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Trump, Putin prepare to begin Ukraine peace talks as Europe pleads for unity​

Ukraine and key European nations demanded a role in any negotiations to end Russia's war on the country, after President Donald Trump unilaterally announced an immediate start to direct peace talks with President Vladimir Putin after speaking with the Russian leader by phone.

Trump said in a post to social media on Wednesday that he spoke with Putin, adding the two leaders "agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately" to end the fighting in Ukraine after nearly three years of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Moscow launched its attack in February 2022 with the aim of toppling Zelenskyy's government in Kyiv and annexing swaths of the country. The "special military operation" -- as the Kremlin termed the invasion -- expanded on Moscow's annexation of Crimea and its fomentation of, and active military support for, separatist rebellion in parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014.

"I think we're on the way to getting peace," Trump said. The president did not clarify whether Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be directly involved in any peace talks. Excluding Kyiv would align with Putin's repeated demand that Ukraine be sidelined, the Russian leader having dismissed Zelenskyy as "illegitimate."

More:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/worl...S&cvid=49d781dfb0814ea291212950d7b619a4&ei=51
 

Kiev plotting to drag NATO into war – Russian Foreign Intelligence Service​

The alleged plan involves staging a foreign vessel explosion in the Baltic Sea and attacks on Russian “non-systemic opposition” figures and businessmen residing abroad.

Ukrainian special services, with Western support, are preparing a series of high-profile provocations to implicate Moscow and draw NATO into a direct military confrontation, according to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

In a statement on Tuesday, the SVR claimed that Kiev plans to use Russian-made naval mines to orchestrate an explosion involving a foreign vessel in the Baltic Sea. The alleged goal is to blame Moscow and prompt NATO to restrict Russia’s access to the Baltic on the pretext of ensuring maritime security.

NATO has been increasing its military activities along Eastern Europe’s borders in recent years, citing security concerns over Russia. Last month, it announced plans to expand its presence in the Baltic Sea, launching a new mission to safeguard undersea infrastructure following a series of disruptions and damage to cables between member states.

Russia, which perceives the Baltic Sea as a strategic area for its naval operations and energy exports, has vowed to do everything necessary to protect its interests. Last year, Nikolay Patrushev, the former head of the Russian Security Council who currently serves as an aide to President Vladimir Putin, warned that NATO is using its newest members, Sweden and Finland, to turn the Baltic into an “internal sea” under Western control.

Moscow has stressed that it has no intention of attacking any NATO member states, but has criticized the military buildups on its border. It has also warned that direct confrontation between Russia and NATO could escalate into a nuclear conflict, adding that it will respond to any hostile moves.

In its statement, the SVR also alleged that Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), in collaboration with intelligence agencies from several European countries, is planning attacks on Russian “non-systemic opposition” figures and businessmen residing abroad.

The plan reportedly involves recruiting perpetrators from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, offering up to $20,000 for participation, with instructions to blame the Russian intelligence services if apprehended.

The SVR cited reports indicating that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and his associates are willing to resort to provocations to preserve their positions. “To this end, the Kiev regime will not only actively hinder peace settlement processes but is also prepared to extend hostilities far beyond Ukraine’s borders,” it said.

Source: RT (https://www.rt.com/news/612515-ukraine-provocations-nato-russia-war/)

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH (https://t.me/infodefENGLAND)

Web (https://infodefense.press/) | VK (https://vk.com/club227549856) | X (https://x.com/info_defense_en?s=21) | InfoDefAl (https://t.me/InfoDefAll)l (http://cat.general/)
 
Ferfal's take on the situation. As usual, take it fwiw and dyodd.

On a personal note: It would be a big mistake for us to leave NATO and / or shit on are allies.

ALERT❗Trump turns Against Europe, FAVORS Russia in Peace Deal​


19:41
 
Hungary’s Viktor Orban is by far the longest serving head of state in Europe, and by this point has been vindicated on pretty much everything. So when he says that going forward it’s Ukraine, not Russia, that may be the biggest threat to the west, it’s worth paying attention.

(0:00) Viktor Orban’s Predictions Were Right
(2:40) USAID’s Actions in Hungary
(4:29) Why Was USAID Spreading Transgenderism in Foreign Countries?
(9:18) George Soros’ Mission to Destroy the West
(11:16) Has This Mass Migration Policy Worked?
(15:52) Orban’s Assessment of the German Economy and Its Impact on the US
(19:26) Why Is the Destruction of Nord Stream Completely Ignored?
(30:06) Why Is Orban Smeared as a Puppet of Putin?
(38:27) Is It Possible to Repair Relations Between Russia and the US?
(49:14) Orban’s Thoughts on Zelensky
(52:38) Will We See a Peace Deal?

Five Buck reprieve, Jo, Happy Valentine’s Day.

 
www.twz.com

Ukraine Appears To Have Destroyed Its First Russian S-350 Air Defense System

A Ukrainian reconnaissance brigade has released a video showing the destruction of one of Russia’s prized S-350 Vityaz air defense systems in the Donetsk region. A Ukrainian reconnaissance brigade has released a video showing the destruction of one of Russia’s prized S-350 Vityaz air defense...
www.twz.com www.twz.com
 

BREAKING NEWS: Rubio, Waltz, & Witkoff Speak To Reporters After Talks With Russians In Saudi Arabia​

Feb 18, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speak to reporters after their meeting with a Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia.


19:02
 
So yesterday Trump literally blamed Ukraine for starting the war. No mention of Russia what-so-ever. American & Russian peeps met to discuss ending the war with no Ukrainians involved. Wonder what's going on?

What do the Europeans think of this? Especially the Poles. Could they be next?
 

'Shameful day for the U.S.': Expert stunned after Trump sides with 'war criminal' Putin​

Longtime Washington Post columnist David Ignatius was almost speechless on MSNBC on Wednesday morning after watching Donald Trump spew flagrant falsehoods about Russia's invasion of Ukraine while siding with Russian strongman Vladimir Putin.

Speaking in Florida on Tuesday, Trump told reporters, "This could have been settled very easily, a half-baked negotiator could have settled this years ago," before pressing for elections in Ukraine, falling in line with Putin's hope to depose President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

More:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/poli...S&cvid=5bf2072facbc48c78587e71622fa0e30&ei=17
 

Analysis-Russia advances on Ukraine's critical minerals as Trump talks of a deal​

By Andrew Osborn

LONDON (Reuters) - Russia, like U.S. President Donald Trump, covets Ukraine's natural resources - and on the ground its forces are closing in on a giant lithium deposit.

Trump said this month he wants Kyiv to hand over large quantities of its critical minerals in return for U.S. military support, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy to declare: "Let's do a deal."

Yet as Washington and Moscow prepare for negotiations aimed at ending the three-year-old war, the reality is that it's Vladimir Putin who's taking increasing control of Ukraine's riches.

Russian forces, which have already seized a fifth of Ukraine including reserves of rare earths, are now little more than 4 miles from the Shevchenko lithium deposit and advancing on it from three different angles, according to open-source data from Ukrainian military blog Deep State.

More:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/worl...-talks-of-a-deal/ar-AA1zn0sd?ocid=socialshare
 
searcher said:
So yesterday Trump literally blamed Ukraine for starting the war. No mention of Russia what-so-ever. American & Russian peeps met to discuss ending the war with no Ukrainians involved. Wonder what's going on?

What do the Europeans think of this? Especially the Poles. Could they be next?
Click to expand...
Well, Ukraine DID start this war when they tried to destroy Russian's in the Donbas.

They forbid speaking Russian language, removed Russian books from schools, and so far they've bombed the Donbas killing @14,000 civilians.

THIS is the reason Putin entered Ukraine to stop them from killing Russian civilians.

A noble mission.

All this after Putin negotiated with Zelensky in the 2014 Minsk agreement.

What Was the 2014 Minsk Agreement?
  • Full Name: Minsk Protocol or Minsk I.
  • Date Signed: September 5, 2014.
  • Parties Involved:
    • Representatives of the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe [OSCE]).
    • Without formal recognition of their status, leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), the Russian-backed separatist groups in eastern Ukraine.
  • Location: Signed in Minsk, Belarus, following extensive talks mediated by the OSCE.
Background and Context:
  • Donbas War: The agreement aimed to end the escalating conflict in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, part of the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict. The war began in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the subsequent rise of pro-Russian separatist movements in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
  • Trigger for Minsk I: After Ukrainian forces suffered a major defeat at Ilovaisk in late August 2014 (with significant Russian military involvement), Russia pressured Ukraine into negotiations. This followed months of fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists, marked by heavy casualties and territorial gains by separatists.
Key Provisions of Minsk I:
The agreement outlined several measures to de-escalate the conflict, including:
  1. Ceasefire: An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire between all parties.
  2. Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons: Both sides were to pull back heavy artillery and weapons systems from the frontline to create a buffer zone.
  3. Monitoring: The OSCE was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and verifying compliance.
  4. Decentralization: Ukraine agreed to grant greater autonomy to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including constitutional reforms to devolve power.
  5. Exchange of Prisoners: Release and exchange of all hostages and illegally detained persons.
  6. Humanitarian Access: Ensuring humanitarian aid delivery to affected areas.
  7. Elections: Local elections in the Donbas regions under Ukrainian law, followed by restoration of Ukrainian control over the border with Russia.
Outcomes and Failures:
  • Initial Failure: Despite the agreement, fighting continued almost immediately. Both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations. A major escalation occurred in January 2015 when Russian forces launched a large-scale offensive, recapturing Donetsk International Airport and attacking Debaltseve, leading to another Ukrainian defeat.
  • Minsk II: Due to Minsk I’s failure, a second agreement, Minsk II, was signed on February 12, 2015, with more detailed provisions, including a new ceasefire line and stricter timelines for implementation. However, it also faced challenges in execution.
  • Long-Term Impact:
    • The agreements failed to fully resolve the conflict, with sporadic fighting continuing in the Donbas.
    • Russia, Ukraine, and the separatists interpreted the agreements differently, particularly regarding the sequence of steps (e.g., elections vs. border control).
    • On February 22, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the Minsk agreements "no longer existed," blaming Ukraine for their collapse, shortly before launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Significance:
  • The Minsk agreements were a critical, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to diplomatically resolve the Donbas conflict. They highlighted the deep divisions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Russia’s role in supporting separatists, which Western countries condemned as aggression.
  • They also exposed challenges in international mediation, with the OSCE struggling to enforce compliance amid geopolitical tensions.
Additional Context from Web Results:
  • The web result from Wikipedia (published February 18, 2025) details the Minsk agreements’ structure, key events (e.g., Ilovaisk defeat, Debaltseve battle), and Russia’s eventual rejection of the agreements in 2022. It notes Russia’s covert military involvement, including regular forces, despite denying direct participation initially.
  • The agreements were seen as meeting Russian interests by freezing the conflict and maintaining separatist control, but they didn’t stop the violence or restore Ukrainian sovereignty over Donbas and Crimea.

What Was Minsk II?
  • Full Name: Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
  • Date Signed: February 12, 2015.
  • Parties Involved:
    • Representatives of the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe [OSCE]).
    • Leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), the Russian-backed separatist groups in eastern Ukraine.
  • Location: Signed in Minsk, Belarus, following intensified fighting and the failure of the earlier Minsk I agreement (September 2014).
Background and Context:
  • Donbas War Escalation: Minsk II came after the collapse of Minsk I, which failed to halt the conflict in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. By early 2015, violence had escalated, particularly around Debaltseve, where Russian-backed separatists, with direct Russian military support, launched a major offensive, defeating Ukrainian forces and capturing the strategic town in February 2015.
  • Pressure for a New Agreement: The heavy casualties, international concern (especially from Germany and France, who mediated alongside Russia), and the need for a stronger ceasefire led to Minsk II. It was negotiated under pressure from Russia’s military gains and Ukraine’s losses, with the OSCE facilitating talks.
Key Provisions of Minsk II:
Minsk II was more detailed and structured than Minsk I, aiming to address its predecessor’s shortcomings. The main points included:
  1. Immediate Ceasefire:
    • A comprehensive ceasefire was to begin on February 15, 2015, along a new frontline, including the withdrawal from Debaltseve.
  2. Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons:
    • Both sides were required to withdraw heavy artillery (more than 100mm caliber) and rocket systems from the contact line to create a buffer zone of at least 50 km for certain weapons and 70 km for multiple rocket launchers.
  3. OSCE Monitoring:
    • The OSCE was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and verifying the withdrawal of weapons, with full access to the conflict zone.
  4. Decentralization and Special Status:
    • Ukraine was to adopt constitutional amendments to grant "special status" to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including decentralization and local self-governance.
    • This special status would be enshrined in Ukrainian law permanently, favoring Russian interests by granting significant autonomy to the separatist-held areas.
  5. Local Elections:
    • Local elections in the Donbas regions were to be held under Ukrainian law, followed by the restoration of Ukrainian control over the Russia-Ukraine border in those areas.
  6. Amnesty and Prisoner Exchange:
    • An amnesty for participants in the conflict and an all-for-all prisoner exchange were mandated.
  7. Humanitarian Access and Economic Reconstruction:
    • Ensuring humanitarian aid delivery and resuming economic ties, including banking services, tax payments, and social benefits in the conflict zones.
  8. Sequence of Actions:
    • A contentious provision required Ukraine to implement political reforms (e.g., decentralization, special status) before regaining full control of its border with Russia, a sequence Russia and the separatists favored but Ukraine opposed, as it weakened its sovereignty.
Outcomes and Implementation Challenges:
  • Partial Success, Ongoing Conflict:
    • A ceasefire was initially implemented on February 15, 2015, reducing large-scale fighting, but sporadic violence persisted, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The OSCE reported thousands of ceasefire breaches over the years.
    • Heavy weapons withdrawal was incomplete, with separatists and Ukrainian forces retaining some artillery in violation of the agreement.
  • Political Stalemate:
    • The sequence of actions (e.g., elections before border control) created a deadlock. Ukraine insisted on regaining border control first, while Russia and the separatists demanded political concessions (special status, amnesty) upfront.
    • Ukraine passed a law on "special status" for Donbas in 2014 but delayed full implementation, arguing it couldn’t hold elections under separatist control or without border security.
  • Russia’s Role:
    • Minsk II, like Minsk I, did not explicitly acknowledge Russian military presence in Ukraine, referring only to "foreign armed formations." Russia framed itself as a mediator rather than a belligerent, despite evidence of its regular forces’ involvement, as noted in the web results.
    • The agreement strengthened Russia’s position by freezing the conflict, maintaining separatist control, and delaying Ukrainian reintegration of Donbas.
  • Long-Term Failure:
    • On February 22, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the Minsk agreements "no longer existed," blaming Ukraine for their failure. Two days later, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, effectively ending any pretense of adhering to Minsk II.
    • The agreement laid the groundwork for Russia’s later justification of its actions, claiming it was protecting Russian-speaking populations in Donbas, as per the special status provisions.
Significance and Analysis:
  • Geopolitical Implications:
    • Minsk II reflected a compromise heavily favoring Russia, as noted in the Chatham House and Institute for the Study of War web results. It allowed Russia to pose as a mediator while maintaining influence over Donbas, delaying Ukraine’s NATO/EU integration, and avoiding direct Western military intervention.
    • Western leaders (Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s François Hollande) supported Minsk II to avoid escalation, but critics argue it emboldened Russia by giving it time to prepare for a larger invasion in 2022.
  • Criticism:
    • The Institute for the Study of War result highlights Minsk II as a "weak deal" that absolved Russia of responsibility, strengthened its aggressive stance, and masked its military weaknesses. It demanded nothing of Russia, only obligations on Ukraine and the separatists.
    • The contradictory provisions (e.g., special status vs. sovereignty) made implementation impossible, as Ukraine saw them as undermining its territorial integrity, while Russia used them to justify continued interference.
  • Contradictions:
    • As Chatham House notes, Minsk II tried to "paper over yawning differences" between Ukraine and Russia, resulting in a convoluted sequence of actions. For instance, restoring Ukrainian border control was contingent on a political settlement agreeable to Russia, but it also included provisions for Ukrainian control before finalizing such a settlement, creating confusion.
Additional Context from Web Results:
  • The Wikipedia entry (updated February 18, 2025) details the timeline, including the Debaltseve battle, Russia’s invasion with "fresh forces," and the OSCE’s role in monitoring. It confirms Russia’s denial of direct involvement, despite evidence of regular troops.
  • Chatham House (2020) describes Minsk II as inherently contradictory due to the battlefield stalemate, with political provisions favoring Russia (e.g., special status) at odds with Ukraine’s sovereignty and EU aspirations.
  • The Institute for the Study of War (no specific date) argues Minsk II laid the groundwork for Russia’s 2022 invasion by giving the Kremlin time to prepare, reinforcing its aggressive worldview.
Timeline and Key Dates:
  • February 12, 2015: Minsk II signed.
  • February 15, 2015: Ceasefire begins, but violations continue.
  • 2015–2022: Sporadic fighting, failed implementation, and growing tensions.
  • February 22, 2022: Putin declares Minsk agreements dead.
  • February 24, 2022: Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
 

JUST IN: GOP Senator Roger Wicker Says Putin Can't Be Trusted After Trump Claimed He Wants Peace​

Feb 18, 2025

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill about the Russia-Ukraine war.


3:42
 

Retired general debunks President Trump's claims Ukraine is led by a 'dictator,' started the war​

Feb 19, 2025

Retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey discusses the "horrific" statement by President Donald Trump.


8:16
 

'European leaders must invest very aggressively in Europe’s defense industrial base’ | DW News​

Feb 19, 2025

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have entered into a very public war of words. It began when the US president appeared to blame his Ukrainian counterpart for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, chiding him for complaining about being excluded from talks about his country's future, between the US and Russia. President Zelenskyy then suggested that Donald Trump was being influenced by Russian disinformation – sparking a blistering social media attack from the American president.


8:19
 
Was Zelensky blackmailing Joe Biden?

Trump wants to know why Biden was financially supporting Ukraine without the promise of getting taxpayer money back.

Why would he do this when Europe isn't?

Remember when Rudy Giuliani suggested it was because of blackmail?

Think about it: Joe was using Ukraine as his own personal money laundering operation.

Hunter Biden was the bag man for the "big guy," Joe Biden while meeting up with hookers, prostitutes, and smoking crack.

Imagine what kind of information they could have had on the finances and the decrepit activities of Hunter.

Remember:
The Biden family, the Pelosi family, and the Romney family all had children inexplicably connected to Ukraine.

When Donald Trump asked about the crimes being committed in Ukraine: Adam Schiff concocted a whistleblower out of thin air to get Trump impeached.

That's how much they don't want us asking about Ukraine.

Ukraine is an epicenter for corruption.

Imagine the kind of leverage Zelensky could have had over Biden knowing what he knew...

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Not gonna post a link (now) but I've heard a critical minerals deal between the US & Ukraine is imminent.
 
Don’t see how if Z is considered to be non leader status

Either they have elections he wins and is considered legitimate or they wait and get an agreement with a legitimate gov / leader.
 
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