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News & Current Events Mar 30, 2026 at 5:58 PM

Zelensky says allies asked him to scale back attacks on Russian energy

Posted by mvanigan

Zelensky says allies asked him to scale back attacks on Russian energy
www.bbc.com
Zelensky says allies asked him to scale back attacks on Russian energy
Ukraine's president says partners asked if the attacks could be "reduced" as prices soar due to the Iran war.
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131 Comments

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Amazing_Athlete_2265 Mar 30, 2026 +722
I was wondering how long it would take the gutless mongrels to ask Ukraine to button off the oil.
722
Dunkelz Mar 30, 2026 +247
"Hey man, I know you're fighting for the existence of your country and your people......butttttttttt oils gotten a little more expensive."
247
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 -84
It's not "just a little more expensive" - this shitshow is going to cause a global recession, push loads of people who are barely scraping by, into further poverty, cause medication shortages, and more.
-84
Dunkelz Mar 31, 2026 +96
And countries should be able to absorb that/provide for their own citizens, not look to a country fighting for its existence and doing what it can to inflict pain on the invading force.
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External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 -129
Maybe they could absorb the shock better if they stopped funding Ukraine?
-129
Dunkelz Mar 31, 2026 +70
Or they could not act surprised when continuing to be energy dependent on one of the few countries that keeps pulling shit like this continues to bite them in the ass, and maybe pursue an alternative.
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External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 -76
I'm in the UK and the current government is heavily investing in renewables, we regularly have periods when we mostly use renewables. I absolutely support Ukraine, but this energy crisis is a global threat and is an existential crisis for us here, too. People will go hungry, face medication shortages, lose their homes, etc. It's not as simple as shitting on Europe, especially when we've been so supportive. It feels pretty gross tbh.
-76
Dunkelz Mar 31, 2026 +40
I understand that, but that is decades of kicking the can down the road on trying to become energy independent from Russia finally biting them in the ass. Pointing at a country that is fighting for its survival/existence as the one at fault instead of actually having introspection/shouldering of responsibility on decades of poor policy is gross behavior and they deserve to be shamed for it.
40
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 +2
It's not the same people in government from decades ago, though, is it? Shame the past leaders all you want, what's the point in shaming people who didn't make those decisions?
2
breidaks Mar 31, 2026 +14
> I'm in the UK are you really tho
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External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 -3
Yes I am. I hide my comments because I got stalked and abused by far-right racists after the Farage riots last year.
-3
DissKhorse Mar 31, 2026 +12
I think we could absorb the shock better by sending you to the front lines in Ukraine to help end the war sooner.
12
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026
After you.
0
heydeservinglistener Mar 31, 2026 +8
"people are dying and fighting for their country in a completely involuntary war on their part, but fuel prices are going up for meeeee and that's more important."  ... yiiiiiikes. Glad i dont need to be around someone so insufferable that thinks like that.
8
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 +1
I'm glad I'm not around some as ignorant as you, who thinks it's just about slightly more expensive fuel prices. Trump and f****** America started this shit-show and have cut off support for Ukraine. Now his actions are going to cause global misery and suffering, people will lose their homes, people won't get the medication they need. There will be food shortages and people going hungry. F*** anyone that says Europe has to absorb all this overnight, without any pragmatism. If Europe falls economically how will we continue to support Ukraine? So get off your high horse, Americans are the ones to blame.
1
Nottrak Mar 31, 2026 +9
Gotta suck it up buttercup
9
Mornar Mar 31, 2026 +5
Ok, so basically just let them die. Kindly, f*** off.
5
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 +2
No, I support Ukraine and always have done, but if Europe is in a recession and absolutely fucked, how is it going to carry on providing support? The shock of the oil crisis f****** Trump and the millions of f****** Americans who supported him started needs to be managed pragmatically. Because we're all fucked if Russia wins and Europe is sent into a rapid downward economic spiral.
2
Sufficient-Gene-5084 Mar 31, 2026 +13
I mean, on one hand, good? Scientists have been in consensus for DECADES now that man made climate change is a real thing. Most "scientific people" now just debate what the effects will be. Glaciers will disappear, deserts will expand. The major powers of the world are already fighting over the emerging land and trade routes in the Arctic, brought on by the receding polar ice caps. And we're all on this coal powered train together, barrelling down the tracks towards who knows where. There's no stopping it.
13
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026
Yes, but the government in power now wasn't the one that made those decisions? The current government is pushing hard to net zero, despite backlash, and they're supporting Ukraine. You're angry at the wrong people. I'm angry about climate change too, but why be angry at the people making good decisions?
0
RealisticEntity Mar 31, 2026 +10
Ukraine is still fighting for their lives though. They have the right to continuing targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure to reduce Russia's ability to fund their invasion. The current spike in the price of oil is due to Iran's retaliatory strikes following the US and Israeli attacks against Iran. It's not up to Ukraine to stop attacking the country who is in the process of invading them just to reduce the price of oil for everyone else (and which will also benefit Russia which will in turn assist them in attacking Ukraine).
10
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 +1
I understand that, I have been vocal against the US and the market-manipulation oil war, and the Orange menace. The whole world will be fucked though if there is a massive shortage of energy all of a sudden, because of Trump's actions. This will affect everyone, including Ukraine and Europe's ability to support them. If we have a global recesssion and people in Europe can't get medication or heat their homes, do you think they will be able to still help Ukraine as easily?
1
DRW_ Mar 30, 2026 +40
I mean Ukraine depends on these countries for supplies. If these countries can't afford to address their own domestic issues, then they'll, out of necessity, not be able to afford to support Ukraine as much. Not as a punitive action, but down to the simple reality of that money going to keeping the lights on at home instead.
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Wolf_Redfield Mar 31, 2026 +9
Yep. > Not as a punitive action, but down to the simple reality of that money going to keeping the lights on at home instead. And if that doesn't happen, governments in a bunch of countries will be seeing their own citizens turn against them (the governments) because it's the old "what do you (the government) mean we can't afford to address our issues here at home because we don't have money for it? Clearly we do have money because we keep sending it to help Ukraine" It's a tricky situation.
9
ReneDeGames Mar 31, 2026 +3
I mean, its been the whole time. Biden put a bunch of pressure on Ukraine to not target oil infrastructure.
3
Livid_Virus2972 Mar 31, 2026 +3
This is the whole reason Ukraine had to start building and buying it's own deep strike weapons, because Europe is addicted to Russian Oil.
3
SourScorn Mar 30, 2026
The "gutless mongrels" can't help Ukraine if they all fall into deep recession due to losing all their vital oil and gas.
0
theweirdball Mar 30, 2026 +455
Why don't they ask Putin to pull out of Ukraine first, if they want Ukraine to stop defending themselves.
455
Definitelyhereforshi Mar 30, 2026 +81
Ooooooh, why didn't we think of that one?
81
Few_Activity8287 Mar 30, 2026 +12
Who is we and does it include Iran?
12
Gackey Mar 30, 2026 +18
Because Russia's answer is going to be "make me", it's a lot easier for Europe to bully Ukraine into achieving their goals.
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External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 +20
Europe is funding Ukraine's defence, and has taken in Ukrainian refugees. The US has been bullying and insulting Ukraine since the Fanta Menance was "elected". Get out of here with saying Europe is bullying Ukraine...
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WalkerBuldog Mar 31, 2026 +4
Demanding Ukraine stopping bombing russia is bullying Ukraine 
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External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026
But that's not what they're doing, ffs. Europe knows how important it is Russia is defeated and weakened. An economic collapse in Europe overnight due to shock energy shortages means we are all weaker, including Ukraine. I'm glad our leaders are more pragmatic than Listnook keyboard warriors.
0
WalkerBuldog Mar 31, 2026 +1
>Europe knows how important it is Russia is defeated and weakened No, it doesn't. If it did, Ukraine would have already won and force Russia oj the negotiating table. >An economic collapse in Europe overnight due to shock energy shortages means we are all weaker, including Ukraine. There is no economic collapse. Economically collapsed Ukraine in 2022 with lossing half of the economy, millions of refugees and entire regions in ruins/under occupation. >I'm glad our leaders are more pragmatic than Listnook keyboard warriors. They aren't. They nowhere near smart enough as you think. They are very ignorant, short-sighted, complacent and happily kick the can down the road, instead of actually dealing with the problem 
1
External-Praline-451 Mar 31, 2026 +1
Out of interest, where do you live? Ukraine? Or America? Because I'm hearing from a lot of Americans on here that expect Europe to go into a catastrophic recession overnight, while it was their leader that caused this shit-show, and they are largely protected from this energy crisis....
1
kentuckyskilletII Mar 31, 2026 +13
Europe is also funding russia’s offense by buying their gas
13
UnexaminedLifeOfMine Mar 31, 2026 -12
Europe is just prolonging this war. They could easily accepted Ukraine in nato then taken solid action to end this war quickly but nope. Bureaucracy and delays. Instead they made up laws the nato-Ukraine council so they wouldn’t have to lift a finger besides writing a letter and condemning Russia and Just keep funding and fuelling this war
-12
Sea__King Mar 30, 2026 +223
Pretty insulting to ask that of a country fighting for its survival.
223
gentlewaterboarding Mar 30, 2026 +48
You just know this level of tone deafness could only come from one «ally».
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cmackchase Mar 30, 2026 +34
Nah, it would come from multiple. I wonder how much of Europe is still needing Russian oil for heating reasons alone?
34
_Azurius Mar 30, 2026 +12
Share of russian oil imports Q4 2025 was about 1% of total extra eu oil imports
12
DukeofDunces Mar 31, 2026 +6
Oil sure is around 1% but the EU imports around 10% of its natural gas from Russia even after significantly reducing over the last 4 years.
6
Current-Code Mar 30, 2026 +3
Yeah, but we are still impacted by the price AND dependant on an orange gangster who just blackmailed with it.  So, yeah, not great
3
LethargicDemigod Mar 31, 2026 +1
Price hits the moon for everyone if Russia stops exporting.
1
Paah Mar 30, 2026 +5
Not any really but oil is a global market. If the supply is reduced price goes up for everyone, doesn't matter who you are buying from.
5
MindOk8618 Mar 31, 2026 +2
Came here to say this
2
bass248 Mar 30, 2026 +19
If America and Israel can do it to Iran and Iran can do it to its neighboring countries then Ukraine can continue to do it to Russia.
19
ILoveTheAtomicBomb Mar 30, 2026 +155
That's really depressing. Essentially being told to let the war be funded against his own country. Trump probably started this war happily as a favor to his handler, Putin.
155
runner2012 Mar 30, 2026 +37
Do you really think Putin is Trump's handler?  Tbh I think Putin must be way too important and busy in his country. Trump's handler is prob 1-3 levels below.  He might get reports though
37
pepperino132 Mar 30, 2026 +3
Or it's a blackmail situation
3
SpiroG Mar 30, 2026 +1
I think an intern drunk on c**** vodka 24/7 can "handle" Trump easily, the guy's riddled with mental problems. Heck, might explain why he keeps flip-flopping on topics every hour and blatantly lies, the poor vodka-soaked intern's probably trolling and giggling like an idiot at his desk at level -30 under the Kremlin.
1
Electrical-Lab-9593 Mar 31, 2026 +1
Kushner is Trump's handler
1
AstralMecha Mar 30, 2026 +1
Trump did use the Iran War as an excuse to remove Russian oil sanctions when Russia's economy was hurting
1
Zlimness Mar 30, 2026 +33
No, f*** em'. Go balls out and attack every Russian oil refinery you can reach. Ukraine has taken enough beating. It's time to hit back.
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LeftToaster Mar 30, 2026 +89
By allies they mean Trump. Ans: F*** no. Amp it up.
89
CoughRock Mar 30, 2026 +11
it's pretty insane how easily bibi drag el taco into war against Iran but zelensky had to beg to get weapon. Hate to say it, but perhaps zelensky should ask bibi to persuade taco in the war against russia instead. They some how got huge sway with the executive branch despite the maga voter base is plagued with antisemitism. It's one of these biggest contradiction.
11
janktraillover Mar 31, 2026 +1
Bibi has the pro-israel lobby behind him
1
Dad_Bod_Supreme Mar 30, 2026 +66
This American wants for Ukraine to keep doing what ever they need to do. Ukraine did not cause this WE DID. Edit: I just wanted to add. I will gladly pay more at the pump to aid our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in their fight against darkness. I am not very f****** happy about the increase from trumps illegal and offensive war.
66
chemicallyaware Mar 30, 2026 +37
Ukraine has carte blanche imo. Do whatever is necessary. And I do mean whatever.
37
DesignerGap0 Mar 30, 2026 +2
Agree.
2
methpartysupplies Mar 30, 2026 +1
Line that b**** up. I have an EV
1
TheFrickinThrowAway Mar 30, 2026 -22
You’re saying this as if Ukraine isn’t giddy as f*** Iran is being attacked. Man I f****** hate listnook
-22
Dad_Bod_Supreme Mar 30, 2026 +23
I hate it too because of people like you. Ukraine is too busy trying to exist to be giddy about anything. Its not their fault trump stepped on his own d***. Are you a fan of Operation Epstein Friendship?
23
TheFrickinThrowAway Mar 30, 2026 -15
Man you guys are so f****** stupid it’s actually insane. Yes Ukraine isn’t happy about Russias biggest drone supplier being stepped on while still receiving military aid throughout all this. It’s like you strawman people into imaginary categories (as if I support Trump and don’t question the whole Epstein shit) yeah I want Trump in prison for Epstein and everyone to face justice, it doesn’t mean I’m blind to the reality of geopolitics. People like you are why democracy won’t exist in America in 50 years. You’re suicidally impressionable by Chinese and Russian bots and don’t even f****** know it.
-15
Dad_Bod_Supreme Mar 30, 2026 +7
Yeah you are right we wont have democracy because of me. Not the f****** billionaire pedos destroying everything. Not the corpo scum firing us all and replacing us with robots. Go eat an entire bag of dicks. You want more death and more destruction. F*** geoplitics. I care about human lives. I don't give a shit about America if it paid for in Iranian children's blood.
7
TheFrickinThrowAway Mar 30, 2026 -12
You don’t give two shits about the 30,000 Iranians and Iranian children mowed down in the streets in less than a week. Give me a f****** break F****** poser You’re fighting with an imaginary version of what you think I believe. You’re literally the worst type of person. Fake. Self righteous. Disgusting. Barf
-12
Dad_Bod_Supreme Mar 30, 2026 +6
And what has this shit done to aide them f*** boy? Are we helping them by killing them and destroying their infrastructure. I bet I know who you work for. You seem very committed to this.
6
TheFrickinThrowAway Mar 30, 2026 -4
How about listen to f****** Iranians a******. Oh and here we go….yes I’m Mossad. Man f*** this planet It also takes two to tango so you’re just as committed as I am you idiot
-4
Dad_Bod_Supreme Mar 30, 2026 +6
Nah I love the planet. F*** you. Keep crashing out murder lover.
6
NotMyName_3 Mar 30, 2026 +1
You're absolutely right. I don't give two or even one sh*t that 30k Iranians were killed by their government any more than the Iranians care. What did it take for the Iranians to overthrow their government in the 70's?
1
TheFrickinThrowAway Mar 30, 2026 +1
While appreciate your candor in how much you don’t give a shit about human lives, who the f*** was talking to you
1
NotMyName_3 Mar 30, 2026 +1
You
1
Magnus_Helgisson Mar 31, 2026 +2
Is this “russia’s biggest drone supplier” here in this room now? FYI: Iran uses russia-supplied “Geran’” drones which are essentially Shakhed clones on steroids. russia already produces more of these than Iran could ever dream. We would be happy if the shit Trump did would be done by someone with an actual braincell, involved a few seconds of planning and consulting with the allies inside Iran, resulting in a very quick change of power in the country. But no, the geezer just had to do what he did, bringing us all where we are now. The people of Ukraine sympathise with Iranian people and wish the best for them, all we hate is the leaders and those who voluntarily work for them.
2
dancingfordates Mar 30, 2026 +7
Ukraine is grinding Russia Beck to the 1950s ...we should be giving them everything they ask for and much much more.. The entire West should be building whatever they need and giving freely and free
7
This_Reply_3410 Mar 30, 2026 +7
F*** putin’s Russia
7
MJ420 Mar 30, 2026 +43
Maybe ask Trump/Nethanyahu to scale back their war on Iran instead?
43
Pariahb Mar 30, 2026 +5
Those are probably the "allies" that are asking for scalling back the hits on russian energy infrastructure.
5
transcendental-ape Mar 30, 2026 +6
That means scale up.
6
Pops_Perkins Mar 30, 2026 +7
Don’t… I’d rather pay double for gas then you guys giving an inch
7
unia_7 Mar 30, 2026 +16
Did they ask Russia to scale back attacks on Ukrainian energy?
16
Kokophelli Mar 30, 2026 +25
Now Ukraine has some cards for leverage
25
Gullible_Prior248 Mar 30, 2026 -38
No it does not it’s completely reliant of the west to prop up its economy and war machine
-38
arvigeus Mar 30, 2026 +27
A better idea: How about NO?
27
EgoTripWire Mar 31, 2026 +6
Even better idea. Modern day privateers. Attack Russia's shadow fleet, steal the tankers, sell the oil to the crybabies asking Ukraine to tone it down.
6
arvigeus Mar 31, 2026 +2
I am sure that if Ukraine starts doing that and sells the oil at absurdly low prices, Trump will start whining that Putin won’t be happy. MAPA: Make America Putin’s Asset.
2
Supertonic Mar 31, 2026 +2
If they hit you with a terrible request, throw it back at them. “I’ll do it if you bring Ukraine into NATO.” You might as well try.
2
sumregulaguy Mar 30, 2026 +30
Ukraine most likely secured fuel supply and Patriot interceptors from the Saudis with their drone initiative. With zero aid from US and €90B loan from EU blocked allies have no leverage so there's no reason for Ukraine to stop anything especially when the ask is to let Russia continue to fund its war.
30
SuperRektT Mar 30, 2026 -14
"allies have no leverage" Surely, give 6 months of Ukraine without any kind of EU funding or intel and see what happens (considering its EU allies and not US)
-14
Aware_Steak_1298 Mar 30, 2026 -6
Juat cut the starlink and see what happens in a month
-6
TheStrat Mar 30, 2026 -5
Most of the weapons come from the USA so trump still have leverage to stop selling to Ukraine.
-5
Dark_World_Blues Mar 30, 2026 +5
Yeah, and let Russia keep Ukraine's territory and oil.
5
brickyardjimmy Mar 31, 2026 +5
He's fighting for his life. Either help him or get out of his way.
5
bappestinian Mar 31, 2026 +5
But did they tell russia to scale back their attacks on Ukraine’s electrical grid last winter?
5
Radical_Neutral_76 Mar 30, 2026 +9
Tell us who those cunts are so we can ruin their careers, please
9
macross1984 Mar 30, 2026 +4
Sure, but you guys need to increase delivery of more Patriot missiles first. :P
4
IgnoranceIsTheEnemy Mar 30, 2026 +3
That just means it is working.
3
griphookk Mar 30, 2026 +4
“Allies”
4
DesignerGap0 Mar 30, 2026 +3
Or russia could just go home. And the us could stop creating an energy crisis with their stupid war.
3
Aquanlqua Mar 30, 2026 +3
''Allies'' is a broad definition.
3
[deleted] Mar 30, 2026 +9
[deleted]
9
TyphonNeuron Mar 30, 2026 +2
That and the turd type. 2 in 1.
2
faultysynapse Mar 30, 2026 +3
Don't do it Big dog! This is a sure sign you're on the right track.  Side note, who would have thought Mr. I'm going to bomb the civilian power plants and desalination centers would be so hypocritical?
3
Previous_Soil_5144 Mar 31, 2026 +3
Get Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory with guarantees that it will never invade again.
3
Rude_Asparagus_382 Mar 30, 2026 +4
That means it’s working keep doing it…
4
Vault101Overseer Mar 30, 2026 +3
Totally fair for Z to expect Russia to kindly f*** off out of his country before he stops targeting their war funding (oil & gas).
3
PeNdR4GoN_ Mar 30, 2026 +5
"It is unclear which countries he may have been referring to." lol, pretty much everyone know which country he's referring to
5
Truth-Suks-667 Mar 30, 2026 +2
Naah bro, keep going! Slava Ukraine! -Finn
2
totallyRebb Mar 30, 2026 +2
Computer says Noo .. *cough*
2
sg19point3 Mar 30, 2026 +2
a big f****** hard NO!
2
2Dumb4GalacticEmpire Mar 30, 2026 +2
“allies”
2
AndriyZas Mar 31, 2026 +2
Союзники бувають різні. Наш союзник наприклад Норвегія, яка дуже від цього виграє. За що, до речі, щедро з нами ділиться..
2
tiddayes Mar 31, 2026 +2
…No..
2
HappyT1984 Mar 31, 2026 +2
Hit them harder - only way to survive & win If you want cheaper oil don’t start wars in M/E
2
shoguante Mar 30, 2026 +5
Our unnecessary war with Iran, is impacting Ukraines strategic plans  to try and save their country from Russian aggression. Seems like a reasonable ask to make.
5
RecentTwo544 Mar 30, 2026 +2
Absolutely insane that in 2026, four years after the war started, 34% of Russia's gas exports and 49% of LNG exports are still being bought by the EU. That cannot all be Russia-friendly Hungary surely? I'm actually staggered by those figures.
2
evil-twinaway Mar 30, 2026 +4
In my opinion, this situation with Iran really shows who's running the show. I'm now more convinced than ever that Putin holds Trump under his influence. Keep giving them hell Ukraine.
4
Razhyel Mar 30, 2026 +2
So.. to summ it up: It works, attack more russian energy infrastructure. It hurts them the most. Us as well, but iran/usa war does it aswell so fk it and go for maximum damage without civillian casualties.
2
ExpectedUnexpected94 Mar 30, 2026 +2
F ‘em.
2
ARazorbacks Mar 30, 2026 +2
I hope his answer was to greenlight a more accelerated schedule of destroying Russia’s ability to produce and ship oil products. 
2
tfm992 Mar 31, 2026 +2
One answer. No. The money earned from allowing Russia to sell oil comes at the price of us being attacked. We've had already some days not more than 3 hours electricity over winter from the grid Where is the benefit to Ukraine in this?
2
Onyx_Sentinel Mar 30, 2026 +1
Lol, keep f****** it up pls
1
mapersulserio Mar 30, 2026 +1
don't
1
just_matt85 Mar 30, 2026 +1
\*insert Steve Buscemi gif\* "yea f*** all that"
1
DoomComp Mar 31, 2026 +1
[ Removed by Listnook ]
1
mrhorse21 Mar 31, 2026 +1
📞 Zelensky, it's too much winning, we're sick of it. Can you win less?
1
jdk-88 Mar 31, 2026 +1
Why can't they ask russia to stop it's invasion isntead? 🤔
1
yosypjagger Mar 31, 2026 +1
The only thing they have left to ask of us is to just die quietly. Every single day we face missile and drone strikes and civilian casualties, it’s a living hell on the front lines, and yet some cynical scumbags only care about their own pockets. It’s like: 'Oh, you're fighting for your very existence? Well, could you do it quietly so everyone stays comfortable?' What a convenient position to take. And buying more energy resources from them than the actual aid provided to us—that’s very convenient too. I’m just exhausted from watching this for 4 years straight.
1
PinnuTV Mar 31, 2026 +1
These f****** dumb americans have no idea what it means to specific countries. Ofc u dont give a shit when u live on the other side of the world
1
EstablishmentSweet30 Apr 1, 2026 +1
We know it was the Russian agent orange…
1
letir_ Mar 30, 2026 +1
Can you please stop, daddy was so excited to make more money from mess that i created?
1
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