anybody monitoring russias movements?
- Thread starter cyclingjames
- Start date
Help Support Homesteading & Country Living Forum:
http://yle.fi/uutiset/ukrainan_alas...rikoisjoukkojen_lasnolosta_ukrainassa/8073906
UNFORTUNATELY in finish,but Ukrainian gov.troops shot down a drone..russkie markings inside and as they don't have these,quite easy to put 1+1 and get the right answer..
UNFORTUNATELY in finish,but Ukrainian gov.troops shot down a drone..russkie markings inside and as they don't have these,quite easy to put 1+1 and get the right answer..
The General Staff of the Russian Federation has developed a plan to capture the Left-Bank Ukraine for 15 days.
Verkhovna Rada deputy of the faction "People's Front" Anton Gerashchenko in his blog onTsenzor.NET unveiled secret work plan of the General Staff of the Russian Federation to seize the Left-Bank Ukraine.
Plans to capture the Left Bank of Ukraine to the Dnieper painted detail in the document "Report on the use of solutions group of forces" North "in the special operation", having a "top secret" and in the Explanatory note to the plan, which are published on the website "The Peacemaker" . "Experts volunteer group of" Peacemaker "were able to get these secret documents of the Russian General Staff at their disposal during the special multi-pass operation, for which they do not ask for rewards from the state. The details of this transaction is not subject to disclosure, as this channel for secret documents from bowels of the Russian General Staff continues to operate, and the publication of its working methods could lead to the loss of a channel of information and loss of life, "- said Gerashchenko.
See also "Tsenzor.NET": Price of the "Russian world": more than a thousand graves destroyed militants alone cemetery near Donetsk. Photo report + VIDEO
According to People's Deputy, a meeting on the approval of the plan was held on April 8-9 in St. Petersburg, in the headquarters of the Western Military District, after which there was a big general's banquet.
For example, to capture all the Left Bank of Ukraine in the plan of the General Staff of the Russian Federation is given only 15 days. The goal - a quick seizure of control over the territory and communications, without the seizure of large cities / regional centers. According to the plan, the battalion tactical group of the Russian regular army, united in a group of troops, "North", will have to invade the territory of Ukraine in two stages - first in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, and then in Poltava, Kiev and Chernigov.
"This invasion plan by force of habit to disguise under attack hordes of" militias "LC / DNI, which gained strength and want to restore the constitutional order in Ukraine, without return of Yanukovich", - said Gerashchenko.
See also "Tsenzor.NET": the Armed Forces Sergeant 32nd OMSBr Stepan Potylitsin participated in the occupation of the Crimea and the war in the Donbass. PHOTO
"The plan also details how itemized course of combat operations in the best traditions of the school of the General Staff of the USSR, and the course of engaging information weapons. In particular, provides for the operations to discredit the National Guard by" organizing photos / video fixation nationalist excesses against civilians LC / DNI " . Or simply put: it is planned to shoot a few dozen residents of the occupied Ukrainian Donbass, shoot it in the photo and video and dump it all on the actions of the Ukrainian side, "- said the MP.
A similar plan is developed command of the Southern Military District of Russia. The purpose of the Southern Group of Forces - a blow to the Zaporozhye and Melitopol through the area of Berdyansk and Mariupol and access to the Perekop isthmus to open land routes messages to the Crimea.
"I can only add that the responsibility for the development of the action plan Group of Forces" North ", the commander of the Western Military Region of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Anatoly Sidorov Alekseevichu now better at Putin's eyes do not get caught. Russian General Staff would-be who can not properly protect its military secrets, remember that their colleagues from Nazi Germany, Wilhelm Keitel and Alfred Jodl were condemned by the Nuremberg Tribunal with the wording "subject to death for planning and launching an aggressive war in Europe" - said the MP.
See also "Tsenzor.NET": Terrorist Gubarev lit Russian troops from the 18th Guards. omsbr the Armed Forces in the Donbas. Picture story
Verkhovna Rada deputy of the faction "People's Front" Anton Gerashchenko in his blog onTsenzor.NET unveiled secret work plan of the General Staff of the Russian Federation to seize the Left-Bank Ukraine.
Plans to capture the Left Bank of Ukraine to the Dnieper painted detail in the document "Report on the use of solutions group of forces" North "in the special operation", having a "top secret" and in the Explanatory note to the plan, which are published on the website "The Peacemaker" . "Experts volunteer group of" Peacemaker "were able to get these secret documents of the Russian General Staff at their disposal during the special multi-pass operation, for which they do not ask for rewards from the state. The details of this transaction is not subject to disclosure, as this channel for secret documents from bowels of the Russian General Staff continues to operate, and the publication of its working methods could lead to the loss of a channel of information and loss of life, "- said Gerashchenko.
See also "Tsenzor.NET": Price of the "Russian world": more than a thousand graves destroyed militants alone cemetery near Donetsk. Photo report + VIDEO
According to People's Deputy, a meeting on the approval of the plan was held on April 8-9 in St. Petersburg, in the headquarters of the Western Military District, after which there was a big general's banquet.
For example, to capture all the Left Bank of Ukraine in the plan of the General Staff of the Russian Federation is given only 15 days. The goal - a quick seizure of control over the territory and communications, without the seizure of large cities / regional centers. According to the plan, the battalion tactical group of the Russian regular army, united in a group of troops, "North", will have to invade the territory of Ukraine in two stages - first in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, and then in Poltava, Kiev and Chernigov.
"This invasion plan by force of habit to disguise under attack hordes of" militias "LC / DNI, which gained strength and want to restore the constitutional order in Ukraine, without return of Yanukovich", - said Gerashchenko.
See also "Tsenzor.NET": the Armed Forces Sergeant 32nd OMSBr Stepan Potylitsin participated in the occupation of the Crimea and the war in the Donbass. PHOTO
"The plan also details how itemized course of combat operations in the best traditions of the school of the General Staff of the USSR, and the course of engaging information weapons. In particular, provides for the operations to discredit the National Guard by" organizing photos / video fixation nationalist excesses against civilians LC / DNI " . Or simply put: it is planned to shoot a few dozen residents of the occupied Ukrainian Donbass, shoot it in the photo and video and dump it all on the actions of the Ukrainian side, "- said the MP.
A similar plan is developed command of the Southern Military District of Russia. The purpose of the Southern Group of Forces - a blow to the Zaporozhye and Melitopol through the area of Berdyansk and Mariupol and access to the Perekop isthmus to open land routes messages to the Crimea.
"I can only add that the responsibility for the development of the action plan Group of Forces" North ", the commander of the Western Military Region of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Anatoly Sidorov Alekseevichu now better at Putin's eyes do not get caught. Russian General Staff would-be who can not properly protect its military secrets, remember that their colleagues from Nazi Germany, Wilhelm Keitel and Alfred Jodl were condemned by the Nuremberg Tribunal with the wording "subject to death for planning and launching an aggressive war in Europe" - said the MP.
See also "Tsenzor.NET": Terrorist Gubarev lit Russian troops from the 18th Guards. omsbr the Armed Forces in the Donbas. Picture story
The video in the link below has good interviews!
"Most importantly, there is no other country in the world that flies the Forpost Drone but Russia. Some countries fly the Israeli Searcher drone, which the Forpost is a licensed copy of, but no other country outside the Russian Federation flies the Forpost, which was shot down on May 20th in Eastern Ukraine. This particular drone contained clearly marked ‘Forpost’ metallic plates with serial numbers inside it’s body"
https://www.bellingcat.com/news/uk-...e-russian-forpost-drone-shot-down-in-ukraine/
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
"The emergence of such information confirms that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies, apparently has serious sights on ultimately undermining key provisions in the 'NATO Russia Founding Act' of 1997, in which the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial combat forces on the territory of the countries mentioned in the permanent basis," the ministry said in a statement on its website.
"We hope, however, that reason will prevail and that the situation in Europe will be able to keep from sliding to a new military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
After the announcement, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said that Putin's statement was one reason why the international military alliance was upping its deterrence measures.
Kirill Kudryavtsev | AFP | Getty Images
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued its warning on Monday against military presence on its western border after the New York Times and other media organizations reported that the U.S. had offered to store military equipment for up to 5,000 troops—including battle tanks and heavy weapons—in allied eastern European countries.
"The emergence of such information confirms that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies, apparently has serious sights on ultimately undermining key provisions in the 'NATO Russia Founding Act' of 1997, in which the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial combat forces on the territory of the countries mentioned in the permanent basis," the ministry said in a statement on its website.
"We hope, however, that reason will prevail and that the situation in Europe will be able to keep from sliding to a new military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences."
An U.S. Pentagon official told the NYT that no decision had yet been made and that NATO, to which many European countries belong, would have to ratify such a move.
"The U.S. military continues to review the best location to store these materials in consultation with our allies," said a Pentagon spokesman said, cited by the NYT. "At this time, we have made no decision about if or when to move to this equipment."
Propaganda and Phobia
Eastern European and Baltic states sharing a border with Russia—which include Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine—have become increasingly nervous about recent, seemingly provocative military exercises by Russia. This follows Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region last year, role in the pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine and subsequent sanctioning by the West
Nonetheless, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the proposed move by the U.S. to station military equipment along the border was part of a propaganda plot to turn Europe against Moscow.
"Washington says the planned measures are needed to 'increase the confidence' of European allies in the face of the 'Russian threat,'" the ministry said.
"In fact, capitals in both Washington and in Europe are aware that the 'Russian threat' is nothing more than a myth."
The countries where military equipment could be stored include Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Estonia and possible Hungary. The plans could be decided upon when defense ministers from the 28 NATO member countries meet later in June.
A Russian defense official was also quoted on Monday as saying that any U.S. plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russia's border would be an "aggressive step," news agency Interfax reported.
Read MoreWatch out for this Russia downgrade risk
"If heavy U.S. military equipment, including tanks, artillery batteries and other equipment really does turn up in countries in eastern Europe and the Baltics, that will be the most aggressive step by the Pentagon and NATO since the Cold War," Russian defense ministry official General Yuri Yakubov said.
He was also quoted as saying Moscow would retaliate by building up its own forces "on the Western strategic front."
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
After the announcement, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said that Putin's statement was one reason why the international military alliance was upping its deterrence measures.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
"The emergence of such information confirms that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies, apparently has serious sights on ultimately undermining key provisions in the 'NATO Russia Founding Act' of 1997, in which the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial combat forces on the territory of the countries mentioned in the permanent basis," the ministry said in a statement on its website.
"We hope, however, that reason will prevail and that the situation in Europe will be able to keep from sliding to a new military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
After the announcement, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said that Putin's statement was one reason why the international military alliance was upping its deterrence measures.
Kirill Kudryavtsev | AFP | Getty Images
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued its warning on Monday against military presence on its western border after the New York Times and other media organizations reported that the U.S. had offered to store military equipment for up to 5,000 troops—including battle tanks and heavy weapons—in allied eastern European countries.
"The emergence of such information confirms that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies, apparently has serious sights on ultimately undermining key provisions in the 'NATO Russia Founding Act' of 1997, in which the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial combat forces on the territory of the countries mentioned in the permanent basis," the ministry said in a statement on its website.
"We hope, however, that reason will prevail and that the situation in Europe will be able to keep from sliding to a new military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences."
An U.S. Pentagon official told the NYT that no decision had yet been made and that NATO, to which many European countries belong, would have to ratify such a move.
"The U.S. military continues to review the best location to store these materials in consultation with our allies," said a Pentagon spokesman said, cited by the NYT. "At this time, we have made no decision about if or when to move to this equipment."
Propaganda and Phobia
Eastern European and Baltic states sharing a border with Russia—which include Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine—have become increasingly nervous about recent, seemingly provocative military exercises by Russia. This follows Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region last year, role in the pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine and subsequent sanctioning by the West
Nonetheless, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the proposed move by the U.S. to station military equipment along the border was part of a propaganda plot to turn Europe against Moscow.
"Washington says the planned measures are needed to 'increase the confidence' of European allies in the face of the 'Russian threat,'" the ministry said.
"In fact, capitals in both Washington and in Europe are aware that the 'Russian threat' is nothing more than a myth."
The countries where military equipment could be stored include Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Estonia and possible Hungary. The plans could be decided upon when defense ministers from the 28 NATO member countries meet later in June.
A Russian defense official was also quoted on Monday as saying that any U.S. plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russia's border would be an "aggressive step," news agency Interfax reported.
Read MoreWatch out for this Russia downgrade risk
"If heavy U.S. military equipment, including tanks, artillery batteries and other equipment really does turn up in countries in eastern Europe and the Baltics, that will be the most aggressive step by the Pentagon and NATO since the Cold War," Russian defense ministry official General Yuri Yakubov said.
He was also quoted as saying Moscow would retaliate by building up its own forces "on the Western strategic front."
Russia-West relations took a downturn this week when Moscow warned that any stationing of military equipment along its border with Europe could have "dangerous consequences" and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would add more than 40 ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year.
At a military and arms fair on Tuesday, Putin announced the addition of the intercontinental ballistic missiles which, he said, were able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
After the announcement, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said that Putin's statement was one reason why the international military alliance was upping its deterrence measures.
Kirill Kudryavtsev | AFP | Getty Images
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued its warning on Monday against military presence on its western border after the New York Times and other media organizations reported that the U.S. had offered to store military equipment for up to 5,000 troops—including battle tanks and heavy weapons—in allied eastern European countries.
"The emergence of such information confirms that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies, apparently has serious sights on ultimately undermining key provisions in the 'NATO Russia Founding Act' of 1997, in which the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial combat forces on the territory of the countries mentioned in the permanent basis," the ministry said in a statement on its website.
"We hope, however, that reason will prevail and that the situation in Europe will be able to keep from sliding to a new military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences."
An U.S. Pentagon official told the NYT that no decision had yet been made and that NATO, to which many European countries belong, would have to ratify such a move.
"The U.S. military continues to review the best location to store these materials in consultation with our allies," said a Pentagon spokesman said, cited by the NYT. "At this time, we have made no decision about if or when to move to this equipment."
Propaganda and Phobia
Eastern European and Baltic states sharing a border with Russia—which include Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine—have become increasingly nervous about recent, seemingly provocative military exercises by Russia. This follows Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region last year, role in the pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine and subsequent sanctioning by the West.
Read MoreIs Finland really getting ready for war with Russia?
Nonetheless, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the proposed move by the U.S. to station military equipment along the border was part of a propaganda plot to turn Europe against Moscow.
"Washington says the planned measures are needed to 'increase the confidence' of European allies in the face of the 'Russian threat,'" the ministry said.
"In fact, capitals in both Washington and in Europe are aware that the 'Russian threat' is nothing more than a myth."
The countries where military equipment could be stored include Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Estonia and possible Hungary. The plans could be decided upon when defense ministers from the 28 NATO member countries meet later in June.
A Russian defense official was also quoted on Monday as saying that any U.S. plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russia's border would be an "aggressive step," news agency Interfax reported.
He was also quoted as saying Moscow would retaliate by building up its own forces "on the Western strategic front."
All about Ukraine
With the war of words between the U.S. and Russia threatening to descend into something nastier, Ian Bremmer, president of risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said the geo-political tension was very much focused on Ukraine.
"We have seen a ceasefire in Ukraine that has not held, we have seen an escalation in Russian war material in east Ukraine, we've seen casualties in the last few weeks and expanded Russian military exercises on the border as well as more Russian troops," he told CNBC Europe's "Squawk Box."
"From the western perspective it does seem laughable that Russia would talks about the greatest escalation by the Americans potentially putting tanks in the Baltics, which still hasn't been approved by NATO as a whole, when Russia is putting tanks in countries that don't want those tanks there. This is very much about Ukraine."
Moscow has also accused the U.S. of being responsible for the political uprising in Ukraine in 2014 that preceded the annexation of Crimea, in which the pro-Russian leader Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.
"It is convenient to use propaganda to cover up the responsibility of the U.S. for the anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine and in Kiev," said the Russian Foreign Ministry in its statement.
"The U.S. has assiduously nurtured an anti-Russian among its European allies in order to take advantage of the current difficult moment for the further expansion of its military presence."
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued its warning on Monday against military presence on its western border after the New York Times and other media organizations reported that the U.S. had offered to store military equipment for up to 5,000 troops—including battle tanks and heavy weapons—in allied eastern European countries.
"The emergence of such information confirms that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies, apparently has serious sights on ultimately undermining key provisions in the 'NATO Russia Founding Act' of 1997, in which the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial combat forces on the territory of the countries mentioned in the permanent basis," the ministry said in a statement on its website.
"We hope, however, that reason will prevail and that the situation in Europe will be able to keep from sliding to a new military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences."
An U.S. Pentagon official told the NYT that no decision had yet been made and that NATO, to which many European countries belong, would have to ratify such a move.
"The U.S. military continues to review the best location to store these materials in consultation with our allies," said a Pentagon spokesman said, cited by the NYT. "At this time, we have made no decision about if or when to move to this equipment."
Propaganda and Phobia
Eastern European and Baltic states sharing a border with Russia—which include Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine—have become increasingly nervous about recent, seemingly provocative military exercises by Russia. This follows Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region last year, role in the pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine and subsequent sanctioning by the West.
Read MoreIs Finland really getting ready for war with Russia?
Nonetheless, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the proposed move by the U.S. to station military equipment along the border was part of a propaganda plot to turn Europe against Moscow.
"Washington says the planned measures are needed to 'increase the confidence' of European allies in the face of the 'Russian threat,'" the ministry said.
"In fact, capitals in both Washington and in Europe are aware that the 'Russian threat' is nothing more than a myth."
The countries where military equipment could be stored include Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Estonia and possible Hungary. The plans could be decided upon when defense ministers from the 28 NATO member countries meet later in June.
A Russian defense official was also quoted on Monday as saying that any U.S. plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russia's border would be an "aggressive step," news agency Interfax reported.
He was also quoted as saying Moscow would retaliate by building up its own forces "on the Western strategic front."
All about Ukraine
With the war of words between the U.S. and Russia threatening to descend into something nastier, Ian Bremmer, president of risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said the geo-political tension was very much focused on Ukraine.
"We have seen a ceasefire in Ukraine that has not held, we have seen an escalation in Russian war material in east Ukraine, we've seen casualties in the last few weeks and expanded Russian military exercises on the border as well as more Russian troops," he told CNBC Europe's "Squawk Box."
"From the western perspective it does seem laughable that Russia would talks about the greatest escalation by the Americans potentially putting tanks in the Baltics, which still hasn't been approved by NATO as a whole, when Russia is putting tanks in countries that don't want those tanks there. This is very much about Ukraine."
Moscow has also accused the U.S. of being responsible for the political uprising in Ukraine in 2014 that preceded the annexation of Crimea, in which the pro-Russian leader Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.
"It is convenient to use propaganda to cover up the responsibility of the U.S. for the anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine and in Kiev," said the Russian Foreign Ministry in its statement.
"The U.S. has assiduously nurtured an anti-Russian among its European allies in order to take advantage of the current difficult moment for the further expansion of its military presence."
Is Finland really getting ready for war with Russia?
Finland has informed its 900,000 military reservists of what their roles would be in the event of a military crisis against a backdrop of rising tensions between Russia and its neighbors.
The letters campaign by the Finnish army has ostensibly been carried out to "keep in touch" with its reservists, the Finnish Defense Ministry said on its website, and reservists have been asked to update their personal details that the army holds for them.
The letters have been sent as a result of "an extensive reform starting in 2008 affected the task of many reservists and the Defense Forces contacted the reservists to inform them what their individual role would be should Finland enter a conflict," the military's website noted.
The timing of the letters that has raised eyebrows, however, as relations between Russia and its neighbor Finland sour.
Russia has become increasingly isolated on the global stage for over a year now as a result of its annexation of Crimea and role in the recent conflict in Ukraine. Nonetheless, it has been conducting military exercises over the last year, including in the Baltic Sea near the shores of Finland – as well as other northern European countries.
Read MoreUkraine's economy may shrink 10% in 2015
Finland shares a land border with Russia but neither country is a member of the military alliance NATO, potentially making it more vulnerable to any future Russian aggression.
Seemingly aware of the potential military risks, the defense ministers of Nordic nations Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland warned in April this year that Northern Europe must prepare for possible crises or incidents because of Russia.
"Russia's leaders have shown that they are prepared to make practical and effective use of military means in order to reach their political goals, even when this involves violating principles of international law," the ministers wrote in a joint statement in Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, Reuters reported.
Finland's army has around 16,000 members, although the number rises when including its Naval and Air Forces. The forces would be given a significant boost were reserves to be called up.
Reservists are those "who are liable for and have completed their military service," the Finnish Defence Forces (Finland's military) said on its website.
Finland has informed its 900,000 military reservists of what their roles would be in the event of a military crisis against a backdrop of rising tensions between Russia and its neighbors.
The letters campaign by the Finnish army has ostensibly been carried out to "keep in touch" with its reservists, the Finnish Defense Ministry said on its website, and reservists have been asked to update their personal details that the army holds for them.
The letters have been sent as a result of "an extensive reform starting in 2008 affected the task of many reservists and the Defense Forces contacted the reservists to inform them what their individual role would be should Finland enter a conflict," the military's website noted.
The timing of the letters that has raised eyebrows, however, as relations between Russia and its neighbor Finland sour.
Russia has become increasingly isolated on the global stage for over a year now as a result of its annexation of Crimea and role in the recent conflict in Ukraine. Nonetheless, it has been conducting military exercises over the last year, including in the Baltic Sea near the shores of Finland – as well as other northern European countries.
Read MoreUkraine's economy may shrink 10% in 2015
Finland shares a land border with Russia but neither country is a member of the military alliance NATO, potentially making it more vulnerable to any future Russian aggression.
Seemingly aware of the potential military risks, the defense ministers of Nordic nations Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland warned in April this year that Northern Europe must prepare for possible crises or incidents because of Russia.
"Russia's leaders have shown that they are prepared to make practical and effective use of military means in order to reach their political goals, even when this involves violating principles of international law," the ministers wrote in a joint statement in Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, Reuters reported.
Finland's army has around 16,000 members, although the number rises when including its Naval and Air Forces. The forces would be given a significant boost were reserves to be called up.
Reservists are those "who are liable for and have completed their military service," the Finnish Defence Forces (Finland's military) said on its website.
0
0
0
0
0
18.06.15 10:03
Terrorists triply attempted to break through Ukrainian defense in Marinka and the Luhansk region; all assaults repulsed, - ATO press center
Over the past day, June 17, the situation in the anti-terrorist operation area remained complicated but under control of Ukrainian units.
This is reported by Censor.NET citing the ATO press center.
According to the HQ, Russian-terrorist troops made three attempts to break through Ukrainian defense in Marinka and in the Luhansk region: "Out units have successfully repulsed the enemy's attacks.
"Over the past day, Russian mercenaries opened fire at the Ukrainian army positions along the demarcation line for 79 times, using all weapons available. In particular, Minsk-banned artillery of 120 mm, 122 mm, and 152 mm caliber, as well as Grad MLRSes were used," the message reads.
The night in the ATO area was tense. 35 cases of shelling of the Ukrainian army positions were recorded.
Read more: Militants continue to use prohibited weapons. 31 fire attacks and two clashes recorded today, - ATO press center
"Near Donetsk, terrorists shelled Ukrainian positions near Khimik, Krasnohorivka, and Marinka with 120-mm mortars. Troitske at Artemivsk direction was shelled twice with howitzers of 152-mm caliber. In the same sector, illegal armed gangs fired at Novhorodske and Nelipivka with mortars of various calibers," the HQ informed.
They also reported that during the night, terrorists used 82-mm mortars, combat vehicles, grenade launchers, and small arms to fire at ATO positions and residential infrastructures at all directions.
There was less shelling in the Luhansk region. However, a military clash with two reconnaissance and sabotage groups of the enemy occurred near Sokilnyky in the evening. The enemy incurred losses and retreated.Source:http://en.censor.net.ua/n340515
It's all about being prepared,everyone knows that war isn't pretty,but with a bully next door you can't let your guard down..and knowing the russkie mindset they still think over there it would be so nice to annex Finland too..
When more then one Nation in the Nordic/Scandinavian region and Baltic's takes issue with russia's aggression and is willing to upgrade and expands it's military as an legitimate concern thus can't and shouldn't be discounted, the Nordic and Baltic regions know more about russia then anyone in any other country in any part of the world including anyone living in the Philippines, so when these Countries have a concern NATO and it's member States need to listen and act! Cavemanjoe, there is a reason why the Finns consider themselves the foremost russian experts for the West 
when they are concerned about russia we should listen given through the whole Cold War remained neutral and help maintain peace through it all and now they are concerned to point of seriously talking of joining NATO including Sweden, that alone should make everyone pause and think! You can buy putin's bologna all you want me on the other hand is listening to the folks that have first hand knowledge of the soviets and their occupation and don't forget the Finns have seen it up and close and personal in 1939 and the Ukrainian have been occupied by the soviets since 1920 so they experienced soviet life for over 90yrs.
Northern European Countries to Step Up Military Alliance to Counter Russian 'Aggression'
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/...nce-to-counter-russian-aggression/511102.html
Moscow says it is concerned over Finland and Sweden moving closer to NATO
http://en.delfi.lt/central-eastern-...nd-sweden-moving-closer-to-nato.d?id=67686136
Denmark Close to Record Defense Upgrade as Russian Threat Grows
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ecord-defense-upgrade-as-russian-threat-grows
when they are concerned about russia we should listen given through the whole Cold War remained neutral and help maintain peace through it all and now they are concerned to point of seriously talking of joining NATO including Sweden, that alone should make everyone pause and think! You can buy putin's bologna all you want me on the other hand is listening to the folks that have first hand knowledge of the soviets and their occupation and don't forget the Finns have seen it up and close and personal in 1939 and the Ukrainian have been occupied by the soviets since 1920 so they experienced soviet life for over 90yrs.Northern European Countries to Step Up Military Alliance to Counter Russian 'Aggression'
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/...nce-to-counter-russian-aggression/511102.html
Moscow says it is concerned over Finland and Sweden moving closer to NATO
http://en.delfi.lt/central-eastern-...nd-sweden-moving-closer-to-nato.d?id=67686136
Denmark Close to Record Defense Upgrade as Russian Threat Grows
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ecord-defense-upgrade-as-russian-threat-grows
Last edited:
words above gave a warm feeling of not being alone,appreciate them
as said above, little me too find it very strange that someone living in the Philippines try to convince me about the peaceful intentions of mad-vlad when all his actions have proved the opposite.
my country is a small peace loving independent democracy and we here would very much like to be that in the future too,we have no desire to be part of mad-vlads new russia,we sure as hell had no desire to part of Stalins USSR back in 1939.
so,yes we are concerned,we do prepare,we have the will.
as said above, little me too find it very strange that someone living in the Philippines try to convince me about the peaceful intentions of mad-vlad when all his actions have proved the opposite.
my country is a small peace loving independent democracy and we here would very much like to be that in the future too,we have no desire to be part of mad-vlads new russia,we sure as hell had no desire to part of Stalins USSR back in 1939.
so,yes we are concerned,we do prepare,we have the will.
Russian intentions really peaceful. Peacefulness is desired, had occupied the territory of the neighboring state without receiving resistance, as they have done it with the Crimea. The reason for the war in Ukraine, Russian users on the forums explains questions - Why do you resist ??? Why are your soldiers do not take the side of Russia to ??? How can you shoot in Russian ??? In their understanding agresor Ukraine because they do not want to become part of Russia. Thus the Russians consider Ukraine their territory on which someone had attacked, the state sotvetstvennone take no arguments. One of the captured Russian teroristov in an interview bluntly said that the main purpose is, capturing the entire territory of Ukraine with further expansion of the territory of Russia. With the subsequent restoration of the USSR.
For Russians, the situation in Ukraine is as follows:
For Russians, the situation in Ukraine is as follows:
Last edited:
Make no mistake. America is an aggressor nation threatening world peace, stability and security.
It's permanent war agenda endangers everyone. Its ruthless pursuit of unchallenged dominance wants a ruler-serf world unfit to live in.
It's increasing hostility toward Russia and China may launch WW III. Lunatics in Washington wanted Russia nuked since early Cold War days.
General Curtis LeMay (1906 - 1990) argued for doing it even at the cost of a few US cities. So did General Lyman Lemnitzer (1899 - 1988). They believed nuclear war was inevitable so better sooner than later while America had a clear advantage. They weren't alone from their time to now.
On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin said Russia will act appropriately to US-dominated NATO's encroachment on its borders.
He responded to Washington's intent to position heavy weapons and thousands of US combat forces in Eastern European countries along with its planned (offensive) missile defense targeting Russia - provocations at a time no threats exist except invented ones.
"If someone threatens our territories, it means that we will have to aim our armed forces accordingly at the territories from where the threat is coming," Putin said.
"How else could it be? It is (US-dominated) NATO approaching our borders. It's not like we are moving anywhere."
"I'd refrain from whipping up emotions. Of course, we will analyze everything but so far I see nothing that might prompt us to (take responsive measures)."
"What worries us more is the anti-missile defense system that is being deployed - that is a significant thing of strategic importance."
Among other measures, Putin announced plans for "40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles to our nuclear force…capable of overcoming even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
"Russia will have no other choice but to boost its military potential along its western borders," Defense Ministry General Yury Yakubov explained. He called building up military forces in Eastern European countries "the most aggressive step since the Cold War."
"Russia (will have to) bolster its forces and resources on the western strategic theater of operations," - including installing Iskander tactical missiles in Kaliningrad and boosting its military presence in Belarus, he explained.
Putin, Yakubov and other Russian officials stress Russia will act appropriately to protect its security against increasingly hostile US-dominated NATO actions.
In response, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accused Russia of "saber-rattling. (It's) destabilizing and dangerous," he said.
Putin's "statement…confirm(s) the pattern and behavior of Russia over quite a period of time."
"This is something which we are addressing, and it's also one of the reasons we are now increasing the readiness and preparedness of our forces…(NATO will protect) all (our) allies against the enemy."
He ludicrously called NATO actions "proportionate (and) defensive…respond(ing) in the face of a more assertive Russia."
Truth is polar opposite. Stoltenberg ignored longstanding US-dominated NATO provocations - ongoing since Washington broke its pledge to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev not to expand NATO east
Today is the most perilous time in world history. Peace in our time no longer exists. Daily events should terrify everyone.
US-dominated NATO's killing machine is an out-of-control monster. Madness defines its policy. World peace is threatened.
Humanity's fate hangs in the balance. The price of imperial arrogance is potential nuclear armageddon. The road to hell is paved with public dismissiveness to a possible apocalyptic fate.!!!
It's permanent war agenda endangers everyone. Its ruthless pursuit of unchallenged dominance wants a ruler-serf world unfit to live in.
It's increasing hostility toward Russia and China may launch WW III. Lunatics in Washington wanted Russia nuked since early Cold War days.
General Curtis LeMay (1906 - 1990) argued for doing it even at the cost of a few US cities. So did General Lyman Lemnitzer (1899 - 1988). They believed nuclear war was inevitable so better sooner than later while America had a clear advantage. They weren't alone from their time to now.
On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin said Russia will act appropriately to US-dominated NATO's encroachment on its borders.
He responded to Washington's intent to position heavy weapons and thousands of US combat forces in Eastern European countries along with its planned (offensive) missile defense targeting Russia - provocations at a time no threats exist except invented ones.
"If someone threatens our territories, it means that we will have to aim our armed forces accordingly at the territories from where the threat is coming," Putin said.
"How else could it be? It is (US-dominated) NATO approaching our borders. It's not like we are moving anywhere."
"I'd refrain from whipping up emotions. Of course, we will analyze everything but so far I see nothing that might prompt us to (take responsive measures)."
"What worries us more is the anti-missile defense system that is being deployed - that is a significant thing of strategic importance."
Among other measures, Putin announced plans for "40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles to our nuclear force…capable of overcoming even the most technically advanced anti-missile defense systems."
"Russia will have no other choice but to boost its military potential along its western borders," Defense Ministry General Yury Yakubov explained. He called building up military forces in Eastern European countries "the most aggressive step since the Cold War."
"Russia (will have to) bolster its forces and resources on the western strategic theater of operations," - including installing Iskander tactical missiles in Kaliningrad and boosting its military presence in Belarus, he explained.
Putin, Yakubov and other Russian officials stress Russia will act appropriately to protect its security against increasingly hostile US-dominated NATO actions.
In response, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accused Russia of "saber-rattling. (It's) destabilizing and dangerous," he said.
Putin's "statement…confirm(s) the pattern and behavior of Russia over quite a period of time."
"This is something which we are addressing, and it's also one of the reasons we are now increasing the readiness and preparedness of our forces…(NATO will protect) all (our) allies against the enemy."
He ludicrously called NATO actions "proportionate (and) defensive…respond(ing) in the face of a more assertive Russia."
Truth is polar opposite. Stoltenberg ignored longstanding US-dominated NATO provocations - ongoing since Washington broke its pledge to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev not to expand NATO east
Today is the most perilous time in world history. Peace in our time no longer exists. Daily events should terrify everyone.
US-dominated NATO's killing machine is an out-of-control monster. Madness defines its policy. World peace is threatened.
Humanity's fate hangs in the balance. The price of imperial arrogance is potential nuclear armageddon. The road to hell is paved with public dismissiveness to a possible apocalyptic fate.!!!
by Stephen Lendman
A previous article discussed ongoing US anti-Russian provocations - including plans for troop deployments and heavy weapons positioned near its borders.
Reuters reported US Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James calling Russia "the biggest threat" on her mind - when none whatever exists.
The Air Force may further increase its rotational forces in Europe, she said. What's likely is just "the beginning. There will be more" to come.
"We will be reassuring (our) allies we are standing shoulder to shoulder with them." Air patrols in the Baltics increased. Fifth-generation F-22 stealth warplanes may be stationed in Europe.
Washington wants NATO members to increase military spending - at a time none face external threats except ones they invent. On Monday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said the following:
Reports of its planned Eastern European military buildup "show that the the United States is obviously negotiating with its allies to erode the fundamental provision of the Russia-NATO Founding Act of 1997, under which the alliance pledged to avoid 'additional permanent stationing of substantial combat forces' in" Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Romania and Hungary.
"The prepositioning of weapons is equivalent to permanent stationing, and the rotation of military personnel is but a detail."
"Washington claims that these measures are necessary to reassure its European allies in the face of the alleged Russian threat."
"In fact, Washington and its European allies know that the perceived Russian threat is but a myth, which can be used to relieve the United States of responsibility for the anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine and the activities of certain forces in Kiev that refuse to end the fratricidal war in Donbass."
"The United States is fueling tensions and nurturing its European allies’ anti-Russian fears, also because it plans to use current tensions to expand its military presence and hence strengthen its influence in Europe."
"There is growing risk that the US military strategy on NATO’s 'eastern flank' will take on a life of its own, disregarding realities and Europe’s political interests, in the process of acquiring inertia that would be difficult to reverse."
Moscow hopes cooler heads will stop things from heading toward "a new military confrontation with destructive consequences."
Russia takes US belligerence very seriously. It will defend its security responsibly.
General Yury Yakubov warned "(i)f US heavy hardware, including tanks, artillery systems, or other fighting vehicles does appear in some Eastern European and Baltic countries, this would mark the Pentagon and NATO’s most aggressive step since the Cold War time of the past century."
USAREUR commander Lt. General Ben Hodges said "surveys" are being conducted in "Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria" to choose locations for US heavy weapons and troop deployments.
"We really want to put some in southeastern Europe, some in the Baltics, some in Poland," he said. He ludicrously claimed these countries want them as "a deterrent" against (nonexistent) "Russian aggression."
At the same time, Kiev intends deploying S-300 air defense missile systems in Odessa near the breakaway Moldovan Transnistria republic's border
A separate article discussed the risks of possibly using them against Russian aircraft delivering equipment and supplies to its 1,400 peacekeepers stationed there.
It's the only way Moscow can reach landlocked Transnistria after Kiev blocked a land route through its territory.
If it foolishly targets Russian aircraft, all bets are off. International Centre for Geo-Political Analysis president Leonid Ivashov believes Washington through its Kiev proxy intends provoking Russia into a second regional war.
Former Georgian fascist dictator Mikheil Saakashvili's appointment as Odessa governor may have this strategy in mind.
He's militantly anti-Russian. He calls tightening border security with Transnistria one of his priorities. He may close the entire 450 kilometer border between both states.
Ivashov says "(s)hould a single Russian plane be shot down or a single Russian soldier killed, the events may take an irreversible course."
Poroshenko is playing with fire. He's "deliberately provoking Moscow into a tough response to Ukraine’s steps to establish a military blockade (on Transnistria) to ask NATO to send troops to Ukraine on the pretext of a newly-triggered conflict."
Washington is manipulating events the same way it orchestrated Maidan protests and violence from November 2013 to February 2014. It got Saakashvili appointed Odessa governor.
"The United States had already tried to lure Russia into an armed conflict in Donbas, in the Southeast of Ukraine," Ivashov explained. "It failed. Transnistria has been selected as the next territory for staging an anti-Russian provocation."
"Moscow will be faced with a dilemma - either leaving 200,000 of its citizens and Russian peacekeepers in the self-proclaimed republic at the mercy of their fate, or getting involved in an armed conflict."
"By leaving its own people in the lurch Moscow would lose face and world prestige. Should it intervene, it will be blamed for an act of aggression, the way it happened in Georgia in 2008."
Washington wants to get Russia involved in a European war - possibly one involving confrontation with US-dominated NATO.
Ivashov says Moscow should explain to EU leaders the danger of continental war they want to avoid. Playing America's dirty game makes it possible.
Transnistria issues should be resolved diplomatically. No European country benefits from a military confrontation - only America at their expense.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
A previous article discussed ongoing US anti-Russian provocations - including plans for troop deployments and heavy weapons positioned near its borders.
Reuters reported US Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James calling Russia "the biggest threat" on her mind - when none whatever exists.
The Air Force may further increase its rotational forces in Europe, she said. What's likely is just "the beginning. There will be more" to come.
"We will be reassuring (our) allies we are standing shoulder to shoulder with them." Air patrols in the Baltics increased. Fifth-generation F-22 stealth warplanes may be stationed in Europe.
Washington wants NATO members to increase military spending - at a time none face external threats except ones they invent. On Monday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said the following:
Reports of its planned Eastern European military buildup "show that the the United States is obviously negotiating with its allies to erode the fundamental provision of the Russia-NATO Founding Act of 1997, under which the alliance pledged to avoid 'additional permanent stationing of substantial combat forces' in" Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Romania and Hungary.
"The prepositioning of weapons is equivalent to permanent stationing, and the rotation of military personnel is but a detail."
"Washington claims that these measures are necessary to reassure its European allies in the face of the alleged Russian threat."
"In fact, Washington and its European allies know that the perceived Russian threat is but a myth, which can be used to relieve the United States of responsibility for the anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine and the activities of certain forces in Kiev that refuse to end the fratricidal war in Donbass."
"The United States is fueling tensions and nurturing its European allies’ anti-Russian fears, also because it plans to use current tensions to expand its military presence and hence strengthen its influence in Europe."
"There is growing risk that the US military strategy on NATO’s 'eastern flank' will take on a life of its own, disregarding realities and Europe’s political interests, in the process of acquiring inertia that would be difficult to reverse."
Moscow hopes cooler heads will stop things from heading toward "a new military confrontation with destructive consequences."
Russia takes US belligerence very seriously. It will defend its security responsibly.
General Yury Yakubov warned "(i)f US heavy hardware, including tanks, artillery systems, or other fighting vehicles does appear in some Eastern European and Baltic countries, this would mark the Pentagon and NATO’s most aggressive step since the Cold War time of the past century."
USAREUR commander Lt. General Ben Hodges said "surveys" are being conducted in "Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria" to choose locations for US heavy weapons and troop deployments.
"We really want to put some in southeastern Europe, some in the Baltics, some in Poland," he said. He ludicrously claimed these countries want them as "a deterrent" against (nonexistent) "Russian aggression."
At the same time, Kiev intends deploying S-300 air defense missile systems in Odessa near the breakaway Moldovan Transnistria republic's border
A separate article discussed the risks of possibly using them against Russian aircraft delivering equipment and supplies to its 1,400 peacekeepers stationed there.
It's the only way Moscow can reach landlocked Transnistria after Kiev blocked a land route through its territory.
If it foolishly targets Russian aircraft, all bets are off. International Centre for Geo-Political Analysis president Leonid Ivashov believes Washington through its Kiev proxy intends provoking Russia into a second regional war.
Former Georgian fascist dictator Mikheil Saakashvili's appointment as Odessa governor may have this strategy in mind.
He's militantly anti-Russian. He calls tightening border security with Transnistria one of his priorities. He may close the entire 450 kilometer border between both states.
Ivashov says "(s)hould a single Russian plane be shot down or a single Russian soldier killed, the events may take an irreversible course."
Poroshenko is playing with fire. He's "deliberately provoking Moscow into a tough response to Ukraine’s steps to establish a military blockade (on Transnistria) to ask NATO to send troops to Ukraine on the pretext of a newly-triggered conflict."
Washington is manipulating events the same way it orchestrated Maidan protests and violence from November 2013 to February 2014. It got Saakashvili appointed Odessa governor.
"The United States had already tried to lure Russia into an armed conflict in Donbas, in the Southeast of Ukraine," Ivashov explained. "It failed. Transnistria has been selected as the next territory for staging an anti-Russian provocation."
"Moscow will be faced with a dilemma - either leaving 200,000 of its citizens and Russian peacekeepers in the self-proclaimed republic at the mercy of their fate, or getting involved in an armed conflict."
"By leaving its own people in the lurch Moscow would lose face and world prestige. Should it intervene, it will be blamed for an act of aggression, the way it happened in Georgia in 2008."
Washington wants to get Russia involved in a European war - possibly one involving confrontation with US-dominated NATO.
Ivashov says Moscow should explain to EU leaders the danger of continental war they want to avoid. Playing America's dirty game makes it possible.
Transnistria issues should be resolved diplomatically. No European country benefits from a military confrontation - only America at their expense.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
by Stephen Lendman
On Monday, former Kiev foreign intelligence service operative Alexei Miroshnichenko and former foreign ministry official Yuri Miroshnichenko held a press conference in Lugansk saying they can no longer tolerate what's ongoing in their country.
They're brothers. One worked in Kiev, the other at Ukraine's embassy in France. "We made the decision voluntarily. We were not compelled to do so," they said.
"We can no longer put up with what is happening in Ukraine. Traitors, fascists, various intelligence agents have taken up the reins of the country, and are leading it to ruin."
Alexei said "the turning point (for him) was (learning) the people of Donetsk and Lugansk are being deliberately exterminated."
Kiev doesn't "pay attention to how many children will die. No one could have thought that such a thing could happen to our country."
"This is a clear policy of genocide against the people of Donbass. I consider this to be morally unacceptable, and I am not the only one."
The brothers explained "crimes against civilians are being committed mainly by representatives of the territorial battalions. This includes Aidar, Azov and Tornado."
"Innocent people are summarily shot, demeaned, and have their property taken from them. Women are raped en masse, including minors.
"There have been instances reported of conscripts who fled the battlefield being shot. Local branches of the Nova Poshta (a Ukrainian delivery service) are crammed with property stolen from civilians."
Both brothers witnessed carnage firsthand. Former foreign intelligence operative Alexei Miroshnichenko worked on "develop(ing) all sorts of reports for media consumption aimed at compromising Russia, blaming the tragedy that occurred in Ukraine on the Russian Federation," he said.
"There was only one theme - that Russia is to blame for everything. The whole service was devoted to working in this direction - toward compromising the Russian side."
"We did not have any real hard data, but worked to ensure that in the informational sphere, Russia was displayed as the culprit."
Both brothers explained Ukrainian forces deliberately provoke Donbass freedom fighters to respond to their attacks to wrongfully blame them for ceasefire violations.
At the same time, they're preparing for resumed full-scale war. Imported mercenaries are involved. Alexei said he "met people from Poland, Lithuania and Romania."
They are fighting on the Ukrainian side for the money. Very few of them came here with some ideas in their heads." They're hired guns paid to fight.
Kiev deliberately understates battlefield casualties, both brothers explained. In one battle, a reported 100 personnel lost was at least 2,600. In Debaltseve fighting ahead of the February ceasefire, Ukrainian losses were up to 7,000 - not the phony 210 - 260 officially reported.
All wars are based on lies - especially premeditated aggressive ones. Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Parliament Speaker Denis Pushilin expects conflict in Donbass to escalate any time.
Ceasefire is pure fantasy. Kiev deplores peace. It never intended to support the three halts in fighting it agreed to. It violated virtually all terms straightaway. Fascist regimes operate this way. The worst perhaps is coming. According to Pushilin:
"We are actually on the brink of a major war right now. Our conflict is not an internal Ukrainian one. It is fully in line with what is happening in Syria, Yemen, the uprising in Macedonia...and could lead to very tragic consequences and, as a result, things can escalate in a matter of hours."
At the same time, "(s)ome major developing countries are giving a certain signal even through their neutrality and non-interference (in the conflict), that they are not supporting a military solution."
"They are for the continuation of the peace process. A singe decision that seemingly has no influence on anything could become critical and tip the scales one way or another."
Or fighting could continue for years without resolution, he explained. Things are "unpredictable," he said. DPR and LPR want peace. Kiev and Washington want war. Things could get very nasty ahead.
Kiev's decision to install S-300 air defense systems in Odessa on the border of breakaway Moldovan republic of Transnistria increases tensions. The global intelligence firm Stratfor believes it ups the stakes for possible conflict between the republic and Ukraine.
The presence of 1,400 Russian peacekeepers risks it between Kiev and Moscow if S-300s target Russian aircraft delivering equipment and supplies as well as rotating troop contingents in and out - the only way Russia can reach landlocked Transnistria after Ukraine blocked a land route through its territory.
With former Georgian fascist dictator Mikheil Saakashvili appointed Odessa governor, heightened flashpoint conditions exist. He's a US favorite and militantly anti-Russia.
Possibly he'll be used to instigate conflict in Transnistria the way he did against South Ossetia in August 2008 at Washington's behest - forcing Moscow to defend its forces and 30% Russian population.
The chance for greater conflict is high - especially with lunatics in charge in Washington and Ukraine. Saakashvili's appointment as Odessa governor signals likely trouble ahead.
The Saker explains "his only 'qualification' is his rabid hatred for Russia and Russians and his willingness to execute any US order" - including waging war. His ugly record speaks for itself.
Anything could happen any time. The obvious solution is democratic regime change in Ukraine replacing US-installed fascist dictatorship. It's up to Ukrainians to install the type government they deserve. Donbass can serve as a role model
On Monday, former Kiev foreign intelligence service operative Alexei Miroshnichenko and former foreign ministry official Yuri Miroshnichenko held a press conference in Lugansk saying they can no longer tolerate what's ongoing in their country.
They're brothers. One worked in Kiev, the other at Ukraine's embassy in France. "We made the decision voluntarily. We were not compelled to do so," they said.
"We can no longer put up with what is happening in Ukraine. Traitors, fascists, various intelligence agents have taken up the reins of the country, and are leading it to ruin."
Alexei said "the turning point (for him) was (learning) the people of Donetsk and Lugansk are being deliberately exterminated."
Kiev doesn't "pay attention to how many children will die. No one could have thought that such a thing could happen to our country."
"This is a clear policy of genocide against the people of Donbass. I consider this to be morally unacceptable, and I am not the only one."
The brothers explained "crimes against civilians are being committed mainly by representatives of the territorial battalions. This includes Aidar, Azov and Tornado."
"Innocent people are summarily shot, demeaned, and have their property taken from them. Women are raped en masse, including minors.
"There have been instances reported of conscripts who fled the battlefield being shot. Local branches of the Nova Poshta (a Ukrainian delivery service) are crammed with property stolen from civilians."
Both brothers witnessed carnage firsthand. Former foreign intelligence operative Alexei Miroshnichenko worked on "develop(ing) all sorts of reports for media consumption aimed at compromising Russia, blaming the tragedy that occurred in Ukraine on the Russian Federation," he said.
"There was only one theme - that Russia is to blame for everything. The whole service was devoted to working in this direction - toward compromising the Russian side."
"We did not have any real hard data, but worked to ensure that in the informational sphere, Russia was displayed as the culprit."
Both brothers explained Ukrainian forces deliberately provoke Donbass freedom fighters to respond to their attacks to wrongfully blame them for ceasefire violations.
At the same time, they're preparing for resumed full-scale war. Imported mercenaries are involved. Alexei said he "met people from Poland, Lithuania and Romania."
They are fighting on the Ukrainian side for the money. Very few of them came here with some ideas in their heads." They're hired guns paid to fight.
Kiev deliberately understates battlefield casualties, both brothers explained. In one battle, a reported 100 personnel lost was at least 2,600. In Debaltseve fighting ahead of the February ceasefire, Ukrainian losses were up to 7,000 - not the phony 210 - 260 officially reported.
All wars are based on lies - especially premeditated aggressive ones. Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Parliament Speaker Denis Pushilin expects conflict in Donbass to escalate any time.
Ceasefire is pure fantasy. Kiev deplores peace. It never intended to support the three halts in fighting it agreed to. It violated virtually all terms straightaway. Fascist regimes operate this way. The worst perhaps is coming. According to Pushilin:
"We are actually on the brink of a major war right now. Our conflict is not an internal Ukrainian one. It is fully in line with what is happening in Syria, Yemen, the uprising in Macedonia...and could lead to very tragic consequences and, as a result, things can escalate in a matter of hours."
At the same time, "(s)ome major developing countries are giving a certain signal even through their neutrality and non-interference (in the conflict), that they are not supporting a military solution."
"They are for the continuation of the peace process. A singe decision that seemingly has no influence on anything could become critical and tip the scales one way or another."
Or fighting could continue for years without resolution, he explained. Things are "unpredictable," he said. DPR and LPR want peace. Kiev and Washington want war. Things could get very nasty ahead.
Kiev's decision to install S-300 air defense systems in Odessa on the border of breakaway Moldovan republic of Transnistria increases tensions. The global intelligence firm Stratfor believes it ups the stakes for possible conflict between the republic and Ukraine.
The presence of 1,400 Russian peacekeepers risks it between Kiev and Moscow if S-300s target Russian aircraft delivering equipment and supplies as well as rotating troop contingents in and out - the only way Russia can reach landlocked Transnistria after Ukraine blocked a land route through its territory.
With former Georgian fascist dictator Mikheil Saakashvili appointed Odessa governor, heightened flashpoint conditions exist. He's a US favorite and militantly anti-Russia.
Possibly he'll be used to instigate conflict in Transnistria the way he did against South Ossetia in August 2008 at Washington's behest - forcing Moscow to defend its forces and 30% Russian population.
The chance for greater conflict is high - especially with lunatics in charge in Washington and Ukraine. Saakashvili's appointment as Odessa governor signals likely trouble ahead.
The Saker explains "his only 'qualification' is his rabid hatred for Russia and Russians and his willingness to execute any US order" - including waging war. His ugly record speaks for itself.
Anything could happen any time. The obvious solution is democratic regime change in Ukraine replacing US-installed fascist dictatorship. It's up to Ukrainians to install the type government they deserve. Donbass can serve as a role model
by Stephen Lendman
US anti-Russian provocations began increasing long before Washington's Ukraine coup. More recently, they've grown more belligerent.
Sanctions continue as one element of Obama's strategy despite their ineffectiveness and increased Sino/Russian ties - an alliance challenging US dominance.
A previous article discussed Obama considering aggressive action against Russia - including deploying nuclear-armed missiles in Europe targeting its heartland - on the bogus pretext of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF 1987) violations.
Last summer, Moscow categorically denied them. A baseless State Department report claimed "the Russian Federation is in violation of its obligations under the INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) with a range capability of 500 km to 5,500 km, or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles" - presenting no corroborating evidence as proof.
A Russian response at the time said "American officials cite classified intelligence, when questioned about their findings."
"The value of such intelligence has been amply proven by the ‘Iraqi weapons of mass destruction’ myth."
"Such undercover research becomes even less trustworthy, with regular leaks of obviously untrue and provocative pieces of information about the conflict in eastern Ukraine, while data coming from sources beyond US control gets ignored.
"Years pass, but the Americans have learned nothing." Double standard duplicity defines their policies. They're developing and deploying missiles violating INF principles.
Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of "systematically carrying out a plan to dismantle the global strategic stability system."
Its baseless accusations against Russia are "tendentious and provocative," it said. Its destabilizing actions began by withdrawing from the ABM Treaty post-9/11.
"Now it is aggravated by a rapid and unlimited build-up of US global missile defense system, unwillingness to clean up the territory of other states from the US tactical nuclear arsenal deployed there, elaboration of a provocative strategy of Prompt Global Strike, and an excessive build-up of conventional weapons, including their offensive components."
America preaches arms control, but practices proliferation. It policies are polar opposite its demands on other nations.
On June 13, The New York Times headlined "US Is Poised to Put Heavy Weaponry in Eastern Europe," saying:
"In a significant move to deter possible Russian aggression in Europe, the Pentagon is poised to store battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons for as many as 5,000 American troops in several Baltic and Eastern European countries, American and allied officials say."
It'll be the first time since Soviet Russia's 1991 dissolution that US heavy weapons and combat troops will he positioned near Russia's borders - the latest provocation on top of numerous others.
Claiming the move is to reassure NATO allies is pure rubbish. The whole world knows Russia threatens no one. Putin is the continent's leading peacemaker. He has no revanchist ambitions.
Claims otherwise are Big Lies. The proposal needs White House and Defense Department approval - perhaps mere formalities.
On the one hand, some NATO members expressed concern. On the other, Baltic countries want US forces stationed on their territory despite no threats they face
Latvia's President-elect, Raimonds Vejonis, said "(w)e need the prepositioned equipment because if something happens, we’ll need additional armaments, equipment and ammunition."
"If something happens, we can’t wait days or weeks for more equipment. We need to react immediately."
Imagine the uproar in Washington if Russia planned prepositioning troops and/or heavy weapons on America's northern and/or southern borders. Imagine hawkish lunatics calling for nuclear war to prevent it.
America's increasing Eastern Europe military buildup risks possible direct confrontation with Moscow. Will WW III follow?
A Final Comment
On June 15, Russian Defense Ministry official Yuri Yakubov responded to Washington's planned Eastern European military buildup saying:
"In case the US heavy weaponry, including battle tanks, artillery systems and other combat weaponry is going to be deployed in a number of Eastern European countries and the Baltics, it is going to be the most aggressive step of Pentagon and NATO since the end of the last century's Cold War."
"(T)here will be nothing left for Russia but to build up its might and means at strategic western locations."
"The Russian Ground Forces' guided missile brigade stationed in the westernmost Kaliningrad region will be promptly reequipped with the Iskander-M ballistic missile systems, and Russia’s combined forces in Belarus will also be considerably reequipped."
"We have completely withdrawn from (the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty) which many European countries have not stuck to, and we (now) have a free hand in organizing responsive measures strengthening our western borders."
Nothing good can come from Washington's increasing belligerence. Provocations risk war.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of "systematically carrying out a plan to dismantle the global strategic stability system."
Its baseless accusations against Russia are "tendentious and provocative," it said. Its destabilizing actions began by withdrawing from the ABM Treaty post-9/11.
"Now it is aggravated by a rapid and unlimited build-up of US global missile defense system, unwillingness to clean up the territory of other states from the US tactical nuclear arsenal deployed there, elaboration of a provocative strategy of Prompt Global Strike, and an excessive build-up of conventional weapons, including their offensive components."
America preaches arms control, but practices proliferation. It policies are polar opposite its demands on other nations.
On June 13, The New York Times headlined "US Is Poised to Put Heavy Weaponry in Eastern Europe," saying:
"In a significant move to deter possible Russian aggression in Europe, the Pentagon is poised to store battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons for as many as 5,000 American troops in several Baltic and Eastern European countries, American and allied officials say."
It'll be the first time since Soviet Russia's 1991 dissolution that US heavy weapons and combat troops will he positioned near Russia's borders - the latest provocation on top of numerous others.
Claiming the move is to reassure NATO allies is pure rubbish. The whole world knows Russia threatens no one. Putin is the continent's leading peacemaker. He has no revanchist ambitions.
Claims otherwise are Big Lies. The proposal needs White House and Defense Department approval - perhaps mere formalities.
On the one hand, some NATO members expressed concern. On the other, Baltic countries want US forces stationed on their territory despite no threats they face.
US anti-Russian provocations began increasing long before Washington's Ukraine coup. More recently, they've grown more belligerent.
Sanctions continue as one element of Obama's strategy despite their ineffectiveness and increased Sino/Russian ties - an alliance challenging US dominance.
A previous article discussed Obama considering aggressive action against Russia - including deploying nuclear-armed missiles in Europe targeting its heartland - on the bogus pretext of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF 1987) violations.
Last summer, Moscow categorically denied them. A baseless State Department report claimed "the Russian Federation is in violation of its obligations under the INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) with a range capability of 500 km to 5,500 km, or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles" - presenting no corroborating evidence as proof.
A Russian response at the time said "American officials cite classified intelligence, when questioned about their findings."
"The value of such intelligence has been amply proven by the ‘Iraqi weapons of mass destruction’ myth."
"Such undercover research becomes even less trustworthy, with regular leaks of obviously untrue and provocative pieces of information about the conflict in eastern Ukraine, while data coming from sources beyond US control gets ignored.
"Years pass, but the Americans have learned nothing." Double standard duplicity defines their policies. They're developing and deploying missiles violating INF principles.
Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of "systematically carrying out a plan to dismantle the global strategic stability system."
Its baseless accusations against Russia are "tendentious and provocative," it said. Its destabilizing actions began by withdrawing from the ABM Treaty post-9/11.
"Now it is aggravated by a rapid and unlimited build-up of US global missile defense system, unwillingness to clean up the territory of other states from the US tactical nuclear arsenal deployed there, elaboration of a provocative strategy of Prompt Global Strike, and an excessive build-up of conventional weapons, including their offensive components."
America preaches arms control, but practices proliferation. It policies are polar opposite its demands on other nations.
On June 13, The New York Times headlined "US Is Poised to Put Heavy Weaponry in Eastern Europe," saying:
"In a significant move to deter possible Russian aggression in Europe, the Pentagon is poised to store battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons for as many as 5,000 American troops in several Baltic and Eastern European countries, American and allied officials say."
It'll be the first time since Soviet Russia's 1991 dissolution that US heavy weapons and combat troops will he positioned near Russia's borders - the latest provocation on top of numerous others.
Claiming the move is to reassure NATO allies is pure rubbish. The whole world knows Russia threatens no one. Putin is the continent's leading peacemaker. He has no revanchist ambitions.
Claims otherwise are Big Lies. The proposal needs White House and Defense Department approval - perhaps mere formalities.
On the one hand, some NATO members expressed concern. On the other, Baltic countries want US forces stationed on their territory despite no threats they face
Latvia's President-elect, Raimonds Vejonis, said "(w)e need the prepositioned equipment because if something happens, we’ll need additional armaments, equipment and ammunition."
"If something happens, we can’t wait days or weeks for more equipment. We need to react immediately."
Imagine the uproar in Washington if Russia planned prepositioning troops and/or heavy weapons on America's northern and/or southern borders. Imagine hawkish lunatics calling for nuclear war to prevent it.
America's increasing Eastern Europe military buildup risks possible direct confrontation with Moscow. Will WW III follow?
A Final Comment
On June 15, Russian Defense Ministry official Yuri Yakubov responded to Washington's planned Eastern European military buildup saying:
"In case the US heavy weaponry, including battle tanks, artillery systems and other combat weaponry is going to be deployed in a number of Eastern European countries and the Baltics, it is going to be the most aggressive step of Pentagon and NATO since the end of the last century's Cold War."
"(T)here will be nothing left for Russia but to build up its might and means at strategic western locations."
"The Russian Ground Forces' guided missile brigade stationed in the westernmost Kaliningrad region will be promptly reequipped with the Iskander-M ballistic missile systems, and Russia’s combined forces in Belarus will also be considerably reequipped."
"We have completely withdrawn from (the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty) which many European countries have not stuck to, and we (now) have a free hand in organizing responsive measures strengthening our western borders."
Nothing good can come from Washington's increasing belligerence. Provocations risk war.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of "systematically carrying out a plan to dismantle the global strategic stability system."
Its baseless accusations against Russia are "tendentious and provocative," it said. Its destabilizing actions began by withdrawing from the ABM Treaty post-9/11.
"Now it is aggravated by a rapid and unlimited build-up of US global missile defense system, unwillingness to clean up the territory of other states from the US tactical nuclear arsenal deployed there, elaboration of a provocative strategy of Prompt Global Strike, and an excessive build-up of conventional weapons, including their offensive components."
America preaches arms control, but practices proliferation. It policies are polar opposite its demands on other nations.
On June 13, The New York Times headlined "US Is Poised to Put Heavy Weaponry in Eastern Europe," saying:
"In a significant move to deter possible Russian aggression in Europe, the Pentagon is poised to store battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons for as many as 5,000 American troops in several Baltic and Eastern European countries, American and allied officials say."
It'll be the first time since Soviet Russia's 1991 dissolution that US heavy weapons and combat troops will he positioned near Russia's borders - the latest provocation on top of numerous others.
Claiming the move is to reassure NATO allies is pure rubbish. The whole world knows Russia threatens no one. Putin is the continent's leading peacemaker. He has no revanchist ambitions.
Claims otherwise are Big Lies. The proposal needs White House and Defense Department approval - perhaps mere formalities.
On the one hand, some NATO members expressed concern. On the other, Baltic countries want US forces stationed on their territory despite no threats they face.
by Stephen Lendman
It was dead on arrival like the two previous 2014 ceasefire agreements - not worth the paper they were written on despite Russia and Donbass freedom fighters fully observing them.
The Kiev Post is a junta regime house organ. Its reports are virtual press releases. Independent journalism is banned in Ukraine.
Regime approved views alone are permitted. Violators risk harassment, arrests, imprisonment or death.
On June 5, the Kiev Post headlined Minsk is Dead: Now What?"
The broadsheet turned truth on its head claiming a nonexistent "Russia(n) renewed military offensive in eastern Ukraine provides the latest evidence that the Kremlin violates the Minsk II peace agreement at will."
Fact: No so-called "Russian aggression" exists - not now or earlier. Claims otherwise are Big Lies.
Fact: The whole world knows Kiev and Washington bear full responsibility for naked aggression on Donbass. It continues daily.
The Kiev Post called prospects for peace dim. It failed to explain why. It lied claiming "Russian-separatist forces launched a renewed assault on…Maryinka."
Kiev and Washington bear full responsibility for all acts of aggression on Donbass. Self-defense forces respond only in self-defense as international law allows.
Illegitimate Kiev prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk lied claiming Russia "order(ed) its terrorists" to attack Ukrainian forces. Truth is polar opposite - what Western leaders and echo chamber media refuse to acknowledge despite clear irrefutable evidence
The rest of the Kiev Post's report was full of rubbish blaming Donbass freedom fighters for blatant junta crimes.
On June 11, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of destabilizing Ukraine in a statement saying:
"Unlike Russia, the United States not only fails to make any real efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the (eastern) Luhansk and Donetsk regions, but in fact it spurs the current authorities in Kiev to continue the fratricidal civil conflict."
On June 10, Kiev for the first time claimed Russia occupies Donbass (the so-called Anti-Terrorist Zone). A letter signed by its illegitimate foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin states:
"Taking into account the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which took place with the participation of regular (units) of the Armed Forces of the RF and the illegal armed formations, which are directed, ruled and financed by the Russian Federation, an anti-terrorist operation is being carried out…"
"The Russian Federation, which in fact occupied separate territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk Regions and carries out management of them, bears full responsibility for the provision and protection of human rights in these territories in accordance with the international humanitarian legislation and internationally established human rights."
Kiev blames Russia for its own high crimes. It outrageous accused Moscow of seizing control of 169 Ukrainian municipalities.
On June 10, Tass reported Ukraine intending to impose a complete food, transport and financial blockade on Donbass based on pending legislation, according to Ukrainian Choice public movement leader Viktor Medvedchuk.
This means Donbass residents "will be left by the state to their devices," he explained. Kiev "is not even trying to launch the negotiation process with the Donetsk and Lugansk republics."
Meanwhile, Russians overwhelmingly support Putin. Recent Pew Research poll numbers showed his approval rating reached 88%
His Ukraine policy has 83% popular support. Relations with China are supported by 90% of Russians, and his US agenda got an 85% approval rating.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
It was dead on arrival like the two previous 2014 ceasefire agreements - not worth the paper they were written on despite Russia and Donbass freedom fighters fully observing them.
The Kiev Post is a junta regime house organ. Its reports are virtual press releases. Independent journalism is banned in Ukraine.
Regime approved views alone are permitted. Violators risk harassment, arrests, imprisonment or death.
On June 5, the Kiev Post headlined Minsk is Dead: Now What?"
The broadsheet turned truth on its head claiming a nonexistent "Russia(n) renewed military offensive in eastern Ukraine provides the latest evidence that the Kremlin violates the Minsk II peace agreement at will."
Fact: No so-called "Russian aggression" exists - not now or earlier. Claims otherwise are Big Lies.
Fact: The whole world knows Kiev and Washington bear full responsibility for naked aggression on Donbass. It continues daily.
The Kiev Post called prospects for peace dim. It failed to explain why. It lied claiming "Russian-separatist forces launched a renewed assault on…Maryinka."
Kiev and Washington bear full responsibility for all acts of aggression on Donbass. Self-defense forces respond only in self-defense as international law allows.
Illegitimate Kiev prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk lied claiming Russia "order(ed) its terrorists" to attack Ukrainian forces. Truth is polar opposite - what Western leaders and echo chamber media refuse to acknowledge despite clear irrefutable evidence
The rest of the Kiev Post's report was full of rubbish blaming Donbass freedom fighters for blatant junta crimes.
On June 11, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of destabilizing Ukraine in a statement saying:
"Unlike Russia, the United States not only fails to make any real efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the (eastern) Luhansk and Donetsk regions, but in fact it spurs the current authorities in Kiev to continue the fratricidal civil conflict."
On June 10, Kiev for the first time claimed Russia occupies Donbass (the so-called Anti-Terrorist Zone). A letter signed by its illegitimate foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin states:
"Taking into account the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which took place with the participation of regular (units) of the Armed Forces of the RF and the illegal armed formations, which are directed, ruled and financed by the Russian Federation, an anti-terrorist operation is being carried out…"
"The Russian Federation, which in fact occupied separate territories of the Donetsk and Lugansk Regions and carries out management of them, bears full responsibility for the provision and protection of human rights in these territories in accordance with the international humanitarian legislation and internationally established human rights."
Kiev blames Russia for its own high crimes. It outrageous accused Moscow of seizing control of 169 Ukrainian municipalities.
On June 10, Tass reported Ukraine intending to impose a complete food, transport and financial blockade on Donbass based on pending legislation, according to Ukrainian Choice public movement leader Viktor Medvedchuk.
This means Donbass residents "will be left by the state to their devices," he explained. Kiev "is not even trying to launch the negotiation process with the Donetsk and Lugansk republics."
Meanwhile, Russians overwhelmingly support Putin. Recent Pew Research poll numbers showed his approval rating reached 88%
His Ukraine policy has 83% popular support. Relations with China are supported by 90% of Russians, and his US agenda got an 85% approval rating.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
by Stephen Lendman
The European Parliament, Council of the European Union and European Commission share EU legislative functions separate from individual member states' right of initiative power to propose and enact new laws for their respective countries.
During a June 10 plenary session in Strasbourg (two days ahead of Russia's National Day), MEP's adopted a resolution (494 to 135 with 69 abstentions) urging EU reassessment of relations with Moscow because of Ukraine crisis conditions. The measure includes a litany of irresponsible Russia-bashing accusations and Big Lies claiming:
It urged countering Russian hard truths irresponsibly called propaganda - wanting important sources of news, information and analysis like RT International and Sputnik News replaced by Western-style government sponsored disinformation and Big Lies on issues mattering most.
Fact: Russia-bashing has nothing to do with its nonexistent interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs, violating its sovereignty, annexing its territory, or waging war.
Fact: It has everything to do with attacking Russia's sovereign independence and vitally important opposition to America's imperial agenda.
Fact: It's about promoting regime change - wanting pro-Western stooge governance replacing Putin.
Fact: It's wanting Russian resources and population exploited - strip-mining the country for profit, transforming its people into serfs.
Fact: It's about European nations partnering with America's dirty agenda at the expense of their own interests - risking another major war on their territory.
Russian lower house State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin said "(e)verybody understands who tells the Europeans what they should do, and why."
Fact: It's about America wanting other nations doing its fighting and dying for it to enrich its privileged interests more than already.
On Thursday, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Martin Dempsey said America needs "a network of allies."
"We really want to play an away game, and we need teammates to do it. The very last thing we want is to play a home game."
Fact: It's about letting police state justice override fundamental human and civil rights.
Fact: It's about replacing democracy with money-controlled tyranny.
Fact: It's about creating a world more unfit to live in than already.
Fact: It's a loud and clear call to everyone to unite against a monster threatening fundamental liberties too precious to lose
The European Parliament's resolution was based on a report by hardline Lithuanian MEP Gabrielius Laandsbergis irresponsibly saying:
"With its aggression against Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, the Russian leadership has put our policies at a crossroads. It's up to the Kremlin to decide now which way it will go - cooperation or deepening alienation."
Not a shred of credible evidence suggests Russian direct or indirect aggression in Ukraine. If any existed it would have been revealed long ago.
Instead baseless accusations and vicious propaganda substitute. Russian officials repeatedly reject irresponsible claims about its nonexistent military involvement in Ukraine.
During his 13th annual marathon Q & A session in April, Putin forthrightly said "(i)n regard to the question of whether or not our troops are in Ukraine, I'll say directly and definitely that there are no Russian troops in Ukraine."
An April 16 Kremlin tweet said "Putin on the rumours that Russian troops are deployed in #Ukraine: I want to make this clear, there are no Russian troops in Ukraine."
Russia alone continues forthright efforts for diplomatic conflict resolution. Washington's rage for war prevents it. So does Kiev's fascist agenda - a lunatic Nazi-infested US-installed regime.
Anti-Russian propaganda drowns out hard truths. It exceeds the worst of Cold War vitriol. It risks the unthinkable - possible confrontation between the world's two most formidable nuclear powers.
Instead of going all-out to prevent it, lunatics in Washington risk the madness of war able to end life on earth.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
The European Parliament, Council of the European Union and European Commission share EU legislative functions separate from individual member states' right of initiative power to propose and enact new laws for their respective countries.
During a June 10 plenary session in Strasbourg (two days ahead of Russia's National Day), MEP's adopted a resolution (494 to 135 with 69 abstentions) urging EU reassessment of relations with Moscow because of Ukraine crisis conditions. The measure includes a litany of irresponsible Russia-bashing accusations and Big Lies claiming:
- "Russia's direct and indirect involvement in the armed conflict in Ukraine…"
- it's annexing Crimea;
- violating Georgian territory; and
- regional economic coercion and political destabilization
It urged countering Russian hard truths irresponsibly called propaganda - wanting important sources of news, information and analysis like RT International and Sputnik News replaced by Western-style government sponsored disinformation and Big Lies on issues mattering most.
Fact: Russia-bashing has nothing to do with its nonexistent interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs, violating its sovereignty, annexing its territory, or waging war.
Fact: It has everything to do with attacking Russia's sovereign independence and vitally important opposition to America's imperial agenda.
Fact: It's about promoting regime change - wanting pro-Western stooge governance replacing Putin.
Fact: It's wanting Russian resources and population exploited - strip-mining the country for profit, transforming its people into serfs.
Fact: It's about European nations partnering with America's dirty agenda at the expense of their own interests - risking another major war on their territory.
Russian lower house State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin said "(e)verybody understands who tells the Europeans what they should do, and why."
Fact: It's about America wanting other nations doing its fighting and dying for it to enrich its privileged interests more than already.
On Thursday, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Martin Dempsey said America needs "a network of allies."
"We really want to play an away game, and we need teammates to do it. The very last thing we want is to play a home game."
Fact: It's about letting police state justice override fundamental human and civil rights.
Fact: It's about replacing democracy with money-controlled tyranny.
Fact: It's about creating a world more unfit to live in than already.
Fact: It's a loud and clear call to everyone to unite against a monster threatening fundamental liberties too precious to lose
The European Parliament's resolution was based on a report by hardline Lithuanian MEP Gabrielius Laandsbergis irresponsibly saying:
"With its aggression against Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, the Russian leadership has put our policies at a crossroads. It's up to the Kremlin to decide now which way it will go - cooperation or deepening alienation."
Not a shred of credible evidence suggests Russian direct or indirect aggression in Ukraine. If any existed it would have been revealed long ago.
Instead baseless accusations and vicious propaganda substitute. Russian officials repeatedly reject irresponsible claims about its nonexistent military involvement in Ukraine.
During his 13th annual marathon Q & A session in April, Putin forthrightly said "(i)n regard to the question of whether or not our troops are in Ukraine, I'll say directly and definitely that there are no Russian troops in Ukraine."
An April 16 Kremlin tweet said "Putin on the rumours that Russian troops are deployed in #Ukraine: I want to make this clear, there are no Russian troops in Ukraine."
Russia alone continues forthright efforts for diplomatic conflict resolution. Washington's rage for war prevents it. So does Kiev's fascist agenda - a lunatic Nazi-infested US-installed regime.
Anti-Russian propaganda drowns out hard truths. It exceeds the worst of Cold War vitriol. It risks the unthinkable - possible confrontation between the world's two most formidable nuclear powers.
Instead of going all-out to prevent it, lunatics in Washington risk the madness of war able to end life on earth.
-###-
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].
by Stephen Lendman
WaPo is one of America's leading presstitute publications. Located in the nation's capital, it shamelessly marches in lockstep with imperial US policies.
It features outrageous Big Lies, at the same time systematically ignoring hard truths - especially on major geopolitical issues.
A previous article discussed it's giving feature op-ed space to Ukraine's illegitimate prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk - one of many Ukrainian fascists masquerading as democrats, blaming Russia and Donbass freedom fighters for Kiev's high crimes.
WaPo editors support its regime - instead of denouncing it as a Nazi-infested fascist police state. They headlined "The US should send aid to democracy's front lines in Ukraine."
It outrageously called its US-installed coup d'etat regime a "freely elected government." It lied claiming it's "taken dramatic steps to reform its economy, fight corruption and rebuild democratic solutions."
Truth is polar opposite on all counts. Economic reforms are nonexistent. Rampant corruption is out-of-control.
Democracy is strictly forbidden. Opposition parties aren't tolerated. Independent views are stifled. Regime critics risk arrest, imprisonment or death by assassination.
Ukraine's regime is one only a tyrant would love. Everything is state controlled. Billionaire oligarchs, government officials and top military ones benefit hugely at the expense of most others.
At the same time, Washington uses Ukraine as a convenient anti-Russian proxy blaming Moscow irresponsibly for naked aggression it's committing against its own people.
The whole world knows America and Kiev bare full responsibility for high crimes of war and against humanity. It knows Russia is a force for peace and stability.
Saying Ukraine is "on the front line in defense of Western democracy against Vladimir Putin's imperialist autocracy" shamelessly inverts truth.
So is claiming it faces "ongoing Russian-led military assaults, waged in blatant violation of" Minsk II ceasefire terms.
Moscow scrupulously observes them to the letter. Kiev and Washington are serial violators. WaPo editors want Washington supplying Kiev with more weapons and financial support than already supplied.
"A stronger US commitment to Ukraine will not guarantee its success," said WaPo editors. Claiming anything less "risks a catastrophic failure for the cause of Western democracy" ignores what neither Washington or Kiev tolerate.
Big Lies inflate to bigger ones. Poroshenko claiming 9,000 Russian troops in Ukraine was bested by his defense minister Stepan Poltorak saying "40,000 Russian troops and pro-Russian militia" operate in Donbass.
Whatever the size of self-defense ranks, no active duty Russian soldiers are involved - for sure none sent by the Kremlin.
Putin wants conflict ended diplomatically. No military solution exists. Washington and its Kiev proxy pursue one anyway.
Days earlier, Putin said "(t)he problem is that the current Kiev authorities don't even want to sit down to talks with" Donbass officials.
"And there is nothing we can do about it. Only our European and American partners can influence this situation."
"There is no need to threaten us with sanctions. We have nothing to do with this. This is not our position. We seek to ensure the implementation of the Minsk Agreements."
Big Lies claim otherwise. Repeated ad nauseam gets most people to believe them - baseless accusations with no corroborating proof, propaganda substituting for substance !!!
WaPo is one of America's leading presstitute publications. Located in the nation's capital, it shamelessly marches in lockstep with imperial US policies.
It features outrageous Big Lies, at the same time systematically ignoring hard truths - especially on major geopolitical issues.
A previous article discussed it's giving feature op-ed space to Ukraine's illegitimate prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk - one of many Ukrainian fascists masquerading as democrats, blaming Russia and Donbass freedom fighters for Kiev's high crimes.
WaPo editors support its regime - instead of denouncing it as a Nazi-infested fascist police state. They headlined "The US should send aid to democracy's front lines in Ukraine."
It outrageously called its US-installed coup d'etat regime a "freely elected government." It lied claiming it's "taken dramatic steps to reform its economy, fight corruption and rebuild democratic solutions."
Truth is polar opposite on all counts. Economic reforms are nonexistent. Rampant corruption is out-of-control.
Democracy is strictly forbidden. Opposition parties aren't tolerated. Independent views are stifled. Regime critics risk arrest, imprisonment or death by assassination.
Ukraine's regime is one only a tyrant would love. Everything is state controlled. Billionaire oligarchs, government officials and top military ones benefit hugely at the expense of most others.
At the same time, Washington uses Ukraine as a convenient anti-Russian proxy blaming Moscow irresponsibly for naked aggression it's committing against its own people.
The whole world knows America and Kiev bare full responsibility for high crimes of war and against humanity. It knows Russia is a force for peace and stability.
Saying Ukraine is "on the front line in defense of Western democracy against Vladimir Putin's imperialist autocracy" shamelessly inverts truth.
So is claiming it faces "ongoing Russian-led military assaults, waged in blatant violation of" Minsk II ceasefire terms.
Moscow scrupulously observes them to the letter. Kiev and Washington are serial violators. WaPo editors want Washington supplying Kiev with more weapons and financial support than already supplied.
"A stronger US commitment to Ukraine will not guarantee its success," said WaPo editors. Claiming anything less "risks a catastrophic failure for the cause of Western democracy" ignores what neither Washington or Kiev tolerate.
Big Lies inflate to bigger ones. Poroshenko claiming 9,000 Russian troops in Ukraine was bested by his defense minister Stepan Poltorak saying "40,000 Russian troops and pro-Russian militia" operate in Donbass.
Whatever the size of self-defense ranks, no active duty Russian soldiers are involved - for sure none sent by the Kremlin.
Putin wants conflict ended diplomatically. No military solution exists. Washington and its Kiev proxy pursue one anyway.
Days earlier, Putin said "(t)he problem is that the current Kiev authorities don't even want to sit down to talks with" Donbass officials.
"And there is nothing we can do about it. Only our European and American partners can influence this situation."
"There is no need to threaten us with sanctions. We have nothing to do with this. This is not our position. We seek to ensure the implementation of the Minsk Agreements."
Big Lies claim otherwise. Repeated ad nauseam gets most people to believe them - baseless accusations with no corroborating proof, propaganda substituting for substance !!!
Eric Zuesse
When Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland on May 15th contradicted her boss John Kerry’s statement of three days earlier, in which Kerry had warned Ukraine’s President Petro Petroshenko not to violate the Minsk II agreement, and not to invade Crimea, and not to re-invade Donbass, the source of this reversal was actually U.S. President Barack Obama, and not Victoria Nuland (as the State Department had reported).
When I first noticed the contradiction as I reported on May 21st, Nuland’s statement on May 15th was being quoted by Ukraine’s Interfax News Agency, without any link to its U.S. source. I looked but didn’t right away find its U.S. source, but the official Ukrainian news agency would not quote a U.S. Government official falsely, and so I went with the story on that basis.
the full May 15th U.S. State Department press briefing in Washington, there can be little doubt that Nuland had actually been instructed by the White House to be quoted there as issuing this reversal of Kerry’s statement.
The press conference, by the Department’s press spokesperson Jeff Rathke, opened with an introductory statement in which he asserted
Assistant Secretary Nuland’s ongoing visit to Kyiv and her discussions with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and President Poroshenko reaffirm the United States’ full and unbreakable support for Ukraine’s government, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and reiterate our deep commitment to a single Ukrainian nation, including Crimea, and all the other regions of Ukraine.
That’s all that was reported by Ukraine’s Interfax. Much later in the press conference, however, after reporters had asked him many questions about Iran, Burundi, Japan, Iraq, and other countries, but not Ukraine, one reporter finally asked a single (but unrelated) question about Ukraine, and, after answering it, Rathke interrupted the next reporter’s question, which was about Cuba, to ask all of the assembled press-stenographers, “I’m sorry, any other questions on Ukraine?” and, after not getting any such question, he simply went directly on to say:
I would – if I could take the opportunity, I would also just want to go back to what I said at the top, and just to review what has happened this week with regard to Ukraine. Secretary Kerry was in Sochi at the start of the week, where the Secretary was clear with Russia – President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov – about Ukraine and about the consequences for failing to uphold the Minsk commitments. Right after that discussion, he called President Poroshenko to update him and to reaffirm our support for Ukraine. He went from there immediately to the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, where he briefed them and also underscored the United States’ commitment when he met with Foreign Minister Klimkin in Antalya. Assistant Secretary Nuland is in Kyiv right now, and the message of all of these engagements is that we stand for the implementation of Minsk. We stand in support of the Ukrainian Government, President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, and the Ukrainian people. And I wanted just to make sure that I took that opportunity.
In other words: Kerry, after his statement on May 12th to Putin in Sochi, saying, about Poroshenko’s repeated warnings that Ukraine will retake both Crimea and Donbass —
"we would strongly urge him to think twice not to engage in that kind of activity, that that would put Minsk in serious jeopardy. And we would be very, very concerned about what the consequences of that kind of action at this time may be.
— was taken to the woodshed by his boss, Obama; and the best way that could be decided upon to issue the reversal was by this indirect one, which would be sourced to his subordinate Nuland, so that Kerry himself wouldn’t have to be the person contradicting himself, and so that the blame for the actually anti-Minsk-agreement position of the U.S. President himself would go instead to Nuland, whom everybody already knows to be a “neo-conservative,” and a hardliner against Russia — and would definitely not go to the Nobel Peace Prize winning U.S. President, Barack Obama.
In other words: the President, who had been behind the February 2014 coup that instigated Russia’s defensive measure of protecting its main naval base (ever since 1783) in Crimea and so Russia’s accepting the overwhelming desire of Crimea’s residents on 16 March 2014 to become again a part of Russia (of which Crimea had always been a part until 1954), wanted to move forward again with the war in Ukraine, and with the resulting sanctions against Russia, all of which were part of Obama’s plan ever since at least the summer of 2013, when the organizing of the overthrow of Yanukovych had started at the U.S. Embassy in Kiev.
The Minsk II agreement had been engineered by Merkel and Hollande of the EU, against the wishes and without the participation of Obama, and this is the sort of thing that Nuland had had in mind about the EU when she had told Geoffrey Pyatt, America's Kiev Ambassador, on 4 February 2014, “F—k the EU!” and instructed him then whom to get appointed to run Ukraine after the coup (“Yats” Yatsenyuk), which coup then culminated 18 days later, on February 22nd. (Yatsenyuk received the official appointment on February 26th.)
This likewise explains the reason why Ukraine’s President Poroshenko, as I reported on June 7th, said again, on June 5th, that Ukraine will retake both Crimea and Donbass. He has Obama’s wind to his sails on this (and not only Nuland’s).
So: the war will continue, as Obama wants, and probably the resistance to it on the part of the EU will continue to be ineffectual and half-hearted.
And the sanctions against Russia, for responding as it must to Obama’s actions, will also continue, which is also part of Obama’s original plan. (What was not part of Obama’s plan, however, was the continued survival of millions of the residents in Donbass, the former region of Ukraine that had voted 90%+ for the man, Viktor Yanukovych, whom Obama overthrew. But Obama evidently has not given up his goal of eliminating them.)
The people who say that Obama doesn’t have a plan are simply ignoring it. The evidence is very clear what the plan is. And it is succeeding: it’s a war-plan against Russia.
And I sincerely hope that when Russia finally retaliates that they will take it to US soil also and not just destroy Europe as there is a good chance that that will happen, Nato has no chance on a final victory as far as Russia is concerned, specially with China/Iran/N Korea as allies? The US Flat-tops can be sunk with a single torpedo and the Submarines are the weapons of this war with their Nuclear missiles and will destroy the whole World eventually?
When Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland on May 15th contradicted her boss John Kerry’s statement of three days earlier, in which Kerry had warned Ukraine’s President Petro Petroshenko not to violate the Minsk II agreement, and not to invade Crimea, and not to re-invade Donbass, the source of this reversal was actually U.S. President Barack Obama, and not Victoria Nuland (as the State Department had reported).
When I first noticed the contradiction as I reported on May 21st, Nuland’s statement on May 15th was being quoted by Ukraine’s Interfax News Agency, without any link to its U.S. source. I looked but didn’t right away find its U.S. source, but the official Ukrainian news agency would not quote a U.S. Government official falsely, and so I went with the story on that basis.
the full May 15th U.S. State Department press briefing in Washington, there can be little doubt that Nuland had actually been instructed by the White House to be quoted there as issuing this reversal of Kerry’s statement.
The press conference, by the Department’s press spokesperson Jeff Rathke, opened with an introductory statement in which he asserted
Assistant Secretary Nuland’s ongoing visit to Kyiv and her discussions with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and President Poroshenko reaffirm the United States’ full and unbreakable support for Ukraine’s government, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and reiterate our deep commitment to a single Ukrainian nation, including Crimea, and all the other regions of Ukraine.
That’s all that was reported by Ukraine’s Interfax. Much later in the press conference, however, after reporters had asked him many questions about Iran, Burundi, Japan, Iraq, and other countries, but not Ukraine, one reporter finally asked a single (but unrelated) question about Ukraine, and, after answering it, Rathke interrupted the next reporter’s question, which was about Cuba, to ask all of the assembled press-stenographers, “I’m sorry, any other questions on Ukraine?” and, after not getting any such question, he simply went directly on to say:
I would – if I could take the opportunity, I would also just want to go back to what I said at the top, and just to review what has happened this week with regard to Ukraine. Secretary Kerry was in Sochi at the start of the week, where the Secretary was clear with Russia – President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov – about Ukraine and about the consequences for failing to uphold the Minsk commitments. Right after that discussion, he called President Poroshenko to update him and to reaffirm our support for Ukraine. He went from there immediately to the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, where he briefed them and also underscored the United States’ commitment when he met with Foreign Minister Klimkin in Antalya. Assistant Secretary Nuland is in Kyiv right now, and the message of all of these engagements is that we stand for the implementation of Minsk. We stand in support of the Ukrainian Government, President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, and the Ukrainian people. And I wanted just to make sure that I took that opportunity.
In other words: Kerry, after his statement on May 12th to Putin in Sochi, saying, about Poroshenko’s repeated warnings that Ukraine will retake both Crimea and Donbass —
"we would strongly urge him to think twice not to engage in that kind of activity, that that would put Minsk in serious jeopardy. And we would be very, very concerned about what the consequences of that kind of action at this time may be.
— was taken to the woodshed by his boss, Obama; and the best way that could be decided upon to issue the reversal was by this indirect one, which would be sourced to his subordinate Nuland, so that Kerry himself wouldn’t have to be the person contradicting himself, and so that the blame for the actually anti-Minsk-agreement position of the U.S. President himself would go instead to Nuland, whom everybody already knows to be a “neo-conservative,” and a hardliner against Russia — and would definitely not go to the Nobel Peace Prize winning U.S. President, Barack Obama.
In other words: the President, who had been behind the February 2014 coup that instigated Russia’s defensive measure of protecting its main naval base (ever since 1783) in Crimea and so Russia’s accepting the overwhelming desire of Crimea’s residents on 16 March 2014 to become again a part of Russia (of which Crimea had always been a part until 1954), wanted to move forward again with the war in Ukraine, and with the resulting sanctions against Russia, all of which were part of Obama’s plan ever since at least the summer of 2013, when the organizing of the overthrow of Yanukovych had started at the U.S. Embassy in Kiev.
The Minsk II agreement had been engineered by Merkel and Hollande of the EU, against the wishes and without the participation of Obama, and this is the sort of thing that Nuland had had in mind about the EU when she had told Geoffrey Pyatt, America's Kiev Ambassador, on 4 February 2014, “F—k the EU!” and instructed him then whom to get appointed to run Ukraine after the coup (“Yats” Yatsenyuk), which coup then culminated 18 days later, on February 22nd. (Yatsenyuk received the official appointment on February 26th.)
This likewise explains the reason why Ukraine’s President Poroshenko, as I reported on June 7th, said again, on June 5th, that Ukraine will retake both Crimea and Donbass. He has Obama’s wind to his sails on this (and not only Nuland’s).
So: the war will continue, as Obama wants, and probably the resistance to it on the part of the EU will continue to be ineffectual and half-hearted.
And the sanctions against Russia, for responding as it must to Obama’s actions, will also continue, which is also part of Obama’s original plan. (What was not part of Obama’s plan, however, was the continued survival of millions of the residents in Donbass, the former region of Ukraine that had voted 90%+ for the man, Viktor Yanukovych, whom Obama overthrew. But Obama evidently has not given up his goal of eliminating them.)
The people who say that Obama doesn’t have a plan are simply ignoring it. The evidence is very clear what the plan is. And it is succeeding: it’s a war-plan against Russia.
And I sincerely hope that when Russia finally retaliates that they will take it to US soil also and not just destroy Europe as there is a good chance that that will happen, Nato has no chance on a final victory as far as Russia is concerned, specially with China/Iran/N Korea as allies? The US Flat-tops can be sunk with a single torpedo and the Submarines are the weapons of this war with their Nuclear missiles and will destroy the whole World eventually?
And this is some of the results of the Us Lunacy;
Eric Zuesse
Interviewed on June 6th by German Economic News, the chief economist at Bremer Landesbank, Folker Hellmeyer, says that because of Obama’s sanctions against Russia, German exports declined year-over-year by 18% in 2014, and by 34% in the first two months of 2015 (no later figures), but he asserts that "The damage is much more comprehensive than these statistics show,” because those are only the “primary losses,” and there are in addition “secondary effects,” which get even worse over time.
For example: "European countries with strong business in Russia, including Finland and Austria, are economically hit very hard. These countries consequently place fewer orders from Germany. Moreover, considering that European corporations will circumvent the sanctions, to create production facilities at the highest efficiency level in Russia, we lose this potential capital stock, which is the basis of our prosperity. Russia wins the capital stock,” at the EU’s expense, even though the sanctions are targeted against Russia.
But the nub is this: “For the future, Germany and the EU place their economic reliability into question with Russia. The relationship of trust is broken by Germany and the EU. In order to build such confidence, it takes several years. Between signature and delivery are up to five years. ... Siemens is now thrown out from a major project for this reason [i.e., because the requisite predictability has been lost]. Alstom has likewise lost the contract for the railway line from Moscow to Beijing. Consequently, the potential for damage is much more massive than the current figures show, not only for Germany, but for the entire EU.”
Then, he says: "More [projects] still in planning include the axis from Peking to Moscow as part of the Shanghai Corporation and the BRIC countries, the largest growth project in modern history, the construction of the infrastructure of Eurasia, from Moscow to Vladivostok, to Southern China and India. How far the EU and Germany's sanctions-policy regarding Russia figures in these developing-countries’ mega-projects will depend upon whether we’ll be seen as hostile in other emerging countries than Russia. [NOTE from Eric Zuesse: Obama speaking 28 May 2014 to graduating West Point cadets: ‘Russia’s aggression toward former Soviet states unnerves capitals in Europe, while China’s economic rise and military reach worries its neighbors. From Brazil to India, rising middle classes compete with us, and governments seek a greater say in global forums.’ His attitude toward developing countries is clear — they are enemies, to be dealt with via the military, not economic partners to advance with us in economic cooperation.] But, obviously, there is a lack that some participants in European politics [and inside the White House!] have in their abilities to think abstractly on our behalf.”
Asked who will be paying the price for this, he says: "The measurable damage is loss of growth, in lost wages, losses in contributions to the social system and in tax revenue. This is true for the past 12 months, and it is valid for the years ahead. The people in Germany and the EU will pay the price through lost prosperity and stability. The unmeasurable damage lies in an elevated geopolitical risk situation for the people in the EU.”
Asked about the situation in Ukraine, Hellmeyer says: "It is indeed irritating. People who are focused not only on Western ‘quality media' are amazed at those media hiding the aggression of Kiev and the discriminatory laws implemented by the Government in Kiev, which constitute a serious challenge to the claim that Western values and democracy are being supported by the West. I believe, to Mr Steinmeier’s credit, that he is in fact talking plainly about these matters behind closed doors. The question is whether the behavior of the Atlantic alliance supports Mr. Steinmeier. I refer in this regard especially to Victoria Nuland. The fact is that by the coup in the Ukraine, an oligarchy friendly towards Moscow was replaced by an oligarchy now oriented toward the United States. It's geopolitics, which benefits third forces, but definitely not Germany, not the EU, not Russia, and not Ukraine.” So, he sees U.S. as having gained at the expense of every other country, but especially at Europe’s expense.
Asked about the future, Folker Hellmeyer says: "For me, the conflict has already been decided. The axis Moscow-Beijing-BRIC wins. The dominance of the West is through. In 1990 those countries accounted for only about 25% of world economic output. Today, they represent 56% of world economic output, and 85% of world population. They control about 70% of the world's foreign exchange reserves. They grow annually by an average of 4% - 5%. Since the United States were not prepared to share power internationally (e.g., by changing the voting-apportionments in the IMF and World Bank), the future rests with those countries themselves, to build in the emerging markets sector on their own financial system. There lies their future. The EU is currently being drawn into the conflict, which the United States caused because she did not share power and want to share. The longer we pursue this [mono-polar, hegemonic, Imperial, supremacist, internationally dictatorial, aggressive] policy in the EU, the higher the price [to Europe will be].”
He goes on to say: "The fact is that the emerging countries emancipate themselves from US control. This is evident in the creation of competitive institutions of the World Bank (AIIB) and the IMF (New Development Bank) by the axis of the emerging countries. This displeases the still prevailing hegemon. The current international hot spots of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt, to the Ukraine, are an expression of this, in the background, as a clearly identifiable power-confrontation [between the U.S. and every other country]. If we were there intending to establish democracy and freedom, let's look at the success in achieving those goals. [His implication: it’s failure.]"
German Economic News asks: "The contempt with which the US government deals with the Europeans is remarkable, such as the NSA tapping the Chancellor’s phone, and Nuland’s famous '**** the EU’ statement. Have European politicians no self-respect, or are they just too cowardly?"
Hellmeyer responds: “The person who is a true democrat takes seriously his duties as a politician for the public’s well-being, and does not allow his nation's self-determination to be so contemptuously trampled underfoot, such as has followed from that remark. The person who is not a true democrat, has with respect to the above values and canon, severe deficits.
CLOSE from Zuesse: Why is there not, in Europe, a huge movement to abandon NATO, and to kick out the U.S. military? Whom is the U.S. ‘defending’ Europeans from, after the Warsaw Pact ended in 1991? Why did not Gorbachev demand that NATO disband when the Warsaw Pact did — simultaneous (instead of one-sided) disbanding of the Cold War, so that there would not become the foundation for international fascism to arise to conquer Russia (first, to surround it by an expanding NATO — and ultimately via TPP & TTIP), in the aftermath? Why is there not considerable public debate about these crucial historical, cultural, and economic, matters? Why is there such deceit, which requires these massive questions to be ignored so long by ‘historians’? How is it even possible for the world to move constructively forward, in this environment, of severe censorship, in the media, in academia, and throughout ‘the free world’? Why is there no outrage that the Saudi and other Arabic royals fund islamic jihad (so long as it’s not in their own countries) but America instead demonizes Russia’s leaders, who consistently oppose jihadists and jihadism? Why are America’s rulers allied with the top financiers of jihad? Why is that being kept so secret? Why are these injustices tolerated by the public? Who will change this, and how? When will that desperately needed change even start? Will it start soon enough? Maybe WW III won’t occur, but the damages are already horrible, and they’re getting worse. This can go on until the end; and, if it does, that end will make horrible look like heaven, by comparison. It would be worse than anything ever known — and it could happen in and to our generation !!!
Eric Zuesse
Interviewed on June 6th by German Economic News, the chief economist at Bremer Landesbank, Folker Hellmeyer, says that because of Obama’s sanctions against Russia, German exports declined year-over-year by 18% in 2014, and by 34% in the first two months of 2015 (no later figures), but he asserts that "The damage is much more comprehensive than these statistics show,” because those are only the “primary losses,” and there are in addition “secondary effects,” which get even worse over time.
For example: "European countries with strong business in Russia, including Finland and Austria, are economically hit very hard. These countries consequently place fewer orders from Germany. Moreover, considering that European corporations will circumvent the sanctions, to create production facilities at the highest efficiency level in Russia, we lose this potential capital stock, which is the basis of our prosperity. Russia wins the capital stock,” at the EU’s expense, even though the sanctions are targeted against Russia.
But the nub is this: “For the future, Germany and the EU place their economic reliability into question with Russia. The relationship of trust is broken by Germany and the EU. In order to build such confidence, it takes several years. Between signature and delivery are up to five years. ... Siemens is now thrown out from a major project for this reason [i.e., because the requisite predictability has been lost]. Alstom has likewise lost the contract for the railway line from Moscow to Beijing. Consequently, the potential for damage is much more massive than the current figures show, not only for Germany, but for the entire EU.”
Then, he says: "More [projects] still in planning include the axis from Peking to Moscow as part of the Shanghai Corporation and the BRIC countries, the largest growth project in modern history, the construction of the infrastructure of Eurasia, from Moscow to Vladivostok, to Southern China and India. How far the EU and Germany's sanctions-policy regarding Russia figures in these developing-countries’ mega-projects will depend upon whether we’ll be seen as hostile in other emerging countries than Russia. [NOTE from Eric Zuesse: Obama speaking 28 May 2014 to graduating West Point cadets: ‘Russia’s aggression toward former Soviet states unnerves capitals in Europe, while China’s economic rise and military reach worries its neighbors. From Brazil to India, rising middle classes compete with us, and governments seek a greater say in global forums.’ His attitude toward developing countries is clear — they are enemies, to be dealt with via the military, not economic partners to advance with us in economic cooperation.] But, obviously, there is a lack that some participants in European politics [and inside the White House!] have in their abilities to think abstractly on our behalf.”
Asked who will be paying the price for this, he says: "The measurable damage is loss of growth, in lost wages, losses in contributions to the social system and in tax revenue. This is true for the past 12 months, and it is valid for the years ahead. The people in Germany and the EU will pay the price through lost prosperity and stability. The unmeasurable damage lies in an elevated geopolitical risk situation for the people in the EU.”
Asked about the situation in Ukraine, Hellmeyer says: "It is indeed irritating. People who are focused not only on Western ‘quality media' are amazed at those media hiding the aggression of Kiev and the discriminatory laws implemented by the Government in Kiev, which constitute a serious challenge to the claim that Western values and democracy are being supported by the West. I believe, to Mr Steinmeier’s credit, that he is in fact talking plainly about these matters behind closed doors. The question is whether the behavior of the Atlantic alliance supports Mr. Steinmeier. I refer in this regard especially to Victoria Nuland. The fact is that by the coup in the Ukraine, an oligarchy friendly towards Moscow was replaced by an oligarchy now oriented toward the United States. It's geopolitics, which benefits third forces, but definitely not Germany, not the EU, not Russia, and not Ukraine.” So, he sees U.S. as having gained at the expense of every other country, but especially at Europe’s expense.
Asked about the future, Folker Hellmeyer says: "For me, the conflict has already been decided. The axis Moscow-Beijing-BRIC wins. The dominance of the West is through. In 1990 those countries accounted for only about 25% of world economic output. Today, they represent 56% of world economic output, and 85% of world population. They control about 70% of the world's foreign exchange reserves. They grow annually by an average of 4% - 5%. Since the United States were not prepared to share power internationally (e.g., by changing the voting-apportionments in the IMF and World Bank), the future rests with those countries themselves, to build in the emerging markets sector on their own financial system. There lies their future. The EU is currently being drawn into the conflict, which the United States caused because she did not share power and want to share. The longer we pursue this [mono-polar, hegemonic, Imperial, supremacist, internationally dictatorial, aggressive] policy in the EU, the higher the price [to Europe will be].”
He goes on to say: "The fact is that the emerging countries emancipate themselves from US control. This is evident in the creation of competitive institutions of the World Bank (AIIB) and the IMF (New Development Bank) by the axis of the emerging countries. This displeases the still prevailing hegemon. The current international hot spots of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt, to the Ukraine, are an expression of this, in the background, as a clearly identifiable power-confrontation [between the U.S. and every other country]. If we were there intending to establish democracy and freedom, let's look at the success in achieving those goals. [His implication: it’s failure.]"
German Economic News asks: "The contempt with which the US government deals with the Europeans is remarkable, such as the NSA tapping the Chancellor’s phone, and Nuland’s famous '**** the EU’ statement. Have European politicians no self-respect, or are they just too cowardly?"
Hellmeyer responds: “The person who is a true democrat takes seriously his duties as a politician for the public’s well-being, and does not allow his nation's self-determination to be so contemptuously trampled underfoot, such as has followed from that remark. The person who is not a true democrat, has with respect to the above values and canon, severe deficits.
CLOSE from Zuesse: Why is there not, in Europe, a huge movement to abandon NATO, and to kick out the U.S. military? Whom is the U.S. ‘defending’ Europeans from, after the Warsaw Pact ended in 1991? Why did not Gorbachev demand that NATO disband when the Warsaw Pact did — simultaneous (instead of one-sided) disbanding of the Cold War, so that there would not become the foundation for international fascism to arise to conquer Russia (first, to surround it by an expanding NATO — and ultimately via TPP & TTIP), in the aftermath? Why is there not considerable public debate about these crucial historical, cultural, and economic, matters? Why is there such deceit, which requires these massive questions to be ignored so long by ‘historians’? How is it even possible for the world to move constructively forward, in this environment, of severe censorship, in the media, in academia, and throughout ‘the free world’? Why is there no outrage that the Saudi and other Arabic royals fund islamic jihad (so long as it’s not in their own countries) but America instead demonizes Russia’s leaders, who consistently oppose jihadists and jihadism? Why are America’s rulers allied with the top financiers of jihad? Why is that being kept so secret? Why are these injustices tolerated by the public? Who will change this, and how? When will that desperately needed change even start? Will it start soon enough? Maybe WW III won’t occur, but the damages are already horrible, and they’re getting worse. This can go on until the end; and, if it does, that end will make horrible look like heaven, by comparison. It would be worse than anything ever known — and it could happen in and to our generation !!!
By Stephen Lendman
Obama commented after two days of G-7 discussions. He repeated tired old demagogic boilerplate we've heard many times before.
"(W)e're…here to stand up for the fundamental principles that we share as democracies: for freedom; for peace; for the right of nations and peoples to decide their own destiny; for universal human rights and the dignity of every human being," he blustered. Fact: Democracy in America is pure fantasy. Monied interests control everything. Ordinary people have no say whatever. Elections are farcical when held.
Fact: Throughout his tenure, Obama waged war on fundamental freedoms - including targeting more whistleblowers of government wrongdoing than all his predecessors combined and making America a Big Brother society more than earlier.
Fact: Peace is anathema for US policymakers. Endless direct and proxy wars rage.
Fact: Sovereign independent nations are targeted for regime change.
Fact: America is the world's leading human rights abuser on a global scale.
Obama took credit for nonexistent economic recovery. Protracted Main Street Depression conditions exist.
Real unemployment tops 23%. Tens of millions wanting jobs can't find them. Those created are rotten low-pay, poor or no-benefit part-time or temp ones.
"(I)n the global economy, America is (not) a major source of strength," as Obama claims.
He urged punishing Greece more than already by forcing greater austerity cuts on people least able to tolerate them.
He outrageously claimed corporate written TPP and TTIP trade legislation include "high standards to protect workers, public safety and the environment."
Their provisions are polar opposite. They’re anti-consumer, anti-environmental nightmarish bills.
G-7 countries remain "strongly united in support of Ukraine," said Obama. He promised continued political, economic and technical support. He omitted explaining heavy weapons America supplies Kiev to continue waging naked aggression on its own people.
"Russian forces continue to operate in eastern Ukraine, violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," he claimed.
"This is now the second year in a row that the G7 has met without Russia - another example of Russia’s isolation - and every member of the G7 continues to maintain sanctions on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine."
Fact: The whole world knows Washington and Kiev partner in waging dirty war without mercy on Donbass Ukrainians rejecting fascism - wanting real democracy.
Fact: It's common knowledge in Western capitals that no "Russian aggression" exists. The Big Lie otherwise drowns out hard truths.
Obama's claim about sanctions hurting Russia are way overblown. EU countries supporting Washington's agenda do so at their own expense.
Russia is strong and resilient. Its partnership with other BRICS countries represents a strong counterweight to G-7 dominance. America's attempt to influence its geopolitical policies failed.
"…Sanctions against Russia will remain in place so long as (it) continues to violate its obligations under the Minsk agreements," Obama blustered.
Our European partners reaffirmed that they will maintain sanctions on Russia until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented, which means extending the EU's existing sectoral sanctions beyond July."
"And the G7 is making it clear that, if necessary, we stand ready to impose additional, significant sanctions against Russia."
Fact: Russia scrupulously observes all three Ukraine ceasefire agreements - the latest one in February this year.
Fact: Washington and its proxy Kiev junta violated them straightaway - wanting war, not peace.
Blaming Russia irresponsibly for crimes they committed indicates protracted war, increased US saber rattling, more sanctions and other hostile policies risking direct confrontation.
America is the greatest threat to world peace and stability. As long as EU countries go along with its imperial agenda harming their own interests, the unthinkable is possible - the nightmare of potential humanity destroying nuclear war.
With lunatics in charge in Washington, the unthinkable could become reality.
A Final Comment
G-7 countries Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan foolishly yield to US pressure on bashing Russia.
A joint communique following two days of talks said "the duration of sanctions should be clearly linked to Russia's complete implementation of the Minsk agreements and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty."
"(W)e…stand ready to take further restrictive measures in order to increase cost on Russia should its actions so require."
It bears repeating. Russia is wrongfully blamed for US/Kiev high crimes. All G-7 countries know what they won't admit, including America - the greatest threat in history to world peace. !!!
Obama commented after two days of G-7 discussions. He repeated tired old demagogic boilerplate we've heard many times before.
"(W)e're…here to stand up for the fundamental principles that we share as democracies: for freedom; for peace; for the right of nations and peoples to decide their own destiny; for universal human rights and the dignity of every human being," he blustered. Fact: Democracy in America is pure fantasy. Monied interests control everything. Ordinary people have no say whatever. Elections are farcical when held.
Fact: Throughout his tenure, Obama waged war on fundamental freedoms - including targeting more whistleblowers of government wrongdoing than all his predecessors combined and making America a Big Brother society more than earlier.
Fact: Peace is anathema for US policymakers. Endless direct and proxy wars rage.
Fact: Sovereign independent nations are targeted for regime change.
Fact: America is the world's leading human rights abuser on a global scale.
Obama took credit for nonexistent economic recovery. Protracted Main Street Depression conditions exist.
Real unemployment tops 23%. Tens of millions wanting jobs can't find them. Those created are rotten low-pay, poor or no-benefit part-time or temp ones.
"(I)n the global economy, America is (not) a major source of strength," as Obama claims.
He urged punishing Greece more than already by forcing greater austerity cuts on people least able to tolerate them.
He outrageously claimed corporate written TPP and TTIP trade legislation include "high standards to protect workers, public safety and the environment."
Their provisions are polar opposite. They’re anti-consumer, anti-environmental nightmarish bills.
G-7 countries remain "strongly united in support of Ukraine," said Obama. He promised continued political, economic and technical support. He omitted explaining heavy weapons America supplies Kiev to continue waging naked aggression on its own people.
"Russian forces continue to operate in eastern Ukraine, violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," he claimed.
"This is now the second year in a row that the G7 has met without Russia - another example of Russia’s isolation - and every member of the G7 continues to maintain sanctions on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine."
Fact: The whole world knows Washington and Kiev partner in waging dirty war without mercy on Donbass Ukrainians rejecting fascism - wanting real democracy.
Fact: It's common knowledge in Western capitals that no "Russian aggression" exists. The Big Lie otherwise drowns out hard truths.
Obama's claim about sanctions hurting Russia are way overblown. EU countries supporting Washington's agenda do so at their own expense.
Russia is strong and resilient. Its partnership with other BRICS countries represents a strong counterweight to G-7 dominance. America's attempt to influence its geopolitical policies failed.
"…Sanctions against Russia will remain in place so long as (it) continues to violate its obligations under the Minsk agreements," Obama blustered.
Our European partners reaffirmed that they will maintain sanctions on Russia until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented, which means extending the EU's existing sectoral sanctions beyond July."
"And the G7 is making it clear that, if necessary, we stand ready to impose additional, significant sanctions against Russia."
Fact: Russia scrupulously observes all three Ukraine ceasefire agreements - the latest one in February this year.
Fact: Washington and its proxy Kiev junta violated them straightaway - wanting war, not peace.
Blaming Russia irresponsibly for crimes they committed indicates protracted war, increased US saber rattling, more sanctions and other hostile policies risking direct confrontation.
America is the greatest threat to world peace and stability. As long as EU countries go along with its imperial agenda harming their own interests, the unthinkable is possible - the nightmare of potential humanity destroying nuclear war.
With lunatics in charge in Washington, the unthinkable could become reality.
A Final Comment
G-7 countries Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan foolishly yield to US pressure on bashing Russia.
A joint communique following two days of talks said "the duration of sanctions should be clearly linked to Russia's complete implementation of the Minsk agreements and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty."
"(W)e…stand ready to take further restrictive measures in order to increase cost on Russia should its actions so require."
It bears repeating. Russia is wrongfully blamed for US/Kiev high crimes. All G-7 countries know what they won't admit, including America - the greatest threat in history to world peace. !!!
by Stephen Lendman
Obama pressured other G-7 leaders to stay hardline on Russia well before summit discussions began on Sunday - a policy benefitting America at their expense.
How long they'll go along with what's clearly not in their interest remains to be seen. What can't go on forever, won't.
Russia plans longterm. It sees normalization ahead at some point with key EU "partners." Don't expect US softening given its longstanding regime change objective.
Washington wants pro-Western stooge governance replacing Vladimir Putin. He's a strong proponent of respecting the sovereign independence of all nations.
He fundamentally opposes America's imperial agenda. He's sharply at odds with its unipolar worldview. He enjoys overwhelming popular support at home.
He's Washington's public enemy number one. From Germany, Obama stressed "standing up to (nonexistent) Russian aggression in Ukraine." Sanctions will be maintained "to put pressure on Russian and separatist forces to implement fully the Minsk agreement."
"(I)t's going to require that Europe, the United States and the Transatlantic Partnership, as well as the world, stay vigilant and stay focused on the importance of upholding the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said "(t)he commitment required by our European partners to implement and maintain these sanctions is significant."
"They have economies that are more integrated with Russia than the United States has, and so we recognize that many of the countries that we’re counting on to continue to enforce these sanctions are countries who do so at some sacrifice to their own economy."
It bears repeating. For how long remains to be seen. Big Lies about Russia persist. Moscow "thumbed (its) nose at the (ceasefire) commitments…made" in Munich, Earnest blustered.
Fact: Russia alone continues going all-out to resolve things diplomatically.
Fact: Washington and its Kiev junta proxy want war, not peace.
Fact: Russia continues being blamed irresponsibly for their high crimes. Expect no letup ahead.
Britain marches in lockstep with Washington's worst policies. Prime Minister David Cameron urged a continued "robust response to (nonexistent) Russian-backed aggression…"
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's spokesman Stephen Leece said he "strongly advocate(s)" maintaining pressure and sanctions on Russia."
He "stands ready to impose further measures against the Putin regime if Moscow refuses to halt its aggressive behavior."
European Council President Donald Tusk said the only question with regard to sanctions is whether to toughen them.
Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (1974 - 1982) expressed "limited expectations" for positive summit results. He hoped participants would avoid "adding fuel to the fire."
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (1998 - 2005) expressed similar views, saying:
"I believe it’s a mistake that the Russian president has not been invited to the summit. When stances differ, it is necessary to discuss these differences. That could have been done at the summit."
Germany's Social Democratic Party vice-chairman Ralph Stegner said discussing geopolitical issues can't exclude involving Russia.
"If the Western countries have a desire to hold meetings only with those who share common values, then they will find it hard to assemble enough people even for the G2 format," he stressed.
US-led efforts to marginalize, weaken and isolate Russia failed. Its upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko's article titled "BRICS: An Outline of a Fair World Order" preceded its first parliamentary June 8 forum in Moscow with Putin currently serving as association president.
Matviyenko said BRICS countries share "a common agenda" of mutual cooperation - including "defending their sovereignty, protection and promotion of their national interests on the basis of the principles of equality, noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, non-acceptance of a unipolar world."
Five BRICS nations represent a significant counterweight to G-7 dominance. They comprise an important economic and political bloc - on three continents covering more than one-fourth of the world's land mass with around 40% of its population.
They're a growing force to be reckoned with. They're clearly "an international community pursuing an independent policy on the international arena, rejecting any attempts of outside pressure," said Matviyenko.
"Condemnation by BRICS countries of the policy of sanctions against Russia, our presidency of BRICS, the holding of the BRICS summit and parliamentary forum on our territory are a convincing demonstration of a failure of the plans to isolate Russia from the international community," she stressed.
Wrongheaded policies only work so long. Eventually they're doomed to fail. US influence is declining.
The late historian Gabriel Kolko believes it "began after the Korean War, was continued in relation to Cuba, and was greatly accelerated in Vietnam - but (GW Bush did) much to exacerbate it further."
Sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein believes America's decline accelerated post-9/11. "The economic, political and military factors that contributed to US hegemony are the same (ones) inexorably produc(ing)" its coming decline, he said.
The late Chalmers Johnson called it the same dynamic that doomed past empires - "isolation, overstretch, the uniting of local and global forces opposed to imperialism, and in the end bankruptcy" - combined with growing authoritarianism and loss of personal freedom.
The combination of endless wars, an empire of bases, and bloated military spending (at the expense of vital homeland needs) in pursuit of unchallenged global dominance heads America for tyranny and ruin.
Only the timing of its imperial decline is unknown - as well as the greater harm it may cause before it goes the way of all other empires in history.!!!
Obama pressured other G-7 leaders to stay hardline on Russia well before summit discussions began on Sunday - a policy benefitting America at their expense.
How long they'll go along with what's clearly not in their interest remains to be seen. What can't go on forever, won't.
Russia plans longterm. It sees normalization ahead at some point with key EU "partners." Don't expect US softening given its longstanding regime change objective.
Washington wants pro-Western stooge governance replacing Vladimir Putin. He's a strong proponent of respecting the sovereign independence of all nations.
He fundamentally opposes America's imperial agenda. He's sharply at odds with its unipolar worldview. He enjoys overwhelming popular support at home.
He's Washington's public enemy number one. From Germany, Obama stressed "standing up to (nonexistent) Russian aggression in Ukraine." Sanctions will be maintained "to put pressure on Russian and separatist forces to implement fully the Minsk agreement."
"(I)t's going to require that Europe, the United States and the Transatlantic Partnership, as well as the world, stay vigilant and stay focused on the importance of upholding the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said "(t)he commitment required by our European partners to implement and maintain these sanctions is significant."
"They have economies that are more integrated with Russia than the United States has, and so we recognize that many of the countries that we’re counting on to continue to enforce these sanctions are countries who do so at some sacrifice to their own economy."
It bears repeating. For how long remains to be seen. Big Lies about Russia persist. Moscow "thumbed (its) nose at the (ceasefire) commitments…made" in Munich, Earnest blustered.
Fact: Russia alone continues going all-out to resolve things diplomatically.
Fact: Washington and its Kiev junta proxy want war, not peace.
Fact: Russia continues being blamed irresponsibly for their high crimes. Expect no letup ahead.
Britain marches in lockstep with Washington's worst policies. Prime Minister David Cameron urged a continued "robust response to (nonexistent) Russian-backed aggression…"
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's spokesman Stephen Leece said he "strongly advocate(s)" maintaining pressure and sanctions on Russia."
He "stands ready to impose further measures against the Putin regime if Moscow refuses to halt its aggressive behavior."
European Council President Donald Tusk said the only question with regard to sanctions is whether to toughen them.
Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (1974 - 1982) expressed "limited expectations" for positive summit results. He hoped participants would avoid "adding fuel to the fire."
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (1998 - 2005) expressed similar views, saying:
"I believe it’s a mistake that the Russian president has not been invited to the summit. When stances differ, it is necessary to discuss these differences. That could have been done at the summit."
Germany's Social Democratic Party vice-chairman Ralph Stegner said discussing geopolitical issues can't exclude involving Russia.
"If the Western countries have a desire to hold meetings only with those who share common values, then they will find it hard to assemble enough people even for the G2 format," he stressed.
US-led efforts to marginalize, weaken and isolate Russia failed. Its upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko's article titled "BRICS: An Outline of a Fair World Order" preceded its first parliamentary June 8 forum in Moscow with Putin currently serving as association president.
Matviyenko said BRICS countries share "a common agenda" of mutual cooperation - including "defending their sovereignty, protection and promotion of their national interests on the basis of the principles of equality, noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, non-acceptance of a unipolar world."
Five BRICS nations represent a significant counterweight to G-7 dominance. They comprise an important economic and political bloc - on three continents covering more than one-fourth of the world's land mass with around 40% of its population.
They're a growing force to be reckoned with. They're clearly "an international community pursuing an independent policy on the international arena, rejecting any attempts of outside pressure," said Matviyenko.
"Condemnation by BRICS countries of the policy of sanctions against Russia, our presidency of BRICS, the holding of the BRICS summit and parliamentary forum on our territory are a convincing demonstration of a failure of the plans to isolate Russia from the international community," she stressed.
Wrongheaded policies only work so long. Eventually they're doomed to fail. US influence is declining.
The late historian Gabriel Kolko believes it "began after the Korean War, was continued in relation to Cuba, and was greatly accelerated in Vietnam - but (GW Bush did) much to exacerbate it further."
Sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein believes America's decline accelerated post-9/11. "The economic, political and military factors that contributed to US hegemony are the same (ones) inexorably produc(ing)" its coming decline, he said.
The late Chalmers Johnson called it the same dynamic that doomed past empires - "isolation, overstretch, the uniting of local and global forces opposed to imperialism, and in the end bankruptcy" - combined with growing authoritarianism and loss of personal freedom.
The combination of endless wars, an empire of bases, and bloated military spending (at the expense of vital homeland needs) in pursuit of unchallenged global dominance heads America for tyranny and ruin.
Only the timing of its imperial decline is unknown - as well as the greater harm it may cause before it goes the way of all other empires in history.!!!
by Stephen Lendman
Poroshenko vowed earlier to regain Donbass and Crimea by "any means" necessary.
Kiev launched naked aggression on Donbass last April. It breached three ceasefire agreements straightaway - the latest Minsk II in February.
Fighting never stopped. Junta forces attack Donbass multiple times daily - 43 shellings in the last 24 hours, according to Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Defense Ministry spokesman Eduard Basurin.
"The enemy used heavy armaments once again," he said. Areas targeted include Oktyabrskiy near Donetsk's airport, Gorlovka, Yasinovataya, Dokuchayevsk, Spartak, Zhabichevo, Grigorovka and Zaitsrvo.
Not according to Kiev's propaganda machine. On the one hand, it calls naked aggression an ATO (anti-terrorist operation).
On the other, it outrageously claims Donbass fighters attack Ukraine's army "day and night" - using "heavy weapons."
Truth is polar opposite. Donbass self-defense forces respond when attacked. They've gone all-out to observe Minsk II ceasefire terms in vain - impossible to achieve when junta officials won't honor them.
Kiev violates them multiple times daily - blaming victims for their crimes. Minsk mandated withdrawing all heavy weapons many kilometers behind the contact line.
Kiev maintained them in place - moving them around to create the appearance of withdrawal. Willful junta deception continues substituting for honoring ceasefire terms agreed on.
On Monday, DPR's Basurin reported Kiev building up heavy weapons along the contact line - in blatant violation of Minsk II.
Junta forces deployed BM-21 Grads, Uragan 9K57 multiple rocket launcher systems, and Smerch 9K58 heavy multiple rocket launchers.
They seized a Dzerzhink city hospital. "(M)edical personnel were forcefully evacuated and the work of the medical facility has been blocked," Basurin explained.
Foreign mercenaries seized private property in Artem village. They took over a residential building for their forces.
Junta authorities continue preparing for what appears to be plans for escalated aggression. "(I)ndiscriminate shellings against civilians and the destruction of (DPR) civilian infrastructure" continue, Basurin said.
He stressed DPR self-defense forces "continue strictly complying with their commitments under the Minsk agreements." They respond only when attacked.
In mid-May, Russia's lower house State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Alexey Pushkov said Washington for the first time acknowledged Kiev ceasefire breaches.
During his visit to Sochi for discussions with Putin, John Kerry admitted it, Pushkov said.
Up to then, US officials lied claiming "Kiev's willingness to implement the accords," he added.
In early May, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov "strongly urged" OSCE chairman Ivica Dacic "to use his authority" to crack down on "blatant" Kiev ceasefire violations.
No international pressure followed. Multiple junta ceasefire breaches occur daily.
In mid-May, a joint NATO/Kiev statement affirmed support for Ukraine's "sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders" - including Crimea and Donbass.
"…Russia's (nonexistent) aggressive actions and continued violation of international law and its international obligations" were "condemn(ed)."
Junta aggression was ignored - including major crimes of war and against humanity. Partnership between NATO and Kiev was stressed.
One rogue entity supports another. Endless junta aggression continues. Heavy buildup along the contact line suggests escalated conflict looms.
A Final Comment
On Monday, Ukraine's parliament speaker Volodymyr Groysman signed a decree "rescinding (Kiev's) commitments outlined in the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Social Charter."
It nonsensically claimed a need to repel nonexistent "Russian aggression." Moscow's OSCE envoy Andrei Kelin said the measure legalizes criminal lawlessness in Donbass.
Russia's upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko blasted Kiev saying "responsibility for what's happening in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions rests with the Ukrainian authorities and no one else. !!!
Poroshenko vowed earlier to regain Donbass and Crimea by "any means" necessary.
Kiev launched naked aggression on Donbass last April. It breached three ceasefire agreements straightaway - the latest Minsk II in February.
Fighting never stopped. Junta forces attack Donbass multiple times daily - 43 shellings in the last 24 hours, according to Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Defense Ministry spokesman Eduard Basurin.
"The enemy used heavy armaments once again," he said. Areas targeted include Oktyabrskiy near Donetsk's airport, Gorlovka, Yasinovataya, Dokuchayevsk, Spartak, Zhabichevo, Grigorovka and Zaitsrvo.
Not according to Kiev's propaganda machine. On the one hand, it calls naked aggression an ATO (anti-terrorist operation).
On the other, it outrageously claims Donbass fighters attack Ukraine's army "day and night" - using "heavy weapons."
Truth is polar opposite. Donbass self-defense forces respond when attacked. They've gone all-out to observe Minsk II ceasefire terms in vain - impossible to achieve when junta officials won't honor them.
Kiev violates them multiple times daily - blaming victims for their crimes. Minsk mandated withdrawing all heavy weapons many kilometers behind the contact line.
Kiev maintained them in place - moving them around to create the appearance of withdrawal. Willful junta deception continues substituting for honoring ceasefire terms agreed on.
On Monday, DPR's Basurin reported Kiev building up heavy weapons along the contact line - in blatant violation of Minsk II.
Junta forces deployed BM-21 Grads, Uragan 9K57 multiple rocket launcher systems, and Smerch 9K58 heavy multiple rocket launchers.
They seized a Dzerzhink city hospital. "(M)edical personnel were forcefully evacuated and the work of the medical facility has been blocked," Basurin explained.
Foreign mercenaries seized private property in Artem village. They took over a residential building for their forces.
Junta authorities continue preparing for what appears to be plans for escalated aggression. "(I)ndiscriminate shellings against civilians and the destruction of (DPR) civilian infrastructure" continue, Basurin said.
He stressed DPR self-defense forces "continue strictly complying with their commitments under the Minsk agreements." They respond only when attacked.
In mid-May, Russia's lower house State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Alexey Pushkov said Washington for the first time acknowledged Kiev ceasefire breaches.
During his visit to Sochi for discussions with Putin, John Kerry admitted it, Pushkov said.
Up to then, US officials lied claiming "Kiev's willingness to implement the accords," he added.
In early May, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov "strongly urged" OSCE chairman Ivica Dacic "to use his authority" to crack down on "blatant" Kiev ceasefire violations.
No international pressure followed. Multiple junta ceasefire breaches occur daily.
In mid-May, a joint NATO/Kiev statement affirmed support for Ukraine's "sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders" - including Crimea and Donbass.
"…Russia's (nonexistent) aggressive actions and continued violation of international law and its international obligations" were "condemn(ed)."
Junta aggression was ignored - including major crimes of war and against humanity. Partnership between NATO and Kiev was stressed.
One rogue entity supports another. Endless junta aggression continues. Heavy buildup along the contact line suggests escalated conflict looms.
A Final Comment
On Monday, Ukraine's parliament speaker Volodymyr Groysman signed a decree "rescinding (Kiev's) commitments outlined in the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Social Charter."
It nonsensically claimed a need to repel nonexistent "Russian aggression." Moscow's OSCE envoy Andrei Kelin said the measure legalizes criminal lawlessness in Donbass.
Russia's upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko blasted Kiev saying "responsibility for what's happening in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions rests with the Ukrainian authorities and no one else. !!!
Yes Maverick I agree with you and also Jontta, but you all seem blinded by this US propaganda and are not willing to see the overall picture concerning the rest of Europe that is in great danger? I may be living in the Philippines but am European from birth and it concerns me greatly what is happening, also because I have personal contacts in Eastern Europe! I'm myself also in a danger spot now with the developing Chinese agression about their Island building and reclamation with also starts to look at a start of WW3? But then again I don't think there is any safe place on earth?
Sure as Hell if the dumb americans put Hillary in the directors seat we'll be looking at a total destruction of the world as we have known it in our life time? Its a very interesting time to live in but I'm for one happy that my life is nearing its end and feel very sorry for my children and grandchildren that will have to try and survive the mess that we are leaving them with? So I hope you all pay attention and read all that I have posted and get a better global picture !!
And sorry, but sofar its only Russia who's within its borders and trying to get ready to defend them?
Sure as Hell if the dumb americans put Hillary in the directors seat we'll be looking at a total destruction of the world as we have known it in our life time? Its a very interesting time to live in but I'm for one happy that my life is nearing its end and feel very sorry for my children and grandchildren that will have to try and survive the mess that we are leaving them with? So I hope you all pay attention and read all that I have posted and get a better global picture !!
And sorry, but sofar its only Russia who's within its borders and trying to get ready to defend them?
Poroshenko Hypes Nonexistent Russian Invasion Threat
June 8th, 2015
by Stephen Lendman
Fear-mongering is longstanding rogue state policy to scare people to believe nonexistent threats are real.
It's willful deception to get them go along with policies they're likely reject otherwise.
Ukrainian forces attack Donbass militia fighters and civilians daily. Violence surged lately.
Victims are blamed for Kiev high crimes. Addressing parliament on Thursday, Poroshenko ludicrously said Ukraine's military must defend against a possible "full-scale (Russian) invasion."
He lied claiming 9,000 Russian troop already operate in Ukraine. A "colossal threat" of resumed full-scale war looms, he blustered - only if junta forces initiate it, he didn't explain.
Instead he said "(t)he military must be ready as much for a renewal of an offensive by the enemy in the Donbass as they are for a full-scale invasion along the whole length of the border with Russia. We must be truly ready for this."
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf repeatedly blames Moscow and Donbass freedom fighters for Kiev high crimes.
On Thursday, she stopped short of hyping the threat of a full-scale Russian invasion. At the same time, she warned Moscow to refrain from nonexistent aggressive actions.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed increasing Donbass violence on Kiev. Its repeated provocations bear full responsibility.
The entire ugly business is orchestrated in Washington. The dirty scheme is Russia bashing - goading Putin to make a strategic mistake, aiming for replacing him with a convenient US stooge.
Moscow "profoundly regret(s) and (remains) deeply concerned about Kiev's failure to observe provisions of the Minsk agreements," Peskov said.
Fighting rages - notably in Maryinka on Wednesday. Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Prime Minister Alexander Zakharchenko said about 400 Ukrainian troops were killed, another 1,000 wounded.
DPR Defense Ministry spokesman Eduard Basurin said Kiev forces shelled Donetsk 46 times in the last 24 hours.
"The enemy used Grad multiple rocket launchers 3 times and carried out artillery shellings 21 times. They also used mortars, tanks, anti-aircraft installations, grenade launchers and small arms," he said.
Sixteen communities were targeted, he added. Security Council members met Friday to discuss Donbass developments - perhaps ahead of Kiev intending resumed full-scale aggression.
It's been rearming in preparation. At least 11 countries are supplying weapons and munitions intended solely for offense - not defense "to protect its territory from aggression."
Poroshenko lied to parliament on Thursday saying what everyone knows is untrue. Kiev's war on Donbass isn't defensive. It's not about eliminating area terrorism.
It's about Novorossiya Ukrainians wanting to live free from the scourge of fascism. It's about wanting democracy replacing it.
It's about fighting for fundamental freedoms everyone deserves. It's about tolerating no less.
Washington is Kiev's main weapons and munitions supplier - ongoing since conflict began in April 2013, systematically ignoring three ceasefire agreements. Obama claiming he hasn't yet decided on sending lethal arms is one of his many Big Lies.
Without US-led European support, Ukraine's regime would collapse. It's economy is bankrupt. It spends money it doesn't have.
IMF funds supposedly prohibit using them for war-making. They're for paying bankers first. Wiggle room lets Kiev use them for virtually anything - including waging war on its own people.
On Thursday, Sergey Lavrov said Minsk ceasefire terms "are under the constant threat of failure due to the actions of Kiev authorities who are trying not to comply with commitments on establishing a direct dialogue with Donbass."
A previous article said Minsk is dead. Kiev killed three ceasefires it agreed to - two last year, the most recent last February.
Each was dead on arrival. Kiev never intended to honor its agreements. Junta forces commit multiple daily ceasefire breaches showing regime authorities want war, not peace. So does its US puppet master.
June 8th, 2015
by Stephen Lendman
Fear-mongering is longstanding rogue state policy to scare people to believe nonexistent threats are real.
It's willful deception to get them go along with policies they're likely reject otherwise.
Ukrainian forces attack Donbass militia fighters and civilians daily. Violence surged lately.
Victims are blamed for Kiev high crimes. Addressing parliament on Thursday, Poroshenko ludicrously said Ukraine's military must defend against a possible "full-scale (Russian) invasion."
He lied claiming 9,000 Russian troop already operate in Ukraine. A "colossal threat" of resumed full-scale war looms, he blustered - only if junta forces initiate it, he didn't explain.
Instead he said "(t)he military must be ready as much for a renewal of an offensive by the enemy in the Donbass as they are for a full-scale invasion along the whole length of the border with Russia. We must be truly ready for this."
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf repeatedly blames Moscow and Donbass freedom fighters for Kiev high crimes.
On Thursday, she stopped short of hyping the threat of a full-scale Russian invasion. At the same time, she warned Moscow to refrain from nonexistent aggressive actions.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed increasing Donbass violence on Kiev. Its repeated provocations bear full responsibility.
The entire ugly business is orchestrated in Washington. The dirty scheme is Russia bashing - goading Putin to make a strategic mistake, aiming for replacing him with a convenient US stooge.
Moscow "profoundly regret(s) and (remains) deeply concerned about Kiev's failure to observe provisions of the Minsk agreements," Peskov said.
Fighting rages - notably in Maryinka on Wednesday. Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Prime Minister Alexander Zakharchenko said about 400 Ukrainian troops were killed, another 1,000 wounded.
DPR Defense Ministry spokesman Eduard Basurin said Kiev forces shelled Donetsk 46 times in the last 24 hours.
"The enemy used Grad multiple rocket launchers 3 times and carried out artillery shellings 21 times. They also used mortars, tanks, anti-aircraft installations, grenade launchers and small arms," he said.
Sixteen communities were targeted, he added. Security Council members met Friday to discuss Donbass developments - perhaps ahead of Kiev intending resumed full-scale aggression.
It's been rearming in preparation. At least 11 countries are supplying weapons and munitions intended solely for offense - not defense "to protect its territory from aggression."
Poroshenko lied to parliament on Thursday saying what everyone knows is untrue. Kiev's war on Donbass isn't defensive. It's not about eliminating area terrorism.
It's about Novorossiya Ukrainians wanting to live free from the scourge of fascism. It's about wanting democracy replacing it.
It's about fighting for fundamental freedoms everyone deserves. It's about tolerating no less.
Washington is Kiev's main weapons and munitions supplier - ongoing since conflict began in April 2013, systematically ignoring three ceasefire agreements. Obama claiming he hasn't yet decided on sending lethal arms is one of his many Big Lies.
Without US-led European support, Ukraine's regime would collapse. It's economy is bankrupt. It spends money it doesn't have.
IMF funds supposedly prohibit using them for war-making. They're for paying bankers first. Wiggle room lets Kiev use them for virtually anything - including waging war on its own people.
On Thursday, Sergey Lavrov said Minsk ceasefire terms "are under the constant threat of failure due to the actions of Kiev authorities who are trying not to comply with commitments on establishing a direct dialogue with Donbass."
A previous article said Minsk is dead. Kiev killed three ceasefires it agreed to - two last year, the most recent last February.
Each was dead on arrival. Kiev never intended to honor its agreements. Junta forces commit multiple daily ceasefire breaches showing regime authorities want war, not peace. So does its US puppet master.
by Stephen Lendman
In late May, NATO published apropaganda report based on tired old Big Lies. It claimed a nonexistent "illegal (Russian) military intervention in Ukraine" despite no evidence whatever suggesting it - plenty debunking it.
It discussed a menu of what it called myths about NATO/Russian relations-willful Big Lies including denying:
● NATO threatens Russia;
● encroachment on its borders by systematically encircling its territory with hostile bases and conducting provocative military exercises;
● wanting Russia marginalized, contained, isolated, destabilized, weakened, its government replaced by a pro-Western one, and balkanized for easier exploitation and control;
● braking its pledge not to expand east;
● wanting all former Russian republics and Warsaw Pact countries included in its Alliance;
● it's so-called missile defense is for offense targeting Russia and other independent countries;
● it wages one direct or proxy war of aggression after another;
● planning expanding to a global military alliance - threatening humanity more than already
NATO claims these hard facts are myths. In mid-May, Russia set the record straight - debunking NATO Big Lies, explaining hard truths.
It began saying "NATO has been publicly promoting a simplified (erroneous) 'black and white' picture of the history of complicated relations between the Alliance and Russia, accusing Russia of 'myth-making' about NATO's 'impeccable' actions."
In regular updates, it tries "persuading the public that (its actions alone strengthen) European security and stability without any critical self-evaluation…and hard lessons (explained about) the military operations in the Balkans, in Afghanistan and Libya."
"But most importantly, perhaps, there have been no proposals about ways to promote a positive agenda…to overcome current highly risky tendencies in the military-political situation on the continent."
"The efforts undertaken by the Russian Federation to strengthen the security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic area have been silenced" - ignored and at times ridiculed.
World peace, stability and security depend on "break(ing) the spiral of current military-political tensions…Welfare of the peoples and citizens of our countries depends on what path will be chosen."
Fact: At the end of the Cold War in 1991, Russia withdrew its troops and equipment from former Soviet republics and other Eastern European countries.
Fact: US-dominated NATO began expanding east, despite pledging not to do so.
Fact: Russian involvement in multilateral efforts strengthens European security.
Fact: Hostility toward Russia weakens it.
Fact: Russia remains committed to arms control. NATO policy encourages proliferation.
Fact: Washington's so-called missile defense violates the 1972 ABM Treaty (in force until George Bush unilaterally withdrew).
Fact: It prohibits large-scale anti-missile systems. US policy wants them targeting Russia, China and Iran.
Fact: NATO continues expanding east aggressively adding 12 former Soviet republics and Warsaw pact countries since 1991:
Fact: US-dominated NATO generated military tensions on Russia's borders "weakens rather than strengthens" regional security and threatens a dangerous new arms race.
Fact: NATO's aggressive encroachment on Russia's borders threatens direct confrontation.
Fact: Systematic, irresponsible Russia bashing prevents normalizing NATO/Moscow relations.
Fact: Ukraine is Obama's war - wanting US control of its territory to be used as a dagger targeting Russia.
Fact: Moscow wants mutual cooperation with all other nations. It wants peace and stability, not war and hostile relations.
Fact: America wages endless direct and proxy wars of aggression - systematically raping one country after another to advance its imperial agenda.
Fact: Russia wants Cold War hostility ended.
Fact: US-dominated NATO policy risks WW III. The "window of opportunity for compromise (and peace) is steadily closing," Russia's report says.
Fact: America strengthening its "security" by challenging Russia irresponsibly risks potential confrontation.
Fact: Important Moscow proposals for peace, stability and security are systematically ignored.
Fact: America's obsession with militarism and endless wars threatens everyone.
Moscow hopes its "fact sheet will allow an impartial observer to understand the history of relations between Russia and NATO and (draw) conclusions based on the real facts and not" Alliance mythology.
In late May, NATO published apropaganda report based on tired old Big Lies. It claimed a nonexistent "illegal (Russian) military intervention in Ukraine" despite no evidence whatever suggesting it - plenty debunking it.
It discussed a menu of what it called myths about NATO/Russian relations-willful Big Lies including denying:
● NATO threatens Russia;
● encroachment on its borders by systematically encircling its territory with hostile bases and conducting provocative military exercises;
● wanting Russia marginalized, contained, isolated, destabilized, weakened, its government replaced by a pro-Western one, and balkanized for easier exploitation and control;
● braking its pledge not to expand east;
● wanting all former Russian republics and Warsaw Pact countries included in its Alliance;
● it's so-called missile defense is for offense targeting Russia and other independent countries;
● it wages one direct or proxy war of aggression after another;
● planning expanding to a global military alliance - threatening humanity more than already
NATO claims these hard facts are myths. In mid-May, Russia set the record straight - debunking NATO Big Lies, explaining hard truths.
It began saying "NATO has been publicly promoting a simplified (erroneous) 'black and white' picture of the history of complicated relations between the Alliance and Russia, accusing Russia of 'myth-making' about NATO's 'impeccable' actions."
In regular updates, it tries "persuading the public that (its actions alone strengthen) European security and stability without any critical self-evaluation…and hard lessons (explained about) the military operations in the Balkans, in Afghanistan and Libya."
"But most importantly, perhaps, there have been no proposals about ways to promote a positive agenda…to overcome current highly risky tendencies in the military-political situation on the continent."
"The efforts undertaken by the Russian Federation to strengthen the security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic area have been silenced" - ignored and at times ridiculed.
World peace, stability and security depend on "break(ing) the spiral of current military-political tensions…Welfare of the peoples and citizens of our countries depends on what path will be chosen."
Fact: At the end of the Cold War in 1991, Russia withdrew its troops and equipment from former Soviet republics and other Eastern European countries.
Fact: US-dominated NATO began expanding east, despite pledging not to do so.
Fact: Russian involvement in multilateral efforts strengthens European security.
Fact: Hostility toward Russia weakens it.
Fact: Russia remains committed to arms control. NATO policy encourages proliferation.
Fact: Washington's so-called missile defense violates the 1972 ABM Treaty (in force until George Bush unilaterally withdrew).
Fact: It prohibits large-scale anti-missile systems. US policy wants them targeting Russia, China and Iran.
Fact: NATO continues expanding east aggressively adding 12 former Soviet republics and Warsaw pact countries since 1991:
- the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland in 1999;
- Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2004; and
- Albania and Croatia in 2009.
Fact: US-dominated NATO generated military tensions on Russia's borders "weakens rather than strengthens" regional security and threatens a dangerous new arms race.
Fact: NATO's aggressive encroachment on Russia's borders threatens direct confrontation.
Fact: Systematic, irresponsible Russia bashing prevents normalizing NATO/Moscow relations.
Fact: Ukraine is Obama's war - wanting US control of its territory to be used as a dagger targeting Russia.
Fact: Moscow wants mutual cooperation with all other nations. It wants peace and stability, not war and hostile relations.
Fact: America wages endless direct and proxy wars of aggression - systematically raping one country after another to advance its imperial agenda.
Fact: Russia wants Cold War hostility ended.
Fact: US-dominated NATO policy risks WW III. The "window of opportunity for compromise (and peace) is steadily closing," Russia's report says.
Fact: America strengthening its "security" by challenging Russia irresponsibly risks potential confrontation.
Fact: Important Moscow proposals for peace, stability and security are systematically ignored.
Fact: America's obsession with militarism and endless wars threatens everyone.
Moscow hopes its "fact sheet will allow an impartial observer to understand the history of relations between Russia and NATO and (draw) conclusions based on the real facts and not" Alliance mythology.
Kiev Wants Foreign Troops Aiding Its War on Donbass
June 5th, 2015
by Stephen Lendman
Kiev's junta is an illegitimate US-installed putschist regime infested with extremist Nazi lunatics.
Last April, it launched naked aggression on Donbass - with full US support and encouragement.
Dirty war without mercy continues. Kiev systematically breached three ceasefire agreements unilaterally.
It blames victims for its high crimes. It's murdered thousands of Donbass noncombatant men, women and children. It deliberately targets them.
Western leaders able to intervene responsibly turn a blind eye to its worst atrocities. In March, Ukraine's parliament passed legislation calling for international peacekeepers (foreign troops from countries it OKs) deployed in Donbass - to aid its lawless aggression.
The measure breached Minsk II. It called for OSCE monitoring, not foreign troops likely from countries allied with Kiev, if authorized.
Ahead of the G-7 June 7 and 8 summit in Germany, Ukraine's parliament adopted a number of controversial amendments to its March law authorizing foreign troops on its territory (from countries it approves) intended for Donbass - masquerading as peacekeepers.
Deploying them assures preventing peace. Kiev's law prohibits troops from countries it designates "aggressor states" - nations opposing its dirty war on its own people.
Normandy four leaders discussed possible peacekeepers. Putin said authorizing them requires approval by both parties to the conflict.
Donbass militia leaders reject what's not authorized by Minsk II - especially with Kiev and Washington maneuvering to have forces from Kiev allies, none from nations opposing its regime.
Russian lower house State Duma CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Ties with Compatriots Leonid Slutsky said:
"Minsk-2 did not provide for the participation of even peacekeepers in the settlement of the Ukrainian internal conflict. The law can only provoke an increase in the number of foreign mercenaries of the Kiev regime for suppressing the resistance of militias and further conflict escalation."
Kiev systematically breached Minsk II legislatively and by its continued "shelling of the civilian population of Donbass," Slutsky added.
He blasted Poroshenko saying his hostile statements and uncompromising positions "are a front for a military solution to the" conflict.
He repeated what he said earlier. "Kiev authorities are more afraid of peace than war, on which both corruption and the current chaos in Ukraine are blamed" on victims.
State Duma Defense Committee member Frants Kintsevich said "(t)he bill passed by (Kiev's parliament) is a dummy, sheer spin and propaganda. It is doomed to fail as a legal document."
He can't "imagine a situation in which the United Nations would support the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine."
Russia will veto a Security Council resolution. Its "fundamental position is that (so-called peacekeepers in Donbass) would further split the country and is contrary to the Minsk agreements."
The measure's provision saying EU authorization alone is needed is "meaningless," Klintsevich stressed.
"Western leaders will never take this step as they realize their countries (may) become directly involved in the conflict on the side of Kiev with all the ensuing consequences" - another possible European war at least most EU nations want no part of
Washington is very comfortable letting forces from other countries do its fighting and dying. Don't expect EU countries to let their young men and women die for America on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Expect possible resistance from their officers and rank-and-file soldiers if they're asked to do so.
Washington overstepped in Ukraine. Its imperial strategy is foundering on the rocks of its hubris. What's ahead remains to be seen. What's sure is continued conflict.
June 5th, 2015
by Stephen Lendman
Kiev's junta is an illegitimate US-installed putschist regime infested with extremist Nazi lunatics.
Last April, it launched naked aggression on Donbass - with full US support and encouragement.
Dirty war without mercy continues. Kiev systematically breached three ceasefire agreements unilaterally.
It blames victims for its high crimes. It's murdered thousands of Donbass noncombatant men, women and children. It deliberately targets them.
Western leaders able to intervene responsibly turn a blind eye to its worst atrocities. In March, Ukraine's parliament passed legislation calling for international peacekeepers (foreign troops from countries it OKs) deployed in Donbass - to aid its lawless aggression.
The measure breached Minsk II. It called for OSCE monitoring, not foreign troops likely from countries allied with Kiev, if authorized.
Ahead of the G-7 June 7 and 8 summit in Germany, Ukraine's parliament adopted a number of controversial amendments to its March law authorizing foreign troops on its territory (from countries it approves) intended for Donbass - masquerading as peacekeepers.
Deploying them assures preventing peace. Kiev's law prohibits troops from countries it designates "aggressor states" - nations opposing its dirty war on its own people.
Normandy four leaders discussed possible peacekeepers. Putin said authorizing them requires approval by both parties to the conflict.
Donbass militia leaders reject what's not authorized by Minsk II - especially with Kiev and Washington maneuvering to have forces from Kiev allies, none from nations opposing its regime.
Russian lower house State Duma CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Ties with Compatriots Leonid Slutsky said:
"Minsk-2 did not provide for the participation of even peacekeepers in the settlement of the Ukrainian internal conflict. The law can only provoke an increase in the number of foreign mercenaries of the Kiev regime for suppressing the resistance of militias and further conflict escalation."
Kiev systematically breached Minsk II legislatively and by its continued "shelling of the civilian population of Donbass," Slutsky added.
He blasted Poroshenko saying his hostile statements and uncompromising positions "are a front for a military solution to the" conflict.
He repeated what he said earlier. "Kiev authorities are more afraid of peace than war, on which both corruption and the current chaos in Ukraine are blamed" on victims.
State Duma Defense Committee member Frants Kintsevich said "(t)he bill passed by (Kiev's parliament) is a dummy, sheer spin and propaganda. It is doomed to fail as a legal document."
He can't "imagine a situation in which the United Nations would support the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine."
Russia will veto a Security Council resolution. Its "fundamental position is that (so-called peacekeepers in Donbass) would further split the country and is contrary to the Minsk agreements."
The measure's provision saying EU authorization alone is needed is "meaningless," Klintsevich stressed.
"Western leaders will never take this step as they realize their countries (may) become directly involved in the conflict on the side of Kiev with all the ensuing consequences" - another possible European war at least most EU nations want no part of
Washington is very comfortable letting forces from other countries do its fighting and dying. Don't expect EU countries to let their young men and women die for America on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Expect possible resistance from their officers and rank-and-file soldiers if they're asked to do so.
Washington overstepped in Ukraine. Its imperial strategy is foundering on the rocks of its hubris. What's ahead remains to be seen. What's sure is continued conflict.
Confidential Document: Soros’s Plan for Ukraine Part 1
June 4th, 2015
Eric Zuesse
A hacked document from the Ukrainian Government, in whichGeorge Soros, on 12 March 2015 (a month after the Hollande-Merkel Minsk II ceasefire agreement had been signed), advised Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko how to re-arm and resume the war against the Donbass region in Ukraine’s far east. (According to a Russian television report dated 14 April 2011
, Soros had been financing the political careers of the people who have now become the leading politicians in Ukraine, since at least 2008.)
The newly revealed document (hacked by “Cyber Berkut,” a reliable source) opened by acknowledging that Ukraine’s military had been twice defeated in their attempt to restore that region to Ukraine’s control (here was the first defeat; and here was the second), and that, both times when a ceasefire was established, it “recognized the facts on the ground” instead of requiring Donbass forces to move back to the earlier war-front demarcation lines. (And here was the final result.)
In other words: Soros acknowledged that both of Ukraine’s previous two invasions of Donbass had been defeated, and he laid out here his plan for a third invasion, yet to come, after the West will have restored Ukraine’s military and taken stronger control over it.
In other words: Soros acknowledged that both of Ukraine’s previous two invasions of Donbass had been defeated, and he laid out here his plan for a third invasion, yet to come, after the West will have restored Ukraine’s military and taken stronger control over it.
His “Draft Non-Paper/v14,” which presumably was the 14th in a series of ongoing instructions to the Ukrainian Government — the Government that had been established by the U.S. coup in Kiev in February 2014 (and which he was proud to have helped bring about) — was titled, “A short and medium-term comprehensive strategy for the new Ukraine.” It defined “Short-term” as “The next three to five months,” and “Medium-term” as “The next three to five years.” (There was no “Long-term” in it.)
The document opened by acknowledging that there had been "twice converted a military victory to a cease-fire that recognized the facts on the ground,” and he wrote under the core assumption that the fighters who were defending Donbass were not locals who live there and who were protecting their families against attacks from the Ukrainian military, but instead Russian soldiers. He assumed that the people who are living there, and who are shooting down some of Ukraine’s bombers, which weredropping bombs on the cities, and which Ukrainian Government forces in Donbass were firing rockets at schools and hospitals and apartment buildings and indiscriminately at residential neighborhoods, were not people who had lived there all their lives, but instead invading Russian soldiers; and Soros asserted that it was Russia’s Vladimir Putin himself who “twice converted a military victory to a cease-fire that recognized the facts on the ground without depriving him of his first mover advantage.” By “first mover advantage,” Soros was referring to Putin as being the invader — the Ukrainian Governmen forces were merely responding to these invaders from Russia, he assumed; Soros started with the assumption that the people who actually live in that region, of what had formerly been part of Ukraine, don’t count, and are not a factor in the war — that they were not fighting, if they even really existed. (They did and do exist. Here they are, telling their own stories, and showing their corpses, maimed, and destroyed homes, and explaining why they have taken up arms against the invading Ukrainian armed forces.)
Soros says: "It is in the collective self-interest of Ukraine’s allies to enable the new Ukraine not only to survive but to prosper; and as long as they can agree on a way of providing adequate support without getting involved in a direct military conflict, they should be able to prevail against Putin’s Russia.” In other words, boiled down, he was saying: “Let’s you and him fight.” “Ukraine’s allies” won’t be the ones spilling blood there, he’s telling Ukraine’s President, whose forces “should be able to prevail against Putin’s Russia.” The U.S. will just send weapons and trainers, to assist in the bloodshed, and the victory “against Putin’s Russia” (not against the residents in Donbass, who don’t even exist, for him).
Before the U.S. coup in Ukraine, the entire nation was at peace, and Crimea was peacefully part of Ukraine, and so was Donbass. (It was sort of like Iraq under Saddam Hussein had been, until George W. Bush invaded that, except Ukraine was a democracy before obama overthrew its Government and .) But now that the U.S. had overthrown that democratic Ukrainian Government and installed its own regime (basically, selecting the new leader on 4 February 2014, 18 days before the coup), George Soros is telling them to go to war yet a third time against Russia (not that Ukraine ever actually was at war with Russia), using as the staging-area for America's proxy-war against Russia, Donbass, on Russia’s very border, and perhaps also even Crimea (which is actually unlikely to be invaded by Ukraine, because Crimea immediately was taken over by Russian troops, in order to prevent the new U.S. regime in Kiev from grabbing Russia’s main naval base, which since 1783 has been located in Crimea. Immediately after the coup, Putin recognized that Russia’s naval base was endangered; and for Ukraine to invade Crimea would thus be for Ukraine to be really and directly at war against Russia itself, which is what Soros seems to want.)
Soros’s document then went into a section titled “II. The Strategy.” This section made clear that the purpose of his war is regime-change in Russia. He said: "While it would be more desirable to have Russia as a partner than an enemy, that is impossible as long as Putin persists in his current policies.” In other words: Russia should be a “partner” but this means replacing Vladimir Putin with a leader whom Washington approves of, just as had earlier happened with Ukraine’s former President, Viktor Yanukovych, whom Obama overthrew. (Yanukovych was just a stepping-stone in this plan to topple Putin.) Whereas America invaded Iraq to get rid of Saddam Hussein, Soros wants Ukrainians to get rid of Vladimir Putin, and this requires heavily arming Ukraine. Soros was giving instructions to this regime that he had proudly helped bring into power. But he pretended that doing this would economically benefit Ukraine.
Soros declared his goal to be: "a functioning democracy in Ukraine that manages to reform its economy even in the midst of Russian aggression,” and that the reason for this goal is that it’s the way to "turn Putin’s narrative into a lie that no amount of propaganda could cover up. More and more Russians would want to follow Ukraine’s example.” In other words: Soros is saying that so many Russians will envy the new Ukraine that they’ll rise up and overthrow Putin. (But, actually, at the very time that Soros was writing this, Ukraine’s economy was already in free-fall with no light visible at the end of any realistic tunnel but only total economic collapse. Soros ignored that reality, which he almost certainly was aware of.)
Under the category “What Ukraine must deliver” within “the next three months” (which means by now, as this is written) are included:
“1. Restore the fighting capacity of Ukraine without violating the Minsk agreement.” …
“7. Present an impressive case at a donors’ and investors’ conference in three months time with two months leeway.” (As if that would even be realistic in light of Ukraine’s surviving now only by going ever-more-rapidly ever-deeper into debt to the IMF, EU and U.S., and with bankruptcy plans for Ukraine already being prepared.)
Under the category “What the allies must deliver” (in that same timeframe) are:
"1. Help restore the fighting capacity of the Ukrainian army without violating the Minsk Agreement.”
June 4th, 2015
Eric Zuesse
A hacked document from the Ukrainian Government, in whichGeorge Soros, on 12 March 2015 (a month after the Hollande-Merkel Minsk II ceasefire agreement had been signed), advised Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko how to re-arm and resume the war against the Donbass region in Ukraine’s far east. (According to a Russian television report dated 14 April 2011
, Soros had been financing the political careers of the people who have now become the leading politicians in Ukraine, since at least 2008.)
The newly revealed document (hacked by “Cyber Berkut,” a reliable source) opened by acknowledging that Ukraine’s military had been twice defeated in their attempt to restore that region to Ukraine’s control (here was the first defeat; and here was the second), and that, both times when a ceasefire was established, it “recognized the facts on the ground” instead of requiring Donbass forces to move back to the earlier war-front demarcation lines. (And here was the final result.)
In other words: Soros acknowledged that both of Ukraine’s previous two invasions of Donbass had been defeated, and he laid out here his plan for a third invasion, yet to come, after the West will have restored Ukraine’s military and taken stronger control over it.
In other words: Soros acknowledged that both of Ukraine’s previous two invasions of Donbass had been defeated, and he laid out here his plan for a third invasion, yet to come, after the West will have restored Ukraine’s military and taken stronger control over it.
His “Draft Non-Paper/v14,” which presumably was the 14th in a series of ongoing instructions to the Ukrainian Government — the Government that had been established by the U.S. coup in Kiev in February 2014 (and which he was proud to have helped bring about) — was titled, “A short and medium-term comprehensive strategy for the new Ukraine.” It defined “Short-term” as “The next three to five months,” and “Medium-term” as “The next three to five years.” (There was no “Long-term” in it.)
The document opened by acknowledging that there had been "twice converted a military victory to a cease-fire that recognized the facts on the ground,” and he wrote under the core assumption that the fighters who were defending Donbass were not locals who live there and who were protecting their families against attacks from the Ukrainian military, but instead Russian soldiers. He assumed that the people who are living there, and who are shooting down some of Ukraine’s bombers, which weredropping bombs on the cities, and which Ukrainian Government forces in Donbass were firing rockets at schools and hospitals and apartment buildings and indiscriminately at residential neighborhoods, were not people who had lived there all their lives, but instead invading Russian soldiers; and Soros asserted that it was Russia’s Vladimir Putin himself who “twice converted a military victory to a cease-fire that recognized the facts on the ground without depriving him of his first mover advantage.” By “first mover advantage,” Soros was referring to Putin as being the invader — the Ukrainian Governmen forces were merely responding to these invaders from Russia, he assumed; Soros started with the assumption that the people who actually live in that region, of what had formerly been part of Ukraine, don’t count, and are not a factor in the war — that they were not fighting, if they even really existed. (They did and do exist. Here they are, telling their own stories, and showing their corpses, maimed, and destroyed homes, and explaining why they have taken up arms against the invading Ukrainian armed forces.)
Soros says: "It is in the collective self-interest of Ukraine’s allies to enable the new Ukraine not only to survive but to prosper; and as long as they can agree on a way of providing adequate support without getting involved in a direct military conflict, they should be able to prevail against Putin’s Russia.” In other words, boiled down, he was saying: “Let’s you and him fight.” “Ukraine’s allies” won’t be the ones spilling blood there, he’s telling Ukraine’s President, whose forces “should be able to prevail against Putin’s Russia.” The U.S. will just send weapons and trainers, to assist in the bloodshed, and the victory “against Putin’s Russia” (not against the residents in Donbass, who don’t even exist, for him).
Before the U.S. coup in Ukraine, the entire nation was at peace, and Crimea was peacefully part of Ukraine, and so was Donbass. (It was sort of like Iraq under Saddam Hussein had been, until George W. Bush invaded that, except Ukraine was a democracy before obama overthrew its Government and .) But now that the U.S. had overthrown that democratic Ukrainian Government and installed its own regime (basically, selecting the new leader on 4 February 2014, 18 days before the coup), George Soros is telling them to go to war yet a third time against Russia (not that Ukraine ever actually was at war with Russia), using as the staging-area for America's proxy-war against Russia, Donbass, on Russia’s very border, and perhaps also even Crimea (which is actually unlikely to be invaded by Ukraine, because Crimea immediately was taken over by Russian troops, in order to prevent the new U.S. regime in Kiev from grabbing Russia’s main naval base, which since 1783 has been located in Crimea. Immediately after the coup, Putin recognized that Russia’s naval base was endangered; and for Ukraine to invade Crimea would thus be for Ukraine to be really and directly at war against Russia itself, which is what Soros seems to want.)
Soros’s document then went into a section titled “II. The Strategy.” This section made clear that the purpose of his war is regime-change in Russia. He said: "While it would be more desirable to have Russia as a partner than an enemy, that is impossible as long as Putin persists in his current policies.” In other words: Russia should be a “partner” but this means replacing Vladimir Putin with a leader whom Washington approves of, just as had earlier happened with Ukraine’s former President, Viktor Yanukovych, whom Obama overthrew. (Yanukovych was just a stepping-stone in this plan to topple Putin.) Whereas America invaded Iraq to get rid of Saddam Hussein, Soros wants Ukrainians to get rid of Vladimir Putin, and this requires heavily arming Ukraine. Soros was giving instructions to this regime that he had proudly helped bring into power. But he pretended that doing this would economically benefit Ukraine.
Soros declared his goal to be: "a functioning democracy in Ukraine that manages to reform its economy even in the midst of Russian aggression,” and that the reason for this goal is that it’s the way to "turn Putin’s narrative into a lie that no amount of propaganda could cover up. More and more Russians would want to follow Ukraine’s example.” In other words: Soros is saying that so many Russians will envy the new Ukraine that they’ll rise up and overthrow Putin. (But, actually, at the very time that Soros was writing this, Ukraine’s economy was already in free-fall with no light visible at the end of any realistic tunnel but only total economic collapse. Soros ignored that reality, which he almost certainly was aware of.)
Under the category “What Ukraine must deliver” within “the next three months” (which means by now, as this is written) are included:
“1. Restore the fighting capacity of Ukraine without violating the Minsk agreement.” …
“7. Present an impressive case at a donors’ and investors’ conference in three months time with two months leeway.” (As if that would even be realistic in light of Ukraine’s surviving now only by going ever-more-rapidly ever-deeper into debt to the IMF, EU and U.S., and with bankruptcy plans for Ukraine already being prepared.)
Under the category “What the allies must deliver” (in that same timeframe) are:
"1. Help restore the fighting capacity of the Ukrainian army without violating the Minsk Agreement.”
