Russia Attacks Ukraine - 23 Feb 2022 #5

[Alyce]

United Nations advises staff against using ‘war’ or ‘invasion’ regarding Ukraine

United Nations advises staff against using ‘war’ or ‘invasion’ regarding Ukraine

…

They are useless.

Jmo

Some things never change

 

[dotr]

To catch a saboteur | The Economist
March 8 2022
"Suspicion that infiltrators had entered Kyiv started almost as soon as the invasion. As reports swirled about exchanges of fire in the city centre and sightings of Russian tanks approaching Kyiv, the authorities began to arm civilians – few of whom had ever held a gun before.

Checkpoints were set up all over the city, some just a few hundred metres apart. The soldiers and reservists manning them seemed jumpy and tense, training their guns at any approaching, unmarked vehicle and aggressively questioning the occupants. Drivers began to denote their allegiance to Ukraine with a bright yellow armband or a white square, taped to the windshield. Some aspects of civil defence were even more low tech, such as taking down street signs: in 2019 Russia’s parliament banned soldiers from carrying smartphones, so they have no easy way to find their way around.''

Meanwhile...
''The basement of Ohmatdyt children’s hospital in central Kyiv looks chaotic at first glance. A pair of premature twins lie on mattresses on a dingy stone floor surrounded by brightly coloured blankets. Look closer, however, and it becomes clear that patients have been divided up according to their condition. Each section is administered by appropriate clinicians: cancer-care specialists in one part, critical-care nurses in another. The country’s largest paediatric unit is reeling from the Russian invasion. Yet, to a surprising extent, the hospital is still working – much like Ukraine itself.''

Not only mangling people.. imo.
(4) Vladimir Putin sings 'Blueberry Hill' - YouTube
''Vladimir Putin sang at a charity concert in St Petersburg''

 

[sunshineray]

Thank you, Vern. Europe would be very appreciative of some nice Canadian oil! Not sure you have enough left over to supply the whole continent though; it is a major problem unless the gas guzzling nations like USA and China are prepared to reduce consumption and share a bit.

This is from the link I posted in my last post, you can see it’s not straightforward for Europe at all:

View attachment 335882

In a nutshell:

USA produces 19 million barrels a day but uses 20 million. No biggie, they can probably break even.

China makes 5mb but uses 14 so is in huge deficit.

(USA and China use a third of the worlds oil between them)

Canada makes 5m and only uses 2.5m.

Russia and Saudi combined make 21 million barrels but use less than 7 million. They have by far the most spare.

And therein lies the problem.

A really big problem that never gets addressed is the cost of changing to solar energy or the cost of having an electric car. Just those two things that consume so many barrels are not doable yet for middle to lower-middle income families. It's just that simple. We'd switch to both if we could afford it. The powers that be want us dependent on oil.

 

[Chelly]

BREAKING: Poland agrees to give all of its MiG-29 fighter jets to the U.S., which is expected to transfer them to Ukraine
https://twitter.com/bnonews/status/1501271893491556357?s=21

BREAKING:
Poland hands over all of its Mikoyan MiG-29 jet fighters to Ukraine via United States
Now we’re talking!!
https://twitter.com/iaponomarenko/status/1501272319192412162?s=21

Let us hope this comes to fruition. There is no way US could do this (would require act of Congress) without Poland. (I believe Poland substantially has been developing its military over past several years.)

 

[Herat]

OPINION
PAUL KRUGMAN
''Laundered Money Could Be Putin’s Achilles’ Heel
Feb. 24, 2022
''By conventional measures the Putin regime doesn’t look very vulnerable, at least in the short run.

True, Russia will eventually pay a heavy price. There won’t be any more pipeline deals; there will be hardly any foreign direct investment. After all, who will want to make long-term commitments to a country whose autocratic leadership has shown such reckless contempt for the rule of law? But these consequences of Putin’s aggression will take years to become visible.''
''But even the invasion of Ukraine probably won’t be enough to persuade Europe to make those sorts of sacrifices. It’s telling, and not in a good way, that Italy wants luxury goods — a favorite purchase of the Russian elite — excluded from any sanctions package.''

''Everyone has heard about giant oligarch-owned yachts, sports franchises and incredibly expensive homes in multiple countries; there’s so much highly visible Russian money in Britain that some people talk about “Londongrad.” Well, these aren’t just isolated stories.

Filip Novokmet, Thomas Piketty and Gabriel Zucman have pointed out that Russia has run huge trade surpluses every year since the early 1990s, which should have led to a large accumulation of overseas assets. Yet official statistics show Russia with only moderately more assets than liabilities abroad. How is that possible? The obvious explanation is that wealthy Russians have been skimming off large sums and parking them abroad.

The sums involved are mind-boggling. Novokmet et al. estimate that in 2015 the hidden foreign wealth of rich Russians amounted to around 85 percent of Russia’s G.D.P. To give you some perspective, this is as if a U.S. president’s cronies had managed to hide $20 trillion in overseas accounts. Another paper co-written by Zucman found that in Russia, “the vast majority of wealth at the top is held offshore.” As far as I can tell, the overseas exposure of Russia’s elite has no precedent in history — and it creates a huge vulnerability that the West can exploit.''


''There are two uncomfortable facts here. First, a number of influential people, both in business and in politics, are deeply financially enmeshed with Russian kleptocrats. This is especially true in Britain. Second, it will be hard to go after laundered Russian money without making life harder for all money launderers, wherever they come from — and while Russian plutocrats may be the world champions in that sport, they’re hardly unique: Ultrawealthy people all over the world have money hidden in offshore accounts.''

What this means is that taking effective action against Putin’s greatest vulnerability will require facing up to and overcoming the West’s own corruption.

Can the democratic world rise to this challenge? We’ll find out over the next few months.''

That is a very very interesting piece by Paul Krugman, thanks.

This is what stands out to me:

Novokmet et al. estimate that in 2015 the hidden foreign wealth of rich Russians amounted to around 85 percent of Russia’s G.D.P. To give you some perspective, this is as if a U.S. president’s cronies had managed to hide $20 trillion in overseas accounts. Another paper co-written by Zucman found that in Russia, “the vast majority of wealth at the top is held offshore.” As far as I can tell, the overseas exposure of Russia’s elite has no precedent in history — and it creates a huge vulnerability that the West can exploit.''


''There are two uncomfortable facts here. First, a number of influential people, both in business and in politics, are deeply financially enmeshed with Russian kleptocrats. This is especially true in Britain. Second, it will be hard to go after laundered Russian money without making life harder for all money launderers, wherever they come from — and while Russian plutocrats may be the world champions in that sport, they’re hardly unique: Ultrawealthy people all over the world have money hidden in offshore accounts.''

This tells me that there are weaknesses and corruptions likely in Britain in many levels of politics ( usually the center of corruption). Probably enough to overcome patriotism and statesmanship.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

Thank you, Vern. Europe would be very appreciative of some nice Canadian oil! Not sure you have enough left over to supply the whole continent though; it is a major problem unless the gas guzzling nations like USA and China are prepared to reduce consumption and share a bit.

This is from the link I posted in my last post, you can see it’s not straightforward for Europe at all:

View attachment 335882

In a nutshell:

USA produces 19 million barrels a day but uses 20 million. No biggie, they can probably break even.

China makes 5mb but uses 14 so is in huge deficit.

(USA and China use a third of the worlds oil between them)

Canada makes 5m and only uses 2.5m.

Russia and Saudi combined make 21 million barrels but use less than 7 million. They have by far the most spare.

And therein lies the problem.

This is an unfair characterization of the US. I believe Canada uses more oil per capita than the US. The population of Canada is roughly 38,000,000 compared to the United States with 331,000,000 IMO

ETA - 0’s in population numbers

 

[MassGuy]

We were already part of this no matter what way you spin it. IMO, Brace yourself.

They've likely determined that the line of escalation is a no fly zone, and providing weapons and planes is as far as they can go.

 

[sunshineray]

What the heck is this all about?

9m ago14:09
Poland to allow US to use its MIG-29 jets
Poland's foreign ministry has confirmed it is prepared to deploy its MIG-29 jets to the Rammstein Air Base in southwestern Germany.

Here, they will be "placed at the disposal of the government of the United States of America".

A statement adds: "At the same time, Poland requests the United States to provide us with used aircraft with corresponding operational capabilities.

"Poland is ready to immediately establish the conditions of purchase of the planes.

"The Polish Government also requests other NATO Allies – owners of MIG-29 jets – to act in the same vein."

Ukraine-Russia live updates: Girl, 6, 'killed during ceasefire' in Mariupol as report claims peace negotiations 'much more serious' than West says

 

[Elley Mae]

This is an unfair characterization of the US. I believe Canada uses more oil per capita than the US. The population of Canada is roughly 38,000 compared to the United States with 331,000. IMO

I think you meant 38,000,000 & 331,000,000.


Jmo

 

[CoverMeCagney]

A really big problem that never gets addressed is the cost of changing to solar energy or the cost of having an electric car. Just those two things that consume so many barrels are not doable yet for middle to lower-middle income families. It's just that simple. We'd switch to both if we could afford it. The powers that be want us dependent on oil.

Mad really when you consider both oil and gas are rapidly depleting resources. We seem to favour wind farms here in the UK at the mo, so I hope we continue to build more and more of them. And they’re quite pretty on the landscape.

Check this next link out. Scroll down to “energy”. Many of us will still be alive in 41 years time, which is the estimate for the final drop of oil on earth. Things need to change asap, perhaps this war will be a wake up call in terms of energy production.

Worldometer - real time world statistics

 

[sunshineray]

OK I hope you won't remove it because this is:
1) sad
2) hilarious
3) confirms my theory - Putin has own interests in Ukraine war, but his ministers might be interested in covering up money laundering. Please read. This lady was Russia minister of defense Sergei Shoigu's lover till 2017. He has a new one now. The first one got 100 million USD in military contracts. The article from 2019, so has nothing to troll re. current situation.

former associate of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has allegedly earned 6.5 billion rubles ($101.9 million) from deals with the ministries of defense and emergency situations, according to an investigation by Russia’s The Insider news website.

Russian Defense Chief’s Reported Ex Made $100M From Ministry Deals, Media Reports - The Moscow Times

The Insider’s investigation follows the high-profile sentencing for embezzlement and quick parole in 2015 of Yevgenia Vasilyeva, a Defense Ministry manager thought to be romantically involved with Shoigu’s predecessor. Former Emergency Situations Ministry flight attendant Yelena Shebunova was involved with Shoigu until as recently as 2017, the outlet reported, citing two unnamed sources close to the emergency ministry.
"former associate of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has allegedly earned 6.5 billion rubles ($101.9 million) from deals with the ministries of defense and emergency situations, according to an investigation by Russia’s The Insider news website.

The Insider’s investigation follows the high-profile sentencing for embezzlement and quick parole in 2015 of Yevgenia Vasilyeva, a Defense Ministry manager thought to be romantically involved with Shoigu’s predecessor. Former Emergency Situations Ministry flight attendant Yelena Shebunova was involved with Shoigu until as recently as 2017, the outlet reported, citing two unnamed sources close to the emergency situations ministry report.
Companies co-owned by Shebunova allegedly earned 6.5 billion rubles from contracts with the Defense Ministry and the Emergency Situations Ministry, The Insider reported Thursday."

Now, the irony is, to find this information, I had to Google (in Russian) "Shoigu's lovers" (любовницы Шойгу). А whole list opened (these 26-y.o. women have the ranks of mayor-general of Russian army, no joke!). And several spoke about the money-laundering schemes. A lady like this gets a 100 mln USD order, then they are "used". To export them abroad, sometimes almost hilarious things were used. Such as: a fake foreign company sues a Russian-owned company, the Russian court admits that they are right, and the money is paid.

So partially, the masters of this war have contributed into Ukraine doing so well, as they stole from Russian "modernized" army so much.

I think the war is the result of Putin's geostrategical ambitions, but Russian generals want to cover up immense stealing and money-laundering, too.

There is a Russian phrase, "war will write it all off". It applied to war romances during WWII. These people are probably using it for a different reason.

Putin's got a reported $70 billion and a bevy of stewardess trainees he likes to sit down with and explain the war...ummm the...
special military operation, yeah that's it.

 

[sunshineray]

Mad really when you consider both oil and gas are rapidly depleting resources. We seem to favour wind farms here in the UK at the mo, so I hope we continue to build more and more of them. And they’re quite pretty on the landscape.

Check this next link out. Scroll down to “energy”. Many of us will still be alive in 41 years time, which is the estimate for the final drop of oil on earth. Things need to change asap, perhaps this war will be a wake up call in terms of energy production.

Worldometer - real time world statistics

41 more for me might be stretching it, it needs to come soon, the affordability.

 

[Tiff23fr]

They've likely determined that the line of escalation is a no fly zone, and providing weapons and planes is as far as they can go.

It could be.

It could also be possible that publicizing the intent to proceed could push Putin and Zelensky to come to an agreement more quickly.

The other possibility is intelligence shows something has changed from last week and the move needs taken:

Officials are similarly worried that Russia could see supplying military aircraft as direct involvement in the conflict. Polish President Andrzej Duda said last week that his country would not send any planes to Ukraine because it might be seen as interfering in the war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that supplying fighter jets would constitute direct involvement.

Proposed plan to send fighter jets to Ukraine hits logistical snag

I brace myself as we wait to find out.

 

[cujenn81]

The US is a fortunate position here, as it already produces enough gas and oil to be self sufficient. Europe does not and we are therefore tied to Russia in that respect until other arrangements are made.

Not sure how on earth the USA uses 20% of the entire worlds oil up though, what the heck are you doing with it? I mean, fair enough, it’s yours to use, but that’s an enormous amount for just one country!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

The biggest reason for this is because most areas in the US are not easily traversed by foot and very few public transport options are available, if any. If you live in a major metropolitan area like Chicago or New York City, you don’t really need a car. But if you live in a small town or rural area, there are miles and miles of forestry and fields and farmland between city centers. Also, the landscape is vastly different from one region to the next. In northeastern cities, they can easily build underground trains. In the southeast, much of the land sits just above sea level. You can’t build an underground basement, much less a train station.

All that is to say — for most of us living in the US, there is no real alternative to traveling by car. I work 20 miles away from my home. That’s 40 miles x five days a week (and that’s only if I literally go nowhere else). I drive a small sedan and need to refill my 10-gallon tank every 10-12 days, on average. I would say this is pretty typical for most people that live in the US. So, if you took the country’s adult population minus however many live in major cities and then multiply that number by ten… that number would likely explain how we do it quite well.

 

[ilovewings]

I think anything in the areas that were said to be Putin demands, IF TRUE, are a way to get invading forces out of Ukraine. That has to happen first, no occupation. So if that's doable by those "conditions" , like you said, it might be the best deal to save lives and prepare the future

I know I don't understand a lot of what is going on between Russia and the Ukraine, but do know this: Putin is a special kind of evil, enjoying killing hundreds, perhaps thousands of innocent people, who are being used as pawns to get what he wants. He is using this slaughter as a bargaining chip to get what he wants. Some of you think the bargain is worth it--- he is basically saying to Ukraine, if you give me what I want I will stop the killing and if you don't, I will continue the slaughter. I wouldn't trust anything that comes out of his lying mouth anyway: everything he has said so far has been a lie!

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Russian shoppers face empty shelves and anti-Putin protesters arrested


Russian fury grows against Putin as shoppers face empty shelves and 13,500 protesters arrested | Daily Mail Online

oh my god... the video....

"The whole world hates us, how did it come to this?'

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Flightradar24

This morning (US Pacific time) is the first time I've seen a US Navy plane up in the area, a SuperHornet over southern Romania, near the Ukraine Black Sea border. It can carry air-to sea or air-to-land missiles, and has a larger fuel capacity than the smaller Hornet or other fighter planes.

I wonder where it is based out of. I don't know if US Navy would base in Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey. SuperHornets are not carrier-based planes.

I so appreciate your understanding of these flight movements. Please keep us informed>>as you learn more>

 

[Niner]

I am also noticing there is a generous cadre of US and European military aircraft in the swath from Latvia to Romania. Always seem to be refueling tankers in the air and various types of miliary craft, from freight transport planes to fighter planes, including large helicopters and various sorts of intelligence surveillance craft and drones.

I appreciated the news about Latvia!

snipped...

'RIGA, Latvia—Canada will extend its NATO military mission in Latvia, which was due to end next year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.

It is welcome news to many of the military commanders here.

snipped...

To my WS friends in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, do you have any information on this statement from Aljazzera news today:

"Those wishing to leave from the European side of the country are crossing the land border to Finland or the Baltic states (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania)."

I know we have taken in Ukrainian refugees - and found this article re Russians:

Latvia Halts Visa Issuance for Russians - SchengenVisaInfo.com

Feb. 26, 2022
Russian citizens are no longer able to obtain a visa for travel to Latvia, as the latter has halted the issuance of visas for them due to Ukraine’s invasion by Russian forces.
[.....]
The country has also banned three Russian televisions for “war propaganda”.


Otherwise I have not seen or heard anything about Russian refugees crossing into Latvia.

 

[Darling136]

The other possibility is intelligence shows something has changed from last week and the move needs taken:
Officials are similarly worried that Russia could see supplying military aircraft as direct involvement in the conflict. Polish President Andrzej Duda said last week that his country would not send any planes to Ukraine because it might be seen as interfering in the war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that supplying fighter jets would constitute direct involvement.

I think it is not changing what you quoted, but this way it is not Poland delivering the Migs to Ukraine, they are exchanging them with US, so US could be the one giving them. Means Poland is not officially breaking the request of Russia, however this is merely a stretch... however i must admit, those Migs are needed, so if it works this way and does not endanger Poland, whatever helps Ukraine...

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Although I’m sure that some Russians have been brainwashed and do believe the propaganda being pushed down their throats by Putin and his regime, I also think that many will be “Toeing the Party Line” and saying to those journalists that present them with the evidence, what they think they SHOULD say ( ie. I Support Putin)
( Putin wouldn’t do that) etc so as not to be targeted and suffer at the hands of the regime if and when the article is broadcast because Putin will be aware of all the news broadcasts from whatever networks and news stations and SM and I would not put it past him to have his minions instructed to find any dissenters and those that don’t say the ‘right’ thing when being interviewed by the press and shown the horrific war images . It’s self preservation! They will say that they support Putin because they fear saying what they truly feel …. JMOO

I ALWAYS am wary with articles through the Daily Mail..... but their coverage of the dissent within Russia???? I hope we can assume it is real It does appear that dissent is building>> how many are they going to arrest