It is much worse than that - read my urgent note - included here.
***I'd like to propose something that I have not seen anywhere, but it's in my brain, and I can't seem to let it go. I believe that Putin bailed Trump out financially in the eighties and nineties = his oligarchs loaned Trump tremendous amounts of funds. So now, today Trump has got to pay back this loan. Putin is calling it in, and here's where my thoughts go and ***Zelensky needs to be told asap***.
Putin seems to be strangely extremely excited about this deal for the rare earth minerals that Ttrump is negotiating/mediating, without Ukraine, supposedly for himself and maybe the US. The third part is, it's an extremely elevated number of minerals and mines, so here is the Rub. This is shocking but VERY VERY plausible.
***URGENT PART!!***
I believe Trump is either going to give or sell half of those rare earth minerals/mines/land to Putin (the reason for such a high #). This will be Trump's repayment to Putin for his loans. ***Putin will now own lots of land right inside Ukraine***. And Trump will have exacted revenge against Zelenski and make him look like an incompetent idiot on the world stage as revenge for that “perfect call” years ago. I can see this playing out clear as day and yet I haven't heard a single person with this thought anywhere.
I did not consider the possibility of loans in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s. It certainly makes sense with the bragging Eric Trump has done regarding the Trump Org’s relationship with Russia. However, I have discussed the fact that by rescuing Putin financially, Trump plays into the overall plan of Russia defeating Ukraine to take over all lands and minerals of value. Trump will be given crumbs at best. Putin has this game well under his control. On his worst day, Putin is more astute and of greater mental capacity than Trump was as a younger man. The plan extends to the US and eventually, a Russian footprint that extends throughout the world. But Zelenskyy is no mental lightweight himself. Unlike his enemies, he sees with a brighter light plus tremendous strength and courage they do not possess. He will see to it that Ukraine survives.
I have seen Zelenski be brilliant, how he managed in the beginning of the war to bring leaders to Kyiv and Bucha and to go to the UN to rally support- Il the man is just incredible.
And yes Trump is an idiot.Two weeks ago, he made a deal with Putin for an American prisoner, which proved what an idiot he really is. Putin asked for a high value Russian asset that was in prison in Greece in exchange for the American prisoner, while the Russian was on his way home and Trump's prisoner was on his way back to the US Putin sent someone to the Moscow airport and arrested another American. Now, who's the big, brilliant businessman- The art of the deal. Putin not only got back his operative but took another American while Trump was crowing about how great he is and what a great deal he made with Putin!!!
One can only hope and pray you are correct. My fear is that our administration is so busy destroying us, the US citizenry is no longer paying attention to anything except our personal crazy, and rights being flushed down the toilet.
I pray the Ukraine can hold on until we in the US can bring at least some rational thinking that gives at least one shot about our country and those that were our allies.
Well Zelenskyy did just as I expected despite Trump and Vance’s attempt to discredit him. I too pray that Ukraine holds the line. Heard from my husband and one of my brothers earlier today that they’ve been under drone attacks since two hours after Trump’s ‘limited cease fire agreement’ with Putin. A friend in the Kherson region hasn’t contacted me yet. That usually means Russia has attacked infrastructure.
Zelenskyy is always thinking. I suspect that’s why Trump is being so quiet and non comital about the visit and possible signing. Something about it isn’t going Trump’s way. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy comes here, rallies more support, solidifies his standing with Americans. Trump will probably say something insane and anger and/or offend everyone and fall flat on his ass. A win for team Ukraine.
Could be that if he fails to get this deal signed, he's in deep s*** with Putin. This is Putin’s win the war game card. If rump fails this, I can't even imagine what Putin’s retribution would be.
Very likely scenario. But Putin knows there will be hiccups along the way when working with a demented half wit and a 50 year old teen druggie. It’s a calculated risk he’s taking in hopes of at least walking away with enough money to rebuild the Russian Army.
You are not the only one with those very thoughts. After reading and watching over time from many sources, I have come to the same conclusion. I'm glad you laid it out so clearly. Trump plays the long game. He only ran for president because he was taunted by President Obama at that dinner. He now has dementia like his father, and many of the things he does now are scripted for him by others with political aspirations. After just watching the video of the meeting in the Oval with Trump and his attack dog Vance, I now read that Zelenskyy left without signing a deal. I very much hope he did not. Trump has been owned by Putin for some reason since the 80s and is terrified of him. He would have given Putin the minerals to pay his debt. Don't make deals with the Devil, in this case, two of them. I hope Europe steps up support.
I just watched the talks held in the oval office, and right now I'm reading on The Hill that the deal is off. I very much hope so. I think you are exactly right, Trump was prepared to give the mineral rights to Putin. Don't make a deal with the Devil.
I had the thought yesterday that trump would be sharing the minerals with Putin. It seemed self evident to me in that moment, though it didn't occur to me before.
Trust me, orange man’s 1938 foreign policy does not speak for all Americans; especially those who know history and know what happens when you appease a tyrant. Many of us still stand with Ukraine.
In 1941, before the USA entered World War 2, the Lend Lease Act was passed in the US, allowing Roosevelt to send supplies of oil, food and materials to the UK, Russia (allied against the Nazis at that time) and other European allies. Here in the UK, we finally finished paying back those interest free loans in 2006. So yes, in fact Churchill was asked to sign loan documents before US aid began flowing across the Atlantic. Russia never did fully repay its loans to the US, I believe. The terms of the lease-lend agreement were, however, very much more generous than anything Trump has offered Ukraine and many items delivered after the close of hostilities were sold to us at a 90% discount or returned without any charge. Here in the UK we are almost uniformly outraged and disgusted by Trumpist attitudes and very much determined to support Ukraine in your fight for survival.
Fiona: FDR had the same kind of “America First” crazies to contend with (Father Caughlin, Lindbergh and the German American Bund), as we do today, along with their apologists and supporting members of congress. He would gladly have granted the supplies GB needed, but needed to cover of “lend lease” to make it happen. I offer apologies on behalf of my nation for our stupidity back then.
No need for apologies, Stephen - every age has its political difficulties and 1930s-40s America was in an isolationist position until Pearl Harbour changed the public and political mood. UK politicians didn’t precisely cover themselves in glory in the late 1930s; the appeasement offered to Nazi Germany in 1938 also has a direct parallel in modern times, too.
Viktor, you are so articulate in your understanding of what is at stake and where the various "players" are in this situation. Please keep writing as you keep up informed, you open our minds to reality and you challenge us to have the strength we see in Ukrainians. God be with you and Ukraine.
Agreed. Viktor understands Trump better than a third of my country (US) at this point. He'd step on his own mother for an extra few bucks. I believe he'd sell the US out in a heartbeat, as well. My sister said the other day that Putin with Trump is like a cat playing with a doomed mouse, and Trump doesn't even see it. He doesn't know what a fucking fool he is. So he surrounds himself with loyalists and yes- people, who are also largely fools. The ones who try to speak sense to him get fired and then disgraced and threatened. He's also unrepentantly self interested and evil. His followers here, half of them want to start a holy war, a Christian jihad on the test of us. This is where we are, and I'm very sorry that Ukraine and Europe and Gaza and the rest of the world (including at least half of America) has been dragged into this shithole by this absolute fucking evil idiot.
The Musk/ trump administration doesn't represent the American People, Viktor, they are Russian Assets. I'm so sick over this Unprovoked War, and the unimaginable Suffering that the people of Ukraine have had to endure. Blessings to You, and your People of Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦
As an American, I am heartbroken that we are where we are. This is not who we are. You know it, we know it. I am praying that Ukraine can find another way to ensure their future. And your president, well, he has shown the world your strength and couage. Remember that.
Ok, after Friday, February 28th I am boycotting the state of the nonunion address on March 4th. If someone anyone could have an alternative event I watch that. This is an opportunity for We The People to gather and have show of force. We need someone to organize this who has a presence on Substack or Youtube. The demoscrats should boycott the state of the union and be on this alternative event. Please send this message out to see if someone will take up the charge.
One of the main reasons Russian funds are frozen internationally is that they will be used for reparations to Ukraine after the war. It’s Putin who must pay, as Macron explained. Ukraine owes nothing to anyone. As I trust the Ukrainians know, the US hasn’t got the power here; Europe has paid more anyway, and we will do so even more that we are no longer constrained by the US.
The bizarre suggestion that Ukraine has to pay seems to come from the same stable that awarded reparations after the end of the slave trade to the slavers, not to those who had been enslaved. Hence the poverty of poor Haiti, and for that matter the wealth of the southern states. I HOPE we now know better, at least in countries who understand how and why to fight for freedom…
President Zelenskyy should NOT sign any "deal" with the US devil! Urge him to cancel his trip. The felon in chief never keeps a promise. He lies just like putin. They are mirror images of each other. Add to this gruesome twosome orban and fico among others. There should be no deal because trump will NEVER abide by it.
In what you said I totally agree but for one remark. Trump is NOT a human being. He has no love, heart, honor, intelligence or other human traits to identify or redeem him. At best, he is only a creature.
As an American, I'm as outraged as you are. But sadly, American mobsters benefitted handsomely off occupied Britain. Have you seen the wonderful dramatic series "Foyle's War"? The English detective hero's first and greatest nemesis is an American black marketeer. I'm also reminded of the American mobster, Harry Lime, in Graham Greene's THE THIRD MAN. (He sells diluted penicillin in post-war Vienna.) Trump is no FDR. He's just in a long and sad tradition of American mobsters and war-profiteers passing themselves off as "businessmen." Decent Americans are appalled and ashamed. We admire you, Ukraine.
It is much worse than that - read my urgent note - included here.
***I'd like to propose something that I have not seen anywhere, but it's in my brain, and I can't seem to let it go. I believe that Putin bailed Trump out financially in the eighties and nineties = his oligarchs loaned Trump tremendous amounts of funds. So now, today Trump has got to pay back this loan. Putin is calling it in, and here's where my thoughts go and ***Zelensky needs to be told asap***.
Putin seems to be strangely extremely excited about this deal for the rare earth minerals that Ttrump is negotiating/mediating, without Ukraine, supposedly for himself and maybe the US. The third part is, it's an extremely elevated number of minerals and mines, so here is the Rub. This is shocking but VERY VERY plausible.
***URGENT PART!!***
I believe Trump is either going to give or sell half of those rare earth minerals/mines/land to Putin (the reason for such a high #). This will be Trump's repayment to Putin for his loans. ***Putin will now own lots of land right inside Ukraine***. And Trump will have exacted revenge against Zelenski and make him look like an incompetent idiot on the world stage as revenge for that “perfect call” years ago. I can see this playing out clear as day and yet I haven't heard a single person with this thought anywhere.
Trump is all about revenge and $$$. Nothing else.
ZELENSKI MUST NOT SIGN THAT DEAL.
TRUMP MUST FAIL.
I did not consider the possibility of loans in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s. It certainly makes sense with the bragging Eric Trump has done regarding the Trump Org’s relationship with Russia. However, I have discussed the fact that by rescuing Putin financially, Trump plays into the overall plan of Russia defeating Ukraine to take over all lands and minerals of value. Trump will be given crumbs at best. Putin has this game well under his control. On his worst day, Putin is more astute and of greater mental capacity than Trump was as a younger man. The plan extends to the US and eventually, a Russian footprint that extends throughout the world. But Zelenskyy is no mental lightweight himself. Unlike his enemies, he sees with a brighter light plus tremendous strength and courage they do not possess. He will see to it that Ukraine survives.
I have seen Zelenski be brilliant, how he managed in the beginning of the war to bring leaders to Kyiv and Bucha and to go to the UN to rally support- Il the man is just incredible.
And yes Trump is an idiot.Two weeks ago, he made a deal with Putin for an American prisoner, which proved what an idiot he really is. Putin asked for a high value Russian asset that was in prison in Greece in exchange for the American prisoner, while the Russian was on his way home and Trump's prisoner was on his way back to the US Putin sent someone to the Moscow airport and arrested another American. Now, who's the big, brilliant businessman- The art of the deal. Putin not only got back his operative but took another American while Trump was crowing about how great he is and what a great deal he made with Putin!!!
I am just now hearing from the felon that Zelensky is coming to sign on Friday ??? Makes me absolutely sick .
One can only hope and pray you are correct. My fear is that our administration is so busy destroying us, the US citizenry is no longer paying attention to anything except our personal crazy, and rights being flushed down the toilet.
I pray the Ukraine can hold on until we in the US can bring at least some rational thinking that gives at least one shot about our country and those that were our allies.
Thank you for your and courage.
Well Zelenskyy did just as I expected despite Trump and Vance’s attempt to discredit him. I too pray that Ukraine holds the line. Heard from my husband and one of my brothers earlier today that they’ve been under drone attacks since two hours after Trump’s ‘limited cease fire agreement’ with Putin. A friend in the Kherson region hasn’t contacted me yet. That usually means Russia has attacked infrastructure.
I hope he does not sign the deal! Your theory makes sense; somehow Putin is involved and yes he has the felon in his grip somehow.
Zelenskyy is always thinking. I suspect that’s why Trump is being so quiet and non comital about the visit and possible signing. Something about it isn’t going Trump’s way. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy comes here, rallies more support, solidifies his standing with Americans. Trump will probably say something insane and anger and/or offend everyone and fall flat on his ass. A win for team Ukraine.
Could be that if he fails to get this deal signed, he's in deep s*** with Putin. This is Putin’s win the war game card. If rump fails this, I can't even imagine what Putin’s retribution would be.
And look where the mines are...
All through the middle of UKRAINE!!
Sorry. I was thinking of the other mines
HARD AGREE!
Yes I have read this. Yes ppl are aware of this.
And don’t worry, Zelensky is VERY aware of this.
Zelensky does not miss a trick 😉
You are right. I he was compromised when he went to Moscow to negotiate a deal for a Trump hotel. The FSB got him with his pants down...literally.
Very likely scenario. But Putin knows there will be hiccups along the way when working with a demented half wit and a 50 year old teen druggie. It’s a calculated risk he’s taking in hopes of at least walking away with enough money to rebuild the Russian Army.
You are not the only one with those very thoughts. After reading and watching over time from many sources, I have come to the same conclusion. I'm glad you laid it out so clearly. Trump plays the long game. He only ran for president because he was taunted by President Obama at that dinner. He now has dementia like his father, and many of the things he does now are scripted for him by others with political aspirations. After just watching the video of the meeting in the Oval with Trump and his attack dog Vance, I now read that Zelenskyy left without signing a deal. I very much hope he did not. Trump has been owned by Putin for some reason since the 80s and is terrified of him. He would have given Putin the minerals to pay his debt. Don't make deals with the Devil, in this case, two of them. I hope Europe steps up support.
I just watched the talks held in the oval office, and right now I'm reading on The Hill that the deal is off. I very much hope so. I think you are exactly right, Trump was prepared to give the mineral rights to Putin. Don't make a deal with the Devil.
I had the thought yesterday that trump would be sharing the minerals with Putin. It seemed self evident to me in that moment, though it didn't occur to me before.
I hate Trump with a passion. He is evil and he is the lowest of the low
Trust me, orange man’s 1938 foreign policy does not speak for all Americans; especially those who know history and know what happens when you appease a tyrant. Many of us still stand with Ukraine.
In 1941, before the USA entered World War 2, the Lend Lease Act was passed in the US, allowing Roosevelt to send supplies of oil, food and materials to the UK, Russia (allied against the Nazis at that time) and other European allies. Here in the UK, we finally finished paying back those interest free loans in 2006. So yes, in fact Churchill was asked to sign loan documents before US aid began flowing across the Atlantic. Russia never did fully repay its loans to the US, I believe. The terms of the lease-lend agreement were, however, very much more generous than anything Trump has offered Ukraine and many items delivered after the close of hostilities were sold to us at a 90% discount or returned without any charge. Here in the UK we are almost uniformly outraged and disgusted by Trumpist attitudes and very much determined to support Ukraine in your fight for survival.
Fiona: FDR had the same kind of “America First” crazies to contend with (Father Caughlin, Lindbergh and the German American Bund), as we do today, along with their apologists and supporting members of congress. He would gladly have granted the supplies GB needed, but needed to cover of “lend lease” to make it happen. I offer apologies on behalf of my nation for our stupidity back then.
No need for apologies, Stephen - every age has its political difficulties and 1930s-40s America was in an isolationist position until Pearl Harbour changed the public and political mood. UK politicians didn’t precisely cover themselves in glory in the late 1930s; the appeasement offered to Nazi Germany in 1938 also has a direct parallel in modern times, too.
Fuck Donald Hump, he is a traitor, and will go down in history as one.
I know, and we must fight him and his thugs.
Nice sentiment, but Musk et al are writing their own History I’m afraid.
President Zelenskyy please don’t sign anything from Trump. He is a snake. The lowest of low. Unfit for anything. Reject him and his extortion.
Viktor, you are so articulate in your understanding of what is at stake and where the various "players" are in this situation. Please keep writing as you keep up informed, you open our minds to reality and you challenge us to have the strength we see in Ukrainians. God be with you and Ukraine.
Agreed. Viktor understands Trump better than a third of my country (US) at this point. He'd step on his own mother for an extra few bucks. I believe he'd sell the US out in a heartbeat, as well. My sister said the other day that Putin with Trump is like a cat playing with a doomed mouse, and Trump doesn't even see it. He doesn't know what a fucking fool he is. So he surrounds himself with loyalists and yes- people, who are also largely fools. The ones who try to speak sense to him get fired and then disgraced and threatened. He's also unrepentantly self interested and evil. His followers here, half of them want to start a holy war, a Christian jihad on the test of us. This is where we are, and I'm very sorry that Ukraine and Europe and Gaza and the rest of the world (including at least half of America) has been dragged into this shithole by this absolute fucking evil idiot.
Beautiful post! Amen!
The Musk/ trump administration doesn't represent the American People, Viktor, they are Russian Assets. I'm so sick over this Unprovoked War, and the unimaginable Suffering that the people of Ukraine have had to endure. Blessings to You, and your People of Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦
Amen!
President Zelenskyy don’t sign agreement with criminal Drumpf.
He is an ally of Putin. Don’t trust him.
As an American, I am heartbroken that we are where we are. This is not who we are. You know it, we know it. I am praying that Ukraine can find another way to ensure their future. And your president, well, he has shown the world your strength and couage. Remember that.
Ok, after Friday, February 28th I am boycotting the state of the nonunion address on March 4th. If someone anyone could have an alternative event I watch that. This is an opportunity for We The People to gather and have show of force. We need someone to organize this who has a presence on Substack or Youtube. The demoscrats should boycott the state of the union and be on this alternative event. Please send this message out to see if someone will take up the charge.
One of the main reasons Russian funds are frozen internationally is that they will be used for reparations to Ukraine after the war. It’s Putin who must pay, as Macron explained. Ukraine owes nothing to anyone. As I trust the Ukrainians know, the US hasn’t got the power here; Europe has paid more anyway, and we will do so even more that we are no longer constrained by the US.
The bizarre suggestion that Ukraine has to pay seems to come from the same stable that awarded reparations after the end of the slave trade to the slavers, not to those who had been enslaved. Hence the poverty of poor Haiti, and for that matter the wealth of the southern states. I HOPE we now know better, at least in countries who understand how and why to fight for freedom…
President Zelenskyy should NOT sign any "deal" with the US devil! Urge him to cancel his trip. The felon in chief never keeps a promise. He lies just like putin. They are mirror images of each other. Add to this gruesome twosome orban and fico among others. There should be no deal because trump will NEVER abide by it.
I stand with Ukraine. Maybe I'll get a knock on the door from one of Kash Patel's goons.
Viktor,
In what you said I totally agree but for one remark. Trump is NOT a human being. He has no love, heart, honor, intelligence or other human traits to identify or redeem him. At best, he is only a creature.
As an American, I'm as outraged as you are. But sadly, American mobsters benefitted handsomely off occupied Britain. Have you seen the wonderful dramatic series "Foyle's War"? The English detective hero's first and greatest nemesis is an American black marketeer. I'm also reminded of the American mobster, Harry Lime, in Graham Greene's THE THIRD MAN. (He sells diluted penicillin in post-war Vienna.) Trump is no FDR. He's just in a long and sad tradition of American mobsters and war-profiteers passing themselves off as "businessmen." Decent Americans are appalled and ashamed. We admire you, Ukraine.
I don't know if the term "Protection Racket" is well known in Ukraine, but Trump sure seems keen to introduce it.