“One consequence: an offer of a security guarantee to Ukraine is worse than putting Ukraine in NATO.”
Great article Stephen, your last comment summing up perfectly the U.S and Western 50 States coalition including my own government, New Zealand’s massive contribution and inclusion meeting monthly at Ramstein and at every called jaw boning session.
Your end comment proves once again that the monster created to buttress U.S Hubris and to ensure continuance of U.S economic hegemony has turned in on itself, in the process threatening to consume its creator, this is reminiscent we know of Israel, of ISIS both glaring examples of the “ best and smartest in the room” U.S creators in acts of unmitigated and unbridled enthusiasm created, funded, trained, enabled and abided by Israel and ISIS, do8ng so with results whereby both having gone rogue, Israel with AIPAC and Mossad together ISIS ex the genuine terrorist acts undertaken by foot soldiers who splintered and also went rogue against the leadership meant to contain such extremes of behaviour.
The above but just two examples of the resulting chaos together attendant costs squandered having to deal with that the U.S gestated and ultimately birthed, ditto now the Azov NAZI encouraged construct that have come to dominate the latest U.S project by going completely rogue, likely playing their masters as they, Azov sought, found and sold out to other puppet masters, MI6 being a case in point, doing so such that the U.S no longer controls or is able to control or contain and not for the first time in the nations warmongering, shit stirring terrorist history, their creation turning on them… the boogie man or ally has again gone rogue.
Makes one truly wonder about just when the U.S will ever learn, the same occurred those in Vietnam incessantly supported Vietnam, Afghanistan Kharzai and the other War lords, Saddam Hussein albeit it was the U.S who turned upon their once ally used as a proxy to “whack” Iran in a fit of U.S pique against Iran wherein the U.S encouraged, armed, supported Saddam and Iraq in the decade+ long war against Iran, all because the Iranians finally woke up and threw out, deposing the U.S installed Shah Pahlavi, a brutal dictator and true champion of democracy and human rights, who embodied everything sacrosanct and embraced the U.S constitution… NOT!
The Shah was a fascist tyrant, a brutal dictator whose leadership and presiding over Iran led to a religious uprising ousting him, causing him to flee in the late 1970’s freeing finally the Iranians, Iran a nation that has been targeted many times as it still is today by the U.S and its banking Interests, the most recent kinetic conflagrations being as with the most recent iterations undertaken at the behest of the fascist Theodor Herzl Zionist state of Israel, a state that has been masterminded and supported unconditionally, financially, militarily by the U.S, to the point many of the billions “granted” annually to the genocidal fascist State of Israel presided over by ICC Indicted War Criminals called to be arrested and tried for crimes of genocide and against humanity, used in a copycat play of frustrated closet homo J Edgar Hoover, a deviate who led for decades the FBI, doing so by collating files the result of spying on powerful individuals in the U.S irrespective of wealth, position, regardless of vocation, military, political, legal, Academia, Corporate, it mattered not, they were all spied on, files collated and built then used against them to threaten, intimidate, cajole, blackmail, the deviate Hoover having his goons even spy on family and friends of his targets al in a bid to gain leverage against them, the frustrated homo getting the thrill, literally himself “off” reading and using the salacious details gathered, enter Fascist Zionist Israel a nation following Theodore Herzl ideology that cosied up we know to Hitler and his National Socialists in Germany ( NAZIS) financing and supporting his rise to power, encouraging, counselling him and his staff to undertake the pogrom against adherents to the Abramic Faith, especially those hailing from the east, Russia, Latvia, Romania, Poland especially were targeted and considered sub human, now that’s a saying that has a common ring to it, seems it’s been used dusted off and used again to malign present targets and those targeted now since the days of British Palestine, the true semites, Palestinians whose houses, businesses, lands and property have been systemically stolen, pillaged and plundered the Palestinian owners in many cases murdered, tortured and brutalised in the most heinous and brutal manner by Zionists ostensibly settling and returning to a land they claim, a land they have no connection unto, DNA testing illegal in Israel, many Zionists themselves self identify as having Ashkenazi or Khazarian ancestry, an ancestral tie to Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine.
It’s an interesting history, as is the read of the aforementioned psychotic, for upon reading the manifesto written one cannot help but feel you have read the ramblings of an absolute deluded, insane psychopath, such is the impact of Herzl’s work, a work zealously followed by modern Zionists, those self proclaiming a fielty to the Genocidal, Murderous, Terrorist blackmailing State of Israel, who as I began to note above, reincarnated the doctrine of frustrated deviate Hoover, perfecting it, as they used people like Epstein to gather filth, the dirt on so many deploying children, male and female to entrap many targeted as being likely influential that would be of use to the State of Israel ex blackmail lest the salacious secrets gathered find their way into the public domain, an age old playbook, made possible U.S grants in the billions poured into that Genocide, Apartheid shithole… even better than that in an act of true brazenness one undoubtedly that created much mirth amongst the Zionist leadership, they used American dollars to bribe ex AIPAC in the form of campaign contributions made to U.S political campaigns and those seeking public office (Judges etc) widening the drag net to make gifts of U.S taxpayers funds sent the genocidal progious “lawn mowing” Mid East State, to gain and buy influence by making gifts of U.S Grant monies to institutions and bodies such as U.S Tertiary Institutions, Research Centres, any place identified that one day might benefit the purveyors of sodomy, torture of incarcerated helpless untried and sentenced prisoners taken hostage by the thousands and held without trial, raped including by canines all antithetical to religion observed those unfortunate to be so assaulted and abused by canines, yet delighting as we know the world’s most moral army, the IDF did in video essays they posted themselves on Tik Tok, now I understand why Benjamin Mileikowski the Israel P.M salivates over buying Tik Tok, in order they can delete all such material… destroying the self loaded record of abuse by his charges of thier hapless prisoners … a typical ploy, destroy the evidence, obfuscate and lie when asked to produce the same, thankfully the same has been used those prosecuting on behalf of foreign governments the Zionists acts of genocide and illegalities against human rights… violations of international laws…
As I opined … seems the U.S never learns, always repeating its mistakes creating monsters that go rogue just as in Ukraine, the difference this time the actions of their attack dog just might result their being totally incinerated, the price to pay when foolishly taking on the largest nuclear armed state on the planet, guess maybe as the nukes are being sent, finally the smartest and brightest in the room might just get it… they f..ked it right up, bought it upon themselves… just saying
Zelensky did say a few days ago in a major address that he wanted Putin to "perish."
The Ukrainians have made multiple attempts to hit Putin previously. I suppose it *is* possible that Zelensky was irritated by it happening while he was in the U.S. for a meeting with Trump. It is also possible that Z. wanted it to happen while there to derail any talk about a real peace deal and focus discussion on him and his capabilities instead.
Occam’s razor. The most obvious answer is the truth. Z trying to kill Putin. As usual the meeting was a smoke screen. Any American Pres putting our troops in Ukraine should be immediately impeached.
Whether Zelensky knew about the attack or not, the Ukrainians will get more and more desperate as the war goes on, as the US increasingly loses interest, and the Europeans - although keen - have shown themselves to be increasingly incapable to supply Ukraine with weapons and money. The Ukrainians and their backers will hope that increasingly desperate and outrageous acts will goad the Russians into retaliating out of all proportion in order to trigger a NATO response/intervention to save Ukraine.
As for the negotiations, I note that the West is negotiating with itself as usual, without engaging the Russians. These talks will go the same way as all the others have. I feel very shortly that the Russians will not even entertain further talks and that this war will be resolved on the battlefield rather than the conference table.
It's not a matter of whether Ukraine is in NATO or not. What is important is that a caucus belie is established that allows justification for NATO troops to enter Ukraine - the theory being (unproven) that this will stop Russia. That should this happen this becomes WW III is neither here nor there to supporters of this theory.
US NATO envoy Matthew Whitaker's remarks to Fox and Reuters today suggest that despite Zelensky's insistence that US Intel told him (!) he didn't target Putin, and France questioning some specifics of Lavrov's claim, there is suspicion that Budanov's GUR, probably with UK MIS targeting and guidance help, sent a symbolic message to undermine Trump's 'deal' just as he was discussing it with Putin after talking to Zelensky.
Starmer, playing Churchill, set up UK 'Military Intelligence Services' recently on the model of the GUR, to coordinate and streamline military-intelligence coordination - and British silence on the alleged Valdai attack as Whitaker 'waits for information from allies', while knowing already most of what happened, is deafening.
Starmer and recidivist factions in the Ukrainian military-intelligence complex think they can achieve better leverage after getting new weapons in the New Year, and are strongly opposed to Trump's current path.
But with the US military-intelligence complex now introducing an intelligence 'firewall' at NATO command headquarters in Ramstein, MIS-GUR attempts at disruption are as Whitaker suggested a dangerous game.
The CIA last night intervened to suggest that the target was not Putin but 'a military facility near Valdai' (which is in fact how Ukraine characterized Putin's base there, after the attack).
Yet the timing and target remain significant: even if the MIS-GUR programmed target wasn't actually the C2 base used by Putin, the attack would apparently have triggered the Pantsir systems there.
That is perhaps the most likely scenario: a demonstration drone 'fly-by' as a message from London and Kyiv to Moscow and Washington as Trump was on the phone to Putin.
AI SUMMARY (1 January 13:00 EST):
The MIS-GUR Message: If the strike was real, the "message" wasn't for Putin—it was for Trump. It signaled that no peace deal is final until the "hawks" in London and Kyiv are satisfied with the security guarantees.
The CIA Response: By "re-classifying" the target, the CIA is effectively telling the MIS and GUR: "We've covered for you this time by calling it a military strike, but don't do it again."
The "dangerous game" has entered a forensic phase. The CIA is indeed providing an alternative narrative to maintain control, but the arrival of Russia’s "flight logs" in Washington will force a final, private audit of the GUR-MIS mission’s true intent.
Would you like me to look for the first reactions from the UK's MIS to the CIA's "military facility" narrative? They may choose this as the moment to finally break their silence.
Interesting that the "news" media which is so happy to regurgitate Zelensky's propaganda suddenly feels a need to "fact check" a Ukrainian attempt to murder a head of state. Color me surprised!
When we add to the attack on Valdai today's Ukrainian murder of over 20 people in the Kherson area (ie people whom Zelensky claims are Ukrainian citizens), it is clear that Zelensky is desperately trying to get Russia to over-react, thereby giving an excuse for the European cavalry to ride over the border and save Kiev. The implication of these increasing provocations is that the situation within the Ukraine is deteriorating rapidly. Let's hope that Russia waits it out and avoids over-reaction.
I’m not saying the CIA and Trump’s natsec team don’t have reasons to lie but I am saying I’d want way more evidence before choosing a framing and title like that Bryen chose.
Russia is killing Ukrainian civilians on a daily basis, but who cares about that, Ukraine may have launched an attack on one of Putin's houses!! Oh mon dieu 😱!
Killing the leader of the country you want to negotiate with to secure peace while those negotiations are ongoing is slightly different than striking a hundred targets and *one* civilian gets killed.
I'll ignore that ridiculous comment that "one" civilian gets killed in these strikes. If you're willing to ignore the overwhelming evidence that the numbers are drastically higher, nothing I can say will change your mind.
But to the main point about killing leaders. Are you naive enough to think that if Zelensky was caught out in the open, Russia wouldn't try to kill/capture him? Why do you think when the war first started, Russia tried to capture Kiev? Cut off the leadership, the nation collapses.
If you still don't believe me, perhaps since you prefer Russian propaganda anyways, you'll listen to former Russian President and PM, Dmitry Medvedev who said just a couple days ago that, "Well, now at least he’ll (Zelensky) have to stay in hiding for the rest of his worthless life"
The details you cite actually correspond to the official Russian press releases published by the Ministry of Defense and relayed by pro-Kremlin figures such as MP Alexandre Khinshtein (known for his detailed Telegram posts on military operations). These elements - Lake Valdai/Dolgiye Borody, Yashcherovo, Roschino, Valday with debris - were broadcast on December 30 to support the accusation of an attack by 91 Ukrainian drones. Elements supporting the Russian narrative • Precise coordinates: Khinshtein published maps and GPS locations of the interceptions, with photos of debris (FPV wings, electric motors) collected in Roschino and Valday, analyzed as Ukrainian drones "Bulava" or "Lyuty". This goes beyond the simple initial press release. • Local testimonies: Residents of Valday report explosions and light trails on the night of December 28-29, consistent with SAM (S-400 from the region). • Strategic timing: The alleged attack coincides exactly with the Trump-Putin call (confirmed by the Kremlin), reinforcing the idea of a "provocation" to sabotage the negotiations. Persistent limits despite these details • Lack of independent visual evidence: No geolocated video (OSINT such as Oryx or Bellingcat) has yet confirmed impact sites or debris. Russian photos are official but not verified by third parties. • Firm Ukrainian denial: Kiev describes this as "propaganda" and says that its drones targeted military targets (refineries, depots) elsewhere in Russia, not Valdai. • Russian history: Moscow has already exaggerated incidents (e.g. "massive" attack on Moscow in May 2025 with 0 confirmed real impacts). Khinshtein is a faithful relay of the state narrative. These Russian details make the story more credible than initially, but without independent OSINT (Maxar satellites, witness videos), it remains unambiguous. The stakes for the Trump/Putin negotiations are clear: if proven, this justifies Russian "reprisals" and complicates US guarantees to Ukraine. Follow Telegram Khinshtein and OSINT for updates.
“One consequence: an offer of a security guarantee to Ukraine is worse than putting Ukraine in NATO.”
Great article Stephen, your last comment summing up perfectly the U.S and Western 50 States coalition including my own government, New Zealand’s massive contribution and inclusion meeting monthly at Ramstein and at every called jaw boning session.
Your end comment proves once again that the monster created to buttress U.S Hubris and to ensure continuance of U.S economic hegemony has turned in on itself, in the process threatening to consume its creator, this is reminiscent we know of Israel, of ISIS both glaring examples of the “ best and smartest in the room” U.S creators in acts of unmitigated and unbridled enthusiasm created, funded, trained, enabled and abided by Israel and ISIS, do8ng so with results whereby both having gone rogue, Israel with AIPAC and Mossad together ISIS ex the genuine terrorist acts undertaken by foot soldiers who splintered and also went rogue against the leadership meant to contain such extremes of behaviour.
The above but just two examples of the resulting chaos together attendant costs squandered having to deal with that the U.S gestated and ultimately birthed, ditto now the Azov NAZI encouraged construct that have come to dominate the latest U.S project by going completely rogue, likely playing their masters as they, Azov sought, found and sold out to other puppet masters, MI6 being a case in point, doing so such that the U.S no longer controls or is able to control or contain and not for the first time in the nations warmongering, shit stirring terrorist history, their creation turning on them… the boogie man or ally has again gone rogue.
Makes one truly wonder about just when the U.S will ever learn, the same occurred those in Vietnam incessantly supported Vietnam, Afghanistan Kharzai and the other War lords, Saddam Hussein albeit it was the U.S who turned upon their once ally used as a proxy to “whack” Iran in a fit of U.S pique against Iran wherein the U.S encouraged, armed, supported Saddam and Iraq in the decade+ long war against Iran, all because the Iranians finally woke up and threw out, deposing the U.S installed Shah Pahlavi, a brutal dictator and true champion of democracy and human rights, who embodied everything sacrosanct and embraced the U.S constitution… NOT!
The Shah was a fascist tyrant, a brutal dictator whose leadership and presiding over Iran led to a religious uprising ousting him, causing him to flee in the late 1970’s freeing finally the Iranians, Iran a nation that has been targeted many times as it still is today by the U.S and its banking Interests, the most recent kinetic conflagrations being as with the most recent iterations undertaken at the behest of the fascist Theodor Herzl Zionist state of Israel, a state that has been masterminded and supported unconditionally, financially, militarily by the U.S, to the point many of the billions “granted” annually to the genocidal fascist State of Israel presided over by ICC Indicted War Criminals called to be arrested and tried for crimes of genocide and against humanity, used in a copycat play of frustrated closet homo J Edgar Hoover, a deviate who led for decades the FBI, doing so by collating files the result of spying on powerful individuals in the U.S irrespective of wealth, position, regardless of vocation, military, political, legal, Academia, Corporate, it mattered not, they were all spied on, files collated and built then used against them to threaten, intimidate, cajole, blackmail, the deviate Hoover having his goons even spy on family and friends of his targets al in a bid to gain leverage against them, the frustrated homo getting the thrill, literally himself “off” reading and using the salacious details gathered, enter Fascist Zionist Israel a nation following Theodore Herzl ideology that cosied up we know to Hitler and his National Socialists in Germany ( NAZIS) financing and supporting his rise to power, encouraging, counselling him and his staff to undertake the pogrom against adherents to the Abramic Faith, especially those hailing from the east, Russia, Latvia, Romania, Poland especially were targeted and considered sub human, now that’s a saying that has a common ring to it, seems it’s been used dusted off and used again to malign present targets and those targeted now since the days of British Palestine, the true semites, Palestinians whose houses, businesses, lands and property have been systemically stolen, pillaged and plundered the Palestinian owners in many cases murdered, tortured and brutalised in the most heinous and brutal manner by Zionists ostensibly settling and returning to a land they claim, a land they have no connection unto, DNA testing illegal in Israel, many Zionists themselves self identify as having Ashkenazi or Khazarian ancestry, an ancestral tie to Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine.
It’s an interesting history, as is the read of the aforementioned psychotic, for upon reading the manifesto written one cannot help but feel you have read the ramblings of an absolute deluded, insane psychopath, such is the impact of Herzl’s work, a work zealously followed by modern Zionists, those self proclaiming a fielty to the Genocidal, Murderous, Terrorist blackmailing State of Israel, who as I began to note above, reincarnated the doctrine of frustrated deviate Hoover, perfecting it, as they used people like Epstein to gather filth, the dirt on so many deploying children, male and female to entrap many targeted as being likely influential that would be of use to the State of Israel ex blackmail lest the salacious secrets gathered find their way into the public domain, an age old playbook, made possible U.S grants in the billions poured into that Genocide, Apartheid shithole… even better than that in an act of true brazenness one undoubtedly that created much mirth amongst the Zionist leadership, they used American dollars to bribe ex AIPAC in the form of campaign contributions made to U.S political campaigns and those seeking public office (Judges etc) widening the drag net to make gifts of U.S taxpayers funds sent the genocidal progious “lawn mowing” Mid East State, to gain and buy influence by making gifts of U.S Grant monies to institutions and bodies such as U.S Tertiary Institutions, Research Centres, any place identified that one day might benefit the purveyors of sodomy, torture of incarcerated helpless untried and sentenced prisoners taken hostage by the thousands and held without trial, raped including by canines all antithetical to religion observed those unfortunate to be so assaulted and abused by canines, yet delighting as we know the world’s most moral army, the IDF did in video essays they posted themselves on Tik Tok, now I understand why Benjamin Mileikowski the Israel P.M salivates over buying Tik Tok, in order they can delete all such material… destroying the self loaded record of abuse by his charges of thier hapless prisoners … a typical ploy, destroy the evidence, obfuscate and lie when asked to produce the same, thankfully the same has been used those prosecuting on behalf of foreign governments the Zionists acts of genocide and illegalities against human rights… violations of international laws…
As I opined … seems the U.S never learns, always repeating its mistakes creating monsters that go rogue just as in Ukraine, the difference this time the actions of their attack dog just might result their being totally incinerated, the price to pay when foolishly taking on the largest nuclear armed state on the planet, guess maybe as the nukes are being sent, finally the smartest and brightest in the room might just get it… they f..ked it right up, bought it upon themselves… just saying
Kia Kaha (stay strong) from New Zealand
Thanks for the info.
Zelensky did say a few days ago in a major address that he wanted Putin to "perish."
The Ukrainians have made multiple attempts to hit Putin previously. I suppose it *is* possible that Zelensky was irritated by it happening while he was in the U.S. for a meeting with Trump. It is also possible that Z. wanted it to happen while there to derail any talk about a real peace deal and focus discussion on him and his capabilities instead.
Occam’s razor. The most obvious answer is the truth. Z trying to kill Putin. As usual the meeting was a smoke screen. Any American Pres putting our troops in Ukraine should be immediately impeached.
The Nordstream defence: "We didn't do it, and if we did it was justified."
Whether Zelensky knew about the attack or not, the Ukrainians will get more and more desperate as the war goes on, as the US increasingly loses interest, and the Europeans - although keen - have shown themselves to be increasingly incapable to supply Ukraine with weapons and money. The Ukrainians and their backers will hope that increasingly desperate and outrageous acts will goad the Russians into retaliating out of all proportion in order to trigger a NATO response/intervention to save Ukraine.
As for the negotiations, I note that the West is negotiating with itself as usual, without engaging the Russians. These talks will go the same way as all the others have. I feel very shortly that the Russians will not even entertain further talks and that this war will be resolved on the battlefield rather than the conference table.
Look for Ukrainian false flag operations in NATO countries intended to provoke a NATO attack on Russia also.
That is a very real possibility.
However, as Ukraine isn't in NATO, there likely would be no response other than "tut tut, they should have taken the deal(s)."
It's not a matter of whether Ukraine is in NATO or not. What is important is that a caucus belie is established that allows justification for NATO troops to enter Ukraine - the theory being (unproven) that this will stop Russia. That should this happen this becomes WW III is neither here nor there to supporters of this theory.
US NATO envoy Matthew Whitaker's remarks to Fox and Reuters today suggest that despite Zelensky's insistence that US Intel told him (!) he didn't target Putin, and France questioning some specifics of Lavrov's claim, there is suspicion that Budanov's GUR, probably with UK MIS targeting and guidance help, sent a symbolic message to undermine Trump's 'deal' just as he was discussing it with Putin after talking to Zelensky.
Starmer, playing Churchill, set up UK 'Military Intelligence Services' recently on the model of the GUR, to coordinate and streamline military-intelligence coordination - and British silence on the alleged Valdai attack as Whitaker 'waits for information from allies', while knowing already most of what happened, is deafening.
Starmer and recidivist factions in the Ukrainian military-intelligence complex think they can achieve better leverage after getting new weapons in the New Year, and are strongly opposed to Trump's current path.
But with the US military-intelligence complex now introducing an intelligence 'firewall' at NATO command headquarters in Ramstein, MIS-GUR attempts at disruption are as Whitaker suggested a dangerous game.
The CIA last night intervened to suggest that the target was not Putin but 'a military facility near Valdai' (which is in fact how Ukraine characterized Putin's base there, after the attack).
Yet the timing and target remain significant: even if the MIS-GUR programmed target wasn't actually the C2 base used by Putin, the attack would apparently have triggered the Pantsir systems there.
That is perhaps the most likely scenario: a demonstration drone 'fly-by' as a message from London and Kyiv to Moscow and Washington as Trump was on the phone to Putin.
AI SUMMARY (1 January 13:00 EST):
The MIS-GUR Message: If the strike was real, the "message" wasn't for Putin—it was for Trump. It signaled that no peace deal is final until the "hawks" in London and Kyiv are satisfied with the security guarantees.
The CIA Response: By "re-classifying" the target, the CIA is effectively telling the MIS and GUR: "We've covered for you this time by calling it a military strike, but don't do it again."
The "dangerous game" has entered a forensic phase. The CIA is indeed providing an alternative narrative to maintain control, but the arrival of Russia’s "flight logs" in Washington will force a final, private audit of the GUR-MIS mission’s true intent.
Would you like me to look for the first reactions from the UK's MIS to the CIA's "military facility" narrative? They may choose this as the moment to finally break their silence.
Interesting that the "news" media which is so happy to regurgitate Zelensky's propaganda suddenly feels a need to "fact check" a Ukrainian attempt to murder a head of state. Color me surprised!
When we add to the attack on Valdai today's Ukrainian murder of over 20 people in the Kherson area (ie people whom Zelensky claims are Ukrainian citizens), it is clear that Zelensky is desperately trying to get Russia to over-react, thereby giving an excuse for the European cavalry to ride over the border and save Kiev. The implication of these increasing provocations is that the situation within the Ukraine is deteriorating rapidly. Let's hope that Russia waits it out and avoids over-reaction.
Happy New Year Stephen! Thanks for your great work!
We've restacked and shared this link on 'The Stacks'
A Skeptic War Reports
https://askeptic.substack.com/p/the-stacks
Don't you think you've jumped the gun here with your flat acceptance of Russia's claim? The WSJ has CIA and Trump natsec folks saying otherwise (and Trump is downplaying): https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/u-s-finds-ukraine-didnt-target-putin-in-drone-strike-615ce4be?st=jraRbi
Well, if the C.I.A. said it then it must be true. I mean, would the C.I.A. lie.
I note that even they aren't going on record with respect to whether the attack did nor did not happen.
I’m not saying the CIA and Trump’s natsec team don’t have reasons to lie but I am saying I’d want way more evidence before choosing a framing and title like that Bryen chose.
Let's hope you apply the same high standard of evidence to the daily flood of scarcely-supported Zelensky allegations!
Russia is killing Ukrainian civilians on a daily basis, but who cares about that, Ukraine may have launched an attack on one of Putin's houses!! Oh mon dieu 😱!
Killing the leader of the country you want to negotiate with to secure peace while those negotiations are ongoing is slightly different than striking a hundred targets and *one* civilian gets killed.
I'll ignore that ridiculous comment that "one" civilian gets killed in these strikes. If you're willing to ignore the overwhelming evidence that the numbers are drastically higher, nothing I can say will change your mind.
But to the main point about killing leaders. Are you naive enough to think that if Zelensky was caught out in the open, Russia wouldn't try to kill/capture him? Why do you think when the war first started, Russia tried to capture Kiev? Cut off the leadership, the nation collapses.
If you still don't believe me, perhaps since you prefer Russian propaganda anyways, you'll listen to former Russian President and PM, Dmitry Medvedev who said just a couple days ago that, "Well, now at least he’ll (Zelensky) have to stay in hiding for the rest of his worthless life"
The details you cite actually correspond to the official Russian press releases published by the Ministry of Defense and relayed by pro-Kremlin figures such as MP Alexandre Khinshtein (known for his detailed Telegram posts on military operations). These elements - Lake Valdai/Dolgiye Borody, Yashcherovo, Roschino, Valday with debris - were broadcast on December 30 to support the accusation of an attack by 91 Ukrainian drones. Elements supporting the Russian narrative • Precise coordinates: Khinshtein published maps and GPS locations of the interceptions, with photos of debris (FPV wings, electric motors) collected in Roschino and Valday, analyzed as Ukrainian drones "Bulava" or "Lyuty". This goes beyond the simple initial press release. • Local testimonies: Residents of Valday report explosions and light trails on the night of December 28-29, consistent with SAM (S-400 from the region). • Strategic timing: The alleged attack coincides exactly with the Trump-Putin call (confirmed by the Kremlin), reinforcing the idea of a "provocation" to sabotage the negotiations. Persistent limits despite these details • Lack of independent visual evidence: No geolocated video (OSINT such as Oryx or Bellingcat) has yet confirmed impact sites or debris. Russian photos are official but not verified by third parties. • Firm Ukrainian denial: Kiev describes this as "propaganda" and says that its drones targeted military targets (refineries, depots) elsewhere in Russia, not Valdai. • Russian history: Moscow has already exaggerated incidents (e.g. "massive" attack on Moscow in May 2025 with 0 confirmed real impacts). Khinshtein is a faithful relay of the state narrative. These Russian details make the story more credible than initially, but without independent OSINT (Maxar satellites, witness videos), it remains unambiguous. The stakes for the Trump/Putin negotiations are clear: if proven, this justifies Russian "reprisals" and complicates US guarantees to Ukraine. Follow Telegram Khinshtein and OSINT for updates.