CDL Associates
@cdlassociates.bsky.social
Watching the Clash of Civilizations, the Fall of Russia and the U.S. Four and a half decades of Foreign Policy & International Security, Intelligence, Crude Oil, Energy. Inside knowledge. All retired or not much.
Russia to Ukraine: "My way or this way".
You are looking for a compromise?
You are looking for a compromise?
🤬 In Ladyzhyn (Vinnytsia region), drones hit the administrative building of an agricultural college, - Zelensky
An educational institution was badly damaged by a nighttime enemy attack
The wall was destroyed, 5 more buildings were damaged, including dormitories. More than 150 windows were broken.
An educational institution was badly damaged by a nighttime enemy attack
The wall was destroyed, 5 more buildings were damaged, including dormitories. More than 150 windows were broken.
February 7, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Russia to Ukraine: "My way or this way".
You are looking for a compromise?
You are looking for a compromise?
We still can't get used to it: as of February 6, 2026, Donald Trump's approval rating stands at 37%; 34% of Americans express strong (!) confidence in his leadership skills; his immigration policy is approved by 38% of Americans.
Unbelievable.
The country is 37% fucking crazy.
Unbelievable.
The country is 37% fucking crazy.
February 6, 2026 at 7:51 PM
We still can't get used to it: as of February 6, 2026, Donald Trump's approval rating stands at 37%; 34% of Americans express strong (!) confidence in his leadership skills; his immigration policy is approved by 38% of Americans.
Unbelievable.
The country is 37% fucking crazy.
Unbelievable.
The country is 37% fucking crazy.
Reposted by CDL Associates
"Opposition protesters? Nah. Do what you like with them. Just sign the 'nuclear deal' papers, make the Boss happy, then we can get down to business. Oil and rare earth minerals. Plus Jared and I want to talk about some nice Gulf coast real estate opportunities that Tehran might be interested in."
Iran says ‘good start’ made in talks with US over nuclear programme
Indirect talks end with agreement to maintain diplomatic path and possible continuation in coming days, officials say
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:41 PM
"Opposition protesters? Nah. Do what you like with them. Just sign the 'nuclear deal' papers, make the Boss happy, then we can get down to business. Oil and rare earth minerals. Plus Jared and I want to talk about some nice Gulf coast real estate opportunities that Tehran might be interested in."
100%
We are fucking doomed.
Chuck Schumer says ICE should be allowed to wear masks in "unusual circumstances—you know, some guy's picture was put up by a terrorist group or something."
February 6, 2026 at 6:49 PM
100%
Reposted by CDL Associates
Countries launching investigations linked to the Epstein files:
France
Turkey
United Kingdom
Poland
Lithuania
Norway
Latvia
Australia
North Macedonia
Sweden
Millions of US tax dollars spent redacting our President's name & him telling us to move on. THANK YOU to the world for NOT accepting this.
France
Turkey
United Kingdom
Poland
Lithuania
Norway
Latvia
Australia
North Macedonia
Sweden
Millions of US tax dollars spent redacting our President's name & him telling us to move on. THANK YOU to the world for NOT accepting this.
February 6, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Countries launching investigations linked to the Epstein files:
France
Turkey
United Kingdom
Poland
Lithuania
Norway
Latvia
Australia
North Macedonia
Sweden
Millions of US tax dollars spent redacting our President's name & him telling us to move on. THANK YOU to the world for NOT accepting this.
France
Turkey
United Kingdom
Poland
Lithuania
Norway
Latvia
Australia
North Macedonia
Sweden
Millions of US tax dollars spent redacting our President's name & him telling us to move on. THANK YOU to the world for NOT accepting this.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Over 73,000 people are currently in ICE custody, the most ever...
But that's not the only shocking number:
- There has been a 2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in ICE detention on any given day.
But that's not the only shocking number:
- There has been a 2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in ICE detention on any given day.
February 6, 2026 at 5:14 AM
Over 73,000 people are currently in ICE custody, the most ever...
But that's not the only shocking number:
- There has been a 2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in ICE detention on any given day.
But that's not the only shocking number:
- There has been a 2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in ICE detention on any given day.
Reposted by CDL Associates
1. It was not an accident.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
February 6, 2026 at 5:42 PM
1. It was not an accident.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
2. It was not a staffer.
3. While the president may have dementia his racism is not due to dementia.
4. He isn’t sorry. He means every racist thought he shares.
5. His base agrees with him.
6. He will do it again.
7. No one in power will hold him accountable.
Reposted by CDL Associates
So apparently it was real. Words fail me, truly. How can we give this shit stain a state visit?? Would we have honoured the leaders of apartheid South Africa? Have we no sense of decency left as a country? bsky.app/profile/otto...
Bang on the money:
“Let it haunt Trump and his racist followers that future Americans will embrace the Obamas as beloved figures while studying him as a stain on our history.”
Trump is determined to be remembered as a 'great man'.
His curse is that he won't be.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/live...
“Let it haunt Trump and his racist followers that future Americans will embrace the Obamas as beloved figures while studying him as a stain on our history.”
Trump is determined to be remembered as a 'great man'.
His curse is that he won't be.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/live...
‘A stain on our history’: outrage after Trump shares racist video about Obamas as White House attempts to brush off the post – live
Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes slams Trump for posting racist video on Truth Social; Karoline Leavitt says criticism is ‘fake outrage’
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:45 PM
So apparently it was real. Words fail me, truly. How can we give this shit stain a state visit?? Would we have honoured the leaders of apartheid South Africa? Have we no sense of decency left as a country? bsky.app/profile/otto...
Reposted by CDL Associates
Heads up...Trump just posted a video on Truth Social that shows the Obamas as monkeys at the very end.
Not sure if you reported on this already.
Not sure if you reported on this already.
February 6, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Heads up...Trump just posted a video on Truth Social that shows the Obamas as monkeys at the very end.
Not sure if you reported on this already.
Not sure if you reported on this already.
Trump does not pay attention to such events because this is not his business in Russia. 🧵
The Russian food giant Glavproduct, owned by an American company Universal Beverage Company, which was confiscated as a result of a claim by the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia, >>>
The Russian food giant Glavproduct, owned by an American company Universal Beverage Company, which was confiscated as a result of a claim by the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia, >>>
February 6, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Trump does not pay attention to such events because this is not his business in Russia. 🧵
The Russian food giant Glavproduct, owned by an American company Universal Beverage Company, which was confiscated as a result of a claim by the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia, >>>
The Russian food giant Glavproduct, owned by an American company Universal Beverage Company, which was confiscated as a result of a claim by the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia, >>>
Reposted by CDL Associates
TLDR Lavrov: The peace process means we shift from using military means to control Ukraine to diplomatic means. He calls it a "compromise" but you can only compromise if you give up something you control. Russia is manipulating diplomacy as the continuation of war by other means.
we noted that it was not an easy step for us, but we were prepared to accept the United States’ proposal, including its compromise components. In essence, we agreed to their terms."
(To remind, what was the 'compromise': Russia stops where it was, and the US will force Ukraine to give up Donbas.)
>>
(To remind, what was the 'compromise': Russia stops where it was, and the US will force Ukraine to give up Donbas.)
>>
February 5, 2026 at 10:18 PM
TLDR Lavrov: The peace process means we shift from using military means to control Ukraine to diplomatic means. He calls it a "compromise" but you can only compromise if you give up something you control. Russia is manipulating diplomacy as the continuation of war by other means.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Lavrov on what peace means for Russia: we want all of what we have conquered as well as stuff we haven't conquered and we want nothing to stop us from using military means to get more.
American policy needs to confront the reality that it has failed to get Russia to accept security guarantees.
American policy needs to confront the reality that it has failed to get Russia to accept security guarantees.
"If they wish to perpetuate this particular regime with security guarantees (it does not matter on what territory), this is unacceptable. … When the West ... claims that Zelensky will be given security guarantees, it means they want to preserve his Nazi regime."
>>>
>>>
February 5, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Lavrov on what peace means for Russia: we want all of what we have conquered as well as stuff we haven't conquered and we want nothing to stop us from using military means to get more.
American policy needs to confront the reality that it has failed to get Russia to accept security guarantees.
American policy needs to confront the reality that it has failed to get Russia to accept security guarantees.
Reposted by CDL Associates
The worse the global crises become, the more Friedrich Merz is pushing for quick decisions—if necessary, even against Germany's closest partner, France, @andreasrinke.bsky.social writes in a new piece.
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
Germany’s New European Policy Puts Effectiveness before Unity
German policy on Europe is changing fundamentally. The worse the global crises become, the more Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for quick decisions—if necessary, even against Germany's closest pa...
ip-quarterly.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:50 AM
The worse the global crises become, the more Friedrich Merz is pushing for quick decisions—if necessary, even against Germany's closest partner, France, @andreasrinke.bsky.social writes in a new piece.
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...
WOW, 'an American gulag'...
Who could have thought.
Now America needs it's own Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (who also wrote "The Red Wheel", a cycle of novels, retelling and exploring the passing of Imperial Russia and the birth-pangs of the Soviet Union).
Who could have thought.
Now America needs it's own Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (who also wrote "The Red Wheel", a cycle of novels, retelling and exploring the passing of Imperial Russia and the birth-pangs of the Soviet Union).
‘One officer told me that I "had no chance of returning to Minnesota" and that "the best thing for (me] is self-deportation." …
She offered me $2600 to self-deport.
I refused.
I wanted to talk to my attorney.
They didn't tell me the judge had already ordered my release and return to Minnesota.’
She offered me $2600 to self-deport.
I refused.
I wanted to talk to my attorney.
They didn't tell me the judge had already ordered my release and return to Minnesota.’
February 5, 2026 at 9:03 PM
WOW, 'an American gulag'...
Who could have thought.
Now America needs it's own Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (who also wrote "The Red Wheel", a cycle of novels, retelling and exploring the passing of Imperial Russia and the birth-pangs of the Soviet Union).
Who could have thought.
Now America needs it's own Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (who also wrote "The Red Wheel", a cycle of novels, retelling and exploring the passing of Imperial Russia and the birth-pangs of the Soviet Union).
For those who are still trying to find something new in Russia's position on the peace agreement with Ukraine. Russian Propaganda Minister Lavrov once again explained everything to you today in an interview with RT. Here are a few excerpts from the pile of nonsense he delivered 🧵:
February 5, 2026 at 8:22 PM
For those who are still trying to find something new in Russia's position on the peace agreement with Ukraine. Russian Propaganda Minister Lavrov once again explained everything to you today in an interview with RT. Here are a few excerpts from the pile of nonsense he delivered 🧵:
h/t Brian Taylor
@bdtaylor-su.bsky.social
@bdtaylor-su.bsky.social
Epstein was a frequent flyer... to Moscow and St Petersburg.
February 5, 2026 at 7:10 PM
h/t Brian Taylor
@bdtaylor-su.bsky.social
@bdtaylor-su.bsky.social
Reality:
MinFin of Russia: The National Wealth Fund continued to grow in January. It increased by 224.09 billion rubles after +156 billion in December and +57.6 billion in November. The amount of NWF on Feb. 1 was 13 trillion 639.25 billion rubles (=$180.097 billion), or 5.8% of GDP.
WP bullshit 👇
MinFin of Russia: The National Wealth Fund continued to grow in January. It increased by 224.09 billion rubles after +156 billion in December and +57.6 billion in November. The amount of NWF on Feb. 1 was 13 trillion 639.25 billion rubles (=$180.097 billion), or 5.8% of GDP.
WP bullshit 👇
📉 Putin warned of possible financial crisis by summer, - WP
▫️ Russian financial sector officials wrote to Putin about a possible crisis in four months.
▫️ Officials warn that a decrease in budget revenues without a new tax increase will lead to an increase in the revenue deficit.
▫️ Russian financial sector officials wrote to Putin about a possible crisis in four months.
▫️ Officials warn that a decrease in budget revenues without a new tax increase will lead to an increase in the revenue deficit.
February 5, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Reality:
MinFin of Russia: The National Wealth Fund continued to grow in January. It increased by 224.09 billion rubles after +156 billion in December and +57.6 billion in November. The amount of NWF on Feb. 1 was 13 trillion 639.25 billion rubles (=$180.097 billion), or 5.8% of GDP.
WP bullshit 👇
MinFin of Russia: The National Wealth Fund continued to grow in January. It increased by 224.09 billion rubles after +156 billion in December and +57.6 billion in November. The amount of NWF on Feb. 1 was 13 trillion 639.25 billion rubles (=$180.097 billion), or 5.8% of GDP.
WP bullshit 👇
Reposted by CDL Associates
GALLEGO: You have no independence to make a decision whether the president deserves $10 billion?
BESSENT: Again, that is a DOJ matter
G: So the DOJ will entirely make that decision? You have no say?
B: Correct
G: So would you just have to write the check if you were told to write it?
B: Correct
BESSENT: Again, that is a DOJ matter
G: So the DOJ will entirely make that decision? You have no say?
B: Correct
G: So would you just have to write the check if you were told to write it?
B: Correct
February 5, 2026 at 4:57 PM
GALLEGO: You have no independence to make a decision whether the president deserves $10 billion?
BESSENT: Again, that is a DOJ matter
G: So the DOJ will entirely make that decision? You have no say?
B: Correct
G: So would you just have to write the check if you were told to write it?
B: Correct
BESSENT: Again, that is a DOJ matter
G: So the DOJ will entirely make that decision? You have no say?
B: Correct
G: So would you just have to write the check if you were told to write it?
B: Correct
Reposted by CDL Associates
EXTRAORDINARY
Dozens of thousands of records are falling in >170 countries with margins never seen before in world climatic history.
There had never been anything close to this.
Expect records smashed every day of this month in millions sqkm area from Algeria to China.
Updates next hours..
Dozens of thousands of records are falling in >170 countries with margins never seen before in world climatic history.
There had never been anything close to this.
Expect records smashed every day of this month in millions sqkm area from Algeria to China.
Updates next hours..
February 5, 2026 at 4:32 AM
EXTRAORDINARY
Dozens of thousands of records are falling in >170 countries with margins never seen before in world climatic history.
There had never been anything close to this.
Expect records smashed every day of this month in millions sqkm area from Algeria to China.
Updates next hours..
Dozens of thousands of records are falling in >170 countries with margins never seen before in world climatic history.
There had never been anything close to this.
Expect records smashed every day of this month in millions sqkm area from Algeria to China.
Updates next hours..
US Permanent Representative to NATO Whitaker announced that USA will continue to send weapons to Ukraine through the alliance, including offensive systems.
We would expect something on Epstein from Russia sooner rather than later.
We would expect something on Epstein from Russia sooner rather than later.
February 5, 2026 at 11:57 AM
US Permanent Representative to NATO Whitaker announced that USA will continue to send weapons to Ukraine through the alliance, including offensive systems.
We would expect something on Epstein from Russia sooner rather than later.
We would expect something on Epstein from Russia sooner rather than later.
Nothing new, Putin always demanded international recognition of Donbas as a part of Russia.
It demonstrates again (so many times!) that Putin has not changed an inch of his stance. And will not change, as long as Europe continues squirming their asses on a chair like Macron does.
It demonstrates again (so many times!) that Putin has not changed an inch of his stance. And will not change, as long as Europe continues squirming their asses on a chair like Macron does.
Russia is now demanding not only the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk region but also international recognition of Donbas as Russian as part of a peace deal, Russian media report. The claim is attributed to a Western source present at the Abu Dhabi talks. #Ukraine
February 5, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Nothing new, Putin always demanded international recognition of Donbas as a part of Russia.
It demonstrates again (so many times!) that Putin has not changed an inch of his stance. And will not change, as long as Europe continues squirming their asses on a chair like Macron does.
It demonstrates again (so many times!) that Putin has not changed an inch of his stance. And will not change, as long as Europe continues squirming their asses on a chair like Macron does.
The problem is that this kompromat is already in the public domain, but nobody can do anything about it, Trump has not (and will not) be held accountable, there is no investigation, and there are no consequences.
Christopher Steele, who used to head up MI6's Russia desk, told Tom Swarbrick that the latest Epstein files published by the DOJ on Friday show the extent of the connection between the disgraced paedophile financier and Russia.
Former MI6 spy insists Jeffrey Epstein was 'recruited by Russian organised criminals' and 'likely' had kompromat on Trump | LBC
Mr Steele told Tom Swarbrick that he believes Epstein - and subsequently the Russians who were handling him - had kompromat on Mr Trump
www.lbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 10:36 AM
The problem is that this kompromat is already in the public domain, but nobody can do anything about it, Trump has not (and will not) be held accountable, there is no investigation, and there are no consequences.
Reposted by CDL Associates
China is now “bankrolling” Russia’s war in Ukraine providing “60 per cent” of the funds needed by Moscow to continue fighting.
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/da5539f...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/da5539f...
China bankrolling Putin’s war to gain advantage over West, MPs told
Beijing’s huge support for Russian aggression against Ukraine part of larger threatening posture, air marshal tells Commons committee
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 2:02 AM
China is now “bankrolling” Russia’s war in Ukraine providing “60 per cent” of the funds needed by Moscow to continue fighting.
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/da5539f...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/da5539f...
Norway’s elite engulfed by Epstein scandal
www.ft.com/content/deb9...
Just Norway? Did you forget this? Karin Kneissl served as Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs from December 2017 to June 2019 and is known for her close ties to Russia, particularly her relationship with Vladimir Putin. >>>
www.ft.com/content/deb9...
Just Norway? Did you forget this? Karin Kneissl served as Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs from December 2017 to June 2019 and is known for her close ties to Russia, particularly her relationship with Vladimir Putin. >>>
www.ft.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Norway’s elite engulfed by Epstein scandal
www.ft.com/content/deb9...
Just Norway? Did you forget this? Karin Kneissl served as Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs from December 2017 to June 2019 and is known for her close ties to Russia, particularly her relationship with Vladimir Putin. >>>
www.ft.com/content/deb9...
Just Norway? Did you forget this? Karin Kneissl served as Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs from December 2017 to June 2019 and is known for her close ties to Russia, particularly her relationship with Vladimir Putin. >>>