Trump had his phone call with Putin today. Putin, as he has repeatedly done with other heads of government in the past, left Trump waiting on him.
Putin is straight up clowning Trump right now. He’s telling the world Trump is his bitch.
— Grogu_Speak_NYC🗽🇺🇦 (@groguspeak.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 10:57 AM
amazing putin and this host guy laugh about trump being a huge cuck live on camera here, as he reminds putin that trump is waiting by the phone
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Obligatory:
There are also starkly different versions/understandings of the call between Putin, Trump, and Trump’s surrogates.
The Kremlin’s statement following Donald Trump’s call with Putin differs from the White House version. The Russian account includes a requirement for a 30-day truce: halting mobilization in Ukraine, suspending military aid to Ukrainian forces, and ceasing intelligence sharing.
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Here’s the machine translation:
Leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his desire contribute to the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
Confirming principled commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, President of Russia declared readiness for joint with American partners thorough exploring possible ways to resolve, which should be comprehensive, sustainable and long-term nature. And of course, consider the unconditional the need to address the root causes of the crisis, Russia’s legitimate security interests.
In context initiatives of the US President on the introduction of a 30-day ceasefire – with Russian the parties identified a number of essential points regarding security effective control of a possible ceasefire across the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine and rearmament of the Armed Forces. Serious risks associated with the lack of compatibility of the Kiev regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention is drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region.
Underlined that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards resolving it politically and diplomatically – should be complete termination of foreign military assistance and intelligence information to Kiev.
In connection with the recent appeal of Donald Trump to save lives surrounded by Kursk regions by Ukrainian military personnel Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russian the party is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in case of surrender, guarantees the soldiers of the Armed Forces life and decent treatment according to Russian laws and international law.
During conversations Donald Trump put forward a proposal on the mutual refusal of the parties to the conflict to strike for 30 days at energy infrastructure facilities. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military corresponding team.
Also constructively Russian President reacted to the idea expressed by Donald Trump the implementation of a well-known initiative regarding the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. Conceived to start negotiations for additional elaboration of specific details of such an arrangement.
Vladimir Putin informed that on March 19 between the Russian and Ukrainian sides – 175 per 175 people will be exchanged. In addition, as goodwill gesture will be transferred to 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian military personnel, being treated in Russian medical institutions.
Leaders confirmed intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement bilaterally, including taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the President USA. To this end, Russian and American expert groups are being created.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Will be joint efforts have been made to stabilize the crisis points, networking on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to recovery. the general atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One of the positive examples – joint vote at the UN on a resolution regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
Expressed mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations in the light special responsibility of Russia and the United States for ensuring security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas was considered, in which our countries could establish cooperation. A number of ideas were discussed that were moving towards the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy in the future.
Donald Trump supported the idea of Vladimir Putin to organize hockey matches in the USA and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL.
Presidents agreed to remain in contact on all issues raised.
Apparently we’re getting the Soviet Super Series redux. I’ll have more on that tomorrow.
Here’s the US’s version:
IMPORTANT: White House says Donald Trump “agreed” an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire* ” with Putin of Russia – which, of course, counts as UNCONFIRMED – unless confirmed by Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
— Alex Panchenko (@alexpanchenko2.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Putin made Trump wait on him and then played him like a fiddle.
Temporary halt to targeting energy sites would be much more positive for Russia militarily than Ukraine – UA’s effective and surgical strikes of Russian oil depots has wreaked havoc for Russian resupplies.
The Kremlin has almost solely targeted civilian energy infrastructure.
— Thomas Ingleson-Grey (@inglesongrey.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Trump’s 30-day ceasefire proposal was rejected, but everyone just refuse to admit it.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 1:43 PM
We also learned today, from an interview that Trump did with Byron York, that Trump has actually been talking regularly with Putin over the last month or so.
Trump also revealed that the Tuesday call with Putin was not the first conversation the two leaders have had in recent weeks.
“It was a very good call,” Trump said. “I think it’s the beginning of something good. The beginning really took place three or four weeks ago. You know, I’ve spoken to Putin over — this isn’t just a call that began it. We’ve had other calls.”
“That’s not been made public before,” I said. “No, but this is a continuation of positive,” Trump replied. “If it was not positive, I’d tell you.”
Let’s recap: Putin makes Trump wait to demonstrate the former’s dominance, Trump and his team present a readout of the call that makes Trump look really good, Putin’s team puts out a readout that doesn’t align with Trump’s, and Trump tells Byron York that this is just the most recent of an untold number of calls between them over the past month. And then Steve Witkoff said this:
Witkoff: “I would commend President Putin for all he did today on that call. And I would give all the credit to President Trump … I can’t overstate how compelling he was on this call.”
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) March 18, 2025 at 9:17 PM
It’s like a hostage video.
Also, still no real ceasefire of any type:
As we try to digest the results of the Trump/Putin call, in Kyiv the air raid sirens are sounding – there’s the threat of Russian ballistic missile launches from Voronezh Oblast. Russian/Iranian attack drones are also flying over six of Ukraine’s oblasts.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
There Is Good News Regarding Long-Range Drones: Our 3,000-Kilometer-Range Drone Has Successfully Passed Testing – Address by the President
17 March 2025 – 20:49
I wish you health, dear Ukrainians!
Today, I held a Staff Meeting. Several issues were discussed, but the key topic was drones – all types that we need. There is good news regarding long-range drones: our 3,000-kilometer-range drone has successfully passed testing. I am grateful to the developers and manufacturers. We are advancing a line of long-range capabilities that will help guarantee the security of our state. There was also a report on the use of Ukrainian missiles – the long Neptune, and we can say we are satisfied with the strike results. However, we need to produce more missiles, more drones, and this week, we will discuss this with our partners. Ukraine’s defense production capacity, combined with partner investments – primarily from Europe – forms a reliable foundation for a new security architecture that will inevitably be established on our continent. There is no alternative to this. Security is essential, and it is only a matter of time before everyone on the continent realizes that the old security architecture will no longer work. New solutions are needed. Sufficient modern technological weaponry. Sufficient defense spending. Sufficient investment in defense production. And most importantly – motivation. Motivation to defend one’s home. And this means contingents that have relevant combat experience, and that are trained by those who have already gained such experience.
Today, I held a meeting with the new Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Hnatov – together with Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, we outlined the top priorities. In particular, this concerns the corps system, which must be implemented as quickly as possible. In the near future, there will also be meetings with partners in Europe – specifically to work out the practical details of the future security system in Europe and the partner contingents ready to help secure peace in Ukraine. I expect a report from the Defense Minister on our preparations for these meetings. I also spoke today with President Macron of France. We coordinated our positions – both ahead of the conversation between President Trump and Putin and the upcoming meetings in Europe. I want to thank Emmanuel and all of France for their support.
It is very important that tomorrow marks one week since the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines has been on the table. The implementation of this proposal could have begun long ago. Every day in wartime is a matter of human lives. Now, almost a week later, it’s clear to everyone in the world – even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years – that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war. For a week now, Putin has been unable to squeeze out ‘yes’ to the ceasefire proposal. He’s saying whatever he wants, but not what the whole world wants to hear. The unconditional ceasefire proposal is essentially about saving lives, allowing diplomats to work on ensuring security and a lasting peace – the proposal that Russia is ignoring. Pressure is needed to finally make Moscow accept that their war must be brought to an end.
Today, I also spoke with Argentine President Javier Milei. I informed him about the situation on the front line and in the negotiations. I told him that we are close to taking the first steps toward ending the war. And I called for Argentina’s voice to be heard confidently enough, as always, for the sake of peace.
And one more thing – about our life, our future, which will be secured despite everything Russia is trying to do to our country. Ukraine will preserve its independence. We will provide everything necessary for the development of our country and our people. I thank everyone who is already working toward this – for the sake of our resilience, Ukraine’s progress, Ukrainian education, and Ukrainian children. Today, together with the First Lady, I took part in the opening of the Mathematics Museum here in Kyiv – a modern, specialized educational space. And it is a task for the Ministry of Education, the Government as a whole, and regional authorities – to take this example of an educational space and expand it across the regions. Such opportunities and spaces should not be limited to Kyiv alone. Children across Ukraine need equal access to education and all educational opportunities. Right now, in wartime conditions, this is extremely difficult – but achievable. And after the war, it must be ensured even more so. I am grateful to everyone who advances science and education in Ukraine. To all who develop new educational initiatives and keep our entire educational infrastructure running. Teachers in schools, professors in universities, founders and staff of all Ukrainian educational projects – I am grateful to you! And we will certainly continue to support teachers, education, and new educational projects in Ukraine. Life must prevail. A just peace must be achieved.
Glory to Ukraine!
President Zelenskyy also did a digital briefing about diplomatic efforts today.
Georgia:
Day 111. We will prevail, and you can help us avoid whatever costs can be avoided by imposing sanctions on the dictatorship clan and calling for new, free and fair Parliamentary elections. #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:09 PM
#GeorgiaProtests Day 111 continuous, Day 141 overall.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:42 PM
It gets better – there’s the Georgian Legion flag behind too! 🇬🇪🇺🇦
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
🟥 The substantive hearing of Mzia Amaglobeli’s case will begin today, March 18, at 2 PM (Tbilisi time) at #Batumi City Court.
🟥 The case will be heard on the merits by sanctioned Judge Nino Sakhelashvili who does not have a criminal law qualification.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#MediaUnderAttack— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) March 18, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Judge Salikh Shainidze found Mzia Amaglobeli guilty of violating the law in this part of the arrest, convicted her of disobeying a police officer, and fined her 2,000 GEL (≈$720). Mzia is also arrested under the Criminal Code.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 9:58 AM
1/3
🟥 “During the Soviet repressions, people were executed without even standing trial. At least my court hearing is happening – so what if it’s just a formality? I have nothing to complain about,” Mzia Amaglobeli told the judge during her criminal case hearing.
The hearing is postponed to March 31— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) March 18, 2025 at 11:50 AM
2/3
🔴 Later judge Salikh Shainidze found Mzia Amaglobeli an “offender” in an administrative case for putting up a poster on January 11. The judge ruled her guilty of “disobeying a lawful police order and insulting police officers” – without any evidence.
Mzia was fined GEL 2000.— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) March 18, 2025 at 11:51 AM
3/3
📣“Fight to the end” – reads the poster Mzia showed everyone after Salikh Shainidze fined her for the offense she has not committed.#RepressionInGeorgia
#MediaUnderAttack
#GeorgianProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) March 18, 2025 at 11:51 AM
1/ The trial of Temur Katamadze is underway in Tblisi city court. Katamadze is in immigration detention for participating in protests and faces deportation. The Court is considering whether to grant him refugee or humanitarian status.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
2/ Temur Katamadze was arrested on January 11 during a protest in Batumi under Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which pertains to disobeying a police officer. He was sentenced to five days in prison.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
3/ After his release, on January 16 Katamadze was arrested again—this time facing deportation from Georgia to Turkey.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
4/ On Jan 16, the MIA satted that Katamadze was detained in accordance with immigration laws. He is a descendant of Muhajirs. Katamadze said that he has lived in Georgia since 2012 and, despite numerous attempts, has not obtained Georgian citizenship.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
5/ According to GYLA, Katamadze is appealing the Migration Department’s decision, which unjustifiably denied him refugee or humanitarian status within three days of his application.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
6/ On February 28, Katamadze released a letter from prison, alleging continuous and deliberate pressure from the heads of the Migration Administration.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Much gratitude to the Clooney Foundation for taking up on monitoring @netgazeti.org director Mzia Amaghlobeli’s case!
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:41 AM
The US:
New Gallup poll: 46% of Americans say US not doing enough to help Ukraine against Russia’s war, marking a 16% increase since December to new high that dates back to 2022. At same time, proportions thinking US is doing too much (30%) or the right amount (23%) for Ukraine shrunk.
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) March 18, 2025 at 11:33 AM
More from new Gallup poll, which shows Trump’s views on ending the Russia-Ukraine war don’t align with most Americans’: It also finds a 5% increase in percentage of Americans who think the US should continue to support Ukraine in reclaiming its territory, even if requires prolonged involvement (53%)
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) March 18, 2025 at 11:33 AM
See the Gallup poll findings here: news.gallup.com/poll/658193/…
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) March 18, 2025 at 11:34 AM
The disturbing bit isn’t that he thinks or posts this—that’s unsurprising. He’s a regular RT columnist. It’s that this is what the director of national intelligence is consuming. This is the person she amplified just yesterday. This is the worldview what will be shaping the assessments she oversees
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Back to Ukraine.
A senior Ukrainian official tells me that Kyiv has asked the White House for “full information” about Trump’s call with Putin and is waiting for a response. www.ft.com/content/75b3…
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) March 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Noting the energy and infrastructure ceasefire the Kremlin said Putin had agreed to, a senior Ukrainian official told me: “It was our proposal—the partial ceasefire was the first step. The Americans decided to push for more.”
www.ft.com/content/75b3…— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) March 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
From The Financial Times:
Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia’s military to refrain from striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days, but stopped short of agreeing an unconditional ceasefire.
The Kremlin said the Russian president had “reacted positively” to a suggestion by US President Donald Trump to halt the attacks in a much-anticipated call between the two leaders on Tuesday.
It added that Putin “immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order”.
In comments on Sunday, Trump had suggested that “land” and “power plants” would be divided between Kyiv and Moscow in any final peace settlement, a seeming reference to Ukrainian assets currently occupied by Russia.
But, rather than agreeing to the US president’s proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, Putin highlighted a “series of significant issues” about enforcing such an agreement and “serious risks” concerning Kyiv’s compliance.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the talks with Putin as “very good and productive”.
He added: “Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed . . . That process is now in full force and effect and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done.”
But readouts from the call offered no indication that Putin was willing to compromise on his maximalist goals to end the war, which amount in effect to ending Ukraine’s existence as an independent state while rolling back most of Nato’s expansion east of the former Iron Curtain.
The Kremlin said Putin stressed Russia’s “key condition to stop the conflict from escalating” and move towards a settlement would be a “total end to foreign military support and intelligence sharing with Kyiv”.
Last week, Kyiv signed up to Trump’s proposed 30-day truce after pressure from Washington, which had suspended military aid and intelligence sharing.
According to the Kremlin readout, Putin said on Tuesday he was ready to work with the US to end the war but insisted any agreement must “take into account the unconditional necessity to remove the initial reasons for the crisis and Russia’s legal security interests”.
The readout added Moscow and Washington would set up expert groups to work on paths to a ceasefire.
The White House said the two leaders had “agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace” and “stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia”.
It added they had “agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire”, with “technical negotiations” to begin on implementing a “maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea” followed by talks on a “full ceasefire and permanent peace”.
The Kremlin said Putin had reacted “positively” to Trump’s proposal on Black Sea maritime security and agreed to hold further talks on the matter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially floated the possibility of a truce on attacking energy targets in October, saying that it could pave the way to broader peace talks.
Zelenskyy said shortly after the White House and Kremlin statements that Kyiv would support the proposal to suspend strikes on energy infrastructure, but added the conditions Putin had attached to a full military truce showed his intention was to weaken Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader claimed Russia was preparing new offensives, pointing to what he said was a build-up of its forces on the border with Ukraine’s northern Sumy region.
Speaking at an online press conference, Zelenskyy said he “would really like President Trump to hear and see what Putin wants”.
He said later on X that Russia was undertaking fresh drone attacks on Tuesday evening on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy.
“And only a real cessation of strikes on civilian infrastructure by Russia, as proof of its willingness to end this war, can bring peace closer,” Zelenskyy added.
Asked about the call between Trump and Putin, a senior Ukrainian official involved in the peace negotiations said an energy infrastructure ceasefire was “the only realistic proposal because, ultimately, Putin wants war”.
The official added Kyiv had asked the White House for “full information” about the call with Putin and was awaiting a response.
More at the link.
Zelenskyy ⬇️
— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Seven Russians decided to launch an offensive across an open field in broad daylight. What could possibly go wrong?
t.me/c/1377735387…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Russian occupied Crimea:
On the 11th anniversary of the annexation, activists of the “Yellow Ribbon” movement left dozens of resistance marks in Crimea.
“Occupation is temporary,” “Crimea is Ukraine,” and “Occupation is not a holiday” appeared on the streets and squares of Simferopol, Yalta, Bakhchisarai and others.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Kharkiv:
Russian FPV drone struck a civilian car in Kharkiv Oblast, killing a 45-year-old woman and injuring three others. Deliberate terror, nothing else.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Russian drones attacks damaged the Pechenihy lyceum, but the newly built underground educational space survived.
A security guard was unharmed. The lyceum sustained three holes, broken windows, and other damage, despite recent repairs following 2022 attacks.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 9:38 AM
At the start of their full-scale invasion, russians obliterated Ukrainian oil refineries. It wasn’t hard for them—we had even weaker air defenses back then. What we’re doing to their refineries now? Not even an original idea. They did it to us first.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 9:59 AM
This is the Merefa oil refinery in Kharkiv region. Yesterday, it faced its fourth russian attack. over 20 drones struck it. It wasn’t even working, as far as I know.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast:
Right after that, russian troops attacked infrastructure in Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, leaving half the town without power. Every word from Moscow is a lie—every action proves it.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM
🇺🇦🇷🇺 Putin Breaks “Energy Ceasefire” within 3 Hours after Talks with Trump
Local sources report that a Russian attack targeted energy infrastructure in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, cutting power to half the city, per Tsaplienko.
— Conflict Dispatch (@conflictdispatch.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Sumy:
Direct russian drone strike on the hospital in Sumy.
Ceasefire was rejected, I take it?— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Pokrovsk:
Pokrovsk is slowly turning into ruins as russian relentless bombings continue.
Another destroyed town in Ukraine.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Kherson:
Back in Kherson, listening to Putin and Trump’s “ceasefire” booming outside, as usual.
🔴40+ Shahid strike drones over Ukraine now
Odesa, Kyiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro and Cherkassy regions under attacks
— Zarina Zabrisky (@zarinazabrisky.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
During the battles for Sudzha on the Kursk front, Russians used blue tape to disguise themselves as Ukrainian soldiers.
This was shown on their television.That’s how stories about the “atrocities of the AFU” emerge later.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Belgorod, Russia:
It was always obvious Putin wouldn’t consider ceasefire while part of Russia was still occupied by Ukraine – hence the surge to crush the Kursk salient before “peace talks” with Trump. But this Belgorod incursion by Ukraine could now upset any Trump/Putin plans.
Never discount Ukrainian agency.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Krasnodar Oblast, Russia:
Krasnodar oil depot, russia 🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Leningrad Oblast, Russia:
Video from the crash site of the Russian Mi-28
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) March 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos tonight. Here’s some adjacent materials.
You’re my heart! 💙😻
I can’t live without you! 💞— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) March 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Open thread!
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
The Pale Scot
Something to add; Cuz cucks the sofa fucker
JD Vance’s Cousin Who FOUGHT in Ukraine Speaks out
Family reunions just got cancelled. Vance is too much of a coward to ever stand face to face with that walking tank ever again
Aziz, light!
Many thanks Adam for your diligent reporting of the real story.
Adam L Silverman
@Aziz, light!: You’re most welcome.
pieceofpeace
Thank you, Adam.
Chris
IIRC, the Russians were already referring to Trump as “our bitch in the White House” in his first term. Not the Russian bigwigs, the man on the street.
Adam L Silverman
@pieceofpeace: You’re welcome.
Mike in DC
Ukraine has two new weapons. The “long Neptune” missile, and a new 3000km range drone that would put everything west of the Urals within attack range.
A strike on Murmansk would be a hell of a shock for Putin.
Steve Crickmore
‘still no real ceasefire of any type’. And it looks like we are a very long way from one. What happened to the great negotiator who has ‘a very good relationship’ with Putin?
Medicine Man
Thank you for your efforts, Adam.
Ian Miles Cheong is a soulless little shit. It is a small consolation that nothing he or those like him says shocks me anymore.
Gin & Tonic
Novyny Donbasu reports that energy infrastructure in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk was attacked just a couple of hours after that call
Adam L Silverman
@Medicine Man: You’re welcome.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
frosty
Thanks Adam. I despair at what’s become of our support for Ukraine. My Congressman Smucker voted in support on every bill that came up … but I haven’t seen that he’s done anything since April 2024. I owe him a call.
PS Thanks for the obligatory clip. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands.
John S.
There’s so much bullshit out there lately that it can be hard to know who to trust.
Thanks for giving us a space where we can believe what we see.
Nettoyeur
I listened to the back and forth between Putin and the TV host (I speak Russian). Both men are laughing over Trump (in Russian, when you at something you literally laugh over it). Totally dismissive. I conclude that Putin wants to give the impression that he sees Trump as a chew toy, not an equal to negotiate with. Nothing will come of their call. I personally don’t expect Putin to back off, because he has no place to go back to. NATO actually moved forces into Finland after it joined, Putin did nothing, and Finland is short tank drive from St Petersburg. So much for Ukraine as a NATO threat. The aggressive war criminals in this piece are clearly the Russians…so much for the Ukrainians as Nazis. Putin has staked his survival on this 1st step in retaking the Soviet Empire, and it’s not been the planned cakewalk. He can’t dismiss Ukraine as a hopelessly backward tribal country not worth the trouble like Afghanistan. Anything less than clear victory is defeat to him. Trump’s dumb promises and visible attempts to betray Ukraine puts him in more of a bind than Putin, and he is supposed to be the peacemaker……Trump’s intel and diplomatic team are unprepared and incompetent…..Zelenskyy is a native Russian speaker (he only recently learned Ukrainian) who knows Putin and he won’t gold either. The only real tools Trump had were arms and sanctions, both now blunted because he has so pissed off the rest of the West that they won’t help him. So he’ll end up looking like a beggar, not Mr Big.
Jay
On Skytrain today had a woman with a fussy child, maybe 2 years old, next to me,
She needed to get some stuff out of her bags,
Looked at me a long time, shaved head and baseball cap, scary, but masked.
Asked if I Could hold her child for a while, while she found what she needed,
I said, no problem.
Bounced the kid on my knee, while I whistled and hummed Red Viburnum,
She asked, “how did you know?”.
Jay
@Medicine Man:
https://vatniksoup.com/en/soups/188/
Mea
war is just relentless. thank you for the stamina to keep these posts going.
Gloria DryGarden
@Nettoyeur: good. Thanks for this.
you have a French nym, and speak Russian. Now I’m curious.
Gloria DryGarden
@Jay: beautiful story of kindness.
Bill Arnold
@Nettoyeur:
Interesting. I wonder if this clip, with dubbing and a written translation, could be put in front of Mr. Trump.
His attitude might(would) change. Being laughed at by people due to B. Obama’s jokes is arguably one of the motivators for his successful attempts to get elected.
Mike S
@Adam L Silverman: you’ve probably already seen this but in case you haven’t here is the latest outrage from Trump.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/trump-ukraine-children-russia-war-kidnapping-evidence-b2717730.html