Marco Rubio has benefited greatly from his exposure to Trump. Hard to say who will come out of Trump 2.0 as the front runner for 2028. I wouldn't sleep on Rubio... guy has become a stone-faced killer under Trump's tutelage.

Yes, Rubio's demeanor has changed substantially. He exudes confidence now. Donald Trump was his drill instructor and Rubio has been born again hard.

WHAT IN THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING, LITTLE MARCO?! DO YOU PLAN TO CAMP OUT UP THERE??! GET THE FUCK OFF OF MY OBSTACLE!!

All that posturing only prolonged the ultimate unavoidable blink.

BREAKING NEWS Zelensky surrenders to Trump and 'will sign mineral deal within hours'

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 18:12 EST, 21 February 2025 | UPDATED: 18:16 EST, 21 February 2025

Donald Trump appears to have won his trade standoff with Volodymyr Zelensky, as the Ukrainian president is set to give in and sign a deal giving the U.S. access to deposits of critical minerals.

The deal was seen as crucial for satisfying Washington's demands for a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia to end their three-year long war.

Zelensky said on Friday that officials from his country and the U.S. were working on concluding an economic deal to ensure that the accord worked and was fair to Kyiv.

'We're signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about a deal for Ukraine's minerals.

The Wall Street Journal later cited several people familiar with the matter that the deal is close and will be signed within hours.

On Wednesday Zelensky rejected the demand for a share of its rare earth minerals—critical for cellphone production and a host of clean technologies.

That triggered a brutal war of words between the two leaders but an improved offer has reportedly been made to Kyiv.

Trump has famously said that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started had he been president and claimed he could bring the conflict to an abrupt halt - without ever revealing his plans for doing so.

The president has been clear that Ukraine must remunerate the US for the aid provided to support the war effort thus far. The US President has said the figure stands at $300 billion.

The prospect of extracting Ukraine's natural resources has evidently been part of the Trump administration's plan from the outset.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the US President, embarked on a trip to Kyiv last autumn shortly before Zelensky unveiled is Victory Plan and suggested that Ukraine's mineral reserves could be put up for sale.

Graham and other lawmakers at the time released a statement in which they positioned Ukraine as a potential economic partner of the US that could reduce America's reliance on the likes of China for rare earth minerals.

Last week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered Kyiv a deal as part of ongoing negotiations to secure Ukraine's long-term security in the event of a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

According to a private draft of the proposal seen by The Telegraph, this would see the US take 50% of revenues received by Ukraine from the extraction of natural resources.

It would also grant the US 50% of the financial value of 'all new licences issued to third parties' for the future monetisation of these resources.

Bessent said such an 'economic commitment' would grant Ukraine a 'long-term security shield' provided by Washington - an idea that Zelensky first proposed as part of his 'Victory Plan' unveiled before Western allies and Ukraine's parliament in October.

At that time, the Ukrainian President said Ukraine could sign an agreement with the US, EU and other unnamed allies that would allow for joint investments and use of Ukraine's natural resources.

But upon reviewing the deal proposed last week by Bessent, Zelensky and his aides discovered that there were no concrete security guarantees outlined in the document.

Instead, it seemed more akin to the likes of an exploitative contract imposed on vanquished adversaries, not a mutually beneficial agreement between allies.

It came shortly after Trump suggested that Kyiv could begin to compensate the US for aid sent over the last three years with 'like $500 billion worth' of critical minerals.

Ukraine has trillions of dollars worth of natural resources, including many rare earth minerals vital for the manufacture of modern technology - though many are found in the industrial heartlands in the east, currently occupied by Russia.

Mining analysts and economists say Ukraine currently has no commercially operational rare earth mines.

Many companies slowed or ceased operations at the start of the war, and restarting industry in a war-torn country will present a mammoth challenge for any companies willing to take the risk.

Zelensky refused to sign the deal as offered last week, telling reporters over the weekend: 'It was not in our interests today... not in the interests of sovereign Ukraine'.

Senior government sources told the Financial Times that the deal provided scant details of what this 'long-term security shield' would look like.

'When we looked at the details there was nothing there [about future US security guarantees],' one official said, while another told The Telegraph that a clause in the contract awarded the US 'a lien on revenues'.

In other words, the official said, the contract meant 'pay us first, and then feed your children'.

Zelensky told reporters later Monday that any US-Ukraine economic treaty must see security guarantees 'included at least somehow', adding that his country was not just a 'simple supplier of raw materials'.

'Ukraine is blessed with significant lithium, titanium, and other rare earth minerals that are needed by the American economy.

'Expanding economic cooperation with Ukraine makes America stronger and accelerates Ukraine's economic recovery,' the statement read.

'An agreement with Ukraine in this area would make the US less dependent on foreign adversaries for rare earth minerals.'

Earlier this month, Zelensky also showed reporters the location of Ukraine's mineral deposits, unfurling a map on a table in the heavily defended president's office in Kyiv.

Around half of it looked to be on Russia's side of the current frontlines, but large amounts of vital resources were found in central Ukraine.

'If we are talking about a deal, then let's do a deal, we are only for it,' Zelensky said two weeks ago, emphasising Ukraine's need for security guarantees from its allies as part of any settlement.

But the contract offered by Bessent was ruthless, seeking to exploit Ukraine's vast resources for little in return.

According to the private draft seen by the Telegraph, the contract not only covered mineral resources, but the 'economic value associated with... oil and gas resources, ports, other infrastructure (as agreed)', leaving it unclear what else might be encompassed.

'This agreement shall be governed by New York law, without regard to conflict of laws principles,' it stated, going on to say that 'for all future licences, the US will have a right of first refusal for the purchase of exportable minerals'.

An analysis of the contract's terms by the Telegraph concluded that, if the terms of the draft dated February 7, 2025 draft were accepted by Ukraine, Trump's demands would amount to a higher share of Ukrainian GDP than reparations imposed on Germany following World War I.

Folded like cheap lawn furniture

Macho Macho Man, is the first one to bend over.

He knows the jig is up.

'Dictator' Zelensky folds like a cheap 'Track Suit'!

Admittedly, I’m no expert on bartering world peace but it seems like for quite awhile it has been a bit of a Mexican standoff.

Ukraine only holding on through support of others in the face of Russian superiority. At what point do they realize they have lost and only stand to lose more? Negotiate the best you can, lick your wounds, and take care of what you have left.


If it was anyone other than Russia fighting Ukraine, would the US even care? Ukraine is simply a proxy for the war hawks and military industrial complex to make money profiting off someone up against Russia. They don’t care about the millions of dead people on either side beyond whether they got paid for whatever “product” was used to kill them.


War is hell, there will always be a winner and a loser. Losers don’t have to be losers for ever unless they completely decimate themselves refusing to realize when they have been beat (ie Japan in WW II).

Time to get the best deal you can and take your place in history Z, even if it isn’t the one you wanted.

Tell me see if I got this right.

Russia gets to keep what they’ve already got control of (Donbas, Crimea, etc.). Putin declares “victory” and goes home.

USA gets to develop the Ukrainian rare earth metals as repayment for the $200+ Billion Ukraine has already received.

Ukraine gets a quasi-security/neutrality agreement overseen by US/NATO but no NATO membership. Zelenskyy gets to keep his head.

The Russia-Ukraine War will end on Monday, Feb 24 2005, the 3rd anniversary of the Russian incursion/invasion.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Yes, Rubio's demeanor has changed substantially. He exudes confidence now. Donald Trump was his drill instructor and Rubio has been born again hard.

WHAT IN THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING, LITTLE MARCO?! DO YOU PLAN TO CAMP OUT UP THERE??! GET THE FUCK OFF OF MY OBSTACLE!!

That was excellent Para..

quote:

Zelenskyy gets to keep his head.

And also the skim.

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
Admittedly, I’m no expert on bartering world peace but it seems like for quite awhile it has been a bit of a Mexican standoff.

Ukraine only holding on through support of others in the face of Russian superiority. At what point do they realize they have lost and only stand to lose more? Negotiate the best you can, lick your wounds, and take care of what you have left.


If it was anyone other than Russia fighting Ukraine, would the US even care? Ukraine is simply a proxy for the war hawks and military industrial complex to make money profiting off someone up against Russia. They don’t care about the millions of dead people on either side beyond whether they got paid for whatever “product” was used to kill them.


War is hell, there will always be a winner and a loser. Losers don’t have to be losers for ever unless they completely decimate themselves refusing to realize when they have been beat (ie Japan in WW II).

Time to get the best deal you can and take your place in history Z, even if it isn’t the one you wanted.

I like your thoughts in this 911. Russia has lost the battle but comes out on top here. With the correct support, Ukraine could continue to destroy everything the Russians send in but none are further willing to help them. One of the best humans I know feels Russia should be held to rebuild Ukraine. The destruction they have caused in Ukraine is not even humane. The US should be after the huge uranium deposite Ukraine also has. I would like to see what kind of security we offer up, if any, to Ukraine. The little f'n commie bastard in Moscow needs to know if he comes back, he will be dealt with.

He really had no choice, either he makes a deal or the US finds someone that will - meaning Zelensky is surplus to requirements. He also knows that unemployed dictators don't have a long shelf life.

Zelensky crossed the Rubicon. There’s only one way this ends.
It's like he slammed the piano lid on his own member.

"We Created A Monster With Zelensky": White House Isn't Backing Down In Growing Rift

Axios has released a devastating report full of quotes from Trump admin officials which strongly suggests the growing rift with Zelensky is only about to worsen.

The Ukrainian leader is seen as having overstepped by the White House. A US administration official involved in peace negotiations with Russia bluntly told the publication that "Zelensky is an actor who committed a common mistake of theater kids: He started to think he's the character he plays on TV."

"Yes, he has been brave and stood up to Russia. But he would be six feet under if it wasn't for the millions we spent, and he needs to exit stage right with all the drama," the unidentified official said. This strongly suggests that Trump is pursuing a full political transition in Ukraine at this point.
Photograph/poster obtained by Le Monde depicting Zelensky's early young acting years.

Another official, also involved in negotiations described that "We created a monster with Zelensky," and that "these Trump-deranged Europeans who won't send troops are giving him terrible advice."

Speaking of which, one Saturday headline has revealed the European Union is still seeking ways to seize part of Russa's frozen $280 billion in assets held abroad. So while Washington under Trump is trying to strike peace and compromise, the Europeans look content to try and sabotage what they already see as a 'bad deal' to end the war.

Yet another US official was quoted in Axios as reviewing that "In the course of a week, Zelensky rebuffed President Trump's treasury secretary, his secretary of state and his vice president, all before moving on to personally insulting President Trump in the press."

The unnamed official followed with, "What did Zelensky think was going to happen?"

Meanwhile a mineral deal is said to be close, with some Friday night headlines claiming a final deal was 'hours' away - but Zelensky's office has said it's still mulling over the first draft. "President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelensky," National Security Advisor Mike Waltz underscored in Thursday comments.

The same Axios report has summarized what it calls Zelensky's five moves that set off Trump in the following...

Six administration officials tell Axios that during the past nine days there were five incidents that angered Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Waltz. Taken together, one administration official said, Zelensky "showed how not to do the 'Art of the Deal' " when it came to courting Trump's support:

Feb. 12: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Zelensky in Kyiv to offer a proposal that would give the U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral rights in return for de facto U.S. protection. Trump later told reporters Zelensky was "rude" and delayed his meeting with Bessent because he slept in.
Feb. 14: At the Munich Security Conference, Vance and Rubio met Zelensky to get his approval for the mineral rights deal. But, the officials said, Zelensky surprised the Americans by saying he didn't have the authority to unilaterally approve it without parliament.
Feb. 15: Zelensky publicly rejected the offer at the conference. White House sources noted that his remarks to reporters — that the deal was "not in the interests of a sovereign Ukraine" — were markedly different from more positive-sounding comments he'd made on X the day before.
Feb. 18: As Rubio, Waltz and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff sat down with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia to talk peace, Zelensky criticized the meeting for occurring without Ukraine at the table. An angry Trump then lashed out at Zelensky at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, falsely suggesting Zelensky had started the war with Russia and had an approval rating of only 4%.
Feb. 19: Zelensky fired back, saying the U.S. president "lives in a disinformation space." Trump then ratcheted up the pressure by posting on Truth Social that Zelensky, a former actor, was a "modestly successful comedian" who has become a "dictator without elections." Trump has refused to criticize Putin as a dictator.

* * *

The Washington Post is also asking on Saturday: Can Zelensky salvage his relationship with Trump and save Ukraine? This after Trump accused Zelensky of being a 'dictator' this week, given his refusal to hold new elections, citing martial law - and after banning multiple political parties seen as too 'pro-Russian'...

https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...ng-down-growing-rift

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
It's like he slammed the piano lid on his own member.

More like the toilet seat. Poor little fella.

The Europeans still can't face reality.

https://www.france24.com/en/vi...ot-condemning-russia

The Collapse Of The Zelensky Cult
Once treated as untouchable, Zelensky is now exposed—his arrogance unchecked, his failures undeniable, and his usefulness to the West rapidly fading.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geop...llapse-zelensky-cult

Zelensky will be out and Ukraine will not be in NATO. Every NATO member would have to vote yes before they could be admitted. Never going to happen.



Zelensky says he is ‘ready’ to resign as Ukraine president in exchange for NATO membership

https://justthenews.com/world/..._campaign=newsletter