Let's be honest. Releasing the money from Hungary plays a big role here. Putin hoped to starve them but suddenly they got a good backing.
2248
Jazzlike_Creme_88512 days ago
+1252
Ukraine secured funding and Orban gone (together) looks like a game changer, tbh. 🥂
1252
Well-It-Depends4202 days ago
+368
Yea, I mean imagine you have a trooper behind enemy lines they can't get rid off. You probably know most of their plans and can ensure that nothing too bad happens. Suddenly you lose that guy and your enemy gets 82 million $ you kinda have to take a step back and reconsider.
368
blgeeder2 days ago
+334
Billion, with a B
334
Zwiebel12 days ago
-165
No. It was just million. Source?
Unless you mean EU funding. Then it was actually a B.
-165
JohnGabin2 days ago
+115
What else did you think about ?
115
Professional_Fix46632 days ago
+80
The $82M that Orbán's goons stole from a Ukrainian bank during transit through Hungary. That money has already been given back to the Ukrainian bank.
80
nicky942 days ago
+52
I'd say 82 million would cover no more than a few weeks of this war tbh
52
fleranon2 days ago
+66
it's actually under 12 hours. The war costs Ukraine 172m per day according to google
66
nicky941 day ago
+21
Oh wow. Insane.
21
flisss1 day ago
+2
Now that's something to think about when I work out how much to pay off on my credit card this month.
2
userousnameous1 day ago
+22
Putin needs a constant support by either bribe or fear.. The greater problem is how to get rid of the structure that supports Putin. Historically, violence has been the answer.
22
ieatthosedownvotes1 day ago
+8
Long range oil sanctions seem to be helping a lot.
8
Bartloff1 day ago
+1
Youre probably right about them getting it. I have doubts that money is getting repaid.
1
Batmorous1 day ago
+7
Still EU and Hungary need to remove former influence in Hungary, and help out Slovakian, Serbian, Moldovan, and Sakartvelo people free themselves
7
Big4renegade1 day ago
+3
We’re on it, the new government just formed in record speed.
3
Burindunsmor21 day ago
+1
If they hit the Mali gold smuggling Wagner group, it would help quite a bit as well.
1
Vano_Kayaba2 days ago
+136
This, and drones. Both long and mid range strikes were scaled up a lot. Mid range isn't as noticeable from the internet, but actually plays a huge role
136
8000meters1 day ago
+3
Are there any decent maps laying out all the strikes?
3
no_ho_hanky1 day ago
+5
LiveUAmap is a great OSINT resource for this and other conflicts.
5
justlurkshere2 days ago
+182
Don't forget that the mess with Iran also has Ukraine getting access to a lot of money from the gulf states that now see that the US umbrella is not working as advertised and that they need to get drones going.
182
_Warsheep_1 day ago
+98
We know there has been Ukrainian drone experts sharing their knowledge with the Gulf states. What Ukraine gets or will get in return we don't know (I think), but it's safe to say they probably didn't give it away for free. It is probably one of their most valuable asset right now.
The German minister of defense is in Ukraine right now too to talk about drone defense and collaborations in that field.
Ukraine certainly does have the cards in that regard.
98
Ecsta1 day ago
+46
I mean the only thing the Gulf states have to offer are money and oil, both of which are valuable to a country at war.
46
Character_Minimum1711 day ago
+3
Ace of Spades
3
wh0wants2kn0w1 day ago
+6
And I would think that Iran needs more of its drones for itself
6
MeanCat41 day ago
-20
"A lot of money"??? Do you know how many Dozzens of bilions took from Europe man? Do you made a summary from 3 years ago till now?
-20
pharlax1 day ago
+4
What are you trying to say?
4
Gavster1171 day ago
+3
These bots always stroking out. Its not sad to see.
3
Mattna-da1 day ago
+13
Read something that an old man talked shit about victory day on the street in Moscow, public opinion must be shifting when their oil refineries are getting struck by long distance drones
13
John-florencio2 days ago
-14
That good backing ia just for One year or less
-14
Dizzy_Vegetable71081 day ago
+1
Russia spends more money
1
AlexRescueDotCom2 days ago
+1146
Putin in 2022: "This illegitimate nazi kiev regime has to stop"
Putin in 2026: "If Ukrainian President Mr. Zelensky would like to meet, we won't be opposed to it"
1146
Skippypal2 days ago
+501
Forgot the caveat for 2026 “in Moscow”
Unless it’s a neutral third country it isn’t happening.
501
Necessary_Pea_49002 days ago
+231
Peace Palace in The Hague.
231
deathaxxer2 days ago
+101
ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
It'll be a challenge to find a nearby country which wouldn't arrest him at the airport, should he arrive there.
101
Whofail2 days ago
+100
Could try an American city
100
ZasdfUnreal2 days ago
+60
Alaska, he’s traveled there in the past. It’s remote enough to avoid drone strikes.
60
hagenissen9992 days ago
+32
It *was* too remote.
Spiderweb 2.0 says anywhere is not too remote.
32
Prestigious_Health_22 days ago
+8
Why would either of them be stupid enough to strike US soil.
8
Grouchy-Stretch-65172 days ago
+43
The same reason the FSB were stupid enough to blatantly use novichok in Salsbury with so much collateral damage on UK soil.
If they think they can pull it off, there's a risk. The whole war in the first place isn't rational, and many irrational choices have been made in human history on a grand scale.
43
Teledildonic2 days ago
+6
>were stupid enough to blatantly use novichok in Salsbury
Were they? Nobody did shit about it.
6
sprashoo2 days ago
+10
No, needs to be neutral territory, not a Russian puppet state.
10
Whofail2 days ago
+3
Ha. Noice!
3
firejuggler742 days ago
+7
They could just teleconference.
7
ieatthosedownvotes1 day ago
+5
Couldn't they send ambassadors with their terms? Negotiations might take longer but they could reconvene if the terms are out of whack at a later time.
5
obeytheturtles1 day ago
+1
It could honestly just be an email.
"Z - we are really sorry about this whole thing. We are ending our war of aggression, and really hope you will consider coming to Christmas dinner this year. Love, P"
1
deathaxxer2 days ago
+1
I know the Trump issued an order for non-recognition, but I don't know if there are some state laws which can make individual states able to "aid" the ICC.
I doubt Putin would agree to that anyway.
1
Prestigious_Health_22 days ago
+7
Netanyahu was literally in New York and Hungary. The ICC warrant is a non-issue. Countries that are ICC members can ignore the arrest warrants and they will simply get a formal letter saying they didn't comply.
7
Whofail2 days ago
+1
Well there is always DC.
1
TheDarthSnarf2 days ago
+6
Any US military base.
Remember Trump already hosted Putin in Alaska.
6
NYCinPGH2 days ago
+1
So, Gitmo? U. S. military base, not anywhere which is within U. S. civilian jurisdiction
1
Akiasakias2 days ago
+1
Federal supremacy on foreign relations matters would squash any state attempt so fast.
1
count0231 day ago
He'd be greeted with a red carpet treatment and personal visit from POTUS, not sure thats sending the right message.
0
dangerdunk1 day ago
+2
He'd be greeted with a red carpet treatment and personal ~~visit~~ **reacharound** from POTUS, not sure thats sending the right message.
2
andasen2 days ago
+9
Turkiye isn't a signatory to the treaties that create the ICC and has been playing mediator to date so Ankara or Istanbul would both be reasonable locations for neutral ground.
9
Benur212 days ago
+4
Which shows the ICC isn't such a joke as many people seem to believe. It is still a problem for Putin to consider each time he wanna travel.
4
frenzyguy1 day ago
+2
Icecrown citadel?
2
Phrewfuf1 day ago
+1
From what I’ve read, he‘s not going to show up anyways. Apparently he‘s planning on sending Schröder to the talks with Ukraine.
1
BigHairyNewfie2 days ago
Its to bad canada is in the same boat because otherwise carney could pull something real funny to piss trump off.
0
Redditforgoit2 days ago
+5
At this rate, the Independent Republic of Moscow might be a viable meeting option soon.
5
twitterfluechtling2 days ago
+8
> Forgot the caveat for 2026 “in Moscow”
True. But you didn't mention that Putin promised to be hospitable, to provide beverages (tea) and fresh air for the meeting.
8
applejuiceb0x2 days ago
+3
Plenty of open windows
3
count0231 day ago
+1
and a real neutral country, not Belarus pretending to be neutral while Putin's hand is up Lukachenko's ass.
1
HolyFreakingXmasCake1 day ago
+1
Partly because Putin fears for his life meeting anywhere else with Zelenskyy and partly because he has some nice tea to offer in Moscow.
1
samrechym1 day ago
Can’t do it in the US in that case
0
Skippypal1 day ago
+1
Didn’t say it should be the U.S.?
1
samrechym1 day ago
I’m saying it couldn’t
0
Senior_Strawberry_512 days ago
+17
But they should meet in, and only in Switzerland or in any neutral soil. Definitely not in Moscow.
17
Kaboo48672 days ago
+5
Forgot “Please let us have our parade”
5
John-florencio2 days ago
+2
You just need to write what he Said Next.
2
Leather_Warning7022 days ago
+1
Putin learned a lot from the Nazis
1
SlowCrates2 days ago
+296
Now might be a good time to make your demands, and if they don't meet them 100%, double down on attacking their energy infrastructure.
296
Prestigious_Health_22 days ago
+176
It's not a zero sum game. Ukraine's demands are full withdrawal including from Crimea. They know Russia won't concede and they don't expect them to. We can have cautious optimism for Ukraine but it's not like Russia has no cards left.
176
passatigi1 day ago
+40
Ukraine already proposed unconditional ceasefire multiple times. Over a year ago the first time.
Full withdrawal is not in the cards for a while now.
Putin isn't accepting even "stop fire, freeze current lines, negotiate from there" proposal, despite it being an incredibly generous one.
I think a lot of people missed it and still think that Ukraine wants complete withdrawal and that's why peace isn't achieved.
But no, Putin straight up doesn't want peace. His ultimatums are always in bad faith, so unreasonable that they are impossible to accept. While he himself ignores quite literally every ceasefire proposal from Ukraine.
Source: "Ukraine proposed unconditional ceasefire 2025 March" in Google, there are so many articles I don't even know which one to choose as a source lol.
40
thehelliam2 days ago
+84
This is how negotiations start my friend. You don't offer your lowest bid first
84
johnlocke3572 days ago
+53
It is for this reason that Ukraine has been reiterating maximalist demands without interruption since negotiations collapsed in march/april 2022.
53
SecretsModerator1 day ago
+39
Crimea is not an opening bid. Crimea is Ukraine.
39
smltor1 day ago
+16
\>Crimea is not an opening bid. Crimea is Ukraine
Yeah but if the Russians don't have Crimea to holiday in they're going to turn up in Bali and Thailand and ohhhhhh that's why Australians tourists are all going to Japan nowadays...
16
count0231 day ago
+7
no Australian tourists are going to Japan because they dont want to go america, that's unrelated to mobniks flocking to Bali.
7
smltor1 day ago
+4
I didn't know that and was mostly joking about the Bali thing.
It is a little of a porque no los dos thing though maybe.
4
chris923151 day ago
+7
I see you haven't met the Democratic party in the USA.
7
Areshian1 day ago
+2
Exactly. Negotiations start by giving away everything they ask and then keep talking to see if there is anything else your adversary need
2
Black-Shoe1 day ago
+1
Stern letters, smirks and brow furrows are the best the Democratic Party has.
1
Suecotero1 day ago
+3
Any concession to Russian imperialism is an invitation. Crimea must be recovered or there will be another war in 10 years.
Ukraine can waive the war reparations Russia owes it (the EU has plenty of money), and promise to leave Russia's energy infrastructure alone (they can't fix it anyway with all the Western oil companies gone). Russia can enjoy being bent over a barrel by Beijing for the next couple of decades. Chinese resource prospectors are going to have a field day in the Russian far east. Beijing will use lake Baikal to fix its water problems in northern China.
3
Prestigious_Health_22 days ago
-14
But you can reach a settlement that isn't 100% of your demands. As oppose to bombing Russia because they're not going to give up Crimea.
-14
DirkDayZSA2 days ago
+14
Yeah, you start the haggling when you're actually at the table though, not in advance.
14
rd19702 days ago
+6
And Putin knows that losing Crimea probably means the end of the line for him.
If/when Ukraine takes Crimea back nearly a million Russians will have to flee back to Russia leaving "their" homes/businesses/jobs behind.
That's going to mean hundreds of thousands of pissed off, homeless people descending onto the streets of Moscow and St Petersburg over night, and a lot of them are now going to have weapons and the training to use them.
6
Trama-D1 day ago
Did Putin expel ukrainians when he took Crimea? I thought Zelensky would let them stay.
0
rd19701 day ago
+15
It's not about them, it's about the Russians that have moved there since 2014.
Ukraine has stated that they're illegal immigrants on stolen land and will be forced to return to Russia.
https://kyivindependent.com/media-around-800-000-russians-have-moved-to-occupied-crimea-since-illegal-annexation-in-2014/
15
RedikhetDev2 days ago
+132
Dont believe Putin. Its all internal public relations talk now people start feeling the burden of the war. This was not ment for anybody else, he will continue with his 3 day operations as before.
132
Otherwise-Product-602 days ago
+48
Putin is the most disingenuous, untrustworthy lying sack of shit. Very hard to negotiate with someone who will stab you in the dark at the first opportunity.
The only deal for Ukraine has to leave them in a much stronger position than before the war, so that Russia will think twice about trying it again.
48
Gluca231 day ago
If he need to assure his people that the war will end soon, is way better then ask Ukraine a meeting.
0
r20022 days ago
+26
I wonder if Putin is beginning to realize that a hungry China might start taking bites out of Russia.
26
MinuteMinX1 day ago
+44
Putin lost all his proxies. Syria, Venezuela, Armenia, to a degree Iran. I hooe this shitshow in Ukraine ends soon.
We need peace, lasting peace.
I want the world back I grew up in.
44
batgranny1 day ago
+18
The world you grew up in no longer exists
18
5amy1 day ago
+3
Pretending the world hasn't always been this, has gotten us in this mess in the first place.
3
steve_ample2 days ago
+89
Also, droned him.
89
supercyberlurker2 days ago
+112
Makes sense that a narcissistic tyrant who started a stupid invasion, and is now stuck in the tarpit, desperate for a way out to save himself... starts to act less like an omnipotent god throwing out threats and a little more like a diplomat.
.. Sorry I got confused whether we were talking about Putin or about Trump. They blend.
112
graviousishpsponge2 days ago
+9
He's really out of allies. Honestly the invasion was just a f****** wildfire with only China walking out with fat stacks.
9
MichaelEll1s2 days ago
+28
No we knew you were speaking about Putin because Trump isn’t smart enough to do anything like that, more importantly he doesn’t give a shit unless he can fill his pockets from it.
28
MichaelEll1s1 day ago
+1
Trump is a Pedophile. MAGA = NAMBLA
1
Nerlian1 day ago
+1
Putin went to Ukraine with the intention of bolstering his legacy of a greater Russia or w/e. Now the corrupt system below his feet (that he'd been propping up anyway) came to bit him in the ass, because at every step of the line of command down to the dumb idiot with the rifle is thinking only of what benefit he can get from this, not any higher cause or whatever, so no matter how many resources are sink into Putin objective if most of it is going to be siphoned out by corruption at every step of the way.
Trump war games are unpredictable and logic defiant, because Trump went to Iran and Venezuela with money in mind (money for himself). The cool thing about being unpredictable is that since you are the only one who know whats going to happen, you can make a shit to of money in the futures market with insider trader knowledge. If you check the futures market you can see a lot of examples of bets placed by Trump family or affiliates barely minutes before events took place. Not only Trump of course, but USA is not going to win any war in which the target is for the people in power to make private money, even if that destroys the country one way or the other, Trump isn't here for the legacy, he's here to grab a bag and run with the money at the end, and the cult will love him for that.
1
kvothe56882 days ago
+10
I don't understand this new tactic of taunting to negotiate. USA and Iran are doing that also.
10
MachineCloudCreative2 days ago
+1
It's because people have become irredeemable in their stupidity. Our leaders especially. I blame covid. It targets specific centers in the brain that deal with cognition and empathy. I believe the combination of the cutthroat environment we have created alongside the worst aspects of the virus have created monsters of us.
1
fzammetti1 day ago
+9
"Give us everything back, every last inch, all the way back to 2014, pay us reparations... and in return, we'll refrain from completely collapsing your economy and triggering a coup".
Hey, Trump, take note: THIS is what having cards looks like... in contrast to you with regard to Iran.
9
Shot-Toe-28842 days ago
+32
Imagine the relief Putin must have felt when he finally got back down to his isolation bunker, safe and sound.
Do you feel powerful, Vlad?
32
InevitableDeathstar2 days ago
+20
I love how small russia feels right now
20
LopsidedAd8742 days ago
+7
I say push him further... over the edge.
7
Dragonfly_82 days ago
+12
I wish nothing but the best for this man after the war. I hope he gets to retire seeing his country and people prosper.
12
wolp_lovr1 day ago
+7
i dont much about this war, but to me zelensky is what a leader should be. to have stood strong while at war with such an angry and strong country, i cant help but have insane respect for him
7
noatoms1 day ago
+6
He is biding his time waiting for support from the UK to fall apart. Who benefits most from Reform party winning? Sure won't be the people of UK...
6
monkeybawz2 days ago
+4
So Putin is broken. Good. Hurry up and die.
4
mobileJay771 day ago
+6
Push him further. I see another window of opportunity.
6
TrailerParkFrench1 day ago
+4
Naive. Putin never holds up his end of the deal.
4
Sheepherder85371 day ago
+3
I hope Zelensky tells Putin to eat a bag of dicks. Putins days are numbered anyway
3
innocent_lemon1 day ago
+10
I love Zelensky’s service to world peace. He has kept us from WW3 better than any other leader of the world. Why don’t we elect him president here in the US? Oh yea, we have the rule of Law, uncorrupted.
10
innocent_lemon1 day ago
+1
Holy shit guys, I just realized something! We should give you Ukraine the nukes back
1
ipascoe2 days ago
+2
Putin needs the war with Ukraine to end so he can focus his attention on Armenia.
2
Gluca231 day ago
+3
He focus to survive.
3
Soladification1 day ago
+2
Needs more fresh meat
2
benrinnes1 day ago
+2
Putrid **will not** negotiate, he's only interested in taking over as much of Europe as he can. He's just biding his time until more governments side with him. USA now, Romania next?
2
MuseumsAfterDark2 days ago
+2
Sit down to negotiations after you've taken back Crimea.
2
Prize_Passion31032 days ago
+21
I'm sure you're writing this from the trenches
21
mothtoalamp2 days ago
+3
Unfortunately that's not really militarily feasible with the current state of things. If Russia's economy utterly collapses then it's on the table, but that would take several more years at least.
3
glmory1 day ago
+2
It is. Just wait for Putin to die, the next leader won't be interested in continuing Putin's folly so a hard push and it is over.
That or wait for a Democrat in Washington. The next one is not likely to be soft on Russia like Biden and Trump have been.
2
mothtoalamp1 day ago
+1
Either of those options could take years or decades. Evil people live forever. A Democrat in Washington is not guaranteed, either.
1
ShakeMyHeadSadly1 day ago
+1
Yeah, sure. Putin negotiates like Trump. I wouldn't count on a hell of a lot of progress.
1
_ianisalifestyle_1 day ago
+1
Putin’s aggression won’t be fairly dealt with until he’s personally paid reparations
1
Efficient_Let_35811 day ago
+1
It's just amazing. Putin's propaganda has been cultivating hatred and fear of the West for decades, claiming that Russia is fighting for its very existence against ukraine-nazi and nazi-NATO (which wants to take our resources). Now, due to all the military failures and indecisiveness (many "patriots" don't understand why nuclear weapons haven't been used on Kyiv) this simmering hatred is directed at Putin, and people are afraid that Russia will be destroyed by NATO. Putin is trapped and cant stop war. I am looking forward to the shameful peace agreement with Ukraine to see the comments of our "patriots."
1
Catbatt1 day ago
+1
Not a popular opinion, but I'd be happy to see European leaders talk with Putin. Because I'd rather have Europeans talk to him than have f****** Trump broker a "deal". Europe can set clear red lines, the USA won't.
1
ChEATax1 day ago
+1
Pushed him....
off a cliff
1
Aldo_Fitor15 hr ago
+1
He was ready from day one. On his conditions.
1
Telen1 day ago
+1
The thing is, I have a hard time believing that Ukraine will not try to take back Crimea. And Putin is basically never giving Crimea back.
1
gbs50091 day ago
+6
He might get into a corner where it's lose Crimea or lose Russia AND Crimea.
6
Melkor151 day ago
+5
If Ukraine pushes Russia out of the Black Sea, that would be fun!
5
rando14592 days ago
-5
Somewhat misleading headline. The “negotiations” mentioneed are referring to a potential prisoner swap, not a cessation to hostilities.
I believe that securing enough agricultural territory to become food production independent is Russia’s main priority. Any offered terms of surrender that do not align with this are going to be ineffective.
Relying on foreign nations for food stability is an existential national security issue. Especially so for a country with few allies and little to no global goodwill like Russia. All the propaganda and copium that the internet can fabricate won’t change that fact.
-5
green_flash2 days ago
+18
Russia does not have an issue with food self-sufficiency. Like Ukraine, they produce much more than they consume and export the excess production. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for 40% of the world's grain exports, for example.
18
rando14592 days ago
-4
What is your opinion on why Russia is continuing in the quagmire of a war this long?
-4
Lustrouse1 day ago
+4
Without digressing into any speculation on Putin's personal goals, the big gains in this annextaion are:
1. Access to a new shipping route
2. energy deposits off the coast of crimea.
4
rando14591 day ago
+2
I appreciate your response. It’s refreshing to see something other than “Putin’s ego” as a reply.
2
Prestigious_Health_22 days ago
+7
Do you think the largest country in the world - a net food exporter - launched a war for farmland?
7
Dancing_Anatolia1 day ago
+1
Well yeah, that makes sense. You monopolize the competition.
1
dmukya1 day ago
+1
When you compare the productivity of the Ukrainian breadbaskets to that of former permafrost, you might understand the desirablity of the land.
1
rando14592 days ago
-4
Yes, I do. What do you think Russia’s motivation for the war is?
-4
Original_Wraithjr2 days ago
+6
Putin is trying to rebuild the Soviet Union. Anyone with even a basic understanding of history realizes that.
6
rando14591 day ago
-3
Food insecurity was one of the major factors of the Soviet Union’s collapse. Seems to me like making moves to mitigate that from happening again would be important.
-3
TheSenrigan1 day ago
+2
And modern Russia already solved this problem
2
rando14591 day ago
Is it your claim that it will never be an issue again?
0
TheSenrigan1 day ago
+5
Farmland never was part of problem, it was shitty commy economy and collective farms "kolhoz"
5
rando14591 day ago
+1
That doesn’t answer the question. But I understand when people play the obfuscation game instead of speaking plainly.
1
LiluLay2 days ago
+1
The satisfaction of a megalomaniac.
1
Prestigious-Ad87452 days ago
-17
God, what nonsense he's talking.
-17
lew_rong2 days ago
+9
Sorry pootie-poot's wet fart of a parade made donnie's lackluster birthday look like a powerful display of military might, comrade.
9
not420guilty1 day ago
-17
Cool, so they can have an election finally?
-17
vaserius1 day ago
+8
When the parliament ( not Zelenskyy) decides not to refresh the state of martial law (every 90days).
8
Red_black_flag_071 day ago
+5
No, we won't. We don't have time to play at elections to please idiots.
5
not420guilty1 day ago
-5
So a dictator/king in America and Russia is bad. But it’s a good thing in Ukraine and Israel?
-5
gbs50091 day ago
+5
No, but elections are suspended in Ukraine right now (per their constitution) in response to a state of emergency. Attempted conquest by your neighbor sounds like a legitimate use of the "state of emergency" status, so... looks like Zelensky is following the rules as written?
5
Red_black_flag_071 day ago
+3
Once again, we won't entertain idiots with elections. We're at war. We don't need elections; we'll vote after the war. If you want elections, hold them at home.
160 Comments