We need to re-think our strategy re the Ukraine. Isn’t it high time that NATO and the West change rhetoric on giving full military support to our brave Ukrainian brothers and sisters?
Three things, in particular, need to happen: The European Union needs to suspend its bureaucracy and make an exception to admit the Ukraine into the EU, with immediate effect; NATO needs to grow a spine and give the Ukrainians all the military support it needs, including combat troops; and a no-fly zone needs to be declared over Ukrainian airspace. Call Putin’s bluff! Challenge him! Defy him! Destroy his economy and destroy his military! Bring Russia to its knees!
We need to face-off with Russia. Putin is a bully; and bullies are usually weak little men when all is said and done.
The Ukrainians are not simply fighting for their own beloved country; rather, they are also fighting for our freedoms, fighting for liberal democracy. It is a disgrace that we are allowing them to do this alone, allowing them to do our dirty—and dangerous—work for us.
If Ukraine falls, which country will be next to fall? Poland? One of the Baltic states? The former Yugoslavia? If we value our freedoms, our liberty, our democracies, then we need to step up to the plate and help the Ukrainians to repel the barbarians by whom they are being attacked.
Sanctions are all well and good; but they are not enough to defeat the Russian bear.
Let the Ukrainians join the EU; let Western nations send real military support to help the Ukrainians fight their enemy; let there be controlled airspace for the Ukrainians, too.
These measures are the decent measures to take. They are also Christian measures. How can we, in good conscience, sit idly by and allow a good Christian country be destroyed by barbarians? Moreover, while we are at it, the British government needs to seize the property and chattels of the Russian kleptocrats who have splendid homes here in the UK, particularly in London and Surrey. Let no stone go unturned to help our brothers and sisters in the Ukraine, who find themselves in great difficulties and indescribable danger, and who find themselves having to fight for our freedoms. Let the real war commence!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, March 01, 2022
Russia Ukraine Conflict: Massive Russian Convoy Advances on Kyiv
Wales: Happy St. David’s Day! / Cymru: Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant Hapus!
Wie Putins Propaganda die Sanktionen verharmlost
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Von „harten Sanktionen“ will die russische Propaganda nichts wissen. Sie feiert lieber „höhere Zinsen“ für russische Anleger. Doch es gelingt immer weniger, die Invasion in die Ukraine als Erfolg darzustellen.
Viele Russen sind Geldentwertungen und lange Schlangen vor Banken gewöhnt. Jetzt, angesichts beispielloser Sanktionen des Westens, sind sie wieder in Sorge, decken sich mit Bargeld ein, warten vor Schaltern und Automaten. Bezahldienste von Google und Apple funktionieren nicht mehr. Die Moskauer Börse sollte am Montag später öffnen, öffnet dann gar nicht, die Zentralbank erhöht den Leitzins auf 20 Prozent. Kein Problem für das Staatsfernsehen: Dieses Niveau sei „Rekord“, frohlockt die Moderatorin und feiert höhere Zinsen für Anleger. » | Von Friedrich Schmidt, Politischer Korrespondent für Russland und die GUS in Moskau. | Dienstag, 1. März 2022
Ukraine: Reise in das Land der Separatisten | ARTE Reportage
Mar 1, 2022 • Die Region Donbass an der russischen Grenze liegt so weit entfernt von der EU wie kein anderer Landstrich in der Ukraine. Keiner hier hat die ukrainische Revolte anerkannt, ganz im Gegenteil streben sie hier wie immer schon in Richtung Osten nach Russland und nicht westlich in die EU. Deshalb riefen sie auch eigene Wahlen aus und erklärten ihre Unabhängigkeit von der Ukraine.
Seitdem herrscht hier Bürgerkrieg, Rebellen gegen Armee – die Ukrainer wollen nach der Krim nicht noch eine Region verlieren und sich damit wirtschaftlich noch weiter schwächen lassen. In weniger als einem Jahr starben beinahe 5000 Menschen in diesem bewaffneten Konflikt. Die Donbass-Rebellen haben keinen Anführer, der sie alle einen könnte, stattdessen regieren hier irgendwelche Politiker wie Marionetten an unsichtbaren Fäden oder selbst ernannte Kriegsherren. Vormals verdienten sie ihr Geld als Sportler, Sänger oder Geschäftsmann, heute sind sie Abgeordneter, Polizeichef oder Bataillonskommandeur. Unsere Reporter stellen diese neuen Herren des Donbass vor.
Seitdem herrscht hier Bürgerkrieg, Rebellen gegen Armee – die Ukrainer wollen nach der Krim nicht noch eine Region verlieren und sich damit wirtschaftlich noch weiter schwächen lassen. In weniger als einem Jahr starben beinahe 5000 Menschen in diesem bewaffneten Konflikt. Die Donbass-Rebellen haben keinen Anführer, der sie alle einen könnte, stattdessen regieren hier irgendwelche Politiker wie Marionetten an unsichtbaren Fäden oder selbst ernannte Kriegsherren. Vormals verdienten sie ihr Geld als Sportler, Sänger oder Geschäftsmann, heute sind sie Abgeordneter, Polizeichef oder Bataillonskommandeur. Unsere Reporter stellen diese neuen Herren des Donbass vor.
What Do Russians Think of Ukraine's Invasion? I ARTE.tv Documentary
Mar 1, 2022 • Russia almost lost its geopolitical importance after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Nowadays, state-controlled media cultivate the image of a president who helps shape the world order. But do ordinary Russians share that opinion? In the run up to Ukraine's invasion, we asked ordinary people what they thought of the threat of war.
What Do Russians Think of Ukraine's Invasion? I ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until the 13/01/2023
What Do Russians Think of Ukraine's Invasion? I ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until the 13/01/2023
Vast 65 km Russian Military Convoy Advances towards Kyiv | DW News
Mar 1, 2022 • A massive Russian military convoy consisting of hundreds of tanks, trucks, towed artillery pieces and support vehicles has been pictured slowly making its way toward Kyiv. Satellite images provided by the US company Maxar Technologies show the convoy spanning a distance of about 40 miles (65 kilometers). The Ukrainian news agency UNIAN also reported the same length early on Tuesday. The convoy, which is longer than previously thought, is inching slowly toward the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital. Up until now, Ukrainian forces have managed to slow the Russian invasion, but it is unclear just how long they will be to fend off the Russian push for the capital.
More than 70 Ukrainian troops were killed when Russian troops shelled a military base in the town of Okhtyrka, regional governor Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said on Facebook. Okhtyrka is located in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region, which borders Russia.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has confirmed the deaths of 102 civilians, including seven children, since the Russian invasion began on Thursday. Hundreds more had been injured, and the figures provided were likely to be undercounted. Residents of Kyiv who have remained in the city have hunkered down in the subway stations.
Russia and Ukraine broke off peace talks Monday, which were held on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. A follow-on round will take place in the coming days. Ukraine had demanded an immediate Russian cease-fire and troop withdrawal as its delegation arrived in Belarus for talks with Russian negotiators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a formal request for his country to join the European Union as EU leaders said they might discuss the possibility of Ukraine joining the 27-nation bloc at an informal summit in March.
The UN said that more than 500,000 people had fled the country and were seeking safety in neighboring countries.
The US ordered 12 members of Russia's diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York to be expelled, mandating their departures by March 7, said Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya.
Sanctions have taken a toll on Russia's economy, with the Central Bank announcing that it will raise its key interest rate to an unprecedented 20%, up from 9.5%, in the face of new sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian ruble plunged almost 30% against the dollar.
On Monday, hundreds of anti-war protesters were arrested in both Russia and Belarus, according to human rights watchdogs.
More than 70 Ukrainian troops were killed when Russian troops shelled a military base in the town of Okhtyrka, regional governor Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said on Facebook. Okhtyrka is located in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region, which borders Russia.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has confirmed the deaths of 102 civilians, including seven children, since the Russian invasion began on Thursday. Hundreds more had been injured, and the figures provided were likely to be undercounted. Residents of Kyiv who have remained in the city have hunkered down in the subway stations.
Russia and Ukraine broke off peace talks Monday, which were held on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. A follow-on round will take place in the coming days. Ukraine had demanded an immediate Russian cease-fire and troop withdrawal as its delegation arrived in Belarus for talks with Russian negotiators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a formal request for his country to join the European Union as EU leaders said they might discuss the possibility of Ukraine joining the 27-nation bloc at an informal summit in March.
The UN said that more than 500,000 people had fled the country and were seeking safety in neighboring countries.
The US ordered 12 members of Russia's diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York to be expelled, mandating their departures by March 7, said Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya.
Sanctions have taken a toll on Russia's economy, with the Central Bank announcing that it will raise its key interest rate to an unprecedented 20%, up from 9.5%, in the face of new sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian ruble plunged almost 30% against the dollar.
On Monday, hundreds of anti-war protesters were arrested in both Russia and Belarus, according to human rights watchdogs.
La Russie intensifie ses attaques en Ukraine
LE MONDE : Les bombardements se multiplient dans Kharkiv et une longue colonne de chars se dirige vers Kiev, même si les Russes se heurtent à une forte résistance ukrainienne.
Une école détruite à la suite de combats, non loin du centre-ville de Kharkiv, à une cinquantaine de kilomètres de la frontière ukraino-russe, le 28 février 2022. SERGEY BOBOK / AFP
Malgré un calme apparent autour de la capitale, Kiev, l’évolution de la situation militaire a été marquée, lundi 28 février, par des bombardements russes d’une intensité inédite dans la deuxième ville du pays, Kharkiv, située à 30 kilomètres de la frontière avec la Russie. Selon les autorités régionales, au moins onze civils y ont été tués, alors que se tenait, au même moment, un premier cycle de négociations entre des délégations russe et ukrainienne, près de la frontière biélorusse.
Un missile russe a frappé la place de la Liberté, lieu symbolique où est installée la tente jaune et bleu des militants d’Euromaïdan, du nom de la révolution proeuropéenne de 2014, au pied des bâtiments administratifs. Selon le journaliste et militant ukrainien Volodymyr Tchistiline, présent sur place, « la tente a été fortement endommagée », mais il n’y aurait pas de victime. « Des gens aux métiers paisibles sont allés se battre » » | Par Allan Kaval, Elise Vincent et Faustine Vincent | mardi 1 mars 2022
Malgré un calme apparent autour de la capitale, Kiev, l’évolution de la situation militaire a été marquée, lundi 28 février, par des bombardements russes d’une intensité inédite dans la deuxième ville du pays, Kharkiv, située à 30 kilomètres de la frontière avec la Russie. Selon les autorités régionales, au moins onze civils y ont été tués, alors que se tenait, au même moment, un premier cycle de négociations entre des délégations russe et ukrainienne, près de la frontière biélorusse.
Un missile russe a frappé la place de la Liberté, lieu symbolique où est installée la tente jaune et bleu des militants d’Euromaïdan, du nom de la révolution proeuropéenne de 2014, au pied des bâtiments administratifs. Selon le journaliste et militant ukrainien Volodymyr Tchistiline, présent sur place, « la tente a été fortement endommagée », mais il n’y aurait pas de victime. « Des gens aux métiers paisibles sont allés se battre » » | Par Allan Kaval, Elise Vincent et Faustine Vincent | mardi 1 mars 2022
Ukrainians Flee as Russia Bombards Civilians
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Monday for an international tribunal to investigate Russia for war crimes. Delegations from Kyiv and Moscow failed to make progress in Belarus.
A picture released by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service of the area near the regional administration building that was damaged by a missile, according to city officials in Kharkiv on Tuesday. | Ukrainian State Emergency Service, via Reuters
A large explosion hit central Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, on Tuesday directly in front of the city’s administrative building, the country’s interior ministry said. The explosion created a huge fireball that appeared in a video to engulf several cars driving through an area called Freedom Square.
The cause of the blast and number of casualties were not immediately clear, though the city’s mayor said there were dead and wounded. Video of the aftermath showed a large crater in the middle of the city’s cobble-stoned central square.
“Barbaric Russian missile strikes on the central Freedom Square and residential districts of Kharkiv,” Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “Putin is unable to break Ukraine down. He commits more war crimes out of fury, murders innocent civilians.” An explosion rocks Kharkiv a day after a shelling in a residential neighborhood. » | Michael Schwirtz | Tuesday, March 1, 2022
A large explosion hit central Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, on Tuesday directly in front of the city’s administrative building, the country’s interior ministry said. The explosion created a huge fireball that appeared in a video to engulf several cars driving through an area called Freedom Square.
The cause of the blast and number of casualties were not immediately clear, though the city’s mayor said there were dead and wounded. Video of the aftermath showed a large crater in the middle of the city’s cobble-stoned central square.
“Barbaric Russian missile strikes on the central Freedom Square and residential districts of Kharkiv,” Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “Putin is unable to break Ukraine down. He commits more war crimes out of fury, murders innocent civilians.” An explosion rocks Kharkiv a day after a shelling in a residential neighborhood. » | Michael Schwirtz | Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Monday, February 28, 2022
Swiss Ditch Historic Neutrality to Enforce Russia Sanctions
SWISS INFO: (Bloomberg) -- The Swiss government broke with a long-entrenched tradition of neutrality and agreed to enforce European Union sanctions against Russian companies and individuals including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The government’s decision Monday to implement the sanctions with immediate effect -- which prompted Lavrov to cancel a planned trip to Geneva -- came after a weekend in which it was criticized by opposition politicians and in editorials in leading Swiss papers as well as by other governments.
The European Commission on Friday urged Switzerland to follow its lead on punishing the Kremlin, noting that although not an EU member state, it’s still “part of Europe.”
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis told reporters Monday that adopting the EU sanctions is not a black-and-white decision that precludes it playing a role as a neutral party in the future, but rather a case of choosing where to put the emphasis. » | ©2022 Bloomberg L.P. | Monday, February 28, 2022
The government’s decision Monday to implement the sanctions with immediate effect -- which prompted Lavrov to cancel a planned trip to Geneva -- came after a weekend in which it was criticized by opposition politicians and in editorials in leading Swiss papers as well as by other governments.
The European Commission on Friday urged Switzerland to follow its lead on punishing the Kremlin, noting that although not an EU member state, it’s still “part of Europe.”
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis told reporters Monday that adopting the EU sanctions is not a black-and-white decision that precludes it playing a role as a neutral party in the future, but rather a case of choosing where to put the emphasis. » | ©2022 Bloomberg L.P. | Monday, February 28, 2022
Face à la Russie, l’Europe fait le choix de la puissance
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Les Vingt-Sept, régulièrement accusés de pusillanimité, ont cette fois décidé de débloquer 450 millions d’euros pour fournir des armes à l’Ukraine.
Trois jours. C’est le temps qu’il a fallu aux Européens pour enterrer leurs dernières illusions sur une paix qu’ils croyaient durable et dynamiter quelques-uns de leurs tabous. Le tout dans une unité rare.
Le «saut quantique» de l’UE, selon la formule de l’expert Stefan Lehne, est à la mesure de l’agression russe sur l’Ukraine et des risques existentiels qu’elle fait peser sur les États membres du voisinage. À chaque fois que Moscou a durci son offensive, les Européens ont fait de même dans une riposte coordonnée avec Washington. » | Par Anne Rovan | lundi 28 février 2022
Réservé aux abonnés
Russia Launches Multiple Rocket Attacks in Kharkiv and Renews Kyiv Assault
THE GUARDIAN: ‘Dozens’ of civilians killed in Ukraine’s second city amid widespread use of indiscriminate weapons
Russian forces launched rocket attacks that killed “dozens” of civilians in Ukraine’s second city, and began a renewed assault on the capital Kyiv, as Moscow faced unprecedented western sanctions and isolation.
Widespread use of indiscriminate weapons such as multiple rocket launchers against civilian areas, as used on Monday in the city of Kharkiv, suggested that the Kremlin, having failed to land a knockout blow in the first days of the war, was prepared to unleash more desperate methods.
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said he would launch an investigation into possible war crimes or crimes against humanity in Ukraine. With video » | Luke Harding in Lviv, Jon Henley, Julian Borger in Washington and Dan Sabbagh in London | Monday, February 28, 2022
Russian forces launched rocket attacks that killed “dozens” of civilians in Ukraine’s second city, and began a renewed assault on the capital Kyiv, as Moscow faced unprecedented western sanctions and isolation.
Widespread use of indiscriminate weapons such as multiple rocket launchers against civilian areas, as used on Monday in the city of Kharkiv, suggested that the Kremlin, having failed to land a knockout blow in the first days of the war, was prepared to unleash more desperate methods.
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said he would launch an investigation into possible war crimes or crimes against humanity in Ukraine. With video » | Luke Harding in Lviv, Jon Henley, Julian Borger in Washington and Dan Sabbagh in London | Monday, February 28, 2022
McFaul: When Dictators Hold On for Too Long, They Overreach
Tensions Rise at the £3bn Surrey Estate Russian Oligarchs Call Home
THE GUARDIAN: The secretive owners of mansions at St George’s Hill will be nervous about making an appearance on Liz Truss’s hitlist
St George’s Hill, near Weybridge, has been called Britain’s Beverly Hills. At least a quarter of its houses are owned by people from former Soviet states. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian
The warning to rich Russians linked to Putin that the UK government “will come after you” and ensure oligarchs have “nowhere to hide” is likely to hit hard at the gated luxury housing estate in Surrey dubbed “Britain’s Beverly Hills”.
Russians and those from former Soviet states own more than a quarter of the 430 luxurious homes in St George’s Hill, a heavily guarded 964-acre estate near Weybridge, Surrey, where mansions have changed hands for more than £20m each.
Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, said on Sunday that the government was drawing up a “hitlist” of oligarchs with links to Putin who will be added to the sanctions list in coming days and weeks.
“We have to make it deeply painful for the oligarchs that support the Putin regime. There are over a hundred Russian billionaires,” she told the Sunday Times. “Nothing is off the table in terms of who or what we are targeting. We are very clear about that – we are very prepared to do what it takes.”
Brad, one of six fluorescent jacket-wearing security guards who prevented the Guardian from entering St George’s Hill, said there were more Russians living on the estate now than at any time in his six years working at the gate. » | Rupert Neate, Wealth correspondent | Monday, February 28, 2022
The warning to rich Russians linked to Putin that the UK government “will come after you” and ensure oligarchs have “nowhere to hide” is likely to hit hard at the gated luxury housing estate in Surrey dubbed “Britain’s Beverly Hills”.
Russians and those from former Soviet states own more than a quarter of the 430 luxurious homes in St George’s Hill, a heavily guarded 964-acre estate near Weybridge, Surrey, where mansions have changed hands for more than £20m each.
Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, said on Sunday that the government was drawing up a “hitlist” of oligarchs with links to Putin who will be added to the sanctions list in coming days and weeks.
“We have to make it deeply painful for the oligarchs that support the Putin regime. There are over a hundred Russian billionaires,” she told the Sunday Times. “Nothing is off the table in terms of who or what we are targeting. We are very clear about that – we are very prepared to do what it takes.”
Brad, one of six fluorescent jacket-wearing security guards who prevented the Guardian from entering St George’s Hill, said there were more Russians living on the estate now than at any time in his six years working at the gate. » | Rupert Neate, Wealth correspondent | Monday, February 28, 2022
Ukrainian Sailor Arrested for Trying to Sink Oligarch’s Superyacht
THE GUARDIAN: Mechanic on Lady Anastasia, owned by Russian arms exporter, sought revenge for attacks on Kyiv
Lady Anastasia, pictured in Palamos harbour in Catalonia, is owned by Alexander Mikheev, head of Rosoboronexport. Photograph: Dieter Wanke/Alamy
A Ukrainian sailor has been arrested in Mallorca and faces charges of attempting to sink a yacht owned by Alexander Mikheev, the CEO of the Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport and former head of the Russian helicopter federation. The boat is moored in the harbour of Port Adriano.
The unnamed man, who has been employed for the past 10 years as a mechanic on the Lady Anastasia, Mikheev’s 48-metre, £5m yacht, said he felt he had to do something after seeing footage of a Russian rocket attack on a block of flats in Kyiv, his home town. The defendant told the judge that he believed the rocket had been manufactured by Mikheev’s company.
Once on board the vessel he told the crew members, most of whom are also Ukrainians, to abandon ship. He allegedly then went to the engine room and opened a large valve in an attempt to sink the yacht. The crew members, aided by port staff, intervened to prevent the sinking. » | Stephen Burgen in Barcelona | Monday, February 28, 2022
A Ukrainian sailor has been arrested in Mallorca and faces charges of attempting to sink a yacht owned by Alexander Mikheev, the CEO of the Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport and former head of the Russian helicopter federation. The boat is moored in the harbour of Port Adriano.
The unnamed man, who has been employed for the past 10 years as a mechanic on the Lady Anastasia, Mikheev’s 48-metre, £5m yacht, said he felt he had to do something after seeing footage of a Russian rocket attack on a block of flats in Kyiv, his home town. The defendant told the judge that he believed the rocket had been manufactured by Mikheev’s company.
Once on board the vessel he told the crew members, most of whom are also Ukrainians, to abandon ship. He allegedly then went to the engine room and opened a large valve in an attempt to sink the yacht. The crew members, aided by port staff, intervened to prevent the sinking. » | Stephen Burgen in Barcelona | Monday, February 28, 2022
Ukraine Invasion: Foreign Secretary Says Attacks Could Be 'Beginning of the End' for Putin
Feb 27, 2022 • Foreign Secretary Liz Truss insists the UK 'does welcome refugees' and the government is looking 'urgently' at what more the country can do, despite reports that Ukrainians are finding it hard to come to Britain.
And describing the situation on the ground in Ukraine, Ms Truss said there had not been any "overnight significant changes", "but we are seeing very, very strong and brave Ukrainian resistance".
And describing the situation on the ground in Ukraine, Ms Truss said there had not been any "overnight significant changes", "but we are seeing very, very strong and brave Ukrainian resistance".
Economy in Crisis: Russia Hit Hard by International Sanctions | DW News
Feb 28, 2022 • Russia's escalating war in Ukraine has prompted unprecedented economic sanctions against the country. Over the weekend, Russian banks were further cut off from the international financial system. Some have been excluded from the SWIFT payments system while moves have been made to stop the Russian central bank using its $630 billion (€562 billion) of foreign reserves. The sanctions are by far the most severe to have been leveled at Russia since the country invaded Ukraine last week. The country's increasing financial and political isolation is already causing significant consequences for the economy, the 11th-largest in the world by GDP.
Russia's currency, the ruble, fell by around 30% to record lows after the latest sanctions, although it did recover a little in recent hours. That compounds massive losses already experienced last week. In response, the Russian central bank has made an emergency decision to hike interest rates from 9.5% to 20%. The bank has also temporarily blocked the sale of securities held by foreigners. The currency collapse has led to long lines outside ATMs across Russia, with fears rising over further plunges in the value of the ruble. On Monday, the central bank announced that the Moscow Stock Exchange would not open. It also said in a statement that it has increased interest rates to support "financial and price stability and protect the savings of citizens from depreciation."
Russia's currency, the ruble, fell by around 30% to record lows after the latest sanctions, although it did recover a little in recent hours. That compounds massive losses already experienced last week. In response, the Russian central bank has made an emergency decision to hike interest rates from 9.5% to 20%. The bank has also temporarily blocked the sale of securities held by foreigners. The currency collapse has led to long lines outside ATMs across Russia, with fears rising over further plunges in the value of the ruble. On Monday, the central bank announced that the Moscow Stock Exchange would not open. It also said in a statement that it has increased interest rates to support "financial and price stability and protect the savings of citizens from depreciation."
Putin Puts Russian Nuclear Forces on High Alert as Resistance to Ukraine Invasion Grows
Face à la Russie, le sursaut de l’Union européenne
LE MONDE – ÉDITORIAL : En décidant d’une aide financière à l’envoi d’armes létales aux forces ukrainiennes pour résister à l’agression russe, l’UE a brisé « un tabou » et se donne enfin les moyens de se comporter en puissance géopolitique.
Editorial du « Monde ». Au quatrième jour de la guerre qu’il a déclenchée contre l’Ukraine, Vladimir Poutine avait déjà deux exploits à son compte, dimanche 27 février : il a rendu à l’OTAN sa raison d’être et il a amené l’Union européenne à se transformer en organisation capable de fournir de l’aide militaire à un pays étranger.
Ursula von der Leyen, la présidente de la Commission, a raison : c’est bien « un moment décisif », un tournant historique dans sa politique de défense que l’UE a réalisé dimanche soir pour venir en assistance à l’Ukraine attaquée. Sous la conduite du chef de la diplomatie européenne, Josep Borrell, les ministres des affaires étrangères des Vingt-Sept ont adopté une aide de 450 millions d’euros pour financer l’envoi d’armes létales aux forces ukrainiennes pour résister à l’agression russe, ainsi que 50 millions pour des équipements non militaires. Cette assistance, qui pourra inclure des avions de chasse, s’ajoute aux livraisons d’armes déjà promises individuellement par plusieurs Etats membres. Jamais auparavant l’UE n’avait rempli cette fonction. « Un tabou est tombé », a commenté M. Borrell. » | Éditorial | lundi 28 février 2022
LIRE AUSSI :
Aide militaire à l’Ukraine : face à la menace russe, le basculement historique de l’Union européenne : Pour la première fois, les Vingt-Sept vont faciliter la délivrance d’armes létales, y compris des avions de combat, en débloquant 450 millions d’euros pour l’envoi d’une assistance militaire à Kiev. »
Editorial du « Monde ». Au quatrième jour de la guerre qu’il a déclenchée contre l’Ukraine, Vladimir Poutine avait déjà deux exploits à son compte, dimanche 27 février : il a rendu à l’OTAN sa raison d’être et il a amené l’Union européenne à se transformer en organisation capable de fournir de l’aide militaire à un pays étranger.
Ursula von der Leyen, la présidente de la Commission, a raison : c’est bien « un moment décisif », un tournant historique dans sa politique de défense que l’UE a réalisé dimanche soir pour venir en assistance à l’Ukraine attaquée. Sous la conduite du chef de la diplomatie européenne, Josep Borrell, les ministres des affaires étrangères des Vingt-Sept ont adopté une aide de 450 millions d’euros pour financer l’envoi d’armes létales aux forces ukrainiennes pour résister à l’agression russe, ainsi que 50 millions pour des équipements non militaires. Cette assistance, qui pourra inclure des avions de chasse, s’ajoute aux livraisons d’armes déjà promises individuellement par plusieurs Etats membres. Jamais auparavant l’UE n’avait rempli cette fonction. « Un tabou est tombé », a commenté M. Borrell. » | Éditorial | lundi 28 février 2022
LIRE AUSSI :
Aide militaire à l’Ukraine : face à la menace russe, le basculement historique de l’Union européenne : Pour la première fois, les Vingt-Sept vont faciliter la délivrance d’armes létales, y compris des avions de combat, en débloquant 450 millions d’euros pour l’envoi d’une assistance militaire à Kiev. »
The Phone Has Become the Ukrainian President’s Most Effective Weapon
THE GUARDIAN: Analysis: Zelenskiy has managed to achieve an unheard-of range of sanctions against Russia thanks to a tireless round of calls to allies
In a string of phone calls from a besieged Kyiv, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has persuaded the west to agree to a set of sanctions against Russia that were inconceivable a week ago.
Sensing how European public opinion is responding to the bravery of his people, Zelenskiy has been constantly on the phone to western leaders, using his Twitter feed to cajole, encourage, scold and praise his allies. In the process, sanctions regarded as unthinkable a week ago have become a moral baseline. The pace at which the west has been agreeing to the new sanctions has also left the lawyers, officials and bankers gasping for air, officials admit, as they work under severe pressure to turn headlines into reality.
One leader’s office said: “We are in awe of him. He may not eventually be able to save Ukraine, or change Russia, but he is changing Europe.” With video » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Monday, February 28, 2022
In a string of phone calls from a besieged Kyiv, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has persuaded the west to agree to a set of sanctions against Russia that were inconceivable a week ago.
Sensing how European public opinion is responding to the bravery of his people, Zelenskiy has been constantly on the phone to western leaders, using his Twitter feed to cajole, encourage, scold and praise his allies. In the process, sanctions regarded as unthinkable a week ago have become a moral baseline. The pace at which the west has been agreeing to the new sanctions has also left the lawyers, officials and bankers gasping for air, officials admit, as they work under severe pressure to turn headlines into reality.
One leader’s office said: “We are in awe of him. He may not eventually be able to save Ukraine, or change Russia, but he is changing Europe.” With video » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Monday, February 28, 2022
GOP Struggles to Find Right Message on Russia as Trump Calls Putin ‘Smart’
Russische Nachrichtenagentur feiert irrtümlich Sieg
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Eine staatliche russische Nachrichtenagentur veröffentlicht irrtümlicherweise einen Siegeskommentar. Russlands Führung rechnete offenbar mit einem raschen Sieg.
Immer mehr deutet darauf hin, dass Moskau von einem raschen Sieg ausging und dass auch die Staatsmedien darauf vorbereitet worden sind. Das zeigt ein Vorfall bei der staatlichen Nachrichtenagentur Ria. Die veröffentlichte einen vorbereiteten Kommentar, in dem der Autor den Sieg Russlands über die Ukraine feierte.
Der Kommentar wurde am Samstagmorgen – der Nacht nach dem gescheiterten ersten Großangriff auf Kiew – offenbar irrtümlich veröffentlicht, rasch wieder vom Netz genommen, aber im Webarchiv gespeichert. Solche Vorgänge kommen vor, denn Medien bereiten für erwartete Ereignisse Artikel vor, um schnell ihre Leser erreichen zu können. Erst vor Kurzem hatte Moskau viel Häme über den amerikanischen Mediendienst „Bloomberg“ geäußert, der einige Tage vor der russischen Invasion schon kontrafaktisch den Beginn der russischen Invasion vermeldet hatte, ehe der entsprechende Artikel zurückgezogen wurde. Nun geht Rias Text, eine Paraphrase von Aussagen Putins zur Rolle der Ukraine und dem Ringen mit dem Westen, schon von einem Sieg aus. » | Von Friedrich Schmidt, Politischer Korrespondent für Russland und die GUS in Moskau. | Montag, 28. Februar 2022
Volodymyr Zelensky: Russian Mercenaries Ordered to Kill Ukraine’s President
THE TIMES: More than 400 Russian mercenaries are operating in Kyiv with orders from the Kremlin to assassinate President Zelensky and his government and prepare the ground for Moscow to take control, The Times has learnt.
The Wagner Group, a private militia run by one of President Putin’s closest allies and operating as an arm-length branch of the state, flew in mercenaries from Africa five weeks ago on a mission to decapitate Zelensky’s government in return for a handsome financial bonus.
Information about their mission reached the Ukrainian government on Saturday morning and hours later Kyiv declared a 36-hour “hard” curfew to sweep the city for Russian saboteurs, warning civilians that they would be seen as Kremlin agents and risked being “liquidated” if they stepped outside. » | Manveen Rana | Monday, February 28, 2022
New subscribers to The Times: Flash sale: 3 months for £1. View offers.
Singapore’s Latest Ruling on Gay Sex Is ‘Cold Comfort,’ Activists Say
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Plaintiffs had hoped the Court of Appeal would overturn the colonial-era law. Instead, the top court said it was not “an architect of social policy” and that any change was up to Parliament.
The Singapore Court of Appeal, the country’s top court, declined Monday to overturn a law criminalizing gay sex, ruling that three men who brought challenges did not have legal standing because the government has pledged not to enforce the colonial-era law.
Gay rights advocates had sought to overturn the law, known as Section 377A, arguing that it stigmatizes gay men and promotes discrimination. The law, enacted in 1938 during British rule, does not apply to women.
Pink Dot SG, a leading L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy group that organizes Singapore’s annual pride event, said it was “profoundly disappointed” by the decision.
“The acknowledgment that Section 377A is unenforceable only in the prosecutorial sense is cold comfort,” the group said in a statement. “Section 377A’s real impact lies in how it perpetuates discrimination across every aspect of life: at home, in schools, in the workplace, in our media, and even access to vital services like health care.” » | Richard C. Paddock | Monday, February 28, 2022
The Singapore Court of Appeal, the country’s top court, declined Monday to overturn a law criminalizing gay sex, ruling that three men who brought challenges did not have legal standing because the government has pledged not to enforce the colonial-era law.
Gay rights advocates had sought to overturn the law, known as Section 377A, arguing that it stigmatizes gay men and promotes discrimination. The law, enacted in 1938 during British rule, does not apply to women.
Pink Dot SG, a leading L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy group that organizes Singapore’s annual pride event, said it was “profoundly disappointed” by the decision.
“The acknowledgment that Section 377A is unenforceable only in the prosecutorial sense is cold comfort,” the group said in a statement. “Section 377A’s real impact lies in how it perpetuates discrimination across every aspect of life: at home, in schools, in the workplace, in our media, and even access to vital services like health care.” » | Richard C. Paddock | Monday, February 28, 2022
The Ruble Crashes, the Stock Market Closes and Russia’s Economy Staggers under Sanctions.
THE NEW YORK TIMES: MOSCOW — The ruble cratered, the stock market froze and the public rushed to withdraw cash on Monday as Western sanctions kicked in and Russia awoke to uncertainty and fear over the rapidly spreading repercussions of President Vladimir V. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
As the day began, Russia’s currency lost as much as a quarter of its value within hours. Scrambling to stem the decline, the Russian Central Bank more than doubled its key interest rate, banned foreigners from selling Russian securities and ordered exporters to convert into rubles most of their foreign-currency revenues. It closed the Moscow stock exchange for the day because of the “developing situation.”
“The economic reality has, of course, changed,” the Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, told reporters, announcing that Mr. Putin had called an emergency meeting with his top finance officials.
Even as Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for talks at the Belarus border, Moscow’s military offensive showed no sign of letting up, and the hectic moves offered the first signs that the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West over the weekend were shaking the foundations of Russia’s economy. The decisions by the United States, Britain and the European Union restricting the Russian Central Bank’s access to much of its $643 billion in foreign currency reserves have undone much of the Kremlin’s careful efforts to soften the impact of potential sanctions. » | Anton Troianovski | Ivan Nechepurenko contributed reporting. | Monday, February 28, 2022
As the day began, Russia’s currency lost as much as a quarter of its value within hours. Scrambling to stem the decline, the Russian Central Bank more than doubled its key interest rate, banned foreigners from selling Russian securities and ordered exporters to convert into rubles most of their foreign-currency revenues. It closed the Moscow stock exchange for the day because of the “developing situation.”
“The economic reality has, of course, changed,” the Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, told reporters, announcing that Mr. Putin had called an emergency meeting with his top finance officials.
Even as Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for talks at the Belarus border, Moscow’s military offensive showed no sign of letting up, and the hectic moves offered the first signs that the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West over the weekend were shaking the foundations of Russia’s economy. The decisions by the United States, Britain and the European Union restricting the Russian Central Bank’s access to much of its $643 billion in foreign currency reserves have undone much of the Kremlin’s careful efforts to soften the impact of potential sanctions. » | Anton Troianovski | Ivan Nechepurenko contributed reporting. | Monday, February 28, 2022
Guerre en Ukraine: l'Union européenne annonce de nouvelles sanctions contre la Biélorussie
FIGARO / LIVE : L'Union européenne a décidé ce dimanche 27 février de prendre de nouvelles sanctions contre la Biélorussie en interdisant les exportations des «plus importants secteurs économiques» du régime de Minsk. Regarder la vidéo en anglais » | dimanche 27 février 2022
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Let Me Save Civilisation, Donald Trump Urges Republicans
THE SUNDAY TIMES: Donald Trump confirmed his grip on the Republican Party with a speech to conservatives insisting that he alone could save “our civilisation”, but a straw poll taken after his address suggests that his rivals may be closing the gap.
The former president, 75, who addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (Cpac) in Florida at the weekend, emerged as clear leader in a straw poll of delegates, with 59 per cent of the vote. In second place was Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, on 28 per cent. » | Alistair Dawber, Orlando | Sunday, February 27, 2022
New subscribers to The Times / The Sunday Times: The Flash Office.
FFS! Leave us alone! Leave the world alone! Stop 'molesting' us! You belong in klink, not in the White House! My advice to you is this: Go back to Mar-a-Lago and enjoy the trappings of your ill-gotten gains whilst you still can. The authorities are coming after you – soon. And as for "saving civilisation", you can't save even yourself, still less civilisation! So give us a break! Please! – © Mark
Putin the Hypocrite?
Lionel Richie : The Only One
L’Ukraine sera-t-elle l’Afghanistan de Poutine?
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - S’il est probable que Kiev finira par céder aux assauts de l’armée russe, on peut s’attendre ensuite à une longue résistance mêlant guerre de partisans, harcèlements et résistance passive.
Le 11 décembre 1994, lorsque le Kremlin avait lancé ses troupes à l’assaut de la Tchétchénie, un responsable russe avait déclaré qu’il viendrait à bout de la rébellion en 48 heures. Mais il avait fallu cinq semaines aux forces armées russes, et un déchaînement inouï de violences, de bombardements aériens et d’attaques de tanks, pour s’emparer du palais présidentiel, le 21 janvier 1995. Le conflit dura deux ans et il fut suivi d’un deuxième, plus long encore, en 1999. Grozny fut rasée, la Tchétchénie détruite. Les guerres ne se passent jamais comme prévu. À Grozny hier comme à Kiev aujourd’hui.
Les signes sont encore faibles, mais ils existent. Une première offensive contre Kiev, pensée comme un blitzkrieg, qui devait assurer la prise de l’aéroport d’Hostomel puis un raid au centre de la capitale pour y décapiter le pouvoir politique, capturer ou tuer Volodymyr Zelensky, a été contrecarrée par la résistance ukrainienne. Quelques tanks russes échoués au bord des routes. Des bombardiers abattus par la défense ukrainienne. De jeunes prisonniers russes au regard perdu affirmant ne rien savoir de cette guerre où ils ont été projetés. » | Par Isabelle Lasserre | dimanche 27 février 2022
Réservé aux abonnés
À LIRE AUSSI :
Jean-Louis Thiériot: «Sommes-nous prêts pour une guerre de haute intensité?» : TRIBUNE - La France et l’Europe doivent adapter leurs capacités de défense, argumente le député et membre de la Commission Défense de l’Assemblée nationale. »
Dmitrij Muratow – Kämpfer gegen Putins Zensur
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Russlands Militär will verbieten, dass das Bild einer unblutigen „Operation“ in der Ukraine Risse bekommt. Friedensnobelpreisträger Dmitrij Muratow und seine Zeitung „Nowaja Gaseta“ machen weiter, trotz aller Risiken.
Bald, nachdem Präsident Wladimir Putin die „Spezialoperation“ befohlen hatte, veröffentlichte Dmitrij Muratow auf der Website der „Nowaja Gaseta“ eine Videobotschaft. „Unser Land hat auf Befehl von Präsident Putin einen Krieg mit der Ukraine begonnen. Und niemand kann ihn stoppen. Daher verspüren wir neben Kummer auch Scham“, sagt der Sechzigjährige. „Als wäre es der Schlüsselanhänger eines teures Autos, wendet der Oberbefehlshaber in den Händen den Atomknopf. Ist der nächste Schritt eine nukleare Salve? Wie sonst soll man die Worte Putins von einer Vergeltungswaffe verstehen.“ » | Von Friedrich Schmidt, Moskau | Sonntag, 27. Februar 2022
Vladimir Putin: What’s Going On Inside His Head?
THE OBSERVER: The Russian president’s intentions are now clear. The psychology behind them has been years in the making
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, making an address from the Kremlin on the situation in Ukraine. Photograph: EyePress News/REX/Shutterstock
You’ve all seen it now. The small, mean, vicious yet weirdly blank eyes. The stubby stabbing fingers that jab as he humiliates his underlings, making them shake with fear. The joy he takes in sadism. It’s almost comedy villain stuff. But cliches exist for a reason. And we need to stop kidding ourselves about Putin – and start taking steps to deal with him.
For decades we’ve wanted to avoid the challenge. Not so much appease as just hope he goes away. It’s a headache having to face up to the blunt fact that Putin is trying to utterly change the world. His aims are impossible to ignore now. The Kremlin’s foreign policy thinktanks are already churning out articles about how his invasion of Ukraine means the start of a “multipolar world”. Ignore the geopolitical PR. All multipolar means here is emboldened fascism. Before the political scientists among you get all carried away debating endlessly what “fascism” means let me explain my terms.
I mean Orwell’s boot stamping endlessly on people’s faces. I mean the underlying psychology that shines through in the violence that suffuses all of Putin’s language. Just last week, to give one small example, as Putin spoke with Macron, the Russian president casually invoked a Russian rape joke about Sleeping Beauty to explain what he would soon do to Ukraine. Conflating Ukraine and Sleeping Beauty, he gleefully put himself in the role of the rapist: “Whether you like it or not my beauty, you will need to put up with all I do to you.” (It rhymes in Russian.)
I mean the way he uses grievance narratives, always complaining how the world has put him down. There are many people – minorities, the economically disadvantaged – who bear righteous grievance. But when the world’s richest man, a blatant bully, does it, it means something else. » | Peter Pomerantsev * | Saturday, February 26, 2022
Peter Pomerantsev is the author of Nothing is True and Everything is Possible, Adventures in Modern Russia
However rich Putin is, he is a disgusting SOB! A ruthless tyrant who will go down in the history books as one of the worst leaders the world has ever known. He is good company for Adolf Hitler! That comparison, in itself, would be enough to give any normal, rational person sleepless nights. You can be sure that Putin will lose no sleep because of such a comparison, though.
People will be talking about Putin for decades, nay centuries, to come; and what they will say, obviously, won’t be good. He will be spoken of in the most negative terms. Putin will go down as one of the most hated men ever to have walked the face of the earth.
Money can buy a person a lot; it cannot, however, buy a person peace of mind. Nor a good night’s sleep.
It is clear to us all by now that the man is mentally imbalanced. Isn’t it also fair to ask ourselves the following question: Is dementia setting in?
Perhaps I am being too kind even to ask the question! It’s probably something far more sinister. – © Mark
You’ve all seen it now. The small, mean, vicious yet weirdly blank eyes. The stubby stabbing fingers that jab as he humiliates his underlings, making them shake with fear. The joy he takes in sadism. It’s almost comedy villain stuff. But cliches exist for a reason. And we need to stop kidding ourselves about Putin – and start taking steps to deal with him.
For decades we’ve wanted to avoid the challenge. Not so much appease as just hope he goes away. It’s a headache having to face up to the blunt fact that Putin is trying to utterly change the world. His aims are impossible to ignore now. The Kremlin’s foreign policy thinktanks are already churning out articles about how his invasion of Ukraine means the start of a “multipolar world”. Ignore the geopolitical PR. All multipolar means here is emboldened fascism. Before the political scientists among you get all carried away debating endlessly what “fascism” means let me explain my terms.
I mean Orwell’s boot stamping endlessly on people’s faces. I mean the underlying psychology that shines through in the violence that suffuses all of Putin’s language. Just last week, to give one small example, as Putin spoke with Macron, the Russian president casually invoked a Russian rape joke about Sleeping Beauty to explain what he would soon do to Ukraine. Conflating Ukraine and Sleeping Beauty, he gleefully put himself in the role of the rapist: “Whether you like it or not my beauty, you will need to put up with all I do to you.” (It rhymes in Russian.)
I mean the way he uses grievance narratives, always complaining how the world has put him down. There are many people – minorities, the economically disadvantaged – who bear righteous grievance. But when the world’s richest man, a blatant bully, does it, it means something else. » | Peter Pomerantsev * | Saturday, February 26, 2022
Peter Pomerantsev is the author of Nothing is True and Everything is Possible, Adventures in Modern Russia
However rich Putin is, he is a disgusting SOB! A ruthless tyrant who will go down in the history books as one of the worst leaders the world has ever known. He is good company for Adolf Hitler! That comparison, in itself, would be enough to give any normal, rational person sleepless nights. You can be sure that Putin will lose no sleep because of such a comparison, though.
People will be talking about Putin for decades, nay centuries, to come; and what they will say, obviously, won’t be good. He will be spoken of in the most negative terms. Putin will go down as one of the most hated men ever to have walked the face of the earth.
Money can buy a person a lot; it cannot, however, buy a person peace of mind. Nor a good night’s sleep.
It is clear to us all by now that the man is mentally imbalanced. Isn’t it also fair to ask ourselves the following question: Is dementia setting in?
Perhaps I am being too kind even to ask the question! It’s probably something far more sinister. – © Mark
Authentic Ukrainian Borscht | How to Make Ukrainian Red Beet Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb pork ribs with bone
6 cups cold water
1 medium onion
1 carrot
1 medium beetroot
2-4 potatoes
1/4 of a medium cabbage
1.5 tbsp tomato paste
parsley+garlic for garnish
salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
Phil Collins : I Wish It Would Rain Down | Remastered 2016
We Are All Living in Vladimir Putin’s World Now
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Journalists writing on international affairs in the 1920s and 1930s referred to the era as “postwar.” They saw events through the prism of the Great War that had devastated Europe just a few years earlier. Historians writing today refer to these same years as the “interwar” period, for the simple reason that they analyze what happened during those years as part of the lead-up to the even more destructive World War II. If only those journalists writing in 1930s Europe had the clarity of hindsight.
We should all have that clarity today. Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine is one of those moments that impels us to reinterpret our own era: what we called the 30-year peace that followed the Cold War (tending to forget, consciously or unconsciously, the wars in the former Yugoslavia) has now ended. Future historians will look at these last decades, by and large, much like they look at the interwar period, as an opportunity squandered.
The sooner we all admit it, the better we can prepare for what comes next. Unfortunately, a kind of self-serving denialism pervades Western capitals and prevents us from seeing the obvious. Passionate pleas to defend post-Cold War European order have no meaning because this era is over.
In the wake of Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014, Angela Merkel, then-chancellor of Germany, talked to President Vladimir Putin of Russia and reported to President Barack Obama that, in her view, Mr. Putin had lost touch with reality. He was, she said, living in “another world.” Today, we are all living in it. In this world, to quote Thucydides, “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” » | Ivan Krastev * | Sunday, February 27, 2022
* Mr. Krastev is a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna and an expert on international politics.
Putin Orders Nuclear Deterrent Forces in Russia to Be on 'High Alert'
Related article.
Thom Hartmann: Is Trump Really Going to Jail? (w/ David Cay Johnston)
Feb 22, 2022 • Will Donald Trump go to jail? He is over 70 and most people over that age without ‘previous’ don’t go to jail.
Does this mean if Trump is indicted, most likely in Georgia, there is the potential that he loses everything he has, except his presidential pension. The rest goes. Could the whole Trump organization be dissolved?
How likely is this scenario?
David Cay Johnston joined Thom to discuss the possibilities.
Bio: David Cay Johnston - Investigative Journalist & Co-founder of DCReport.org / Pulitzer Prize Recipient (2001) / Distinguished Visiting Lecturer-College of Law and Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University / Author of 8 books including his latest, The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family
Does this mean if Trump is indicted, most likely in Georgia, there is the potential that he loses everything he has, except his presidential pension. The rest goes. Could the whole Trump organization be dissolved?
How likely is this scenario?
David Cay Johnston joined Thom to discuss the possibilities.
Bio: David Cay Johnston - Investigative Journalist & Co-founder of DCReport.org / Pulitzer Prize Recipient (2001) / Distinguished Visiting Lecturer-College of Law and Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University / Author of 8 books including his latest, The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family
Russian Troops Meet with Stiff Resistance, Ukrainian Forces Re-take Kharkiv | DW News
Feb 27, 2022 • Scholz pledges €100 billion for German military, end to Russian energy expors.
A turning point in the history of our continent. That's how Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Russia's war against Ukraine. Speaking to a special session of parliament, the German leader announced a raft of policy changes that would have been unthinkable just days ago. Germany will drastically strengthen its military and move quickly to eliminate its reliance on Russian energy exports. He put the blame squarely on Russian President Vladimir Putin - who he said had brought decades of peaceful coexistence to an end. Here's some of what he said
. Holding out in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia's military assault verges on genocide - and he's called for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the UN Security Council.
Moscow's forces targeted civilian infrastructure overnight, including gas pipelines - as they stepped up efforts to push further into Ukraine. Moscow's forces have met stiff resistance as they attempt to push further into Ukraine. The mayor of Kyiv says the capital is holding its defense lines and there are no Russian troops in the city. And after reports of heavy fighting in eastern Kharkiv, the regional governor says Ukrainian forces have retaken full control of the city. Russia's latest attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure and the military.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes since Thursday. Huge crowds have been waiting at train stations to travel to the border and cross into neighboring countries. Scenes from Lviv in western Ukraine show the fear and frustration: There's not enough space on the trains to carry everyone to safety. Men are forced to say goodbye to their families, as they are not allowed to leave because they've been called up to fight. Many of the refugees are headed to Poland.
Ukraine is doing its best to repel the Russian attack by training civilians to fight. Support from the US and other NATO members has also bolstered national defenses. But few believe Ukraine is a match for its much larger neighbor.
Taking active and reserve troops together, Kyiv can draw on more than 1 million men and women. Russia has more than three million. Ukraine has less than 2,500 tanks, compared to Russia's 13,000.
And in the air, Ukraine has just 67 attack aircraft in contrast to Russia's 1,500. In Berlin a demonstration calling for restoring peace in Ukraine is underway, with estimates of 20,000 or more people taking part in the protest.
The demonstration is organized by a variety of groups including workers' unions, religious groups and environmental organizations. Protesters are calling on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine and to respect democracy and human rights. In the past days there have been numerous demonstrations across the world in support of Ukraine and demanding an immediate end to all violence.
A turning point in the history of our continent. That's how Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Russia's war against Ukraine. Speaking to a special session of parliament, the German leader announced a raft of policy changes that would have been unthinkable just days ago. Germany will drastically strengthen its military and move quickly to eliminate its reliance on Russian energy exports. He put the blame squarely on Russian President Vladimir Putin - who he said had brought decades of peaceful coexistence to an end. Here's some of what he said
. Holding out in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia's military assault verges on genocide - and he's called for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the UN Security Council.
Moscow's forces targeted civilian infrastructure overnight, including gas pipelines - as they stepped up efforts to push further into Ukraine. Moscow's forces have met stiff resistance as they attempt to push further into Ukraine. The mayor of Kyiv says the capital is holding its defense lines and there are no Russian troops in the city. And after reports of heavy fighting in eastern Kharkiv, the regional governor says Ukrainian forces have retaken full control of the city. Russia's latest attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure and the military.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes since Thursday. Huge crowds have been waiting at train stations to travel to the border and cross into neighboring countries. Scenes from Lviv in western Ukraine show the fear and frustration: There's not enough space on the trains to carry everyone to safety. Men are forced to say goodbye to their families, as they are not allowed to leave because they've been called up to fight. Many of the refugees are headed to Poland.
Ukraine is doing its best to repel the Russian attack by training civilians to fight. Support from the US and other NATO members has also bolstered national defenses. But few believe Ukraine is a match for its much larger neighbor.
Taking active and reserve troops together, Kyiv can draw on more than 1 million men and women. Russia has more than three million. Ukraine has less than 2,500 tanks, compared to Russia's 13,000.
And in the air, Ukraine has just 67 attack aircraft in contrast to Russia's 1,500. In Berlin a demonstration calling for restoring peace in Ukraine is underway, with estimates of 20,000 or more people taking part in the protest.
The demonstration is organized by a variety of groups including workers' unions, religious groups and environmental organizations. Protesters are calling on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine and to respect democracy and human rights. In the past days there have been numerous demonstrations across the world in support of Ukraine and demanding an immediate end to all violence.
Vladimir Putin Puts Russia’s Nuclear Deterrence Forces on High Alert
THE GUARDIAN: Russian president says order taken in response to ‘aggressive statements’ by Nato over Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has warned foreign countries not to interfere in the invasion of Ukraine, saying it could lead to ‘consequences they have never seen’. Photograph: Alexei Nikolsky/AP
Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert in response to “aggressive statements” by Nato countries.
The order came at a meeting between the president, the defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, and the chief of the general staff of the armed forces of Russia, Valery Gerasimov.
“Senior officials of the leading Nato countries also allow aggressive statements against our country, therefore I order the minister of Defense and the chief of the general staff [of the Russian armed forces] to transfer the deterrence forces of the Russian army to a special mode of combat duty,” Putin said in televised comments.
“Western countries aren’t only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic sphere, but top officials from leading Nato members made aggressive statements regarding our country. » | Andrew Roth in Moscow | Sunday, February 27, 2022
Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert in response to “aggressive statements” by Nato countries.
The order came at a meeting between the president, the defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, and the chief of the general staff of the armed forces of Russia, Valery Gerasimov.
“Senior officials of the leading Nato countries also allow aggressive statements against our country, therefore I order the minister of Defense and the chief of the general staff [of the Russian armed forces] to transfer the deterrence forces of the Russian army to a special mode of combat duty,” Putin said in televised comments.
“Western countries aren’t only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic sphere, but top officials from leading Nato members made aggressive statements regarding our country. » | Andrew Roth in Moscow | Sunday, February 27, 2022
Putin Shunned by World as His Hopes of Quick Victory Evaporate
THE OBSERVER: Russian troops facing fierce resistance as Germany abandons its postwar military stance to supply arms to Ukraine
A woman holds a Vladimir Putin placard as she takes part in a protest for peace in Lisbon, Portugal, on Saturday. Photograph: Rodrigo Antunes/EPA
Vladimir Putin was facing growing international isolation and the prospect of pariah status on Saturday night as long-term allies dramatically turned against him following the invasion of Ukraine, and western nations planned further decisive military and financial action against Moscow.
As his hopes of a quick victory evaporated in the face of fierce resistance by Ukrainian soldiers and armies of citizen volunteers, Russia’s president was deserted by his key ally, China, and had his ultimatum demanding Kyiv’s surrender defiantly brushed aside by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
In perhaps the most striking development Germany announced on Saturday night that it would supply Ukrainian troops with 1,000 anti-tank weapons as well as 500 Stinger missiles from its own military reserves.
“The Russian assault on Ukraine marks a turning point,” Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said, signalling a major shift in his country’s postwar military stance. “It threatens our entire postwar order. In this situation it is our duty to support Ukraine to the best of our ability in its defence against the invasive army of Vladimir Putin. Germany stands closely on the side of Ukraine.”
Significantly, the German government was also said to be bowing to intense pressure from Britain, the US and Canada to ban Russia from the crucial Swift banking payments system after repeated appeals from Kyiv for the west to do so. Sources in Berlin said German ministers’ views were shifting on the issue and they were actively discussing measures that “would hit the right people”, having previously resisted, partly because of fears that a ban would affect the flow of funds to aid agencies in Russia. » | Emma Graham-Harrison in Kyiv, Peter Beaumont in Lviv, Andrew Roth in Moscow, Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Saturday, February 26, 2022
Vladimir Putin was facing growing international isolation and the prospect of pariah status on Saturday night as long-term allies dramatically turned against him following the invasion of Ukraine, and western nations planned further decisive military and financial action against Moscow.
As his hopes of a quick victory evaporated in the face of fierce resistance by Ukrainian soldiers and armies of citizen volunteers, Russia’s president was deserted by his key ally, China, and had his ultimatum demanding Kyiv’s surrender defiantly brushed aside by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
In perhaps the most striking development Germany announced on Saturday night that it would supply Ukrainian troops with 1,000 anti-tank weapons as well as 500 Stinger missiles from its own military reserves.
“The Russian assault on Ukraine marks a turning point,” Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said, signalling a major shift in his country’s postwar military stance. “It threatens our entire postwar order. In this situation it is our duty to support Ukraine to the best of our ability in its defence against the invasive army of Vladimir Putin. Germany stands closely on the side of Ukraine.”
Significantly, the German government was also said to be bowing to intense pressure from Britain, the US and Canada to ban Russia from the crucial Swift banking payments system after repeated appeals from Kyiv for the west to do so. Sources in Berlin said German ministers’ views were shifting on the issue and they were actively discussing measures that “would hit the right people”, having previously resisted, partly because of fears that a ban would affect the flow of funds to aid agencies in Russia. » | Emma Graham-Harrison in Kyiv, Peter Beaumont in Lviv, Andrew Roth in Moscow, Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Saturday, February 26, 2022
Guerre en Ukraine : le ciel européen se ferme progressivement aux avions russes
LE FIGARO : En représailles à l'invasion de l'Ukraine, de plus en plus de pays interdisent aux compagnies russes de les survoler. Tour d'horizon de la situation.
«La France ferme son espace aérien aux avions et compagnies aériennes russes à compter de ce soir» a tweeté le ministre des Transports, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari. Paris rejoint notamment l'Allemagne, la Belgique, le Luxembourg puis l'Italie, qui ont d'ores et déjà annoncé fermer leur ciel aux compagnies russes, comme de nombreux autres pays en représailles à l'invasion de l'Ukraine.
«Le ministère allemand des Transports a décrété une interdiction de vol pour les avions et les exploitants d'avions russes dans l'espace aérien allemand» à partir de dimanche 15 heures, a annoncé le ministère des Transports. Berlin a précisé que cette interdiction était valable pour trois mois mais ne concernait pas d'éventuels vols humanitaires. «La Belgique a décidé de fermer son espace aérien à toutes les compagnies russes. En Europe, le ciel est ouvert (...) à ceux qui connectent les peuples, pas à ceux qui commettent des agressions brutales», a indiqué de son côté sur Twitter le Premier ministre belge Alexander De Croo. » | Par Thomas Engrand et AFP agence | Dimanche 27 février 2022
EN DIRECT :
Les Européens ont commencé à livrer des quantités «significatives» d'armements à l'Ukraine »
«La France ferme son espace aérien aux avions et compagnies aériennes russes à compter de ce soir» a tweeté le ministre des Transports, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari. Paris rejoint notamment l'Allemagne, la Belgique, le Luxembourg puis l'Italie, qui ont d'ores et déjà annoncé fermer leur ciel aux compagnies russes, comme de nombreux autres pays en représailles à l'invasion de l'Ukraine.
«Le ministère allemand des Transports a décrété une interdiction de vol pour les avions et les exploitants d'avions russes dans l'espace aérien allemand» à partir de dimanche 15 heures, a annoncé le ministère des Transports. Berlin a précisé que cette interdiction était valable pour trois mois mais ne concernait pas d'éventuels vols humanitaires. «La Belgique a décidé de fermer son espace aérien à toutes les compagnies russes. En Europe, le ciel est ouvert (...) à ceux qui connectent les peuples, pas à ceux qui commettent des agressions brutales», a indiqué de son côté sur Twitter le Premier ministre belge Alexander De Croo. » | Par Thomas Engrand et AFP agence | Dimanche 27 février 2022
EN DIRECT :
Les Européens ont commencé à livrer des quantités «significatives» d'armements à l'Ukraine »
Guerre en Ukraine : assumer le coût des sanctions contre la Russie
LE MONDE – ÉDITORIAL : Si l’on considère que l’enjeu de la sécurité en Europe est existentiel pour nos démocraties, il y a, au minimum, un prix économique à payer. Penser peser sur la Russie sans sacrifices est une illusion.
Editorial du « Monde ». Brandies depuis plusieurs semaines alors que la menace russe se faisait de plus en plus précise, les fameuses sanctions « massives et sans précédent » promises par les démocraties occidentales sont tombées, vendredi 25 février, en réaction à l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie. Elles sont de deux ordres : d’une part des mesures personnelles à l’égard du président Vladimir Poutine, de son ministre des affaires étrangères, Sergueï Lavrov, et de nombreux responsables dont les avoirs à l’étranger sont gelés, et d’autre part une série de sanctions destinées à frapper l’économie russe.
Ce train de mesures restrictives porte sur les secteurs de la finance, des transports, de la technologie, de l’énergie et sur la politique des visas. Dans le secteur financier, elles visent à bloquer l’accès de grandes banques russes aux marchés des capitaux occidentaux. Aucun consensus n’a cependant été atteint à ce stade pour décider de la sanction financière la plus dure et sans conteste la plus efficace contre Moscou : l’éviction de la Russie du système de messagerie Swift, utilisé pour les transactions financières par plus de 11 000 banques et institutions dans 200 pays. Une telle décision pénaliserait considérablement la Russie car, en frappant le système de paiement de ses exportations énergétiques, elle priverait le budget russe de sa principale ressource et compliquerait donc le financement de l’effort de guerre. » | Éditorial | samedi 26 février 2022
Editorial du « Monde ». Brandies depuis plusieurs semaines alors que la menace russe se faisait de plus en plus précise, les fameuses sanctions « massives et sans précédent » promises par les démocraties occidentales sont tombées, vendredi 25 février, en réaction à l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie. Elles sont de deux ordres : d’une part des mesures personnelles à l’égard du président Vladimir Poutine, de son ministre des affaires étrangères, Sergueï Lavrov, et de nombreux responsables dont les avoirs à l’étranger sont gelés, et d’autre part une série de sanctions destinées à frapper l’économie russe.
Ce train de mesures restrictives porte sur les secteurs de la finance, des transports, de la technologie, de l’énergie et sur la politique des visas. Dans le secteur financier, elles visent à bloquer l’accès de grandes banques russes aux marchés des capitaux occidentaux. Aucun consensus n’a cependant été atteint à ce stade pour décider de la sanction financière la plus dure et sans conteste la plus efficace contre Moscou : l’éviction de la Russie du système de messagerie Swift, utilisé pour les transactions financières par plus de 11 000 banques et institutions dans 200 pays. Une telle décision pénaliserait considérablement la Russie car, en frappant le système de paiement de ses exportations énergétiques, elle priverait le budget russe de sa principale ressource et compliquerait donc le financement de l’effort de guerre. » | Éditorial | samedi 26 février 2022
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Ukraine | DW News
Auf Deutsch hier.
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz ist sehr beeindruckend. Eine tolle Rede. Herr Scholz hat die richtige Entscheidung gefasst. – © Mark
Russian Forces Press Toward Cities, as Ukraine Stiffens Resistance
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ukrainian troops and civilian volunteers battled to keep control of Kharkiv, the second-largest city. The Russian priority remained the capture of Kyiv, the capital, which observed a daylong curfew as explosions were heard from the outskirts.
Smoke rose after shelling on the outskirts of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on Sunday, the fourth day of Russia’s invasion. | Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters
As Russian forces pressed into Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, Ukraine’s defense forces and civilian volunteers battled to hold off Russia’s invasion for a fourth day on Sunday, as international pressure mounted on Moscow and support for Kyiv’s besieged government grew.
The pace of Russia’s advance appeared to slow, with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine saying that his country’s fighters had “withstood and successfully repelled enemy attacks.” But the offensive seemed likely to intensify, as U.S. officials said that most of the more than 150,000 Russian troops who had massed around Ukraine were now engaged in the fighting. Here are the latest developments: Ukrainian forces take aim at Russian supply lines as battles rage in multiple cities. » | The New York Times | Sunday, February 27, 2022
As Russian forces pressed into Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, Ukraine’s defense forces and civilian volunteers battled to hold off Russia’s invasion for a fourth day on Sunday, as international pressure mounted on Moscow and support for Kyiv’s besieged government grew.
The pace of Russia’s advance appeared to slow, with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine saying that his country’s fighters had “withstood and successfully repelled enemy attacks.” But the offensive seemed likely to intensify, as U.S. officials said that most of the more than 150,000 Russian troops who had massed around Ukraine were now engaged in the fighting. Here are the latest developments: Ukrainian forces take aim at Russian supply lines as battles rage in multiple cities. » | The New York Times | Sunday, February 27, 2022
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)