Russia-Ukraine War

[mr.WHO]

Aparently Trump suggested that Ukraine should use it's Rare Earth deposits as deposit/security for US aid.

Here is the catch - most of Ukraine Rare Earth deposits are on and near Russian controlled Donbas and Eastern Ukraine, so in order for it to make sence, US would have to aid Ukraine to push Russia from Eastern Ukraine (Donbas & Luhansk).

[chew-ie]

Would be a nice deal... Putin will hate that trick which makes it even more attractive...

[Thereswhy]

..., so in order for it to make sence,...

If there's one thing Trump is known for it is making sound suggestions which have no chance of being misinterpreted in any way.

[notaterran]

Ukraines getting drones that can carry 250 kg bombs.

I don't know the first thing about bombs but that sounds like a lot of boom.

[felter]

Talking about drones, the Military show did a good video on Ukraine's Dovbush T10 ‘mothership’ drone the other day there, a drone that can carry six Kamikaze drones, an interesting concept.

Also, it seems no one has seen any of the North Korean Troops for several weeks, no one knows where they are or what has happened to them.

[mr.WHO]

Talking about drones, the Military show did a good video on Ukraine's Dovbush T10 ‘mothership’ drone the other day there, a drone that can carry six Kamikaze drones, an interesting concept.

Saw video of it operating since a few months ago.

Poland is also currently introducing similar system called Gladius - been developing it since several years, but Ukraine T10 is material proof that such concept is valid.

[chew-ie]

So Russia is mad about that rare earth deal .. https://www.politico.eu/article/kremlin ... resources/

Me thinks:
"Zelenskyy: I don't need rare earth's, I need ammunition."

[fiksal]

Also, it seems no one has seen any of the North Korean Troops for several weeks, no one knows where they are or what has happened to them.

There was an article about them apparently killing themselves for fear of being captured. Not surprising considering Russian military urges its soldiers to do the same.

I guess we all have hobbies

[fiksal]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump- ... 025-02-06/

As predicted, Trump is relaxing pressure on Russia and making a first step in helping Russia with the war

@Observe, do you still believe Trump with be tough on Russia?

[mr.WHO]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump- ... 025-02-06/

As predicted, Trump is relaxing pressure on Russia and making a first step in helping Russia with the war

I read that Trump also plan to crank up the general sanctions on Russian economy.
This might be a carrot-stick strategy to convince oligarch to stand up to Putin.
Not that I put much faith in them - if they wanted to rebel, they would jump in when Prigozin had a window of opportunity.

[fiksal]

oligarchs are all on Putin's side

[mr.WHO]

oligarchs are all on Putin's side

Untill they don't - if it would be all roses and rainbows there wouldn't be periodic jumps from the window or explosive parties/clubs in Russia.

As I said, I think oligarchs in Russia are weak and fragmented, but who knows, maybe next methaphorical strike in Putin guts will make sharks smell the blood in the water.
Rember, Putin must defend everything all the time, while they need just one successful strike.

[mr.WHO]

Here is something very interesting that I was missing for long time (timestamp 10:50):
https://youtu.be/hhkGlGH9ICg?si=pBEyxFAst4th60WT&t=650

Seems like Ukraine spent 2024 building their own Surovikin line and this time they have backup lines, in case they would lose Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk.
Hopefully the same is in North and not just fake lines on the map.

[fiksal]

I guess we'll see how much Russia has in it before the Z start calling defeat and shake the regime.


In other news, US negotiating tactic : give Putin an upper hand

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/12/politics ... index.html

one of those none news as everyone expected that. No leverage, no threat for Russia to be worried about

“They just surrendered one of the main points of leverage before negotiations even begin,” said former State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

one positive to be seen here, the security of Europe is in Europe's hands, US should not ever be looked at as meaningful force in the region. Nor anyone to involve in these negotiations. Sooner than later US will drop sanctions and will sponsor the Russian fascist machine

it's time for troops, Europe

[Observe]

it's time for troops, Europe

Europe is not capable of defending Ukraine on their own. Sending troops to fight in Ukraine, would be a losing proposition. That is if European nations could even agree to it, which seems unlikely.

And yes, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Ukraine will ever join NATO or be able to return to pre-2014 borders. I'm guessing that the bulk of the area that Russia has taken since 2022 will also remain part of Russia. The Kursk region is probably Ukraine's only negotiating leverage. That is if they can hold on to it in the meantime.

One of the big questions, is whether Russia is even open to a cease-fire. They may be content to continue eating away at Ukraine. Trump has spoken with Putin, but no word on if/how Zelensky might fit into negotiations.

Well, at least there are talks of ending this carnage. That is a good thing!

[EDIT]

I just spoke to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE. We discussed a variety of topics having to do with the War, but mostly, the meeting that is being set up on Friday in Munich, where Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the Delegation. I am hopeful that the results of that meeting will be positive. It is time to stop this ridiculous War, where there has been massive, and totally unnecessary, DEATH and DESTRUCTION. God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine!

[EGO_Aut]

Zelensky will have nothing to say in the negotiations. The EU will transfer 500 billion euros for reconstruction. And GB + US will monitor a neutral zone without heavy arms, and get rare earths from UKR. This does not sound like a yoke. The big question is where this zone will be.
UKR&NATO, never.

[mr.WHO]

and get rare earths from UKR.

80% of Ukraine rare earth is in Russia occupied territories.
Most of the rest is literally on the frontline.

[Observe]

and get rare earths from UKR.

80% of Ukraine rare earth is in Russia occupied territories.
Most of the rest is literally on the frontline.

I didn't know that. I wonder how that fact will figure into the scheme of peace. Natural resources always factor heavily in the minds of men.

[fiksal]

it's time for troops, Europe

Europe is not capable of defending Ukraine on their own. Sending troops to fight in Ukraine, would be a losing proposition. That is if European nations could even agree to it, which seems unlikely.

Then it's time to surrender and learn Russian.
There are a few European countries that belong to Russia.

One of the big questions, is whether Russia is even open to a cease-fire.
...
Well, at least there are talks of ending this carnage. That is a good thing!

Well you know my opinion on that

[Chips]

Ukraine cannot and should not hold onto any Russian territory. It gives Russia a "legimate" casus belli... as well as obviously territory that's disputed, preventing NATO membership regardless of whether US is involved in NATO at that point or not.