THREAD: usrussia peace talks ukraine future

US and RUSSIA Seek PEACE: Bold Moves to End Ukraine Conflict

19 February 2025 — The U.S. and Russia are working to improve diplomatic ties, aiming to end the war in Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia for over four hours. They discussed reestablishing diplomatic missions in Washington and Moscow. Rubio stressed the need for operational facilities as a base for further talks.

Rubio proposed forming a “high-level team” to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict, though leadership details are unclear. The Trump administration plans to expand geopolitical and economic relations with President Putin as part of this effort.

While Rubio didn’t specify when sanctions against Russia might be lifted, he highlighted the importance of EU involvement due to their strict sanctions on Russia. This development marks a significant step towards cooperation between the U.S., Russia, and Europe in resolving tensions.

US-RUSSIA PEACE Talks: Ukraine’s Future Decided Without Input?

18 February 2025 — U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a peace agreement for Ukraine, notably without Ukrainian representatives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov led the talks, exploring terms for a ceasefire and elections in Ukraine. The discussions also included the possibility of a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that both sides agreed to “lay the groundwork for cooperation” on various issues beyond Ukraine. High-level teams will be appointed to work on ending the conflict in Ukraine, with new elections being a potential part of the peace deal framework. Diplomatic sources suggest that both countries view Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as having slim chances of re-election, which could influence negotiations.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., expressed opposition to forced elections in Ukraine via social media, highlighting concerns over external pressure on Ukrainian sovereignty. Despite viewing Putin as a “great competitor,” U.S. officials still consider him an adversary amid these complex negotiations over Ukraine’s future stability and leadership dynamics.;

TRUMP’S BOLD Move: Meeting Putin in Saudi Arabia Sparks Debate

12 February 2025 — Former President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. This follows a phone call about the Ukraine conflict. Trump’s statement comes as U.S.-Russia tensions rise and peace talks continue.

Trump stressed the need to engage with global leaders to ease hostilities. He called Putin a “smart player” and suggested direct talks could lead to progress on Ukraine. Reactions are mixed, with some supporting his diplomatic approach and others criticizing potential normalization with Russia during its military actions in Ukraine.

Analysts are watching this possible meeting closely, as it might signal a shift in U.S. policy towards Russia under the current administration. The situation in Ukraine remains contentious globally, with U.S. allies backing Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression.

Trump’s remarks come amid Republican debates on future foreign policy directions and relations with Russia, highlighting differing views within the party on how best to handle international conflicts like Ukraine’s ongoing crisis.

EUROPEAN Allies RALLY to Defend Ukraine as Trump Era Looms

12 November 2024 — London, Paris, and Warsaw are forming a core group to support Ukraine against Russia, anticipating changes in U.S. policy under a possible Trump presidency. Donald Trump hasn’t detailed his plans for ending the conflict but has mentioned options like land swaps or demilitarized zones. These strategies clash with Ukraine’s goal of total victory over Russia.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss defense matters and support for Ukraine. They want outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russia before any Trump policy shift. The U.S., however, worries this could escalate tensions with Moscow significantly.

A UK government source stressed the urgency of maximizing efforts before Trump’s potential presidency begins on January 20th. Starmer and Macron aim to strengthen Ukraine’s position as winter nears and after Trump’s re-election announcement days ago, despite financial challenges faced by both the UK and France amid budgetary issues.

Poland, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusks, is also increasing its role in this emerging anti-Trump alliance within Europe. Meetings between Polish leaders and European counterparts are planned to involve NATO members from Scandinavia as well.

UKRAINE FACES NEW Threat: North Korean Troops Join Russia

06 November 2024 — Ukraine is now facing North Korean troops supporting Russia, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this during his nightly address, warning of Russia’s plan to escalate the war. Ukrainian forces reportedly fired artillery at North Korean soldiers near Russia’s Kursk border region.

Zelenskyy stressed the global impact of this alliance between Russia and North Korea, noting that unchecked terror can spread like a virus. He called for strong action to prevent further instability and thanked Ukraine’s allies for their support. “Together with the world, we must do everything so that this Russian step to expand the war with real escalation fails,” he stated.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry confirmed over 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia, many positioned in frontline areas like Kursk. This movement raises concerns about increased military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang, potentially destabilizing regional security further. Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight the urgent need for international vigilance against this growing threat.

UKRAINE FACES OFF Against North Korean Troops: A NEW Global Threat?

06 November 2024 — Ukraine has faced North Korean troops in combat for the first time, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy warned that Russia aims to escalate the ongoing conflict. An official from Kyiv stated that Ukrainian forces fired artillery at North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region.

Zelenskyy stressed the global implications of this new development, warning that terror can spread like a virus without strong counteraction. He called for robust international support to counteract this escalation by Russia and North Korea. “The first battles with North Korean soldiers have opened a new chapter of instability in the world,” he said, urging allies to act decisively.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry reported over 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia, with many near frontline areas like Kursk. This deployment raises concerns about further destabilization not only in Europe but potentially across Asia as well. Zelenskyy highlighted China’s silence on the matter as particularly troubling amid these developments.

NORTH KOREAN Troops Join Russia: A Shocking Turn in Ukraine WAR

01 November 2024 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that 8,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia are preparing to fight against Ukrainian forces in Kursk. This deployment comes after Russia trained 10,000 North Korean troops, with most now stationed in the Kursk region. Ukraine’s recent advances have pushed Russia to defend its territory, raising tensions further.

In a joint press conference with South Korean officials, Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that these North Korean troops were trained in artillery and UAV operations. Austin pointed out that Russia providing uniforms and equipment shows their plan to use these forces on the front lines against Ukraine. This highlights Moscow’s determination to strengthen its military efforts amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The Pentagon has cautioned that if North Korea supports Russia’s war efforts, there will be no restrictions on weapons support for Ukraine. The situation remains tense as both sides gear up for possible escalations in the conflict zone. The international community is watching closely as developments unfold in this volatile region.

AUSTIN’S Final Ukraine Visit: What It Means for America’S Future

22 October 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made his fourth and likely final trip to Ukraine before the upcoming U.S. election. He praised Ukraine’s resilience against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s prolonged assault but cautioned that there is “no silver bullet” to end the conflict. Austin emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s strategic military efforts and international support in repelling Russian aggression.

Austin highlighted the significance of U.S. and allied support, stating that Ukraine’s security impacts both European and American interests. Concerns are rising as the U.S. presidential election approaches, with uncertainty over future American support if Donald Trump returns to office.

In a demonstration of continued commitment, Austin announced a new $400 million arms package for Ukraine. He argued that supporting Kyiv is more cost-effective than allowing it to fall under Putin’s control, reinforcing America’s stance on international security cooperation.

RUSSIA’S Military Losses Soar Amid Ukraine Conflict

10 October 2024 — Britain’s Ministry of Defence reports a sharp rise in Russian military casualties, averaging 1,271 per day in September. This marks the highest daily losses since the conflict began. The increase is linked to Ukraine’s counter-invasion efforts and Russia’s aggressive tactics.

The analysis shows Russia’s casualty rate has more than doubled compared to last year’s peaks. Despite harsh winter conditions, there’s no sign of reduced conflict intensity. Over 648,000 Russian casualties are estimated since the war started, based on Ukrainian figures.

Ukraine claims it inflicted over 38,000 casualties on Russian forces in September alone and destroyed thousands of vehicles like tanks and armored units. However, Western sources often highlight Russian losses without comprehensive data on Ukrainian casualties due to limited transparency from Kyiv.

While Ukraine’s reported figures for Russian losses exceed those from Britain’s Ministry of Defence, accurate assessments are tough due to wartime secrecy. President Zelensky dismissed Kremlin claims about Ukrainian casualties as exaggerated lies earlier this year but didn’t disclose specific numbers for his own forces’ losses.

UKRAINE BEGS for Long-Range Missiles Amid Russian Threat

11 September 2024 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday. Ukraine is urging the West to allow it to use long-range missiles against Russia. The diplomats traveled by train from Poland following a U.S. presidential debate where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump discussed the war in Ukraine.

Blinken accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling it a “dramatic escalation” of the conflict. For months, Ukraine has been requesting approval to use long-range weapons from the United States and Western allies to strike targets in Russia. Given Russia’s latest reported weapons acquisition, Ukraine is expected to press harder for these capabilities.

“We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy during their meeting in Kyiv. Shmyhal described the meeting as “intense” but provided no further details on his Telegram channel.

At a news conference, he emphasized that destroying military targets or weapons prepared by Russia would enhance safety for Ukrainian civilians and children.

CIA and MI6 Chiefs WARN: Global Threats Looming

08 September 2024 — The heads of the CIA and MI6 have issued a stark warning about global threats. They highlighted the war in Ukraine, sabotage in Europe, and rising tensions with China. “We saw the war in Ukraine coming,” they stated, emphasizing their role in alerting the international community.

They are actively working to disrupt Russia’s sabotage campaigns across Europe and address escalating conflicts like the Israel-Gaza situation. Counterterrorism efforts against ISIS are also a priority. The intelligence chiefs stressed that global stability is under threat like never before since the Cold War.

China’s rise is identified as the main geopolitical challenge of this century, prompting both agencies to reorganize their priorities accordingly. Russian intelligence activities were described as reckless, with recent incidents of sabotage and arson attacks on infrastructure in Europe being attributed to Moscow’s covert operations.;

NATO’S BIG Move: Ukraine’s UNSTOPPABLE Path to Membership

11 July 2024 — NATO’s 32 members declared Ukraine on an “irreversible” path to membership in the alliance. This announcement came during their summit in Washington, emphasizing a commitment to Ukraine’s defense.

The U.S., Netherlands, and Denmark announced that Ukrainian pilots would receive NATO-provided F-16s by summer. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support amid ongoing deadly strikes from Russia.

NATO also committed to long-term security assistance and established a new center to ensure reliable arms and training for Ukraine. However, these commitments fall short of what Ukraine says it needs to defeat Russia.

The final statement labeled China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine. NATO reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s democratic, economic, and security reforms needed for full membership in the alliance.

NATO SUMMIT In DC: Biden’s RE-Election Doubts Shake Ukraine Support

09 July 2024 — World leaders are heading to Washington, D.C., this week for a historic NATO summit as uncertainty rises over continued U.S. support for Ukraine. The summit marks the 75th anniversary of the alliance’s founding and comes amid skepticism about President Biden’s re-election chances and their impact on Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Key issues on the agenda include Ukraine’s success in its war with Russia, its future within NATO, and how the alliance plans to bolster collective defense. The U.S. has been a major supporter of Ukraine, providing significant aid, sparking debate over whether this level of support can continue under a different presidency.

Former President Donald Trump has not clarified what U.S. involvement with NATO would look like if he wins a second term, leaving questions about future American support for the alliance and Ukraine unanswered. Experts believe Trump is unlikely to pull out of NATO altogether but note that the alliance is taking steps to safeguard its support for Ukraine should Washington reduce its involvement.

UKRAINE DEFENDS Against Russian Onslaught in Kharkiv

11 May 2024 — Ukrainian troops fought off a Russian military attack in Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conflict as intense, with Russia using missiles, drones, and artillery. The White House stands firmly behind Ukraine’s ability to endure these attacks.

Russian military sources said they aimed at Ukrainian ammo depots and troops. Yet, Kharkiv’s regional leader, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed that his forces kept control of all territory. He noted that Russian scouts tried to enter Ukraine but were pushed back successfully.

The European Union is thinking about using money from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine during this tough time. This plan would strengthen Ukrainian defenses and aid their recovery as the situation worsens in the area.

This move by the EU could provide crucial support for Ukraine while also putting additional pressure on Russia by targeting its financial resources.

RUSSIA’S Nuclear Warning: UK Military Sites in Crosshairs Amid Escalating Tensions

07 May 2024 — Russia has heightened tensions by threatening to target UK military bases. This aggressive stance follows Britain’s decision to supply weapons to Ukraine, which Russia alleges have been used against its territory. This threat emerges as Russia prepares for President Vladimir Putin’s fifth term inauguration and the national Victory Day celebrations.

In a bold response to what it describes as Western provocations, Russia is set to conduct military drills that simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons. These exercises are unique because they focus on battlefield nuclear capabilities, unlike typical maneuvers involving strategic nuclear forces. Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for localized impact, minimizing broader destruction.

The global community has expressed deep concern over these developments. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric voiced worries about the increasing talk of nuclear arms usage, describing the current risks as “alarmingly high.” He emphasized the need for nations to refrain from actions that might lead to misjudgments or catastrophic consequences.

These events underscore a critical moment in international relations, highlighting the delicate balance between national defense and global security threats. The situation calls for careful diplomatic engagement and a reassessment of military strategies by all involved nations to prevent further escalation of tensions.

ZELENSKY’S Warning: Support Ukraine or Face Russian Dominance

09 April 2024 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered a clear message to the U.S. Congress: without further military aid, Ukraine might lose to Russia. In discussions with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Zelensky will argue against any hesitation in providing the funds needed to fight Moscow’s forces. This plea comes despite Ukraine already receiving over $113 billion in aid from Kyiv.

Zelensky is asking for billions more, but some House Republicans are hesitant. He warns that without additional support, Ukraine’s fight becomes “difficult.” The delay in Congress not only puts Ukrainian strength at risk but also challenges worldwide efforts to counter Russian hostility.

On the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale alliance, leaders from Britain and France joined Zelensky’s call for support. Lord Cameron and Stéphane Séjourné emphasized that meeting Ukraine’s requests is crucial for maintaining global security and preventing Russia from gaining further ground. Their agreement shows how vital U.S. decisions are for international peace and stability.

By backing Ukraine, Congress can send a strong message against aggression and protect democratic values worldwide. The choice is stark: provide the necessary aid or risk enabling a Russian victory that could destabilize global order and undermine efforts to promote freedom and democracy across borders.

UKRAINE’S Downfall: The Shocking Inside Story of the Most Devastating Ukrainian Defeat in a Year

11 March 2024 — SLOVIANSK, Ukraine — Ukrainian soldiers found themselves in an unrelenting battle, defending the same industrial block for months with no relief. In Avdiivka, troops had been stationed for nearly two years of the war without any sign of replacements.

As ammunition dwindled and Russian airstrikes intensified, even fortified positions were not safe from advanced “glide bombs”.

The Russian forces employed a strategic onslaught. They first sent lightly armed soldiers to exhaust Ukraine’s ammunition reserves before deploying their well-trained troops. Special forces and saboteurs staged ambushes from tunnels, adding to the chaos. During this turmoil, a battalion commander mysteriously vanished according to law enforcement documents seen by The Associated Press.

In less than a week, Ukraine lost Avdiivka — a city that had been defended long before Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Outnumbered and nearly surrounded, they chose withdrawal over facing another deadly siege like Mariupol where thousands of troops were either captured or killed. Ten Ukrainian soldiers interviewed by The Associated Press painted a grim picture of how dwindling supplies, overwhelming Russian force numbers and military mismanagement led to this catastrophic defeat.

Viktor Biliak is an infantryman with the 110th Brigade who has been stationed since March 2022 said that

UKRAINE’S Crushing Blow: Russian Warship Decimated by Air-Launched Missile Attack

27 December 2023 — On Christmas Day, Ukraine demonstrated its formidable military might. The country claimed a significant victory, saying it had annihilated another Russian warship, the Ropucha-class Novocherkassk, using an air-launched cruise missile. Russia confirmed the assault on their landing ship from the 1980s, which is comparable in size to the U.S.-made Freedom-class warship. They reported one casualty from this attack.

Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk of the Ukrainian Air Force praised his pilots’ exceptional performance. He observed that Russia’s naval fleet continues to dwindle in size.

Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian armed forces, disclosed further details about this strike. He revealed that fighter jets unleashed a volley of Anglo-French Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles at their target. Their goal was for at least one missile to bypass Russian air defenses successfully. The magnitude of the resulting explosion indicated that onboard ammunition likely detonated.

Ukrainian state media circulated footage allegedly showing a massive explosion and towering fire column following the initial hit — evidence suggesting onboard ammunition

UK’S Cameron STANDS FIRM for Ukraine, Dismantles Doubts Over War Effort

07 December 2023 — Former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has robustly defended Ukraine’s stance against Russia. During a conversation with Jennifer Griffin of Fox News at the Aspen Security Forum, he underscored that not only is Ukraine’s war effort holding strong, but it also positively impacts the U.S. economy.

Cameron countered Republican skepticism about backing Ukraine. He argued that financial aid sent to the country is being utilized efficiently and effectively. As proof, he highlighted Ukraine’s success in neutralizing a significant portion of Russia’s helicopter fleet and sinking its Black Sea naval vessels.

He emphasized the necessity of backing a sovereign nation in its self-defense without overstepping into direct conflict with Russian forces – what he referred to as the “red line” involving NATO soldiers. Furthermore, Cameron refuted allegations that Ukraine’s counteroffensive has been unsuccessful in thwarting Russia’s invasion.

His comments emerge amidst escalating debates over U.S support for Ukraine and doubts raised by some Republicans concerning the effectiveness of aid given to this Eastern European nation.