Daily Chronicles

Daily Chronicles features issues, small or large, that have the potential to change our world.

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🛶 58 teams from 12 countries and regions raced in the 21st Shanghai Suzhou Creek Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament — a display of teamwork and an international celebration of Chinese cultural heritage. #ChineseCulture pic.twitter.com/WWuBV6BcZg

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) May 31, 2025

May 30

One of those days .. a lot is being said but the proof will be coming along in the days to come.  The media will not negotiate negotiations now ongoing.

Gaza is still a stain on humanity and a killer of souls.

Russia is tearing apart Ukrainian forces.  Ukrainian forces lost up to 9,420 servicemen over the past week.  The shenanigans around the negotiations on Monday in Istanbul are reaching comical proportions from those who want to gatecrash.  Now suddenly, Turkey needs assistants.  Maria Zakharova cut it off:  “As for the words of Special Envoy K. Kellogg, Russia as a democratic state governed by the rule of law respects the universal human rights principle of freedom of movement . Everyone can travel wherever they wish. However, we do not see a connection between the movements of representatives of the four states and the bilateral Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul. ”

Israel is falling in front of us and all they have is a killing spree and the internal self-burn is now visible. The world is refusing to take it any longer. Some are legitimate and others not so legimate, but the end result will be the same.  They are finding it difficult to spin and hide any longer.  Israel has blocked a planned visit by a delegation of foreign ministers headed by Saudi Arabia, including representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey, who were set to meet with Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank on Sunday.

The west is becoming less and less able to influence anything and Trump is the depiction of that. He is the metaphor of a falling empire, starting fires in other places to attempt to remain influential.

Issues that have the potential to change our world are obscured in a raging river of trash talk from the west.

Russia is talking more and more, because they find themselves in a position where they have to repeat everything they said yesterday, today again.

A huge international forum is on the go in Astana, calling for multilateral collaboration.
Multipolarity is being shaped now.

May 29

‘A BIT STALLED’ – Bessent reveals what the US-China trade deal looks like

Just as Trump quietly walked back his toughest-ever tariffs on China — from 145% to 80% to 34% (https://t.me/geopolitics_live/49667) — his Treasury Secretary now admits the “greatest dealmaker” has talks “stalled.”  Bessent reassured Fox News that “the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known.”

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Crashing the party again:  Breakfast Cereal General Keith Kellogg said that representatives from the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom will be in Istanbul on June 2, coinciding with a possible meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

(There is no possible meeting, they’re just trying to pressurize Russia).

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Apparently, and it is hard to believe anyone from the west, it is reported that Netanyahu accepted the latest Witkoff proposal.   There is no confirmation of acceptance from Hamas or any Palestinian factions at this moment.  Hamas wanted 90 days.  Netanyahu wanted 60 days.  Hamas wanted full withdrawal of Israel from Gaza.  There is media saying that Trump will announce it.

As usual, if this goes (and there is no confirmation from Hamas at the moment), Netanyahu will break the agreement as soon as the captives are exchanged.  If this is the same as in the past, Netanyahu (Witkoff) is just allowing some steam to be let off as the resistance across the world is growing.   We will soon see if the carnage increases.  That would be a sure sign, as it is a habit to kill whatever moves and as many as possible before the carnage pauses.  Looking at his speeches in the past days, he is insane, as they said back on the farm, crazier than a shithouse rat, or, batshit crazy – sitting with young children and teaching them about the Amalek and there is a new historical revision from him.  I’ll post it when I find it.

The new Wikoff proposal includes:

— Release of 10 living Israeli captives in Gaza, return of 18 dead (and a further schedule)
— 60-day ceasefire with option to resume war

We know too little.  It is on the watchlist at this time.

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Thank You Mr Lavrov!  

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has slammed the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza as “collective punishment of the civilian population”, in some of Moscow’s strongest criticism of the Israeli occupation as it escalates its offensive.

“What is happening in Gaza is incomprehensible and indescribable,” Lavrov said at a regional forum.

Please, let us not stop with words!  https://sovereignista.com/2025/05/20/thank-you-russia-for-more-words-on-gaza/

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Russia’s Chief Negotiator to the Ukraine talks, Medinsky and his family, is threatened and put on Ukraine’s Myrotvorets database, the socalled ‘Peacemaker List’. This list is known to be the current ‘hit list’. ‘We know where your children are, and we have a lot of stuffed scooters’

Mr Lavrov stopped (I hope) all the misinformation out of the US regarding the next Ukrainian talks, where Kellogg sketched out the proceedings according to his cockamanie understanding. Mr Lavov said in no uncertain words that the next talks will be in Istanbul (not at the Vatican, not in Geneva) and the Ukrainians and the Russians had an agreement. Lists of conditions of a ceasefire (or peace agreement) will be presented and explained at the next meeting on the 2nd of June. Maria Zakharova piped up and said Russia has no agreement with anyone else to supply them with these documents. Kellogg is therefore sidelined and so is the US. Lavrov made it clear that these negotiations will be between Russia and Ukraine. He will keep Rubio informed.  https://t.me/MariaVladimirovnaZakharova/10669

So far, no response from Ukraine.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 296 Ukrainian Nazi UAVs have been shot down over Russian regions over the past night and to date.  A massive attack was launched on Moscow, hitting Zelenograd and Dubna.

We have to conclude that the Russians are going through the motions as agreed, but nobody else (including Big Orange Man of Peace) wants a ceasefire or a peace.  They want to continue making war, with the US supporting the EU (another proxy) hoping against hope that Russia will fall into their hands like a ripe fruit.  German Chancellor: “We will help Ukraine build long-range missiles capable of targeting areas inside Russia.”  While these types of incendiary remarks are made, the US only encourages the EU to ‘spend more on weapons’.  The proxy force is now not only Ukraine, but the EU is being urged to act as a proxy force as well.

Gerald Celente:  “If all else fails, they take us to war.”

While senior Russian staff repeat that Trump is not adequately briefed on the Russia/Ukraine situation, I don’t feel sorry for Trump.  He prefers to be inadequately briefed in order to make further incendiary remarks.

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US Court Blocks Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs

A U.S. federal court has ruled that U.S. President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court found that the economic conditions cited did not constitute a national emergency, and that the tariffs bypassed congressional authority over taxation.

The decision blocks tariffs Trump had levied on nearly all U.S. trading partners, including earlier tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. While tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos remain intact—implemented under different statutes requiring Commerce Department investigations—this ruling undermines the legal foundation of Trump’s broader trade agenda.

Importers affected by these tariffs are now seeking refunds for the duties they paid. While the court has ordered the cessation of tariff collections, the process for obtaining refunds is still unfolding. Businesses are hopeful that, depending on the outcome of the appeals, they may recover some of the costs incurred due to the now-invalidated tariffs.

The Trump administration has filed an appeal, and the case may proceed to higher courts, including the Supreme Court.

May 28

President Lula’s health raises leadership concerns

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been diagnosed with labyrinthitis, an inner ear disorder causing dizziness and balance issues. This adds to his long history of health problems, including hypertension, throat cancer, and a recent hip replacement.

As Brazil faces economic challenges and political instability, concerns are growing about Lula’s ability to effectively lead the country during this critical period.

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AHH has a raft of details in this morning’s Chronicles of the Apocalypse: https://sovereignista.com/globalsouthforum/topic/chronicles-of-the-apocalypse-19-may-2025/#post-58463

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The EU expects to control the safety of navigation in the Black Sea with the participation of all states in the region, except Russia — Kakja Kallas

She noted that coalition members should be involved in organizing “patrolling of critical infrastructure,” as well as monitoring shipping and port activities.

🐻 Estonia already tried to “control the navigation”, (https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/147909) rumors are that the people who were involved are still in therapy after encountering that Russian SU-35

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(There has never been a meeting that is not arranged yet that engenders so many comments. Peskov and Uskanov have to say the same things on a daily basis).

Dmitry Peskov: A Putin-Zelenskyy meeting is possible, but it should be the result of specific agreements between the delegations.

Russia, like the US, has national interests, which are above all else for Moscow and President Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says.

Russia is preparing for the next round of negotiations with Ukraine and will continue holding contacts with the US, Peskov adds.

🔹The content of draft memoranda on Ukraine will soon become known, then Moscow will talk about the next round of negotiations;

🔹The Kremlin will not discuss through media the contents of the documents on Ukraine that need to be agreed upon, this should be done in a discrete mode;

🔹The Kremlin urges to be careful with media reports on the settlement in ukraine, since most of them are fakes;

🔹The location of the next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine should suit both sides;

🔹There are many nuances in the Ukrainian settlement process that cannot be sacrificed;

🔹The work on the Russian draft memorandum on Ukraine is in final stages;

🔹No decisions have been made at this time regarding the location of the next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine;

🔹The documents are being prepared to discuss the list of conditions for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine;

🔹Kiev’s plans to produce long-range weapons in Ukraine emphasize the justification of Russia’s desire to eliminate the root causes of the conflict;

🔹US President Donald Trump and the US want a speedy resolution to the Ukraine conflict, and Russia is grateful to the US president for his mediation efforts;

🔹The root causes of the Ukrainian crisis pose a significant threat to Russia’s national interests;

🔹The Kremlin has not heard about the progress of Kiev’s work on a draft Ukrainian memorandum.

Yuri Ushakov: US President Donald Trump does not fully understand that Russia strikes only Ukrainian military infrastructure facilities. The US leader is not informed about Ukraine’s terrorist attacks on Russian cities.

May 27

He honestly thinks he is beating the drum.

‘New talks between Russia and Ukraine may take place in Geneva’ – Kellogg

‘When President Trump spoke to Putin a little over a week ago, the Russians said they would present what they called a ‘memorandum’. I call it a ‘term sheet’. What does that mean? It’s a document that spells out how to achieve peace. The Ukrainian side has already given its version. Now we need to get the same from Russia. And then we put the two documents together, see how we can put it together, determine what is acceptable, what is unacceptable, and where we can find common ground. And when that is ready, there will be another meeting. We think, perhaps, in Geneva. We would like to hold it in the Vatican, and we had everything ready. But the Russians refused to go to the Vatican. So Geneva is probably the next place. And then we can organize a meeting of the three leaders: the US president, Putin and Zelensky – and conclude some document that will end this war.’

No, not Geneva.  Switzerland is not neutral and they have signed the Rome Statute.   No, not the Vatican because they are Catholic and Russia is Orthodox.  Peskov has said all of this but seemingly the US do not understand how to listen.

Mr Lavrov again is talking about ‘Root Causes’ of the conflict.

‘The success of peace talks will directly depend on whether we can eliminate the root causes of the conflict during the talks. Unfortunately, our Ukrainian neighbours do not fulfill the agreements. Their Western patrons not only allow them to do whatever they want, but incite them in every possible way’

Do read Smoothie today, who explains the concept of co-belligerents on the side of Ukraine with some choice words. https://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2025/05/keith-kellogg.html
Also read Larry Johnson today, who uses the words ‘juvenile clown show’: https://sonar21.com/donald-trumps-lack-of-critical-thinking-skills-with-respect-to-russia-and-ukraine/

This US peace meddling is an unholy mess (Spanish is porqueria) that they will not be able to extract themselves from. They should walk.

This war will continue until Russia finishes it.

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Trump’s latest and the net is buzzing. Trump Truth Social: “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”

Medvedev responded: “Regarding Trump’s words about Putin “playing with fire” and “really bad things” happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!”

Moving back into the past past where the Nuke threat agan has to be discussed. Remember Prof Sergey Karaganov who said that this issue must be handled, and by Russia. ” Russia must emphasize the inevitability of nuclear escalation in any conflict between NATO and Russia.” No, Trump does not understand this.
https://sovereignista.com/2023/06/15/russia-is-abuzz-the-use-of-nuclear-weapons-can-save-humanity-from-a-global-catastrophe-sergey-karaganov/
https://sovereignista.com/2025/01/27/sergey-karaganov-russia-must-help-overthrow-western-europes-dangerous-political-elites/

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Pavel Durov is becoming Russian again. He is doing well and Telegram still is the chat bot of the resistance. ‘I am Russian and I would rather die than become anyone’s asset‘ — Pavel Durov says via video at the Oslo Freedom Forum

He’s referring to his efforts to expose French meddling in Romanian elections

A French court barred him from attending Norway in person.

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A high-level meeting, which will include security officials from Iran, Russia, North Korea, and the UAE, is to be held in Moscow. Alireza Ahmadian, Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will attend the event.

May 26

💥 Last night, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massed high-precision strike by long-range air-to-surface weapons and strike unmanned aerial vehicles at the infrastructure of the Starokonstantinov airfield. The goal of the strikes has been achieved, all the planned targets have been engaged.

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Response to Russia’s buffer zone:  The US, Germany, UK, and France have lifted range restrictions on military supplies to Ukraine — German Chancellor Merz

May 25

Good news, dedollarization:  China, Indonesia sign MoU on establishing framework for cooperation on local currency settlement.  https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334798.shtml

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Here is how the trade part of South Africa’s visit to the US turned out. Insult, meet injury: US wants South Africa to give its companies VIP access after Trump tirade.

The Trump admin is pushing South Africa to ease local laws that require foreign firms to hand over stakes to black-owned businesses — calling them “barriers” to US investment, the City Press reports.

In response, SA offered a workaround: let firms like SpaceX build local infrastructure instead. That likely clears the runway for Starlink to launch in the country.

👉🏻Meanwhile, the US wants in on South Africa’s strategic mineral mining — and Pretoria is eyeing big LNG imports in return.

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Suddenly today Trump really does not like what Putin is doing any longer.  DD Geopolitics are happy as they predicted .. give Trump about eight days, and he will change his mind again.  https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/149014

“I’m not happy with what Putin is doing .. he is killing a lot of people and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin .. I’ve known him a long time .. he is sending rockets into cities and killing people” – quite the rant.  No word on Ukraine’s MASSIVE 788-drone strike on Russia?  Sanctions incoming is my guess.

Watch the meme develop.  Putin is Crazy. 

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I have spoken about reading the Russian smoke signals.  There is a change in the Russian objectives vis a vis Ukraine.  How will it manifest?  We cannot know, but we can take a look at what Medvedev says:

If military aid to the Banderite regime continues, the buffer zone could look like this:

https://t.me/medvedev_telegramE/73

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Jaishankar: Trump Had No Role in India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was a result of direct talks between the two countries, emphasizing it was a bilateral decision. He dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement, describing it only as limited to “a few calls” with no direct influence on the outcome.

What do they call it? Stolen valor. Trumpy is playing games again. I listened to his commencement speech at West Point yesterday. Same old hollywood style exceptionalism and nothing to write home about – Russia stole hypersonic weapons from the US, the US won the 2nd WW ‘and all others in between’, the ‘golden dome’ will be built for defense and it will defend everyone in the US.

The Pakistani Defense Minister:

🚨🇺🇸🇵🇰 U.S. FUELING WARS AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE LAST HUNDRED YEARS – PAK DEFENCE MINISTER pic.twitter.com/RWY1hhlfAf

— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) May 25, 2025

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“CRY HAVOC, and let slip the dogs of war”.  During the previous hours Russia did exactly that, but much more disciplined than the original cry of HAVOC and more in the line of “Call down destruction.”  Reporting across the Ukraine tells of a night of major Russian action.  This comes hours after completion of the prisoner and soldier exchange agreements reached in Istanbul on 16 May.

Russian MoD: Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike by high-precision sea-, air, ground-based weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles at the Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, delivering components for missiles, electronics, explosives, missile fuel and strike unmanned aerial vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and at radio-technical reconnaissance and satellite communication centres. The goals of the strike were achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged.

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A total of 880 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians were returned from Ukrainian captivity as a result of the exchange.

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The Buffer Zone general expectations:

– Where does the buffer zone end?
– In Sumy and Kharkov region.
– Wrong, buffer zone has no end.

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Ukraine tried to attack Putin’s helicopter mid-flight over Kursk. Russian Air Defense Division officer says Ukrainian drones attempted to swarm chopper flight path. Russian air defenses scrambled — worked perfectly and repelled the strike

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HISTORIC: First direct freight train from China rolls into Iran’s largest dry port after 15 days of travel – Loaded with solar panels

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May 24

Dmitry Medvedev made a pointed reference to the mysterious UVB-76 shortwave radio station—nicknamed “Doomsday Radio” by some media—while commenting on recent developments in the Ukraine conflict: “The Doomsday Radio: the mild ‘May calm’ has now been replaced by a savage ‘grunting banner’.”

UVB-76 is a Cold War-era military broadcast that continues to transmit encoded messages consisting of distorted sounds and occasional cryptic phrases. Often dismissed by Western outlets as a relic, the station has gained renewed attention online, with many observers linking its strange activity to key moments in Russia’s Special Military Operation.

Medvedev’s use of its symbolism suggests that Moscow is preparing for a sharp escalation, and that Russia’s patience with the West-backed Kiev regime is wearing thin.

Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike by high-precision sea-, air, ground-based weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles at the Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, delivering components for missiles, electronics, explosives, missile fuel and strike unmanned aerial vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and at radio-technical reconnaissance and satellite communication centres.

The goals of the strike were achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged.

The 1000×1000 prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is in progress. Today, 390 prisoners and civilians were exchanged, and yesterday in the high 200’s. Mr Lavrov states that they will hand over the document that will outline the Russian requirements for a sustainable end to the war after the exchange. There are, however, subtle changes in the Russian rhetoric, and we will monitor and see if it continues.   I would not take this as gospel to the 9th degree, and this map is not detailed, but it is conceptual and shows the buffer zone.  It is a vast area and explains why Russia did not stop after clearing the Russian border areas of Ukrainian soldiers.  They moved right across the border and continued.  Reading Mr Lavrov and Medvedev between the lines, I am beginning to think Russia won’t stop now.  Subtle Smoke signals indicate a change in the Russian objectives vis a vis Ukraine.  Perhaps the concept of leaving a ‘Rump Ukraine’ is on ice.

Russian MoD: Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a group strike by ground-based high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against a Ukrainian defence industry enterprise that produces missile weapons and strike unmanned aerial vehicles; a radio reconnaissance centre, and a position of the U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air missile system.
The goal of the strike has been achieved. All the assigned targets have been engaged.

According to commentary this was a massive strike.

Medvedev in fine rhetorical form: Now the sad assholes who hide drug napkins on trains will squeal again about Russia’s disproportionate strikes on military targets in Kiev, calling for a 30-day truce and sanctions. First, destroy the vile blood-sucking nits on your filthy body!

May 23

Comment (https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/2019509/) by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the school bus bombing in Pakistan (May 23, 2025)

💬 On May 21, a suicide bomber attacked a school bus in the Khuzdar district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province killing several adults and children and injuring dozens more.

Moscow strongly condemns this barbaric act. All those complicit in it must be punished. We extend our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Russia has consistently advocated a stronger unity among all members of the international community in the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

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Lavrov: Russia Preparing Settlement Proposal for Ukraine

Russia is actively drafting a document outlining the terms for a lasting settlement with Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

He emphasized that Moscow will be ready to present the proposal once the ongoing prisoner exchange process is completed.

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Vance: Uncontested U.S. Dominance Is Over – U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance told Naval Academy graduates that the era of “uncontested American dominance” is over.

He said Russia and China are “serious threats” and are “determined to beat the United States in every single domain.”

Subtext: They will have to fight for their dominance now. It is not reasonable, these people do not want to take their space as a normal country, perhaps one of three leading countries, but rather – because uncontested dominance is over, and they cannot compete any longer – they will fight – Vance declares the enemy again, Russia and China. They will prepare their troops and send them to war. He claims a win against the Houthis. The subtext says it all. There is no question if anyone else in this world want their dominance. Take a listen to this clip: https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/148833
Here is the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU4ToPr9VYg

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It is Friday and the Yemenis en masse are out for their million man march.

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Delegations from the US and Iran had a fifth round of indirect negotiations in Oman, mediated by Omani officials. US delegation: Led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
Iranian delegation: Headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

These discussions follow previous rounds aimed at easing tensions, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program and US sanctions.

It happened on time and continued some hours respectfully and professionally.   Oman FM: Fifth round of Iran-US indirect talks ends with “some but not conclusive progress”

Some further comments:

🔴 Iran FM Araghchi: Various ideas presented by Omani FM discussed during indirect talks with the US

🔴 Iran FM Araghchi: Indirect talks with the US on right, reasonable path

🔴 Iran FM describes fifth round of indirect talks with the US as “one of the most professional” so far

🔴 Iran FM holds out possibility of progress in indirect US talks with Omani proposals

🔴 FM Araghchi: US has clearer understanding of Iran’s positions after fifth round of indirect talks

May 22

Here is the next fight against any interaction with the world.   Trump admin BLOCKS Harvard from enrolling international students. Trump is pressuring the elite school to fall in line with his agenda.  Funding from international students make up +25% of the cost of the schools and the entire student body.  The US will become dumber and more isolated with the young people more lost.  The international students will flock to other countries who now have the opportunity to developed top class schools.  In reality I am happy with this as from China we know that only the less intelligent kids go to US schools – the ones that are truly middle of the road in Chinese schools where the standard is impossibly high.  It is only that the US Ivy’s have this mystique.

On a similar note,  Microsoft bans words ‘Palestine,’ ‘Gaza’ and ‘genocide’ in internal emails —The censorship follows Microsoft’s firing of employees who protested the company’s ties to Israel.  While Microsoft claims it is curbing ‘politically focused emails’ — staff say it’s an attempt to silence free speech.

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Key statements of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (aka, Peskov keeping the record straight):

🔹️Media reports about the details of the Putin-Trump conversation, citing the US leader, contrast with what Moscow knows;

🔹️The work is underway to implement agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul;

🔹️There are no specific agreements on next negotiations on the settlement in Ukraine;

🔹️There were no agreements on holding negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement in the Vatican;

🔹️The prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine according to the 1,000 for 1,000 formula is labor-intensive, the work is underway on specific names;

🔹️All parties are interested in quickly making the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine according to the 1000 for 1000 formula;

🔹️After the increase of duties on fertilizers from Russia and Belarus, the EU will eventually receive worse-quality fertilizers at higher price;

🔹️Foreign companies that carefully left the Russian market will be subject to a special regime upon their possible return;

🔹️The Kremlin has seen reports about alleged disclosure of a Russian intelligence network in Brazil.

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Algeria joins the BRICS New Development Bank. The move was confirmed by NDB chief Dilma Rousseff during a meeting in Cape Town.

May 21

The most interesting event of today was the visit of Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, to Trump.  I’ll say it now, Cyril my old union friend lies more than Trump.  I’ll write it up for tomorrow because for once Trump has it partially right and it has impact on BRICS.

Cyril was not massacred by Trump, but showed up a lier and a farce, although he turned up with such a polished team, white and black, all the famous golfers, a trade union leader, a veritable church of holiness.  It did not work for Ramaphosa because one of those men told the unvarnished truth, ringing out in the simplicity and honesty of the short address.

When Cyril started saying there is no problem with white farmers and farm murders in South Africa, Trump got the lights turned out and started playing the video, which is now called the genocide video:  Kill the Farmer, Kill the Boer .. Shoot to Kill, the Boer, the Farmer .. Brr Paaah, Brr Paah (machine gun sounds).  Cyril said it is just a small group and they must speak .. the constitution you know .. Trump said he sees a full stadium and it is not small.  Ramaphosa started wiping the sweat off his face with his hands and said it is not government policy.  But the fellow, a regular interviewee by RT, Julius Malena, is in the government.  Trump asked Ramaphosa if he ever condemned the song .. And Ramaphosa lied again, saying yes!   But he never has, and everyone knows it.

Trump showed video of the white crosses, thousands of them, next to one road in the North and up hillsides, a white cross for each farmer and family that was violently killed.  Ramaphosa looked like the picture of innocence and said he did not know where that was – hahahaaa, like a child caught at the cookie jar.   Then Trump pulled out a fat pile of press reports of white farmer killings and started showing them one by one.   Rampahosa tried to change the topic and said he is there to talk trade and tried to butter Trump up with Trade Talk, (screw BRICS! Ramaphosa is going to trade minerals with Trump!) and asked Trump very eloquently and emotionally not to boycot the G20 meeting at the end of the year and made a few tone deaf pitches for investment.  It was not a massacre of Ramaphosa, but a farce.   They did not get to the deep corruption.  More tomorrow.  I think BRICS was sold out today but this needs more thinking.    I consumed this farce with the brilliant Traoré speech still ringing in my heart and mind, and personal cognitive dissonance ran deep.  “Let no leader speak in the name of Africa if he bows to foreign masters.”  O’l Rampies bowed today, deep and with his pants round his ankles.

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(Violence is not my cup o’ tea, but I wish I could have been a fly on the wall.  They Ran!  Convince me that this was not deliberate.)

Israel accidentally (?) opens fire on EU and Arab diplomats

A diplomatic delegation, including EU and Arab representatives, came under fire from Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Jenin in the occupied West Bank.The visit was organized by the Palestinian Authority.

🌏The delegation, reportedly unarmed, was on a peaceful mission when Israeli troops opened fire.

🌏The IDF claims the diplomats “entered an active combat zone” and that shots were fired “to distance them.”   (An ‘active combat zone’ in the West Bank should not exist!  Who is doing combat in the West Bank?  Rhetorical question.)

🌏No injuries were reported, but the Palestinian Authority accused Israel of deliberately targeting the group with live rounds.

🌏The IDF called the incident a “regrettable inconvenience,” while still defending the use of live fire on the diplomatic mission.  (It is a regrettable inconvencience that we shot at a bunch of diplomats just because they were here to check out our active combat zone).

🌏The incident comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and heightened scrutiny of Israeli military actions in Palestinian areas.

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‘I was invited by British NGO to help extract [Al-Sharaa, better known to us as Jewlani] from world of terrorism and prepare him for a political role’

Former US Syria Ambassador Ford describes role in reshaping ex-AlQaeda chief into Syria’s now-president

‘He never apologized once for attacks in Iraq and Syria’ https://t.me/rtnews/96404

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CHINA TO US: DROP THE GOLDEN DOME PROJECT – OR RISK GLOBAL INSTABILITY

🇨🇳 Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman: America’s obsession with absolute security shatters global balance. This missile program is a direct threat to international stability.

China demands that Washington STOP the Golden Dome’s development. Build trust, not missile shields, Mao stressed. https://t.me/geopolitics_live/50244

May 20

US President Donald Trump is frustrated by the ongoing violence in Gaza—especially images of suffering Palestinian children—and has directed aides to tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the war, Axios reports citing two US officials.  (Directed aides?  He cannot be too concerned).

An Israeli official is cited as saying that Netanyahu does not feel strong enough pressure from Trump and suggesting that the US should put more pressure on both sides to reach a deal.

Israel is withdrawing its negotiators from Doha due to Hamas’ refusal to accept US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s hostage release plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says.  After a week of talks in Qatar, the Israeli team is returning home for consultations, though a working group will remain in Doha.

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Key takeaways from Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev’s statements at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum:

▪️The world has never been closer to a global disaster than it is today; the new world order will be based on the aftermath of the current standoff

▪️Today’s Ukraine has its last opportunity to retain its statehood and secure a chance at peaceful development; if Kiev rejects peace talks, unconditional surrender awaits it

▪️Russia is ready for talks with Ukraine without preconditions, even though no one in Ukraine is now authorized to conclude a peace treaty

▪️Russia will consider ‘the coalition of the willing’ setting foot in Ukraine as a military threat with all its consequences

▪️The Ukrainian process needs long-term international legal guarantees to ensure peace for centuries; however, it is important to keep in mind that agreements with puppet states are doomed to failure

▪️The issue with the illegitimacy of the Kiev authorities does not lie with the people, but rather with the potential agreements that should not be reversed

▪️ Moscow considers the issue of Donbass and Novorossiya’s status settled: they are Russian territories

▪️ Ukraine is de facto externally controlled by the US and Europe

▪️ The recent conversation between Putin and Trump is very important as many Ukraine-related issues depend on the US’ stance

▪️ The West is monitoring Russia’s position despite its desire to ‘live in a cocoon’

▪️ Western countries realize that the ‘rules-based order’ is not being accepted by the Global South

▪️ The current regime in Ukraine has no legal authority to sign any documents following talks

▪️ A memorandum on a future peace treaty with Ukraine ‘is a long way to go’

▪️ In the Ukrainian settlement, it is necessary to trust those guarantees and international documents which will be drafted

▪️ Guarantees, verification and control will determine the future of international relations

▪️ If it is impossible to draft documents with guarantees on Ukraine in Russia’s favor, the events will follow a difficult scenario

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There is no peace from the US. I’d like to play two clips – Marco Rubio both. The first is about Syria and he says that Syria is close to a “full-scale civil war of epic proportions.”

https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/148547

The second is about Russia.

The full exchange between Rubio and Shaheen who demands a tougher stance on Russia and more aid to Ukraine. There has been no slow down on supplying weapons to Ukraine, or money or intelligence. At this stage of their game, we need to take everything that Trump says with a big grain of salt. They are as hungry to eat Russia as ever. There is a new aspect though: The new boyz would like to say: I did it! In other words we have more Victoria Nuland maidan style hopefuls than ever before.

https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/148548

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Uhm, I hope so!
India and Pakistan agree to withdraw troops and weapons along Kashmir border by the end of May. Pakistani officials confirm the plan, a rare thaw in one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints. The move follows talks & India’s pledge to reduce forces in border & forward areas.
China backs India-Pakistan efforts to achieve lasting ceasefire — FM Wang Yi following meeting with Pakistani counterpart

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Medvedev: If Ukraine refuses peace, it will face unconditional surrender — and many in Russia would actually prefer that outcome.

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For the USAmerican Administrations, I adopt the words of Imam Khamenei: “Try not to speak utter nonsense.”

DDGeopolitics made a valid comment:  Trump spotted being “pro-Russia” again. Experts predict the phase will last 7–10 business days before a sudden pivot to “toughest on Russia ever” mode again.

Let’s use Bessent words: Trump’s “strategic uncertainty” tactic.  It is not a tactic, and neither is it a strategy.    They don’t know what they are doing.  What is clear is that Trump has this notion that he rules the world.  The RoW will ignore them and continue building our world.  We have to punch a few BRICS countries into shape.  Netanyahu and his slavering dogs must depart to some underworld.

A few years ago I noted and wrote a piece for the now defunct Saker site, that China changed their diplomatic posture and stature to being more visible and more definitive, coming ‘out of the closet’ so to speak.  That was just before the term ‘Wolf Warrior Diplomacy’ became widely used. China stepped back and calmed down.  They have taken a step forward again with confidence, knowing that they now, with the other civilizational states, form the values of the world.

May 19

Call done after 2 hours +. Now we wait to see what they want us to know.

Ria Novosti: Putin has addressed journalists following talks with Trump and called the conversation with the US president meaningful, frank and very useful.

Russia supports stopping military operations, but the most effective paths to peace must be developed, Putin says.

Russia is ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine that includes a ceasefire, Putin adds.

Other statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the phone call with US President Donald Trump:

🔹 Putin says that the conversation with Trump lasted more than 2 hours;

🔹 Putin has expressed his gratitude to Trump for the US’s role in resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine;

🔹 Russia and Ukraine need to find compromises that would satisfy all parties;

🔹 Putin on the resumption of negotiations with Ukraine: “We are generally on the right path”;

🔹 Сeasefire in Ukraine can be possible for certain periods of time if appropriate agreements are reached;

🔹Russia favors peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, so the main task of negotiations is to eliminate root causes of the crisis.

There we have it – no changes .. we are back to the root causes of the crisis.

Live and translated: https://t.me/geopolitics_live/50172

I noted Mr Putin stressed Russia and Ukraine, and simply thanked the US. More assessment may be required.

The SMO continues. At this very early stage, if the US did not understand Russia’s stance before now, it is again crystal clear.

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Trump …

Key statements of Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov at a briefing on the Putin-Trump phone call:

🔹 The discussion was frank and constructive, held in a tone of mutual respect;

🔹 The leaders have discussed the current state of Russia-US relations and Putin has expressed support for further their normalization;

🔹 They have addressed Russia-US prisoner exchanges, including plans for a 9-for-9 swap of citizens;

🔹 Trump views Russia as one of the US’s most important partners;

🔹 Putin and Trump have agreed to continue dialogue on all issues, including Ukraine;

🔹 A personal meeting is not ruled out, though no date or location has been set yet;

🔹 There was no discussion of specific timelines for reaching a potential ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

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Key statement of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov:

🔹Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday at 14:00 GMT;

🔹The upcoming Putin-Trump conversation is important against the backdrop of talks held in Istanbul;

🔹The Kremlin will tell about the results of the telephone conversation between Putin and Trump;

🔹A possible Putin-Trump meeting depends on personal agreements between the leaders;

🔹The Putin-Trump meeting should be well prepared;

🔹Russia will achieve the goals of the military operation, but it is preferable to achieve them by political and diplomatic means;

🔹Russia highly appreciates mediation efforts of the US on the Ukrainian track, Moscow is grateful to Washington;

🔹A possible visit of Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia can be agreed upon immediately, if necessary;

🔹The presidential elections in Romania were “strange to say the least” due to non-admission of all candidates.

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Unless something else breaks, the event of the day will be the Trump/Putin phone call, which the Kremlin has now confirmed.. It is scheduled for 10am Mar-A-Lago time and 5pm Moscow time. Peskov noted: “No rush for a face-to-face”. Any Putin-Trump meet needs serious prep and there will be no handshakes without deals.

The US threatens as they always do – they want a cease-fire because the self-appointed ruler of the world does not like the dead soldiers despite the fact that his briefers are most probably briefing him on the wrong numbers. There are threats of more sanctions on Russia should they not agree to a cease-fire. It beggars belief that none of the US administration top echelon have an idea of the Russian requirements although they have been told over and over again.

Quote Mr Putin: Peace Must Be Built on Roots — Not Rubble

Of course, not a word about Gaza from the concerned West, excepting incoherent babble. The caterwauling in the world reminds me of Assad Must Go, for years and years, and the EU is a prime example. Eventually it was a successful cry.

The SMO continues: ▫️As a result of operations, the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Bogatyr (Donetsk People’s Republic). Russian servicemen within several days took the village under control and go on ramming ahead. They are smashing enemy’s defence and liberating Donbass.

Air defence systems shot down seven U.S.-made JDAM guided aerial bombs and 75 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

Chair of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, former State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (in 2005-2019) Grigory Karasin stated: It is clear that Istanbul marked a crucial turning point. Despite the camouflage sheen of certain Kiev negotiators and the traditionally cunning faces of the European masterminds constantly surrounding Zelensky, the talks in Türkiye should be regarded as a serious milestone on the path towards resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

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What disrespect! The White House was bombarded with questions aobut the Putin / Trump phone call. And that little White House Blondie talks about ‘The President’ and has no compunction to call President Putin, Putin in her presser. What a disrespectful little blondie! I have never heard that from the Chinese or any other spokespeople that I regularly listen to. There are norms and this little woman? Yuck! It was very deliberate, because when she continues, she forgets and then calls Putin, President Putin. https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/148432?single

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Bessent is a strange character. Whatever he whistles is either objectionable or wrong. He is one of those people that one can imagine would look better with a fist in the face. Milei out of Argentina received a mike in the face yesterday. Moody’s (as well as the other big ratings agencies) downgraded the US Rating to less than sterling AAA. Bessent as cool as a cucumber blamed Biden. This is the US administration now – attack, blame Biden, claim victimhood. Before the Moody’s downgrade, Fitch downgraded the US to AA+ in 2023, citing fiscal deterioration, debt and gridlock. S&P did so in 2011, citing political instability and the US’s heavy debt burden ($14.7 trillion then, compared to $36.8 trillion now).

Bessent explains why Trump is going back and forth on tariffs – it’s his “strategic uncertainty” tactic. Oh heavens … it is not a tactic, it is a threat. Like we said “The denial of world development through chaos creation.”

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The BIGs: None of these big organisations is effective, UN can’t stop wars, ICC indicts people according to the rules based order instead of law, WTO can’t rule on tariffs and non-tariffs barriers, IMF can’t forecast recessions, EU can’t achieve fiscal union….these are all fallback organisations to provide well-paid jobs for ex-government officials and cadres.

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China’s staggering drone mothership to take debut flight as early as next month. Jiutian SS-UAV will be able to launch an impressive 100 drones from a flight altitude up to 15 km. It is always said that China does not want to fight and that is true. But they sure are preparing to fight. https://t.me/IntelRepublic/46865

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Iran: The US demand looks to be designed to scuttle any negotiations.

Witkoff: We have one very, very clear red line & that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of enrichment capability. We’ve delivered a proposal to Iran that we think addresses some of this w/o disrespecting them. We think we’ll be meeting some time this week in Europe.

In response to Witkoff’s remarks, Iranian FM emphasized: “He is far from the realities of negotiations. Enrichment in Iran will continue.”

There is a little clip from Mr Trump where he states that Iran has a lot of oil, so they don’t need uranian for civilian use. Really! As they say, we have the receipts. This equates to being dumb as a rock and probably his briefers as well. Oil and Uranium do different things. One can only think of tomography, nuclear medicine and the many uses of uranium in the medical field. There is no reason, legal or otherwise why Iran may suddenly not enrich for their own use.

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