BREAKING: President Trump and Russian President Putin are set to meet in person as early as next week, @pdoocy reports. pic.twitter.com/mIIkh3THaE

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 6, 2025

Loading full tweet…

JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇷🇺 President Trump plans in-person meeting with President Putin as soon as next week. pic.twitter.com/QTr220i20B

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) August 6, 2025

Loading full tweet…

Good Trump, very good Trump

End the war.

I have friends on both sides on the front. They don't want to be forced to fight.

Pray of Peace.

Very good Trump.

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I have friends on both sides on the front. They don't want to be forced to fight.

---

You have friends fighting for both Russia and Ukraine??

You say as if you aren't personally on both sides over there yourself, Mr Pb!

Rule Number One: Never allow your boss (POTUS) to attend such a meeting without much assurance there will be a deliverable. Some progress. Meaningful progress. Witkoff called Trump to request the meeting.

So my assumption is he has some accessions from Putin.

In before Trump is Putin's puppet…again!

---

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I have friends on both sides on the front. They don't want to be forced to fight.

---

lead said:

You have friends fighting for both Russia and Ukraine??

---

Yes I do. They are cousins as well.

During the breakup of the USSR - families were separated by new borders. This particular family I am friends with is in Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia.

I also have an acquaintance who is a chaplain in the Ukrainian military who is a pastor at one of our denomination's churches there.

No more money for Ukraine, other than that I don't care

---

---

+ 1 more quotes (click to expand)

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I have friends on both sides on the front. They don't want to be forced to fight.

---

lead said:

You have friends fighting for both Russia and Ukraine??

---

TheEternalOptimist said:

Yes I do. They are cousins as well.

During the breakup of the USSR - families were separated by new borders. This particular family I am friends with is in Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia.

I also have an acquaintance who is a chaplain in the Ukrainian military who is a pastor at one of our denomination's churches there.

---

Do they live in the city of Black, Moldova?

I'd like to see Trump shake hands with Putin…. And then say "how ya doing little guy?"

NPP incoming

I find it's very hard to explain the ethnic aspect of the war to Americans who have very little cultural understanding of pre-1991 Soviet Republics, and how 3-4 generations of people in the USSR were essentially moved, en masse, to different Republics in an attempt to Russify them which started under Stalin and continued into the Gorbachev era.

My friends were in Chisinau (Capital of Moldovan SSR) at the time. Their father was Russian and his grandparents were forcibly moved from Southern Russia just after WW2 to Moldova. So his home was Moldova even though he was Russian. He served in the Afghan-Soviet war, and met a Ukranian-Moldovan woman with family in Kiev. The family settled in Chisinau, but were ethnically mixed but linguistically unified. Then Dec 26, 1991 found them strangers in their own homes - as Moldovan 'friends' and people they knew demanded 'Russians Out!' .... they fled to Moscow where they were there was some ethnic tension, but not much, given Moscow's cosmopolitan composition.

Since 2014 - the family has found itself divide on opinion, divided on two sides of a war, and now essentially geographically isolated from each other. From the perspective of many of them - this is the result of the Greater Russian Empire not being restored at the end of the Soviet Union. For some in Ukraine (but NOT ALL) it is seen as a war of defense against a foreign invader.

Trump admin has already in effect reduced sanctions on Russia by not going after Chinese companies that are important the war materials into Russia, as the Biden administration was doing.

A lot of bluster from Trump, but as usual, TACO.

shiftyandquick said:

---

Trump admin has already in effect reduced sanctions on Russia by not going after Chinese companies that are important the war materials into Russia, as the Biden administration was doing.

A lot of bluster from Trump, but as usual, TACO.

---

Taco! Omg hahahahhaa how clever. Did you come up with that yourself? You should get a hashtag or something going.

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I find it's very hard to explain the ethnic aspect of the war to Americans who have very little cultural understanding of pre-1991 Soviet Republics, and how 3-4 generations of people in the USSR were essentially moved, en masse, to different Republics in an attempt to Russify them which started under Stalin and continued into the Gorbachev era.

My friends were in Chisinau (Capital of Moldovan SSR) at the time. Their father was Russian and his grandparents were forcibly moved from Southern Russia just after WW2 to Moldova. So his home was Moldova even though he was Russian. He served in the Afghan-Soviet war, and met a Ukranian-Moldovan woman with family in Kiev. The family settled in Chisinau, but were ethnically mixed but linguistically unified. Then Dec 26, 1991 found them strangers in their own homes - as Moldovan 'friends' and people they knew demanded 'Russians Out!' .... they fled to Moscow where they were there was some ethnic tension, but not much, given Moscow's cosmopolitan composition.

Since 2014 - the family has found itself divide on opinion, divided on two sides of a war, and now essentially geographically isolated from each other. From the perspective of many of them - this is the result of the Greater Russian Empire not being restored at the end of the Soviet Union. For some in Ukraine (but NOT ALL) it is seen as a war of defense against a foreign invader.

---

There were similar relocations that happened in Belarus as well. This is an ancient warfare goal, they weren't seeking political objectives, they were seeking more land to settle. The Soviets did it by never leaving the countries they had "liberated" from the nazis. Families stretching back hundreds of years in locations were suddenly moved out to Russia, and russians were moved in.

50/50 Putin doesn't show up.

He's already pulled that move once.

Even if he shows it will be more games to buy time. Russia has some momentum on the Frontline. He's not going to give that up.

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I find it's very hard to explain the ethnic aspect of the war to Americans who have very little cultural understanding of pre-1991 Soviet Republics, and how 3-4 generations of people in the USSR were essentially moved, en masse, to different Republics in an attempt to Russify them which started under Stalin and continued into the Gorbachev era.

My friends were in Chisinau (Capital of Moldovan SSR) at the time. Their father was Russian and his grandparents were forcibly moved from Southern Russia just after WW2 to Moldova. So his home was Moldova even though he was Russian. He served in the Afghan-Soviet war, and met a Ukranian-Moldovan woman with family in Kiev. The family settled in Chisinau, but were ethnically mixed but linguistically unified. Then Dec 26, 1991 found them strangers in their own homes - as Moldovan 'friends' and people they knew demanded 'Russians Out!' .... they fled to Moscow where they were there was some ethnic tension, but not much, given Moscow's cosmopolitan composition.

Since 2014 - the family has found itself divide on opinion, divided on two sides of a war, and now essentially geographically isolated from each other. From the perspective of many of them - this is the result of the Greater Russian Empire not being restored at the end of the Soviet Union. For some in Ukraine (but NOT ALL) it is seen as a war of defense against a foreign invader.

---

I did some work in Ukraine and was surprised to learn that Ukrainians consider themselves to be ethnically distinct from Russians. Not just culturally / language but genetically distinct. I was like damn yall look identical but my Ukrainian colleagues said they could spot the differences by appearance alone.

Hopefully Trump won't look him in the eye and be able to tell he's a good man.

I think you meant to say

started under the TSARS, then LENIN, then STALIN.

aggiehawg said:

---

Rule Number One: Never allow your boss (POTUS) to attend such a meeting without much assurance there will be a deliverable. Some progress. Meaningful progress. Witkoff called Trump to request the meeting.

So my assumption is he has some accessions from Putin.

---

Lots of interesting things at play.

1) Putin laid out his terms prior to Trump's meeting announcement. Mean while they are massing troops in Belarus for an "exercise".

Russian President Vladimir Putin offers “immediate” ceasefire to Ukraine if they refuse to join NATO and agree to total troop withdrawal from conquered regions.

Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/FAoirQ8FsU

— AF Post (@AFpost) June 14, 2024

Loading full tweet…

2) EU / Davos crowd isn't mentioned at all

3) Zelensky isn't going to go for this, he will need to be replaced prior to any cease fire begins.



IMO the meeting announcement is BS, the security alone for a face to face meeting between Trump and Putin would take months to arrange. Who's hosting matters....won't be in DC or Moscow.

And most importantly the paranoid Russians saw what happened to the Iranian negotiators.....does anyone think they would be stupid enough to walk into that trap?


Unfortunately this is probably going to be another snipe hunt. The war between east and west will go on as scheduled.

---

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I find it's very hard to explain the ethnic aspect of the war to Americans who have very little cultural understanding of pre-1991 Soviet Republics, and how 3-4 generations of people in the USSR were essentially moved, en masse, to different Republics in an attempt to Russify them which started under Stalin and continued into the Gorbachev era.

My friends were in Chisinau (Capital of Moldovan SSR) at the time. Their father was Russian and his grandparents were forcibly moved from Southern Russia just after WW2 to Moldova. So his home was Moldova even though he was Russian. He served in the Afghan-Soviet war, and met a Ukranian-Moldovan woman with family in Kiev. The family settled in Chisinau, but were ethnically mixed but linguistically unified. Then Dec 26, 1991 found them strangers in their own homes - as Moldovan 'friends' and people they knew demanded 'Russians Out!' .... they fled to Moscow where they were there was some ethnic tension, but not much, given Moscow's cosmopolitan composition.

Since 2014 - the family has found itself divide on opinion, divided on two sides of a war, and now essentially geographically isolated from each other. From the perspective of many of them - this is the result of the Greater Russian Empire not being restored at the end of the Soviet Union. For some in Ukraine (but NOT ALL) it is seen as a war of defense against a foreign invader.

---

DCAggie13y said:

I did some work in Ukraine and was surprised to learn that Ukrainians consider themselves to be ethnically distinct from Russians. Not just culturally / language but genetically distinct. I was like damn yall look identical but my Ukrainian colleagues said they could spot the differences by appearance alone.

---

There is not universal agreement in Ukraine on this.

There are ethnic Ukrainians who want to be a part of Russia. But it's common in the Central and West.

A lot of moving pieces in this whole 'deal' are under-reported, imho.

BREAKING:

Reuters reports that Trump has secured exclusive rights for the U.S. to develop the Zangezur transit corridor connecting Turkey and Azerbaijan through Armenia as part of a new peace framework between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Trump Route for International Peace and… pic.twitter.com/PPQO7hjygX

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 7, 2025

Loading full tweet…

Great news, if true.

I think some of the Caspian pipelines etc. are also critical to world energy prices. There have been a lot of threats/talks about those. A lot of this falls off the radar for most because it is so far away/remote but it has a big impact.

I think this will go no where. Either Trump has incite that something will happen or he is setting up his reasons to help the Ukraine side more.
Also, I hope Ukraine counter attacks while they meet. Similar to Putin's bombings right after assuring Trump. Blow up his bridge.

Zelensky throws another wrench into ending the war, as par for the course, ahead of Trump Putin summit next week.

🚨NEWS: TRUMP-PUTIN SUMMIT UPDATE
- Officials are TENTATIVELY planning for a Trump-Putin summit at the end of next week, according to a source familiar with the planning
- Location is still up in the air. Hungary, Switzerland, Rome, and UAE are in the mix.
- Putin’s first…

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) August 8, 2025

Loading full tweet…

Quote:

---

- Planning efforts hit a snag after Zelenskyy informed officials of the terms of the Ukrainian Constitution which mandate a NATIONAL REFERENDUM for any territorial concessions.
*This is an important point to note, because it is not just up to Parliament or Zelenskyy

---

---

---

+ 1 more quotes (click to expand)

TheEternalOptimist said:

---

I find it's very hard to explain the ethnic aspect of the war to Americans who have very little cultural understanding of pre-1991 Soviet Republics, and how 3-4 generations of people in the USSR were essentially moved, en masse, to different Republics in an attempt to Russify them which started under Stalin and continued into the Gorbachev era.

My friends were in Chisinau (Capital of Moldovan SSR) at the time. Their father was Russian and his grandparents were forcibly moved from Southern Russia just after WW2 to Moldova. So his home was Moldova even though he was Russian. He served in the Afghan-Soviet war, and met a Ukranian-Moldovan woman with family in Kiev. The family settled in Chisinau, but were ethnically mixed but linguistically unified. Then Dec 26, 1991 found them strangers in their own homes - as Moldovan 'friends' and people they knew demanded 'Russians Out!' .... they fled to Moscow where they were there was some ethnic tension, but not much, given Moscow's cosmopolitan composition.

Since 2014 - the family has found itself divide on opinion, divided on two sides of a war, and now essentially geographically isolated from each other. From the perspective of many of them - this is the result of the Greater Russian Empire not being restored at the end of the Soviet Union. For some in Ukraine (but NOT ALL) it is seen as a war of defense against a foreign invader.

---

DCAggie13y said:

I did some work in Ukraine and was surprised to learn that Ukrainians consider themselves to be ethnically distinct from Russians. Not just culturally / language but genetically distinct. I was like damn yall look identical but my Ukrainian colleagues said they could spot the differences by appearance alone.

---

TheEternalOptimist said:

There is not universal agreement in Ukraine on this.

There are ethnic Ukrainians who want to be a part of Russia. But it's common in the Central and West.

---

I was in Kyiv. The people I met definitely did not want to be part of Russia. They considered themselves European.

I used to work with Ukrainians. They don't like Russia.

If he is following his national constitution how is that throwing a wrench in this? Seems like he is following his nations laws.

Aggie1205 said:

---

If he is following his national constitution how is that throwing a wrench in this? Seems like he is following his nations laws.

---

Well how can they hold an election when they can't have an election? Why didn't he resign and enable the leader of the duma/parliament to run the country? He cites their constitution and laws only when it's convenient to him.

He (and his CIA/MI6 handlers) had no reason to say anything in advance of the summit, which he won't be at, as Trump tries to end the invasion of his country. "Promise" Zelensky not a single thing further.

The Pentagon is considering redirecting some weapons originally intended for Ukraine back into US stockpiles, CNN reports. A prepared memo outlines that this move would replenish American reserves but could deprive Kyiv of billions in promised aid.

The debate comes ahead of a… pic.twitter.com/i3gDVqf2D5

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) August 8, 2025

Loading full tweet…

⚡️ Poland's Tusk says Russia-Ukraine war could be frozen 'sooner rather than later.'

"There is hope for this. Today is the deadline for the ultimatum," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a news conference.https://t.co/jfx6rBoL32

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) August 8, 2025

Loading full tweet…

I am really skeptical because Putin has backed himself so deep into a corner of 'Ukraine will become a vassal state like Belarus, Ukraine and Russia are one, when a Russian steps foot in Ukraine he steps foot in Russia, we must denazify the Ukrainians, Kiev is a bunch of Nazis' etc.' that if he agrees to a peace deal that leaves any sort of a sovereign independent Ukraine intact with its own military and Western support such that can still defend itself…..there is going to be a lot of political problems for Putin at Home as Russians are going to go 'So what the hell???? We just got 150,000 to 250,000 of our soldiers killed and badly damaged our civilian economy for some land in Eastern Ukraine but Kiev is still governed by NATO and EU lovers? What was this all about again?'

plus Russia feels they are winning right now and probably motivated to Stall until at least Winter there to see how many extra square kilometers they can grab.

Not buying it. I think this is just Putin trying to play Trump again for time but has no intention of any actual substantive peace agreement. Is just a dog and pony show.

If Zelensky needs to resign wouldn't it be fair if Putin resigns too? Everyone knows the elections in Russia are shams and Putin has elected himself for life over there.

Anytime the topic of whether Zelensky is legitimate leader is brought up, if someone is being fair and objective they should always bring up Putin in the same sentence. And it is always extremely ironic when Moscow brings up that topic.

4 said:

---

50/50 Putin doesn't show up.

He's already pulled that move once.

---

Yeah thats my line of thinking too.

I'll believe the meeting is happening when they're face to face.