larry johnson and his thoughts on the ukie war and the putin;

Trump’s effort to negotiate a quick end to the war in Ukraine has stalled, in large measure because Zelensky and his crew reject the agreement the US reached with Russia in Riyadh on Monday, and because the Europeans refused to lift sanctions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports.

There really is no mystery here. Putin is not playing games nor is he stalling for time. He believes that despite some progress in establishing a dialogue with Trump and his administration, major obstacles remain in the West that will prevent a return to normal, i.e., regular diplomatic relations and relief from sanctions.

Last week, during a closed-door session at the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) congress, Putin delivered a sobering message to Russian business leaders regarding sanctions and the war in Ukraine. He warned them not to expect a quick resolution to the conflict or a rapid lifting of Western sanctions. Putin emphasized that even if sanctions were eased, the West would likely find alternative ways to exert pressure on Russia. He described sanctions as a “mechanism of systemic strategic pressure” rather than temporary measures.

Putin reiterated that there is no hope for a full return to free trade, unrestricted capital flows, or reliance on Western mechanisms for protecting investor rights. He also criticized Western companies that left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, stating they would face significant barriers if they attempted to return. In other words, Putin ain’t wearing rose colored glasses and remains wary of Western intentions.

During an inspection of the Russian port of Murmansk, which serves its Artic fleet, Putin made the following remarks about the war in Ukraine:.........more.......