Trump Announces Alaska Summit with Putin

[RickyD]

Great.

So what happened to Trump's last threat to Putin?

Oh, TACO...

What happened to everybody's threats from the last 4 years...

Nothing...well...more lost Ukrainian territory.

[Oldcarpy2]

When the UK does it, it's diplomacy.

When Trump does it, it's sucking up.

Got it.

[Image: https://denyignorance.com//images/addsmi...etpush.gif]

Not really.


The UK is sticking up for Ukraine. Not sucking up to Putin.

Our relationship with Putin sort of is influenced by his Salisbury Novichock attack.

Literally round the corner from me.

How'd you like that?

Oh yeah, I've been told by your countrymen  it was a false flag.

Bollox in extremis

[Oldcarpy2]

What happened to everybody's threats from the last 4 years...

Nothing...well...more lost Ukrainian territory.

Perhaps state how much territory?

After how long?

[putnam6]

Everyone is going on about how terrible Trump is for doing this.

Has anyone come up with a better plan?  Has the EU of the UK come up with something better?

Yeah, send billions, embezzle millions, kill thousands 

Rheinmetall is up 1000% I wonder if they are pressuring Olaf on peace talks


 

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, European and UK defense stocks have seen significant gains due to increased defense spending and geopolitical tensions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the stock price increases for key players, focusing on Germany’s Rheinmetall and other major European and UK defense companies, based on available data:

• Rheinmetall AG (Germany): Rheinmetall’s stock price has surged dramatically, rising by over 1,000% since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. By March 2025, it was trading at approximately €968 ($1,015) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, compared to less than €100 before the conflict. In 2025 alone, the stock has risen by over 180%, with reports indicating a peak near €900 after an 8% surge in February 2025.
  
• BAE Systems PLC (UK): BAE Systems has seen its stock price increase by over 68% in 2025 alone, driven by expectations of higher European defense budgets and its involvement in major international projects like the Eurofighter Typhoon and AUKUS submarine programs. While exact figures since 2022 are less precise, the stock has benefited from a broader rally in European defense stocks, with valuations tripling since the war began.
  
• Leonardo SpA (Italy): Leonardo’s stock has risen by 103% in euro terms in 2025, contributing to the broader trend of European defense stocks tripling in value since the Ukraine conflict started. Its growth is supported by projects like the Eurofighter Typhoon and a joint venture with Rheinmetall.
  
• Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (UK): While primarily known for aerospace, Rolls-Royce’s defense segment has driven a 50% stock price increase in 2025. The stock has experienced volatility, with a 10% drop in early April 2025 due to tariff concerns, but it remains up significantly since 2022, aligning with the sector’s overall tripling in value.
  
• Thales (France): Thales has seen gains of around 5% in early 2025 trading sessions, with its stock benefiting from a projected 35% increase in European defense budgets over the next five years. The company’s stock has also tripled since the war’s onset, reflecting the sector’s broader rally.
  
• Hensoldt (Germany): Hensoldt, a defense electronics firm, has experienced a 168% stock price increase in 2025, with a 14% surge in a single day in February 2025, driven by expectations of increased military budgets.
  
• Kongsberg Gruppen (Norway): This Norwegian defense company saw a 6% increase in early 2025, contributing to the sector’s overall upward trend since 2022.
  
• Saab AB (Sweden): Saab has also benefited from the defense stock rally, with its stock price aligning with the sector’s tripling in value since the Ukraine war began, though specific percentage gains for 2025 are not detailed in the data.
  

Context and Drivers
The surge in European and UK defense stocks is primarily driven by:

• Increased Defense Spending: European nations are boosting budgets to meet or exceed NATO’s 2% GDP target, with projections of reaching 3.2% by 2030 ($876 billion) and 3.5% by 2032. Germany’s €100 billion military modernization fund and the EU’s proposed €800 billion defense boost have been key catalysts.
  
• Geopolitical Tensions: The Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and uncertainties over U.S. NATO commitments under the Trump administration have accelerated Europe’s push for defense self-reliance.
  
• Production Expansion: Companies like Rheinmetall have significantly increased output, with Rheinmetall’s ammunition production rising from 70,000 to 750,000 shells annually, with plans to reach 1.1 million.
  

Notes and Considerations

• Volatility: Despite the strong gains, defense stocks have faced volatility, particularly due to U.S. tariff threats in early 2025, which caused temporary slumps (e.g., Rheinmetall’s sharp drop on April 3, 2025).
  
• Valuation Concerns: Analysts note that some growth may already be priced into stocks like Rheinmetall, with potential downside risks if geopolitical tensions ease or spending plans falter.
  
• ESG Debate: Defense stocks face scrutiny from ESG investors due to human rights, environmental, and transparency concerns, which could impact future valuations.
  

 

[DBCowboy]

Not really.


The UK is sticking up for Ukraine. Not sucking up to Putin.

Our relationship with Putin sort of is influenced by his Salisbury Novichock attack.

Literally round the corner from me.

How'd you like that?

Oh yeah, I've been told by your countrymen  it was a false flag.

Bollox in extremis

So only the UK is arming Ukraine.

Didn't know that.

Thanks.

[Oldcarpy2]

So only the UK is arming Ukraine.

Didn't know that.

Thanks.

What? No.  Way to lie.  Seriously?!!!

[xuenchen]

Which is why Trump hates Zelensky so much that he is willing to cosy up to Putin and do a big beautiful deal, a deal that no one has seen before, so beautiful, which throws him and his country, under the bus.

Or something like that.

How much land is Ukraine going to lose? 1/3? 1/2? 

[putnam6]

Puppy? 

That's better than an old cranky and gassy English bulldog half breed mutt

[Oldcarpy2]

Puppy? 

That's better than an old cranky and gassy English bulldog half breed mutt

Errrrm... goodnight, old chap.  Leave it out, mate?

Tired of your personal stuff.

[Oldcarpy2]

How much land is Ukraine going to lose? 1/3? 1/2? 

You tell me.  You seem to be privy to everything.

Not.