DTNZ: ‘Putin wants to meet’ – Trump

The incoming US president has repeatedly promised to mediate an end to the Ukraine conflict.

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday that a meeting was being set up between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Dave Patterson: Biden Relents, Authorizing Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles

After more than two years of persistent pleading to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles provided by the West to strike targets deep inside Russia, the West agrees. As with nearly all of the weapon systems the US and NATO allies eventually supplied to Ukraine, the Biden administration dragged its feet in giving the Ukrainian military long-range precision tactical missiles for fear the weapons would escalate the conflict.

Biden Backs Off Restricting Use of Long-Range Missiles

DTNZ: Trump to appoint ‘special envoy’ to end Ukraine conflict – Fox News

The top official will be asked to reach a peace settlement “in short order,” a source told the network.

US President-elect Donald Trump will appoint a special envoy to lead negotiations on resolving the Ukraine conflict, Fox News reported on Wednesday. Trump had previously said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future.

Dave Patterson: Zelensky - The Man With No Plan?

He promised to share a pathway to victory in Ukraine, but details remain opaque.

When Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he had a plan for victory over the Russian invaders, interest in hearing the details was high. During his visit to the United States last week, he said he would reveal them to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Presumably, the Ukrainian leader did that. However, little information has emerged.
Zelensky Believes Ukraine Can Win

Dave Patterson: Will Ukraine Be Allowed to Strike Targets Deep in Russia?

Taking the fight deep into Russia is crucial for stopping Moscow’s assault on Kyiv.

Ukraine may soon be cleared to use Western weapons to strike deep into Russia. It’s what the beleaguered nation needs to turn the tide of the invasion, but it has, thus far, been strictly forbidden. Why? Not since September 11, 2001, has the US government seen the results of an enemy determined to bring America to its knees. Only then did the US military go after the terrorist group responsible with a vengeance. But time passes, and memories fade.

David Farrar: Black Sea Security Forum Day 1

The Black Sea Security Forum was held over two days in Odesa, on the Black Sea. It was a fascinating discussion of politics, military and economics. The topics on Day 1 were: