International Relations

@fluffy2560America imports the most coffee from Brazil and Colombia. Coffee beans are coffee beans; what they do with them afterwards is their problem. I can't stand it either, their filter coffee is bloody awful.When I have had American friends over, and had our coffee, they have said they will invest in a proper coffee machine and will never go back to filter coffee. On my sister's last day with us. We were all knackered, in the 1st district of Vienna, we popped into Starbucks for a coffee. Oh gawd, my missus and I had a black coffee, and it was filtered. It was like dishwater. - @SimCityAT

We use those stainless steel coffee pot percolator things you put coffee in, then put it on the hob with water in the base and when heated it pushes the heated water through the ground beans into a space at the top from where you can pour.   Worth having one of those.   We've got other methods including a proper coffee machine with capsules.  But the simple hob one makes better coffee for sure.  No filters in sight. 

Looks a bit like this:

Is the US about to attack yet another country that is no military threat to the US, and has no serious ability to defend itself?

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7810w37vwdo

The buildup of US forces off the coast of Venezuela suggests the bully nation might well be out to invade, or at lest destroy cities and kill civilians, again

Fallout from "peace plan" continues.

Looks to me like Europeans are going to Washington to try and convince Trump of the error of his ways.

Ukraine's allies hold talks on White House peace plan at G20

I heard one commentator say this is a cost reduction measure by Trump aimed at US voter consumption. It includes Russian oil back on the market and a rare earth stitch up amongst others.   Perhaps no surprise the unsuited MBS was in the Oval Office - Saudi pumps more oil.

Another commentator said that Russia was at the table (in a panic) with this proposal as they are on the edge of economic collapse. 

Seems to me everyone should be rapidly increasing their supply of materiel into Ukraine to nobble the Putin regime.

As for Venezuela, the planes and ships seem to be just posturing.  No-one over here cares that much about it in Europe.   Too far away and too irrelevant in our day to day lives. Trump might be better off going after Cuba which according to this weekend's Economist is in economic ruin.

As for Venezuela, the planes and ships seem to be just posturing.No-one over here cares that much about it in Europe. Too far away and too irrelevant in our day to day lives. Trump might be better off going after Cuba which according to this weekend's economist is in economic ruin. - @fluffy2560

Posturing  that has killed a number of people. I thought a trial was normal before a death sentence, but that doesn't appear to be the way things work when murder is easier.

The UK government seems to care as they  have stopped sharing intel. Still, what's the truth compared to yet  another Fluffy lie?

As for Cuba, US sanctions tend to ruin economies.

Seems to me everyone should be rapidly increasing their supply of materiel into Ukraine to nobble the Putin regime. - @fluffy2560tried t

I agree. Many of Zelensky’s mates have yet to earn enough from stealing US and EU aid money.

Zelensky tried to stop the stealing by getting rid of the organisations that prosecutes his friends, but that  failed.

https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eu … al?lang=en

You too can contribute to Zelensky’s offshore accounts, so please send your cash to the poor man. He only has 20 million or so in legal assets.

Of course, that doesn't cover the cash he hid in offshore accounts

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/ … e-accounts

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/o … -zelenskiy

Send your money now - Most of Zelensky’s mates are even billionaires yet  - they need your cash

Just in case other readers don't know the use of the phrase "Send to Coventry" - that's an interesting link with history of the phrase.

"Send to Coventry" is an idiom used in England meaning to deliberately ostracise someone. Typically, this is done by not talking to them, avoiding their company, and acting as if they no longer exist. Coventry is  a historical cathedral city in the West Midlands county.

I guess the US version is to "give someone the cold shoulder" or "freeze someone out". 

@fluffy2560

@fluffy2560
- @SimCityAT

WTF? The Economist has him -16 points underwater. Where is his poll from? I know who I trust more!

Just in case other readers don't know the use of the phrase "Send to Coventry - @fluffy2560

In a debate, it's the adult equivalent of a 5 year old saying, "lar lar lar" very loudly and sticking their fingers into their ears because they don't want to hear their mum tell them it's bath time.

In this case, it's trying to avoid hearing about Zelensky and his corrupt mates stealing cash that was supposed to go to his country's defence.

It's also a "lar lar lar" to not know the coup that removed the legitimate government (agreed as fair by international observers) and put Zelensky’s puppet government in power.

Fluffy's "lar lar lar" is also to avoid becoming aware that the US backed, non-democratic leadership disenfranchised most of the voters in the east of Ukraine,  the ones who were most likely to vote against his government.

Another poster let slip about NATO's expansion towards Moscow.

The fairy tale tells us all about Putin's weapons of mass destruction,  sorry, evil intentions to take over Europe,  but it's really the US that is threatening Russia.

However,  'lar lar lar' works a treat when you only want to hear the things you like.

I'm flabbergasted when I realise that people still believe US propaganda after the massive lies about WMD in Iraq were exposed (and finally admitted by the US) but some people are really that stupid.

@fluffy2560

That nice Mr Orban messaged me yesterday. He continues to believe that I am entitled to an opinion (as a non-citizen):

"An unprecedented corruption scandal broke out in Ukraine. It turned out that the Ukrainian war mafia, which reached the highest level of the Ukrainian state, pocketed billions of euros from Europeans' money. Their luxury is characterized by the fact that even the toilet in the Kiev palace of one of the fugitive suspects is made of gold. This is outrageous!

Despite this, Brussels wants to send another 135 billion euros to Ukraine. The Hungarian government is still under constant pressure. Brussels opposes the Hungarian peace policy, they want to abolish the utility reduction, and they want to force tax increases on Hungary in order to continue the war. The government launched a national consultation on these issues.

Your opinion also matters, please fill out the questionnaire!

The consultation can now be completed online at

nemzetikonzultacio.kormany.hu

Let's protest against tax increases!"

The 135B EUR is probably the money being held by Euroclear and blocked by Belgium etc.  Gold toilets are in the news a lot at the moment but I think it unlikely the artist made many copies seeing as the one sold recently at auction went for $12M.

As for constant pressure on the HU government, that's easily solved, resign and call an election then the pressure will be elsewhere.

Law enforcement searches inside opulent Kyiv apartments, one with a golden toilet. Pictures of duffel bags filled with cash. Audio recordings of officials discussing money laundering strategies.

https://www.afr.com/world/europe/bags-o … 116-p5nfpg

The EU are stupid enough to want to send more, and even pathetic individuals are urging people to send their personal money.

In fact, as we have very clear evidence to prove, the money is being stolen by members of a corrupt puppet government in order to line their own pockets.

The whole thing is so stunningly stupid, I'm amazed anyone is dumb enough to support them.

You would need an IQ about have of a UK shoe size to go along with that lot.

As Fluffy rightly mentioned, there are golden toilets, but I wonder why he neglected to mention the stolen cash.

Ah, got it, it doesn't suit his agenda.

Six airlines halt flights to Venezuela after US warns of rising military risks

"Six major carriers suspended flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator warned of “heightened military activity” amid a growing American buildup in the region, deepening tensions with President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Chile's LATAM, Colombia's Avianca, Brazil's GOL and Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean have suspended their flights to the country......Panama's Copa Airlines, Spain's Air Europa and PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela's LASER are continuing to operate flights for now."

Not going to affect me one bit but one of my colleagues lives in South America and it might affect him although his regional hub is Panama.

Six airlines halt flights to Venezuela after US warns of rising military risks
"Six major carriers suspended flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator warned of “heightened military activity” amid a growing American buildup in the region, deepening tensions with President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Chile's LATAM, Colombia's Avianca, Brazil's GOL and Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean have suspended their flights to the country......Panama's Copa Airlines, Spain's Air Europa and PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela's LASER are continuing to operate flights for now."

Not going to affect me one bit but one of my colleagues lives in South America and it might affect him although his regional hub is Panama. - @fluffy2560

Is yet another country going to suffer US attacks for no reason?

Once again we see the coward nation preparing to muder en-masse in a country that has no ability to attack the US.

Associated Press:

Zelenskyy can continue to fight his little heart out...

What an absolutely crass way to say something about another sovereign country's leader in such serious matters.   Really shows who he's put his money on.

Looks like a lot of backpedalling on who wrote the 28 point proposal - was it Google, ChatGPT or one of the AI politicians we see on TV?  And the date seems to be slipping.

I see some GOP resisting but Rubio is sticking to the party line.  The more they do that, the worse it is and the worse credibility.  Some GOP people must surely be leaning on Trump to reverse course.   

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/24/europe- … -plan.html

European defense stocks fell on Monday, extending declines as Ukraine and the U.S. made progress on peace proposals over the weekend.

The Stoxx Europe Aerospace and Defense index was 1.2% lower during morning deals, extending losses after falling more than 3.4% on Friday.

Germany’s Rheinmetall, Hensoldt and Renk were all off around 4% at around 9:05 a.m. London time (4:05 a.m. ET), slipping toward the bottom of the pan-European Stoxx 600 index. Sweden’s Saab fell nearly 3%.

The EU wants to coninue the fight - I wonder why

https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025 … in-ukraine

On November 10, the Ukrainian anticorruption authorities revealed that close associates of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were allegedly involved in a scheme to embezzle $100m from Ukraine’s energy sector.

Zelenskyy’s business partner Tymur Mindich as well as two government ministers have been named so far in the investigation, led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), an agency backed by Western governments. Ukrainian and Western media have suggested that the president’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, may also be implicated.

The shocking news - NOT - makes you wonder why the EU wants the war to continue - Oh, the armaments sales.

Ukraine working with US on ‘compromises that strengthen us’, says Zelenskyy . Live ticker

Ukraine working with US on ‘compromises that strengthen us’, says Zelenskyy . Live ticker - @SimCityAT

Ah, Zelensky has decided the bribe was big enough.

Trump gets his mineral deals.

Russia gets its cash back.

The EU is a yapping little lapdog.

Ukraine working with US on ‘compromises that strengthen us’, says Zelenskyy . Live ticker - @SimCityAT

Probably more like stroking Trump's ego.   

Nearly everyone really wants Trump gone.

I find it bordering on the absurd not to include Europe directly in any negotiations. 

And as for US security guarantees from the current administration there, if anyone believes that means anything, I've got a bridge I can sell them.

Meanwhile, Rubio has said the Trump deadline was not fixed.  Once again, the Trumpist camp has to reel Donny back in while Steve Witless lives up to his name.

Federal judge dismisses indictments against Letitia James and James Comey, saying Lindsey Halligan appointment was unlawful

"A federal judge dismissed the indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday.

The judge found that the appointment of interim US Attorney Lindsey Halligan in Alexandria, Virginia, was invalid."

Looks like the chief inmate aka DJT is running the asylum. Another failure. Schadenfreude meter duly nudged!

Following on from yesterday's Comey and James's charges dismissal, there may be something of interest in the Economist podcast style interview with John Bolton today.    Bolton is still up on charges currently.

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).

The link is:

Is the world at “peak Trump”? John Bolton on American foreign policy

The summary is:

"There is no love lost between Donald Trump and John Bolton, his former national security adviser. Mr Bolton made a dramatic exit from the first Trump administration after months of tension. Since then he has been a fierce critic of the president’s character and competence. He has also been indicted for transmitting and storing classified information. Mr Bolton joins David Rennie, our geopolitics editor, to dissect Mr Trump’s worldview, evaluate his America-first foreign policy and consider the future of American power.

Mr Bolton was America’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019 and ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006. Before serving under Mr Trump, he held senior positions in the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush."

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).
- @fluffy2560

You subscribed??????

I just read the same stories on free outlets.

You'll be sending money to bent Zelensky next. 🤣

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).
- @fluffy2560
You subscribed??????
I just read the same stories on free outlets.
You'll be sending money to bent Zelensky next. 🤣 - @Fred

We also watch films, programs and the news on TV, unlike you, how strange the world is. 

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).
- @fluffy2560
You subscribed??????
I just read the same stories on free outlets.
You'll be sending money to bent Zelensky next. 🤣 - @Fred
We also watch films, programs and the news on TV, unlike you, how strange the world is. - @SimCityAT

Yes, we do.  Bolton is an important critic of Trump.  I'm no fan of Bolton's but he's certainly got an in-depth and rational perspective from inside Trump 1.0 and critical views of Trump 2.0 from outside.   

Yesterday, the courts were clear that DOJ cannot be used to pursue Trump's political or otherwise enemies.  Maybe the charges will be thrown out against Bolton on similar grounds. 

@fluffy2560

....and Trump has been very quiet, not 1 post on social media in 24 hours.

@fluffy2560
....and Trump has been very quiet, not 1 post on social media in 24 hours. - @SimCityAT

I think I read that the Ukraine peace process has removed DJT from the list of those who would oversee rebuilding.

Maybe he's sulking as he's lost a few things recently.

Ukraine has agreed to the US-brokered peace plan to end its war with Russia, US media reports suggest.

A US official reportedly told CBS News on Tuesday that Ukraine’s government had “agreed to a peace deal” as officials met in Abu Dhabi.

There has been no response yet from Moscow.

Ukraine has agreed to the US-brokered peace plan to end its war with Russia, US media reports suggest.A US official reportedly told CBS News on Tuesday that Ukraine’s government had “agreed to a peace deal” as officials met in Abu Dhabi.There has been no response yet from Moscow. - @SimCityAT

Obviously we don't know what's in it.  I suspect it's still a working document and Zelenskyy is playing for time and appeasing chief Putin apologist Trump.  Winter is upon the battlefield and a lot of action will decline.  But in any case, Russia will probably reject any proposal because Putin wants to keep fighting.  His demands are so absurd no-one in their right mind would agree to it. 

I've seen some US GOP politicians saying  Trump's direction is misguided and Rubio is the only adult left trying to save the day.  All the others are still towing Trump's line but there is a side which can see Trump is on a downer - polls are way down and resisting Trump seems to be doing something for those more independently minded.

One thing I found surprising is Trump saying Europe is still buying Russian oil/gas but he's the one who said Hungary (at least) could keep buying it.  Which is it then?  Permission to avoid sanctions or not?

Additional reporting of interest:   Russia Has Run Out of Money to Pay Its Soldiers—Regional Finance Minister

Additional reporting of interest: Russia Has Run Out of Money to Pay Its Soldiers—Regional Finance Minister - @fluffy2560

"Russia can't pay", screams the headline.

https://united24media.com/latest-news/r … isis-13691

One Russian region delayed payments is the truth.

Believing a news story is a bad idea when the 'news' is limited to a few outlets.You have to hunt out the details until you find out the truth.

A good pointer that a story is a load of old balderdash is when the reporter doesn't name names.

That doesn't mean the war isn't hurting Russia's pockets - it will be having a devastating effect on their finances- but we shouldn't believe a load of total crap because it suits someone's narrow minded, unthinking,  and insubstantial opinions.

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).
- @fluffy2560
You subscribed??????
I just read the same stories on free outlets.
You'll be sending money to bent Zelensky next. 🤣 - @Fred
We also watch films, programs and the news on TV, unlike you, how strange the world is. - @SimCityAT

How do you know about my viewing habits?

However, I prefer the written word as untruths and omissions are easy to spot and, most importantly,  easier to debunk in favour of the truth.

US media tends to be politically inspired rubbish, but they are far better at lying than Russia's state publications such as RT and TASS.

However, it's important to read all sides as the truth is commonly sandwiched between the two sets of lies.

I started this at the age of 11 when I read every UK national newspaper every day when working as a paperboy.  I saw inconsistencies in stories, then noticed which papers printed which version of events. That moved on to short wave listening during the cold War.

As with today's news, the Voice of America were great propagandists,  but Radio Moscow was very amateurish in their presentation,  and their lies.

However, being a smooth liar doesn't mean we have to believe their rubbish.

The sheep amongst us accept propaganda without question.

A fool will accept lies because they like the cause.

Only a thinking man will understand that both sides lie, then try to find out why.

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).
- @fluffy2560
You subscribed??????
I just read the same stories on free outlets.
You'll be sending money to bent Zelensky next. 🤣 - @Fred
We also watch films, programs and the news on TV, unlike you, how strange the world is.  - @SimCityAT
How do you know about my viewing habits?
However, I prefer the written word as untruths and omissions are easy to spot and, most importantly, easier to debunk in favour of the truth.
US media tends to be politically inspired rubbish, but they are far better at lying than Russia's state publications such as RT and TASS.
However, it's important to read all sides as the truth is commonly sandwiched between the two sets of lies.
I started this at the age of 11 when I read every UK national newspaper every day when working as a paperboy. I saw inconsistencies in stories, then noticed which papers printed which version of events. That moved on to short wave listening during the cold War.
As with today's news, the Voice of America were great propagandists, but Radio Moscow was very amateurish in their presentation, and their lies.
However, being a smooth liar doesn't mean we have to believe their rubbish.
The sheep amongst us accept propaganda without question.
A fool will accept lies because they like the cause.
Only a thinking man will understand that both sides lie, then try to find out why. - @Fred

You obviously don't remember what you post on this site, just as well I remember. You only watch YouTube. Everything else is pointless, like Netflix and Disney+.

What platform shows RT these days? It got taken off pretty much everywhere because it's Russia's propaganda mouthpiece. I guess that's where you only get your news from, hey Fred?

@fluffy2560

@fluffy2560 - @SimCityAT

Since the conviction of that former MEP/Welsh Senedd Nathan Gill for taking bungs (bribes) from the Russians, one has to wonder how many more there are?

It surprised me he got over 10 years for it.  I thought they'd slap him on the wrist.  And as for Reform, their credibility is down the toilet.

Question is why have so few people voted for that inquiry?

Meanwhile, I note Steve Witless is going to see Putin. Presumably to get instructions for Donny and the rest of the sycophant faithful.

@fluffy2560

They used to hang people for crimes he did.

@fluffy2560They used to hang people for crimes he did. - @SimCityAT

Or burn them at the stake in Guy Fawkes's case.

I believe Gill's payment was just EUR 40K.   So he sold the entire population down the river for that.

He must have had a screw loose.   It wouldn't be enough to retire somewhere unreachable.  Ludicrous.

I don't know if it will be visible to all as it's probably behind a paywall (I have a subscription to The Economist).
- @fluffy2560
You subscribed??????
I just read the same stories on free outlets.
You'll be sending money to bent Zelensky next. 🤣 - @Fred
We also watch films, programs and the news on TV, unlike you, how strange the world is. - @SimCityAT
How do you know about my viewing habits?
However, I prefer the written word as untruths and omissions are easy to spot and, most importantly, easier to debunk in favour of the truth.
US media tends to be politically inspired rubbish, but they are far better at lying than Russia's state publications such as RT and TASS.
However, it's important to read all sides as the truth is commonly sandwiched between the two sets of lies.
I started this at the age of 11 when I read every UK national newspaper every day when working as a paperboy. I saw inconsistencies in stories, then noticed which papers printed which version of events. That moved on to short wave listening during the cold War.
As with today's news, the Voice of America were great propagandists, but Radio Moscow was very amateurish in their presentation, and their lies.
However, being a smooth liar doesn't mean we have to believe their rubbish.
The sheep amongst us accept propaganda without question.
A fool will accept lies because they like the cause.
Only a thinking man will understand that both sides lie, then try to find out why. - @Fred
You obviously don't remember what you post on this site, just as well I remember. You only watch YouTube. Everything else is pointless, like Netflix and Disney+.
What platform shows RT these days? It got taken off pretty much everywhere because it's Russia's propaganda mouthpiece. I guess that's where you only get your news from, hey Fred? - @SimCityAT

RT shows RT - obviously

You might well have it blocked in your country due to state censorship,  but I can read it without restrictions. You might try a VPN

In answering to your rather silly comment in red, please read my previous post where I explain in clearly and without ambiguity.

Like this story

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/why-taking-g … rd-snowden

Oops, that's the UM government demanding to read private emails.

The Staatssicherheit would have loved that one.

@fluffy2560
They used to hang people for crimes he did. - @SimCityAT

and pay them to do the same against Russians

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britis … 025-09-18/

Of course the Welsh twit deserves time, but the UK's spooks do the same thing to daft Russians.

Update:

I watched the John Bolton interview on the Economist web site. 

There was a fair bit on Trump but nothing incredibly significant we didn't already know. I took it more as confirmation but there were some takeaways:

One thing kind of interesting, but not surprising,  is Trump has no understanding of alliances.   

Moreover Trump sees - apparently - the Americas are for him, Europe is for Putin, and Asia for Xi.    His aim is to do a trade deal with China.  Ukraine is an irrelevant war to him. 

Bolton said China have now got the measure of Trump, they know how to play him and can interfere with his plans via the rare earths point.

Bolton did say that most alliances the US is involved in should bide their time until Trump is gone as he is an aberration.  It will take time for the US to be trustworthy again but it will happen. I am not sure. It could take a generation or two. 

As for Venezuela, Trump has no plan as such.  He's makes decisions on the fly and suddenly in response to random triggers.  But Bolton said they (the US) does not have sufficient capacity to fight Maduro or their Army on the ground.   Surprised me.  I always thought the US had the ability to fight two major wars at the same time.  Probably the Venezuelan Army would just fade away into the interior and if they had a will to fight, they'd do it as guerrillas.