'Old Donald' said Friday that he continues to believe that Putin wants peace and that he is “finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine.” His comments, to reporters in the Oval Office, came after Russia carried out a major missile attack against Ukraine while U.S. intelligence-sharing that normally helps Ukraine repel Russian forces was paused. 'Old Donald', who threatened to impose sanctions on Russia in response to the attack, said he had sent Russia a “very strong statement — can’t do that.” But he softened his tone during his Oval Office appearance

U.S. suspends commercial satellite imagery service to Ukraine

“A more detailed understanding of the battlefield terrain is a huge advantage at every level,” he said. “Without such data, we will inevitably lose some speed and accuracy. It’s not decisive, but it’s definitely an inconvenience.” He spoke on the condition of being identified by his first name, in line with Ukrainian military rules.

Near the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub where Russian forces have waged a bitter campaign, the satellite service “simply disappeared,” a soldier said.

“Is this a tragedy? No, we use our own plans,” he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the media.

Ukraine can still access such imagery with its own purchased accounts.

Maxar, a leading U.S. provider of commercial satellite imagery, said its services for Ukraine were affected by that decision by the Trump administration.

A new Economist-YouGov poll shows Americans disapprove of 'Old Donald''s handling of the war 45 percent to 40 percent. That's not a huge gap. But it's worse than his overall approval rating, and it's tied for his worst issue in what was otherwise a pretty decent poll for 'Old Donald'.

In addition, just 21 percent strongly approve of his handling of the war, compared with 36 percent who strongly disapprove. Just 43 percent of Republicans strongly approve.

The story is similar in a Reuters-Ipsos poll. It shows 'Old Donald''s approval on the broader issue of foreign policy continuing to deteriorate. While Americans approved of 'Old Donald''s foreign policy by two points in January (39 percent to 37 percent), they now disapprove by 13 points (50 percent to 37 percent).

The Reuters poll found that Americans overwhelmingly disagree with this posture. They say, 70 percent to 9 percent, that Russia is more to blame. When asked separately whether both sides were 'equally' to blame, Americans disagree 60 percent to 22 percent.

'I'm also working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine,' 'Old Donald' said. When he was jeered by Democrats for citing the amount of aid the United States had sent Ukraine, he retorted, 'Do you want to keep it going for another five years?' Finally, he justified his softer touch with Russia than with Ukraine by saying, 'If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.' Russian invaded Ukraine in 2022.

'Ukrainians are reeling and fearful for their country's future the day after a shocking public argument between Zelensky and 'Old Donald' and Vance in the Oval Office threatened to derail future U.S. support for Ukraine.

Some Ukrainians are rallying fiercely behind Zelensky, whose domestic popularity soared last month after he suggested 'Old Donald' was living in a 'disinformation bubble' while 'Old Donald' retorted that Zelensky was a 'dictator without elections.' They saw Zelensky's refusal to back down to 'Old Donald' and Vance on Friday as evidence he was defending Ukraine and its interests even in the face of a stronger world power.

Others feared that regardless of personal feelings, Ukraine relies on the United States to help defend it against the Russian invasion and Zelensky missed a chance to de-escalate the aggressive rhetoric of recent weeks. They saw the disastrous meeting as a misstep that did not just fail to soften the tone between the two countries but may have lost Zelensky his ability to negotiate with 'Old Donald' in the future.

The latest draft of the agreement, cited by Ukrainian newspaper Economic Pravda, would see Kyiv pay 50 percent of revenues from its state-owned natural resources into a fund that would invest in Ukraine. There would be no U.S. security guarantees in return.

The Ukrainian Geological Survey (UGS) estimates the cost of exploiting Ukraine’s 10 largest known mining prospects at $15 billion — comprising the construction of mines, quarries and around 20 new processing facilities.

One of these prospects is the Novopoltasvke deposit — which the UGS describes as “one of the largest” rare earth sites in the world. Its development would require investment estimated at $300 million. A separate UGS report characterizes the site as “relatively difficult” due to the flooding and landslide risks.

China — which processes nearly 90 percent of rare earths worldwide — holds a “near monopoly” over this step in the supply chain, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Most major rare earth producers, including the U.S., lack the domestic know-how or infrastructure needed to refine the minerals, forcing them to rely on Beijing.

The United States voted against a resolution, backed by most of Europe, demanding Russian withdrawal from Ukraine — a deep fissure between allies, and a sharp shift in American policy.

The U.S. resolution was three short paragraphs. It did not mention Russia’s aggression or condemn the invasion. It mourned the loss of life on both sides and said that the United States “implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.”

Dr Robert Muggah, principal of SecDev, says that such minerals add a "strategic and economic dimension" in Russia's continued aggression. By seizing them, he says, Moscow denies access revenue for Ukraine, expands its own resource base and influences global supply chains.

In December China banned the export of some rare earth minerals to the US, having previously limited mineral exports to the US the previous year. Last Wednesday, Zelensky rejected US demands for a reported 50% share of its rare earth minerals - which 'Old Donald' said would reflect the amount of aid the US had provided to Ukraine during its war with Russia.

"I can't sell our state," he said.

The provisions of a second draft of the deal on Sunday appeared to be even tougher than in the first document.

Instead of 50/50 revenue split, the revised draft suggested the US wanted full control, Zelensky told journalists at the press conference on Sunday.

Zelenzky is also said to want any deal to include security guarantees.

U.S. pressures Kyiv to replace U.N. resolution condemning Russia

The suggestion stunned Kyiv, which has refused to withdraw its resolution that is set to be voted on during a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on Monday morning, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine was informed of the new U.S. proposal on Friday.

'Old Donald' has long displayed an open admiration for the bullies of the world and a particular affinity for Vladimir Putin, and he long ago developed an antipathy for Zelensky, who was the reason for 'Old Donald'’s first impeachment in his first term. But the facts are that Zelensky is not a dictator, and Putin is. And that is with whom 'Old Donald' has long displayed an 'Old Donald' has now aligned our country.

These actions run counter to America’s ideals, interests and security — and to the values of "Old Donald's" own party.

The abrupt shift in U.S. posture at the United Nations, where the United States has long been at the forefront of resolutions supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia, is an indication of the increasing strains between Kyiv and Washington. It comes after 'Old Donald' reached out to Putin while calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a 'dictator' and blamed Ukraine for starting the war. On Tuesday, top U.S. officials held talks with Russia that excluded Ukraine.

It 'reiterates the urgent need to end the war this year' through multilateral diplomacy and to 'achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace' consistent with the U.N. Charter and international law.

'Old Donald' administration officials have characterized the Ukrainian resolution as overly antagonistic toward Russia and less likely to result in a successful outcome.

'Old Donald' and Zelensky rift over Ukraine war continues

What to know about Ukraine's rare earth minerals, which the U.S. wants

Zelenskyy has rebuffed US’s initial attempt to take control of minerals as downpayment for its aid in war with Russia

Ukraine has about 5% of the world's total reserves of critical rare earths, per UN data.

As NBC and others have reported, Treasury secretary Scott Bessent offered Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky a deal earlier this month: Give the U.S. 50% ownership of Ukraine's rare earths in exchange for U.S. investment in Ukraine.

'Old Donald' Turns on Zelenskiy, Leaving Ukraine Few Options Amid War

For months, Zelenskiy has tried to walk a fine line between reaching out to 'Old Donald', who promised a quick agreement to end the war, and standing up for his nation’s demand that it be included in any discussions leading to an accord. That balancing act got harder last week, when 'Old Donald' spoke to Putin by phone and informed Zelenskiy — and his Ukrainian allies — only afterward.

Ukraine’s army is now Europe's largest and most capable — aside from Russia's — but it relies on the US for intelligence and arms, as well as financial support. European allies have also contributed weapons but don’t have the militaries or industries needed to replace the US. 

How does Ukraine react to 'Old Donald''s feud with Zelenskyy?

War in Ukraine: US president Donald 'Old Donald' wants the Nobel peace prize

Peace through strength

Lithuania defense minister: China and Russia are going to combine their actions and therefore our ability to have a military mussle will be needed when we will have both Europe and US to stand against both Russia and China...

NATO allies insist Ukraine and Europe must be in peace talks as 'Old Donald' touts Putin meeting

Ukraine rejects 'Old Donald' bid to take rights to half its mineral reserves

Ukraine's rare-earth mineral resources could be worth trillions of U.S. dollars, with rising demand in electronics, defense systems, drones, and the clean-energy and automotive industries, among others. They are difficult to extract at scale, and while Ukraine has some reserves, it does not mine them at the moment. China currently produces the vast majority of rare-earth minerals.

Zelenskyy rejects bilateral US-Russia pact to end Moscow's war against Ukraine

"We, as an independent country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us," Zelenskyy told reporters as he visited a nuclear plant on his way to the Munich Security Conference, where he plans to meet Friday with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

'OldDonald'- Putin call lowers the temperature but at Ukraine's expense

No US troops for Ukraine in any future security arrangement.

No likelihood of Ukraine joining NATO.

No realistic possibility of returning to its pre-2014 borders, when Russia occupied and annexed Crimea and backed insurgents in the Donbas.

These were all clearly stated goals made by President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government and they come on top of a dire situation on the battlefield, where Russia's superior numbers are enabling it to slowly push deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Russia will not exchange Ukrainian land to reclaim parts of Kursk, Kremlin says

'Ukraine 'may be Russian someday'

How could Ukraine benefit from "Old Donald's" deal to swap military aid for Ukrainian resources?

Russia takes the mining town Toretsk, as its troops close on the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk

What are Ukraine's rare earths and why does 'Old Donald' want them?

'Old Donald' demands rare earths from Kyiv

While the comment highlighted 'Old Donald'’s transactional approach to the war in Ukraine, it was not entirely unexpected. The US and other Western countries have eyed Ukraine’s mineral riches for a long time.

He has previously suggested that any future assistance should be provided as a loan and would be conditioned on Ukraine negotiating with Russia.

Under former US President Joe Biden, the US had provided Ukraine with $65.9 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.

Biden argued the aid was necessary because Ukraine’s victory was key to America’s own security. 'Old Donald', however, has made it clear he doesn’t believe the US should continue providing assistance without getting something in return.

'Old Donald' has indicated he is open to supplying Ukraine with more weapons in exchange for access to the country’s mineral resources. Ukraine is on board, but putting the plan into practice might not be so easy: Many of the minerals of greatest interest to the U.S. are in areas under Russian occupation or threatened by Moscow’s advance.

As a result, access to valuable Ukrainian natural resources will depend, at least in part, on the battle for eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces are currently advancing slowly but steadily.

Home is Where the War is

Ukraine dismisses 'Old Donald' envoy suggestion that both sides will make concessions

Adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls Keith Kellogg’s plan a failure after US envoy says he thinks both sides ‘will give a little bit’; British PM says Putin ‘rattled’ by 'Old Donald' threats.

How Ukraine is trying to drain Russian war funds

Japanese tech boosting Putin's war despite sanctions

International sanctions against trade with Russia that aids its war on Ukraine are being evaded via indirect routes, often through China. And some Japanese companies are seeing their products inadvertently helping Moscow.

Farewell to Pacifism

It's a mistake to assume that we won't be attacked.

The big new development is

A deal at Ukraine's expense?

Ukraine's defense sector in disarray at crucial moment in the war

In a controversy that has threatened to undermine Western support for Ukraine, the country's main weapons procurement agency ' with a budget of more than $7 billion ' has been frozen for the past week because of a standoff over who should lead it.

Counting up the costs if the U.S. chooses to lose in Ukraine

When Secretary of State Marco Rubio says we should be 'realistic' regarding Ukraine, he is not, one hopes, worrying about U.S. hubris. The bigger danger is excessive pessimism about what can be achieved, and a too-sanguine calculation of a low cost of choosing defeat.

Before he became vice president, JD Vance said, 'I don't really care what happens to Ukraine.'

They estimate that a five-year $808 billion increase in defense spending would be necessary if Vladimir Putin prevails and menaces eastern and central Europe.

All wars end. This one will, either with negotiations or with a Ukrainian collapse presaging another war. Michael McFaul, former ambassador to Russia (2012-2014), now at Stanford and the Hoover Institution, correctly says (in Foreign Affairs) that Putin will negotiate seriously only when his forces no longer have the capacity to seize more territory. McCaul thinks that for the negotiations to achieve more than an interval between Putin aggressions, Ukraine needs 'the credible deterrence that only NATO can offer.'

'Old Donald' Just Cut All Foreign Aid to Ukraine

The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has ordered a halt to virtually all US foreign aid, but made an exception for funding to Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo to staff at the US state department.

Note: Biden approved $571 mln in defense support for Taiwan in Dec. 2024

'Old Donald' suggests Ukraine shouldn't have fought back against Russia

"Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful," 'Old Donald' told Fox News' Sean Hannity. "He shouldn’t have done that, because we could have made a deal."

Ukraine claims drone strike on Russian oil refinery

Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia, Zelensky says

The detention of the two prisoners, who were captured fighting in the small part of western Russia that Ukraine has controlled since a cross-border operation in August, could offer Kyiv important intelligence about collaboration between Pyongyang and Russia. Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense pact in November, and Ukraine has said at least 11,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia to assist in Russian efforts to retake Ukrainian-occupied territory.

Ukraine risks losing the war. A "Old Donald"-imposed bad deal would be worse.

Ukrainians have so far valiantly resisted Putin's attempts to absorb the country into his reimagined Russian empire. They have done so while often being forced to fight with severe limits because of the indecision and vacillation from the Biden administration over which advanced weapons systems to send Ukraine, as well as how, and how quickly, and they could be used.

Ukraine is also losing troops at a rate far beyond what it can sustain and continue fighting. The official casualty estimate of 400,000 killed or wounded is considered a vast undercount.

"Old Donald" has made contradictory statements, saying he would cut aid to Ukraine, but not abandon the country altogether. Some transition aides have been quoted in media reports proposing a ceasefire along the existing front lines, with European troops deployed as peacekeepers to enforce an armistice and a freeze on Ukrainian NATO membership for 20 years. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Dec. 29 flatly rejected those ideas.

Ukraine can hardly survive another year of this devastating war. But the haste to find a negotiated settlement could produce a bad one that would reward Putin for his land grab and guarantee he will launch a new attack for more territory once he has a chance to rebuild his depleted arsenal. A poor settlement would also leave Ukrainians bitter after seeing their homes, schools and factories destroyed, and friends and family members killed. Much of their anger would be directed at the Western backers who betrayed them. This is a fight America, and Ukraine, cannot lose, especially with a bad deal.

Russia is gaining ground more quickly than at any time since it launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, despite Kyiv's impressive record of well-publicised asymmetric attacks against its powerful neighbour.

'Talk of negotiations is an illusion'

The numbers of dead young soldiers lying on fields all over the place are staggering," he has said. "It's crazy what's taking place."

But to those who fear, as many do, that America's new leader is inclined to walk away from Ukraine, he offered hints of reassurance. "You can't reach an agreement if you abandon, in my opinion," he has said.

The truth is: "Old Donald's" intentions are far from clear.

How Suicide Drones Transformed the Front Lines in Ukraine

Outnumbered and desperate, the nation began hacking cheap consumer drones with explosives — bringing a brutal new form of violence to 21st-century warfare.

In late 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced an ambition never before heard in the history of war. Ukraine, he said, would provide its forces with one million FPV drones in the next calendar year. The announcement, which followed battlefield disappointments and long delays of arms shipments from the United States, pushed this unusual new class of weapon to the front of Ukraine’s bid for survival and rapidly reordered contemporary combat along the way.

Era of cheap Russian gas to EU ends as transit across Ukraine stops

Zelensky said that his country would not allow Russia to "earn additional billions on our blood". Poland's government meanwhile said the cut-off was "another victory" against Moscow.

U.S. sending $5.9 billion in aid for Ukraine ahead of 'Old Donald' inauguration

"At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden said in a statement announcing $2.5 billion in security assistance for Kyiv on Monday.

"Old Donald's' pick for special envoy for Ukraine and Russia also criticized the assault. "Christmas should be a time of peace, yet Ukraine was brutally attacked on Christmas Day," Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg said on X.

More than 1,000 North Korean military casualties in Ukraine war, says South Korea

Does 'Old Donald' want Putin to get Ukraine's $26 trillion in gas and mineral?

'Old Donald' often says that liberating Iraq without getting its oil resources was one of America's biggest foreign policy blunders. He has a chance to avoid a similar mistake in Ukraine.

Ukraine is not only the breadbasket of Europe; it is also a mineral superpower, with some of the largest reserves of 117 of the 120 most widely used minerals in the world.

Ukraine possesses the largest reserves of uranium in Europe; the second-largest reserves of iron ore, titanium and manganese; and the third-largest reserves of shale gas ' as well as large deposits of lithium, graphite and rare earth metals, according to a 2022 report by the Canadian geopolitical risk-analysis firm SecDev.

Does he want Russia and China to get that treasure trove of natural resources? Or does he want to develop them with Ukraine to the benefit of the American people?

Were Ukraine's mineral wealth to fall into Russian hands, it would be a strategic and economic boon to China, which has established a 'no limits' partnership with Russia. Meanwhile, the United States needs friendly, reliable sources of these critical minerals. If we help Ukraine secure and develop its natural resources, we can also deal a strategic blow to Beijing and Moscow, while bringing enormous financial benefit back to the American people. Story continues below advertisement

A stable, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine will be an essential partner for America in extracting this natural resource wealth. An unstable Ukraine under constant threat from Russia will lead to a resumption of war when "Old Donald" leaves office, and ultimately allow Putin to seize that wealth for Russia and China's benefit.

43,000 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed Since Russia Invaded, Zelensky Says

The Ukrainian leader’s tally could not be verified independently, and it differs sharply from estimates by U.S. officials and military analysts, who have put the number of dead much higher. U.S. officials said in August 2023 that close to 70,000 soldiers had been killed, a figure that has probably increased significantly since then.

Yuri Butusov, a Ukrainian journalist with close ties to the army, shared a similar figure last week, adding that 35,000 soldiers were also missing in action.

Germany's Scholz visits Ukraine, announces €650 million arms package

This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $725 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: air defense capabilities; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.

How much is Merkel to be blame?

Zelenskyy: there is a possibility of a ceasefile deal could be struck with Russia

Land we control must be taken in by NATO

"Old Donald's" Pick For Ukraine Envoy Proposed Cutting Its Military Aid

Keith Kellogg, has drawn scrutiny for his proposal to cut US military aid to Ukraine to push for peace negotiations with Russia. Kellogg, 80, a trusted adviser during "Old Donald's" first administration, outlined the plan in a paper co-authored with former "Old Donald" aide Fred Fleitz. The strategy advocates halting weapons supplies to Kyiv unless Zelensky agrees to peace talks. Simultaneously, Russia would face a warning that rejecting negotiations would result in increased military aid to Ukraine

'Old Donald' wants to make a deal in Ukraine war. A bad deal is worse than none.

Both Russia and Ukraine have been escalating their bloody conflict, now past the 1,000-day mark, seeking maximum advantage before Jan. 20, when 'Old Donald' will take office and probably bring a different U.S. policy toward the war.

The reason for this surge in fighting is clear: 'Old Donald' seems inclined to strike a quick deal to end the conflict once he takes office.

Not only Putin. An abandonment of Ukraine ' or a deal that leaves Ukraine untenably territorially diminished ' would signal to dictators around the world that Western resolve comes with an expiration date. Imagine how Xi Jinping would take a Western retreat from Ukraine as he contemplates taking Taiwan or the atolls and shoals in the oil-rich South China Sea. It's not too soon to wonder ' and worry ' whether Kim Jong Un regards his army's mission against Ukraine as preparation for a military move of his own on the Korean Peninsula.

We strongly support Ukraine's sovereignty

Ukraine fires US-supplid long-range missiles into Russia

Biden administration makes controversial decision on new metal mine: 'This is going to put us back on the map'

The U.S. official said late Tuesday the United States sought commitments from Ukraine on how it will use the antipersonnel mines, with the expectation they will be deployed only on Ukrainian territory in areas where Ukrainian civilians are not living.

Key "Old Donald" surrogates, including his son, hardline congressional Republicans, and other backers have accused Biden of seeking to spark 'WW III' before "Old Donald's" presidential inauguration in January.

U.S. Embassy and other missions shut down in Kyiv over attack fears - Kyiv says Russia fired intercontinental ballistic missile in Ukraine attack

Russian forces pummeled Ukraine with waves of self-destructing drones and missiles overnight on Wednesday - a regular occurrence since September. Ukraine's air force said that of 122 drones launched at targets across the country, 56 were shot down and 64 failed to reach their targets.

What are Ukraine's hopes and fears after 'Old Donald' win?

Germany's Scholz speaks to Putin for the 1st time in 2 yrs.

Ukrainian war reporter Andriy Tsaplienko documents war with Russia

Drone warfare: Both Russia and Ukraine massively increase drone deployment into enemy territory

Behind 'Old Donald'’s Views on Ukraine: Putin’s Gambit and a Political Grudge

'Old Donald' told Putin that his administration was considering giving weapons to Ukraine. “What do you think?” 'Old Donald' asked, to which Putin said it would be “a mistake.” Whatever America gave the Ukrainians, he said, they would ask for more.

'Old Donald', who came to the meeting armed with hawkish talking points drawn up by his advisers, never pushed back, according to three American officials who were in Hamburg for the summit.

The meeting is something of a historical footnote to the 'Old Donald' presidency. It has long been overshadowed by the summit with Putin the next year in Helsinki, when 'Old Donald' famously said he took the word of Putin over his own intelligence agencies on the question of whether Russia had interfered with the 2016 presidential election.

Ukraine keeps crossing Russia's red lines. Putin keeps blinking.

The attack was 'risky,' he continued, 'but it sent a very powerful signal and helped us change the narrative about Ukraine - that it is not able to win - and on the Russian red lines. Both narratives have been destroyed.'

Zelensky, on Tuesday used the Kursk incursion to argue against Washington's restrictions that bar Kyiv's use of Western weapons to strike deeper at military targets in Russia - such as the air bases Russia uses for its devastating glide bomb attacks.

The presence of Ukrainian troops in 15 to 20 'little known' villages in the Kursk region was of 'little significance' compared to Russian advances in Donetsk, Markov said. But if Ukraine occupied all of Glushkovsky district in Kursk or took the regional capital, Kursk city, 'this would be a very big loss' that could force Putin to change his approach, he added.

Ukraine bombed bridges in Russia in an effort to encircle Russian troops there, military analysts said.

Kursk: Moscow forced to redeploy troops after Ukraine's surprise cross-border incursion

Will F-16 fighter jets tip the balance in Ukraine's favor in its war against Russia?

Putin stresses peace only after Ukraine's surrender as Hungary's Orban makes surprise visit to Moscow

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is advocating a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear that peace talks can only happen after Ukraine essentially surrenders.

Putin Complains that No One Will Help Russia

Putin visited North Korea and Vietnam

The big talking point though - experts say - will be how the incresingly isolated nations can deepen their military ties, as Putin looks to shore up his supply of weapons and munitions for his war in Ukraine.

The visit follows Hanoi avoiding a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland last weekend, while sending its deputy foreign minister to a BRICS meeting in Russia earlier last week.

Confident Putin warns Europe is 'defenceless'

That he sounds increasingly confident and determined not to back down. He seems to believe that in the current standoff between Russia and the West, it is the West that will blink first.

Putin wants Ukraine ceasefire on current frontlines

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that recognises the current battlefield lines, four Russian sources told Reuters, saying he is prepared to fight on if Kyiv and the West do not respond.

Three of the sources, familiar with discussions in Putin's entourage, said the veteran Russian leader had expressed frustration to a small group of advisers about what he views as Western-backed attempts to stymie negotiations and Zelenskiy's decision to rule out talks.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on X that the Russian leader was trying to derail a Ukrainian-initiated peace summit in Switzerland next month by using his entourage to send out "phony signals" about his alleged readiness to halt the war.

'Old Donald' and Zelensky speak by phone as Ukraine Worries About U.S. Backing

Ukrainian officials worry that if a re-elected 'Old Donald' kept to his vow to end the war quickly — he has suggested that he could end it in one day — it would allow Russia to keep the territory it occupies and leave it in a position to attack Ukraine again.

Zelensky said in a statement on Friday that he had underlined in the call “the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our nation’s freedom and independence.” He said he and 'Old Donald' had agreed “to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting.”

'Old Donald' as president, he had a private chat with Zelensky that culminated in a rare kind of presidential rebuke on Capitol Hill. Five years ago, a July conversation with Zelensky led to 'Old Donald'’s first impeachment in 2019. 'Old Donald' had urged Zelensky to investigate Biden, a political rival, while raising the possibility of a White House meeting Zelensky wanted — prompting a whistleblower complaint and an effort to remove 'Old Donald' from office that failed in the Republican-controlled Senate.nd Zelensky speak as election hangs over U.S. aid to Ukraine

Putin has said he will end the war only if Kyiv drops its efforts to join NATO and surrenders territory claimed by Russia — demands that Ukraine flatly rejects. 'Old Donald' said at a debate with Biden in June that Putin’s terms are “not acceptable,” but also emphasized the amount of U.S. money going to Ukraine and said he would push to end the war swiftly.

“I will have that war settled between Putin and Zelensky as president-elect, before I take office,” 'Old Donald' said, lamenting “people being killed so needlessly, so stupidly.” He did not explain how exactly he would broker such a peace and suggested Putin respects him more than Biden.

Vance, 'Old Donald'’s vice-presidential pick, has emerged as a leader of the GOP’s isolationist wing, concerning some hawkish Republicans who believe it’s important for the United States to aid allies abroad. Vance wrote an op-ed this spring arguing that the support the Biden administration urged would not defeat Russia.

Like Biden, Zelensky argued that Putin would not stop in Ukraine if unchecked and would go on to threaten NATO countries, forcing further U.S. involvement. The Ukrainian president acknowledged 'Old Donald'’s and Biden’s differences but said he believes Putin “will hate both of them.”

How Is Ukraine Destroying So Much Russian Artillery?

If these indications are accurate, it could mark a turning point in the war. It may also be a sign that traditional artillery is vulnerable to new weapons

US pauses intelligence sharing with Kyiv - Waltz

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz says the US has "taken a step back" on sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

US stops Pentagon’s offensive cyberoperations against Russia

Ukraine wins big, NATO wins smaller - and everyone was sweaty

Ukraine takes the gold

The alliance agreed to language declaring the country's membership in the alliance 'irreversible,' intends to provide $43 billion in military assistance next year, has started transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and is sending dozens of air defenses including four Patriot missile systems to Kyiv.

In a joint communique, NATO members also condemned Moscow's nuclear saber-rattling, and called China the 'decisive enabler' in Russia's war against Ukraine - which is already bothering Beiging.