Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, facing reports of a worsening illness and accusations of widespread human rights abuses, has again requested his dismissal from Putin. This request, made to Russian state media, follows previous, unsuccessful attempts in 2016, 2017, and 2022. Kadyrov’s rule has been marked by a severe human rights crisis, leading to international sanctions. The final decision now rests with President Putin.
Former Vice President Pence criticized the White House’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that its wavering support has emboldened Russia. He highlighted Ukraine’s acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has ignored, opting instead for self-serving truces. Pence stressed that Putin responds only to strength, advocating for continued military aid to Ukraine to achieve a just peace and prevent further Russian aggression. He warned that failing to support Ukraine could lead to a wider conflict requiring direct U.S. military intervention.
On Air Force One, Donald Trump berated a Wall Street Journal reporter regarding ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. His outburst stemmed from a question about discussions with Vladimir Putin, leading to accusations that the Journal is “China-oriented” and a “rotten newspaper.” Trump refused to answer the reporter’s question, citing his dissatisfaction with the publication’s coverage. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and the WSJ, particularly regarding Trump’s past trade policies.
Putin, 72, says the succession is always on his mind. This statement, while seemingly straightforward, reveals a complex reality far beyond a simple acknowledgment of aging and political legacy. It hints at a deeply ingrained anxiety, a constant struggle to maintain power in a system he himself has meticulously crafted.
Putin’s preoccupation with succession isn’t merely about choosing a successor; it’s about controlling the process entirely, preventing any unforeseen challenges to his authority. The very act of considering succession speaks volumes about his understanding of power dynamics, his awareness of potential threats, both internal and external, and his calculated efforts to manage those threats proactively.… Continue reading
Following a meeting with US Senator Marco Rubio, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the EU’s preparation of a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, directly blaming Vladimir Putin for obstructing peace in Ukraine. This action coordinates with a US sanctions initiative, and follows a newly signed US-Ukraine agreement on critical minerals, signaling a shift towards economic cooperation alongside continued military aid. Barrot emphasized the need for de-escalation of US tariffs and highlighted the importance of European strategic autonomy within NATO.
Former German President Joachim Gauck expressed concern that Germany lacks the mental fortitude for war, advocating for increased national resilience alongside military buildup. He emphasized the need for a “new seriousness” in confronting challenges, citing a lack of preparedness beyond technical capabilities. Gauck also urged a firmer stance against Vladimir Putin, warning that appeasement would constitute “submission,” not peace. His comments coincide with the incoming chancellor’s plans for substantial military investment.
In a recent interview, Donald Trump suggested that Vladimir Putin could potentially prompt him to support Ukraine, though not necessarily President Zelenskyy. Trump cited his past difficulties with Zelenskyy, referencing a past Oval Office meeting where he felt Zelenskyy’s requests were unreasonable. Trump alluded to various forms of support for Ukraine beyond military aid, such as sanctions and banking restrictions. He later reported a positive meeting with Zelenskyy at the Vatican, expressing uncertainty about the progress made but hinting at the possibility of further sanctions against Russia.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) delivered a Senate floor speech condemning Vladimir Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine, specifically citing the Palm Sunday attack on civilians. He asserted that Putin’s aggression is solely responsible for the ongoing conflict and that any peace initiatives have been rejected by Putin, who consistently violates agreements. Wicker commended the Trump administration for setting a timeline for Putin to choose peace and expressed support for bipartisan efforts, including the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, to hold Putin accountable. He concluded that Putin has consistently acted in bad faith, breaking promises throughout the conflict.
President Trump urged President Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine, advocating for a peace agreement already under consideration. He expressed disappointment over recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, questioning Putin’s commitment to ending the conflict. Trump even suggested Putin may be deliberately misleading him and that alternative strategies, including sanctions, might be required. Secretary of State Rubio concurrently highlighted the importance of this week in achieving a potential Ukraine peace deal.
With a 100-day deadline approaching, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared this week critical for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal. The Trump administration, having invested significant time and effort, is prepared to withdraw its mediation efforts if no progress is made toward a negotiated settlement requiring concessions from both sides. While the administration believes it has brought the parties closer, a breakthrough remains elusive, leaving President Trump increasingly impatient with Vladimir Putin’s continued aggression. Despite positive remarks from Zelensky following a meeting with Trump, Russia dismissed American impatience, maintaining its readiness for dialogue.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood