UA-RU War | NATO Crisis | REPORTS

[Irag8er]

BREAKING: 11 Starlink Antennas Used by Ukraine Set on Fire in Bulgaria

https://twitter.com/x/status/2110374302541398192

 

[GBS61]

Too much profit to be made by wars. Why do you think the US has been at war with someone or another for 90% of our country's history

The USA entered these conflicts (World War I and World War II) late.
This allowed the USA to amass wealth.
The two world wars played a major role in establishing the United States as the world's leading economic and financial power.
While Europe was accumulating debt and seeing its infrastructure destroyed, the American economy was running at full capacity on its own soil, which remained untouched by the fighting.

1. During World War I

• From debtor to global leader: Before 1914, the United States was a debtor to Europe. By 1919, the situation had completely reversed; European allies (France and the United Kingdom) owed the U.S. billions of dollars.
• Official supplier: During their three years of neutrality (1914–1917), American factories and farms sold vast quantities of food, raw materials (steel, oil), and munitions to the Allies.
• European gold: To pay for these goods, Europe transferred a large portion of its foreign exchange reserves to American banks, establishing the dollar as the benchmark currency.

2. During World War II

• The Lend-Lease program: Starting in March 1941 (before officially entering the war), the United States supplied military equipment and provisions to countries fighting the Axis powers. This system generated massive industrial activity.
• End of the Great Depression: The war effort boosted industry to record levels. Mass unemployment—a legacy of the 1929 crash—vanished completely, transforming the peacetime economy into a highly efficient production machine. • Bretton Woods Agreements (1944): By the end of the conflict, the United States held nearly 70% of the world's gold reserves. The agreements formalized the supremacy of the dollar, the only currency directly convertible into gold.

In short, the decision to enter these conflicts late allowed the United States to boost its industrial output without suffering the massive destruction experienced by European and Asian nations.

The situation remains unchanged today—at least until they suffer a massive attack on their own soil; after all, all good things must come to an end eventually.

 

[william]

He does, but the US handling of the war is chaotic. Commit or get out of the way.

You could probably say the same thing about the Iran war also. You can't win a war using just air and sea assets.

 

[william]

No. Too much profit to be made by wars. Why do you think the US has been at war with someone or another for 90% of our country's history? Granted, they are using the definition of "war" pretty loosely for this statistic. They basically mean any active conflict with military combat.

There is one other reason also. Combat experience. There is no substitute for it. It seems like ever since the US became the wests police 911 force after WWII every generation or so we get a new gereration of combat veterans.
I personally have no problem with the US defense industry making money. I certainly would not like to see them fail.

I personally noticed the trend months ago. Trump would make an announcement of either peace talks or upcoming attacks - usually before a weekend - and the markets would react. Then the next week an opposing announcement is made, and again the markets would react. I tracked this myself for several weeks until I was sure. So that is my first-hand account, which I hope you won't take as innuendo. There is also no shortage of news stories on the subject:

Trump Manipulates Markets With Early Morning Iran Announcement

Another Trump post before the crack of dawn was revealed to be a clear attempt to rig the markets.

finance.yahoo.com

Evidence Grows That Trump Is Using the War in Iran to Manipulate Markets

Donald Trump's rapidly oscillating statements on the Iran war have been a feeding frenzy for stock market whales.

futurism.com

https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/23/politics/trump-iran-market-strait-hormuz

Trump Accused of Manipulating Oil and Stock Markets After Iran Denied His 'Productive Talks' Claim Entirely

Iran denied Trump's claim of 'productive talks', triggering accusations the president used a Truth Social post to deliberately manipulate global oil and stock markets.

www.ibtimes.com

$580M oil trades made minutes before Trump’s key Iran announcement draw scrutiny

In a narrow window between 6:49 a.m. and 6:50 a.m. New York time, traders placed roughly 6,200 Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures trades.

nypost.com

https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/trump-iran-oil-insider-trading

Now, if you want to debate media bias with any of these sources, we can have that discussion, but when the story is this pervasive across multiple news outlets, you can't just dismiss it out of hand. I would urge you to search other media outlets to find the same story until you are satisfied. Bottom line: Trump is increasing his wealth and the wealth of members of his inner circle exponentially by placing market trades just before a public announcement is made regarding Iran.

If we're talking about insider trading, then by all means investigate it as long as it is done for ALL members of government. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that you don't become a multimillionaire on a government salary.

Now if we're talking about market manipulation, that, is a good thing for the president to do. I know my investments are doing pretty well. I certainly would not like to see a major market crash.

As far as the preannouncement trades go there are some very knowledgeable market investors out there that can read the tea leaves without necessarily doing insider trading although I'm sure they will take it right up to the line. That is their life.
The bottom line for me is, I have no problem with corporations, population or government in general making money.

I have read the various reports you posted, and it seems that the majority of them seem to hinge on what iran says. We are at war with them so of course they are going to try to influence the American population. They certainly can't win on the battlefield.

Tell me I'm wrong about the tan suit. And do it with a straight face.

I'm not saying I would never vote for a democrat. Where are the "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" democrats. I mean really, you have a Kennedy whose family has been lifelong democrats leave the party. That has to tell you something.

Bread and circuses. Keep the populace entertained and they largely ignore what the government is doing in their name. Personally, we're preparing to hunker down in a couple of weeks just in case something stupid happens. If the elections go through without a hitch, the first week of January is the next potential crisis point.

I think the next crisis point is going to be right after the midterms myself, especially if the power shifts in congress. Iran should be very nervous about that and who knows about the russia, Ukraine war.

Personally, I think there is too much time between the election and the swearing in for bad things to happen.

 

[RiffRaff]

There is one other reason also. Combat experience. There is no substitute for it. It seems like ever since the US became the wests police 911 force after WWII every generation or so we get a new gereration of combat veterans.
I personally have no problem with the US defense industry making money. I certainly would not like to see them fail.

If we're talking about insider trading, then by all means investigate it as long as it is done for ALL members of government. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that you don't become a multimillionaire on a government salary.

Now if we're talking about market manipulation, that, is a good thing for the president to do. I know my investments are doing pretty well. I certainly would not like to see a major market crash.

As far as the preannouncement trades go there are some very knowledgeable market investors out there that can read the tea leaves without necessarily doing insider trading although I'm sure they will take it right up to the line. That is their life.
The bottom line for me is, I have no problem with corporations, population or government in general making money.

I have read the various reports you posted, and it seems that the majority of them seem to hinge on what iran says. We are at war with them so of course they are going to try to influence the American population. They certainly can't win on the battlefield.



I'm not saying I would never vote for a democrat. Where are the "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" democrats. I mean really, you have a Kennedy whose family has been lifelong democrats leave the party. That has to tell you something.

I think the next crisis point is going to be right after the midterms myself, especially if the power shifts in congress. Iran should be very nervous about that and who knows about the russia, Ukraine war.

Personally, I think there is too much time between the election and the swearing in for bad things to happen.

You've known me long enough that whatever applies to one side of the aisle applies to the other. Any elected official getting rich by insider trading needs to be investigated, prosecuted, impeached, and sentenced the same way I would be with a public defender.

Serving in Congress was never meant to be a career. It was supposed to be a sacrifice, leaving your family, hometown, and job behind to serve your country as a representative or senator, then go back home. So yeah, there is an extreme shortage of "What can I do for my country?" politicians out there.

You can say what you want about the market manipulation and insider trading using the war and social media announcements. I know I spotted the pattern before MSM did, and I went about four weeks telling my wife when Trump would issue a peace post or a war post and what the market reactions would be. My predictions followed the pattern I had noticed.

I have a problem with anyone profiting off war because the people profiting are not the people dying. A 20 year-old soldier dying on the other side of the planet so someone can make millions at home is despicable, and I don't see how you, as a military man, can defend that.

And if we had invested half the money we've spent on wars and WMD on scientific research, we'd be exploring other solar systems by now.

 

[william]

You've known me long enough that whatever applies to one side of the aisle applies to the other. Any elected official getting rich by insider trading needs to be investigated, prosecuted, impeached, and sentenced the same way I would be with a public defender.

Serving in Congress was never meant to be a career. It was supposed to be a sacrifice, leaving your family, hometown, and job behind to serve your country as a representative or senator, then go back home. So yeah, there is an extreme shortage of "What can I do for my country?" politicians out there.

You can say what you want about the market manipulation and insider trading using the war and social media announcements. I know I spotted the pattern before MSM did, and I went about four weeks telling my wife when Trump would issue a peace post or a war post and what the market reactions would be. My predictions followed the pattern I had noticed.

Did you make any money? I hope you did. On the flip side, I have seen reports of President Trump actually losing money by being president. Now as his family goes, they are all business orientated and I'm sure they will be investigated, thoroughly, if power shifts come January. I'll bet my 401 that AOC won't though.

I have a problem with anyone profiting off war because the people profiting are not the people dying. A 20 year-old soldier dying on the other side of the planet so someone can make millions at home is despicable, and I don't see how you, as a military man, can defend that.

As do I, the thing is though allot of those 20-year-olds that survive go on to head or work in the defense industry. At least the ones that rise to the rank of Flag Officer. Veterans are a minority compared to the general population, but they do have influence in the defense industry.

From the Bunker to the Boardroom

With economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility continuing, more boards are looking for directors with military experience.

www.kornferry.com

And if we had invested half the money we've spent on wars and WMD on scientific research, we'd be exploring other solar systems by now.

Not even the universe, think of what could be done right here on earth. It's the age-old struggle between East and West, Left and Right, Ying and Yang. All I know is one side has to build walls to keep people out and the other side has to build walls to keep people in. I am old enough to remember the Berlin wall and the Cuban boat crisis.

We probably should have taken this discussion private. I think we're a little off topic here.

 

[RiffRaff]

We probably should have taken this discussion private. I think we're a little off topic here.

Yeah, and I didn't realize it was the reports thread. My bad, everyone.

 

[Sentry]

BREAKING: Ukraine to restart major strikes on Russia's oil refineries, with Zelensky declaring "The block on attacking refineries is out. We're done," per the FT.

Zelensky says the reason for the restart is Trump lying to him by deliberately blocking Starlink but presenting it to Kyiv as a "technical glitch," as well as telling Ukraine that the missed ballistic missile warnings earlier this week was due to "bad weather," which killed 6.

"It was not a technical problem, it was the will," from Trump, he says.

He also slammed Trump's eagerness to strike a diesel deal with Russia and Trump's apparent admiration for Putin, saying Trump has an instinctive affinity for autocrats and the super-wealthy. "He speaks about it openly and loudly that he loves such people and he respects such people," Zelensky says.

 

[DEFCON Warning System]

BREAKING: Ukraine to restart major strikes on Russia's oil refineries, with Zelensky declaring "The block on attacking refineries is out. We're done," per the FT.

Zelensky says the reason for the restart is Trump lying to him by deliberately blocking Starlink but presenting it to Kyiv as a "technical glitch," as well as telling Ukraine that the missed ballistic missile warnings earlier this week was due to "bad weather," which killed 6.

"It was not a technical problem, it was the will," from Trump, he says.

He also slammed Trump's eagerness to strike a diesel deal with Russia and Trump's apparent admiration for Putin, saying Trump has an instinctive affinity for autocrats and the super-wealthy. "He speaks about it openly and loudly that he loves such people and he respects such people," Zelensky says.

I don't blame Ukraine. But we will need to see how the US responds.

 

[william]

Bulgaria is considering invoking NATO’s Article 4 following the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Bulgarian officials are reportedly discussing consultations with NATO allies as maritime security in the region continues to deteriorate.

And frankly, I find it remarkable that this is even being considered rather than being an obvious next step. Multiple commercial vessels have been targeted, including inside NATO territorial waters. If that doesn’t warrant formal consultations among allies, what does?

https://twitter.com/x/status/2110774726561865891

• Bulgaria is weighing NATO Article 4 consultations over multiple recent drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, including incidents in its exclusive economic zone close to territorial waters, with the post arguing this should prompt immediate allied talks on deteriorating maritime security.
• Recent strikes include October 13 attacks where the Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity sank (11 crew missing) and the Malta-flagged Chelsea 3 was hit by three drones (crew rescued), part of a pattern of vessel attacks in 2026 tied to the Russia-Ukraine conflict spillover.
• The author urges stronger NATO deterrence such as persistent combat air patrols over the Black Sea and policies to intercept hostile drones threatening shipping, while stressing defense of airspace and infrastructure without initiating offensive strikes.

Bulgaria is considering invoking NATO’s Article 4 following the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

 

[GBS61]

If it is done in NATO's name, it requires the agreement of all 32 countries, including the USA; however, each country can also act individually. So, Americans, please stop criticizing NATO while excluding yourselves from the equation.

 

[GBS61]

If it is done in NATO's name, it requires the agreement of all 32 countries, including the USA; however, each country can also act individually. So, Americans, please stop criticizing NATO while excluding yourselves from the equation.

Article 5 will never be invoked under the current US administration; if you think Romania is going to take on Russia alone, you're dreaming. The US is currently blocking NATO.

 

[william]

BREAKING: Ukraine to restart major strikes on Russia's oil refineries, with Zelensky declaring "The block on attacking refineries is out. We're done," per the FT.

Zelensky says the reason for the restart is Trump lying to him by deliberately blocking Starlink but presenting it to Kyiv as a "technical glitch," as well as telling Ukraine that the missed ballistic missile warnings earlier this week was due to "bad weather," which killed 6.

"It was not a technical problem, it was the will," from Trump, he says.

He also slammed Trump's eagerness to strike a diesel deal with Russia and Trump's apparent admiration for Putin, saying Trump has an instinctive affinity for autocrats and the super-wealthy. "He speaks about it openly and loudly that he loves such people and he respects such people," Zelensky says.

I have to push back on Mr. Zelensky a bit.

ZELENSKY IS A DICTATOR—AND THE EU GLOBALISTS ARE BACKING HIM

Zelensky has declared martial law, outlawed political opposition, and CANCELED elections—this is not democracy, this is DICTATORSHIP.

And who’s propping him up? The EU globalists, the same people who are crushing free speech, censoring their own citizens, and pushing endless war!

Ukraine doesn’t need more Western cash—it needs FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS!

Zelensky is clinging to power, knowing the people would vote him out.

If Ukraine is truly “fighting for democracy,” why is there NO democracy left?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1892095536146117035

Why Zelensky afraid of elections?

As soon as he ceases to be president, he goes to prison. Only presidential immunity saves him from punishment. Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau: “President has immunity from criminal prosecution. ”Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office: “President has absolute immunity. We have no right to investigate cases against the president. ”Zelensky appears in all corruption investigations! His name is on the wiretap tapes. But the anti-corruption agencies can’t finish the investigations. Let’s strip him of his immunity and see how the investigations end?

https://twitter.com/x/status/2109481942290739631

Zelensky explained that he has no intention of ending the war until Russia is defeated. His greatest fear is ending the war and facing a presidential election. If he lost, he would certainly be investigated and most likely prosecuted - 80% of his predecessors have been prosecuted - for example, Leonid Kuchma was prosecuted for murder, Viktor Yushchenko was investigated for bribery, Viktor Yanukovych was convicted of treason and sentenced to 13 years in prison, and Petro Poroshenko was prosecuted for treason as well.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2110475823178494365

Ukraine: another corruption scandal within Zelensky’s inner circle

On 19 August, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced a special operation codenamed Forrest Gump, targeting a criminal organisation allegedly run by members of the Verkhovna Rada and officials from the Office of the President of Ukraine (OPU).

www.osw.waw.pl

 

[GBS61]

I have to push back on Mr. Zelensky a bit.

Wow, real brainwashing.