Donald Trump secures release of American Marc Fogel

[Commander Wallace]

American Marc Vogel Has been released from Russia. Marc Fogel was designated by the U.S. as wrongfully detained by Russia. Russia released Fogel and another American to be named as a show of good faith.

Quote:

A history teacher from Pennsylvania, Fogel was arrested by Russian authorities at the airport in Moscow in 2021. His family had said he was carrying 17 grams of marijuana for medical reasons to treat chronic back pain.


His family (https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/marc-fogel-family-return-reaction/) had pushed for Mr. Trump's predecessor, former President Joe Biden, to secure his release, particularly after Fogel was left out of prisoner swaps negotiated by the previous administration. In December 2022, Russia released WNBA star Brittney Griner in a one-for-one prisoner swap (https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/brittney-griner-back-us-release-russia-prisoner-swap-viktor-bout/) for international arms dealer Viktor Bout (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/viktor-bout-russia-arms-dealer-merchant-of-death-brittney-griner/).

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marc-fogel-released-russia-trump/

I hope Marc is in good health after his ordeal.



Welcome home, Marc. :Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Applaud:

* Administrators. Feel free to move this thread to the U.S political thread if you feel that's appropriate. *

[Eichhörnchen]

This doesn't look good for us in Europe - I say no more

[Skybird]

Good for the family and the man himself. But Ukraine will take this as a bad omen for themselves.

[Commander Wallace]

This doesn't look good for us in Europe - I say no more


I think President Trump has surrounded himself with good people. I think in turn, Those people will tell Trump How Important the NATO Countries in Europe are, especially the U.K, Germany, Poland and others. :yep: I think Trump realizes that on his own, as well.

[Jimbuna]

Any positive no matter how small has to be welcomed.

[Eichhörnchen]

I think President Trump has surrounded himself with good people. I think in turn, Those people will tell Trump How Important the NATO Countries in Europe are, especially the U.K, Germany, Poland and others. :yep: I think Trump realizes that on his own, as well.

Well since I posted earlier we've heard the US proposals & it might not be as bad as we'd feared: they didn't close the door on Ukraine's admittance to NATO - just not yet. Well, to be fair, no-one expected that to be fast-tracked anyway so no surprise there

What seems important to me is that even if the Russians get to keep some of their gains these will always remain as occupied territory under international law, and essentially Zelensky has been the victor for keeping the enemy at bay; let's just see how the Russians get on with subduing the locals in these territories (unless they commit further crimes by evicting them) - it might be another Afghanistan for them

[Jimbuna]

Well since I posted earlier we've heard the US proposals & it might not be as bad as we'd feared: they didn't close the door on Ukraine's admittance to NATO

Glynn they actually slammed the door shut imho.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rRfj9AjsyM

The video is viewable if you click the link on the bottom.

[Eichhörnchen]

^ Your video is 'unavailable' - I've been trying to find another clip but as I heard it the US Defence Secretary said that membership of NATO would not form part of any forthcoming settlement - to me that just means "for the time being"

If that has changed or they plan to block Ukraine's future formal applications then this would be unforgivable

Found it:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7XRdLPI4dw

[Catfish]

Did the US decide this without hearing other Nato members.

[Eichhörnchen]

I'm sure of it

[Commander Wallace]

Did the US decide this without hearing other Nato members.


I hope not. I wish we, NATO and the U.S would have simply given the Ukraine the weapon's they needed and let them do what they needed to do. That includes long range weapons. The Ukraine has shown they know how to fight, and with courage. :yep:

[Eichhörnchen]

^ I agree :yep:

I saw a headline just now "Trump offers Putin a way back in from the cold" - these journo's just do not think before they write: how can he ever come in from the cold?

[Commander Wallace]

^ I agree :yep:

I saw a headline just now "Trump offers Putin a way back in from the cold" - these journo's just do not think before they write: how can he ever come in from the cold?

With the atrocities Putrid has committed, that's a big question. What about the cities reduced to rubble. Who pays for and rebuilds these cities ?

Lost in all these discussions are the Children that were forcibly kidnapped from the Ukraine and sent to Russia. This number is estimated to be 720,000 according to BBC. There are many questions to be asked-and answered.

These Children have to be returned to their parents if they are still living or their relatives.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68249102

[Eichhörnchen]

But is NATO now done? Will the US still honour its obligation to come to the aid of a fellow signatory? This deterrent only works if it's a 100 per cent guarantee of assistance - but I've a horrible feeling all this is about to change. If it does then of course Putin wins after all

[Commander Wallace]

But is NATO now done? Will the US still honour its obligation to come to the aid of a fellow signatory? This deterrent only works if it's a 100 per cent guarantee of assistance - but I've a horrible feeling all this is about to change. If it does then of course Putin wins after all

I have thought a lot about everything you have said recently. I want you to keep this in mind. A lot of people here in the U.S are English, Welsh, Irish and Scots. A lot of the people here are also German, Polish and everything else.. If anything was happening to England, Germany or other Countries, I would bet my last Dollar the U.S would be there. They are after all the Anchor Countries of NATO in Europe.

Second off, the U.K is a formidable force all by itself. It is also a Nuclear power as well. U.K pilots not to mention Military Ship Masters and Submariners are among the best in the world. That doesn't even get into your Army. If the history of the U.K has shown anything, It's that they are a resolute bunch. If Russia thought they had a rough time in the Ukraine, I have a feeling they " AIN'T " seen anything yet if they were stupid enough to tangle with the U.K. Then again, if that did happen, you might end up seeing your old buddy CW and have to stand him to a pint of Ale since I and a number of other Americans might be touring the U.K on the American plan.. :03:

I wouldn't worry about this at all, Glynn. :)

[Eichhörnchen]

I only worry that, despite all of the Americans who would not want to see the US secede from NATO, this all seems now to be possible on the whim of just one man

And I hope that we never find ourselves having a pint together under those circumstances, CW - much as I'd love to meet you some day

[Commander Wallace]

I only worry that, despite all of the Americans who would not want to see the US secede from NATO, this all seems now to be possible on the whim of just one man


So far, President Trump Has followed on his Campaign promises. I don't believe for a second Trump would ever leave NATO or it's staunch allies like England or Germany. The people around Trump know that the U.S and it's people have a deep connection to those countries and others. I believe the people of the U.S would never go along with anything like that if it was ever even suggested, which I doubt it would be..



And I hope that we never find ourselves having a pint together under those circumstances, CW - much as I'd love to meet you some day

I agree Glynn. Never under those circumstances. I would love meeting up with you as well. I would also have to deal with the craziness you would inflict on me as well. :haha: I would also want to add Jimbuna, Andrew ( Blackswan ) and that crusty Moonlight, among others in the U.K. :haha: Although they are in Australia, Reece and Eisenwurst would be welcome additions as well. :yep:

[Eichhörnchen]

And don't forget STEED - wherever he is :haha:

[Commander Wallace]

And don't forget STEED - wherever he is :haha:


Steed too not to mention our friends in Germany like Catfish and Sky among others.

[mapuc]

Don't worry Trump will not leave NATO-What he said was:
Those who reject an increase of the GDP up to 2% should not count on help from USA. Later he has increased this to 5 %.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

I wonder if any Eoropean country or countries will consider joining BRICS?

[Commander Wallace]

I wonder if any European country or countries will consider joining BRICS?


I seriously doubt it. The European Countries understand BRICS for what it is and what they stand for. I don't think any European Country wants to cozy up with miscreants like them.

[Eisenwurst]

So far, President Trump Has followed on his Campaign promises. I don't believe for a second Trump would ever leave NATO or it's staunch allies like England or Germany. The people around Trump know that the U.S and it's people have a deep connection to those countries and others. I believe the people of the U.S would never go along with anything like that if it was ever even suggested, which I doubt it would be..



I agree Glynn. Never under those circumstances. I would love meeting up with you as well. I would also have to deal with the craziness you would inflict on me as well. :haha: I would also want to add Jimbuna, Andrew ( Blackswan ) and that crusty Moonlight, among others in the U.K. :haha: Although they are in Australia, Reece and Eisenwurst would be welcome additions as well. :yep:

Invitation accepted. I'll pick up Reece on the way, we'll share the driving. We might be a bit late though.....it's all uphill :yep:

[Eichhörnchen]

:har::har::har:

[Commander Wallace]

Invitation accepted. I'll pick up Reece on the way, we'll share the driving. We might be a bit late though.....it's all uphill :yep: Invitation Confirmed. :yep: If you are going to drive, watch out for the sharks. :yep: And before you ask. No, Don't feed Reece to the sharks. :haha: