Here’s the most dangerous concession to Putin in Trump’s peace plan

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/04/24/trump-ukraine-russia-crimea-stimson/

Accepting Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea would upend a core tenet of U.S. foreign policy.

In its well intentioned but rushed and ham-handed attempts to end the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration is flirting with disaster. Apparently, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, has crafted a peace plan after traveling to Moscow for three lengthy meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin — but never once going to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The one-sided plan is now being presented to the Ukrainians on a “take it or leave it” basis, with Trump on Wednesday writing online that Zelensky “can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.”

Wristwatch electronic Shabbos

Igros Moshe (OC V #22. 25) Question Is it required to cover the buttons on an electronic watch on Shabbos which constantly shows the time even without pushing the button and is it permitted to move it on Shabbos? Answer  It is permitted to move it and the buttons do not need to be covered. The need for some reminder or cover is only for an actual fire because of concern it might be tilted to burn better. That is why there is no need for a light switch on the wall. However if you might push the button on the watch it is best to cover it or make some reminder on the button

Trump accuses Zelensky of sabotaging U.S. peace plan for Ukraine

 https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/trump-attack-zelensky-response-ukraine-peace-plan

A source close to the Ukrainian government told Axios that Kyiv sees Trump's proposal as heavily biased toward Russia, with Moscow getting clear-cut wins and Kyiv only vague promises.

Giggling Putin Pals Celebrate Trump’s ‘Shocking’ Ukraine Surrender

 https://www.thedailybeast.com/giggling-putin-pals-celebrate-trumps-shocking-ukraine-surrender/

The generosity of President Trump’s unprecedented Ukraine peace proposal has stunned and delighted the Kremlin’s premier propagandists. Instead of the supposed Art of the Deal, they are celebrating President Putin’s “art of the steal.”

On Wednesday, state TV show 60 Minutes broadcast the clips of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on repeat. The Russian networks are thrilled with their words, which carry an enormous propaganda value for the Kremlin. Writer Sergey Strokan marveled, “Who could have imagined this?” Beaming ear-to-ear, host Olga Skabeeva replied, “No one ever—they can’t believe it even now—if you’re talking about Donald Trump. It’s shocking, it really is. Completely incredible!”

Trump criticises Zelensky as Ukraine refuses Russian control of Crimea BBC agrees with NY Post!

 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78jx68d922o

Recognising Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea would not only be politically impossible for Zelensky to accept, it would also be contrary to post-war international legal norms that borders should not be changed by force.

He has consistently rejected the suggestion that his country give up its claim to the Crimean Peninsula.

"There's nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution," he said.

Why Ukraine is in an impossible spot with the White House peace deal

 https://nypost.com/2025/04/23/opinion/why-ukraine-is-in-an-impossible-spot-with-the-white-house-peace-deal/

Bottom line: Trump is asking Zelensky to make massive national-security concessions while abandoning hopes of a more realistic treaty and concrete security that might make such concessions strategically tenable — and allow him to try and sell the Ukrainian people on the bargain.

Trump can’t simply blame the war on Joe Biden and wash his hands of responsibility for what happens on his watch.

Trump’s Ukraine Ultimatum

 https://www.wsj.com/opinion/russia-ukraine-settlement-donald-trump-ultimatum-vladimir-putin-volodymyr-zelensky-87eb20b8

The President puts pressure only on one side—not on Russia.

President Trump on Wednesday unleashed another broadside against Ukraine, and his dislike for President Volodymyr Zelensky isn’t news. But what matters to U.S. interests—and Mr. Trump’s Presidency—are the terms of a negotiated settlement. Mr. Trump’s current offer looks more like an ultimatum than grounds for a durable peace.

“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process,” Vice President JD Vance said from India on Wednesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sounded similar notes last week, and by “walking away” the Administration seems to mean abandoning Ukraine to Vladimir Putin’s designs.

Trump will pay a 'heavy political price' if he abandons Ukraine, WSJ editorial board warns

China sees 'world's biggest clown' Trump as most economically incoherent president

Trump now a 'historic failure' in 100 days: WashPo's Milbank on Trump slump & legal losses

‘Trump chickened out’: Chinese social media mocks Trump on trade

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DOGE loses its biggest advocate as Musk exits Washington

 https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/23/elon-musk-doge-trump-00306673

Elon Musk’s claim that his job in Washington is “mostly done” may calm Tesla shareholders — but his departure could sap the Department of Government Efficiency of its disruptive energy even as it continues to make major cuts to the federal workforce.

In an effort to reassure rattled Tesla shareholders after a bruising first-quarter earnings call, Musk told investors this week that his around-the-clock involvement in DOGE will soon be scaled back to just a day or two per week.

Trump’s Faith Adviser Says Women Should ‘Submit’ to Men in Bonkers Rant

 https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-faith-adviser-says-women-should-submit-to-men-in-bonkers-rant/

President Donald Trump in February signed an executive order establishing a White House Faith Office, pledging to “bring religion back” to the United States and “protect Christians.”

He appointed White, his longtime spiritual adviser, to lead the initiative. The two first connected in 2002, when Trump called her after watching one of her televised sermons.

Hegseth creates makeup studio in Pentagon

 https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5263819-hegseth-makeup-studio-pentagon/

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has refurbished a green room as a makeup studio in the Pentagon for high-ranking officials to prepare before on-camera appearances

CBS News reported that the refurbishment cost several thousand dollars, which the Pentagon denied in a post on the social platform X. Officials said they were modest when making the changes to the space.

“For this upgrade we were deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand material solutions that provide the Secretary and other VIPs the needed support and space for on-camera press engagements,” the spokesperson added.