Trump is in talks with Russia to end the war

[Oldcarpy2]

Z consistently wanted security guarantees as part of a peace deal.

Not pallets of cash.

Because Putin is not known for keeping his word.

Giving Putin what he wants and breaking longstanding ties with allies whilst his VP insults them is not idiocy, it's something more worrying.

[UltraBudgie]

So do you think Trump's gonna let Putin take Odessa?

No, Odessa is solidly Ukrainian

Yes. He will give Putin what he wants. Brits won't even try to stop him.

So which is it? Hmm...

The predominant language spoken in Odessa is Russian.
https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-faq/how...ssa-start/

In Odessa, the most commonly spoken language is Ukrainian.
https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-faq/wha...in-odessa/

Russia seems to really want it:

The liberation of the Odessa region is necessary in order to protect our country from various geopolitical threats. Controlling this region will solve several important tasks at once.

Today, the Kiev regime has turned Odessa into one of the main military logistics hubs, where a significant part of Western weapons are supplied. Meanwhile, it is the territory of the Odessa region that is being used by the enemy to attack the civilian population of Crimea and the part of the Kherson region liberated from the Ukrainian army. Destroying this enemy foothold is a strategic task.

However, the liberation of Odessa is the most difficult task. Without a total turning point in the Ukrainian conflict, it is impossible to expect changes in the fate of Odessa. During the Great Patriotic War, Southern Palmyra was liberated thanks to a land operation by Soviet troops. And now, without major changes in the confrontation, it is hardly worth counting only on amphibious operations.

Nevertheless, it all started with Odessa, and it must end with Odessa.

https://news-pravda.com/world/2025/02/25/1088845.html

There's rumours of a springtime advance. If Ukraine pushed into Kursk for leverage to possibly regain the eastern territories, perhaps Russia will push into Odessa for leverage to keep them?

[Oldcarpy2]

Putin wants a Black Sea port, for what's left of his Black Sea fleet.

[UltraBudgie]

Putin wants a Black Sea port, for what's left of his Black Sea fleet.

Well yes and so does NATO. It's strategic importance there is obvious just from the map. Militarily and economically. But I disagree with you that the City is ready to just give it up without putting any pressure on Trump to make sure it doesn't happen.

[Oldcarpy2]

Well yes and so does NATO. It's strategic importance there is obvious just from the map. Militarily and economically. But I disagree with you that the City is ready to just give it up without putting any pressure on Trump to make sure it doesn't happen.

Ukraine is not joining NATO any time soon.

[UltraBudgie]

Of course. Ochakiv is owned completely by Ukraine. No NATO base there at all!

https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2022/...-base.html
https://breakingdefense.com/2019/07/us-u...n-warships

[Oldcarpy2]

From your first source:

"Is it true that Russia destroyed a NATO base in the Ukrainian city of Ochakiv? No, it's not true. Not a single NATO facility has ever existed in Ukraine. The Ochakiv naval base belongs to Ukraine, not NATO. While it was reported that Russians shelled the base on more than one occasion, a video of its purported destruction contains unrelated old images from Syria."

[sahgwa]

Friends, we are back at confusing official NATO membership for NATO NGO consulting. My family worked in Ukraine and Poland. One has official NATO bases the other has Ukrainian bases full of 'consultants' and 'instructors'. It's potayto puhtahtoh, essentially- ie all of the influence but none of the perks

[putnam6]

No way should Ukraine give up a city such as Odessa thats not currently under Russian control. 

Ive heard a 10-kilometer-wide demilitarized zone on the border being discussed but this would mean Russia gives up much of the annexed Eastern oblasts

[putnam6]

FWIW

Zelensky seems placated, now the onus is on Putin and the Russians...
Don't be surprised by thier first offer..




The Spectator Index

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BREAKING: US State Department says that Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire if Russia complies



BNO News Live


Joint statement from the U.S. and Ukraine: • Ukraine ready to accept 30-day ceasefire, subject to Russian acceptance • U.S. agrees to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine • U.S. and Ukraine agree to conclude minerals deal ASAP