It’s just wrong. Zelyenskyy a DICTATOR? Ukraine shouldn’t have started the war? Spoken by Trump, his agents, repeat and repeat — that does not make these lies true. What I’m seeing and hearing of this administration’s position on Ukraine, slamming Zelyenskyy, and supporting Putin and mouthing his words, it’s disgusting beyond belief.

Try reaching Department of Defense — the contact form does not work, there’s no “captcha” but it says my “captcha” was wrong, try again! Try finding a phone number — from PR, got this: (703) 697-5131 and left a message. Dept. of State was a little easier, (202) 647-6575, or secretary@state.gov So these, in addition to “our” Representatives and Senators, right? And the White House — got through to a recording on Comment line today — but only when connected by the Switchboard: 202-456-1414 so try that first (the Comment line, 202-456-1111 still is not working).

Trump echoes Russia as he upends US position on Ukraine

Trump says Ukraine started the war that’s killing its citizens. What are the facts?

Trump aide tells Zelenskyy to ‘tone it down’ as US envoy cancels Kyiv press conference – Europe live

Extortion much? Access to Ukraine’s minerals??

Trump’s latest broadside against Zelensky came after the Ukrainian leader publicly rejected an American bid to gain access to – and profits from – Ukrainian minerals. Also from the BBC:

“That’s not a serious conversation,” Zelensky said. “I can’t sell our state.”

BBC News; Kyiv needs to rein in criticism of US, White House security adviser says

White House National Security Adviser Michael Waltz says Ukraine needs to rein in its criticism of the US, as Washington tries to secure a peace deal to end the war.

“It’s unacceptable, they [Ukraine] need to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal,” he tells Fox News. The deal he is referring to is a push by Donald Trump for access to rare minerals in Ukraine in return for aid, or even as compensation for the support the US has already provided.

“We presented the Ukrainians really an incredible, and a historic opportunity,” the adviser says, adding that it would be “sustainable” and “the best” security guarantee they could hope for.

Zelensky has publicly rejected an American bid to gain access to – and profit from – Ukrainian minerals, saying: “I can’t sell our state.”

But he says that the two countries can reconcile their differences.

Check out “The Order of the Day,” by Eric Vuillard (many affordable options at abebooks.com):

Trump’s extortion, Ukraine’s minerals for US support, is right out of Hitler’s playbook. In “The Order of the Day, there’s a similar scene of extortion where the head of Austria was invited to meet with Hitler, and Hitler “offered” not to invade Austria if Hitler’s minions were put in major offices in Austria. He stalled, hemmed and hawed, under extreme pressure of Goebbels & crew, and ultimately “agreed.” Shortly afterward, Hitler “invaded” though the “invasion” was a slo-mo attack of broken down tanks, and not exactly a show of military strength.

Vance poses immigrants as ‘greatest threat’ to US and Europe in CPAC speech

US vice-president also reaffirmed the administration’s Ukraine stance at largest conservative voters conference

And Vance’s rant on Twit