustrated and disappointed at Trump’s first foray into foreign policy this term. He should be speaking to former advisor MacGregor, or Ritter or Johnson. It has been an eventful week once again. Many thanks for your views, subscriptions, shares, likes, restacks, follows and comments. Have a good week - Best Rob
Its always about the oil and gas: im not surprised the Poles are going on about Nord Stream II. As i recall, they along with the Ukrainians and the US, were the biggest opponents of a direct link from Russia to Germany. If you want to see how duplicitous the Western governments there are a couple of great examples today. Firstly, according to the Guardian, an Edinburgh court (the Court of Session- the highest civil court in the country), has decided the development process for the oilfields in Shetland was flawed and Starmer may have to get involved. Like some feudal superior exerting his suzerainty but the main point is in August 2014 just before the Scottish vote on secession Unionist press and politicians were dispelling as Nationalist conspiracy theory that a huge oilfield had been discovered off Shetland in the full knowledge that were lying because the huge oilfield was Rosebank. The truth was outed as soon as the votes had been counted. Secondly, I see Starmer supported the closing down of UNRWA because a hostage said she was held in one of their premises! Ultimately, i suspect much of the issue in Palestine and Lebanon is the off shore resource basin, much as Kiev's interest in eastern Ukraine is resource based along with London's interest in Scotland. Last week you mentioned Poltava. There was an interesting article in Brave New Europe a few weeks ago which discussed the Russian defeat of the Swedes at the battle of Poltava. Apparently, after their annihilation the Swedes started the myth of Russia's design on the conquest of western Europe which remains the foundation of western pRussophobia. Again, it was a Scotsman fault- one of the Russian Generals at Poltava was James Bruce, the name sake of the Pale Abyssinian.
Trumps foreign policy is focused on items that help the U.S. the U.S. has incentives to outsource manufacturing and Trump is trying to bring it back. Other countries have tariffs and barriers to imports, and Trump is trying to even the playing field. We will see what actually happens.
Trumps major focus is domestic and before he focuses on foreign policy he needs to get key people approved by the senate. The rhetoric on Russia is political cover to avoid being kneecapped as his first administration was. The stoppage of foreign aid, with a few exceptions, is significant. Especially USAID. Trump is starting deportations and the U.S. probably has 40 million illegal immigrants, with 11 million arriving in the Biden Administration. Trumps Dei initiatives are a huge blow to the extreme left. His efforts to reduce the federal government are significant, such as back to the office and an employee buyout (8 months salary).
RFK jr. If he gets approved (one area Europe does right is healthy food), along with Kash Patel (fbi), and Tulsi Gabbard (Intel) should bring lots of positives.
Trumps initiatives are very popular in the U.S., across racial groups, and the Democratic Party is seen at its most negative.