The tensions continue to escalate in the Donbas region. The US controls the policy of the Ukrainian authorities, hence no other country in the world has direct influence on the Ukrainian government, but the US administration. Furthermore, the United States and the United Kingdom declared their full support of the Ukraine.
Tag: Russia
US — EU Sanction Russian Government Officials Over the Arrest of Alexei Navalny
The United States and the European Union jointly announced on Tuesday sanctions against senior Russian government officials in the case of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was arrested and jailed upon arrival in Moscow in January after being poisoned last year and seeking treatment in Germany.
Russia — Putin Keeping Very Close Watch On Navalny
Alexei Navalny, arrived Sunday in a region 200 kilometers east of Moscow to be admitted to a prison where he will serve his sentence. The Moscow public surveillance commission said in a statement that Alexei Navalny had been moved to an establishment of the Russian penitentiary services in the Vladimir region.
Armenia Tension — Military Support Deteriorating, Talk of Coup
The tensions in Armenia continue to escalate. This week people took to the streets with many demanding the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. There is a possibility of the military coup in Armenia. Earlier this week, Pashinyan fired one of the military leaders, which resulted in the large protests.
Saudi Arabia — US Friend, Conflict, or Crisis?
The Joe Biden administration is planning to review the dealings between the US and Saudi Arabia. In fact, On February 27th, Biden stated there will be a new announcement coming on Monday pertaining the US- Saudi relations, which could lead to the US-Saudi crisis. It is unknown, if there would be sanctions laid against the Saudis.
Ukraine — The Donbass War 2.0
The outcome of the Minsk talks will be war. This week the situation deteriorated in the Donbass region. The Minsk Protocol is essentially a tool to stop the open confrontation between Donbass and Ukraine. However, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) is preparing for war and clearly Russia will be backing the endeavor.
Russia Developing New Hypersonic Weapons
The Russian army is working on the antidote for the electronic warfare systems. According to the Russian defense experts, the technology is one of a kind and thus far only Russia has it. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian army lost the completive edge with the US.
Russia — The Air Taxis Have Landed in Moscow
Moscow has one of the worst gridlock problems in the world. The air taxi is the answer. Russian startup Hover is doing just that. Nevertheless, there is also the EHang company out of China. The Hover startup solves multiple issues with their product. Last December, during the next round of investments, the project was estimated at $30 million.
House Holds Hearings on “Media Disinformation”
The US House will hold hearings on the topic of the role of traditional media in spreading disinformation and extremism. The hearings will include experts from the US intelligence community and the TV providers. The main goal of the hearings is for members of Congress to understand the conditions of the broadcasts being provided.
Russia Developing AI Tech in Tanks
Russia proudly announced that the T-14 Armata tank fire control system, for the first time in the history of tanks, demonstrated the ability to recognize and escort targets on the battlefield without the participation of the crew. Hence, the tank shows great capabilities as an unmanned vehicle.
Russia vs. US — Tensions Continue
The US believes that Russia remains a threat to the existence of the United States and Europe despite the economic sanctions. The statement was made by the Head of the European Command of the US Armed Forces, Gen. Tod D. Wolters, at the Air Force Association forum. The forum takes place from February 24 to February 26.
Russia and China to Build Moon Colony
Russia and China are ready to sign an historic deal to build the first lunar base. The two countries will cooperate in creating an international lunar structure that China developed. The information was released on the Russian government’s official site. The lunar base can be seen as part of a second space race against America.
US and EU — United Against Russia?
This week, European Union High Representative Josep Borrell spoke at the conference organized by the US. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the conference was held in the online format. Recently, Mr. Borrell visited Russia and the topic of Alexey Navalny came up. It should be noted that Mr. Borrell did not meet with Mr. Navalny during his visit.
Russia — 2021 Could Be Dark Year for Women
This year could end up being one of the worst years for women in Russia. Perhaps it couldn’t get worse for women than when domestic violence was decriminalized in Russia, in June of 2016, making it an administrative offense, punishable by a fine or detention. Many fines imposed as a result of domestic violence are nominal.
Russia — New Gremlin Hypersonic Missile Slated for Testing
Russia announced that the new Gremlin (GZUR) air-launched hypersonic missile testing is scheduled for 2023. The Gremlin will be considerably smaller in comparison to the previously-adopted X-47M2 Dagger. Furthermore, due to the smaller size of the Gremlin, it will not limit the use with the heavy bombers and MiG-31 interceptors.
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Venezuela, Russia
The European Union on Monday approved new sanctions against Venezuela and added 19 officials in the government of President Nicolás Maduro to its list of people subject to restrictive measures for their role in “acts and decisions that threaten democracy” in the country after the fraudulent elections held in December.
Russia — Putin Focuses A Full Day of Negotiation with Lukashenko
The president of Russia Vladimir Putin and the president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko will hold the talks in Sochi this week. The talks are on the eve of the February 23rd, which traditionally is the holiday that honors men in Russia. Lukashenko arrived in Sochi well an advance and this is the first time, Lukashenko left Belarus after the beginning of the protests.
Russia — ‘NATO Threat to Whole World’
The Russian Gosduma made a statement pertaining the NATO actions, which pose political and military threats not only to Russia, but also to the whole world. Moscow naturally wants to weaken the alliance. The statement was made by the First Deputy Head of the State Duma Committee on the International Affairs Dmitry Novikov.
Russian Opposition Locked Away
On February 20th, Alexey Navalny had two court hearings. Alexey Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021 and has been detained at the Moscow airport. Subsequently, he was given a prison sentence of the 2.8 years. Navalny legal team appealed the sentence and on February 20th, his appeal was heard.
Russian’s Third Vaccine Utilizes Whole Virus
Russia registered third coronavirus vaccine. Coronavirus continues to be a serious barrier for the world economies. Currently, there over 111 million infected and over 2.4 million deaths around the globe. The new vaccine was developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences.
German Russian Dual Citizen Charged Treason
Russia announced Demuri Voronin has been charged with treason. Voronin is a dual citizen of Russia and Germany. It would be imperative for Germany to take a pro active approach to aid him. Clearly, the Russian citizen Alexei Navalny was aided by Germany, including providing him with the German security services proaction, during Navalny stay in Germany.
Coronavirus — Sputnik V Gaining Popularity
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to be at the forefront of major news around the globe. Currently, there are over 110 million cases and over 2.4 million deaths around the world. The Russian Sputnik V vaccine is becoming very popular in Latin America and the demand for the vaccine continues to increase.
Could Russia Lose Belarus?
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, have a scheduled meeting in Sochi next week. It is expected that the talks will include discussions regarding the financial and economic spheres. There is also a possibility to unify the credit operations between Russia and Belarus.
Fire & Ice — Oil Up as Americans Freeze
The price of US crude oil futures rose above the $60 mark to the highest level since January 11, 2020, at $60.95 per barrel. Investors’ hopes for more stimulus measures in the United States, and relaxation of the new coronavirus epidemic lockdown measures, have helped support the rise in oil prices, which rose nearly 5% last week.
Updates on the European Union and Russia
Last week, very strong statements were made by the Kremlin regarding the possibility of ending all ties with the European Union. The tensions between Russia and the European Union are ongoing. Nevertheless, the recent events with Alexey Navalny, and the response by the West, is pushing Russia too far.
Turkey — Propaganda Machine at Work
The president of Turkey Recep Erdogan is actively pushing his agenda and falsely claiming that Turkey has geopolitical, economic, scientific and technical prospects. The PR machine constantly produces “new” publications and social media posts to cater to the wide range of audience.
Russia — Putin May Disable Foreign Internet Service Providers and Social Media
The Russian president Vladimir Putin stated on February 14th that he does not rule out disabling all foreign internet service providers and the social media. The measures could come into effect, if there will be disguised attacks on Russia and the new sanctions.
EU — Russia Threatens to Cut Ties if New Sanctions
Russia threatened to break ties with the European Union on Friday if it dares slam it with new sanctions. The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, assured that Moscow is ready to break relations with Brussels if the umbrella body, comprising of 27 member states, introduces new sanctions that cause risks in sensitive sectors of the Russian economy.
Coronavirus — Vaccines and Politics
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to be a major factor around the world. Currently, there are over 107 million infected and over 2.3 million deaths around the globe. Many countries are experiencing shortages of the COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 restrictions continue to hurt the global economies.
Russia — Social Media Developments in February
Social media has become the main source of political propaganda. According to Statista, the total number of active social media users has been steadily growing year-on-year in Russia, except for 2017, when the audience dropped significantly in volume across the country. By January 2020, there were 70 million active users of social media platforms in Russia.
Russia Defends Decision to Expel Diplomats
Russia on Monday defended itself from widespread criticism for its decision to expel three European diplomats for allegedly participating in unauthorized protests in support of the country’s jailed opposition leader, Alexei Navalni. Their expulsion coincided with the visit to Moscow by Josep Borrell on Friday.
Belarus Forum — Belarusian People’s Assembly
The Investigative Committee of Belarus formally sent the documentation for the extradition of the founder of the Telegram channel NEXTA Stepan Putilo and his former editor-in-chief Roman Protasevich from Poland under the International treaty. The Belarusian KGB previously included these individuals on the terrorist list.
Russia Boots Three Diplomats
The Kremlin announced that three diplomats were ordered to leave Russia on February 5th after participating in protest. The diplomats expelled are from the Kingdom of Sweden, Republic of Poland and Germany. That was the date, when Alexei Navalny and his team urged the public to take to the Russian streets and protest.
Navalny — Legal Troubles Continue to Mount
The pseudo-politician and convict, Alexei Navalny, was transported to the Babushkinsky District Court of Moscow on Friday. The hearing was regarding the case of Navalny defaming a Russian war hero and veteran. It should be noted that Mr. Navalny never served in the Russian military.
Navalny — Russia Expels EU Diplomats After Protests
The government of Russia expelled three diplomats from Germany, Poland, and Sweden on Friday, owing to their alleged participation in one of the demonstrations held in recent weeks in favor of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has claimed that diplomats participated in “illegal meetings” held on January 23.
Russia — Election 2021 and World Politics
Russia will hold elections to the State Duma this fall. The discussion regarding the situation in the Donbass region, in Ukraine, will be renewed. The Editor-in-Chief of Russian state TV network RT, Margarita Simonyan, stated that she believes “Donbass should come home to Russia.”
Russia — Over 3,000 Pro-Navalny Protestors Arrested
Russian police arrested more than 3,000 people on Sunday during new demonstrations across the country to demand the release of the nation’s opposition chief, Alexei Navalny. Thousands of people ignored the government’s warnings and took to the streets of several Russian cities, from Vladivostok to St. Petersburg.
Russian — Space Program Launches 2021
The 2020 was not a good year for the Russian space program. Even though, Russia continues to be in the top 3 nations pertaining the space launches. Roscosmos is showing a negative trend. The US remains at the number 1 spot, followed by China. Chinese launches in majority were not successful. Last year, Russia only had 4 out of 11 flights to the International Space Station (ISS).
Russia — Navaly Supporters Number 500 to 2000 for Second Weekend
Alexey Navalny is the main instigator of the protests in Russia. Currently, Navalny is under arrest. On January 30th, Navalny Anti Corruption Fund (FBK) Director received an official notice that a new case of the major fraud is underway against Alexey Navalny on January 30th.
Russia —The Stability of the Ruble in 2021
Navalny is demanding that the West impose new sanctions against the 35 Russian nationals. The question ponders for many will the new sanctions affect the Russian economy? The Kremlin has been accustomed to the large list of sanctions against Russia, since the Crimea annexation in the 2014.
Russia — Facing Possible Sanctions from US and EU
The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Glushko stated that the European Union is on the slippery slope pertaining the possibility of the sanctions against Russia. According to the Glushko “The EU legislation provides for the possibility of making operational decisions in relation to specific persons involved in these sanctions regimes.”
Russia — The High Cost of Social Media
The Russian government summoned TikTok, Facebook, Telegram, Vkontakte to have a meeting with the Roskomnadzor pertaining the liability for allowing to spread of the political propaganda to the minors under the age of the 16. Roskomnadzor is the Russian federal executive body responsible for censorship in media and telecommunications.
Ukraine —The Betrayal
The Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation announced the charges against the former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych with the high treason on the January 28th, 2021. The charges are pertaining the agreements Yanukovich signed with Russia. On April 21, 2010, representatives of the Ukraine and Russia signed agreements in Kharkiv on the conditions of the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s stay.
Xi and China at the World Economic Forum
Chinese president Xi Jinping spoke at the Davos Economic Forum. President Xi’s speech touched on the equality of the international relations. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the forum was held in the online format. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the forum as well.
Fraud and AliExpress — Buyer Beware
Fraudulent activity by online sellers continues to increase. Even though AliExpress claims there is a buyer protection, it is rarely in the buyer’s favor. There are multiple ways the buyer can be scammed on the platform. The Russian populous claims the increase in fraudulent activity on AliExpress has risen since the beginning of 2021.
AliExpress Fakes and Russia
AliExpress, which is popular in Russia, is known to sell fake products. In the case of AliExpress, the counterfeit products sold on the platform are not removed. Amazon also has a lot of fake items listed. However, Amazon at least puts up an effort to remove such listings and has a task force dedicated to identifying fraudulent sellers.
Russia to Cooperate with Saudi Arabia in OPEC+
The head of the Russian Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, praised his country’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia, under the umbrella of the OPEC+ alliance, which resulted in the stability of the oil market after the price collapse in April of last year, following the Coronavirus pandemic.
The World Economic Forum and Vladimir Putin
On Sunday, the Russian program, The Kremlin and Putin, released the Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s itinerary. The schedule included President Putin attending the Davos Forum. The Coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to conduct the forum in the real life setting.
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