Peace Ambush

Pacifists,

The thorough and detailed planning by Team Trump, for assaults in all directions, mostly with commando brigades behind the lines, has revealed massive financial fraud within US government agencies, of the order of magnitude to allow balancing the Federal budget, while putting Foreign Secretaries of the US and Russia in Riyadh Saudi Arabia to make some form of peace in Ukraine.

Zelensky and his wife were in UAE, where he signed a free-trade deal between Ukraine and UAE, which will allow him to securely and discretely transfer any amount of money there and buy UAE companies. Other Ukrainians can, too, including his wife, who might not hurry back to Ukraine. Ukrainian lines are folding against Russian forces.

Putin and Trump will meet in Riyadh in person by the end of this short month, within 11 days (as reported only by Dima at Military Summary).

Zelensky is now in Turkey.

European heads of state met emergently in Paris to make war plans, but couldn't, so they didn't. They went home quietly. Sorry European old-money ;-(

Will the Arab-States talks in Riyadh this week happen to make a deal for a 2-state solution while foreign secretaries of Russia and the US are in town?

It's a fair question, right? Trump's Mideast Envoy, Steve Witkoff will be there...

He is not saying what he knows, is he? Russian FM outlines key goal for talks with US A Russian team will hold talks with the US in Saudi Arabia primarily in order to find out what is being proposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump to settle the Ukraine conflict, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed.
On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Lavrov and Yury Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aide, will head to Riyadh to meet with Trump officials to prepare the ground for an upcoming meeting of the two leaders. According to Peskov, the talks will also be devoted to the restoration of bilateral relations.
The development came after Putin and Trump held a 90-minute phone call last week which revolved around settling the Ukraine conflict.
Asked about his expectations for the talks, Lavrov said that “when we go to negotiations on the proposal of our partners, first of all, we always want to hear them out.” He also noted that Trump and Putin agreed to leave behind “an absolutely abnormal period” in relations between the countries, which have barely communicated over the past three years.
“The presidents agreed that it is necessary to resume dialogue on all issues that can be resolved one way or another with the participation of Russia and the US… Therefore, we will listen to our American counterparts and, of course, we will be ready to respond. Then we will report to our leaders who will take decisions on future steps,” the minister said... Moscow has stressed that it seeks a permanent solution to the conflict rather than a temporary ceasefire. https://swentr.site/russia/612848-lavrov-talks-riyadh-ukraine/

Thursday: Saudi Arabia has revealed it plans to host leaders of four Arab countries at a summit on February 20 to consider President Donald Trump's US 'takeover' plan for the Gaza Strip, officials told AFP Friday. "The leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will attend the summit, to take place ahead of an Arab League meeting in Cairo one week later on the same issue, the source said." https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/saudi-arabia-host-arab-summit-discuss-trumps-gaza-takeover-plan

Ukraine not invited to Russia-US talks – Zelensky https://swentr.site/news/612798-ukraine-not-invited-zelensky/

US, Russia To Hold Peace Talks In Saudi Arabia Without Ukraine, Even As Zelensky Visits Gulf European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned on X that "Europe's security is at a turning point." She continued in the statement she wrote while arriving in Paris for "crucial talks" with European counterparts on the Russia-Ukraine war, "Yes, it is about Ukraine – but it is also about us." (or maybe not really)
"We need an urgency mindset. We need a surge in defense," she wrote. "And we need both of them now." ... ..Talks will be held in Saudi Arabia, expected to kick off Tuesday, between Russian and American diplomats. Both sides have confirmed the talks:
Moscow has confirmed that Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, will take part in talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Washington has also confirmed the meeting, saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff will attend. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-russia-hold-peace-talks-saudi-arabia-without-ukraine-even-zelensky-visits-gulf

Gilbert Doctorow on Ursula's disappointing meeting: Meeting in Paris is a flop: no agreement on sending troops for peace-keeping in Ukraine Prime Minister Starmer, who was hoping to speak for Europe when he visits the White House shortly and to play the role of intermediary, now will arrive in Washington with empty hands.
For the Russians this failure removes one headache in their talks with the Americans which open in Riyadh tomorrow. The Kremlin was staunchly opposed to any NATO boots on the ground in Ukraine, saying it would violate the basic principle over which they have fought their war in and over Ukraine these past three years. https://gilbertdoctorow.com/2025/02/17/meeting-in-paris-is-a-flop-no-agreement-on-sending-troops-for-peace-keeping-in-ukraine/

Offering to write a check that will never be cashed: UK's Starmer: I'm Ready To Put British Troops In Ukraine https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/uks-starmer-im-ready-put-british-troops-ukraine

Zelensky has signed a trade agreement with UAE, and will visit Saudi Arabia, Turkey in coming days. Officially, he is talking about getting Ukrainian POWs home. Ukraine's Zelensky, UAE president discuss economic cooperation https://www.newarab.com/news/ukraines-zelensky-uae-president-discuss-economic-cooperation

Dima at Military Summary says Putin & Trump will meet in February: Zelensky Plans Escape Russians Advance On All Fronts

Already happening Monday morning. Trump Admin Pursuing 'Grand Bargain' With Belarus In Tandem With Ukraine Peace Efforts https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/trump-admin-pursuing-grand-bargain-belarus-tandem-ukraine-peace-efforts

3 day old news, already. It didn't work, did it? Kiev regime attacks Chernobyl to sabotage peace talks https://strategic-culture.su/news/2025/02/17/kiev-regime-attacks-chernobyl-to-sabotage-peace-talks/

Simplicius believes Russia will play very hard ball: The Games Begin: US and Russian Top Dogs Face Off in Riyadh

The Games Begin: US and Russian Top Dogs Face Off in Riyadh

Defense Stocks Soar As EU Leaders Plan To "Substantially Increase" Weapon Spending https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/defense-stocks-soar-eu-leaders-plan-substantially-increase-weapon-spending

Trump says Russia isn’t a threat to NATO Vladimir Zelensky earlier accused Moscow of seeking a ceasefire only in order to attack the US-led military bloc https://swentr.site/news/612830-trump-putin-zelensky-nato-war/

AfD candidate for German chancellor seeks end to policy of sanctions on Russia — report
Alice Weidel also called for talks on the settlement of the Ukraine conflict https://tass.com/world/1913961

Vance meets leader of ‘firewalled’ German party backed by Musk US Vice President J.D. Vance met with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s ‘firewalled’ Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on Friday. Vance was in the country to attend the annual Munich Security Conference.
Their meeting reportedly lasted about half an hour and focused on the Ukraine conflict, German domestic policies, and freedom of speech, including the so-called ‘Brandmauer’, or “firewall against the right.” The term refers to a stance embraced by mainstream German parties that aims to prevent the right-wing powers from joining ruling coalitions in the country.
News of the meeting came after Vance slammed European politicians for “fearing” their own voters by refusing to engage with right-wing parties in a speech on Friday. While he did not mention the AfD directly, he said European governments should drop “firewalls” and “embrace” public opinion or lose the right to be called democratic.
Vance referred to the recent endorsement of Weidel for German chancellor by Elon Musk, a close ally to US President Donald Trump, whose online presence at an AfD rally in Halle last month resulted in accusations of election interference from the German government. The vice president dismissed the allegations, painting Musk’s endorsement as an example of free speech, a core democratic value. He chided the European establishment for criticizing Musk, and said he feared free speech was “in retreat” across the continent. The AfD denies being far-right, insisting that it promotes the interests of the German people with its anti-immigration stance. It has, however, been put under surveillance for suspected extremism by German intelligence. Despite the allegations, public support for the party has been growing, and it is currently polling in second place ahead of the German parliamentary election on February 23, with 21% of the public saying they support it.
Weidel did not comment on her meeting with Vance, but praised his remarks in Munich in a post on X, saying they were “excellent” and applauding his comment regarding firewalls. https://swentr.site/news/612806-vance-germany-right-wing-meeting/

No place for EU in Ukraine talks – Trump envoy
Although Western Europeans may not be at the table, the region’s interests will be taken into account, Keith Kellogg has said https://swentr.site/news/612790-no-place-for-europe-in-ukraine-talks/

Trump wants Ukraine ceasefire by Easter – Bloomberg
The US president’s envoy on the conflict, Keith Kellogg, has spoken of getting a peace deal within weeks https://swentr.site/news/612824-trump-ukraine-ceasefire-easter/

Because Germany created Ukraine from other countries in WW-1: INTERVIEW: Medvedchuk Certain EU countries nourishing ideas of annexing Ukrainian lands Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria are nourishing ideas of annexing certain Ukrainian lands, Viktor Medvedchuk, former leader of Ukraine’s banned "Opposition Platform - For Life" party, who now leads the "Another Ukraine" movement, said in an interview with TASS.
"It is reliably known that certain countries of the European Union, such as Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria, have long been nourishing ideas of annexing certain Ukrainian lands, which were artificially made part of modern Ukraine. Those countries’ politicians have repeatedly voiced and even strongly encouraged their governments to implement those ideas, which are historically valid and reasonable," he said. https://tass.com/politics/1913751

Trump Determined to Undo Damage to US-Russian Relations – Former Pentagon Officer https://sputnikglobe.com/20250213/trump-determined-to-undo-damage-to-us-russian-relations--former-pentagon-officer-1121567345.html

Dima, at Military Summary, has the first update on Russia-US negotiations in Riyadh, and will have another a few hours hence. It looks like a timetable for deconfliction and Ukrainian withdrawal from oblasts now claimed by Russia will take place soon. Ukrainian compliance will be forced by the US. It may be slow. Ukraine will have presidential elections in October, and final treaties can be signed then. Russia & USA Grow CloserRussians Break Through Kostiantynopil’s Defense

Trump sends defense stocks crashing
Shares of Lockheed Martin plunged after the US president said he may halve military spending https://swentr.site/news/612780-trump-defense-stocks-crashing/

Fire! Aim! Ready! Oops: Trump Administration Un-Fires Hundreds Of Nuclear Weapon Workers https://www.zerohedge.com/political/oops-trump-administration-un-fires-hundreds-nuclear-weapon-workers

Look at their faces, please. Netanyahu To Rubio: Let's 'Finish the Job' Against Iran https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/netanyahu-rubio-lets-finish-job-against-iran

Trump begins negotiations this way: China Furious After State Dept Changes Line On 'Taiwan Independence' https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/china-furious-after-state-dept-changes-line-taiwan-independence

Bring out the tech billionaires! "Highly Symbolic" Moment: Alibaba's Jack Ma Reemerges, Shakes Xi's Hand As CCP Renews Confidence In China Tech Top CCP leaders gathered at the Great Hall of the People for a meeting with Chinese business executives, including Jack Ma.
"I took a snapshot of President Xi shaking hands with Alibaba's founder Jack Ma," the analyst said, adding, "The young man sitting to the right of Pony Ma is DeepSeek founder Mr. Liang WenFeng (born in 1985)" and "The young man sitting to the right of Jack Ma (with 2 people in between them) is the robotics company UniTree's founder Mr. XingXing WANG (born in 1995)." https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/highly-symbolic-moment-alibabas-jack-ma-reemerges-shakes-xis-hand-ccp-renews-confidence

Michael Hudson interview: The (Geo)Politics Of Precious Metals "Gold is being seen as an alternative to dollar or euro-denominated assets," Hudson explains, emphasizing that economic decisions are deeply intertwined with political concerns.
Hudson argues that the gold market is unique and has been historically manipulated by the U.S. to maintain the dollar's dominance in global reserves. He notes that, unlike other commodities, gold's price was artificially suppressed for decades to keep global financial reliance on U.S. Treasury securities.
"The aim of this was political—to keep the world viewing the U.S. dollar as the most secure form of international reserves," he states. However, as trust in the Western financial system declines due to excessive monetary policies and sanctions, nations are turning to gold. The recent sharp rise in gold prices signals the breakdown of this controlled system.
A major concern Hudson raises is the discrepancy between the actual gold supply and the financialized gold market, where much of the traded gold is merely paper-based. The leasing of gold by central banks to private dealers has created a situation akin to a financial bubble, with more claims on gold than the available physical supply. "This gold drain to satisfy the recent price rise has seriously depleted gold reserves," Hudson warns, suggesting that when investors demand actual gold rather than financial derivatives, the system could collapse.
He compares the situation to a bank run, where too many people seek to withdraw their assets at once, revealing the fragility of the system.
Looking ahead, Hudson speculates on the potential for a financial restructuring where gold plays a central role. He suggests that countries disillusioned with the Western financial order may seek a new monetary arrangement based on gold or other tangible assets. https://www.zerohedge.com/precious-metals/geopolitics-precious-metals

The US Treasury doesn't own any gold. The Fed now owns it. "Let's Do It": Rand Paul Supports Fort Knox Physical Audit After ZeroHedge Suggestion Goes Viral https://www.zerohedge.com/political/lets-do-it-rand-paul-supports-fort-knox-physical-audit-after-zerohedge-suggestion-goes

"Like QE But Without The QE": What Trump's Upcoming Gold Revaluation Shock Will Look Like On Feb 3, Trump's new Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said “within the next 12 months, we are going to monetize the asset side of the US balance sheet”. These comments - which were in the context of US government funding for a new sovereign wealth fund - prompted the FT's Gillian Tett to suggest that rising speculation of gold revaluation may be behind the surge in gold, to wit: "currently, [US gold stocks] are valued at just $42 an ounce in national accounts. But knowledgeable observers reckon that if these were marked at current values — $2,800 an ounce — this could inject $800bn into the Treasury General Account, via a repurchase agreement. That might reduce the need to issue quite so many Treasury bonds this year" (technically yes, practically -considering the US government spends over $7 trillion each year, the "benefit" would be equivalent to... less than 2 months of spending). https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/qe-without-qe-what-trumps-upcoming-gold-revaluation-shock-will-look

When president Ronald Reagan took office in 1981, his conservative friends urged him to study the feasibility of returning to a gold standard as the only way to curb government spending. It sounded like a reasonable alternative, so President Reagan appointed a group of men called the Gold Commission to study the situation and report back to Congress. What Reagan's Gold Commission reported back to Congress in 1982was the following shocking revelation concerning gold. The US Treasury owned no gold at all. All the gold that was left in Fort Knox was now owned by the Federal Reserve, a group of private bankers, as collateral against the national debt. The truth of the matter is that never before has so much money been stolen from the hands of the general public and put into the hands of a small group of private investors, the money changers”https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1891237363222761557

"This Might Be The Biggest Fraud In History" Elon Musk, ... the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with streamlining the federal bureaucracy, returned very excited to his social media platform around midnight, unveiling what "might be the biggest fraud in history."
Musk posted a spreadsheet of Social Security Administration data showing "numbers of people in each age bucket with the death field set to FALSE!” The data shows that 20.789 million Americans are collecting social security benefits over the age of 100. Drilling down into the age buckets, benefits are still being paid out to folks over 140! https://www.zerohedge.com/political/might-be-biggest-fraud-history

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/bruh-musk-shuts-down-fetterman-over-deep-state-doge-disinfo

Censorship and narrative control is a pervasive internet mycelium. Federal government censorship - key nodes, and rabbit holes Many claim to have found the censor’s secret lair, but it's more complicated

Federal government censorship - key nodes, and rabbit holes

Mary Beth Pfeiffer, Like Penicillin, ‘Miraculous’ DMSO Could Change the Lives of Afflicted Millions The FDA long ago buried dimethyl sulfoxide, but a crusading physician and the medical freedom movement may resurrect it for stroke, paralysis, chronic pain, and more.

Like Penicillin, ‘Miraculous’ DMSO Could Change the Lives of Afflicted Millions

Act Now! Before it's Too Late! U.S. Conditionally Approves Avian Flu Vaccine for Poultry Vaccine cartel gets closer to realizing its dream of vaccinating 308 million egg laying hens in the U.S., even though leaky vaccines are likely to result in new pathogens.

U.S. Conditionally Approves Avian Flu Vaccine for Poultry

Pfizer data showing this was leaked in early 2021. Study Finds 37 Safety Signals for COVID Vaccines During Pregnancy CDC Still Urges Women to Get the Shots Miscarriage, preeclampsia, cervical insufficiency, chromosomal abnormalities, fetal malformations, premature birth, stillbirth, newborn asphyxia and newborn death were among the signals flagged by the peer-reviewed study, published last week. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/study-37-safety-signals-covid-vaccines-pregnancy-cdc-still-urges-women-get-shots/

Peter McCullough MD, Restatement of the Four Pillars of US Childhood Vaccine Policy, Recent JAMA Forum Puts Safety Near Last I was struck by a February 12, 2025JAMA Forum piece by Sharfstein and Despres attacking President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. while reasserting the 4 DHHS policies and programs as “pillars” of the US childhood vaccine effort:1) Vaccines for Children program which uses taxpayer dollars to buy vaccines from drug companies, 2) ACIP childhood vaccine schedule, 3) oversight of vaccine safety after vaccine approval, 4) National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Restatement of the Four Pillars of US Childhood Vaccine Policy

I still don't like that there's a plastic spoon in my brain. ‘It doesn’t harm us’: Russian scientist busts myths about microplastics Alarming media reports about the harm of microplastics to the human body and the environment are greatly exaggerated, Alexei Khokhlov has told RT https://swentr.site/news/612723-alarming-media-reports-microplastics/

Physicist Anastassia Makarieva, The tug-of-war between forests and oceans: Biotic pump and the spatial distribution of terrestrial precipitation

The tug-of-war between forests and oceans

Contestant in the Game of Life (pictured with collard-flowers, wearing Palestine jersey)