Former FBI agent Jonathan Buma alleges that Russian intelligence, with Vladimir Putin’s knowledge, targeted Elon Musk and Peter Thiel for blackmail using information gathered on their personal lives. Buma claims Musk’s alleged vulnerabilities, including his involvement in events like Burning Man and reported substance use, were exploited by Russian spies. These allegations, presented in a ZDF documentary, suggest a deliberate Russian attempt to influence or compromise influential figures following the Ukraine invasion. It’s notable that Buma himself faces charges for leaking classified information.
Read More
Ahead of a call with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin reportedly believes Russia will seize four Ukrainian oblasts by 2025, thus possessing leverage against any peace negotiations. This confidence, despite contradicting Western and even some Russian military assessments, fuels Putin’s unwillingness to concede. European officials worry Trump might pressure for a settlement regardless of Putin’s stance, while Putin remains prepared for a protracted conflict. Trump, conversely, seeks a swift resolution and plans to update Zelenskyy and NATO allies following his conversation with Putin.
Read More
Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, deploying 273 drones overnight on May 18th, resulting in one fatality and three injuries according to initial reports. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 88 drones, while many others likely served as decoys. This attack follows recent, unsuccessful peace talks in Istanbul and precedes a planned call between Presidents Trump and Putin, highlighting Russia’s continued aggression despite international pressure for a ceasefire and Ukraine’s acceptance of a previous truce proposal. Moscow’s demands at the talks remained unchanged and unrealistic, further demonstrating their unwillingness to negotiate seriously.
Read More
Former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates asserts that Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend to recreating the Russian Empire, with Ukraine viewed as crucial to this objective. Putin’s demands, including the occupation of eastern Ukrainian provinces, control of Crimea, a pro-Russian Kyiv government, and a weakened Ukrainian military, demonstrate this unwavering goal. Despite substantial Russian losses, Putin shows no signs of compromise, leading Gates to believe that Putin is unlikely to accept a peace deal without achieving his imperial ambitions. This assessment contrasts with President Trump’s push for direct talks, suggesting a potential misunderstanding of Putin’s intentions.
Read More
In a recent Fox News interview, Donald Trump asserted that Vladimir Putin desires a peace deal, but that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of leverage is hindering negotiations. Trump attributed this to Zelenskyy’s actions and stated that Putin’s war aims were initially expected to be swiftly accomplished. Trump further claimed his own unique ability to broker a peace agreement, suggesting economic sanctions as a last resort if diplomatic efforts fail. He emphasized his strong relationship with Putin as a key factor in his belief that a deal is achievable.
Read More
Brazilian President Lula da Silva plans to personally urge Russian President Putin to participate in face-to-face peace talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Istanbul on Thursday. These talks, if they occur, would mark the first direct engagement between Putin and Zelensky in over three years. The Kremlin has yet to confirm Putin’s attendance but will announce the Russian delegation on Thursday. Ukraine frames Putin’s participation as a crucial test of his commitment to peace negotiations.
Read More
Despite the recent adoption of the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia, French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot advocates for a more impactful approach. He stressed the need for further, coordinated sanctions with the U.S., potentially including significant tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, to cripple the Russian economy. Barrot highlighted Russia’s ability to circumvent existing sanctions, emphasizing the necessity of a more comprehensive strategy. This intensified pressure, he argued, is crucial to compelling Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine. Future discussions with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham regarding a proposed sanctions bill are planned.
Read More
The accusations surrounding Steve Witkoff, Trump’s top negotiator, paint a picture of stunning diplomatic incompetence, or perhaps something far more sinister. The claim that he repeatedly met with Vladimir Putin without employing his own interpreters is deeply troubling. Imagine the implications: crucial negotiations taking place where one party – Witkoff – is entirely reliant on the other side’s interpretation of the conversation. This isn’t merely a case of forgetting something; it’s a blatant disregard for basic diplomatic protocol and security.
This raises serious questions about the integrity of the negotiations themselves. If Witkoff didn’t understand Russian, then Putin and his team could have easily manipulated the conversation, leading to a situation where Witkoff was unknowingly agreeing to terms detrimental to the United States’ interests, or more specifically, to Ukraine.… Continue reading
Europe’s backing of a tribunal to prosecute Vladimir Putin for crimes against Ukraine represents a significant step, but the path to justice remains fraught with challenges. The idea of immediate arrests of prominent members of Putin’s administration upon entry into signatory nations is crucial. Without this binding commitment and the subsequent pressure on neighboring countries to join, the tribunal risks becoming symbolic rather than effective. Simply waiting for Putin’s immunity to lapse seems naive; he’s unlikely to face consequences while clinging to power. The hope is that this isn’t just another promise that fades into irrelevance.
The Nuremberg Trials serve as a potent precedent.… Continue reading
During his Moscow visit on May 8th, Xi Jinping publicly endorsed Vladimir Putin and their shared vision for a new world order, explicitly aligning China with Russia’s justification for the war in Ukraine. This joint statement, emphasizing the need to address the war’s “root causes,” mirrors Kremlin propaganda. Xi and Putin pledged enhanced military and economic cooperation, aiming to counter US influence and increase bilateral trade by 2030. This strengthened partnership provides significant support to Russia amidst Western pressure to end the conflict.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood