NOTE: This report was written last night, before the news flashed across my screen of Poland’s military defenses having shot down Russian drones that had penetrated Polish airspace. In the context of that event, this article may seem less significant. But in fact, all actions ordered by Vladimir Putin, and all statements issued by him and members of his inner circle, should be viewed cumulatively. He does nothing, and says nothing, without a reason.

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The “horse” in this case is none other than everyone’s favorite press secretary, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. And the most recent proclamation from his lips could not have been clearer:

He said that sanctions are not working . . . and they never will.

On Friday, September 5th, Donald Trump issued another of his empty threats, saying that he would get the war settled “or there’ll be hell to pay.” [Guy Faulconbridge and Anastasia Teterevleva, Reuters, September 8, 2025.]

On Monday, September 8th, the United States and the European Union announced that they were considering additional economic restrictions against Russia in the ongoing effort to force Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table and bring an end to his war against Ukraine.

But on the same day, Peskov told a Kremlin reporter:

“No sanctions will be able to force the Russian Federation to change the consistent position that our president has repeatedly spoken about.” And he added that sanctions had “turned out to be absolutely useless in terms of exerting pressure on Russia.” [Id.]

Putin himself has said that the Russian economy has endured well, growing faster than those of G7 countries. He has ordered businesses and officials to defy the sanctions in every way possible. [Id.]

Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European allies continue to say they do not think Putin is serious about peace. [Id.]

Well . . . no sh*t, Sherlock!!

What do you suppose their first clue was? The strike on the main government building in Kyiv?

Or the 24 civilians killed, and as many more injured, by a Russian glide bomb attack on the village of Yarova in the eastern region of Donetsk on Tuesday night?

Short of declaring war on Russia, the U.S. and EU countries are doing everything in their power to put a stop to the madness. But as long as Russia’s allies — China, North Korea, Iran, India, and even a few right-leaning European countries — continue to support his war effort by refusing to cut off trade relations, Putin is determined to carry on his march through Ukraine, keeping his country running on a wartime economy.

And what are our options?

Seriously . . . I’m asking: What are our options? Does anyone know?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/10/25