RUNNING UPDATES ON THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE - 26.02.2025
Including geopolitical issues affecting the balance of power in the ongoing end game war to establish our common future, a closely monitored prison planet or tolerance for diverse modes of governance.
HOW REALISTIC IS IT FOR THE EUROPEANS TO BELIEVE THEY CAN OPPOSE DONALD TRUMP’S DESIRE TO ACHIEVE PEACE & END U.S. SUPPORT FOR THE KIEV REGIME?
USA | RUSSIA | CHINA | UKRAINE | EU | NATO
‘Rational’ Trump, ‘toxic’ Zelensky, and ‘shackled’ EU: Key points from latest Putin interview.
The Russian president highlighted Moscow’s strategic positioning on economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation with Washington.
Russian President Vladimir Putin answers questions from journalist Pavel Zarubin during an interview at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia. © Sputnik / Mikhail Metzel
Russian President Vladimir Putin has shared his perspective on the policies of his US counterpart Donald Trump, the future of Ukraine’s statehood, and the potential role of Europe in the negotiation process.
In an interview with Russia 1 TV journalist Pavel Zarubin on Monday, Putin dismissed concerns over US-Ukraine resource agreements, criticized Zelensky’s leadership, and framed Trump’s policies as pragmatic and pro-American rather than beneficial to Moscow.
He also pointed out that European leaders are constrained by past commitments to Kiev, while Moscow remains open to economic cooperation with the US despite ongoing sanctions.
’Toxic’ Zelensky and Ukrainian statehood
Putin described Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky as a “toxic figure” for Ukrainian society, claiming that his irrational orders, driven by obscure political motives, have led to “unjustifiably high losses, if not catastrophic ones.”
Putin suggested that if Zelensky, whose five-year presidential term expired in May 2024, were to face new elections, he would have no chance of winning: “His chances of winning are absolutely zero – unless, of course, something is blatantly rigged.”
He argued that Zelensky’s popularity has collapsed and that he is actively avoiding peace negotiations with Russia in order to maintain his hold on power: “If negotiations start, this will sooner or later lead to lifting martial law. And as soon as that happens, elections must be held.”
‘Rational’ Trump
READ MORE: Trump says Putin treated him with ‘great respect’
Putin suggested that Trump sees Zelensky as an obstacle to stabilizing Ukraine and securing a peace deal: “Trump likely understands that Zelensky is a destabilizing factor. He wants to bring Ukrainians back together, consolidate its society, and create conditions for the survival of the Ukrainian state.”
Addressing claims that Trump’s position on Ukraine plays into Russia’s hands, Putin strongly disagreed: “In the current situation, strange as it may seem, we would be more interested in [Zelensky] sitting there and further corrupting the regime with which we are in an armed conflict. And from the point of view of strengthening Ukrainian statehood, it is necessary to act in a completely different direction – to bring to power those who will enjoy the trust of the people of Ukraine.”
The Russian president also commented on Trump’s political style, rejecting the notion that the US president acts based purely on emotion: “No, of course not. His actions are based on cold calculation and a rational approach to the situation.”
The role of Europe
Putin argued that European politicians are “shackled” by their past commitments and are unable to change their approach to Ukraine without losing credibility: “Unlike the newly elected US president, European leaders are tied to the current regime in Kiev. They are too invested and have made too many promises.”
He criticized Europe’s reaction to recent US-Russia diplomatic interactions, saying: “Their response was emotional and lacked practical meaning. Instead of addressing real issues, they focus on maintaining appearances.”
While dismissing demands by EU officials to have a say in Russia-US negotiations, Putin acknowledged that European involvement could be useful in broader discussions: “Their participation is welcome, of course. We never refused to engage with them.”
He also noted that Moscow values the efforts of non-European actors, such as BRICS nations, in promoting peace: “Not only Europeans but other countries as well have the right to participate, and we respect that.”
Military and trade relations with the US
Putin responded positively to Trump’s proposal to cut defense spending, indicating Moscow’s openness to negotiations: “We are not against it. The idea is good: the US cuts by 50%, we cut by 50%, and if China wants, they can join later.”
Commenting on US trade policies, Putin criticized American sanctions but acknowledged that each country sets its own trade priorities: “For many years, US trade policy has been tied to sanctions. We consider these sanctions illegal and harmful to global trade.”
Regarding Trump’s shift toward tariffs, Putin said he understood the reasoning behind the move: “Each country determines independently what is beneficial… I can understand the logic – to move production back home, create jobs, force taxes to be paid… But at some point, of course, these actions will encounter certain difficulties associated with inflationary pressure.”
Putin also confirmed that “some Russian and American companies are in contact and discussing major projects” but did not specify details.
‘Rare earths’ cooperation
The rare-earth minerals deal that the Trump administration is reportedly pushing with Kiev “doesn’t concern” Moscow, Putin said, emphasizing that Russia is focused on developing its own rare-earth sector due to its critical importance in multiple industries.
“We would be ready to offer this to our American partners… if they showed interest in working together,” he stated, clarifying that this applies to both private companies and government entities. He stressed that Russia has significantly larger reserves of rare-earth metals than Ukraine, making it a global leader in the field.
Trump open to Moscow visit.
An official trip will be possible once the Ukraine conflict is “settled,” according to the US president.
US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to visiting Russia, contingent on progress in peace negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict. Trump made the statement during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington on Monday.
When asked by a reporter about his plans to visit Moscow, Trump responded: “If all this gets settled down, which I think it will, sure, I would go there, and he’d come here too,” seemingly referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin potentially visiting the US.
Responding to another question about attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, Trump noted that the date was “pretty soon,” but that a visit would occur “at the appropriate time.” The US President added that he expects the Ukraine conflict to end “within weeks.”
The suggestion that Trump might come to Russia in May first appeared in French conservative news magazine Le Point. “The scenario of Trump’s presence in Moscow alongside Putin on May 9 is being seriously considered in Europe,” the publication claimed on Friday. Both Moscow and Washington have since denied having such plans.
Victory Day is marked by a large military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, symbolizing national pride and military strength. Attendance by foreign leaders is seen as a gesture of diplomatic goodwill.
In an effort to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, Trump held a 90-minute phone conversation with Putin on February 12. Both leaders agreed to start negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The following week, high-level discussions between US and Russian officials took place in Saudi Arabia, focusing on establishing a framework for a potential peace deal and improving bilateral relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the talks as “very useful” and stated that for the first time the US delegation listened to Moscow’s concerns.
During Trump’s first term in office between 2017 and 2021 neither he nor Putin visited the other’s country. Their interactions were limited to meetings at international summits in other nations.
‘Militarist’ EU has no place at Ukraine peace negotiating table – Moscow.
Belligerence demonstrated by Kiev’s EU backers will only push them into greater isolation, the Russian foreign ministry has said.
Russian Foreign Ministry's building is seen in Moscow, Russia, on August 3, 2024.
The aggressive position of Ukraine’s EU backers makes them unfit for taking part in the peace process, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Their desire to push divisive narratives will only harm their own relations with the international community, it added.
The actions of active Ukraine supporters among the EU nations show that they “had firmly embarked on a path of militarism” and had “lost the right” to take part in the Ukraine conflict resolution, according to the Russian ministry.
It was commenting on the two competing resolutions on Ukraine that were submitted to the UN General Assembly on Monday to mark the 3rd year of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev. One of them was initiated by Kiev and its EU backers and condemned Russia.
Read more: UN Security Council approves US resolution on Ukraine
Moscow blasted the document over “recycling baseless accusations and ultimatums against Russia, selective citation of the UN Charter” and ignoring the root causes of the ongoing hostilities. According to the ministry, the resolution was aimed at increasing international support for the so-called ‘Zelensky peace formula’ – Kiev’s plan for resolving the conflict mostly based on a set of demands and preconditions Russia has repeatedly branded as unacceptable.
The document received a record low support in the UN General Assembly, the foreign ministry said, adding that more than half of the UN members did not back it. The resolution was endorsed by 93 nations and opposed by 18, with 65 abstentions. The remaining members of the 193-strong body did not vote.
The competing resolution put forward by the US, which initially only expressed sorrow for the loss of life in the conflict and called for a sustainable peace was “turned into yet another anti-Russian pamphlet” through “obnoxious” amendments introduced by Kiev’s EU backers, the ministry stated.
“The meaning of the initiative was distorted to a point when even its US authors could not endorse their own document,” the Russian statement said. The EU nations’ delegates then also tried to delay the voting on a similar US-sponsored resolution at the UN Security Council, it added.
Read more: US adopting ‘Russian narrative’ – EU’s Kallas
Such actions run counter to the will of the international community, Moscow believes. Most nations would like to contribute to the swift resolution of the ongoing conflict, according to the ministry. Kiev’s EU backers could end up “in isolation” due to their belligerent stance, it warned.
The EU and some of its member states have stepped up their aggressive rhetoric this month after Moscow and Washington announced plans to restore ties and work on resolving the Ukraine conflict. On Monday, the bloc adopted its 16th package of Ukraine-related restrictions, marking the anniversary of the launch of the Russian military operation against Kiev’s forces in February 2022.
However, shortly after assuming office in January US President Donald Trump pivoted Washington’s stance on Ukraine. Trump recently claimed that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky is responsible for escalating the conflict and declared that Zelensky's participation in meetings between Washington and Russia is unnecessary.
EU top diplomat and former Estonian prime minister, Kaja Kallas, accused the US of adopting a “Russian narrative” under the new administration and stated that Brussels should “support Ukraine right now more than ever.”
ALEX KRAINER: How Far Has Europe Deceived Itself?
ALEXANDER MERCOURIS: Lavrov; Macron Starmer Trying To Trick Trump; Kiev Using Mineral Deal Get US Recommit To Ukraine war.
ALEX CHRISTOFOROU: Georgescu arrested. Rare earth deal done. Trump, I gave the JAVELINS. Starmer prepares for WAR.
DANIEL DAVIS: Trump & Europe: Ukraine Russia War SHOWDOWN.
THE DURAN: EU plan to crush Kaliningrad fails.
SCOTT RITTER: Ending Ukraine War: Trump And Putin Teams In Talks On "Major" Deal.
PASCAL LOTAZ - IAN PROUD: Pure PANIC And Grief in Europe Over US-Russia Negotiations | Ex-Diplomat: Ian Proud.
Dr. GILBERT DOCTOROW: Europe Stands Alone.
AMBASSADOR CHAS FREEMAN: Has the US ABANDONED Real Diplomacy for Good?
PATRICK HENNINGSEN: Ukraine Russia War- Pressure to Keep it Going.
EMIL COSMAN: New round of US-Rus talks in Türkiye. Trump's Moscow visit, Putin at WH. Germany won't arrest Bibi.
JAMARL THOMAS - DANIEL MCADAMS: Macron Lies To Trump's Face Over Ukraine: "Macron Is A Liar".
DANIEL DAVIS: Peace in Ukraine - What Will it Look Like?
GLENN DIESEN - BRIAN BERLETIC: Brian Berletic (clip 20.02.2025): US-Russia Relations - A Peaceful Turn or a Strategic Pause?
GEORGE GALLOWAY: This is the end, my friend.
SERGEY LAVROV: Minister Lavrov Blames US Policies for Fueling Ukraine Conflict & Syrian Instability.
LEVAN GUDADZE: Largest Drone Attack on Russia. No Nato Troops in Ukraine - Moscow. UKR to retreat - KURSK. Minerals.
LT. COL. KAREN KWIATKOWSKI: Is Trump Serious?
EMIL COSMAN: RUS-Ukr Peace Deal Reached? Ukr agrees to Trump's minerals deal, Z-stein to visit US to sign deal.
EMIL COSMAN: Trump refuses to call Putin Dictator, calls Trudeau loser. Macron warns Trump. Z yells at US official.
KATIE HALPER: What's REALLY Happening in Gaza & Ukraine With Rami Khouri, Helena Cobban, Mark Ames & Lev Golinkin.
JIMMY DORE: John Mearsheimer PREDICTED How Ukraine War Would End 10 Years Ago!
GEORGE GALLOWAY: The US is still a tiger, but it's lost a lot of teeth.
ARMIT SENGUPTA: US Ukraine Critical Minerals Deal Explained – What’s Really Happening?
We're The Only Winners In This WAR: Russia Hardened its Demands and Refused To Make any CONCESSIONS.
Russia Open to US-Russian Economic Cooperation - RDIF Head.
Russia is open to US-Russian economic cooperation, which is key to increasing the sustainability of the global economy, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) CEO and Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday.
"Russia is open to US-Russian economic cooperation and believes that such cooperation is key to increasing the sustainability of the global economy," Dmitriev said on social media.
USA - TRUMP | MUSK | DOGE
TULSI GABBARD: Holding The Deep State Accountable.
REDACTED: SOMETHING BIG IS HAPPENING AT THE CIA AND FBI RIGHT NOW, AS KASH PATEL CLEANS HOUSE.
REDACTED: "FBI agents caught DESTROYING evidence" as Kash Patel takes over Bureau.
DUE DISSIDENCE: Max Blumenthal QUESTIONED By FEDS at DC Airport.
DUE DISSIDENCE: Elon DOUBLES DOWN on Email Threat, Bongino Named FBI Deputy Director, Maddow RESPONDS To MSNBC Purge.
SABBY SABS: JEFFREY SACHS SPEECH, DIDDY CHALLENGE, ELON EMAIL, SEALES CHECKS LEMON, GERMANY ELECTIONS, JFK NEWS.
TRUMP | BRICS
DANNY HAIPHONG - BEN NORTON: China SHOCKS US Military: Trump’s Ukraine Rare Earth Deal DEBUNKED.
EUROPE | BRITAIN
BREAKTHROUGH NEWS: German Election Shockwaves: Rapid Decline of US Influence in Europe w/ Prof. Richard Wolff.
MIDDLE EAST
KATIE HALPER: What's REALLY Happening in Gaza & Ukraine With Rami Khouri, Helena Cobban, Mark Ames & Lev Golinkin.
SERGEY LAVROV: Iran rejects nuclear talks 'under pressure' during Russian FM Lavrov's visit to Tehran.
SERGEY LAVROV: Minister Lavrov Blames US Policies for Fueling Ukraine Conflict & Syrian Instability.
Ex-Advisor to Israeli Government BOLDLY Exposes Israel and Its Enablers at the UNSC.
JAMARL THOMAS - DAN KOVALIK: Israel Will Eventually Fail From It's Own Contradictions.
GEOPOLITICAL TRENDS: What Message Does Lavrov Have for Iran?
NON-ENGLISH NEWS
LIU SIVAYA: ÚLTIMA HORA!! HECHOS HISTÓRICOS: LOS TRES GIGANTES SE ALÍAN FRENTE (y a pesar de) LA UNIÓN EUROPEA.
Russen starten neue Gegenangriffe in Kursk! 2 Ortschaften eingenommen. Frontbericht 26.02.2025
Rusko-Američka Saradnja Protiv Ukrajine ⚔ Bježanija iz Kurska Počinje ⚔ Ukrajinski Kontranapad. 26.2.2025
कुर्स्क के मोर्चे से यूक्रेनी सैनिक भागे - तख्तापलट?
यूक्रेनी सैनिक मैदान छोड़कर भागे - यूरोप ने भारत से मांगी मदद
MAPPING CHANNEL UPDATES
[ SITREP ] TOPOLI, NOVOOCHERETUVATE, ZAPORIZHZHYA, BILOHORIVKA all conquered.
Cold War II❄️Zelensky Declared Himself President👑Russians Control Pohrebky & Orlovka⚔️MS 2025.02.26📰
Russians Are Unstoppable l Russia Captures Pogrebki,Orlovka And Advance In Konstantynopil.
He Will Sign Everything✍️Russians Have Launched A Decisive Assault ⚡️🏃♂️Military Summary 2025.02.26
Frontline Expands - Virtue Signalling Doesn't WIN WARS | UA Signs US Deal | Map Update.
[ Ukraine Frontline Changes ] STALEMATE BROKEN: Kursk Northern Flank broke; Novoocheretuvate taken!
GROK PICS
RUSSIA / BELARUS - EXPATS IN RUSSIA
TRAVELLING WITH RUSSELL: Russian TYPICAL Supermarket After 3 Years of Sanctions.
LISA WITH LOVE: AMERICAN MOVES TO RUSSIA on a New Shared Values Visa. 🇷🇺🇺🇸
BEAUTIFUL MOSCOW: 🔥Dancing in Sokolniki and Happy👍Watch to the end! You haven't seen anything like this yet.‼️
SAM’S RUSSIAN ADVENTURES: How I See the UK After 20 Years Living in Russia.
VICTORY BELONGS TO RUSSIA: IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
Each day that passes makes a conclusive Russian victory in the Donbass and beyond more certain. As Russia bolsters her forces, and weaponry, those of Ukraine decrease. Russian forces gain ready access to rest and recuperation as troop numbers increase. The increasingly exhausted and demoralised Ukrainian troops have an ever decreasing prospect of such respite. This situation is likely to bring them to complete breakdown as Russia unleashes the firepower of the more modern and advanced weaponry that is arriving with the newly mobilised Russian troops.
The various Ukrainian offensives are now weak when confronted by the reinforced Russian lines. A few futile efforts achieve quite miserable results before fire reigns down on the Ukrainian troops and they are forced back to their starting positions.
And now, all this being said, we have arrived at the wet, and later, freezing conditions where these pathetic Ukrainian forces will be subject to myriad forms of abject misery with death and injury all around them while they lie sodden or frozen, abandoned to their fate by Kiev.
The pitiable young and old of Ukraine have been frogmarched to their deaths as cannon-fodder while the bestial elites of the collective West urge their "president" to add more to their number there at the gates of Hell and their doom. We must feel for the majority of them as they are not the Nazis we revile, in most part they are decent men, fathers, sons, brothers, husband and uncles, who no doubt saw through the coup of 2014 for what it was. But sadly, their fate seems sealed.
Nothing will stop Russia now. Every factor favours them. Victory will be Russia's. In Donbass and beyond and in due course across the world.
Victory belongs to Russia: It is now only a matter of time.
HOW REALISTIC IS IT FOR THE EUROPEANS TO BELIEVE THEY CAN OPPOSE DONALD TRUMP’S DESIRE TO ACHIEVE PEACE & END U.S. SUPPORT FOR THE KIEV REGIME?
