2:34 PM 12/3/2025

#Conversations
Based on the text provided, here is a summary of Steve Rosenberg’s analysis regarding the recent diplomatic talks in Moscow.
Key Takeaways
1. Diplomatic Deadlock
Despite a five-hour meeting in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and US representatives (Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner), no peace deal is imminent.1 Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that “no compromise version has yet been found.”

2. Putin’s Uncompromising Stance
Putin appears convinced that Russia holds the initiative on the battlefield and that he is winning the war.2 Consequently, he feels no pressure to sign a deal or stop operations now.
The “Runaway Car” Analogy: The author compares Putin to a vehicle with “no brakes, no steering wheel and no reverse gear,” intent on convincing the West that nothing can force him to change direction.
Rhetoric: Putin continues to use harsh rhetoric, labeling the Ukrainian leadership a “thieving junta” and blaming Europe for sabotaging peace efforts.3

3. The Economic Reality Check
While Putin projects military confidence, the article notes that Russia’s economy is facing growing strain.4
Financial Pressure: Oil and gas revenues are falling, and the budget deficit is growing.5
Internal Admissions: Even Putin has admitted to “imbalances” in the economy, noting that production output in several sectors has decreased rather than increased.

Conclusion
The central tension identified in the analysis is between Putin’s political and military confidence (the belief that he is unstoppable) and the economic reality (the need for fuel and funding). The “big unknown” remains whether mounting economic pressures will eventually force the Kremlin to alter its calculations on the battlefield.

Would you like me to research the current status of the specific economic sectors mentioned, such as Russian oil and gas revenues?
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What latest Ukraine talks reveal about Putin’s state of mind

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• Brian Walshe Trial: Brian Walshe’s detailed search history, including “How to saw a body,” was presented during his murder trial.
• Trump Administration Actions: The Trump administration is threatening to withhold SNAP (food stamps) management funds from states that don’t share immigration data. The administration has also frozen immigration applications from 19 countries and demanded a refund of tariffs from companies like Costco. Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was freed from prison after a Trump pardon.
• NYPD & Federal Probes: The NYPD confirmed its involvement in an FBI probe targeting volunteer observers in immigration court amidst ongoing immigration sweeps in NYC.
• Epstein Island Photos: House Democrats released “never-before-seen” photos and videos of Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. 

• Russia-Ukraine War: Tensions remain high as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly sees “no point in making any serious compromises”. European leaders have accused Putin of faking interest in peace talks after meeting with US envoys.
• Middle East: A far-right coalition is boycotting a Knesset vote on Trump’s Gaza plan. There are reports of an Israeli drone killing two children gathering firewood in the West Bank.
• Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: A deep-sea search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is scheduled to resume on December 30. 

• Vaccine Recommendations Under Review: A CDC advisory panel is scheduled to discuss and vote on the hepatitis B birth dose recommendation, a move some doctors warn could revive a deadly threat. 

• NBA Trades: Chris Paul’s second stint with the Los Angeles Clippers ended abruptly overnight.
• NFL Injury: New York Jets player Kris Boyd is in critical condition after being shot. 

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BREAKING: ZELENSKY CANCELS MEETING WITH TRUMP ENVOYS AFTER KREMLIN TALKS STALL

Trump’s peace push in Ukraine has hit a wall.

Zelensky called off his meeting with envoys Kushner and Witkoff after their negotiations in Moscow ended with no breakthrough.

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Conversations – News Review – 8:29 AM 12/3/2025

news today – Google Search

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “#Ukraine talks US Special Envoy Steve #Witkoff is in #Moscow today, December 2, 2025, for high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a US-backedpeace plan to end the war in Ukraine The diplomatic push comes after recent meetings in Florida where American https://t.co/irEKmtHpwJ” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “#Ukraine #putin #kushner Putin and Kushner five hours of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, to discuss a proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. No peace deal was reached during the meeting. Jared Kushner, currently serving as an https://t.co/nBYpLWe4nd” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “Встреча со спецпосланником Президента США Стивеном Уиткоффом • Президент России https://t.co/0FvmkQ6Fz5 https://t.co/hGra068EeX” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “Встреча со спецпосланником Президента США Стивеном Уиткоффом • Президент России https://t.co/F3vaFnGpKm https://t.co/vXnfWvbx3e” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “ukraine war – Google Search https://t.co/sxcAGpHYLo” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “#UkraineWar The war has resulted in a massive humanitarian #crisis, with millions displaced and hundreds of thousands of casualties. The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing #conflict that began in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, becoming https://t.co/jdTUXyNyQ7” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “#Trump #news #today aggressive immigration crackdowns, controversial foreign policy decisions regarding Venezuela and Russia, the pardoning of a convicted former Honduran president, and a narrow Republican win in a Tennessee special election. Today’s top news involving President https://t.co/6ghVWP7zsy” / X

trump news today – Google Search

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “AUDIO Ukraine corruption scandal: Is Putin’s GRU behind it? https://t.co/49sO2UMODX https://t.co/T47X4w3qvf” / X

(2) Michael Novakhov on X: “#news #today 1 minute ago Here are some of the top news #headlines for today, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 US and Politics Tennessee Special Election Republican Matt Van Epps won the special election for a deep-red House district in Tennessee. Immigration Policies The Trump https://t.co/joo9T7zSgh” / X

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Ukraine corruption scandal: Is Putin’s GRU behind it?

Ukraine corruption scandal –

Conversations 

Ai Mode

Ukraine

 is currently experiencing a major, ongoing corruption scandal centered on a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme in the state energy sector, which has led to high-level resignations and a political crisis. 

Key Details of the Scandal (“Operation Midas”)

• The Alleged Scheme: Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies (NABU and SAP) uncovered an alleged criminal organization that manipulated contracts at the state-owned nuclear power company, Energoatom, to receive kickbacks of 10-15% of contract values. The total amount siphoned off is estimated to be around $100 million.
• Wartime Context: The scandal is particularly inflammatory as the embezzled funds were allegedly linked to contracts for building protective structures for energy facilities while Russian attacks cause severe blackouts for citizens.
• Key Individuals Implicated:
  • Timur Mindich: A businessman and former business partner of President Zelensky from his Kvartal 95 production company, identified by investigators as the alleged ringleader (call sign “Carlson”). He fled Ukraine before a search of his home. A court has since ordered his detention in absentia.
  • Andriy Yermak: Zelensky’s influential chief of staff, who resigned on November 28, 2025, after his apartment was raided by anti-corruption agents. While not formally charged, critics accused him of trying to curtail the independence of anti-corruption bodies to protect insiders and of having a potential conflict of interest during peace negotiations.
  • Oleksiy Chernyshov: Former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, accused of illicit enrichment, who allegedly received over $1.3 million in cash through the network.
  • German Galushchenko and Svitlana Hrynchuk: The Justice and Energy Ministers, respectively, who were dismissed by parliament after appearing in NABU audio recordings discussing the scheme. 

Political Fallout

• Government Crisis: The scandal has created the most significant political crisis of Zelensky’s presidency, leading to high-profile resignations and calls from the opposition for a no-confidence vote in the cabinet.
• Public Outrage and Protests: The revelations, including reports of a “golden toilet bowl” found in a property linked to Mindich, have caused widespread anger among Ukrainians facing wartime hardships. Mass protests in the summer of 2025 forced the government to reverse a controversial attempt to limit the powers of the anti-corruption agencies.
• International Concerns: The scandal has raised concerns among Western allies providing billions in aid to Ukraine, making the fight against corruption a key test for continued international support and EU accession efforts. 

Zelensky has publicly supported the investigations and vowed to “overhaul” the state-owned energy companies, emphasizing the need for transparency and the inevitability of punishment. 

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Ukraine corruption scandal and peace negotiations 2025

In November and December 2025, a major 

corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector led to the resignation of top officials, including President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and lead peace negotiator, Andriy Yermak. This scandal has significantly weakened Ukraine’s political position and complicated ongoing, US-led peace negotiations with Russia. 

The Corruption Scandal (November 2025)

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) uncovered an alleged scheme to embezzle and launder at least $100 million from the state-owned nuclear power operator, Energoatom. 

Key details of the scandal:

• Allegations Insiders allegedly demanded kickbacks of up to 15% on contracts, including for critical infrastructure like shelters for power plants.
• Key Figures The primary suspect identified is Tymur Mindich, a former business partner of President Zelenskyy, who has since fled the country.
• Resignations In light of the allegations, Andriy Yermak resigned as Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and chief negotiator on November 28, 2025, after anti-corruption agents searched his home. Two government ministers had also left their posts earlier in the month.
• Public and International Reaction The scandal has caused outrage in Ukraine, where citizens are enduring daily power blackouts due to Russian attacks, making the embezzlement of energy funds appear as “looting”. Western allies, including the EU and US, are closely monitoring the investigations, as fighting corruption is a key condition for continued aid and potential EU accession. 

Impact on Peace Negotiations

The timing of the scandal has directly affected ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war, led by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian negotiators. 

• Weakened Position The scandal is seen as weakening Ukraine’s negotiating leverage. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has used the allegations to paint the Ukrainian government as corrupt and unreliable, questioning President Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as leader because wartime elections were not held.
• Negotiator Changes Yermak was a central figure in the peace talks. His resignation and replacement by Rustem Umerov has led to concerns, as Umerov is also reportedly implicated in the same investigation.
• Peace Plan Concerns U.S. officials held talks with the new Ukrainian delegation in Florida, and Witkoff plans to meet with Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace plan that some sources suggest might be more favorable to Russia’s terms, potentially involving land concessions and military limitations for Ukraine.
• Domestic Pressure The scandal puts immense political pressure on Zelenskyy, who must balance the demands of his Western allies for accountability with maintaining national unity and a strong front against Russia. 

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 news today

Conversations – 11.30.25

News Review – 9:06 AM 11/30/2025 

The effects of anti-semitism on Jews in the late USSR: self-hatred and various character pathologies

Internalized Anti-Semitism and Self-Hatred

• Negative Self-Image: Jewish individuals absorbed societal prejudices, resulting in a negative self-image and identity rejection.
• Feelings of Inferiority and Shame: Ongoing persecution and a subordinate social position produced feelings of anger, embarrassment, guilt, and low self-esteem.
• Self-Negation: Some individuals exhibited “peculiar self-consciousness” and a tendency toward “self-negation,” attempting to deny their Jewish identity in order to be seen as “normal” Soviet citizens.
• Identity Conflict: The clash between one’s heritage and the dominant, hostile culture created significant identity conflict. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]

Character Pathologies and Behavioral Responses

• Alienation and Evasion: A profound sense of alienation from the Soviet system replaced any former loyalty. Many Jews sought to hide their Jewish identity, for example, by wishing for a “normal” surname that did not immediately mark them as Jewish.
• Anxiety and Fear: Jewish citizens lived with a constant fear of persecution, which was well-founded given the history of state-sponsored violence and discrimination. This fear was exacerbated by the lack of reliable official protection.
• Psychosomatic Symptoms: Studies of Jewish residents with a background of migration from post-Soviet areas have shown an increased rate of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and psychosomatic problems, such as chronic pain and psychocardial symptoms, directly linked to their experiences of anti-semitism and the transgenerational passing of trauma.
• Assimilation or Emigration: The desire to escape discrimination and psychological harm often led to thoughts of either full assimilation into the dominant Russian culture or, when possible, emigration. The large wave of Jewish emigration that began in the 1970s was a direct result of this deep alienation and rejection. [7, 8, 9, 10]

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