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[StreetsofBeige]

So taking a step back and looking at this metals deal. Wouldn't that mean the US has a vested interest in seeing success. In order to have success, the us would need to protect their investment right? So if US assets were to be targeted my Russia, this would be an act of war meaning Russia would need to back off. Am I missing something?

In this case, US gets metals
Ukraine get protected
Russia gets screwed.

Thats exactly what would happen. Its like all the US military roaming around the mid east. Probably helping protect oil.

People have this weird thinking that if Zalensky and Trump did the deal a week ago, USA would drill and get all the billions in precious and rare metals and then bolt by the end of the month leaving them high and dry.

If Zalensky didnt like the deal, the right thing to do is redo keep negotiating behind closed doors and then agree on TV there's a done deal. Instead, he put Trump and Vance on the spot changing it on live TV hoping USA would just go with the flow under a camera. No doubt he got denied in their secret meetings and his last gasp was doing in public view hoping it'd slip by. Instead Trump and Vance didnt go for it.

By the looks of it, with the big increase in European military, maybe some of that funnels to Ukraine so they dont even need US anymore regardless. Zalensky can go wheel and deal for some of that $840B for Ukraine. Looks like European countries have a shit ton more money floating around than we thought.

The war has gone on for 3 years. Zalensky seems to care more about Ukraines natural resources than people killed and towns raided. And you can see why. Its been 3 years and they are holding up pretty well. So he's in no rush to do a deal as long as Russia is held to the small amount of regions on the eastern border.

It's like buying a car. I'm in the mood. But if prices zoom up due to tariffs, I'll just wait till next year. I got no rush to hammer out a deal. But if my car totally broke down and I desperately need a car asap, I'll be in the bargaining mood to do a deal at a dealership asap. And I did that once. At my old company I got a company car. Got a new job. Had to get my own car as the job started in 2 or 3 weeks. I literally scoped out cars that week after I accepted the offer and had a car purchased and ready for pick up a few days before my start date. I remember it was a dealership across town and my bro drove me to get it.

 

[Randall365]

Well - it looks like WW3 will now be US and Russia vs Europe, Canada, China, Mexico and Japan. Quite a turnaround.

It’s like a game of Civilization!

 

[XXL]

As such you came off as one of those ignorant types that dismiss everything opposing of one's views as "news". It's a common phenomenon. Especially in the crowd that put that orange monkey in power.

 

[Hypereides]

Beggers can't be choosers and it's the best option for maintaining peace.

I want to believe this comment was written in jest. Imagine the country that's being invaded not participating in their own peace negotiations.

To add to that, there's also the history of the Russian regime/Putin repeatedly breaking every "peace" agreement they've penned down. After the Crimea annexation a "peace" deal was made which he then proceeded to break with the neat moniker for his invasion - "special miltary operation". Also, there's their streak since the early 00's of going into war with smaller, former Soviet bloc, countries under dubious pretenses and eventually taking control over them in some way.

Its one of the major reasons EU is acting upon a reenarment now.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

There's a difference between not believing everything and believing nothing. You claimed the latter in the post I replied. As such you came off as one of those ignorant types that dismiss everything opposing of one's views as "news". It's a common phenomenon. Especially in the crowd that put that orange monkey in power.

Ahh I got it now why you are lashing out

My wife and I joke about this all the time. I love in a rural area. In our town we have like 15 or 16 nail salons almost on top of each other, 9 or 10 massage parlors, just as many teriyaki places, we have 2 maybe 3 bars. If I were to count stop lights lol we have maybe 10 TOTAL.

I tell my wife it's like we live in Ozark.

My hometown in Indiana is really a nice city and pretty much the same setting as you describe

We recently got an overnight delivery service that only goes back and forth from Cuba and the guys I have seen carrying boxes in and out of there are always dressed in all white including white gloves getting into unmarked white vans and all are armed, honest truth

So yeah I get the Ozarks reference

 

[Kacho]

I'm laughing my ass off

 

[Durien]

Canada. Absolutely not.

Justin Trudeau was freezing people's bank accounts for protesting. He's basically a dictator. He would nuke you for misgendering people. He has attempted to disarm the county multiple times.

90% of our media is state funded.

Not to mention he absolutely destroyed Canada.

If you want an example of how extreme liberalism doesn't work, see Canada.

Can I blame him for the state of the Canucks? Someone must be blamed for their season so far...

 

[Bojji]

They should take the deal.

You want Russia to stop trying to invade Ukraine? Make it an interest to the US.

This is (by far) the easiest solution.

You think Putin gives a fuck about some American-Ukrainian business deal?

American companies were present in Ukraine when his armies went in.

 

[ProtoByte]

Realistically you can't really talk with Russia, that's why it wasn't done before. I personally have no good solution for this war but for sure, what Trump proposed in Friday was a shitty deal for Ukraine.

Then you see where the impasse would be? If you can't talk to the Russians, you can only beat them into subjugation. Which is just not going to happen without a quantum leap in the weapons both in quantity and quality that Ukraine has been getting so far, and probably some personnel from Europe and America. And I think both, throughout this entire war regardless of rhetoric, have made it clear that they're not willing or able to even get anywhere near that.

So then, there are two options left: A continued trickle of money and resource to Ukraine with no end in sight, or to strong arm the Ukrainians to give up a few things. The former has an expiration date. Therefore, just like in 2014, it would probably come down to the latter irrespective of Trump.

I don't like it, or necessarily the tone and rhetoric coming from the admin, but seriously. What else is there to do? While the "Pro Ukrainians" pontificate about being anti-Putin, Ukrainian civilians are suffering and Ukrainian soldiers are sacrificing life and limb for what at this point?

 

[XXL]

To add to that, there's also the history of Russia regime/Putin repeatedly breaking every "peace" agreement they've penned down. After the Crimea annexation a "peace" deal was made which he then proceeded to break with the neat moniker for his invasion - "special miltary operation".

I agree and thats why if it's of US interest, the US military would 100% be involved and no one on planet earth wants that fucking smoke.

Just Google some military statistics. The US has the most and the best of literally everything militarily.

Its not ideal, but it's the best option.

 

[Trilobit]

I always find this topic interesting. Europe has at times felt like that friend who when he got in a bar fight completely blacked out, went berserk and couldn't remember what he did afterwards so he went 180° to avoid any confrontations. Europe realized after WWII that their capacity for violence and warfare had to be put under control so politics have ever since been focused on peace efforts within Europe. I don't think they want to wake up that old personality, but it seems like the other option is destruction from powerful nations. I wonder what will happen when the appetite has been whetted.

 

[Hypereides]

I agree and that why if it's of US interest, the US military would 100% be involved and no one on planet earth wants that smoke.

Just Google some military statistics. The US has the most and the best of literally everything militarily.

Its not ideal, but it's the best option.

I got my doubts about the current Trump cabinet reaching a stable and lasting peace agreement in place that would last for the next 10 or so years. Trump would likely pen down some clauses on Russia's terms which would give them some room to wiggle their way out of it in some way. He's already said he "trusts" the guy. That says something in itself.

His (Trump) master plan seems to lean into giving Putin/Russia major concessions and draft a quick and dirty deal "just to get it over with" while at the expense of Ukraine's own reassurance and lasting security. Not to mention, this kind of deal would send a dangerous signal to the rest of the world.

 

[Bojji]

I always find this topic interesting. Europe has at times felt like that friend who when he got in a bar fight completely blacked out, went berserk and couldn't remember what he did afterwards so he went 180° to avoid any confrontations. Europe realized after WWII that their capacity for violence and warfare had to be put under control so politics have ever since been focused on peace efforts within Europe. I don't think they want to wake up that old personality, but it seems like the other option is destruction from powerful nations. I wonder what will happen when the appetite has been whetted.

How many wars America started vs. Europe since WW2?

 

[Klosshufvud]

This speech is so articulate and perfectly encapsulates the absolute madness going on at Washington right now. EU is not asleep this time.

 

[XXL]

I got my doubts about the current Trump cabinet reaching a stable and lasting peace agreement in place that would last for the next 10 or so years. Trump would likely pen down some clauses on Russia's terms which would give them some room to wiggle their way out of it in some way. He's already said he "trusts" the guy. That says something in itself.

His (Trump) master plan seems to lean into giving Putin/Russia major concessions and draft a quick and dirty deal "just to get it over with" while at the expense of Ukraine's own reassurance and lasting security. Not to mention, this kind of deal would send a dangerous signal to the rest of the world.

It's 100% the best solution in my opinion.

If they want to roll the dice on something else, have at it.

But I'm not hearing many other solutions anywhere, just alot of finger waiving.

And a long term solution isn't just having other countries give them unlimited amounts of money forever.

 

[delirium trigger]

I don't like it, or necessarily the tone and rhetoric coming from the admin, but seriously. What else is there to do? While the "Pro Ukrainians" pontificate about being anti-Putin, Ukrainian civilians are suffering and Ukrainian soldiers are sacrificing life and limb for what at this point?

I got banned from the other thread over a year ago for calling this a stalemate and guess what, nothing's changed since then. Zelensky still thinks he's getting Crimea back. It's beyond ridiculous at this point.

So many people dying for a line in the dirt that hasn't moved at all.

 

[Horatius]

lmao

 

[Hypereides]

This speech is so articulate and perfectly encapsulates the absolute madness going on at Washington right now. EU is not asleep this time.

I saw that speech. Absolutely powerful delivery and great orator.

It's 100% the best solution in my opinion.

If they want to roll the dice on something else, have at it.

But I'm not hearing many other solutions anywhere, just alot of finger waiving.

And a long term solution isn't just having other countries give them unlimited amounts of money forever.

What finger waiving?

Look, if anyone else was in the WH, anyone but Trump, I might've had some higher optimism. But, after the recent few weeks, coupled with Trump's prior history, I'm not confident it would amount to anything actually stable.

This isn't a matter of just having a peace deal for the sake of it. Its a matter of giving Ukraine, and by extension the EU (particularly baltic sea countries), assured security and having put a stop to Putin's twisted imperalistic tendency.

 

[Chittagong]

lmao

I would want to hope that this will make Europe look not pathetic anymore, and give it global weight.

That this money will genuinely go to increasing troop sizes and building European weapon production capabilities, instead of disappearing to the swamp and getting funnelled to the Lockheed Martins, Andurils and other US military corporations.

 

[Bojji]

I would want to hope that this will make Europe look not pathetic anymore, and give it global weight.

That this money will genuinely go to increasing troop sizes and building European weapon production capabilities, instead of disappearing to the swamp and getting funnelled to the Lockheed Martins, Andurils and other US military corporations.

Exactly. They should use exactly 0 Euros on American equipment. Especially that Trump can shut down some American weapons if he don't like them being used.

 

[XXL]

Look, if anyone else was in the WH, anyone but Trump, I might've had some higher optimism.

Let me guess...Musk bad too.

 

[violence]

Jesus

 

[Ass of Can Whooping]

Let me guess...Musk bad too.

The only thing worse than trump is a fraud gamer

 

[Hypereides]

Let me guess...Musk bad too.

Nice reductionism. For the record, I have nothing against reasonable presidents from whichever party they come from. Trump is not acting reasonably. I'm going by his actions.

Can you legit tell me, with a straight face, that you get behind Trump's recent behavior and actions, and believe they're totally reasonable?

 

[XXL]

The only thing worse than trump is a fraud gamer

Him lying about gaming is ridiculous and dumb.

But thinking that invalidates everything else he's involved is some next level derangement.

 

[XXL]

Can you legit tell me, with a straight face, that you get behind Trump's recent behavior and actions, and believe they're totally reasonable?

What exactly?

Closing the border (and deporting criminals) or having Elon find the rampant fraud in the Government? Or you talking about tariffs?

 

[Joshmyersbv]

Europe should have done this a long time ago. They have become so reliant on the US military aid and defense. The amount of spending into NATO and foreign aid wasn't going to last forever. The US deficit wounldn't allow it to continue.

 

[Hypereides]

What exactly?

Closing the border (and deporting criminals) or having Elon find the rampant fraud in the Government? Or you talking about tariffs?

I'm talking overall. His behavior, actions and what he's said in summation.

But, you know what, I think I'm going to drop it here. Its bordering on discussing actual politics which I don't want to derail into.

 

[XXL]

But, you know what, I think I'm going to drop it here. Its bordering on discussing actual politics which I don't want to derail into.

 

[Lunarorbit]

DEI hire Elon Musk was just given a $42 billion illegal grant by trump. Contract that Verizon had was ripped up. Bitch made musk

 

[DeafTourette]

DEI hire Elon Musk was just given a $42 billion illegal grant by trump. Contract that Verizon had was ripped up. Bitch made musk

WOW! Profiting by being a government employee And head of Doge

 

[Bojji]

Not only that, but alot of people forget that the US has already betrayed Ukraine before - by promising them protection if they give up their nukes:

Fact Check: Did Ukraine give up nukes for Russia, U.S. security guarantees?

Amid calls for peace talks and "security guarantees" for Russia, Ukrainian officials have referenced the Budapest Memorandum in retort, but what was it?

www.newsweek.com

 

[Donald mac Ronald]

You're only allowed to import homeless people damn it!

Exactly what he said, only rich Russians that pay 5 million because there is no other way wealthy people can come to America and live

You know the program that has been around since the early 1990s which the Biden Administration renewed and raised its initial investment

It's not an issue for me about having wealthy people fast tracked if they are willing to invest millions of dollars. And yes it's been US policy for ages, nothing trump came up with.

It's the fact he specifically talked about rich Russians coming (you know while they're invading someone) and then a week later talking about getting rid of the refugees, those rich russian oligarchs created those conditions.

Like I said classy guy.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

It's not an issue for me about having wealthy people fast tracked if they are willing to invest millions of dollars. And yes it's been US policy for ages, nothing trump came up with.

It's the fact he specifically talked about rich Russians coming (you know while they're invading someone) and then a week later talking about getting rid of the refugees, those rich russian oligarchs created those conditions.

Like I said classy guy.

Only time I seen Russians mentioned is when he was specifically asked if that Gold Card offer was even for Russians and he replied possibly

Maybe I have missed other references of him going out of his way to mention Russians other being asked direct questions so feel free to show me

Edit - Here is the only thing I have found on it

Asked by reporters if Russian oligarchs could qualify for the visa, Mr. Trump responded, "Possibly."

 

[ScHlAuChi]

Europe should have done this a long time ago. They have become so reliant on the US military aid and defense. The amount of spending into NATO and foreign aid wasn't going to last forever. The US deficit wounldn't allow it to continue.

This might be a shock for you, but the US did NOT want a strong EU military, they wanted a weak EU that they could control:
Providing military protection was one way to assert soft power - this was 2019:

US warns against European joint military project

Washington letter to Brussels threatens retaliation if American groups are shut out

www.ft.com

So you saying the EU should have done this a long time ago, when in fact the US vetoed this makes your post pretty ridiculous!
But who cares about history and facts - those dont matter in Trumpland!

 

[HoodWinked]

.

 

[AlphaDump]

People here sent a clear message things had to change

Did we make the right choice?

I don't know but again, change was needed

Maybe this will help reset both parties lines of thinking come next election as I sure hope we get better choices next time

We??? No offense but it sounds like you made a shitty choice and bought into too much hate from bias sources. They campaigned on this and you all clapped like seals. It was as clear as day to anyone paying attention.

You had a better choice and selected trump. Enough already. This is on anyone who voted for this shit.

 

[XXL]

You had a better choice and selected trump.

 

[dean518]

We??? No offense but it sounds like you made a shitty choice and bought into too much hate from bias sources. They campaigned on this and you all clapped like seals. It was as clear as day to anyone paying attention.

You had a better choice and selected trump. Enough already. This is on anyone who voted for this shit.

Yup xbox fan brought 5090 voted for an idiot some people are not good at choices.jk with xbox kinda

 

[AlphaDump]

Gif response. It's all you inch deep logic mother fuckers got. I enjoy everyone dunking on you in this thread.

 

[XXL]

Gif response. It's all you inch deep logic mother fuckers got. I enjoy everyone dunking on you in this thread.

Thinking you dunked on anyone, by suggesting Kamala Harris was the answer is hilarious.

Kamala got dunked on.

Get real.

 

[AlphaDump]

Thinking you dunked on anyone, by suggesting Kamala Harris was the answer is hilarious.

Kamala got dunked on.

Get real.

I didn't say I dunked on anyone. Go fucking figure you lack reading comprehension.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

We??? No offense but it sounds like you made a shitty choice and bought into too much hate from bias sources. They campaigned on this and you all clapped like seals. It was as clear as day to anyone paying attention.

You had a better choice and selected trump. Enough already. This is on anyone who voted for this shit.

No there was not a better choice and it wasn't close

And when I said "we" I meant those who voted for him and those aren't the ones doing the majority of the crying

 

[dean518]

Stocks are down people losing there jobs our allies are turning on us but yeah we dunk on kamala smh

 

[DeafTourette]

No there was not a better choice and it wasn't close

And when I said "we" I meant those who voted for him and those aren't the ones doing the majority of the crying

So "the other guy" would have done the exact same things as "this guy"?

 

[HRK69]

 

[AlphaDump]

No there was not a better choice and it wasn't close

And when I said "we" I meant those who voted for him and those aren't the ones doing the majority of the crying

Go figure the ones pretending to want to make America great again were the ones that welcome hurting our softpower and foreign policy in favor of literally the bad guys.

 

[Donald mac Ronald]

Only time I seen Russians mentioned is when he was specifically asked if that Gold Card offer was even for Russians and he replied possibly

Maybe I have missed other references of him going out of his way to mention Russians other being asked direct questions so feel free to show me

Edit - Here is the only thing I have found on it

Asked by reporters if Russian oligarchs could qualify for the visa, Mr. Trump responded, "Possibly."

I'm happy to admit when I'm wrong. Looks like I was. Maybe I saw some trash MSM headline.

 

[dean518]

The country can crash and burn but as long dei and "woke" stop burn baby burn

 

[BlackTron]

Thinking you dunked on anyone, by suggesting Kamala Harris was the answer is hilarious.

Comparing Harris and Trump is like comparing a
Scooby villain to Palpatine.