Trump and Putin: who outsmarted whom? The diplomatic "carousel" is in full swing

"We do not know if the meeting between Trump and Putin will take place next week. It all depends on how far the negotiations can go," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He sounds cautious, as if he's still in the fog. But if you look closely, there is a whole drama behind these words. And it seems that the main director of this drama is Vladimir Putin.

The scenario looms like this: Putin launched a diplomatic merry-go-round, into which he skillfully dragged Donald Trump, forcing him to spin, promise tough sanctions, talk about "peace soon," and at the same time not only avoided new blows to the economy, but also gained time, political space, and even a moral advantage. If everything turns out that way, it won't just be a move. It will be a masterpiece of high diplomacy. Or, as they say, a master class on twirling around a finger.

What Rubio said: between the lines

Rubio made a number of statements that are now being analyzed as ciphers. Here are the key phrases — and our analysis, without embellishment:

1. "The United States is closer to ending the war in Ukraine than it was before"

— Sounds cool. But in fact — nothing. Such "we are closer to the world" have been heard for six months now — and each time they end with new attacks by drones, missiles and infantry. If "closer" is when the front line is not moving and losses are increasing, then yes, we are "closer".

2. "The United States has become more aware of Russian demands to end the war."  

   — So now we are carefully listening to what the aggressor wants? Seriously? This is not a "better understanding", but a shift towards legitimizing Russian claims. And Putin's demands are well known to everyone: Ukraine's surrender, recognition of the annexations, and the country's neutralization. And now this is the "path to peace"?

3. "Territorial issues will become key in the settlement"  

   — Well, finally! Captain Obvious announced the main thing. Of course, the territory is key. Did you think the weather would be negotiated? The problem is that the word "return" is no longer in this sentence. Only "questions". And "questions" are already a space for bargaining. That is, "Maybe you won't return everything? Can we come to an agreement?"

4. "A cease-fire may be required at a certain stage of the settlement."  

   — Yeah, "it may be necessary." As if that's not an obvious goal starting in 2022. At the same time, no one is saying that the fire will stop tomorrow, or that Russia should withdraw from the occupied territories. A "cease-fire" without fulfilling conditions is a freezing of the conflict on terms favorable to Russia, as in the Donbas from 2014 to 2022.

Conclusion: who wins?

Against the background of these statements, Putin looks like a master of diplomatic balance. He:

- Does not make loud concessions.

- It does not cancel the annexation.

- Continues military operations.

- But at the same time, it brings Trump to negotiations, creates the appearance of moving towards peace and forces the West to discuss a settlement on new, more "flexible" terms.

And Trump? Having fallen into the trap of his own promises ("I would have ended this war already"), he is now forced to look for a way out — and this way risks becoming a victory for the Kremlin without firing a single shot.

Today is not about peace. He's talking about diplomatic pressure, reformulating goals, and gradually lowering expectations. Ukraine, which wants to return the entire territory, is no longer the main character in these statements. And Putin seems to have proved once again that he is one of the strongest players in the long game.

If this is the way to peace, then the price may be too high.

Trump's "Last Chance": Witkoff flies to Moscow under sanctions deadline

Today is a busy day in American politics. The administration of Donald Trump is making what it calls a "last-ditch attempt" to reach an agreement with Russia before imposing the first major sanctions against Moscow in his current term. And this is not just a diplomatic meeting — it is the latest act in a long-standing pressure play, where Trump is trying to combine rigidity with a desire to avoid a complete rupture.

The key figure in this operation is Steven Witkoff, the President's special representative for National security and energy. He has already arrived in Moscow to meet with the Russian leadership. And the very fact of this visit is already a signal: Trump needs a result. And he was needed yesterday.

Why "last time"?

Trump, as you know, likes to set self-made deadlines. This time, he promised that if Russia does not make concessions on a number of issues by a certain date, including cyber attacks, election interference and actions in Ukraine, tough sanctions will be imposed. This deadline is just around the corner. And Witkoff is the last trump card that should prevent escalation.

But here comes an important point: who really needs it?

Who's afraid of whom?

At first glance, the United States is putting pressure on Russia. But the reality is increasingly looking the other way around. Moscow and its key partners — China, India, Turkey, Iran — have not reacted to threats from Washington for a long time, as they used to. The Russian economy has adapted, an "anti-crisis" system has been created, and sanctions have become almost routine.

Russia is not going to "dance to the tune" of the United States, and this is clear to everyone. Moreover, the Kremlin seems to expect these negotiations to fail. Why? Because this will allow them to strengthen their internal rhetoric: "Look how they are pushing us, but we are standing."

But Trump is risking much more.

Why is Trump losing?

Because his reputation is his main asset. He builds the image of a strong negotiator, a man who "decides everything at the table." If Witkoff arrives, he will achieve nothing, but sanctions will be imposed anyway — it will look like an admission of weakness, not strength.

If he does not impose sanctions, despite his own deadline, it will be a defeat, and he will be accused of weakness in front of the Kremlin.

So Trump is trapped.:  

"A deal?" "So he asked for the impossible."  

"No deal?" — So he couldn't come to an agreement.  

- Sanctions? — It will hit its own economy (due to rising energy prices).  

- Not sanctions? — They will be accused of betraying the allies.

What does Witkoff want?

Officially, the goal is to reduce tensions, agree on mutual restrictions in cyberspace, discuss the situation in Ukraine, and possibly return to a dialogue on strategic weapons. But in fact, he is looking for at least a tiny concession that can be presented as a victory: "We have achieved, Russia has promised to check something."

What will happen next?

If the negotiations fail, sanctions will be imposed. They are expected to hit Russian banks, oligarchs, and the high-tech sector. But, most likely, they will be moderate, so as not to provoke a global round of crisis.

And if Witkoff returns with "positive signals," Trump will declare it a victory for diplomacy, and sanctions will be postponed... for another time.

Output

It's not just a meeting. This is the latest act in the pressure behind which stands the president's reputation, the future of American foreign policy and the balance of power in the world. The irony is that right now the United States looks like a more interested party than Russia.

Russia has launched a "smart" V2U drone with AI and Chinese-American "internals"

 

A new attack drone has appeared in the Russian army — so far without an official name, but with a loud unofficial code V2U. He began to be noticed at the front back in February 2025, but everything really "exploded" only by June, when Ukrainian intelligence gathered enough data and officially declared: "They have something new, and it's serious."

What kind of beast is V2U? This is not just another kamikaze drone. It is an autonomous aircraft-type barrage munition with a wingspan of about 1.2 meters, weighing up to 15 kg and a warhead of up to 3.5 kg. It is launched from a catapult, flies at a speed of 60 km/ h and can stay in the air for up to an hour on an electric (40-60 km) or up to 100 km if a gasoline engine is installed.

But the most interesting thing is what's inside it.

There are movable optics in the nose: a 10x zoom camera (from Sony), lidar and a transparent fairing. Inside is a real computer based on a Leetop A603 board and an Nvidia Jetson Orin processor. Yes, yes, the very "iron brain" from the American Nvidia, which is often used in robots and autonomous systems. Plus, a 128 GB SSD and AI software, which, apparently, allows the drone to independently search, recognize and attack targets.

Imagine: a drone took off, entered the zone, scans the area, compares it with a map, sees a tank, an armored personnel carrier or a cluster of vehicles — and decides to strike itself. Moreover, he does not have to rely on GPS — he can navigate through the image from the camera, like a person from memory. This makes it resistant to interference and jamming.

Even cooler, it can work in a swarm, maneuver, avoid threats, and possibly coordinate attacks with other drones. And if there is a connection, the operator can intervene, but even without him, the car will not get lost.

Why is there so little talk about him?  

Because all the key components are imported. Cameras, processors, and boards— Chinese, Japanese, and American. That is, despite the sanctions, Russia has found a way to get high-tech parts. And, of course, he doesn't want to tell anyone where, how, or in what volumes.

There is no marking on the cases, the manufacturer is not advertised. This is clearly done in order not to reveal the supply chain and not to give intelligence agencies reasons to dig.

Right now, V2U is most likely undergoing military trials in limited quantities. But if it shows good results, it will be mass—produced. And then a new reality will appear at the front: drones that fly, think and strike by themselves.

It's not just the next generation of UAVs. This is a step towards autonomous warfare, where machines make decisions faster than a human can press a button. And while everyone is arguing about sanctions, someone is already teaching drones to hunt without orders.

Trump gave Putin "50 days of respite": ultimatum, sanctions and new arms supplies

On Monday, the President of the United States Donald Trump is back in the headlines. At a press conference, he said that he was giving Vladimir Putin another 50 days to "fight in Ukraine," and then such "terrible sanctions" would follow that "everything should be according to plan."  

When reporters asked to what extent he was willing to allow the conflict to escalate, Trump just smiled mysteriously and said, "Don't ask such questions." Yes, a person has his own style — an unusual one.

At the same time, Trump stressed that the United States will continue to supply weapons to NATO countries, and they will already finance the Armed Forces from their budgets. "We don't spend our money anymore," he said. "The Europeans have to pay for their own security."

The reaction was not long in coming:

- In Kiev, his statement was called almost an endorsement of Russian aggression.

- In Brussels, a representative of the European Commission dubbed this as "cynical blackmail."

- Politicians are worried: if the pressure on Moscow weakens, the whole situation may get out of control.

Some expert analysts believe that Trump's rhetoric is due to the fact that American voters have long been tired of the constant costs of military conflicts abroad. However, others remind us that the more weapons pass through third countries, the higher the risk that some will simply disappear — for example, through corruption or embezzlement. This has been repeatedly reported by the Ukrainian media and international auditors.

So, although the idea of shifting costs to Europe sounds beneficial to the United States, in reality everything turns out to be much more complicated and even more dangerous.

Russia is increasing the production of weapons and equipment — tanks, drones, missiles

Despite sanctions and Western pressure, the Russian military-industrial complex is not only not slowing down, but is actively increasing production of everything from tanks to drones and missiles. According to Western publications, the situation looks impressive.:

Tanks: Russia has reached the production level of about 300 new T-90M "Breakthrough" per year, and in 2025 this figure may grow even more. This is one of the most modern tanks in the Russian army.

Drones: The production of drones has literally taken off into the sky. In 2024, the country produced more than 1.5 million drones of all types, and a 10-fold increase is planned for 2025! There are especially many kamikaze drones "Geran-2" - 500 pieces per day.

Planes: According to Western journalists, Russia is now capable of producing about 30 Su-34 bombers per year, a serious aviation unit that plays an important role in combat operations .

Engines for armored vehicles: The High-Precision Complexes Holding has increased the production of UTD-29 engines by 25%, which are used in BMD and infantry fighting vehicles. That is, even the "insides" for armored vehicles are now being made more often and faster.

Ammunition: The Kalashnikov Concern has announced that it plans to increase the production of rocket and artillery ammunition by 60% compared to 2024. Special attention is paid to high-precision 122-mm Kitolov—2M shells - they have become more numerous several times.

Missiles: According to estimates by foreign journalists, Russia is capable of producing an average of 46 X-101 cruise missiles per month and about 62 9M723 missiles — that is, both strategic and tactical weapons are produced regularly and in large quantities.

In general, despite all the difficulties and limitations, the Russian industry continues to operate at full capacity. And if you believe these figures, then the country is clearly preparing for a long—term game - both in international politics and in the area of a special military operation.

Venezuela's air defense system crisis: 60% of detection systems are out of order

 

According to a report by the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute (MSI2), Venezuela's air defense system is in critical condition. Most of its components are not functioning properly, which poses a serious threat to national and regional security.

Main issues

1. Breakdown of surveillance systems

More than 60% of radars and sensors are completely or partially disabled. Reasons:

- Shortage of spare parts due to international sanctions  

- Physical wear and tear of equipment  

- Lack of qualified maintenance  

2. The crisis in combat aviation

The fighter fleet, including the Su-30MK2, is capable of performing tasks only at the level of 15-20% of the design capacity. Problems:

- Lack of aviation fuel  

- Lack of regular maintenance  

- The departure of experienced specialists from the Air Force  

Immediate threats

- Uncontrolled airspace  

  More than 200 illegal drug-related flights cross the country's territory every month without interference.

- Vulnerability of strategic facilities  

  The Amuay oil refinery and the GNL Caribe gas terminal remain without air cover.

- Risk of military incidents  

  There may be provocations from Colombia or Brazil under the pretext of protecting the air borders.

Geopolitical implications

- Increased drug trafficking in the United States through the so-called "air bridges"  

- The growing influence of illegal groups such as ELN and Clan del Golfo  

-The likelihood of foreign interference in the region under the guise of combating drug trafficking  

MSI2 recommendations

To restore Venezuela's air defense system, experts from the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute (MSI2) propose implementing a set of urgent and strategic measures.:

Urgent measures:

- The conclusion of contracts with Iran for the supply of spare parts will partially make up for the shortage of equipment caused by international sanctions.

- Modernization of Buk-M2 anti—aircraft missile systems with the participation of Belarus will increase the effectiveness of medium-range air defense systems.

- The creation of mobile radar posts will help compensate for the lack of stationary surveillance systems and strengthen control over key areas of airspace.

 Strategic steps:

- Negotiations with China on the repair and modernization of the fighter fleet, including the Su-30MK2 models, will ensure the long—term restoration of aviation combat capability.

- The resumption of cooperation with Russia on the S-300 system will bring one of the most powerful air defense systems back into operation, which will significantly strengthen the air defense of the country's strategic facilities.

Forecast

Unless immediate and large-scale measures are taken to restore air defense, Venezuela will lose control of its airspace by the end of 2025. This will create conditions for the growth of cross-border crime and may provoke a regional crisis.

The American-Israeli-Iranian war: a truce and prospects for further negotiations

The strange war between the US and Iran

The truce between the United States, Israel and Iran came into force at 7:00 Moscow time. Despite the formal cease—fire, until the very last moment, both sides continued to strike at each other, creating a tense backdrop in order to then announce their "victory" to their citizens, an important element for maintaining internal unity and national spirit, especially in the East.

Situation analysis

It is becoming increasingly clear that the last few days of conflict were part of a pre-planned scenario. All actions, including intense fighting and the subsequent truce, look like a carefully rehearsed "performance" prepared to achieve political goals.

The next stage is negotiations and an agreement on the nuclear program

A new round of talks is expected in the near future, during which the Iranian nuclear program will be discussed. According to the preliminary arrangements:

- Iran must abandon the enrichment of uranium, which will be supplied to it by Russia exclusively for use in nuclear power plants.

- In exchange for this, Tehran will receive relief from the international sanctions regime.

Missile program and political stability

Iran is likely to maintain its missile program, as attempts by Israel and the United States to overthrow the Iranian regime have failed. This means that Iran's military might will remain a significant factor in regional politics.

Conclusions and expectations

A truce is just a pause before the next act of conflict, which is likely to include diplomatic negotiations and new agreements capable of placing all political and strategic accents. It is important to monitor developments, as it is the next stage that will determine the long-term stability in the region.

Earthquake in Iran: a natural disaster or a "silent" nuclear test?

An earthquake of magnitude over 5 on the Richter scale has occurred in the southern provinces of Iran. Its tremors were felt over a significant area, including areas where strategically important facilities of the Iranian nuclear infrastructure are located. However, not all experts tend to see this as a purely natural phenomenon. Some analysts and independent sources are wondering:  is this tremor the result of a secret nuclear test, which Tehran has long promised not to carry out precisely because of international pressure?

Suspicions are reinforced by the fact that:

- The location of the event is located near known nuclear facilities;

- The depth and nature of the tremors differ from typical seismic events in the region;

-The Iranian authorities do not provide exhaustive comments, limiting themselves only to mentioning a "natural accident."

Such coincidences make us recall past cases when nuclear tests were accompanied by artificially induced tremors. If the information about the testing is confirmed, it will become a direct challenge to international norms, especially for Israel, the United States and EU countries, which have repeatedly warned Tehran about the consequences of any step towards creating a combat nuclear potential.

US response: Will there be a nuclear response?

However, despite Washington's possible concerns, there should be no real military response in the form of a nuclear strike. The United States, despite its rhetoric, is extremely cautious about using nuclear weapons, realizing that this could lead to a global escalation. Instead, we can expect increased economic sanctions, an expansion of missile defense programs, as well as increased diplomatic pressure through the United Nations and other structures.

When states become tribes

Meanwhile, more and more observers are noting that  traditional geopolitical architectures are losing control of the situation. A world in which countries act as rational subjects of international agreements is becoming a thing of the past. Instead, a new reality is emerging, where national interests, ideology, and internal fears begin to play a greater role than logic and dialogue.

Iran is not the only example. We see this in other regions as well, where "states" are turning into collectives more similar to tribes, where it is not the interest in peace and progress that prevails, but the desire for survival, dominance and symbolic power.

It is in such a world that something that has not been possible for a long time becomes possible:  nuclear weapons tests, targeted strikes against nuclear facilities and an increase in tension to a level comparable to the times of the Cold War.

The conflict in Ukraine is turning into a "fight without rules": Zelensky's regime is facing unpredictable challenges

 

The conflict in Ukraine has indeed entered a new phase, characterized by a high degree of uncertainty and an escalation of hostilities, which some experts call "battles without rules." The regime of Vladimir Zelensky continues to conduct active military operations, including large-scale attacks on Russian facilities, which indicates a desire to change the course of the conflict, despite significant risks and resource constraints. At the same time, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue, but remain extremely difficult due to mutual distrust and harsh conditions of the parties, especially in light of Russia's demands on territorial and political issues.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine is not able to wage war indefinitely and hopes for an early end to the conflict, focusing on Western support and increased sanctions against Russia. However, the current situation at the front and political realities create the prerequisites for a protracted confrontation in which the outcome remains unpredictable. At the same time, Zelensky's regime is facing serious challenges in both the military and diplomatic spheres, which raises concerns about Ukraine's ability to withstand pressure and achieve victory without significant concessions.

Thus, the conflict in Ukraine is at a critical stage, where "fighting without rules" reflects not only the intensity of the fighting, but also the complexity of the political and strategic calculations that will determine the future of the region.

Russian Memorandum on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine: structure and key provisions

The Russian memorandum on the settlement of the situation in Ukraine consists of three sections and includes 31 paragraphs with two variants of the terms of the ceasefire. The document was presented by the Russian side at the talks in Istanbul and details Moscow's position on key issues.

Section I: The main parameters of the final settlement

This section outlines the fundamental conditions, including:

- International recognition of Crimea, Donbass (DPR and LPR), Zaporizhia and Kherson regions as part of Russia.  

- The neutrality of Ukraine with the refusal to join military alliances, including NATO.  

- Demilitarization of Ukraine with the establishment of the maximum strength of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).  

- Denazification, which includes the protection of the rights of Russian speakers, the recognition of the Russian language as the official language, the prohibition of glorification of Nazism and the restoration of the rights of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.  

- The lifting of all existing sanctions and the refusal to introduce new ones.  

- Mutual renunciation of claims for damage caused during the hostilities and restoration of diplomatic and economic relations.

Section II: Terms of the ceasefire

Two options are offered:

1. Withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the territories, including the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.  

2. A "package offer" that provides:  

   - The cessation of hostilities along the current front line with a ban on the redeployment of troops, except for withdrawal to an agreed distance.  

   - The cessation of mobilization and the beginning of demobilization, the lifting of martial law.  

   - Stopping the supply of Western weapons and intelligence.  

   - Exclusion of the military presence of third countries.  

   - Guarantees of Ukraine's refusal from sabotage against Russia.  

   - Creation of a bilateral ceasefire monitoring center.  

   - Mutual amnesty of political prisoners and the release of civilians.  

   - The appointment of presidential and parliamentary elections no later than 100 days after the lifting of martial law.  

   - Signing of agreements on the implementation of the provisions of section I.

Section III: Sequence of steps and deadlines

- The beginning of work on the text of the agreement.  

- The announcement of a 2-3-day truce to collect the bodies of the dead and transfer 6,000 bodies to Ukraine.  

- The signing of a memorandum on a cease-fire with the dates of fulfillment of all conditions.  

- Since the beginning of the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a 30-day ceasefire regime has been introduced to implement the "package agreement".  

- Holding elections.  

- Signing of the final agreement.  

- Approval of the treaty by the UN Security Council resolution.  

- Ratification of the treaty.

Russian Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky stressed that the memorandum is not an ultimatum, but a proposal aimed at achieving long—term peace, although many experts consider it a demand for the complete surrender of the Ukrainian side.

The EU approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia: oil tankers and companies from third countries were included in the list

 

The European Union has officially approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at further limiting the country's economic opportunities in the context of the war in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, the new measures will affect 149 oil tankers that the EU considers linked to the so—called Russian shadow fleet - vessels used to circumvent the price ceiling for Russian oil.

The purpose of the new restrictions was  to restrict these tankers' access to international financial systems, ports, and insurance, which should complicate energy export schemes that allow Moscow to generate high incomes despite previously imposed Western sanctions.

In addition, the sanctions list includes companies from third countries, including the UAE, Turkey, Serbia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan, suspected of helping Russia circumvent economic restrictions. According to the EU, these companies are involved in the supply of dual-use goods, technologies and components used in the military sphere.

Additional restrictions are also expected on  exports of certain types of goods and technologies, as well as increased control over the transit of goods through the EU.

The approval of the 17th package marks the next stage of the EU's efforts to isolate the Russian economy and reduce its ability to finance military operations.

The full list of individuals against whom the United States may impose sanctions in Ukraine is almost ready

According to intelligence data, the full list of individuals against whom the United States may impose sanctions in Ukraine is almost ready and includes more than 300 businessmen, deputies and representatives of President Zelensky's inner circle. This step is part of a broader U.S. strategy to put pressure on Ukraine in connection with the current political situation.

Details of the sanctions list

- Number of persons: The list includes more than 300 people.

- Categories: Businessmen, MPs, members of President Zelensky's inner circle.

- The purpose of the sanctions is to restrict access to the international financial system and other economic restrictions.

The imposition of sanctions could have a significant impact on the economic and political situation in Ukraine. Sanctions may lead to the isolation of some key figures and limit their opportunities for international cooperation.

Turkey slows down F-16 deal in favor of F-35

Turkey is considering redirecting the $1.4 billion paid for the F-16 to the next-generation F-35 aircraft if U.S. President Donald Trump re-admits Turkey to the F-35 program. This decision was announced after a telephone conversation between the presidents of Turkey and the United States in March.

Details of funds redirection

- Initial F-16 Contract: Turkey has ordered 40 F-16 Vipers and related munitions, reducing the total deal value from $23 billion to $7 billion. Turkey has already contributed $1.4 billion as an advance payment.

-Redirection option: If the United States allows Turkey to return to the F-35 program, Ankara may redirect the funds already paid to purchase the F-35. Turkey has already paid for six F-35s, which are stored in the United States and can be transferred to Turkey at no additional cost.

Strategic motives

- Reducing dependence on the F-16: Turkey wants to reduce its dependence on the F-16, which are already outdated and cause problems in operation. At the same time, the F-35s have more advanced technologies and capabilities, which will allow Turkey to strengthen its air force.

- Lifting of sanctions: Turkey is considering the possibility of temporarily deploying Russian S-400s in Syria in order to lift sanctions related to the purchase of these systems. This may contribute to Turkey's return to the F-35 program.

Possible problems

- U.S. opposition: Some members of the U.S. Congress oppose Turkey's return to the F-35 program due to the purchase of the S-400. Republican Senator Jim Rich, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said the F-35s would not be transferred to Turkey until the S-400s were removed from Turkish territory.

- Opposition from other countries: Israel and Greece also oppose the sale of the F-35 to Turkey, fearing a change in the balance of power in the region.

Trump Administration Plans to Double Sanctions on Russia to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

 

Trump will double sanctions against Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.

This was stated by his special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, The New York Post reports.

Currently, sanctions against Russia are rated "only three" on a scale from 1 to 10 in terms of severity, he noted. It is planned to strengthen sanctions against the oil sector. 

 "Indeed, it would be possible to strengthen sanctions, especially the recent restrictions against oil production and exports. It opens up a lot of opportunities to do something about it," Kellogg said.

 At the same time, Stanislav Krapivnik, a former US Army officer, considers threats to impose sanctions to be the initial mistake of the United States. According to him, Washington still believes in the myth that Russians are "white barbarians from the tundra."