The war in Ukraine 2025-08-18

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Today’s meeting in the USA with Zelenskyy, Trump, and leaders from Europe could determine the future of Ukraine.

The aftermath of the meeting in Alaska shows that the USA has completely sided with Putin and is now doing everything they can for him to come out of the war as a victor.
For example, Witkoff is ecstatic that Putin “allows” the USA and Europe to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, as if Putin should be consulted about it at all. Trump has been clear that Ukraine will be forced to give up territorial areas, but it’s difficult to extract exact details other than Crimea. He has also emphasized in capital letters that Ukraine cannot become members of NATO.
No NATO but security guarantees? We know how that turned out last time.

As suspected, it turned out exactly as we feared, Trump, as mentioned, sounds like Putin is dictating the terms for peace and is now putting all the pressure on Ukraine to accept them.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.” Very generous of Trump to let Zelenskyy decide for himself what he wants to do.
So far, we haven’t seen any threats from Trump regarding what he plans to do if Zelenskyy doesn’t agree to Putin’s terms, but rest assured they will come if he deems it necessary.

I have a strong feeling that today’s meeting with Trump, where Zelenskyy is joined by Merz, Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Ursula von der Leyen, Rutte, and Stubb (possibly even more) will be crucial in determining the direction the war and peace process will take in the future. Sure, direct decisions might not be made, but it will likely become quite clear whether Trump and Putin will get their way or if Europe and Ukraine dare to resist.

Europe has the opportunity to step forward and truly show that they stand behind Ukraine and understand what is ultimately best for both Ukraine and Europe, but actually for the whole world. Allowing Putin to once again get away with another war and all the war crimes committed sends a clear signal to the world that it is OK to do as one pleases, as long as there is enough to back it up. Taiwan, for example, is in a precarious position. How can Trump justify an intervention there if he doesn’t lift a finger for Ukraine?

I truly hope that those participating from Europe’s side will show backbone and have prepared thoroughly in advance with a clear message that they have agreed upon and will stick to.

As I said, I believe today’s meeting will be a crucial moment where the direction for Ukraine’s and ultimately Europe’s future will be determined.

Russian losses 2025-08-18:

  • 940 KWIA
  • 2 Tanks
  • 5 AFVs
  • 43 Artillery systems
  • 1 MLRS
  • 157 UAVs
  • 116 Vehicles & Fuel tanks

SLAVA UKRAINI

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163 thoughts on “The war in Ukraine 2025-08-18”

  1. 205

    Still strong in the newly awakened Kupyansk, Kramatorsk (Slobozhansky) wakes up after a long period of inactivity, Pokrovsk up to early summer heights.

    N Slobozhansky-Kursk 4

    S Slobozhansky 13💥↗️

    Kupyansk 12💥↘️

    Lyman 21💥↘️
    Siverskyi 5
    Kramatorsk 5↗️
    Toretsk 9💥↗️

    Pokrovsk 58💥💥💥↗️
    Novopavlivka 28💥💥
    Huliaypillia 0
    Orikhivsk 1
    Dnipro/Prydniprovsky 4

  2. 205

    Russian strike on Kharkiv kills 3, including toddler, injures 17 as Zelensky arrives to Washington to meet with Trump. Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities late on Aug. 17, mere hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet for peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. https://kyivindependent.com/as-zelensky-travels-to-washington-for-peace-talks-russia-hits-ukraine-with-ballistics

    ‘Negotiation can begin where the front line currently stands’ — Zelensky says ahead of meeting with Trump. “We need real negotiations, and that means they can begin where the front line currently stands. The line of contact is the best line for negotiations,” Zelensky wrote on social media following a meeting with members of the so-called “coalition of the willing.” https://kyivindependent.com/negotiation-can-begin-where-the-front-line-currently-stands-zelensky-says-ahead-of-meeting-with-trump

    Trump says no NATO path or Crimea return for Ukraine as Zelensky comes to Washington for peace talks. Zelensky cautioned that any new deal must prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from using concessions as a “springboard” for another attack, citing Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-washington-to-meet-with-trump-says-war-must-end-quickly-and-reliably

    Top European leaders to join Zelensky for Trump talks. According to the German government, the discussions will cover the state of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial questions, continued support for Ukraine, and maintaining sanctions pressure. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-washington-to-meet-with-trump-says-war-must-end-quickly-and-reliably

  5. MacMelmac

    Trump may very well start to act if China moves against, for example, Taiwan.
    The difference is that China is the enemy of the USA purely economically, whereas the EU is nothing.
    In reality, I believe that both the USA and China see Russia as a source of raw materials and not as a superpower. The fact that they then threaten war against all their neighbors is of no concern to them, they do not care, they do not threaten them (at least not yet).
    The USA is only interested in measuring itself against a superpower.

    I just hope that Putin’s maneuvering will eventually go too far, so that they become enemies with one of them.

    1. MXT

      I don’t feel 100% certain about it. I’m starting to suspect that Trump wants to stay away from all major conflicts where he doesn’t know in advance that it’s safe to participate, and that he is mainly interested in favorable economic deals.

      Taiwan would obviously negatively affect the USA today both economically but of course also in terms of geopolitical security. If China takes Taiwan, they gain much greater control in the region. 

      The USA talks about standing up for democracy, but it’s obvious it’s just talk. If Ukraine were to become Russian, it wouldn’t affect the USA significantly, but of course it’s a whole different story with Taiwan.

      I actually think you are right, but I’m not completely sure about it if it were to escalate.

      But if one were to defend Taiwan, I don’t think it has to do with challenging a superpower, but rather that Taiwan is both strategically important and a key supplier of electronic components that would take years to replace (if one doesn’t want to buy them from China once they take over, but what is manufactured for military purposes one should not want to buy).

      I have long hoped that Putin would provoke Trump, but it seems more like they are getting closer every day, except for a few statements from Trump where he pretends to be tough and then it just falls flat.

  8. 205

    This could just as well be a response to MacMelmac above, but at the same time a comment on the blog.

    How can Trump justify an effort there if he doesn’t lift a finger for Ukraine?

    In the radio program Correspondents China, the panel agrees that it is by no means certain that Trump will support Taiwan in a conflict. Taiwan, which manufactures data chips that should be made in the USA, is a cost. At the same time, Trump is aiming for a summit with Xi Jinping. Comment: So, if one interprets Trump’s recent actions, in such a meeting Trump is sacrificing Taiwan, just as he is now sacrificing Ukraine. The difference is that Taiwan does not have an alternative partner next to the USA? Or Australia/NZ, Japan, Europe, India, and others?

    Listen from 08:15 and a few minutes onwards:
    https://www.sverigesradio.se/avsnitt/sa-dog-romansen-mellan-kina-och-usa

    Foreign Affairs also had an article about a new world order where Trump, Xi Jinping, and Putin divide the security policy sphere of interest among themselves. Over the heads of Europe and the rest of the world.

    The Rise and Fall of Great-Power Competition

    Trump’s New Spheres of Influence

    Stacie E. Goddard

    https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/trump-rise-and-fall-great-power-competition

    1. MXT

      Interesting that, like me, they are also not entirely sure what would happen if China were to attack.

      More and more people seem to be discussing that Trump wants to cooperate with Russia and China to divide the world into three parts.

  9. Fram i Natten

    ryzland should leave ENTIRE Ukraine!
    Anything else is completely unacceptable.

    Absolutely crazy to even consider letting thieves keep stolen goods!!!!

  13. T23

    I also reacted to Witkoff’s comment about Russia now “allowing” security guarantees. As if they would have anything to say about it 🤬

    The question is whether Witkoff even understood RU correctly in this? He couldn’t even name the regions RU wants to claim (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-envoy-accused-not-knowing-134001605.html). Wasn’t there also a bit of confusion the other day where he seemed to think that RU had agreed to give up a couple of areas in exchange for others, when in fact it was more about RU wanting areas they hadn’t even taken control of?

    The security guarantees from 1994 really worked out well too 🙄

     

    1. MXT

      Yes, it doesn’t even seem like everyone understands what Putin has agreed to.
      I’m borrowing the expression from the other blog, it really is a “shitshow”.

  14. MXT

    “Volodymyr Zelensky and the other European heavyweights will today demand clear answers from Donald Trump on how the USA actually stands on providing Ukraine with security guarantees in a peace deal, reports the Financial Times.

    Trump and his American counterparts have made vague statements on the issue. Trump’s colleague Steve Witkoff has said that Vladimir Putin accepts that the USA can provide such guarantees, without explicitly stating the US position on it. According to sources from Politico, Trump himself reportedly said in a phone call that the USA can provide such guarantees with some exceptions, without specifying further.

    Europe is now demanding answers on what such a promise actually means in practice if Russia attacks again. Yesterday, Zelensky wrote on X that all promises must be “very concrete” and promise protection on land, in the air, and at sea.

    On Monday, the German government also emphasizes that the USA’s role in maintaining Ukraine’s future security must be discussed in Washington today, according to Reuters. The talks will begin at 6 p.m.”

  15. MXT

    Countries in Europe are ready to send 50,000 ground troops to Ukraine to guarantee the country’s security after a peace agreement with Russia is in place. This is according to security policy sources for the Finnish evening newspaper Iltalehti.

    The forces would be led by a Western general and serve as a deterrent to ensure that Russia does not continue its illegal invasion, according to the information. The ground forces would also be supported by air and naval combat forces as well as by the USA.

    In this way, Ukraine would be guaranteed to retain its political autonomy, even if it is forced to give up a large part of its territory.

    Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen confirms that Finland will definitely provide military security guarantees to Ukraine after the war. Putin disregards agreements and military power is “the only language that Russia understands,” she tells Iltalehti.

  16. MXT

    Enormously much blood on their hands? Perhaps time to go to Russia and protest.

    “Activist Greta Thunberg is outside Norway’s largest refinery in Mongstad together with 150-200 demonstrators from Extinction Rebellion, reports the Norwegian Bergensavisen.

    The protest is directed against the state-owned oil and gas giant Equinor and the industry as a whole.

    – Norway has enormously much blood on its hands, says Thunberg in an interview with Bergensavisen.”
    https://omni.se/greta-thunberg-deltar-i-stor-oljeprotest-i-norge/a/qP5on0

      2. MXT

        I can understand that they don’t go to Russia to protest, they would end up in Siberia for life or be forced to attack with high knees in Ukraine. 

        But when one goes on and accuses Norway of having blood on their hands, I can think that there are others more suitable to jump on instead.

        The environmental movement has criticized Russia so that they never touch them is nonsense. 

        1. johan No.1

          Is this the only time they have criticized Russia well-documented or have we heard from a friend?

          they who went to Norway saying Russia has blood on its hands or like Greenpeace with clean air gas?

          1. MXT

            Since you like to blame environmentalists for serving Russia’s interests when it comes to, among other things, gas dependency:

            The Green Party’s Peter Eriksson criticized Nord Stream 1 (from Russia to Germany) as early as 2009.

            “This gives Russia the opportunity to use energy as a weapon.”

            When Nord Stream 2 was planned, environmental movements were even more vocal in their opposition. Greenpeace sued the project (and the case was dismissed by a Russian court), and WWF argued that it violated EU climate goals.

            https://mathsnilsson.se/2024/01/04/chapter-14-the-environmental-movement-and-russia/

            In an opinion piece on February 4, 2021, three representatives from the Green Party pointed out that Sweden will only truly become independent of Russia when the dependence on Russian coal, oil, and uranium ceases. They criticized the Moderates and the Liberals for ignoring the role of uranium in energy policy, which also implies a dependence on Russian energy.

            The Green Party has raised the issue that the environmental destruction committed by Russia in Ukraine should be classified as an international crime.

            Other environmental movements have criticized Russia’s illegal logging of protected forests (where IKEA, among others, was found to be involved).

            Environmental organizations like Greenpeace and WWF have expressed criticism of Russian legislation that effectively undermines environmental activism. They have pointed out that Russian laws against “foreign agents” are used to hinder independent NGOs from acting for the environment.

            Bellona, a Norwegian environmental organization, ceased its operations in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. They were recognized as an “undesirable organization” in the country, which is seen as a direct response to their scrutiny of environmental impact and oil and nuclear issues in Russia.

            WWF has documented extensive environmental destruction in Ukraine caused by the war – including habitat destruction, pollution in the air, soil, and water, as well as threats to biodiversity. The criticism was directed at the environmental consequences of the Russian military actions.

            And so on.

          2. MXT

            Regarding Greta, she has said (in connection with the pond).

            “This ecocide as a continuation of Russia’s unprovoked full‑scale invasion of Ukraine is yet another atrocity which leaves the world lost for words. Our eyes are once again on Russia who must be held accountable for their crimes.”

  17. MXT

    If it were possible to entice Trump with the Nobel Prize and thereby get him to arrange for Ukraine to regain all its land AND get Russia to return the kidnapped children AND pay compensation to Ukraine as compensation for all the killings and injuries and everything they have destroyed, I could also consider that.

    “Donald Trump’s rival in the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton, will nominate the president for the Nobel Peace Prize if he manages to end the war in Ukraine without the country having to give up territory to Russia.”
    https://omni.se/clinton-kan-nominera-trump-till-fredspriset/a/rPQape

    1. 205

      Actually the simplest conquest of the Nobel Prize.

      Start by redirecting the squadrons flying over Iran, and half the prize is already in the bag. 

  18. MXT

    Smoothest reader survey so far.
    Interesting and a little sad that very few actually believe that Europe and Ukraine will put strong pressure on Trump to do the right thing.

  19. johan No.1

    Safety guarantees – Ukraine already has several from Russia as well.

    Maybe someone should remind Krasnov?

    The upside – possible that Putin pressured Krasnov too hard so he burned himself.

    but Europe decides that

  20. 205

    “In Sumy region, the enemy has, so to speak, suffered defeat. Despite the fact that a truly powerful group of the best Russian units was concentrated there – paratroopers, marines, and the best motorized rifle units of the ground forces – the enemy has not had any success in the last two months. On the contrary, it has lost several settlements. And its latest attempt to advance in the Steppne and Novokostiantynivka area ended in complete failure – the invaders were destroyed and pushed back across the state border. And now we are continuing our offensive operations there.”

    Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, August 18, 2025

  22. MXT

    Off-Topic
    So Anne Frank’s diary is too woke?
    I saw that they also tried to stop The Handmaid’s Tale, but they had to back down.
    Apparently, tens of thousands of books have been censored in the country that claims to be the freest in the world.
    The USA will stagnate.

    “In connection with the start of a new school year, hundreds of titles are also being removed from school libraries and classrooms in American Florida, reports The Guardian. Among other things, “Anne Frank’s Diary” is being taken off the shelves. It has become increasingly common for literature to be banned in the USA, and the latest wave of purges in Florida comes after the state’s school board threatened Hillsborough County’s school district with legal action if “pornographic” titles are not put away.”
    https://omni.se/anne-franks-dagbok-forbjuds-i-skolor-i-florida/a/o30o4V

  24. MXT

    I wonder if Trump is trying to do like Nixon, drive a wedge between Russia and China. Putin is playing along and letting him believe it’s possible while it will never happen. Russia is completely dependent on China (even more so now that they have driven their economy into the ground). Russia will never risk falling out of favor with them.

    Then of course there is also the possibility for the US to benefit from Russia’s natural resources and try to get a piece of the pie by contributing to the exploitation of minerals, oil, and gas, but I think it’s just something Putin is dangling as a lure, in the end it won’t amount to much when Putin gets what he wants. China wouldn’t accept the US having much control over the assets either.

    The fact that we don’t hear anything from China is probably because Putin has already made it clear to them that it’s just a show and that he’s simply using Trump to achieve his goals.

    Russia is a large country, but economically it’s on par with Italy or Texas, and today it’s heading downhill because of the war. Russia has no power to help the US crush China even if they wanted to. What can they do? Stop selling oil to them?

    It’s easy for Russian propaganda to proclaim Europe and the US as the decadent archenemies. It won’t go over well to ally with the US. It’s not that Trump is praised for helping Russia, rather he is now portrayed as weak and Putin as the strong man forcing everyone to do as he pleases.

    If Trump’s goal is to go after China, he has chosen the completely wrong path.

    Europe and the US are almost equally powerful, now Trump is making enemies with Europe through his tariffs and by throwing Ukraine under the bus when instead, through cooperation, we could have a chance to challenge China. If China is the main adversary, Trump is on the verge of shooting himself in the foot.

    Then there is the scenario that Trump is trying to create a trinity where Russia, China, and the US will divide the world among themselves.

    If that’s the idea, one can also understand China’s silence.

    I still think it sounds like a strange plan. If he intended to divide the world between the US and China, it would be easier to understand, but Russia? They really have nothing to offer.

    He would rather work to have Ukraine completely defeat Russia with the help of the US, with the condition that the US gets Russia and then possibly give some of it to China to strengthen relations. Then he could also earn much more from the natural resources. If he wants to divide the world into three spheres, Europe would rather be the third party, not Russia.

    Then there are Johan’s thoughts, that Trump simply wants to disrupt Europe so they could make big money off us. But would they? Wouldn’t it rather be a risk of decreased income? Sure, we would probably need to buy more weapons, but at the same time, we would need to cut back and invest less in other areas. It could fit in with the idea of the US cooperating with China and Russia to divide the world, but it doesn’t quite fit if the main enemy is China.

    I think Trump is on the verge of being deceived by Putin and Xi, or there may really be something behind the suspicions of strong ties between Putin and Trump and that it has nothing to do with China.

    Or he is simply very, very eager for a Nobel Peace Prize and will do anything to stop the war, even if he has to give away the whole of Ukraine to Putin.

    1. johan No.1

      USA yes, there applies your enemy’s enemy.

      Trump is Krasnov, there is no other explanation.

      The only explanation would be that USA is Krasnov 😳

      2. MXT

        Yes, I actually start to believe that it’s that simple, can’t really see any logic in what he’s doing otherwise.
        Then exactly why he is Krasnov, I can’t be bothered to think about that much.

        1. Lasse W

          Well, I don’t believe in this Krasnov thing either. But it’s time for the EU to take a stand against Trump and not be afraid to cool down the relationship. Straight talk please. Like: your crawling to Russia is not acceptable from our point of view. Come on, Mr. Trump, when you understand where the democratic world stands.

        2. johan No.1

          No, why we have KRASNOV remains to be understood and how much the USA as a country is on board.

          But that Trump and Putin are playing on the same team is indisputable to me, and then we must view all moves in that light.

      3. CB500four

        When you see what he has done so far, Krasnov’s thing is probably reasonable, with orders directly from Putin. Let’s see how the meeting tonight goes.

  25. MXT

    His choice of clothing could thus determine the future of Ukraine?

    “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will wear a suit during Monday’s meeting with US President Donald Trump. This is reported by two sources familiar with the matter to Axios.

    According to the sources, it is the same suit he wore during the NATO summit in June. The choice of clothing would be appreciated and a “good sign for peace.” However, according to Axios’ sources, Zelensky will not wear a tie.

    – It would be very good if he wore a tie, but we do not expect it,” says one source.”

    1. MXT

      I think it’s supposed to start at 7 pm, then they will probably continue for a few hours.

      Unless Zelenskyy is immediately criticized because they don’t like his choice of clothes.

      Maybe the White House has already set it up as a plan to be able to discredit the whole delegation?
      “NONE of them had Trump’s golden shoes, Europe mocks us!”

      1. johan No.1

        Great, then it will arrive here in the afternoon 👍

        We’ll see what Trump + Vance come up with, it will take a lot for them to dare to stand up and scold all of Europe’s top leaders.

  35. MXT

    ⚡️Russian gasoline prices hit record highs after drone strikes shut refineries. Russia, one of the world’s largest energy producers, relies heavily on oil exports to fund its full-scale war against Ukraine.”

    1. johan No.1

      The intensity of this is now as high as when UA bombed raff the most earlier.

      The flamingo is a bit of light signaling politics too 😀

  38. johan No.1

    I do not feel that Kristersson’s summary of where Europe’s leaders stand is sufficient.

    Is there anything positive in this mess?

    Everyone is traveling to the USA with Zelensky?

    Has Trump gone too far even within the USA in his attempts to please Putin?

  39. MXT

    Usch, how stupid we are! 😂

    “In a post on Truth Social ahead of tonight’s meeting with Zelensky and other European leaders, Donald Trump lashes out at his critics. Trump claims to have solved six wars in six months and writes that he still has to read criticism of his actions regarding the Ukraine war in media such as the Wall Street Journal. ‘I know exactly what I’m doing, and I don’t need advice from people who have been dealing with all these conflicts for years and have never been able to end them.’ The critics are ‘stupid’ and hinder the negotiations, the president adds.”

    https://omni.se/a/mPJmnE

    1. johan No.1

      He is not wrong in saying that Biden/Sullivan did not want the war to end quickly and that Europe’s leaders have been more than a little invisible.

      But that does not justify his actions in any way – he is at the top now and owns this.

      1. CB500four

        Yes, he “holds the cards” because of Europe’s weakness.

        If we had the strength and determination, it would have been us holding the cards, and been able to end this in the only way that is right, that the attacker backs down.

        Trump had the opportunity to choose the right path to peace, but his ego and the devil in Moscow have deceived him.

  40. MXT

    Zelenskyy reiterates that they do not intend to give up the country.👍

    I wish the meeting was live-streamed. I can imagine a bright red (orange?) Trump starting to nag about his cards again when Zelenskyy, for the fifty-first time, refuses to give in.

    “It is impossible to give up Ukrainian territory to Russia. That’s what Ukrainian President Zelensky tells Fox News ahead of tonight’s meeting with Trump and European leaders, the channel writes on X. Zelensky is in Washington and previously met with American Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg.”It was the first meeting in this format, and it is of great importance,” the president writes on X, but does not provide details on what was discussed. Also present at the meeting with Trump are European leaders Keir Starmer (UK), Emmanuel Macron (France), Friedrich Merz (Germany), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Alexander Stubb (Finland), Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission), and Mark Rutte (NATO).”

      1. MXT

        Also, of course, but if he were to give in the slightest, they would pounce on it immediately and then the negotiation about what he might give up begins. Then half the battle would already be lost.

        It’s crucial that he resists and refuses to discuss it, not even hypothetically.

          1. CB500four

            He must drive the same style as Ry, and also Trump, demand everything and a little more, and then back off to what he really wants, but no longer.

  42. MXT

    At 12 tonight, Zelenskyy is apparently scheduled to be interviewed by Fox.

    Johan, will you cover this and put together a summary and analysis?

    1. johan No.1

      I’m trying to follow this, either I’ll send a post with this or nothing will come and then you’ll have to check the comments in today’s post.

      It’s a bit much here at work too for a change.

    2. johan No.1

      By the way, do you see what I see?

      FOX, which is the breastwork for Trump/GOP, gives Zelensky a chance to tell his version to the whole world.

        1. MacMelmac

          After the Trump/Clinton election, an evaluation of the media was made. I distinctly remember that Fox was the most balanced and criticized both sides. If that is true (and not something I dreamed), it is a serious decline of that channel.

  43. johan No.1

    Is anyone seeing any urgency from Putin here?

    I don’t think I see that, but rather that his offensive operations are increasing.

    However, it seems like “someone” has put a blowtorch under Trump because he is more than visibly stressed.

  44. johan No.1

    Now a first RUMOR has emerged.

    That Europe is ready to completely stop buying US government debt if Trump gets too close to Putin.

    Game on Krasnov 💥💥💥

     

    1. MXT

      Right now, only Trump and Zelenskyy are being interviewed.

      Good question from the journalist. Zelenskyy says that Russia, who started the war, can end it at any time, Trump, on the other hand, says that Ukraine can end the war at any time. Which is true.

      Trump dodged

      —

      Zelenskyy is asked if he is willing to continue sending soldiers to die in the war or if he is willing to refrain from land. He also dodged quite nicely..

  48. johan No.1

    Allt är Bidens fault, mail-in ballots are fraud – probably soon something about the victory perfume and gold shoes where you can buy them.

    2. Umlaut

      What the hell did I see? It was about 80% about how bad Biden was, and the remaining about how great Trump himself is, how awful the Democrats are, and how the USA has given away 300 billion (lie).

      1. MXT

        Yes, there wasn’t much about Ukraine. A little at the beginning and at the end. Quite amateurish actually. Halfway decent sound, people shouting out loud.

        I give it half a 🥕 out of 10 and it was Zelensky’s merit.

    3. TikkaT3x

      Rumors claim that Zelensky and the entire European entourage have completely bathed in fight fight fight cologne. Vance, true to his habit, wore Hugo Boss and will be thrown out by Trump.

  49. johan No.1

    Conclusion: Trump has backed off significantly, guessing that all European leaders coming made it more difficult.

    Zelensky performed exemplarily – zero mistakes.

    Now we’ll see round two with the Europeans in golden shoes and victory perfume and then the aftermath.

    BUT

    None of this matters if Putin doesn’t do what’s necessary, right?

    What did Putin take away from this – that Europe is starting to unite perhaps?

  51. johan No.1

    Goodness gracious, Zelensky really laid it on thick with compliments towards Trump, “stroking with the grain” has taken on a whole new meaning.

  52. johan No.1

    The costume handler was there apologizing, Zelensky said “I changed but you’re wearing the same suit.”

    Zelensky is quite quick-witted, one must admit 🤣🤣

  54. johan No.1

    Now comes the meeting with Europe’s heavyweights, the photo was just taken with everyone.

    Again – for Putin, that couldn’t have been much fun, could it?

  57. johan No.1

    A large table – all EU leaders with Trump in the middle.

    Will call Putin directly after the meeting.

    Trump completely showers Europe’s leaders with compliments, he practically praises us as living legends.

    Hey Jari – Trump has actually acknowledged that Stubb is a man of worth and is there because the USA wants it.

    “changes of territory” is included as a point 😐

    Zel and Putin say three-party meeting.

    Putin has told Trump – “no ceasefire”, he keeps nagging about it in every other sentence.

    What is most important now and we have not seen yet – will Ukraine have to give up land or not.

  58. johan No.1

    Merz is the only one who pushes Trump a little bit and Trump let it slide.

    All you’ve seen is smoke.

    Putin’s offensive is in full swing and Ukraine is backing down, and no one is willing to stop Putin by force.

    That Zelensky has to give up land to not ruin the good atmosphere is of course also there.

  59. johan No.1

    Meloni is interesting as a politician, with a high level of integrity but in a way that does not create conflict, lots of gesticulating.

  60. johan No.1

    Something positive is that Europe is in the USA and for the first time Ukraine is taken seriously.

    All leaders have really had to sharpen up – almost the adult table at dinner this.

  61. johan No.1

    hahahaha, Trump declares that this is the first time so many European leaders have come to the US president.

    Stubb, by the way, had to finish among the leaders, Trump almost forgot him but Stubb is exceptionally professional, one must admit.

    Also the only leader to whom Trump gave a thumbs up.

  62. johan No.1

    There will be no post tomorrow – wrote here instead and watching the reporting from the meeting.

    Trump concludes by praising the media 🧐

  66. T23

    Donald Trump seizes on an issue that Ukraine has not held elections since the war broke out. He jokes that he can stay on as president:

    ‘If we are at war in three and a half years, do we also not need to hold elections?’ says Trump, looking at Zelensky and laughing.

    Don’t give him any silly ideas now! 😬

  67. MXT

    Trump temporarily interrupted the meeting to call Putin, something he had said he would do only after the meeting. I wonder what the discussion was about at that moment that prompted him to do so.

  68. MXT

    “Trump has interrupted the meeting with the European leaders at the White House to call Putin, report the German newspapers Bild and Spiegel. The meeting is said to resume after the call, according to the reports. The call has not been confirmed by the White House or the Kremlin. However, just before 11 p.m., sources in Ukraine’s delegation told the BBC that the talks with Trump and the other European leaders are finished, but they continue between him and Zelensky. A planned Fox News interview with Zelensky has also been canceled, according to the sources. The closed-door talks began shortly before 9:30 p.m. During a press conference before that, Trump said he would call Putin after the meeting.”

  69. MXT

    Congo

    “At least 52 civilians have been killed by rebels from the Islamist group ADF, armed with machetes and hoes, in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports Reuters. ‘When they arrived, they first woke up the residents, gathered them in one place, tied them up with ropes, and then began massacring them,’ said Macaire Sivikunula, a regional director, to the news agency.”

    https://omni.se/a/EyGVxG

  72. 205

    Zelenskyy just answered Ukrainian journalists’ questions in Washington DC. It is noticeable that he can’t say much, but he seems calm and satisfied with the meeting overall. Here are the key points:

    – This was the best meeting we’ve had with Trump.
    – Security guarantees are the key issue and the starting point for ending the war.
    – The U.S. will be a participant in security guarantees for Ukraine. I can’t go into details, but it’s important that a political decision has been made.
    – Russia first proposed a bilateral meeting between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and then a trilateral one.
    – Point number two: the return of children. The First Lady of America, and everyone, will get involved in the return of children. The U.S. President will also help me with an ‘all for all’ exchange.(meaning PoWs and civilians)
    – We don’t know the details of the bilateral meeting. With the U.S., we discussed that all sides must demonstrate a desire to end the war. This is a diplomatic meeting at the leader level. If Russian side shows no such desire, we will act accordingly.
    – I believe we should meet without any conditions. Because if we start demanding a ceasefire beforehand, Russia will start making a hundred other demands.
    – We are confident that the war will end. It’s important to us that this is not just a pause in the fighting, but real peace that can be protected by security guarantees.
    – The question of territories is a question we will leave for me and Putin.
    – The American weapons package includes, first and foremost, planes, air defense systems, and so on. There’s a package worth $90 billion that is part of security guarantees (EU expected to finance this)
    – No unacceptable decisions were made.
    – The details of the security guarantees will be worked out within 10 days.
    https://x.com/bohuslavskakate/status/1957588803385749640?s=46

  73. 205

    1/ Thread✍️

    🧵https://x.com/anno1540/status/1957432821120680373?s=46

     

    Hi, I found an article on Facebook from a friend:

    – I was given permission to post it here: Read, feel free to comment, retweet… —- By: Peter Gilchrist Branshøj

    https://www.facebook.com/share/14EqQ6H1bqz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    – Dear friends, fellow human beings and defenders of justice,

    Today we gather to express our unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people – a people who are fighting heroically for their freedom, their independence and their right to live in peace.

     

    My speech today at the Monday Movement in Mark…

    Dear friends, fellow human beings and defenders of justice,

    Today we gather to express our unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people – a people who are fighting heroically for their freedom, their independence and their right to live in peace. Ukraine’s struggle is not just a fight for a country; it is a fight for the fundamental values we all must uphold: democracy, justice, and human dignity. But today we must also take a stand against those who, through their double-dealing and opportunism, undermine this struggle – and I am specifically referring to Donald Trump and his shameful stance on this issue.

    Let us first talk about Ukraine. Since the invasion began over three and a half years ago, the Ukrainian people have endured indescribable suffering. Their homes have been bombed, their families torn apart, and their future threatened by a brutal aggressor. Yet, they have shown a strength and courage that inspires the whole world. They are not just fighting for their own sovereignty, but for a world where no nation should have to bow to a dictator’s whims. Their struggle is our struggle, and we must never turn our gaze away from their suffering or their heroism.

    But in the midst of this crisis, we also see betrayal from those who should stand for leadership. Donald Trump, who once had the power to influence world politics, has chosen to play a dangerous double game. His statements, where one moment he claims to want to “resolve the conflict quickly” and the next refuses to take a clear stand against Russia’s aggression, are not just pathetic – they are deeply harmful. His flirtation with authoritarian leaders and his unwillingness to condemn Putin’s actions reveal a man who puts personal gain and political points ahead of principles like freedom and justice. Let’s speak plainly: not standing up for Ukraine is indirectly siding with the oppressor. Trump’s double standards are a disgrace and a mockery to all those who sacrifice their lives for freedom.

    We cannot let such leaders – or rather, such lack of leadership – silence our voice or weaken our support. Ukraine needs us now more than ever. We must offer humanitarian aid, welcome those fleeing the war, and press our own governments to provide Ukraine with the resources they need to defend their country. We must also continue to speak out about their struggle, so the world never forgets what is at stake.

    Let us remember that peace is not just about the end of war – it is about justice prevailing. Sustainable peace can only be achieved when Ukraine’s independence is respected and those who have committed crimes against humanity are held accountable. We stand with Ukraine, not just for their sake, but because their struggle is a reminder of what happens when we let opportunists like Trump and his ilk look away from oppression.

    So let us today send a clear message to the Ukrainian people: You are not alone. We see you. We hear you. We stand with you. And to those playing a double game, like Trump, we say: Shame on you! Your cowardice and indifference will be judged by history. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is a fight for all of us, for freedom knows no boundaries. Together, we can hope for a future where justice and peace prevail – not just in Ukraine, but in the whole world.

    Glory to Ukraine! Honor to Ukraine!

    Thank you.

  75. 205

     

    N Slobozhansky-Kursk 7
    S Slobozhansky 10💥
    Kupyansk 10💥
    Lyman 26💥💥↗️
    Siverskyi 4
    Kramatorsk 4
    Toretsk 6
    Pokrovsk 67💥💥💥↗️
    Novopavlivka 29💥💥
    Huliaypillia 0
    Orikhivsk 2
    Dnipro/Prydniprovsky 7

    Operational information as of 08:00 on 19.08.2025 regarding the Russian invasion

    Over the past day, the aviation, missile forces, and artillery of the Defense Forces struck four areas of concentration of personnel, weapons, and military equipment, four artillery systems, and two enemy command posts.

     

    In the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked 26 times, trying to advance in the areas of the settlements of Ridkodub, Hrekivka, Dibrova, Karpivka, Myrne, and towards the settlements of Stepove, Cherneshyna, Drobysheve, and Yampil.

     

    In the Pokrovsk direction, our defenders stopped 67 assaults and offensive actions by the aggressor in the areas of the settlements of Dorozhne, Fedorivka, Nikanorivka, Mayak, Rodynske, Novoekonomichne, Chervonyi Lyman, Promin, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetsk, Novoukrainka, Chunyishyne, Volodymyrivka, Dachne, Lysivka, and in the direction of the settlement of Balagan.

     

    In the Novopavlivka direction, the enemy attacked our positions 29 times in the areas of the settlements of Zirka, Vilne Pole, Voskresenka, Shevchenko, Novodarivka, Olgivske, Novopil, Zelenе Pole, Maliivka, Shevchenko, and in the direction of Oleksandrohrad and Komyshuvakha.

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