CDL Associates
@cdlassociates.bsky.social
Watching the Clash of Civilizations, the Fall of Russia and the U.S. Four decades of Foreign Policy & International Security, Intelligence, Crude Oil, Energy. Inside knowledge. All retired or not much.
Reposted by CDL Associates
I don't think this is actually a close call, as swapping your fake Guyanese flag for a Russian one once the US begins pursuit would appear to be an exemplar scenario for when you lose protection under UNCLOS
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
January 7, 2026 at 1:49 PM
I don't think this is actually a close call, as swapping your fake Guyanese flag for a Russian one once the US begins pursuit would appear to be an exemplar scenario for when you lose protection under UNCLOS
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
"United Nations"? Is this a joke?
UN Human Rights: US military intervention in Venezuela violates the country’s sovereignty and the UN charter, while damaging the foundations of international security, making every country less safe.
January 7, 2026 at 2:21 PM
"United Nations"? Is this a joke?
His bodyguards, service personnel, and their children. Perhaps it is a church at one of his residences; he is unlikely to visit a military base where something could accidentally fly in.
⚡️ Ukraine war latest live: Russia 'trying to accumulate resources' in Luhansk Oblast forest.
Ukraine war latest updates: Putin spent Orthodox Christmas at military base church, independent Russian media says (4)
Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in...
kyivindependent.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM
His bodyguards, service personnel, and their children. Perhaps it is a church at one of his residences; he is unlikely to visit a military base where something could accidentally fly in.
Reposted by CDL Associates
LOL Finland says detained cargo ship Fitburg may resume voyage after fixes - Caliber.Az quoting Russian Interfax
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
Finland says detained cargo ship Fitburg may resume voyage after fixes | Caliber.Az
Finnish transport authorities have said that the cargo vessel Fitburg, which was detained on suspicion of damaging an underwater telecommunications cable in...
caliber.az
January 7, 2026 at 1:55 PM
LOL Finland says detained cargo ship Fitburg may resume voyage after fixes - Caliber.Az quoting Russian Interfax
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
Reposted by CDL Associates
"Reuters reports that U.S. special forces have likely already seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic. The operation is supported by U.S. and British surveillance aircraft, including KC-135T Stratotankers and P-8 Poseidons. "
January 7, 2026 at 1:42 PM
"Reuters reports that U.S. special forces have likely already seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic. The operation is supported by U.S. and British surveillance aircraft, including KC-135T Stratotankers and P-8 Poseidons. "
Back in 2023, we've been saying (not here) that effective response to Russia would be elimination of its allied regimes in Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Africa. Listen, this is a world war, as we also said back then, and it was (and still is) not the time to whine >>>
January 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Back in 2023, we've been saying (not here) that effective response to Russia would be elimination of its allied regimes in Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Africa. Listen, this is a world war, as we also said back then, and it was (and still is) not the time to whine >>>
Reposted by CDL Associates
Aktuell sind in jeder größeren Stadt im Iran massive Proteste und die Regimesöldner haben kaum noch eine Chance einzugreifen. An vielen Orten sieht es aus wie hier in Maschhad wo Regimesöldner mit Schlägen vertrieben und danach ihre Motorräder unter den Füßen zertrampelt werden.
#IranProtests
#IranProtests
January 7, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Aktuell sind in jeder größeren Stadt im Iran massive Proteste und die Regimesöldner haben kaum noch eine Chance einzugreifen. An vielen Orten sieht es aus wie hier in Maschhad wo Regimesöldner mit Schlägen vertrieben und danach ihre Motorräder unter den Füßen zertrampelt werden.
#IranProtests
#IranProtests
Reposted by CDL Associates
Islamic regime buildings have been set on fire in Fardis, west of Tehran.
January 6, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Islamic regime buildings have been set on fire in Fardis, west of Tehran.
Reposted by CDL Associates
The Iranian protests have now spread to 120 cities.
January 6, 2026 at 8:28 PM
The Iranian protests have now spread to 120 cities.
Will it become the Caribbean Crisis #2?
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
Why does this matter? It heightens tensions between U.S. and Russia. Trump says there's a naval blockade on Venezuela’s oil exports and will stop sanctioned vessels. These 3 ships were recently in Venezuela, under U.S. sanctions, and now fly Russian flag. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/w...
Russia Sends Naval Vessel to Escort Oil Tanker U.S. Is Pursuing
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Will it become the Caribbean Crisis #2?
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
Reposted by CDL Associates
Russia is still getting Starlink despite sanctions, @nordsint.bsky.social reveals. Records show the gear is routed through Netherlands, UAE, and Hong Kong, often using false manufacturer details. Workarounds keep Starlink running for Russian military in Ukraine. nordsint.org/2026/01/06/a...
A Mistake in the Declarations: Russian Starlink Procurement Traced via Conformity Filings
Throughout 2025, Russian companies and vendors continued to import Starlink products. These systems often reach the battlefield in Ukraine, providing the Russian military with vital communications capabilities, particularly in frontline areas where internet networks are degraded or unavailable. This has occurred despite western sanctions and Elon Musk's official position that SpaceX does not "directly or [...]
nordsint.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:53 AM
Russia is still getting Starlink despite sanctions, @nordsint.bsky.social reveals. Records show the gear is routed through Netherlands, UAE, and Hong Kong, often using false manufacturer details. Workarounds keep Starlink running for Russian military in Ukraine. nordsint.org/2026/01/06/a...
Reposted by CDL Associates
The US coast guard is currently chasing the now Russian-flagged and sanctioned oil tanker Mariners in the North Atlantic. It is suspected that it will soon be boarded.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 PM
The US coast guard is currently chasing the now Russian-flagged and sanctioned oil tanker Mariners in the North Atlantic. It is suspected that it will soon be boarded.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Warner: "Nothing would lead to the absolute destruction of NATO more than US aggressive action against a longtime ally like Denmark"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
January 6, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Warner: "Nothing would lead to the absolute destruction of NATO more than US aggressive action against a longtime ally like Denmark"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
Reposted by CDL Associates
Iran’s unrest is escalating. In Abadan, security forces reportedly refused to disperse protesters and instead joined them. The Times reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is preparing a contingency plan to flee with his family to Moscow if the situation spirals out of control.
January 6, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Iran’s unrest is escalating. In Abadan, security forces reportedly refused to disperse protesters and instead joined them. The Times reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is preparing a contingency plan to flee with his family to Moscow if the situation spirals out of control.
Zero value. This has no significance for achieving peace in Ukraine.
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Paris Declaration - Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine
The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the United States have convened today in Paris.
www.elysee.fr
January 6, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Zero value. This has no significance for achieving peace in Ukraine.
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Jared Kushner: Donald Trump is relying, among other things, on his conversations with Vladimir Putin when developing security guarantees for Ukraine.
😂🤥
😂🤥
January 6, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Jared Kushner: Donald Trump is relying, among other things, on his conversations with Vladimir Putin when developing security guarantees for Ukraine.
😂🤥
😂🤥
'And our friends are all aboard
Many more of them live next door
And the band begins to play'
We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine
🍾🥂🎷🎸🪗🎺🥁
Many more of them live next door
And the band begins to play'
We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine
🍾🥂🎷🎸🪗🎺🥁
UK and France sign declaration of intent to send forces to Ukraine in event of peace deal
UK and France sign declaration of intent to send forces to Ukraine in event of peace deal
The UK and France have signed a joint declaration pledging to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, to guarantee the nation's security.
news.sky.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:29 PM
'And our friends are all aboard
Many more of them live next door
And the band begins to play'
We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine
🍾🥂🎷🎸🪗🎺🥁
Many more of them live next door
And the band begins to play'
We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine
🍾🥂🎷🎸🪗🎺🥁
Reposted by CDL Associates
When will European leaders admit there won't be a peace deal, unless Russian forces are defeated in Ukraine? They have now spent almost a year talking about deploying forces after a deal, while Putin grinds forward - slowly, but without showing any interest in peace. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
UK and France would send troops to Ukraine in event of peace deal, Starmer says after Paris talks
Officials from the
www.bbc.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 7:15 PM
When will European leaders admit there won't be a peace deal, unless Russian forces are defeated in Ukraine? They have now spent almost a year talking about deploying forces after a deal, while Putin grinds forward - slowly, but without showing any interest in peace. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
😂 For how long?
🇵🇱 Tusk: After the meeting in Paris, unity between Europe and the US on Ukraine appears to be assured.
January 6, 2026 at 7:15 PM
😂 For how long?
We said it a hundred times: this is a completely pointless exercise, a waste of time. Putin stated again and again: no Western troops neither before nor after the ceasefire (otherwise the war will continue). How do you intend to force Putin to agree? By imposing sanctions against tankers in May?
⚡️ Zelensky, UK, France sign declaration on multinational force deployment in Ukraine post-war.
The news comes as Zelensky met with European leaders and U.S. envoys in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, part of Washington's renewed efforts to broker a peace deal with Moscow.
The news comes as Zelensky met with European leaders and U.S. envoys in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, part of Washington's renewed efforts to broker a peace deal with Moscow.
Zelensky signs declaration with France, UK on multinational force deployment in Ukraine post-war
President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Jan. 6 signed a declaration of intent for a post-war deployment of a multinational force in U...
kyivindependent.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:13 PM
We said it a hundred times: this is a completely pointless exercise, a waste of time. Putin stated again and again: no Western troops neither before nor after the ceasefire (otherwise the war will continue). How do you intend to force Putin to agree? By imposing sanctions against tankers in May?
Reposted by CDL Associates
It is an absolutely appalling situation. A friend told me about the evacuation of a care home in his neighbourhood. Old frail people being forced out into the snow. Inexcusable.
Incredible how little attention this is getting outside Germany. "In its third full day, a ... power failure in Berlin resulting from an arson attack...tens of thousands...making do without heat, electricity, cellphone service & warm food or drinks." www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/w...
Thousands in Berlin Go Days Without Power and Cell Service After Cables Are Set on Fire
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:44 PM
It is an absolutely appalling situation. A friend told me about the evacuation of a care home in his neighbourhood. Old frail people being forced out into the snow. Inexcusable.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Russia is now producing over 400 Shahed drones per day, Ukraine’s Commander‑in‑Chief General Syrskyi says. He added that Russia has formed dedicated unmanned systems forces of about 80,000 troops, with plans to expand to 165,500 in 2026 and nearly 210,000 by 2030.
January 6, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Russia is now producing over 400 Shahed drones per day, Ukraine’s Commander‑in‑Chief General Syrskyi says. He added that Russia has formed dedicated unmanned systems forces of about 80,000 troops, with plans to expand to 165,500 in 2026 and nearly 210,000 by 2030.
"The future of Greenland should be determined solely by its people and Denmark."
😂 The door is open for negotiations between Greenland/Denmark and the US, the rest of Europe washed its hands of it.
😂 The door is open for negotiations between Greenland/Denmark and the US, the rest of Europe washed its hands of it.
January 6, 2026 at 4:10 PM
"The future of Greenland should be determined solely by its people and Denmark."
😂 The door is open for negotiations between Greenland/Denmark and the US, the rest of Europe washed its hands of it.
😂 The door is open for negotiations between Greenland/Denmark and the US, the rest of Europe washed its hands of it.
It may be unpleasant to hear, but we have seen nothing on the US-Greenland issue except emotional expressions of indignation, protest, some strange appeals that mistake wishful thinking for reality. Not useful. It gives no solution.
>>>
>>>
January 6, 2026 at 3:59 PM
It may be unpleasant to hear, but we have seen nothing on the US-Greenland issue except emotional expressions of indignation, protest, some strange appeals that mistake wishful thinking for reality. Not useful. It gives no solution.
>>>
>>>