The “enemies of peace.” Opinion.

While listening to a podcast this morning, one of the journalists, in the context of the Russia/Ukraine war, made a comment that rang true: “the enemies of peace.” He was referring to the EU leadership making negative demands about US president Trump’s peace plan. Though there are many, many lies and propaganda to the contrary, Russia has virtually won the conflict after 4 years of non-stop bloodshed.  

One only needs to take a cursory glance at social media to see “Ukraine patriots”, US neocon politicians, EU “leaders” and NAFO (North Atlantic Fella Organization) swarming with posts for president Zelenski to never surrender, to continue to fight for democracy, freedom and sovereignty. There are even posts claiming Zelenski is the present-day Winston Churchill and calls for his nomination for the Nobel Peace prize! What is most absurd is NATO leaders attempting to throw a wrench into the peace talks, some claiming, like Germany, that they will send troops to the Russian border. This of course is absurd and will only lead us to WWIII. 

In May 2022, former UK PM Boris Johnson while visiting Kiev and meeting Zelenski, persuaded the Ukrainian president to abandon the peace agreements and push on with the war, allegedly giving him assurances that the western world will have his back in terms of cash and weapons. Zelenski agreed and 3 years later it is estimated that over a million people on both sides are dead or wounded. As of June 30, 2025, the combined sum of money given to Ukraine from the US and EU amounts to over $287 billion. This does not include massive military machinery and bombs given to them over an 11-year period.  

Despite this egregious loss of both Russian and Ukrainian lives, EU “leaders” are pushing for Ukraine to continue fighting without offering anything substantial. These elites deeply desire the carnage to continue by pushing the lie that Putin will not stop at Ukraine and attempt world domination. This is lame propaganda to gain public support to extend the slaughter. Another reason is this war is a giant money laundering exercise; an eternal money pit where the wealthy get richer by way of the death of thousands of human beings. 

What I find hilarious, and ridiculous is these European leaders and neocon pundits making demands of the Russians, drawing up guidelines, wanting Ukraine to have NATO membership! (One of the reasons Russia went to war in the first place.) Whether it is naivety or intended stupidity, these warmonger freaks should know that in war the victor makes the rules and certainly not the defeated. It is fact, Ukraine has lost this war.  

Those with half a brain know this to be a proxy war between US/NATO and the Russian Federation. A war using Ukrainian lives. Indeed, economic sanction on Russia has failed. More significantly, Russia has won on the battlefield, ensuring a national security buffer zone along its border. Ukraine is running out of men to fight, and the desertion rate is immense.  

 Despite knowing these facts, the “enemies of peace” continue to scream foul when the siren has already announced the end of the game.   

Peace for Russia and Ukraine is way overdue.  

Leonardo da Vinci Continues to Reveal His Secrets.

 

Musings on Art.

The above da Vinci drawing is titled, "The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist." (16th century) The drawing is now placed in the National Gallery of London. 

This drawing has always been a point of contention between art scholars and historians. 

 

Why? 

 

To understand the argument, we must first place the drawing in its historical (literary) context. 

St. Anne is the mother of the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth was Mary's cousin thus the connection between the Son of God and the Great prophet. 

In the scene depicted, we see St. Anne and the Virgin Mary looking as if one person, seemingly one body. 

 

Mary is on the left and St. Anne on the right with the baby, John the Baptist. 

St. Anne is pointing her finger upward towards the heavens, the first of many similar images in da Vinci's work. The baby St. John is seeing something as he looks in the Lord's direction. It is a curious gaze, as John appears to be adoring the Son, yet is there more he's seeing? 

 

According to the Mirror of Sacred Scriptures website: guidelines for the placement of mirrors which reveal hidden faces, symbols, and subjects in drawings and paintings during the Renaissance period, as some paintings are rife with symbolism. When placing a mirror towards the sightline of John the Baptist, reveals an image of extraordinary power and somewhat terrifying.  

 

Some critics and historians believe the 'man' is wearing a Papal Tiara, which Popes and Cardinals have worn in the late past and continue to wear in present time. Others simply brush this phenomenon off as pure lunacy. However, the image is real and quite distinctive. 

 

Eventually this drawing, a practice session for the genius, became "The Virgin Child with St. Anne." where the Lord reaches for a lamb, and His cousin (John the Baptist) removed from the scene. 

 

This original image was rejected thus the Master re- painted the subject matter to suit the will of his patron. 

 

One is astounded at the amount of symbolism in Renaissance art. 

One can sit for hours viewing a print of this time and spot little gnomes, angels etc., hidden in the bushes or on top of the buildings. 

 

The question we must ask is why "The Virgin and Child and John the Baptist" was rejected for a little less interesting "The Virgin Child with St. Anne"? 

 

I would venture to say, theological politics had much to do with it. 

 

A wonderful image rich with symbolism.