1. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder attended President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday celebrations on Wednesday. Here be the news:
- Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder attended Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday party, the Kremlin said Thursday.
- Putin celebrated his 74th birthday in Moscow on Wednesday.
- "The president invited his old friend to his home" the Kremlin said,
- pictures of Schröder and Putin smiling and clasping hands.
Schroeder happened to be travelling in Moscow on a business trip when Mr Putin was informed of his presence. So Mr Putin invited Schroeder over to his house. Business trip? Germans on a business trip to Russia? But isnt there a war going on? Isnt Russia under complete German and western sanctions? What was Schroeder doing on a business trip to Moscow?
So you see folks, the world is never as you hear about it. The reality is always different from what you are told.
2. But here is an even bigger birthday surprise for Mr Putin:
- Trump says Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets
- October 9, 2026
- Summary
- Russia to supply 300,000 tons of diesel now, with more later, Trump says
- Move comes ahead of November 3 midterm elections
- US diesel prices hit $6.28 a gallon on Thursday
- Zelenskiy says gifts to Putin will not bring peace
- WASHINGTON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Russia to supply diesel to global markets
- Trump lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel
- Diesel prices fell after the announcement
- Trump said "highly successful" discussion with President Vladimir Putin
- Russia will immediately supply >300,000 metric tons of diesel
- equal to about 2.25 million barrels of fuel
- Russia would supply another 500,000 tons in November
- further 1 million tons "immediately thereafter."
- Even more would follow, Trump said
- Diesel prices are up 70% since Feb 28.
- average US diesel prices US$6.28 a gallon on Thursday
- US diesel futures fell 5%, trading at US$4.64 a gallon.
Ok folks listen to this part:
- Even more would follow, Trump said
This means the sanctions against Russia are over. Otherwise Mr Trump cannot say 'even more will follow'.
It also means Zelenskiy (Ukraine) cannot be attacking Russian oil refineries anymore, especially using American and Western weapons. Because Russia can stop sending the 300,000 tons, 500,000 tons, 1.0 million tons of diesel and blame it on Zelenskiy.
Then diesel prices in the US and the West will shoot up again. Putin will say, 'If you want diesel then stop shooting'.
This will certainly seal the fate of Zelenskiy.
Exactly when he will go will be known soon.
Ursula Van Der Lyin, Mark Rutte and Kaja Kallas need to be shown the door as well.
Where or what will be the new border or boundary between Russia and 'rump' Ukraine?
