Who ate all the Minsk pies?

Steve Witkoff. A man with a dubious plan and a Gulfstream jet.

Applying some bargaining theory to negotiations and peace plans.

A quick appraisal of recent political developments in Georgia. And a short postscript on the 28-point plans (now we have two of them).

A few extra thoughts on the dubious peace plan.

On the leaked 28-point 'peace plan' and why it is an insult to Europeans. It's OK to be angry. FREE TO READ

Follow the silences, always.

America considers letting Lukashenka get up off the naughty step. A comment on Belarus-US relations and sanctions.

A belated comment on September's joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise, Zapad-2025.

Why Trump's policy towards US allies in the Asia-Pacific may prove his greatest act of self-harm.

Carlo Masala offers a succinct and engaging future scenario in which NATO responds inadequately to a Russian attack. It is scary because it is highly plausible.

'A big shift' or not? Reading between the lines. THIS POST IS FREE TO READ

Moldovans go to the polls next Sunday, in a parliamentary vote that could introduce greater instability to the country.

What has Donald Trump achieved with his peace-making efforts? He exaggerates 'bigly' but in one, maybe two conflicts I think he deserves some credit.

Xi Jinping's held a military spectacle. Does it foreshadow bigger troubles for the West?

The US has taken increased interest in Turkmenistan recently. In Russia officials watch on nervously.

Following Vladimir Putin's 'red carpet' treatment in Alaska, it is now Volodomyr Zelenskyy's turn to meet the US president.

A little more about the Trump-Putin Alaska summit happening today. Dashed off over lunch.

Jangled nerves surround Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's summit in Alaska, with many people fearing Trump will look to sell-out Ukraine. Is the push for peace actually going anywhere?

Trump still likes Putin, even if the Russian president is making life harder for the White House to maintain its stance on Ukraine.

A US delegation went to Minsk. It gave Lukashenka a photo opportunity, the US something to crow about, and caused a headache for everyone else.