Destruction of exhibits at the President's House.

Just because I spent so much time at Philadelphia's primary court-house today, here's my quickies, once-over-lightly summary of the arguments over the Trump Administration's taking away of the explanatory panels at the site of George Washington's house right next to the Liberty Bell exhibit.

Government: We were authorized to do that. We had every right to do it. Eff the people. Eff having a proper historical explanation for those days. We've got our own interpretation that we're gonna stuff down your throats!  

Philadelphia: We put a lot of time, work and effort into deeply and carefully researching just how Washington, his household and his slaves all worked and interacted together. We spent a great deal of time on the words and pictures for the exhibits. Had Trump's people come and said “Let's have a discussion about your exhibit,” we would have said “Fine,” and we would have carefully gone over all of the evidence with them. They just came and ripped it all down and who knows WHAT sort of racist dog poop they'll put up to replace it?

     

 

Day 1433 War in Ukraine

Advanced batteries mean drones can either fly twice as far or carry twice as much.

Auschwitz was liberated 81 years ago on January 27^th. It's important to remember that Auschwitz did not happen immediately upon der Fuhrer taking power in Germany. The hatred slowly and gradually built up.

Vice-President gives a Holocaust remembrance speech that neither mentions Jews nor condemns Nazis.

Anne Frank and her family were NOT legal immigrants to Holland. They were disobeying a summons to report to a labor camp.

Georgia abuses prisoners of conscience so much, they fear for their lives.

France calls on Georgia to loosen up and hold free and fair elections.

14 countries now reject Russia's shadow fleet tankers.

Trump Administration denies that they're trying to force Ukraine to make territorial concessions.

That IS good news! It was predicted in 2023 that the war in Ukraine would lead to battlefield nukes being launched “within six months.”

Trump thinks things in Ukraine are great. No one knows what he's talking about.

“Elina Svitolina crushes the world No. 3 and reaches the Australian Open semifinals for the first time!“

291 Ukrainians were on a train that was hit with three drones. Russians also struck a school that “serves children with special educational needs.” And they sent 50 drones to Odesa. They hit a church and a kindergarten.

Russians hit pipeline that was serving oil to Hungary and Slovakia.

Russian mortgage debt ha tripled from December 2022 to December 2025, from 91.6B to 265.6B rubles.

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/27/war-for-ukraine-day-1433-international-holocaust-remembrance-day/

 

Day 1429 War in Uraine

Taking shelter in a Metro station. I'm guessing just about every household has a package of things to survive on in the subway that they can just grab immediately.

Blogger examines Trump's strategy, finding that Trump is a very impulsive person who doesn't think anything through beforehand. .

Russian court admits that Ukraine sunk the Moskva with many casualties. They try charging Ukraine $29 million for it.

Georgia profits by helping Russia, Iran and China avoid sanctions. They're now isolated as a result. Georgia isn't busting all protesters, they're selective about it. But those who get busted are “standing on the sidewalk.”

Details on how Georgia keeps Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers running.

Russia and Azerbaijan are running propaganda networks together, Russia to oppose the West, Azerbaijan to fight Armenia.

Denmark's plans to defend Greenland against a US invasion are apparently on hold for now. Forces will stand by anyway.

Canada considers the US to be more of a threat than Russia and China.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent eggs on Alberta to secede from Canada. Blogger assess potential National Security plan. Other commenters have observations. It's pretty much just a copy of past NDS's.

Large-scale aerial attack begins.

Putin's goals have not changed since the beginning of the full-scale war.

“Russian export income is collapsing dramatically“ Sales are also dropping.

Blackout in Murmansk, Russia.

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/23/war-for-ukraine-day-1429-russian-war-ship-go-fuck-yourself/

Day 1427 War in Ukaine

Resident of Kharkiv dances on the frozen river.

Trump forgets that the US called for assistance after 9-11 and ALL of our NATO allies showed up! He also confuses Iceland with Greenland, repeatedly! Europeans call him “Daddy?!?!” The man is seriously delusional! Trump claims he won't use military force in Greenland. He said the same thing about Venezuela! Blogger: “Once again there’s no deal. There’s not a concept of a deal.”

Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, remarks that the old order is dead and everyone had better get used to that.

Georgians and Iranians protest together.

Georgia is backsliding on liberties. That's costing them.

On this date in 1932, the Soviet Union signed a nonaggression pact with Finland. Seven years later, they invaded.

Canada makes military plans to resist US invasion. Recall, please, that Trump referred to them as our “51^st state.” They do not intend brigade to brigade tank battles, They plan to instead copy what Afghan rebels did with “ambushes, sabotage, drone warfare or hit-and-run tactics.”

Envoy Witkoff fails to note that destroying power plants in wintertime is a war crime because civilians freeze without power to their homes.

Trump criticizes both Putin and Zelenskyy for failing to make a deal. Oh yeah. THAT'S really going to encourage them to make peace!

Super-duper smart Russian soldier takes shelter in a building filled with red barrels. Great big explosion!

“Ukrainian railway emergency repair teams from across the country” gather In Kyiv to get power back to frozen homes.

Hoo wee! “Russia's National Wealth Fund sold over 70% of its gold to fund the war since 2022, and it's still dropping.”
Putin makes snarky comment about the sale of Alaska vs Greenland.

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/21/war-for-ukraine-day-1427-carney-gives-a-stemwinder-while-trump-takes-a-dump/

 

Day 1423 War in Ukraine

Another way to deal with -15C temperatures, dance party!

We’ve seen recently that Ukraine has been hitting civilian power plants and other sources for heating. This is justified with the “Just War” theory, a theory that holds that you can strike in the way that your opponent does in order to get him to stop doing that.

Blogger describes Trump’s usual approach to peace negotiations in Ukraine and it’s one that just keeps repeating because he doesn’t wan to punish his good buddy Putin.

Georgian propagandists come up with a combination story involving Georgian protesters, Iranians and the German ambassador.

Italian authorities seize ship containing iron briquettes that they suspect was headed for Russia.

Greenlanders make their feelings about Trump’s plans to acquire Greenland known. They take to the streets to protest.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen takes Greenlands side.

A united West may very well be dead.

A visit to a place where Ukrainian children can express themselves in art.

Ukrainian energy workers are working 24/7 to restore electricity.

Dangerously, Russia plans to hit components of nuclear plants.

More radars in occupied Crimea taken out.

As temperatures hit -29C in Moscow, Ukraine destroys heating equipment for civilians.

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/17/war-for-ukraine-day-1423-only-efficient-effective-reciprocity-will-be-effective/

 

Day 1414 War in Ukraine

 

Georgian policeman photographs people in crowd so they can be busted later.

Kate from Kharkiv is watching what's happening in the US with the murder of Renee Good and it reminds her of bad times in Ukraine's history.

Darth Putin understands force and how it's used. Others should take heed.

Should the US have reacted to the Russian attack on Georgia in 2008? Absolutely. Could it have? Ehh, the younger George Bush had pretty much used up all of his credibility by then. People were highly suspicious of him getting the US into yet ANOTHER war!

The government of Iran has nationalized Russia's oil extraction operations.

Lithuania is prepared to send troops to maintain the peace after peace in Ukraine has been reached.

One of the problems with being a dictator is that people only want to bring you good news! This can lead to errors.

Britain delivers large group of anti-aircraft systems.

Maxim machine guns take down a Shahed drone.

Russia's using Starlink systems on horseback.

Great damage being done to Ukrainian civilians.

Russian oil sales doing VERY poorly! They're selling below cost and people STILL avoid buying it!

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/08/war-for-ukraine-day-1414-a-brief-thursday-night-update/

Day 1412 War in Ukraine

I can sort of, kind of understand from the bully's point of view, that people who are foolish deserve some sort of punishment, but yeesh! Gazeta Wyborcza wasn't just smacked around a bit, he was tortured to death!

Diplomatically, allies of Ukraine were concerned with security protocols for making sure the war doesn't just re-start after Russia is rested up.

France and Britain have agreed to send troops after agreement is signed. If there's no “tripwire” force in place, the Budapest Memorandum shows the dangers of just words.

Tatarigami recommends that Europe move troops to Greenland to deter Trump pulling off another Venezuela. Avoiding confrontation and war didn't work very well after the Russians invaded Crimea. In that case “peace” only lasted eight years.

Russian hybrid warfare is increasing against Finland.

In a district in Berlin, a power facility was set on fire. Repairs will take a while longer. Ukraine set up a “'Point of Resilience' in Berlin, a place where people can warm up, charge their devices, and have hot tea “

Very lengthy piece makes a good point, that Europe probably shouldn't just take Ukrainian drone tactics wholesale. Drones aren't quite the game-changer that tanks were as they can't take and hold territory, but we'll see.

Without technology imported from the West, Russian Arctic ports are getting hard to maintain.

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/06/war-for-ukraine-day-1412-the-coalition-of-the-willing-plus-jared/

 

Day 1411 War in Ukraine

Undersea cable in the Baltic Sea form a fairly extensive network. It's really hard to defend all of that from ships dragging their anchors.

Heh! The whole Moscow region is under a “no-fly” regime installed by Ukraine.

Very interesting to see the Russian reaction to Trump's invasion of Venezuela. Their idea is “Hey, let's reintroduce the old 19^th century idea of 'spheres of influence' where the US can do as it pleases in Latin America while Russia does what it pleases in the area that the old Soviet Union used to occupy!”

“Vatnik” is an Eastern Europe term meaning “supporter of Russian imperialism” usually against democratically-minded citizens of Eastern Europe and NATO. The difference between vatniks and MAGA? Ehh, not much. The blogger estimates the invasion of Greenland will come shortly before the US midterm election.

Polish leaders conclude that a defeat of Russia is the only route to peace.

Latest Ukrainian drone uses 97% Ukrainian parts.

Ukraine didn't fall the way Venezuela did because the Commander in Chief of the Army had a few hours of advance notice. Russia met a fully alerted and prepared force.

The story of how Kyrylo Budanov ended up where he is today.

Ukrainian F-16 pilots had to adapt their tactics to meet local conditions by flying much lower than Americans had trained them to. The estimated value of targets hit is about $20 billion.

Russia uses ballistic missiles on infrastructure.

Russians attack an American-owned sunflower oil plant. Kate from Kharkiv: “American businesses are security guarantee, they said.”

https://balloon-juice.com/2026/01/05/war-for-ukraine-day-1411-ukraine-has-finally-denied-flight-to-the-russians-over-moscow/

 

Protest against War with Venezuela!

 260103

Rally opposed to war in Venezuela.

The invasion began Saturday night (January 2nd). By all appearances, the "kinetic phase" is now over. That is the actual firings of guns and the movements of troops.

How long will the occupation phase last? Ehh, good question. There are a few conflicting reports on that.

 

RLGardner.net

Day 1394 War in Ukraine

Russia pays pretty much nothing to launch strikes in Europe. Europe, on the other hand, pays an enormous price to try and stop the Russian strikes. They drain European resources. Some nations are reacting well to the Russian threat. Not everyone, though.

For a country without a navy, Ukraine is seriously kicking Russia's butt at sea! They just took down another tanker AND a general!

Another shadow fleet tanker ht, this time n the Mediterranean. Interestingly, Ukraine hits then when they're empty, probably to prevent spills.

Georgian protester imprisoned for seven months for refusing to appear before a parliamentary inquiry. He promptly joined the regular protests.

Speaker of the Georgian parliament compares EU representative to the Soviets for trying to “abolish our [Georgia's] sovereignty!”

Hmm. Russian drone lands in rural Turkey.

Russian shadow fleet tankers also engaged in spying on European countries.

Like President Trump, SecState Rubio doesn’t appear to have any idea WHY Ukraine and Russia are fighting. As Trump has described the situation, it’s like two young boys fighting on the playground. Nothing needs to be understood, it simply needs to be broken up.

Rubio demonstrates the same blindness to the coming conflict that isolationist Americans showed in the late 1930s.

If Trump and Rubio were to simply read and comprehend what Reuters has written about Putin’s goals and objectives, they might take a very different course of action.

Russia has used chemical agents at least 12k times since the all-out war began in 2022.

Ukraine strikes a Russian patrol boat. Also oil drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea.

Russia strikes port infrastructure in Odesa. Russia uses a cluster bomb on a bridge between Ukraine and Moldova, which only harms civilians and not the bridge itself.

“The russians have opened ticket sales for the Mariupol Drama Theater — the same place they bombed in 2022 w/ hundreds of people inside.”

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/19/war-for-ukraine-day-1394-ukraine-which-does-not-have-a-navy-is-destroying-russia-through-naval-warfare/

 

Day 1393 War in Ukraine

Traveling on a road covered n anti-drone nets.

Putin threatens Belgium for using Russian financial assets to support Ukraine.

Putin declares that Russia's mission is to “liberate its historic lands.” How anyone can read that and think that Russia is ready to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine is just completely nuts.

Zelenskyy repeats that Putin is quite serious about overrunning Ukraine.

With NATO disabled due to US non-compliance and the EU not being built for NATO-like responsibilities, Europe has had difficulty responding in an effective manner.

Kate from Kharkv wonders what the US will do if Russia “makes peace” and then attacks again.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stands solidly with the people of Georgia.

Georgian government wants to “reform” education. “Not a reform, a robbery” declares Hans Gutbrod.

Georgia sends 34,600 second-hand cars to Russia.

EU Council identifies and sanctions 41 vessels as being part of Russia's shadow fleet.

STING interceptors proving to be effective in bringing down jet-powered Shahed drones.

Ukraine's NAFO engaging in fun fundraising ideas!

Ukrainian power substation completely destroyed.

Ukraine hits airfield in occupied Crimea, costs Russia hundreds of millions of dollars worth of equipment.

Russian shadow fleet tanker sunk.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/18/war-for-ukraine-day-1393-europe-is-well-past-its-time-of-choosing/

Day 1392 War in Ukraine

Keeping food “refrigerated” with the power being out in Odesa. Resident of Kharkiv do this too.

Huh! There’s actually a law against recognizing Russia’s “illegal annexation” of parts of Ukraine. This creates an interesting conflict with what Trump wants to do today.

“Russia rejects Christmas truce as U.S. ramps up peace push“

Again, Putin makes it quite clear that he won’t settle for anything short of victory.

With laws against blocking the pavement, Georgian protesters are back on Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters are ignoring the law that says to get permission to hold protests.

Mariam Pirashvili, a woman who picks up trash at the protests, is honored with a cappella singing.

Czechs deliver public transportation vehicles to Kharkiv.

Sweden has detected Russian military personnel on Russia’s “shadow fleet” ships.

Poland is again producing land mines after the Cold War ended.

Will the US impose new sanctions on Russia? The blogger doubts it.

“Moscow has ruled out accepting a peace offer in which NATO troops would be stationed in Ukraine.” Meaning ***when*** Russia re-starts the war, they don’t want any foreign troops getting in the way.

US legislation that would require a US response in the event of Russia restarting the war would help, but Trump is likely to simply ignore it.

Drone surveillance of the ruins of Kupyansk.

Ukrainian forces regain ground near Pokrovsk.

“In Russia, Radomir Kurtić, a representative of the Serbian defense company Jugoimport SDPR, died ‘under suspicious circumstances.’"

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/17/war-for-ukraine-day-1392-breaking-the-law-breaking-the-law/

 

Day 1389 War in Ukraine

An examination of Russia’s death cult, a culture of glorious death. Blogger feels that Russia has a “victory frenzy.”

Latest word on the negotiations between the US and Ukraine. “On Donbas: ‘We stand where we stand’” sounds like Russia keeps all of its ill-gotten territorial gains.

“Since not all support Ukraine’s NATO membership, the compromise option is bilateral security guarantees.” Certainly nowhere near as good as NATO membership.

Zelenskyy would still like something similar to NATO’s Article 5 assurance that a Russian attack would activate a mutual protection response. Washington has yet to respond to that. Russia of course, would object to any real guarantees.

This is good. “the Trump administration may be willing to provide Congress-approved NATO-like security guarantees.”

“Ushakov stressed that Moscow is determined to stand its ground on territorial issues.” Meaning Russia wants to hold on to all of the territory it currently occupies.

Big problem is getting Senate approval for a treaty to protect Ukraine. Senate hasn’t passed a treaty in forever and it’s highly doubtful they can. Ukraine is just making do the best it can.

Is there any hope for peace? Yes, but only if Russia is defeated unconditionally.

Georgia protesters object to Kherson’s “Human Safari,” where Russian drones make the city close to unlivable.

Hungary claims that seizing Russia’s frozen assets would amount to declaration of war against Russia. Polish Prime Minister claims that Hungary’s Prime Minister has earned his “Order of Lenin.”

Russia has recruited 18k soldiers from 128 countries by taking advantage of economic distress.

Ukrainian General Staff announced many hits on military targets in Russia and occupied territory. Russia hit a supermarket, “timed precisely for when civilians shop.” Yes, there was a “double tap” where a rescuer was wounded.

Odesa’s energy infrastructure hit again. No power being produced.

Russia claims the Turkish ship it hit was carrying generators for Ukraine’s “shadow energy fleet.” It was actually carrying tomatoes and vegetables.

Russian plane splits into two pieces before crashing.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/14/war-for-ukraine-day-1389-berlin/

 

Day 1387 War in Ukraine

 

Zelenskyy gives his daily address from Kupyansk, a city very close to the front line.

Blogger feels both Trump and Putin have confused ideas about spheres of influence. Putin wants the US to stay out of his sphere in Eastern Europe, but feels free to chat with Venezuela’s Maduro and expresses solidarity and support. There are 120 Russian troops training Venezuelans.

Several speeches by Zelenskyy and the First Lady of Ukraine.

The sidewalk-only protests in Georgia are going energetically!

Russia committing hybrid warfare in Norway.

Russia upgrades drones by using European SIM cards.

Detailed description of Europe using Russian assets of €210 billion to help Ukraine. Also how Europe is keeping those assets from Trump.

Hungarian dictator bemoans the loss of democracy within the EU.

Inside maneuvers on US side.

Russians are cooperating with Putin to maintain a violent dictatorship over neighboring countries.

Russians attempt flanking maneuver at Pokrovsk “with dozens of vehicles.”. Didn't work.

Risk of encirclement near Pokrovsk.

Another oil platform n Caspian Sea hit.

Turkish vessel in Odesa hit by Russians. Erdogan and Putin had met hours previously.

Russia attacked a sports complex while children were training there. Fortunately, all children and teachers escaped.

Major Russian weapons and ammunition plant on fire.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/12/war-for-ukraine-day-1387-putin-does-not-recognize-anyone-elses-sphere-of-influence-and-near-abroad/

Day 1385 War in Ukraine

 

Russian copper miners, who are complaining they haven’t been paid for the second month in a row. “According to Rosstat, as of October, the total amount of overdue wage arrears in the country reached 2.156 billion rubles”

Yowza! Ukraine send 400 drones into Russia!

Knowing full well that Putin has rejected most of Trump’s “peace” plan, Ukraine tries to demonstrate its seriousness by discussing the plan anyway. One very positive aspect of the proposed peace plan is that Ukraine would at least get to join the EU in 2027.

Can the US make credible security guarantees? Ehh, Trump’s latest National Security Strategy contradicts that idea.

Ukraine has accepted six of Trump’s six proposed peace plans. Russia has accepted none.

Trump wonders aloud why Ukraine won’t hold elections during wartime. 1. They’ve been in a state of “Martial Law” since February 2022. 2. It would divert valuable time, money and resources that Ukraine needs to fight the war.

Trump admits he’s been extremely cheap in supporting Ukraine.

Now Georgia’s ruling party wants to make protesting on the sidewalk illegal!

Britain WOULD be a threat to Russia IF it could make up its mind to be!

Denmark’s intelligence service has labeled the US as a “potential security concern.”

Russian shadow fleet tanker struck by sea drones. Interesting, they struck when the ship was apparently empty, likely out of environmental concerns.

Russian propaganda video.

In Russian occupied Mariupol, the drama theater where 600 civilians were taking shelter and lost their lives, is being reopened.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/10/war-for-ukraine-day-1385-a-20-point-proposal-emerges/

Day 1383 War in Ukraine

 

If Trump was at all serious about peace between Ukraine & Russia, he’d have a serious and meaningful answer to this question.

Zelenskyy has NO intention of giving up ANY territory under Trump’s “peace” plan. Also, Europe must play an active role in any plan. “- Security guarantees must be approved by the U.S. Congress.” It matter to Ukraine HOW the war ends!

Trump claimed yesterday that Putin was fine with his “peace” plan. Nope! Putin wants “radical changes” to the plan.

Blogger claims Russia wants to roll the EU and NATO back to their pre-1992 borders. Trump wants to sideline Europe. Not gonna happen!

Trump is required by law to supply Ukraine. Unfortunately, he doesn't feel he has to comply with ***any*** law and the Republican-led Congress is unlikely to make him. “We are in fully post-constitutional US. There is no republic left. There is only the revolutionary Trump/MAGA movement ...”

Georgia: “Demonstrators are holding a protest march on Rustaveli Avenue, on the sidewalk.“

The ruling party in Georgia is insisting that protesters must give five days notice of any planned protest. Protesters are confident they can ignore this.

Georgia plays a key role in permitting Russia to evade sanctions.

Czechs are test-marketing their new Narwhal cruise missile by giving copies to Ukraine. They'll us its performance there as part of their sales campaign.

Belgium has been nervous about being too exposed is using seized Russian money. Germany is comfortable offering assistance. Will the rest of Europe be? Ehh, we'll see.

Fairly sensible stuff from Don Jr.

“Alexander Gabuev, a well-known expert on Russian foreign policy and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia and Eurasia Center in Berlin,” is convinced that Russia may find it impossible to continue fighting Ukraine in a year or so, but no, Russia is by NO means likely to call it quits on Ukraine any time soon.

Putin calls up reservists. Huh! Funny, I thought Trump was convinced Putin wanted peace!

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/12/08/war-for-ukraine-day-1383-sumy-is-darkened/