Putin told Scholz talks with Ukraine are essentially blocked by Kyiv - TASS

What Russia wants is not a talks. They want Ukraine give huge part of their country to Russia. And rightfully Ukraine says that such talks can't happen!

Interesting how when one reads Tass, it is all Ukraine's fault i.e. as in https://tass.com/politics/1450541
Aparently Macron was also involved in discussions and Zelenski's comments were "President Volodymyr Zelensky said that French President Emmanuel Macron’s negotiations were “in vain,” adding that “we don’t want to save something for someone and lose territory for it.”" i.e.as in https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/n...05/13/7139354/
I also see that Finland has a message for russia i.e. "Asked what he would say to Putin, Niinisto replied: “You caused this. Look in the mirror.”" as in https://www.dailywire.com/news/you-c...ato-membership

Now you want to talk little man, getting nervous hey? What happened to your mucho image?

Stop talking. Ukraine was part of Soviet. No debate.

The puppet masters want the war to last ...

You are so right, Ukraine WAS part of russia.
They chose freedom from dictatorship as is there right
As for the "Stop talking" . It is my right to express myself and I wont abide by your attempts to tell me to shut up

Please find something to say that is not a lot of hot air.
Russia started the war and they could end it by withdrawing but they choose not to so take off your rose colored glasses and try to see the true picture

On Newyears Day 2000 when the Putin Era began, Putin promised the Russian people
"“I will restore the might and glory of the Soviet Union”

So anyone with half a brain understood that that could never be achieved by non-aggressive means.
But with a conventional military capability a fraction of US and NATO's for 20 years- Putins been playing the only cards hes had,.. a strategy born of his exKGB heritage, to WEAKEN his "enemies" - the entities blocking his ambition. Specifically to disrupt through political and social agitation - the economic success and political stability of Western Democracy and institutions -the EU - NATO) And the Internet and Social Media delivered his old old Soviet "Active Measures" on a dream ticket.

When the invasion of Ukraine happened (Feb) ..
I like many struggled to understand Putins thinking/timing/mindset in triggering such an extreme escalation. Seemed irrational- ill judged, ill timed,.. so why risk so much?

The only hypothesis I could figure was that he was running out of time - in some sense, to deliver his 2000 promises. By that I mean.. (a) was seriously threatened internally/politically;, or (b) there was he as personally faced with an immediate inescapable existential health issue..

I think from leaks Ive had checked through.. , it may be the latter.
And Vlad may not be with us much longer.
But for those who believe he needs to go, to solve the problem, dont celebrate or believe that theres a happy ending here.. rather I see possibility of a more dangerous scenario for the world, and for markets, investors and traders, in the next weeks/months.. Because short of a revolution, as to who might fill his place if he goes.. believe me "the most likely" shortlist doesn't look good.