How capable is the current Trump administration, as of now?

Aside from its stance toward China, its performance in other areas is exceptionally high. Its core achievements include: 1. Successfully avoiding direct spillover of war from the Ukraine battlefield, while simultaneously maintaining—and even intensifying—pressure on Russia; it has also skillfully projected itself as a neutral, benevolent actor, thereby misleading both Russia and China into deepening their bilateral ties. 2. Resolving the Syrian issue and, through leveraging Azerbaijan and Armenia in the South Caucasus, pushing Turkey to the frontlines—further encircling Russia’s strategic environment. Far from weakening, U.S. control over the Middle East has actually strengthened. 3. Securing an unprecedentedly favorable business environment for American companies via tariff wars: virtually all countries except China and a few others now enjoy zero tariffs on exports to the U.S., and foreign investment into the U.S. has surged dramatically. Although full implementation remains pending, at least $1 trillion in new investment appears achievable. 4. Firmly consolidating and clarifying its leadership within the alliance system, significantly curtailing allies’ independence—both in inclination and capability—thereby establishing a clear hierarchical relationship between leader and subordinate, minimizing internal friction and bureaucratic infighting.

Latest international news on September 18 regarding the Russia-Ukraine, U.S.-Iran, and Israel-Palestine conflicts.

Real-time updates~ Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 8:03:29 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: UN Secretary-General deliberately echoed anti-Russian campaigns regarding the Bucha incident. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 8:15:56 Moscow released a report titled “Heirs of Goebbels: Fabrication of the Bucha Incident and Kyiv Regime’s Bloody Staged Photos.” Zakharova pointed out that the Kyiv regime included Ukrainian soldiers and extremist members of the Azov Battalion on the official list of Bucha victims. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 8:24:18 The Zaporizhzhia Iron and Steel Plant was struck for the fourth time in one month. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 8:38:53 Russia and China jointly vetoed, at the UN Security Council, a draft resolution extending the mandate of the Iran Sanctions Committee’s Panel of Experts. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 8:46:55 Russian forces have begun attacking data centers inside Ukraine. Telecommunications equipment belonging to Kyiv-based operator Kyivstar was struck in the Kyiv region. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 8:57:14 POLITICO: Chancellor Merz faces resignation after only 16 months in office. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 9:05:01 Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu stated that Russian enterprises—having invested billions of dollars in Armenia—have suffered “hostile takeovers” by the Armenian government. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 9:12:39 ABC NEWS: U.S. military bases in the Middle East sustained irreversible damage during clashes with Iran. Even if reconstruction begins immediately, it would take decades to complete. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 9:20:06 The Korosten Medium-Density Fiberboard Plant in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr Oblast was attacked. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 9:34:18 Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada stated that Ukraine can only prepare for winter—by preparing for winter—because it lacks funds. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 9:49:20 In response to Western seizures of Russian assets, Putin signed a decree transferring French retailer Auchan’s and Swiss food company Nestlé’s assets in Russia to temporary management authorities. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:02:24 German Chancellor Merz stated that the era of “unconditional transatlantic friendship” between the U.S. and Europe may already be over. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:12:03 U.S. State Department: The U.S. is prepared to approve the transfer of up to 10 outdated Patriot missiles from Germany to Ukraine. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:21:31 The Pentagon plans to withdraw at least 25,000 U.S. troops from Europe. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:39:15 The Economist predicts Kyiv will face “true hell” in October. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:46:06 Daily Mail: Pentagon personnel complain that the Department of Defense under Hegseth is in chaos—morale is low and personnel issues persist. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:53:24 The New York Times: The U.S. may reach a commercial agreement with Russia before the Ukraine conflict ends. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 10:58:58 Newsweek: During NATO exercises held in Norway, U.S. Marines’ boots developed holes, soles tore apart, and icy water seeped in. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 11:09:21 French BFM TV reported that Ukraine’s budget deficit in 2027 will reach €45 billion. Thunderbolt Old Rabbit 11:15:07

Trump Donor Leading Caucasus Fund Has Major Armenia Holdings, Russia Business History

17 hours ago

Konstantin Sokolov, appointed to lead a $201 million US Caucasus fund, holds major Armenian mining stakes including a copper and molybdenum mine secured via OFAC license. Ethics experts question potential conflicts of interest as the fund prioritizes critical minerals and energy infrastructure.

reuters

2026-10-15

Trump Donor Leading Caucasus Fund Has Major Armenia Holdings, Russia Business History

Trump Donor Leading Caucasus Fund Has Major Armenia Holdings, Russia Business History

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