Honest intel analysts gravitate to VIPS. Fulton Armstrong’s experience on Latin America is exceeded only by his integrity. As National Intelligence Officer for LA, he was a bulwark against politicization. Now retired, Fulton drafted this Memo on Venezuela:
Putin adviser Dmitry Trenin in Kommersant https://kommersant.ru/doc/8158919?from=author_1. “What Trump’s Diplomacy Is All About”: personal glory, and “peace” with the nitty-gritty left to others. RT/ English adds a subtitle “America’s peacemaker cannot act without permission.” https://rt.com/news/627078-dmitry-trenin-trumps-diplomacy/
Putin-in-fatigues today noted Russia successfully tested long-duration flight of Burevestnik a nuclear-powered, unlimited-range intercontinental cruise missile. Defense News Aerospace: “Moscow’s push to evade air/missile defense” (as Oreshnik already does)
https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/russia-declares-9m730-burevestnik-nuclear-cruise-missile-test-marks-global-reach-capability
Why does Kremlin insist that the US factor in Russia’s core interests re Ukraine? I’m given time to explain those core interests. And I include specifics on early attempts by Moscow to ensure they were taken into account, to avoid having to resort to war.
Putin calm re oil sanctions and in reply to first question re EU ban on Russian toilet bowls: “This will cost them dearly. They will need them, if they maintain same policies toward Russia.” FSB’s Bortnikov briefs Nat’l Security Council on counterterrorism
Ping-pong Trump adds to oil sanctions on Russia, but leaves 4 wks to change mind. Sang froid from Putin: “We continue to support dialog; sanctions ‘unfriendly’, but they don’t work and won’t help strengthen ties with US, which have just begun to recover.”
https://tass.com/politics/2034383