One of the regular tasks I undertake when switching on my PC and “going online”, is to “surf” onto the BBC website that has this report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clydg8w7kxvo
Yes, I know the Beeb is the WIC (Wokeist-in-Chief) and the doyen on all left leaning politicians in the UK, but it is a source of news which I value for along with the reports they run with, one is informed by noting those reports they choose NOT to run with! Furthermore, I am after all one of the millions still paying for them in the form of the TV tax!
Now, it can be said of much of the press that they like prominent and graphic headlines as that grabs the attention of their readers/viewers and gains them circulation/viewing figures. However, the Beeb’s image reproduced above sums up the importance and the urgency of the situation that presents all those currently residing on the continent of Europe.
Remainers/Remonaers please note, I am describing Europe correctly. Europe is a continent of which the geographic British Isles form part. Europe is NOT a country, nor is it a federation! But I digress….. Back to the point:
The so-called “28 point peace plan” created by Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev in a secret meeting in Mar-A-Largo recently and handed to Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff – a man who has never visited Ukraine – is one of a list of invidious diplomatic documents of which the Austrian Ultimatum to Serbia in July 1914 and the Munich Agreement in September 1938 are prominent earlier examples.
It is to be noted that Ukraine nor any other European power was consulted or involved. This is an example of the world’s one remaining superpower negotiating with what used to be the other world superpower to hand Ukraine a “take it or leave it” ultimatum – with veiled or not so veiled threats to withdraw intelligence support and arms supplies.
The timetable – agree by Thanksgiving or else – demonstrates the political timetable dictated by Washington – Trump wants to celebrate “Peace” this Thanksgiving!
Zelensky wisely is trying to play for extra time with as deft a diplomatic prevarication that he can muster. This whilst energetically consulting his European allies/backers.
There appear to be few bright spots for Ukraine on the horizon but the situation is not completely hopeless.
Trump after all is mired in the Epstein scandal and is very clearly a much compromised individual. It would appear that Putin to coin a phrase might “have the goods on him”! The one thing I do know is this: One of more European intelligence agencies will know (if they exist) what these “goods” are! That the European leader/s have not used this as yet is because use would be very much a figurative “nuclear option”!
However, the saying “desperate times call for desperate measures” does come to my mind!
The critical thing to bear in mind is this: That IF the NATO powers play their cards right (to use a Trump maxim) Ukraine’s position is not hopeless. It is most certainly grievous! However, the FACT is that this war of attrition appears to have a possible outcome along these lines:
That Ukraine holds the line as much as it can whilst Russia’s casualty figures climb inexorably. That Ukraine’s attacks on Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure reducing her capacity to produce refine oil fuels for it’s own use and oil and gas for export are rapidly eroding Russia’s economic/financial capability to continue the war.
It should be noted that Russia is now selling off her physical gold reserves and is down to around 134 tonnes! When she sells the last bullion bar she will effectively be without money.
This is how wars of attrition end. Defeat; not on the battlefield but in the treasury!
What is remarkable is how Trump has survived so many scandals, one of which would have been enough to terminate the career of any European politician!
What is clear is this: Trump intends to cement his legacy. Trump has had his support organisation produce hats bearing the text, “Trump 2028”.
This leads the simple mined to speculate about Trump seeikng to run for a third term. This is NOT going to happen! He would be unable to get the necessary legislation through Congress. Furthermore he is 79 and will be 82 in 2028. He is not in good health.
Therefore, I suggest this: That the “Trump 2028” hat will refer not to Donald Trump Snr. But Donald Trump Jnr. This will of course require the removal (either by resignation or impeachment) of Vice President JD Vance. Trump Snr. Will then be able to appoint Trump Jnr. as Vice President!
The Trump Dynasty’s plan appears to be this: That Trump Jnr. Becomes the 48th POTUS serving two terms (2028-2032 & 2032 – 2036). It is unlikely that the Trump dynasty will be able to maintain the succession after 2032 as Trump Jnr.’s son Donald John III Trump (b. February 2009) will be too young as will Trump Snr.’s son Barron William Trump (born March 20, 2006) to run for the presidency.