When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, many of us who were concerned about that country and its people were looking for reliable sources of accurate information on what was going on inside that country with the military situation, internal politics, welfare and moral of the people, and so much more.
So glad you shared this acknowledgement of Ukraine - it is amazing what they have done together and it is heartbreaking what they have endured in losses. They will prevail and already through this birth through loss and violence have regained who they truly are - an independent and separate people plus models for us all to stand up to tyranny and what is right.
How. Dare. He. That is what goes through my mind all the time, but especially when I think of how Trump had the ability to help Ukraine and instead chose his ugly little selfish path. My heart breaks to think of how proudly Kamala Harris would have helped Ukraine to victory. How fucking dare he.
tRump's ability to help Ukraine was called Putin. He could help, but we all know that he won't. He wants to become leader of the world. Little does he know, that the world doesn't want him. Who in the hell would want him for his leader. I know I don't.
He needs to go back to grade school. This country is not lead by ONE MAN
We have 3 branches of government. Use the laws we already have. Trump or any President for that matter does not have full control over anything more than the executive branch. Where is the bottom . Do your jobs , congress. You live here too.
I'm so confused by all the comments. Didn't anyone know that Zelenskyy signed that minerals deal with trump? I'm disappointed in Zelenskyy, bending the knee, kissing the ring.
Zelenskyy didn’t” bend the knee and kiss the ring.” He acted as a true leader does by keeping his cool, not letting emotions cloud his judgement, and continuing to advocate for negotiations that would help Ukraines cause. If you read the agreement, you will notice two very strategic and important points.
First, officials emphasize that the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the State will determine WHAT can be extracted and WHERE.
Second, NO profits will be taken from the minerals investment fund for the first 10 years.
Trump administration officials initially pushed for a deal in which Washington would receive $500 billion in profits from exploited minerals as compensation for its wartime support.
But Zelenskyy rejected the offer, saying he would not sign off on an agreement “that will be paid off by 10 generations of Ukrainians.”
The second point demonstrates how Zelenskyy was thinking ahead. He KNOWS that Trump’s goal was to take all the profits he could to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies, without any regard for Ukraine or its people. But rather than let ego rule his response, Zelenskyy let Trump have a “win” by agreeing to profits distribution 10 YEARS IN THE FUTURE. Trump will never live to see any of those profits, and Zelenskyy is taking a calculated risk that a Democratic President will be elected in the U.S. within that 10-year timeframe and will be amenable to reversing or modifying the agreement.
I know all that. I read the article. President Zelenskyy had other countries helping Ukraine. He didn't need to give up anything to the US.
Zelenskyy should have stood his ground. He has the Budapest Memorandum. The US signed that and isn't abiding by it. What agreement does trump ever agree to?
He got a law degree in 2003, but has never practiced law! He went from being a comedian to president. Not from lawyer to president. Again. Doesn't anyone read? President Zelenskyy (notice spelling) went to Kyiv National Economic University 1997-2003, graduating with a law degree. Never practicing law.
Zelenskyy is an intelligent, competent leader. His country needs the money from this deal and HE made sure the deal was in the best interests of HIS country and its citizens ........NOT dumpy!!! STOP being a negative putz!!
I’m not that worried about it. It keeps rump interested in protecting his “investment “ and it can be adjusted when we have an honest president who believes in democracy.
trump can yank this deal whenever he feels like it. Thinks he's given too much to Ukraine? He won't give anymore. It's not like he's honoring the Budapest Memorandum. It's not like trump is an honorable man.
It's very real, very much up to trump. trump could sweep in, strip that land of millions in their minerals, and Ukraine gets nothing in weaponry, except empty promises. It's what happens when you believe a conman.
The way the deal is written, tRump doesn't have any say in what gets mined and when. Ukraine keeps all of the ownership. While tRump may try to strong arm them into doing certain types of mining, it'll be difficult if not impossible for him to actually DO anything.
What a smart comment. I never thought of that. Zelensky, however you spell it, clearly did. Thx.
I think Ukranians understand if we spell Zelensky the way we've seen it. It's the respect we give or don't give him they care about. I deeply respect him.
I read the AP article at your link and understand why Zelenskyy signed it, given the grim circumstances he faces now with Putin's puppet Numpty. Looks like he's aware he needs US support and is likely banking on our Commander in Cheat's greed motivating him not to cave in to Putin, who I'm convinced will not stop this war unless the Russian people get rid of him or he dies.
The deal Zelenskyy signed is far better than the one Numpty tried to bully him into signing previously. The biggest concern I have is it doesn't give any explicit security guarantees against future Russian aggression, but all the following points are far better than the original agreement:
" ... the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the state will determine what can be extracted and where.
"The agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund, and both the U.S. and Ukraine will have an equal say in its management, according to Svyrydenko.
"The fund will be supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation agency, which Ukraine hopes will attract investment and technology from American and European countries.
"Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of all future profits from government-owned natural resources into the fund. The United States will also contribute in the form of direct funds and equipment, including badly needed air defensesystems and other military aid."
"Contributions to the fund will be reinvested in projects related to mining, oil and gas as well as infrastructure."
No profits will be taken from the fund for the first 10 years, Svyrydenko said."
So if Cheeto is still in power and pulls his usual tricks of not keeping his end of the bargain, that would negate the whole deal ... and Diaper Donnie would probably be dead or incapacitated before 10 years has passed anyway.
Or if we're lucky, a Democrat is elected president in 2028, Democrats have both house and senate, and this agreement is deemed null and void, with the Budapest Memorandum in effect once again.
Do you know what the agreement states? The reports I've heard about it say it's pretty good for Ukraine and the US will probably not be participating as it'll cost us a lot of $$ upfront. We'll need to share in building the infrastructure to mine.
This beautifully written post made me cry,and right after such an anger rose up in me against the evil Trump regime. History will judge Ukraine among the most resourceful and brave nations in the world. The US under Trump? A nation of traitors, cowards, brutish betrayers whose word is worth nothing.
The way Trump tyranny made Canada and Australia choose Liberal governments in very recent elections, I think Ukraine fighting for democracy will inspire other nations to join the fight 👏🇨🇦🇺🇦
I was hoping you would have also quoted @ViktorKravchuck from Ukraine. I was at a Hands Off rally in deep red Altoona PA and talked to other Ukraine supporters. All of them had heard of Viktor.
Please check him out here on Substack.💛💙🇺🇦⚔️ #SlavaUkraini ⚔️🇺🇦💙💛
I love the way Viktor writes from his heart and soul. There are times he makes me cry to think how hard it must be tote separated from his family. He truly is a gifted writer too.
It is so heartening to read this. I am proud of all Ukranians and so grateful that they found their strength together. Fighting against injustice isn't easy, but it's necessary if we are to survive. I hope your allies in the EU also understand that they are also more powerful than they might believe, as they are key in the fight against the regime we have in America.
Fantastic Ron! I can’t express enough how important your work is in sharing accurate, honest and truthful information. Who knew 2025 would hold such throttled, false news whirling round, every single moment of every single day. Thank you for all you are doing to help keep us informed.
Thank you, Ron, for sharing this wonderful and inspiring post from Illia Ponomarenko. I hope to see more from him, we have a lot to learn from his words.
So inspiring! Sadly, I would add to the axis of evil the specter of Trumpism, especially if we here in the US don't resist fascism the way Ukraine had resisted.
I was in Ukraine just before the Maiden Uprising. Barricades were already erected in the square not far from the scaffolding that was to be that year’s Christmas tree. But instead of bows of greenery and lights, the wooden scaffolding was adorned with yellow and blue ribbons and EU flags. It was then that Ukraine was working feverishly to be accepted into the EU. It was during this time I also saw a number of US flags. When I questioned that display I was told “ America is our aspiration- your Constitution, freedom and liberty “.
Those were the days…
There was already a growing sense of Ukrainian pride and a tremendous appetite to demonstrate their independence, individualism and cultural identity.
Most of the people I engaged with that day were younger, students who spoke English. They spoke of a future outside of Russia’s shadow and influence. The older generation weren’t yet fully onboard with the idea. I didn’t get the impression they were opposed, just wary of speaking out- for good reason historically.
It was an eye opening experience for me. And it’s wonderful to see a population now so united.
And now in my own country, the stage has flipped. During protests and marches here I’m seeing my own flag flying upside down ( if at all) and Ukrainian flags held high among the marchers. It is us now, wishing we had a leader like Zelinsky. It is our people fighting to stay out of the orbit of Putin’s Russia, under Trump.
And the Meidas Mighty has their backs. F___ Trump and his MAGAts.
The Maple Meidas are right there behind you...all the way to victory!
We are grateful for the Maple Meidas!
100%
Beautifully written!
So glad you shared this acknowledgement of Ukraine - it is amazing what they have done together and it is heartbreaking what they have endured in losses. They will prevail and already through this birth through loss and violence have regained who they truly are - an independent and separate people plus models for us all to stand up to tyranny and what is right.
YES!!! Models for the rest of us who must stand up to tyranny and what is right!!!
So very proud of them….maybe one day soon we will be more like them again.
I was thinking the same thing. 🙏🏻☮️🇺🇦🇺🇦💙
How. Dare. He. That is what goes through my mind all the time, but especially when I think of how Trump had the ability to help Ukraine and instead chose his ugly little selfish path. My heart breaks to think of how proudly Kamala Harris would have helped Ukraine to victory. How fucking dare he.
tRump's ability to help Ukraine was called Putin. He could help, but we all know that he won't. He wants to become leader of the world. Little does he know, that the world doesn't want him. Who in the hell would want him for his leader. I know I don't.
He needs to go back to grade school. This country is not lead by ONE MAN
We have 3 branches of government. Use the laws we already have. Trump or any President for that matter does not have full control over anything more than the executive branch. Where is the bottom . Do your jobs , congress. You live here too.
Likewise!
I'm so confused by all the comments. Didn't anyone know that Zelenskyy signed that minerals deal with trump? I'm disappointed in Zelenskyy, bending the knee, kissing the ring.
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-us-rare-earth-minerals-deal-8566241ea0e121a30437d845357055d8
Zelenskyy didn’t” bend the knee and kiss the ring.” He acted as a true leader does by keeping his cool, not letting emotions cloud his judgement, and continuing to advocate for negotiations that would help Ukraines cause. If you read the agreement, you will notice two very strategic and important points.
First, officials emphasize that the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the State will determine WHAT can be extracted and WHERE.
Second, NO profits will be taken from the minerals investment fund for the first 10 years.
Trump administration officials initially pushed for a deal in which Washington would receive $500 billion in profits from exploited minerals as compensation for its wartime support.
But Zelenskyy rejected the offer, saying he would not sign off on an agreement “that will be paid off by 10 generations of Ukrainians.”
The second point demonstrates how Zelenskyy was thinking ahead. He KNOWS that Trump’s goal was to take all the profits he could to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies, without any regard for Ukraine or its people. But rather than let ego rule his response, Zelenskyy let Trump have a “win” by agreeing to profits distribution 10 YEARS IN THE FUTURE. Trump will never live to see any of those profits, and Zelenskyy is taking a calculated risk that a Democratic President will be elected in the U.S. within that 10-year timeframe and will be amenable to reversing or modifying the agreement.
And, like his empty S Korean tariff agreement, drumpf gets a “win” to boast about on tv
I know all that. I read the article. President Zelenskyy had other countries helping Ukraine. He didn't need to give up anything to the US.
Zelenskyy should have stood his ground. He has the Budapest Memorandum. The US signed that and isn't abiding by it. What agreement does trump ever agree to?
More like what agreement does he ever keep, including the ones he agreed to.
I trust President Zelinsky, who's a smart lawyer, to know what's he's signing. Now, release the weapons for Ukraine 🇺🇦
He got a law degree in 2003, but has never practiced law! He went from being a comedian to president. Not from lawyer to president. Again. Doesn't anyone read? President Zelenskyy (notice spelling) went to Kyiv National Economic University 1997-2003, graduating with a law degree. Never practicing law.
But he at least KNOWS the laws of his country. Thats more than can be said for our president.
So true Alice, so true.
Zelenskyy is an intelligent, competent leader. His country needs the money from this deal and HE made sure the deal was in the best interests of HIS country and its citizens ........NOT dumpy!!! STOP being a negative putz!!
I’m not that worried about it. It keeps rump interested in protecting his “investment “ and it can be adjusted when we have an honest president who believes in democracy.
trump can yank this deal whenever he feels like it. Thinks he's given too much to Ukraine? He won't give anymore. It's not like he's honoring the Budapest Memorandum. It's not like trump is an honorable man.
I read about that too. Now I'm wondering if it's even real. Maybe the minerals deal is only a small part of it. Lots left to negotiate.
It's very real, very much up to trump. trump could sweep in, strip that land of millions in their minerals, and Ukraine gets nothing in weaponry, except empty promises. It's what happens when you believe a conman.
The way the deal is written, tRump doesn't have any say in what gets mined and when. Ukraine keeps all of the ownership. While tRump may try to strong arm them into doing certain types of mining, it'll be difficult if not impossible for him to actually DO anything.
Yes I’m concerned that Rump will keep his side.
What a smart comment. I never thought of that. Zelensky, however you spell it, clearly did. Thx.
I think Ukranians understand if we spell Zelensky the way we've seen it. It's the respect we give or don't give him they care about. I deeply respect him.
President Zelinskyy is far, far wiser than Trump. He will always make a good plan for Ukraine.
You are wrong in your conjecture: President Zelinskyy will never fail Ukraine.
True. Zelensky never will fail Ukraine.
A toadstool is wiser than trump. However, trump is a bully that it seems everyone gives in to.
I'm Canadian and, like the overwhelming majority of Canadians, we will NEVER give in to trump.
We are with you and we LOVE you saying that. More than u know.
Everyone EXCEPT Zelenskyy. He’s already proven that time and again.
A true hero, putting his people first.
Only Americans gave into Trump.
I'm a US citizen. I voted for her. 💙💙💙💙
That seems true, too.
It's a modern fairy tale we are all watching, breathless.
I read the AP article at your link and understand why Zelenskyy signed it, given the grim circumstances he faces now with Putin's puppet Numpty. Looks like he's aware he needs US support and is likely banking on our Commander in Cheat's greed motivating him not to cave in to Putin, who I'm convinced will not stop this war unless the Russian people get rid of him or he dies.
The deal Zelenskyy signed is far better than the one Numpty tried to bully him into signing previously. The biggest concern I have is it doesn't give any explicit security guarantees against future Russian aggression, but all the following points are far better than the original agreement:
" ... the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the state will determine what can be extracted and where.
"The agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund, and both the U.S. and Ukraine will have an equal say in its management, according to Svyrydenko.
"The fund will be supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation agency, which Ukraine hopes will attract investment and technology from American and European countries.
"Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of all future profits from government-owned natural resources into the fund. The United States will also contribute in the form of direct funds and equipment, including badly needed air defensesystems and other military aid."
"Contributions to the fund will be reinvested in projects related to mining, oil and gas as well as infrastructure."
No profits will be taken from the fund for the first 10 years, Svyrydenko said."
So if Cheeto is still in power and pulls his usual tricks of not keeping his end of the bargain, that would negate the whole deal ... and Diaper Donnie would probably be dead or incapacitated before 10 years has passed anyway.
Or if we're lucky, a Democrat is elected president in 2028, Democrats have both house and senate, and this agreement is deemed null and void, with the Budapest Memorandum in effect once again.
Fuck trump, fuck putin, fuck maga.
3 months has felt like a lifetime.
Totally agree.
This agreement has NOTHING to do with Russia and what they do or do not do in the future. THIS is purely a business deal between the US and Ukraine!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ld6FKhX89c
Do you know what the agreement states? The reports I've heard about it say it's pretty good for Ukraine and the US will probably not be participating as it'll cost us a lot of $$ upfront. We'll need to share in building the infrastructure to mine.
Take a look at UATV English in YouTube- directly from Ukranie . Has plenty of announcements from President Zelinskyy
Thanks for the link. I read it and it states that’s it’s good for Ukraine. I pray that the U.S. stands behind it.
I think it came when they were in Rome. I’m disappointed as well.
How fucking dare he indeed! Spot on.
This beautifully written post made me cry,and right after such an anger rose up in me against the evil Trump regime. History will judge Ukraine among the most resourceful and brave nations in the world. The US under Trump? A nation of traitors, cowards, brutish betrayers whose word is worth nothing.
I support this country 100%! They have strength and are a united country, unlike America right now!!
The way Trump tyranny made Canada and Australia choose Liberal governments in very recent elections, I think Ukraine fighting for democracy will inspire other nations to join the fight 👏🇨🇦🇺🇦
We voted for the best person to do the job in these troubled times. Did not vote for the party, but for the most qualified leader.
Maybe it will inspire the rest of our nation.
So inspiring, Americans (most) are with you and wish we had Zelenskyy as our President. He and the people of Ukraine are so brave.
Zelenskyy is the bravest man in the world. He took on 47. Has been doing it ever since. Hero.
Except...
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-us-rare-earth-minerals-deal-8566241ea0e121a30437d845357055d8
I was hoping you would have also quoted @ViktorKravchuck from Ukraine. I was at a Hands Off rally in deep red Altoona PA and talked to other Ukraine supporters. All of them had heard of Viktor.
Please check him out here on Substack.💛💙🇺🇦⚔️ #SlavaUkraini ⚔️🇺🇦💙💛
I love the way Viktor writes from his heart and soul. There are times he makes me cry to think how hard it must be tote separated from his family. He truly is a gifted writer too.
I, too, follow Victor. His poetic words of living in Ukraine are powerfully revealing and emotionally piercing.
I love Viktor. I follow him too . 🙏
It is so heartening to read this. I am proud of all Ukranians and so grateful that they found their strength together. Fighting against injustice isn't easy, but it's necessary if we are to survive. I hope your allies in the EU also understand that they are also more powerful than they might believe, as they are key in the fight against the regime we have in America.
Oh my goodness, this was beautiful to read. Thank you.
Fantastic Ron! I can’t express enough how important your work is in sharing accurate, honest and truthful information. Who knew 2025 would hold such throttled, false news whirling round, every single moment of every single day. Thank you for all you are doing to help keep us informed.
Thank you, Ron, for sharing this wonderful and inspiring post from Illia Ponomarenko. I hope to see more from him, we have a lot to learn from his words.
Once again, The Truth, brought to us by Meidas. No corporate bullshit. Thanks Guys!
So inspiring! Sadly, I would add to the axis of evil the specter of Trumpism, especially if we here in the US don't resist fascism the way Ukraine had resisted.
I was in Ukraine just before the Maiden Uprising. Barricades were already erected in the square not far from the scaffolding that was to be that year’s Christmas tree. But instead of bows of greenery and lights, the wooden scaffolding was adorned with yellow and blue ribbons and EU flags. It was then that Ukraine was working feverishly to be accepted into the EU. It was during this time I also saw a number of US flags. When I questioned that display I was told “ America is our aspiration- your Constitution, freedom and liberty “.
Those were the days…
There was already a growing sense of Ukrainian pride and a tremendous appetite to demonstrate their independence, individualism and cultural identity.
Most of the people I engaged with that day were younger, students who spoke English. They spoke of a future outside of Russia’s shadow and influence. The older generation weren’t yet fully onboard with the idea. I didn’t get the impression they were opposed, just wary of speaking out- for good reason historically.
It was an eye opening experience for me. And it’s wonderful to see a population now so united.
And now in my own country, the stage has flipped. During protests and marches here I’m seeing my own flag flying upside down ( if at all) and Ukrainian flags held high among the marchers. It is us now, wishing we had a leader like Zelinsky. It is our people fighting to stay out of the orbit of Putin’s Russia, under Trump.
Oh the irony.
Thank you!