Putin Recognizes Donbass Republics, Sends Russian Military to 'Denazify' Ukraine

[Jebra]

It'll be interesting to see what country he goes to.

 

[Laurentien2]

Biden To Discuss Potential Use Of Nuclear Weapons In Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Distortions of pronouncements by Russian officials lead to discussion about the need for NATO to develop a “nuclear contingency” plan....

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BIDEN TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT​

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Distortions of pronouncements by Russian officials lead to discussion about the need for NATO to develop a “nuclear contingency” plan.

Written by Lucas Leiroz, researcher in Social Sciences at the Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; geopolitical consultant.
As the conflict continues to intensify in Ukraine, the West seems interested in driving a new wave of international nuclearization. Washington announced that it will be organizing a nuclear contingency plan in order to face an eventual escalation of the crisis between Ukraine and Russia. The American arguments to “justify” this type of measure are based on distortions of previous pronouncements made by Moscow’s officials, which reveals that NATO is ready to do anything to make the current situation a pretext for global re-nuclearization.
American President Joe Biden is about to start his tour across Europe to attend meetings at the European Council and NATO, where the main topic to be discussed will certainly be Ukraine. In a recent statement, White House spokespersons said that among the issues on the agenda for discussion will be the potential use of nuclear weapons in the conflict, which is being treated with increasing attention by the US government – supposedly in response to an alleged “Russian nuclear threat”.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan commented on the case, stating: “President Putin in the early days of the conflict actually raised the spectre of the potential use of nuclear weapons. It is something that we do have to be concerned about. Based on our current analysis we have not changed our nuclear posture to date. But we are constantly monitoring for that potential contingency and of course we take it as seriously as one can possibly take it. We will be consulting with allies and partners on that potential contingency among a range of others and discussing what our potential responses are (…) [Joe Biden] will work with allies on longer-term adjustments to NATO force posture on the eastern flank. He will [also] announce joint action on enhancing European energy security and reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas at long last”.
When mentioning Putin, the American adviser refers to the episode in which the Russian president ordered the country’s nuclear forces to be placed on alert, in the last days of February. At the time, there was great tension and misinformation around the world, with pro-Western media outlets claiming that Putin was “threatening to use nuclear weapons”, which is absolutely false, considering that Putin’s order was just a punctual response to a previous controversial and bellicose speech by the British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, in which the possibility of NATO involvement in the conflict was mentioned.
In addition, later Russian spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also had her words distorted by the Western media. Zakharova had commented during a press conference that a possible Third World War would be nuclear – leading Russia to avoid this scenario. At the time, Western agencies distorted the spokeswoman’s speech, also alleging some kind of threat (when, in practice, Zakharova has only said an obvious thing that everyone understands: that a new world war would be nuclear – which is precisely the reason why international society has been trying to avoid this situation since 1945).
On several occasions, Moscow officials have shown efforts to make even clearer the Russian position of trying to avoid, not provoke, the nuclear escalation of the conflict. For example, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told CNN that his country would only use nuclear weapons if there was an existential threat to the existence of the Russian state: “We have a concept of domestic security, it is public, you can read all the reasons for [Russia’s] nuclear arms to be used (…) If it is an existential threat for our country, then it can be used in accordance with our concept”.
It is no secret that Washington has been trying to re-nuclearize international relations in recent years. In 2020, the US government began to discuss the possibility of resuming nuclear tests, for example. This type of attitude emerges as an extreme and reactive measure in the face of the process of geopolitical decentralization. In other words, in the midst of the rise of the multipolar world, Washington’s last resort to protect its global dominance is to drive a new nuclear wave.
The main problem, however, is trying to justify the re-nuclearization plan with distortions of Russian pronouncements. At no time was there any Russian position in favor of the nuclearization of the conflict in Ukraine. On the contrary, Moscow has been clear in its stance: nuclear weapons are out of the question unless there is an existential threat to Russia. The reason nuclear forces are on the alert is simply because of the escalation promoted by NATO itself, with some Western political leaders considering greater involvement of the alliance in the conflict. Obviously, an eventual NATO action in Ukraine could be interpreted as an existential threat, as the bloc accumulates the largest nuclear arsenal in the world. So, for there to be no risk of escalation and for the Russian alert to nuclear forces to be revoked, the first step to be taken is for NATO to abdicate any involvement in the conflict that could constitute an existential threat.
A re-nuclearization of the world is unlikely to mean any kind of bellicose use of such weapons. Neither side wins in a conflict where two nuclear powers face each other and a war between Russia and NATO would certainly be the end of the world. So, obviously, the American attitude would not be to use nuclear weapons against enemies, but only to drive a new wave of nuclearization, returning to the tensions of the Cold War era. It is possible that nuclear tests will be resumed, for example, and that the production of new weapons will be boosted, creating a new nuclear race.
Unfortunately, while a nuclear conflict is virtually impossible, some degree of nuclearization seems an inevitable side effect of the current situation.

 

[Cosmos]

It could be that it is a new speech that hasn’t yet been translated on the kremlin website.

After waiting for ages to load the Kremlin website (seems to be under attack again), it is indeed coming from Putin's new speech today. Here is what he said:

Meeting with Government members​

Vladimir Putin held a meeting, via videoconference, with Government members.

March 23, 2022
16:55
Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region


Taking part in the meeting were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, deputy prime ministers Viktoria Abramchenko, Yury Borisov, Tatyana Golikova, Alexei Overchuk, Marat Khusnullin and Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov. Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev, Minister of Transport Vitaly Savelyev, Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin, Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Alexei Kudrin and Head of the Executive Committee of the Russian Popular Front Mikhail Kuznetsov were also invited to attend the meeting.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

Today, we will discuss a number of urgent issues in great detail, and we will focus on the situation in the construction sector, considering its fundamental role in the economy and its significant social dimension.

Before we do this, I would like to speak about a subject that I consider important. We have discussed this matter with our colleagues in previous days.

As you know, a number of Western countries have made illegitimate decisions to freeze Russian assets in the past few weeks. And the “collective West” has virtually drawn a line under the reliability of its currencies. We have also discussed this aspect; and the West has compromised trust in these currencies. The United States of America and the EU have announced that they are, in principle, defaulting on their obligations with regard to Russia. Today, everyone in the world knows – they suspected it before, but now they know – that dollar and euro obligations may not be fulfilled.

I have already provided a definition for such actions, and I am not going to go into detail. It is absolutely clear, though, that given the circumstances, it makes no sense for us to supply our goods to the European Union or the United States and be paid in dollars, euros or certain other currencies.

So, I have decided to implement, in the shortest possible time, a package of measures to transfer payments, to begin with, for natural gas supplied to “unfriendly countries” to Russian rubles; that is, we will not accept any compromised currency to be used in these transactions.

At the same time, on a separate note, I would like to note that Russia will continue to supply natural gas in the agreed to volumes and for the agreed-on prices as indicated in the existing contracts. Unlike some of our colleagues, we value our business reputation as a reliable partner and supplier.

These changes will affect only the transaction currency, which will now be Russian rubles. I want the Government to direct Gazprom accordingly and to amend the existing contracts.

At the same time, all our foreign consumers should be given an opportunity to make the necessary transactions, and a clear and transparent procedure for making payments should be created for them, including the purchase of Russian rubles on our domestic foreign exchange market. I want the Bank of Russia, in conjunction with the Government, to determine the procedure for such transactions within one week.

I propose moving on to the agenda, and I turn it over to Mr Mishustin.

Mr Mishustin, please go ahead.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin: Mr President, colleagues,

During the previous Government meeting, which you held, I reported in detail on the measures that have already been taken as well as our plans. These proposals are being worked out in full contact with you, Mr President, on a daily basis.

Now, I want to elaborate in more detail on the existing set of solutions to improve the sustainability of the economy.

The operational headquarters is working almost around the clock and remains constantly in touch with the regions, as new measures are being discussed. In addition to the 20 already adopted federal laws, six more laws will be submitted to the State Duma soon. About 30 draft laws and additional proposals are in the works.

To date, along with the measures already approved, about 200 initiatives have been selected, which are included in the priority action plan, and we expect that most of them will become operational by late March.

One of our key tasks is to help those who now have to pay more in interest on previously issued loans or who took out loans with floating rates. The volume of this loan portfolio is estimated at about 11 trillion rubles.

In an effort to support these companies, a special restructuring procedure has been proposed. Mr President, you and I discussed this in detail. In the months ahead, borrowers will not be required to pay the full amount of interest but can capitalise it instead and put it off towards the end of the year.

At the same time, we will analyse the financial circumstances of these businesses and adopt additional decisions to support them. To do this, the Government will draw up a list of criteria for the borrowing companies that are eligible to have these interest payments written off in full.

On a separate note, payments by individuals under mortgage loans issued before the key rate changes will remain as they were as of the end of February.

The most important thing now is to support people. A resolution was signed on the maximum amount of a loan that will allow citizens to apply to banks for a grace period. They will be able to do this through late September, provided that their income is down 30 percent from the previous year's average.

We paid special attention to the labour market. We will help those who want to find employment. Not only the unemployed, but also those who are at risk of being laid off can now use the employment centres’ services.

Many initiatives are designed to supply the domestic market with common goods. We have consulted with our colleagues in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and decided to increase the limit on duty-free e-commerce to 1,000 euros throughout the entire territory. Consumer goods, primarily food and medications will have priority during customs procedures at checkpoints.

One important area concerns the health of our people. Yesterday, we approved a proposal to support the sale of pharmaceuticals and medical goods by simplifying registration and purchase procedures, subsidising loan interest rates and further implementing the import substitution programme on critical medications and medical equipment.

Earlier, we simplified procedures for the purchase of medical equipment, introduced a temporary ban on the export of foreign medical goods, and created more opportunities for medical organisations to buy equipment at the expense of the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund. This will allow hospitals and outpatient clinics to buy medical equipment for surgeries and laboratory research in any situation, while people will be able to buy the medications they need.

Our airlines have faced major difficulties under the circumstances. Many airplanes with “foreign registration” instantly lost their airworthiness certificates without which they cannot be used. Parts supplies were discontinued and bans on insurance services were introduced. Foreign leasing companies are demanding that these aircraft be returned.

Based on the law on registering the rights to foreign aircraft you signed, we received an opportunity to use them inside the country.

The Government has helped carriers keep their fleets of foreign aircraft since the very first days. We are working to resume flights with these planes as soon as possible. Importantly, in taking these steps, we are strictly following the standards of aviation law, including the international regulations.

Obviously, our main goal is to ensure flight safety. This is above everything else.

We have transferred hundreds of aircraft – more than half the entire fleet – to the Russian Registry. To normalise the situation in this area, the Government took two resolutions. First, we made the registration procedure for listing Russian aircraft in the Russian State Registry as simple as possible and reduced the duration from 40 to five working days. Second, we adopted a document establishing a special mode for implementing aircraft leasing contracts with foreign companies. We have limited the return of these aircraft and aircraft engines to the owners. Russian carriers will be responsible for the technical maintenance and repairs in accordance with international standards.

The restrictions have also affected sea vessels flying the Russian flag – they are prohibited from entering foreign ports. We will definitely not leave such unfriendly steps towards our country unanswered. The Government will introduce proportionate counter restrictions. The respective resolution has been signed.

This is far from the whole list of measures that are currently being worked out.

A large package of measures has been proposed for the construction industry. Last year, construction in Russia showed record results, and we are preparing new support options. They will help Russian builders keep the rollout of civil and industrial premises at the same high level.

A third package of measures was considered yesterday. It includes shortening the investment and construction cycle and creating related infrastructure, as well as maintaining the procedure for changing the price of a state contract as the cost of resources increases.

A number of steps have been taken to support import substitution. Yesterday, the meeting of the operational headquarters board considered the possibility of adjusting the special programme to stimulate the development of design specifications by Russian enterprises. A draft of the relevant resolution has already been submitted to the Government.

A new online service, Import Substitution Exchange, has been launched. The platform should put together a broad supplier base and ensure the replacement of certain imported components with Russian ones, thereby creating demand for domestic products and speeding up the search for potential partners. This service will help develop supply chains and replace missing imported components.

A draft Government decision has also been prepared to facilitate the provision of state support for research projects to create priority industrial products.

The Special Investment Contract 1.0 format, revived in mid-March, has been adjusted, and a corresponding resolution has been signed. Such contracts can now be extended from 10 to 12 years, if restrictive measures by their foreign partners have affected the project’s implementation. Also, the mandatory requirements for the export of industrial products and the diversification of supplies will be removed.

Furthermore, we have supported contractors in public procurement – we have allowed them to write off their fines and penalties indefinitely if they violated their obligations under Government contracts due to the external sanctions.

This week, a resolution was signed to expedite payments for products or services delivered under state corporation contracts with small and medium-sized businesses, reducing the time to seven business days, so businesses can receive payments as soon as possible.

For smaller businesses, four programmes are now available to increase the availability of low-cost loans which include new investment loans for up to three years, an easy-term lending programme implemented as part of a targeted national project, and an increase in the maximum level of risk that the SME Corporation can assume for entrepreneurs under the so-called umbrella guarantee mechanism from the current 4.5 percent to 10 percent.

Another solution is now available for small businesses in a number of industries which will apply to manufacturing enterprises, as well as institutions of culture, sport and public health, as well as the beauty industry and travel agencies. It is proposed that we extend their deadline by six months for paying taxes under the simplified system for the last year and the first quarter of 2022 followed by instalment payments during six months. This will allow businesses to postpone these payments until autumn and free up about 37 billion rubles.

Mr President, under your instructions, ways to improve support for the regions was worked through in detail. To reduce the debt burden, a fundamental decision was made to delay the repayment of debt under budget loans to a later date; and, in order to create additional resources, to expand access to treasury loans to a total of 10 percent of their yield to generate additional resources (we discussed this during a meeting with the regions) for the implementation of ongoing projects.

I would like to note separately that many of the activities under the plan were prepared jointly with the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, with whom we maintain communication at all times, day and night. The heads of the regions approached this work responsibly, and I want to thank them as well. Everyone is constantly in touch.

Along with neutralizing the consequences of sanctions, the Government will continue to address the strategic issues that you, Mr President, have identified as part of the national development goals.

The bulk of the anti-sanctions measures focus on reducing administrative burden, namely, inspections, which should have a positive effect on the operation conditions for entrepreneurs and improve the business environment in the regions.

Our priority is to maximise the flexibility of the economy, to ensure uninterrupted operation of enterprises, and to keep employment intact.

My colleagues will get into more details about other measures.

Thank you.

<…>

So, it could very well be that Putin just heralded the end of the Petrodollar and today will be remembered in the history books as the first final blow to the Pedrodollar. From my very limited understanding, this could mean that especially westerners could be in for pretty hard lessons quite soon. From what I understand, especially Europeans and most of all Americans could soon feel the consequences.

For now, Putin just seems to switch to rubles payments for gas, but it very much sounds like other goods can and will follow (such as oil for example) if the "collective west" doesn't wise up. In fact, it sounds like Russia is prepared and ready to change to rubles for all of its goods.

 

[Zasino]

For now, Putin just seems to switch to rubles payments for gas, but it very much sounds like other goods can and will follow (such as oil for example) if the "collective west" doesn't wise up. In fact, it sounds like Russia is prepared and ready to change to rubles for all of its goods.

Putin is smart, he's probably testing the waters now. Next come oil, nickel, uranium and what have you. Consider that China is recently paying yuan for Saudi Arabian oil, and it may soon require yuan for its Lithium and rare earths etc., so the dollar will definitely take a hit as the pompous and corrupt "world reserve currency".
I love the smell of multipolar world in the morning

 

[Hi_Henry]

Slowly the Truth is leaking out but in a way that the many will not notice.

Here is an example from UK's paper of record "The Times". The only thing they got wrong was the fact that Nazi element in Ukraine are more "in focus" then they were previously.





While in Canada Democracy appears to be getting better and better with each passing day.

“Why didn’t you push Kyiv to sign the Minsk agreements ? Stop escalating ! Stop supplying weapons ! No NATO !"

So the Canadian writer Yves Engler interrupted the speech of the Canadian Foreign Minister about the situation around Ukraine. He was escorted out almost immediately by security.

Mango Press 🥭🗝

🇷🇺🇺🇦🇨🇦 “Why didn’t you push Kyiv to sign the Minsk agreements? Stop escalating! Stop supplying weapons! No NATO! So the Canadian writer Yves Engler interrupted the speech of the Canadian Foreign Minister about the situation around Ukraine. He was escorted out almost immediately by security.

t.me

 

[Cosmos]

Putin is smart, he's probably testing the waters now. Next come oil, nickel, uranium and what have you. Consider that China is recently paying yuan for Saudi Arabian oil, and it may soon require yuan for its Lithium and rare earths etc., so the dollar will definitely take a hit as the pompous and corrupt "world reserve currency".
I love the smell of multipolar world in the morning

Gonzalo‘s thoughts (we are just witnessing the birth of a new world?):

 

[Ben]

BBC finally mentioned Azov by name, having previously avoided the issue or feigning complete ignorance as to what 'denazification' could be referring to. They said that they formed a tiny part of the UAF and contained 'some neo-nazi elements'. I've heard this ridiculous assessment from people here in the UK already.

In some ways I would prefer that Russia and alternative media would use the term 'terrorist' more often. The use of Nazi is a cynical association to many people here. Arguably most of these words have been abused by the pathocrats over the years. I suppose it matters not, they either get it or they don't. Most don't.

What I'm wondering is why RT and Tass are still available at all here (Sputnik is unavailable). Are they confident that enough people are programmed already and that restricting access to counter arguments may arouse more suspicion? Is it seen as potentially causing more harm than good from a propaganda point of view?

 

[Cosmos]

Are we currently witnessing Putin checkmating the PTB? Seems that that might actually be what we are privileged to witness right now? Enjoy the show, anyone?!

 

[Eboard10]

The US together with the G7 countries is planning to impose sanctions on any company helping Russia access products currently banned such as "commercial electronics, computers and aircraft parts". While not explicitly stated, these measures would directly target all the Chinese companies currently dealing with Russia for those products and more. Is the US really not aware that by targeting China it will face potentially fatal counter-measures that will hit its own economy really hard? Or do they actually believe that China will bow down to its demands?

US sets red lines for China helping Russia dodge sanctions​

WASHINGTON: The Biden administration, seeking to deter China from aiding sanctions-hit Russia, on Wednesday (Mar 23) warned Beijing not to take advantage of business opportunities created by sanctions, help Moscow evade export controls or process its banned financial transactions.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that G7 countries would soon announce a unified response to make sure Russia cannot evade Western sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine with the help of China or any other country.

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Brussels where President Joe Biden will attend an emergency NATO summit, Sullivan said, "That's not specifically about China, but it will apply to every significant economy and the decisions that any of those economies take to try, in an intentional and active way, to undermine or weaken the sanctions that we put in place."

He said the US government has conveyed this message to China and that, "We expect similar communication by European Union and individual European countries."

After Biden had a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, Beijing condemned the sanctions on Russia. It said "sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions would only make the people suffer" and should not be "further escalated."

US export restrictions are intended to block Russian access to critical goods such as commercial electronics, computers and aircraft parts.

Washington is concerned that China could help Russia "backfill" and access these products by violating trade restrictions. The US government has tools to ensure that can't happen, Sullivan added.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told Reuters on Wednesday that the United States would punish any companies that violate the export controls on goods like semiconductors.

In terms of payments, Sullivan said, the United States and its G7 allies will respond to "systematic efforts, industrial-scale efforts to try to reorient the settlement of financial payments."

China has not condemned Russia's action in Ukraine, though it has expressed deep concern about the war.

Source: Reuters/ec

 

[Hi_Henry]

What ??? Danemark does not want Ukranians. But why ?

 

[seek10]

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7072917097780710662

I just love those Indian debates.

Host Arnab Goswami is a bull dog even during peaceful days. Indians had 75 years of unpleasant experience of Pakistan crying for Indian muslims, while they treat migrated migrated muslims(from India) as second class citizens. India itself has equal number of muslims in the country. Kashmir saw death of 49,000 people in the last 30 years. The only country that rescued India whenever P5 of UN met on Kashmir is Russia. Most of the India's military equipment is from Russia and there are decades of cultural and military exchange programs. All this makes Americans talking of "moral values" a laughable subject on the subject of Russia.

In the initial days of Ukraine war, there are "Poor Ukraine" feelings in indian social media, but it is gone within days when these journalists started recollecting the Ukraine's track record of Anti-India. America's current pain point is India decided to import gas from Russia as it was offered deep discount. Whether discount or premium, India is not going to go against Russia any time soon.

 

[Iggdrasil]

I've added subtitles/

Just a sing about Donbass children

Our own Vanga, the leader of one of Russian politician party, Vladimir Zhirinovsky. Now he is in a hospital, have COVID and maybe will die. We are very sad about him.

 

[syldan]

Balancing of powers towards the next game plan?! A-pril?

 

[Natus Videre]

Are we currently witnessing Putin checkmating the PTB? Seems that that might actually be what we are privileged to witness right now? Enjoy the show, anyone?!

Biden's private Russian tutor arrives next Monday to teach him Russian. On the other hand, Kamala's math professor has already attempted to show her how to convert USD to RUB in case Biden's tutor doesn't have a PayPal account. Psaki is relieved Biden is not the one doing the math. Blinken, aroused by the infusion of knowledge that permeates the Chinese White House, reads the Constitution and notices an interesting statement: "The Second Amendment is Kung Fu."

 

[Thebull]

Just seen a clip on sky news in UK, showing a so called russian state TV hosts saying they (Europe)will get a nuclear strike if they gather a peace keeping force. Didn't show much context though.
Then showed Lavrov answering a suggestion that Poland may send a peace keeping force. "Be careful what you wish. That's the confrontation nobody wants" Nothings really changed at the Russian end.
A lot of bluster here but The gas ruble move I think has put the cat amongst the pigeons. That's only the first move and more to come I can feel things are picking up. God help us here with our inept leaders.