It seems we are over the power crisis this time, and last winter it was the Baltics that disconnected from RU, so the damn Russians are becoming increasingly isolated.
It is VERY difficult now to unravel all the twists and turns around Trump, but it SEEMS like he has ordered a complete halt to everything going to Ukraine, orders, contracts, in the air and in the depot in Poland – however, I don’t dare to jump on this yet because it is RUMINT at its best.
One of the biggest injustices in this war is when Trump goes off saying “this war will go on forever, no side can win.”
In 2022, Ukraine could have settled this with VDV in Kherson but was not allowed to, in 2023 they could have invaded Russia but were not allowed, and only in 2024 were they allowed to seriously combat the oil infrastructure.
Western weapons were not allowed to be used across borders at all, and Russian volunteers crossing the border with FN FAL as a personal weapon generated a diplomatic protest from Belgium in 2023.
Most of this was the USA – they also revealed Ukraine’s offensive plans to Russia in 2023, forced them to attack in the most fortified area, according to NATO doctrine, and stopped delivering supplies as thanks for the completed offensive.
Putin has been on artificial respiration from the West since the summer of 2022 😲
It is among other things that make me convinced that Trump has an agenda because otherwise, he could have also seen that Ukraine could win in half a year.
The fastest way to peace is if Russia gives up, right?
I didn’t feel it was worth putting anything together before Trump “revealed everything” in his speech, and then it would be too late for me to adjust – time difference and all that.
It’s completely hopeless with his statements right now, and it hasn’t escaped anyone that he slapped tariffs on Canada, 25%. And then a bit later they are supposed to be removed the day after.
A little history lesson – this is exactly how The Great Depression started, tariffs upon tariffs until everything collapsed.
The speech was the century’s nothing-burger, and my worries were greatly put to shame.
Did Zelensky’s “apology letter” influence Trump’s speech – who knows 😀
But Zelensky made sure to send it (post it on X) before Trump’s speech in any case.
Now Zelensky is going to the USA again, but this time with Starmer and King-Macron. Zelensky has written his “apology letter” to Trump, according to Trump, but of course, it wasn’t that.
The “mineral deal” is a poorly written statement of intent with no real commitments for Ukraine, so risk-free.
And Zelensky has come up with a counteroffer, which perhaps is Starmer’s and Macron’s counteroffer with Zelensky’s input – “a one-month ceasefire in the AIR and on the WATER.”
The quick-witted immediately realize that it doesn’t affect UA’s ground offensive at all.
Then the question is, what does AIR encompass, drones, FAB, artillery?
Presumably, no robots, no strategic drones, and no aircraft.
Russia will not be able to sustain this for more than a few days, and since such things are seen on radar, this is essentially a trap for Russia, so there is a low probability that Trump thinks this is a good idea, but we’ll see.
Yes, it is a good strategy by the West to try to push this back onto Russia now, and by Zelensky promising to sign the mineral deal, apologizing to Trump, and making the first hard offer regarding a ceasefire, this SHOULD now be back to Trump/Putin, and Trump SHOULD accept this. Because those are the points he actually set as his criteria.
But now this is Trump, and anything can really happen, the man is completely shameless and never further away than a mid-morning coffee from betraying his own mother for a few pesos.
Trump HAS managed to harm Ukraine, the parliament has written a letter.
There have been attempts at a vote of no confidence.
And Zelensky has really changed his tone.
If you’re like me, a bit older, you know that it gets easier with age to swallow humiliation and play your role, but I think this was a real struggle for Zelensky. Trump is really dragging the country of Ukraine through the mud right now in the worst way. He should get the Nobel Prize just for not knocking out JD Vance in the meeting – self-control like a Zen monk.
Very clever of Ukraine though – don’t apologize but agree to a ceasefire if it’s in the air and water, and sign any damn statement of intent, blank paper is fine.
What do you think is central to everything Trump is doing right now?
Well – Trump needs to stop Ukraine on the ground because that’s where Putin is getting hurt right now.
If there’s one thing Putin should absolutely demand from Trump, it’s that Ukraine doesn’t continue to attack as they are doing now.
On the contrary, Starmer and Macron have met Ukraine halfway and only stop things that don’t disrupt their offensive.
A common thread in the past two weeks is that the USA has been very tough on Ukraine and not at all on Russia. A legitimate peace negotiator would reasonably try to find some kind of balance, but we have probably accepted on some level that Trump is not a legitimate peace negotiator and actively favors Russia.
We have long established that the USA is not our friend, and now probably 40 million Ukrainians feel that the USA is not their friend either.
Biden was doing the same scolding, just not in front of the cameras, he tried to balance it a bit more elegantly. Zelensky used to look quite battered after his meetings with Biden, and the NATO meeting in 2023 was a low point 😐
In Sweden, we learned back in the 80s and 90s not to blame the victims in that huge discussion about women’s clothing and alcohol consumption being mitigating circumstances for rape, and we got it right.
Then things got a bit twisted when trying to explain the reasons for certain new groups’ rapes and that one should then understand that certain behaviors and styles of dress in women invite it, and that it should be a mitigating circumstance – but we’ll solve this eventually.
Anyway – the world hasn’t made that journey twice yet, and Ukraine is constantly blamed while the perpetrator Putin is peppered with mitigating circumstances.
But what the USA is doing now – does it benefit the USA as a country?
Because that’s what it should do, right?
I see the following downsides with the USA’s actions, and I’m not an economist but a civil engineer in the port industry.
-The US defense industry will not be able to sell anything to the EU/West. Threats to ban the use of US weapons have already been made by representatives and have not gone unnoticed by the West. Previously, Biden stopped F-16s, Abrams, and Gripens, for example, so nothing new but much more openly and threatening now.
-The USA will face higher inflation from punitive tariffs on imports – 25% directly to the customer. Yes, Trump envisions that manufacturers in the USA will then be able to sell cheaper, but is everything really manufactured in the USA so there are substitutes?
-The USA will have difficulty selling its products when counter-tariffs are introduced because their products will become 25% more expensive, and the EU and China have substitutes.
-The USA is losing its influence in the West/EU; no one is listening or caring anymore.
-The USA is losing an important market in Ukraine. Ukraine, after all, could have traded those $500 billion worth of metals to kick out Russia any day and then given the USA a lot of reconstruction contracts, which countries like Turkey will now receive, and most likely also China.
-China is getting closer to the EU.
-China is gaining influence in Ukraine.
To be honest, I only see downsides for the USA as a country here.
If we take the reasoning further – even if the USA completely disregards the EU and Ukraine, the constant mantra is still “America First.” Is the USA really putting itself first here, doing what is best for the USA?
So the “negotiation” that Trump is currently carrying out, if it doesn’t benefit the USA – then who does it benefit?
Russia has already lost the war because the EU has taken the lead, provided that the USA does not actively prevent the EU from acting, but that line has not been crossed yet.
If this was a simple attempt by Trump to save Russia, it has clearly failed, and I think everyone understands that.
Are there even any theories that Trump is trying to benefit China here 😀
Also, I want to point out one more thing –
Representatives in the USA are now strongly criticizing the EU for trying to fill the void.
Russia and China also want to fill the void; does the USA strongly oppose them?
The US foreign policy has truly made a 180-degree turn.
I also think that the US Military-Industrial Complex and defense force smell just as much of a scam as Russia. They spend obscene amounts on equipment and troops but do not have the defense force they should have on paper at all. Then the costs for a missile, artillery shell, and other things are orders of magnitude higher than for Ukraine, China, Russia, and now even the EU – mostly a big scam.
I’m starting to come to the end with the USA here, but it’s very difficult not to get back into it because of what Trump is constantly doing. I have several posts in progress, but I always get stuck in this.
This is probably the funniest thing the Brits have come up with since sliced bread – Trump’s state visit has been downgraded to a lunch with Prince Andrew 🤣
Rumor or not, it is said that Trump will meet Putin in “a few weeks.”
Now it’s rumored that Macron is taking the lead, King-Macron, and that he is preparing a sensible peace proposal.
We’ll see, but isn’t it significant that all three are going to the USA?
Macron and Starmer are backing up their buddy Zelensky, maybe not the toughest guys in the class, but the ones you want on your side right now.
If you liked the post, feel free to share it on your channels,
If you want to have a fun comment section that is really picking up and is no longer just me talking about it on Bluesky– johanno1.se. I recommend everyone who still comments on Substack or on Bluesky to comment in that thread instead; then your grandchildren will read your historical archive and start liking you.
On Substack, you are very welcome to become paying subscribers, and it’s great to see that some find it worth reading, appreciating all the work put into this and taking the step to subscribe 👍
For all of you already following the site – don’t forget that a paid subscription is just a click away.
https://bsky.app/profile/johanno1.bsky.social
And when you have subscribed to Substack, it’s the Swedish rescuers, those I have been in contact with who quietly continue to deliver supplies to Ukraine. You don’t see them constantly on social media where they advertise a lot because they are working instead to support Ukraine.
Don't forget to donate, Ukraine's cause is ours! Support Ukraine!
NOTE: Those of you who do NOT want to allow automatic translation of your comments, please go to your profile page and set it.
Hover over your name at the top right, select edit profile, and you will then find the setting under the language settings heading.
Should we start a competition to be the first here as well?
I prefer to focus on Ukraine and donate in silence.
As always, the majority gets to decide, but my vote is no.
For the love of dogs, NOOOOO! 😂
Do not bring the *worst* misfits from TheGreatWriter’s site here.
That’s where it *starts*, but just wait, soon people will start writing poems and small allegories, defending Biden, babbling ignorantly and emotionally about domestic politics, starting wars over crap in the threads, and then probably fkn BenDover… (is he alive?)
And that’s why we can’t have nice things.
But, joking aside, I certainly do NOT intend to tell people how it SHOULD be. I just wanted to highlight some of the things I find fresh? pleasant? uplifting? not to find here.
Sorry, too late! Biden is king! 😉
🙂
Oh, you naughty naughty boy… 😂
I have no problem with it, I think all ways that can help to bring in donations are good.
But maybe we should try to find another way, I will think about if we can come up with some other form of competition.
In any case, we need to set up a page with organizations to donate to.
It sounds like a very good alternative. I understand that it can be a bit different from the concept of “many small streams”, but sometimes more specialized organizations can increase generosity and create “leaps” that provide more value for the money.
If you want to compete, there’s already Cornucopia. It’s better that a new site has something of its own.
Swish me and I’ll send everything directly to the hungry children, I promise 👍
No thanks!
Well written Johan! I would like to correct you on one point:
25% customs duty does not result in a 25% higher direct price for the customer.
The final price consists of labor, rent, transportation, etc.
Let’s say that 20% of the price you pay in the store is the cost price of the item (varies, of course, with the product), then the duty results in a 5% increase in the final price.
Thank you Maggan, well explained and simple.
On the other hand, tariffs can affect a product in several stages (in production costs, etc). Agriculture? Tariffs on fuel, machinery, fertilizers, seeds… Electricity (after Canada’s countermeasures) – and we see how various energy taxes hit hard in Sweden today (we rarely think about how hard they hit the final price of the product at the consumer level).
Yes, or as in the case of the automotive industry in northern USA: during the manufacturing of a car, the American-Canadian border is crossed up to 7-8 times during assembly. It amounts to an extra 8-9000 dollars per car, someone had calculated. Across the entire automotive industry, they are talking about cost increases of 4000-10000 dollars per car.
Take Weber as an example.
They assemble their grills in the USA, but much is produced in China or Europe. They will become more expensive for Americans, but even more expensive for European customers if we impose counter-tariffs.
Weber will thus lose market share in Europe at the expense of European brands. The USA loses and Europe wins.
Now the automotive industry has been given an extra month to be able to build aluminum mines, smelters, factories for building engines, etc.
Isn’t a month a little generous 🙄
Oh my, a whole month of risk of making people slack off!
However, it is not the case that some parts of the chain up to the consumer have markups as a percentage of the item’s price.
I am not an economist 😭
The Russian losses on 2025-03-06
1140 KIA
5 Tanks
7 APVs
21 Artillery systems
2 Anti-Aircraft systems
80 UAVs
94 Vehicles & Fuel tanks
Glory to Ukraine!
https://bsky.app/profile/matsextrude.bsky.social/post/3ljor5iyuc22p
Update from 08.00 on 06.03.2025 regarding the Russian invasion.
A total of 109 combat actions were recorded during the past 24 hours.
Yesterday, the enemy🇷🇺 carried out three missile attacks with four missiles and 85 air strikes, including 121 drones, against Ukrainian🇺🇦 positions and populated areas. Additionally, the enemy↗️🥲🇷🇺 conducted more than four thousand attacks, of which 144 were from multiple-launch rocket systems, and used 2,547 kamikaze drones for the attacks.
Over the last 24 hours, the Ukrainian🇺🇦 defense forces’ air, missile, and artillery units targeted 16 areas with concentrations of personnel and equipment, a command and control center, and an electronic warfare station belonging to the Russian🇷🇺 attackers.
#Kharkiv 6
#Kupyansk 3
#Lyman 10💥↗️
#Kramatorsk 9💥↗️
#Toretsk 21💥
#Pokrovsk 18💥
#Novopavlivka 8
#Huliaipil 1
#Orikhivsk 4
In the Kharkiv sector, our troops repelled six hostile attacks in the Vovchansk area and ### towards Petro-Ivanivka.
Three attacks from occupiers took place in the Kupyansk sector yesterday. Ukrainian defense forces repelled the enemy’s assaults near Holubivka and Zahryzove.
In the Liman sector, the enemy launched ten attacks. They attempted to advance near Novomykhailivka and Novoye.
Nine firefights were registered in the Kramatorsk sector in the areas of Chasovyi Yar, Oleksandr-Shultyno, and Predtechyno.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy carried out 21 attacks near Toretsk, Dachne, Krymske, and Diliyivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, our defenders halted 18 of the attacker’s offensives in the areas of Yelizavetivka, Promin, Pishchane, Kotlyne, Kotlyarivka, Serhiivka, Bohdanivka, and Andriivka.
In the Novopavlivka sector, the Ukrainian armed forces thwarted eight attacks against our troops’ positions near Kostiantynopil, Razdolne, Skudne, and Burlatske.
In the Huliaipil sector, the intruders launched an attack towards Vilne Pole.
In the Orikhivsk sector, our defenders successfully repelled four hostile attacks towards Kamianske, Pavlivka, and Lobkove.
In the operational area in the Kursk region, units of the Ukrainian defense forces repelled 27 attacks from Russian attackers in the last 24 hours. Additionally, the enemy carried out 35 air raids with 46 guided bombs and 380 artillery attacks on Ukrainian troops’ positions and settlements, including ten from multiple rocket systems.
The enemy did not conduct any active operations in the Siverskyi and Prydniprovskyi sectors.
No signs of hostile offensive groups were detected in the Volyn and Polissya sectors.
Thank you for the 205, 46th FAB in one day is a good decrease.
2547 kamikaze drones is quite a lot. When you watch all the movies, you get the impression that it’s a win-every-time as our hotdog-eating neighbors would have said. The question is whether the accuracy is more on par with when you’re trying to play darts after ten beers.
Yes, that doesn’t sound unlikely. And one hardly shows films from drones that have gotten stuck in a treetop. Unless it’s from the other side. The same goes for electronic warfare.
Like a Russian Somme today, damn they’re getting a beating 💥💥💥💥💥
Trump’s downgraded British state visit was actually a joke (he was supposed to eat pizza at a budget chain with Prince Andrew, like…) but it was wonderful…
Some of that is needed in a time when one takes a long deep breath before having the energy to read the morning news.
Synd, would have been incredibly fun otherwise!
Some jokes are needed to be able to keep your head above water.
Oh no 😲
I hope that it gave the British royal family some ideas ..!
What does Trump have left in his “harm Ukraine” box? Well, it’s probably the sanctions against Russia that can be removed. Everything else seems to have already been done. Possibly to threaten Europe even more.
Regarding “intelligence sharing,” I am considering whether it will not be difficult for Ukraine to rotate and protect its air force without receiving the “early warnings” that the USA has helped Ukraine with. In other words, they know when Russian planes take off. They receive information about their flight paths and possibly even when they launch their missiles.
It can happen by supporting Russia economically, for example by starting to import larger quantities from them. It will provoke anger but there’s nothing anyone can do about it. He can start sharing intelligence with Russia so they have full control over Ukraine’s troop movements, etc. (it will probably happen in secret so he can also avoid criticism).
Good points there about EW and the Russian air force. It can make a big difference if you can be warned in good time.
Administration that seems unable to think more than one step ahead may be guiding Russian fighter jets to take out UA’s F16. Let’s hope that MIC has pointed out to Trump that it would not be good marketing.
Japp – Trump has now fired both barrels of the shotgun and has no more bullets left.
Thank you for great posts!
Hard to avoid Trump, although the best would actually be to ignore him as much as possible.
I feared the worst when Trump won the election and he has not disappointed me, he has really delivered!
You can simply trust Trump! 😂
You have really changed, were very praising of Trump before, if I remember correctly.
Sorry for my ignorance, but what does “MIC” mean?
Military Industrial Complex, I believe that MIC, along with the arms lobby and the pharmaceutical industry, is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the USA.
Thank you, then my guess was decent.
Missed tech, they are now guaranteed the largest in any case
If they intend to continue being one of the strongest lobbying groups, it is probably high time for them to start lobbying.
Hmm, not Myanmar Indian Congress then 😳..?
haha, yes you guessed better than Lynx who thought it was Myanmar International Congress 🤣
Not good with abbreviations, I know…
This puzzle points to a dystopian but strategically coherent development where authoritarian forces, led by criminal actors, are shaping a new global order through economic collapse, manipulation, and control over technology. Here is a possible analysis of the scenario:
1. **Criminality as a governance model**
Authoritarian leaders have become criminals rather than ideologists, and they govern through a mafia-like logic rather than traditional state structures. They exploit the legal system, economy, and technology to strengthen their power rather than uphold law and order.
2. **Putin as a catalyst and strategic investor**
Putin has understood that investing in criminal networks (oligarchs, Wagner, cybercrime) creates a parallel power structure that he can control. This method has been exported to other authoritarian leaders.
3. **Economic destabilization through protectionism**
History shows that protectionism, where countries impose tariffs on each other in a negative spiral, led to The Great Depression. Putin, Xi, and Trump may use economic destabilization as a tool to create chaos in the West and then exploit crises to increase their own power.
4. **Mass sacrifices as part of the strategy**
Putin, Xi, and Trump see people as expendable commodities. They have no moral qualms about sacrificing millions of people if it serves their purposes – whether through war, economic collapse, or political manipulation.
5. **Technological dominance through AI and cryptocurrencies**
Musk and other actors play a role in creating a technological infrastructure that authoritarian states can exploit. AI can be used to optimize propaganda, cyber warfare, and influence. Cryptocurrencies can be used to launder money, finance crimes, and circumvent sanctions.
6. **The decay of democracy and the long-term plan**
Putin has developed a method to slowly disarm democracies through:
– Disinformation (divide and conquer)
– Corruption of politicians (buying influence)
– Economic destabilization (tariffs, inflation, sabotage)
– Military pressure (threats and invasions)
– Cyber warfare (hacking, election manipulation)
Potential scenario:
1. Economic collapse – Trade wars and inflation cause the West to lose control, leading to social unrest.
2. Geopolitical destabilization – The US retreats under a Trump-like leader, giving Putin and Xi a free hand.
3. Autocratic expansion – China takes Taiwan, Russia expands its sphere, and democracies begin to fall one by one.
4. Technological power struggle – AI and cryptocurrencies give authoritarian regimes a new level of control over the economy and population.
5. Criminal structures take over – States are governed like mafia organizations, where power goes to those who can manipulate, steal, and threaten most effectively.
The solution? Western democratic states must realize that this is an asymmetric conflict where the enemy cannot be countered with traditional diplomatic or economic means. The strategy must be based on:
– Preventing the infiltration of authoritarian actors.
– Investing in robust democracies with strong rule of law and independent media.
– Combating cyber threats and disinformation through cooperation and security measures.
– Creating economic resilience and reducing dependence on China and other autocracies.
This is a game of total power control. Putin, Xi, and Trump see democracy as an obstacle to their vision of a world where strength and manipulation prevail. There is a risk that they will succeed – but it can be stopped through a combination of strategy, cooperation, and awareness of the threat.
Well-written analysis that I believe corresponds quite well with reality. 👍
It’s important that we start taking threats seriously and defend ourselves on all fronts!
(Otherwise, there is a risk that it will end up in just the type of dystopia that some sci-fi authors have already touched upon.)
Whow! Excellent! Thank you!
I will have the concise analysis framed.
Thought-provoking Jaho. The resilience in the West against manipulations from China-Russia-USA is also weakened by our major MSM media, which are in the process of being marginalized by technological developments and have to scream loudly to make themselves relevant. Yes, it becomes click-baiting and making a mountain out of a molehill. A paint-the-devil-on-the-wall journalism that cannot be trusted. Headlines sell. Whether what is said is true and correct is irrelevant. The Ukraine war is just a playing field for journalism, just like the World Cup in skiing or the Eurovision Song Contest. Journalism is completely shameless. A crucifix in itself.
Good analysis, and when it comes to Trump, I believe it’s pretty much spot on. Trump sees Putin’s silovik regime as a resource, a candy store.
But I think that in terms of the population and many in power, the United States still see things differently, and Trump will face increased internal resistance. Eventually.
Regardless, now it’s time for Europe to stand on its own two feet. Europe’s backyard, the USA, is welcome to join once they come to their senses. Until then, we’ll move forward without them if necessary.
Very well written Jari, I’m a bit on the same page, have a post in progress and Ulf who hangs out at Bluesky had a theory.
A dystopian future and incredibly well formulated
It is what it is 🫣
Yes, I sense that you have something good in mind! I’ll help make it happen at BlueSky 💪
Unfortunately, several comments have been caught and marked as spam by the spam filter. There is no reason given for this, and I also can’t understand what caused it. I have now set it to send a notification when it happens, and I will try to be a bit quicker at approving them.
I posted a reply to my own comment a bit too quickly (according to the error message). Then, when I tried again, I got a message saying that I had already posted the same comment. What is currently there is the third one that I made some changes to. I can’t remember if this got stuck (sometimes you don’t get an error message but are sent to the home page, and then the comment often hasn’t been posted). But I see that this latest one is there now.
Maybe they did a dine and dash at McDonald’s 🧐
Since I didn’t think much of Trump’s previous term, I got irritated by the Swedish media’s obsession with the guy, I mean, SVT’s Trump Tuesday was really the low point, right? No wonder the Swedish people missed the fact that gang crime and economic crime on the internet were skyrocketing, apparently it was less important. Maybe that was the whole point…….
Now he has shown that he can go all in like a real fool and destroy everything his predecessors have built, both Dems and Reps. I actually didn’t think it could sink so low, but reality surpasses fiction. I still claim that Musk is more dangerous, because he can manipulate for real, he can’t be coddled like a narcissist.
What I hope for is that all of this now culminates in Europe doing what they should have done 15 years ago and starts showing some backbone. Then the USA will come back because, among other things, the MIC will not accept losing respect and contracts and not wanting to stab their allies in the back (i.e. normally functioning Dems and Reps). Let Trump be Trump so that other more polished politicians don’t have to be the big asshat.
I won’t sit here and be snide, but I mentioned it in the previous term on another blog, large parts of NATO have dodged their commitments and let the USA take the big hit, which is a fact and partly the cause of the symptoms of Trump. We actually have to blame ourselves a little bit.
Dems are probably just waiting for riots and uprisings in the streets so they can say “we told you so” and then they can come in and start winning elections again. I saw an interview with Pete Buttigieg, there we have a future president who can both speak and behave in polite company. I hope he runs again.
Feeling and facts are not the same thing so let’s be patient and see where it leads. Remember one thing, no one here or in any other blog knows what happens behind the scenes, we only know what the different media outlets trumpet.
“They’re probably just waiting for riots and uprisings in the streets so they can say ‘we told you so’ and then start winning elections again. Saw an interview with Pete Buttigieg, there we have a future president who can both speak and conduct himself in polished rooms. I hope he runs again.
What the Democrats have been missing is a strong personality to win elections for them. Biden was a temporary solution. Haven’t heard much about PB other than that the name sounds familiar. What such a strong personality must be able to do is to speak to/appeal to ‘the American’, and build visions for a USA. Being driven by or driving on popular uprisings against the incumbent, hate rhetoric, etc., any candidate can do, and it does not build long-term.”
They are still licking their wounds after the loss in the presidential election. Allowing Biden to linger for so long, preventing anyone from stepping forward to challenge Kamala Harris for the position of presidential candidate, has turned them into a pack of stray dogs without a leader. Harris is a loser, Sanders is a leftist lunatic, Pelosi had a pH value of 3. They need a renewal, it’s just not enough to appoint someone like Demirok to continue on the path to destruction. They need both a renewed policy and a charismatic leader.
What Trump has done is that he has taken behind-the-scenes diplomacy from the USA, which is kind of like this, and put it on repeat in front of the cameras.
The USA is not our friend, has never been, but they have handled it nicely.
Biden did the same things as Trump in a whole war, but the EU complied and Ukraine as well.
Trump may not have the experience for this and does not manage to stay within the boundaries, so it explodes outward.
Anyone who still tries to nuance the USA and Trump today should think twice.
“for the greater good” simply is not okay.
Which it never really is, it’s “you sacrifice yourself so I get what I want”.
He probably thinks it’s a new season of The Apprentice.
V g The Democrats (are being beautifully roasted by Jerneck in Expressen today
https://www.expressen.se/ledare/linda-jerneck/demokraterna-har-fatt–alldeles-for-lite-skit/ ) Bill Maher came up with an interesting candidate proposal/ticket:
Fetterman/Buttigieg.
Now, since B is in a same-sex relationship, and the Democrats are not THAT brave, no matter what they say. Fetterman is… truly… popular enough.
Not very serious, but in my humble opinion, it touches on something the Democrats lack. Normal people with an understanding of ordinary people’s key issues.
(Otherwise annoyed with Maher, who questioned support for Ukraine. Let’s see if he changes his tune now.)
What/who is needed to free Reagan’s and McCain’s proud party from the MAGA brain worm, I do not know, though.
Haley? A neutron bomb?
Even though Haley is clearly better than the fools currently in charge, I don’t fully trust her.
Questions
I have only seen references to FT regarding the news that the USA has stopped sharing intel with Ukraine, are there any other sources with their own sources claiming the same?
Isn’t FT the same publication that has almost been a megaphone for the Kremlin several times?
Of course, they could be right, but I think more sources with their own sources should come out with the same information, an easy thing to confirm…
This is how Omni writes:
“Ceasing to share intelligence with Ukraine means that Kyiv will no longer have access to data on potential Russian targets beyond the front line, writes the Washington Post.”
“An anonymous source with insight into the Ukrainian military tells the newspaper that at least one unit responsible for firing the American rocket artillery system Himars has reported that they have stopped receiving coordinates from the USA for targets more than six miles away.”
“At the same time, a Ukrainian source tells Sky News that the USA has only stopped sharing intelligence that provides ‘the opportunity to cause damage to Russian territory’.”
https://omni.se/ukrainsk-kalla-har-slutat-fa-koordinater-fran-usa/a/Xj2QxW
Unfortunately, it is not possible to trust international major media today. One must take everything written with a grain of salt. The media overinterprets to make readers upset and to “get clicks.” It’s tough. Even for those who are well-informed and knowledgeable in international politics. Like many of us in the thread.
Well, unfortunately that seems to be the case, and it appears to be getting worse. At the same time, it’s the information available, so it’s important to be reasonably skeptical about most things.
Ukraine should launch its own satellites. Ukraine was a center for rocket development during the Soviet era.
I think. Anyway, it was a Ukrainian behind the successes:
💬
Korolev was born in Zhytomyr, a small town in present-day Ukraine, which was then part of the Russian Empire.
Korolev fell victim to Stalin’s great purge in 1938 and lost six years of his life in captivity. He spent some months in a Gulag camp in Siberia. After his release, he became a rocket designer and a key figure in the development of the Soviet Union’s rocket program. Following the early successes with Sputnik and Vostok, Korolev eventually became the head of the Soviet space program.
Sergei Korolev’s unexpected death in 1966 occurred at a time when the space race between the Soviet Union and the USA was finely balanced. After his death, the Soviet space program lost momentum and eventually lost the race to the moon. Sergei Korolev was long unknown in the West as he and the space program, being part of the military forces, were treated as a state secret by the Soviet Union.
Awesome interesting
👍
Thank you, should read more media and less Johan No1, and cut back on work.
Kristersson commented on the matter on TV from Brussels, he said among other things that it was inherent in the nature of the matter (since it was about intelligence) that we did not know how much this will affect Ukraine.
Yes, there is EXTREMELY much disinformation right now from all sides.
“Frankrike erbjuder sin underrättelsetjänst till Kyiv eftersom USA har avstängt all underrättelse om Ukraina, – landets försvarsminister Lecornu.”
👍👍👍
I guess there will be more, the USA is not alone in having qualified systems for surveillance in all dimensions.
How many times have we not cursed the frog eaters who insist on going their own way. Now we feel a little ashamed when they show the rest of us the way.
But their support is still less than Sweden’s. However, Macron has a strong voice.
Who has been trying to nuance Macron for quite some time, who 🧐
The man everyone loves to hate – King-Macron
He DIDN’T really start off well – the conversations with Putin, and the edited photos intended to give off Kennedy (JFK, not RFK) vibes. It was more like King of the Cringe.
(But when the French get creative, they really go all out. The mishap ended up going viral in the end. 😂 )
Thank you johanno1, the English reaction is fantastic and if Trump continues a little longer, I guess the joke will become reality.
Trump’s tariffs are truly a gift that keeps on giving 😂. I can imagine the American car industry starting to squeak in about a week due to a lack of spare parts, and how the coffee industry, led by Starbucks, will soon lay off a few hundred thousand employees. While Trump and Vance babble about respect.
I also envision how the MIC (apparently not the Myanmar Indian Congress at all) will turn a deep shade of blue-red when they have an audience with the small popes and have to try to explain why European countries suddenly cancel purchases of American prestige systems.
But unfortunately, I am becoming more and more convinced that Trump simply admires Putin’s silovik regime and that this admiration is shared by his entourage, who are happy to enrich themselves at the expense of others like ticks. I guess Putin has simply offered Trump large and lucrative investments, and that is influencing his behavior. Trump is for sale because he knows the price of everything but the value of nothing.
It quickly became a talk about exempting the American car industry from the tariffs.. 😄
Fight Trump 🤡.
Yes, exactly 🤣🤣🤣
The USA has completely dominated the EU, so this is purely good for us provided that we manage to gain market share.
I’m also on board with that, same as Jari above and Ulf at Bluesky, will come back to that working on a post.
Are you referring to me now? Have I accidentally posted something sensible while drunk? 🤔
No, hardly likely.
I suggest that Sky Shield is activated already now. Alternatively, after presenting its air and water ceasefire and then regardless of yes or no from Ry.
Yes, why not, it’s out of the USA but difficult for Trump to sabotage too much if it’s to protect civilians
A good escalation 👍
GP’s Johan Ingerö Alias writes that Europe must understand Trump’s and the USA’s purpose with the approach to Russia, namely to counter China. “If we want Russia to lose the war, then it is our responsibility to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance. Or convince the USA that we can help them restrain China,” he writes.
https://www.gp.se/ledare/gastkolumn/trumps-rysslandspolitik-handlar-om-kina.3efc3d4d-61f7-4f16-a5c2-ca43470ec476
Right now, it feels like it is the USA that needs to be restrained.
Quite a few writers to the right of center who want to try to nuance this now – a bit like “he only hits me on a Friday when he’s been drinking and only if I argue back.”
Sometimes it’s simply time to resist, and that’s where we are now.
Last September, RU attacked the West.
But to explain and defend, one must be able to distinguish. That the USA does not want China to be able to obtain lots of cheap metals and cheap energy because it could make that axis too strong should be understandable. Then what should be done is another matter, maybe we should have started arming properly three years ago? But back then, the number of votes said it was not worth it because it takes several years to build up new lines.
To go off on a tangent a bit too far: What if there is peace in Ukraine. RU starts buying thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, drones, artillery, etc. from China, which they then park at the border with the EU. What should we do? Protest and say that RU should not be allowed to sell anything to anyone and if we don’t get what we want, we will condemn you?
Westley, I missed that you linked this here, so I posted it in another thread.
(No problem with more than one daily thread?)
Sorry.
And MY purpose is definitely not to excuse *the current* USA.
(I don’t think Ingerö wants to either?)
HOWEVER, if it is true, it gave me some understanding of why BOTH Biden and Trump have failed the USA, one discreetly and hypocritically, the other as the oaf and buffoon he is.
Make it makes sense. Right or wrong.
Two completely different ways to maintain the same line, i.e. protect RU so they don’t join China (besides, things are really heating up if there’s going to be anything left of RU at all).
It’s damn cold regardless, and if I were Taiwan, I would NOT count on support. I think the Trump/Vance administration is happy to sacrifice all support to Israel too, if they find a profit and a way to get away with it.
The question is whether they consider the Baltics worth Article 5?
Anything goes.
Gets a bit messy with more than one thread.
Taiwan Semiconductor invests $100 billion in a new facility in the USA. The question is whether it’s that smart, when production is large enough, the USA can hand over Taiwan to China after they have bombed the chip factories.
King Johan the First complained about being logged out of the site several times a day and needing to log in again.
(I don’t have that problem myself, which may be because I use a virtual desktop where the site is always open.)
I’m wondering if there are others who have the same problem, so I know if it’s something I need to investigate and troubleshoot, or if it might just be something that affects royalty specifically?
Royal virus?
I am logged in on my mobile, a Chromebook, and a Linux machine. So far, I have not been logged out.
For my part, it reduces the comment frequency a bit – you copy a funny link that you just have to post, you’re almost bursting, and then you’re logged out and when you log back in, you can’t find the link because you had to copy the password 😭
Have you tried clicking on “Remember password” before clicking on “log in”?
Then it should be saved in the browser so you don’t have to enter it every time.
😲
Is logged in, even after restarting the computer. Laptop, W11 and running Firefox!
Thank you and good to hear!
I have not been able to access the site for a couple of days on the computer I use the most, so I am a bit behind here. “403 Forbidden” and a white page (with Chrome). – Login has been required somewhat randomly before, but the page has opened.
Today I checked via mobile, where I could access it through Chrome (so I was not declared persona non grata). I am using a different computer today and accessed it via MS Edge and it worked, as you can see. – I probably need to clear some web history etc. on the computer I use the most.
Wow, what a fun comment section this is to read on the way to work! 👍😀
Lots of informative posts, no fighting, different opinions, discussion – just the way it should be.
I keep getting logged out all the time, do any of you have the same problem?
I was thinking we could join forces and complain to IT?
How the hell one ended up in second place on this is just incomprehensible, but I’ll take it like an adult 😳
Good, then at least there is no general issue affecting everyone! 👍
Right now it’s 1-1 between you and the others in the battle against IT.
Although Maggan actually has three web browsers running, so I would actually say it’s 1-3.
Or 3-1 of course, seeing myself, sorry I mean IT, as the home team.
😭
I only get logged out if I switch between different devices, yesterday I wrote a reply to MXT which then disappeared because apparently I wasn’t logged in, didn’t have time to rewrite it, otherwise it might have caused a fight 😂
Do you see that MXT – there are fewer informed comments about this IT hassle 🧐
I’m sorry, I can’t do anything about the SBT problem! 😉😂
If it’s me you mean, answer yes…
Now I got curious! 😂
He should definitely receive the Nobel Prize just for the fact that he didn’t knock out JD Vance in the meeting – self-control like a Zen monk. 🤣🤣🤣
There’s a lot of talk about Trump dreaming of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump must have missed that the Norwegian Nobel Committee is led by a chairman who has been involved with Doctors Without Borders and Norwegian PEN. There’s no chance that Trump will receive the prize no matter what a potential peace deal looks like.
haha, yes, Trump will probably be remembered in the history books but just like Putin, it won’t be at all as he had imagined.
Of course, he must kick them out, they were let in on Biden’s initiative…
“Donald Trump plans to revoke the temporary residence permits for 240,000 Ukrainians who have fled to the USA, according to several sources with insight to Reuters.”
“This is part of the administration’s plan to withdraw refugee status for more than 1.8 million people who have been admitted to the USA under Joe Biden’s humanitarian program.”
You’re starting to turn a bit, were very Trump positive for a long time 🧐
😂
China continues to be the largest trading partner and primary source of foreign investment for Russia’s Far Eastern regions, as well as the main partner in projects in advanced development territories and the Free Port of Vladivostok, China’s Consul General in Khabarovsk Jiang Xiaoyang said.
“Over 90% of foreign investment in the [Far Eastern] regions comes from China. In 18 advanced development territories and in 22 ports, 53 Chinese companies are operating, with total planned investment of 816 billion rubles,” he told journalists on Wednesday.
https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/109168/
It cannot be ignored that a majority of China’s investments are in the area that was previously part of China, including Vladivostok. Areas that China eagerly wants back. Making Russia landlocked on its eastern flank would be a treat for the Chinese.
Could it be that Putin is asking the USA for help because they see that Chinese influence has become too great in the east, coinciding with Trump’s policy where he portrays China as the major enemy.
The text translated to English is:
That is interesting.
The question is whether it would ever have been possible to stop it with or without the UA war.
Yes, if you do a Japan 1990 on China, it can be stopped, but there are still some limits in my opinion and that would be one.
But yes, Russia’s out in this is to say that China takes over instead, of course now that nuclear weapons did not exist.
It can be convenient to have control but not responsibility for the area.
Very blunt in the beginning, but unfortunately relevant…
Yes, there is too much going on right now, but I’m trying to stick to what is relevant for the UA war.
Now you all have understood it since you’re hanging out here, but now in 2025 it’s serious.
Now in September, it will happen provided that Russia has the Ukraine war under control.
Do you think a ceasefire like Trump wants will help Putin get the situation under control?
Very doubtful. Doubting if a fire ceases…
Precisely, Russia is not monitoring the situation in Ukraine. And that is what our Western countries are working against now, to prevent this.
It’s not exactly Defcon 1, but all of Europe has increased preparedness this year.
Did you come here from Substack now?
Thought about someone else…
Nice to get so much relevant knowledge from this site! I have a question about the Budapest Memorandum where Ukraine was supposed to receive economic aid from both Russia and the USA, have they in any way received anything? Or have they also broken that part of the agreement? I have changed where I go first to get information about Ukraine! You can guess where! 😉
I thought that the West would help Ukraine with weapons if they were attacked and went to read the agreement themselves. Extremely loosely formulated, if you don’t do anything, you haven’t violated anything.
A bit of a definition question, FSB would bribe Ukrainian traitors with 5 billion USD so in a way it was to the country and the West has provided enormous amount of support since the war started?
Very good, this is where it’s happening and besides, we’re having fun 😀
To the best of my knowledge, all parties except Ukraine seem to pretend as if the agreement doesn’t even exist.
The USA (and the UK) have indeed assisted Ukraine with weapons deliveries, etc., but that is hardly what one can call protecting a country. They have not attacked Ukraine with nuclear weapons, so they have kept that part of the agreement. Russia has not yet used nuclear weapons either, however, all parties promised not to use violence or threaten the integrity of the countries, and Russia has violated that.
Since there is far too little written about Trump, I had to write a blog post to cheer everyone up! 😂
😲
I hope it’s okay?
It was your comment “You’re starting to swing a bit, were very Trump positive for a long time” that triggered me! 😄
Easy to manipulate 😎
Yes, sometimes! 😄
China’s special representative for European affairs, Lu Shaye, expressed surprise at U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach toward America’s European allies, stating that a peace deal for Ukraine should not be dictated solely by the United States and Russia. This was reported by South China Morning Post on March 6.
https://united24media.com/latest-news/chinas-envoy-calls-for-inclusive-ukraine-peace-talks-criticizes-trumps-approach-to-europe-6495
Illustrated with a picture of the Peace Hotel located at the beginning of Nanjing Road.
Have been inside for coffee at this famous hotel, was a bit shabby, like a café at any Swedish railway junction.
What is it that I usually say 😁
Russian troops refuse orders to storm islands in the Cherson region due to losses and rumors of a possible ceasefire in the near future. “Soldiers from the 24th and 26th mechanized actively sabotage orders to initiate attacks. The reason is simple – too many of their comrades never returned from similar operations and remained in the waters of the Dnieper.” Rumors of a potential freezing of hostilities are undermining the morale among Russian troops. “Many realize that it is pointless to die for a few square meters of foreign land, especially if a halt to the fighting may be imminent.”
I believe that rumors of peace are more demoralizing for the Russians than for Ukrainian soldiers. There is a difference between giving one’s life for one’s country versus a piece of land that can disappear in a negotiation.
Herrejösses 😲
What does it mean that Sweden is sending 8 Gripen, where are we sending them?
Poland to protect the hub where materials for UA are coordinated.
A bit unsure if they should also shoot down drones that cross the border.
O there, China offered to send a peacekeeping force.
https://www.dn.se/varlden/kina-kan-sta-redo-att-skicka-trupper-till-ukraina/
What will Trump do now? Both UA and RU may accept it, but can the USA? Hardly think so.
Trump is likely to chew on the doormat when he sees it.
Someone has claimed for a while now that China is sneaking around in the undergrowth here.
Hysterically funny 🤣🤣
The Chinese are going to protect American mines in the US 🤣
How is Trump going to get out of this?
😄
Ukraine’s economy remains strong despite the war.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-economic-outlook-remains-exceptionally-uncertain-imf-says-2025-03-06/
The IMF last month forecasted that Ukraine’s gross domestic product growth would slow to between 2% and 3% in 2025 from an estimated 3.5% in 2024, due to challenges such as labor shortages, damage to energy infrastructure, and the ongoing conflict.
👍
Turkey ready to send troops to Ukraine ‘if needed’: defence ministry source
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3301335/turkey-ready-send-troops-ukraine-if-needed-defence-ministry-source
Now they are ready to send troops to UA.
I wrote a few days ago that it was no coincidence that Erdogan removed the PKK from the agenda.
Putin probably really wants Chinese and Turkish soldiers all over his land border 🤣🤣🤣
Are the Chinese going to travel the Silk Road through UA?
Where does China stand? With whom does China stand? The simplest answer is – “China stands with China”.
If the world is full of worry and instability, it is a win for China, as they can use the dissonance of different sides for their own purpose – to expand their influence in the world.
China can consider sending a “peacekeeping force” to Ukraine. Let’s look at what that practically could mean.
The border between Russia and Ukraine is loooong. What has China planned in terms of numbers? How close will the soldiers be stationed? And then, more concretely, WHAT are these soldiers supposed to do if either side breaks a ceasefire? Assuming these Chinese soldiers are supposed to be of any use, the implication is that they are heavily armed.
So x number of thousand Chinese armed soldiers – who are under the party’s command… does anyone see how bad that sounds?
Who ensures that these soldiers are truly “peacekeeping” and nothing else? And how?
Of course, China has an interest in Ukrainian minerals, it benefits China to acquire them. Also, consider that anything that does NOT benefit the West/USA is a win, according to Chinese logic.
Is it really smart to allow a large number of armed Chinese soldiers in Ukraine?
Once again, China does what benefits China, nothing else.
In a somewhat crude way, one could say this: China is a chainsaw disguised as a sleeping bag. You get into it and snuggle… then you’re dead.
In the choice between Chinese and Russians, I choose the Chinese. The Chinese are businessmen and gladly exploit you for their own gain, much like one does with animals. The Russians enjoy killing and raping.
A rumor spinning, RUMINT, which I guess comes from UA opposition candidates that the Trump administration contacted them to sound out if they wanted to team up and get rid of Zelensky.
This fits in time because suddenly ALL opposition candidates came out and gave their unconditional support to Zelensky.
If anyone still thinks Trump has a plan, that plan is to crash Ukraine 🤬
The world is starting to tire of Trump’s whiplash leadership; he has had to back down on some tariffs, and now this, and it’s not even lunchtime at the White House. It looks like it will be the desk instead of golf this afternoon.
Incredibly low of the USA if true, but classy of them to give Zelensky their full support.
A Facebook friend who knows Ukraine wrote that it was almost a great comedy if it’s true (which it now is, both candidates confirm). This because both were strongly anti-Putin when they were in power and both lost to Zelensky who instead pursued a more conciliatory line and wanted to resolve the conflicts by negotiating with Putin.
Zelensky changed his reconciliation policy when reality revealed itself in 2022, while the other two candidates may be suspected of having had their resistance to Putin confirmed with interest.
It probably just shows that the current American administration really has no idea what Ukraine is and what they stand for. Both candidates have clearly confirmed to the Americans that elections in Ukraine require a real peace with sharp security guarantees. So that’s that.
Ukrainian drone operators defending the Lyman sector ‘obliterated’ an attacking Russian armored column containing more than 15 vehicles.
All of the vehicles, including the armor, were ‘wiped out’ by the Ukrainians, revealing, once again, the futility of Russian attacks against coordinated artillery, drone, infantry defenses.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_drones_obliterate_russian_convoy_in_lyman_region_enemy_forces_suffer_heavy_equipment_losses_video-13741.html
Trump mentioned Moldova in his speech to Congress. Uninteresting for the USA but highly interesting for Putin 🧐
Did he promise to give away Moldova in some deal?
Russians Tied Up and Abandoned African Mercenary to Die in Kursk Region.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/russians_tied_up_and_abandoned_african_mercenary_to_die_in_kursk_region_video-13745.html
Unclear why the Russians are doing this? Are they, is it a punishment, or just Russian genuine racism?