Trump-Putin Alaska Summit

[Canuck Conservative]

Was Musk there as the President of a country posing as equal to the POTUS or as a temporary, unpaid employee called in to give an update to his boss?

The issue was, "showing respect in the People's House" [paraphrasing here]

SpaceX depends on the US FedGov for billions of dollars, correct?

So he's in exactly the same situation as Zelensky, correct?

And what's being a "non-paid employee" got to do with it? If you're non-paid, it's OK to wear bicycle shorts and a 1970s "Injection's Nice but ..." * T-shirt to the White House??

(* you know the rest)

[Hoodat]

Zelensky is no stranger to suits.  Not sure why everybody frags him for his war duds.

Careful now.  Keep posting pics of Zelenskiy in a suit, and we'll have people here complaining about his rich lifestyle and his US mansions.

[Hoodat]

Bull Shit....

You don't know the intricate details of the negotiations.

@catfish1957

I'm with you, there.  I don't pretend to know what's Trump's objective is here.  He has surprised me before.  Trump has China to deal with.  If he smacks down Russia, then maybe they attack Taiwan?  Who knows.  But the criticisms directed at his actions are valid for this moment, even if it was part of some six-dimensional Machiavellian plan.  As the Zen Master said, "we'll see."

And btw, what the f is your suggestion for a solution to this war?  Till then,.....   

Several people here (including myself) have been stating for many months now that this war can be ended by accelerating economic collapse in both Russia and Iran.  Might as well toss China in there as well.  The only thing that is keeping Russia in this war is oil export profits and the US technology it uses in its drone and missile systems.  Drive down the price of oil.  And punish the hell out of US companies selling chip and electronic hardware to Chinese and Russian fronts that enhance their war materials.  Do that, and within three months, this war will be over.

And THIS is the frustrating part to me.  Trump has the power to do this.  Yet again and again and again, he tosses Putin a lifeline by delaying sanctions.  Trump has the power to end it and stop the killing.  So do it already.  Russia's not going to stop as long as they have the ability to continue.

[Hoodat]

Trump would be better off looking at Ukraine with a “not my problem” attitude, selling tons of weapons to the EU for them to supply Zelensky with, and dealing with whatever is going on here, but the man seems to really hate the idea of people dying by the thousands over this sort of shit, so he gets involved.

I don’t know what happened in that meeting, but I do know that many times listening, not talking, is the best thing one can do to secure a desirable outcome. That quiet, less talkative Trump that walked out yesterday seemed (to me) as one weighing all that he had both heard and gleamed during the meeting; quite possibly already preparing how to present Putin’s terms to Z and the EU.

Only Putin can end the war. All that Ukraine can do to achieve an end to hostilities is surrender.

Agreed.

[Hoodat]

Anton Gerashchenko
@Gerashchenko_en

There are so many different reactions to the meeting in Alaska. Most of them are emotions. We need common sense and a grounded mind. This meeting was symbolic but not a finale.

The most important thing is not to play along with Russian propaganda that is loudly presenting the meeting as a “victory for Putin.” They are creating a specific narrative that should not be supported and spread.

We need to strengthen Ukraine and our allies, protect our common interests.

President Zelenskyy and the European leaders coordinated their positions after speaking with President Trump. On Monday, the President of Ukraine will meet with President Trump in Washington to discuss a possible future trilateral meeting (President Trump-President Zelenskyy-Putin).

All issues that are crucial for Ukraine will be discussed with Ukraine's participation. No issues, especially territorial ones, will be resolved without Ukraine.

▪️ We want to achieve real peace that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions.

▪️ The killings need to stop as soon as possible, to stop the fire both on the battlefield and in the sky.

▪️ All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians  must be freed; the children abducted by Russia must return.

▪️ Sanctions pressure on Russia must be maintained as long as Russian aggression and occupation continue.

▪️ Sanctions must be strengthened if there is no trilateral meeting and/or if Russia evades an honest end to the war.

▪️ Reliable and long-term security guarantees are being discussed with the participation of both Europe and the United States.

For now, Putin has received the red carpet and the photographs and has declared his readiness for direct peace negotiations.

The main thing now is that “diplomacy” and discussions do not drag on for many months and years, during which Russia will continue to strike Ukrainian cities, seize and destroy Ukrainian territories.

This is precisely Putin’s strategy: to continue the war while pretending to be ready for negotiations, to drag the talks out in order to deprive the West of the opportunity to strengthen sanctions pressure and increase aid to Ukraine.

Putin must not be allowed to carry out this strategy.

Ukraine and our allies have already proven more than once that they can break Putin’s plans. History has shown more than once that Russia often loses. Russia is not undefeatable. Ukraine and our allies have proven their strength, determination and commitment for victory and peace.



8:55 AM · Aug 16, 2025  ·  26.2K Views

https://x.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1956701230643785931

[Hoodat]

Anton Gerashchenko
@Gerashchenko_en
Main points from the statement by European leaders following the meeting of President Trump and Putin:

◾️Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees;
◾️No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries;
◾️Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO;
◾️Our support to Ukraine will continue.

Full text of the statement:

Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen

Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.
Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.
As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.
We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.
We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.
It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.
Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.
As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.

6:15 AM · Aug 16, 2025  ·  38.9K Views

https://x.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1956661053879709704

[jafo2010]

Wingnut...

Wouldn't it be funny if Z showed up in one like that, or a nice powder blue number!

Actually, I prefer the cream colored tux(tails) with gold brocade that Tom Hanks wore in the movie Big at the company Christmas party.  Now, on a little munchkin like Z, that would be a real hoot!

[jafo2010]

Facts work here.

Putin has NEVER had any intention of ending the war. 

Trump has zero comprehension of the Russian mind.  They do not think like westerners, not even a little bit.  They do everything backwards from us in the western world.  They to the man and woman have been raised to live their lives withdrawn within themselves, fearful to express what they think on anything.  And Putin has made sure that anyone that thinks different then him gets any early ticket to the other side.

TRUMP ALL ALONG HAS KISSED PUTIN''S POSTERIOR, FALLING ALL OVER HIMSELF TO PLACCATE THIS DEMAGOGUE.  TALKING ABOUT RUSSIA BEING PART OF THE G7, ETC, ETC.

Trump needs to lay out a plan for the Ukrainians to destroy metro Moscow, provide the weapons needed to do so, and hope the Russian people rise up and throw this tyrant out.  Short of that, this war only ends when Putin is dead.  Putin would not care if he lost 10 million men.  He cares not for the wellbeing of the Russian people.  He only cares about his power, and how much money he has.  PERIOD!!!

Quickest way to get rid of him is make life difficult for those in the metro he governs from.  That is Moscow.  Take out the steam generation  plants, and they cannot produce heat to warm their homes.  Destroy the road system, the rail system, and they cannot easily transport food to Moscow, which is dependent on outside areas to produce everything they use.

Starve them, freeze them, and use every means to tell the people take out Putin and the war could end.  But Ukraine must make the Russian people in metro Moscow suffer the most extreme conditions they can.  Having been to Moscow several times, it is the coldest place I have ever been. 

This war could be ended by February if Ukraine does the above, and we provide them with the weapons to make it happen.

[Hoodat]

Having been to Moscow several times, it is the coldest place I have ever been.

I'm guessing Yakutsk wasn't on your itinerary.

[jafo2010]

No.

Moscow in/out of the country, plus we went to Stavropol.  Southern Russia and considerably warmer.  More like Albany, NY.  Last time, also went to Kislovosk, the sunny gem of Russia.

Most of Russia is desolate largely because it is colder by light years more than anything in the USA.  Absolutely bitter cold.

[MeganC]

No.

Moscow in/out of the country, plus we went to Stavropol.  Southern Russia and considerably warmer.  More like Albany, NY.  Last time, also went to Kislovosk, the sunny gem of Russia.

Most of Russia is desolate largely because it is colder by light years more than anything in the USA.  Absolutely bitter cold.

Plus a good many places in Russia are uninhabitable due to radiattion, biohazards, and toxicity.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Great point, Luis ... people who show up to the White House should show some respect and dress properly!

Take this disrespectful slob, for example ... always wears sneakers, a black t-shirt and a freaking ball cap to the WH ... how did he ever get let in??

When you beg for $ you wear your Sunday best. When you have all the money you could ever possibly need, you wear whatever the duck you want. 

[Timber Rattler]

When you beg for $ you wear your Sunday best. When you have all the money you could ever possibly need, you wear whatever the duck you want. 

 

[Cyber Liberty]

Luis speaks the truth!

[Canuck Conservative]

If I had Musk's money, I'd be showing up in a custom Armani suit, a great-looking tie, and polished Italian shoes, not like that

Billions of dollars, yet he dresses like the mail clerk??

(and don't give me the Aspberger's excuse)

[Lando Lincoln]

Luis speaks the truth!

True enough, I suppose but there remains a place for respect and adherence to etiquette. The Oval Office is such a place. I think Musk was wrong, personally. I wish President Trump would have disallowed the very casual attire.

[catfish1957]

Luis speaks the truth!

I'll strongly go record that if the tandem of Musk/Rogan hadn't strongly backed DJT, we'd be experiencing POTUS Kamala.......

[Cyber Liberty]

I'll strongly go record that if the tandem of Musk/Rogan hadn't strongly backed DJT, we'd be experiencing POTUS Kamala.......

Likely, but debatable.  There was still a lot of electoral cheating to overcome.

[Cyber Liberty]

True enough, I suppose but there remains a place for respect and adherence to etiquette. The Oval Office is such a place. I think Musk was wrong, personally. I wish President Trump would have disallowed the very casual attire.

Word!

[mystery-ak]

Pence: Trump Uses a ‘Velvet Glove’ with Dictators When We Need a Hammer

Former Vice President Mike Pence claimed Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that President Donald Trump used a “velvet glove” with dictators when a “hammer” was needed.

Host Jake Tapper said, “You said last month that you thought President Trump was beginning to realize, ‘Vladimir Putin doesn’t want peace. Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine.’ As you noted, there was no ceasefire agreed to. President Trump seemed to indicate before the summit that that was what had to happen, or he said there would be very severe consequences. Since the summit, he’s dropped demands for an immediate ceasefire. Five Ukrainians were killed overnight. He’s telling people, you heard Witkoff say a peace deal, a larger peace deal can be reached quickly if Putin’s demands, which include Ukraine ceding control of the entire Donbas region to Russia, are met. What do you make of all that? I mean, there are observers out there, people who like Trump, people who are rooting for Trump, who think that Trump got played.”

Pence said, “Well, look, I, you know, I served alongside the president for four years. I know his style in dealing with these dictators. It’s the velvet glove. But I think the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately. I think the president, as he welcomes President Zelenskyy to the Oval Office tomorrow, and a whole cast of our allies in Europe, are going to be joining him. I think at the same time, he ought to pick up the phone and ask Majority Leader John Thune to immediately pass the secondary sanctions bill that is supported by virtually everyone in the United States Senate. I think the combination of engagement, but also making it clear to Putin that we are prepared to take actions that would literally break his economy, even while we redouble our commitment to the security of Ukraine and to working closely with our European allies, is important.”

He added, “Putin only understands strength. So while the president and his diplomatic team engage in this re-approach with Putin, and there seems to be interest in my judgment, Putin is not going to stop until he’s stopped.”

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/08/17/pence-trump-uses-a-velvet-glove-with-dictators-when-we-need-a-hammer/

[Cyber Liberty]

Screw Pence!  He reminds us how glad we are he's out of the picture every time he flaps his gums.  The only reason we hear from him is because he's a reliable anti-Trumper for the press.

[mountaineer]

Why aren't the European nations showing Russia the hammer? They're Putin's neighbors, after all.

[Hoodat]

Why aren't the European nations showing Russia the hammer? They're Putin's neighbors, after all.

Many of them are.  Poland and Estonia now spend a higher portion of GDP on Defense than does the US.

[Hoodat]

Luis speaks the truth!

True, albeit outdated.  Zelenskiy wore a suit the last time he met with Trump. 

Not sure why this is still an issue when Kherson's civilian residents can't even
cross a street without risking death from Russian FPV drone operators who kill
Ukrainian civilians for sport.

[catfish1957]

True, albeit outdated.  Zelenskiy wore a suit the last time he met with Trump. 

Not sure why this is still an issue when Kherson's civilian residents can't even
cross a street without risking death from Russian FPV drone operators who kill
Ukrainian civilians for sport.

Trump's been around the block long enough to recognize that Z's faux- Camo dress code is basically cheap schtick. 

Name one world leader outside of banana republic like dictatorial despots that wear or wore military garb as a matter of habit.   I am afraid Z's silliness and self importance is going to be a major road block to any meaningful solution here.

[Hoodat]

Trump's been around the block long enough to recognize that Z's faux- Camo dress code is basically cheap schtick.

So you're now saying that Zelenskiy wearing a suit for Trump won't matter?

[catfish1957]

So you're now saying that Zelenskiy wearing a suit for Trump won't matter?

Wouldn't matter to me.  But DJT demands respect, and from what I saw November 6th, he deserves it.   Z-grift can make it causal Monday at his and his country's own risk. 
Plus answer the question.  When was the last time a viable leader of a democracy wore Camo (even in war time) to a state event?   To me, it gives him clown status at the onset.

[corbe]

   Even castro wore a suit (that one time in vietnam).

[mystery-ak]

Zelensky Declares ‘Impossible’ for Ukraine to Give Up Territory to Russia, Doubles Down on Ceasefire Demand

Ukrainian President Zelensky said on Sunday that it would be “impossible” for Kyiv to cede territory to Russia and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire.

Speaking from the European Commission headquarters in Brussels ahead of his planned sit-down with President Donald Trump in the United States on Monday, Zelensky appeared set to maintain his maximalist position towards the war with Russia, and seemingly shoot down officially recognising Moscow’s territorial gains in exchange for a peace agreement.

“Putin has many demands, but we do not know all of them. And if there are really as many as we heard, then it will take time to go through them all. It’s impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons. So, it’s necessary to ceasefire and work quickly on a final deal,” the Ukrainian president said.

This contrasts with President Trump’s position after his bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, after which Trump said that the best way to end the conflict would be to enter into direct peace talks rather than seeking a preliminary ceasefire.

Apparently responding to reports that Putin demanded that Ukraine cede the entirety of the Donbas region, approximately three-quarters of which is already under Russian control, Zelensky noted that “Putin has been unable” to take over the region entirely for over 12 years and suggested that Ukraine does not intend to retreat from Donetsk.

“The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible, impossible to give up territory or trade land,” Zelensky said.

However, despite the seemingly definitive declaration, the Ukrainian leader appeared to leave some wiggle room, saying that because the “territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia” at a trilateral meeting with the United States.

“So far, Russia gives no sign that a trilateral will happen, and if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he said.

more
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/08/17/zelensky-declares-impossible-for-ukraine-to-give-up-territory-to-russia-doubles-down-on-ceasefire-demand/

[mystery-ak]

Dem Rep. Crow: Trump-Putin Meeting Was ‘Historic Embarrassment’ for U.S.

Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) said President Donald Trump’s Alaskan summit with Russia President Vladimir Putin was a “historic embarrassment for the United States.”

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/08/17/dem-rep-crow-trump-putin-meeting-was-historic-embarrassment-for-u-s/

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Zelensky Declares ‘Impossible’ for Ukraine to Give Up Territory to Russia, Doubles Down on Ceasefire Demand

Ukrainian President Zelensky said on Sunday that it would be “impossible” for Kyiv to cede territory to Russia and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire.

Speaking from the European Commission headquarters in Brussels ahead of his planned sit-down with President Donald Trump in the United States on Monday, Zelensky appeared set to maintain his maximalist position towards the war with Russia, and seemingly shoot down officially recognising Moscow’s territorial gains in exchange for a peace agreement.

“Putin has many demands, but we do not know all of them. And if there are really as many as we heard, then it will take time to go through them all. It’s impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons. So, it’s necessary to ceasefire and work quickly on a final deal,” the Ukrainian president said.

This contrasts with President Trump’s position after his bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, after which Trump said that the best way to end the conflict would be to enter into direct peace talks rather than seeking a preliminary ceasefire.

Apparently responding to reports that Putin demanded that Ukraine cede the entirety of the Donbas region, approximately three-quarters of which is already under Russian control, Zelensky noted that “Putin has been unable” to take over the region entirely for over 12 years and suggested that Ukraine does not intend to retreat from Donetsk.

“The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible, impossible to give up territory or trade land,” Zelensky said.

However, despite the seemingly definitive declaration, the Ukrainian leader appeared to leave some wiggle room, saying that because the “territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia” at a trilateral meeting with the United States.

“So far, Russia gives no sign that a trilateral will happen, and if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,” he said.

more
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/08/17/zelensky-declares-impossible-for-ukraine-to-give-up-territory-to-russia-doubles-down-on-ceasefire-demand/

Of course they shouldn't. Send some more drone strikes up Putin's ass.

[Cyber Liberty]

Zelensky Declares ‘Impossible’ for Ukraine to Give Up Territory to Russia, Doubles Down on Ceasefire Demand

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/08/17/zelensky-declares-impossible-for-ukraine-to-give-up-territory-to-russia-doubles-down-on-ceasefire-demand/

Zeleskyy is posturing ahead of the meeting tomorrow.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Facts work here.

Putin has NEVER had any intention of ending the war. 

Trump has zero comprehension of the Russian mind.  They do not think like westerners, not even a little bit.  They do everything backwards from us in the western world.  They to the man and woman have been raised to live their lives withdrawn within themselves, fearful to express what they think on anything.  And Putin has made sure that anyone that thinks different then him gets any early ticket to the other side.

TRUMP ALL ALONG HAS KISSED PUTIN''S POSTERIOR, FALLING ALL OVER HIMSELF TO PLACCATE THIS DEMAGOGUE.  TALKING ABOUT RUSSIA BEING PART OF THE G7, ETC, ETC.

Trump needs to lay out a plan for the Ukrainians to destroy metro Moscow, provide the weapons needed to do so, and hope the Russian people rise up and throw this tyrant out.  Short of that, this war only ends when Putin is dead.  Putin would not care if he lost 10 million men.  He cares not for the wellbeing of the Russian people.  He only cares about his power, and how much money he has.  PERIOD!!!

Quickest way to get rid of him is make life difficult for those in the metro he governs from.  That is Moscow.  Take out the steam generation  plants, and they cannot produce heat to warm their homes.  Destroy the road system, the rail system, and they cannot easily transport food to Moscow, which is dependent on outside areas to produce everything they use.

Starve them, freeze them, and use every means to tell the people take out Putin and the war could end.  But Ukraine must make the Russian people in metro Moscow suffer the most extreme conditions they can.  Having been to Moscow several times, it is the coldest place I have ever been. 

This war could be ended by February if Ukraine does the above, and we provide them with the weapons to make it happen.

I only have sympathy for Russian soldiers that mutiny or surrender either. The rest deserve what they get at this point. bleep 'em.

[Cyber Liberty]

Of course they shouldn't. Send some more drone strikes up Putin's ass.

That's up to Zelenskyy, if he wants the war to continue, and Putin will shoot back.  It will, however, cost him if he does.

[Hoodat]

Plus answer the question.  When was the last time a viable leader of a democracy wore Camo (even in war time) to a state event?   To me, it gives him clown status at the onset.

So there's no recovery from that?  Wear a camo outfit one time (which Zelenskiy didn't even do) and you're discounted for eternity?  Seriously?

Here's the deal.  Zelenskiy wore a sweater one time while meeting with Trump.  His detractors crucified him for it while completely ignoring what he said.  So Zelenskiy listened.  The next time, he wore a suit when he met with Trump.  He showed respect.  He did what you asked.  And the result?  His detractors here are still crucifying him, this time babbling something about camo, while still completely ignoring the things that actually matter.

Civilians are being massacred.  Putin is doing it.  We are doing nothing to stop it.  Yet here we are talking about wardrobes.  I see now how the Germans and Soviets got away with killing 11 million Jews.

[Hoodat]

That's up to Zelenskyy, if he wants the war to continue, and Putin will shoot back.  It will, however, cost him if he does.

Oh please.  Zelenskiy has no say in this.  Russia and Russia alone decides if this war will continue.  And they have been quite clear that it will.  Zelenskiy could stop firing at Russians targets today, and the Russians would still continue launching short-range ballistic missiles at Kherson, Odesa, Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.  Russia has not offered peace.  They have only issued demands - demands that can only be met when all of Ukraine becomes a puppet state of Russia.

[catfish1957]

That's up to Zelenskyy, if he wants the war to continue, and Putin will shoot back.  It will, however, cost him if he does.

Z realizes that when this war is over his gig as leader is also probably up too.  His grifter meme will be tough to shake, and sustain  as a leader in  the long run.  The brave brave fighters in the Ukraine deserve better.

I can't say that motive is 100% true, but it does have a level of plausibility.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Wouldn't matter to me.  But DJT demands respect, and from what I saw November 6th, he deserves it.   Z-grift can make it causal Monday at his and his country's own risk. 
Plus answer the question.  When was the last time a viable leader of a democracy wore Camo (even in war time) to a state event?   To me, it gives him clown status at the onset.

To me, clown status is giving the weak, wimpy, bleep Russians any Ukrainian land whatsoever.

[catfish1957]

Oh please.  Zelenskiy has no say in this. 

So you are saying he isn't leader of Ukraine?  Then who is, because if there is any change in map borders, someones got to agree.

[catfish1957]

To me, clown status is giving the weak, wimpy, bleep Russians any Ukrainian land whatsoever.

Okay tough guy....  give me one valid scenario where the borders don't change before this thing is resolved. 

Love to hear your solution to end this thing.   Looking forward to it.,

[Hoodat]

Zeleskyy is posturing ahead of the meeting tomorrow.

As are the Russian propagandists.

[Cyber Liberty]

Oh please.  Zelenskiy has no say in this.  Russia and Russia alone decides if this war will continue.  And they have been quite clear that it will.  Zelenskiy could stop firing at Russians targets today, and the Russians would still continue launching short-range ballistic missiles at Kherson, Odesa, Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.  Russia has not offered peace.  They have only issued demands - demands that can only be met when all of Ukraine becomes a puppet state of Russia.

I won't argue about that because you are probably correct.

So is this:

Z realizes that when this war is over his gig as leader is also probably up too.  His grifter meme will be tough to shake, and sustain  as a leader in  the long run.  The brave brave fighters in the Ukraine deserve better.

I can't say that motive is 100% true, but it does have a level of plausibility.

[Hoodat]

Okay tough guy....  give me one valid scenario where the borders don't change before this thing is resolved. 

Love to hear your solution to end this thing.   Looking forward to it.,

Again, drop the price of oil, give Ukraine all of Russia's frozen assets, lock them out of international commerce, and stop selling Russian American technology.  Trump has the power to do all of that.

You want peace?  Then take away Putin's ability to wage war.  It really is that simple.

[Cyber Liberty]

As are the Russian propagandists.

Yes.  This is the nature of negotiations.  Too bad people will have to pay with their lives while all this posturing is going on, mostly civilian non-combatants.   

[Hoodat]

I won't argue about that because you are probably correct.

So is this:

Still waiting for proof of that "grifter" claim.  Been waiting over 3½ years now.  But I'm a patient man.

You would think that as many times as that slander has been posted here, someone would take the time to dig up some proof.  But no.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Okay tough guy....  give me one valid scenario where the borders don't change before this thing is resolved. 

Love to hear your solution to end this thing.   Looking forward to it.,

Haha, well i'd imagine that Russians would eventually reach their breaking point, and his troops would become tired of throwing their lives away for nothing. Turn those rifles and tanks around boys and attack the real enemy. A $2000 drone takes out a million dollar tank.

Tough? No, just tougher than Trump (apparently). Be nice if I was wrong.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

As are the Russian propagandists.

Big time.

[MeganC]

That's up to Zelenskyy, if he wants the war to continue, and Putin will shoot back.  It will, however, cost him if he does.

If Putin could do such a thing he would have done it three years ago.

The truth of it is that Putin was not ready for someone to stand up to him and his impotent third rate army. He thought Russia could win the war by reputation alone.

He was wrong.

[catfish1957]

Again, drop the price of oil, give Ukraine all of Russia's frozen assets, lock them out of international commerce, and stop selling Russian American technology.  Trump has the power to do all of that.

You want peace?  Then take away Putin's ability to wage war.  It really is that simple.

My thoughts too.  And what I have been proposing since Day 1.

However, that process....  1st getting oil down to $40/bbl from $70, and waiting out the price drop, will easily have to take at least a year. 

Considering the political landscape ('26 midterms).....   Do we really have a year to rely on that plan.

[Cyber Liberty]

Again, drop the price of oil, give Ukraine all of Russia's frozen assets, lock them out of international commerce, and stop selling Russian American technology.  Trump has the power to do all of that.

You want peace?  Then take away Putin's ability to wage war.  It really is that simple.

One option for Putin could be to drag the US into the war by attacking us directly.  Sort of like Japan and Pearl Harbor/Hickam.  That's unlikely in the extreme.