Tag Archives: Donbas region

Sep 3 2024

Pope Condemns Zelensky’s War on Orthodox Church


Posted originally on Sep 3, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 

Pope Condemms Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky has banned all Russian influence from Ukraine, including the Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches. Zelensky may thought he had found an ally in the Catholic Church after meeting Pope Francis who shared sentiments about ending the war, but the pope is now condemning Zelensky for persecuting Christians.

Zelensky Pope

“Please, let no Christian church be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches are not to be touched!” the pope declared, adding that “a person does not commit evil by praying.” A day prior to the pope’s comments, Zelensky banished ALL churches affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Well over 1,000 places of worship must close for no reason other than having ties to Russia. Ukrainian lawmakers were eager to pass the bill in a 265-20 vote on August 20. Some organizations will have nine months to prove they are not influenced by Moscow or make an overt display to severe all ties with Russia before they’re forced to evacuate Ukraine.

Persecuting specific religious groups never ends well. These churches represent strong communities and shared values among Ukrainian people who have committed no crime other than worshipping God in a way not seen fit by the federal overlord. Churches act to help communities and provide much more than mere places of worship; Ukraine certainly needs all the help it can muster right now.

Zelensky can banish churches and even the language but he cannot escape that his people often share the same blood with their Russian neighbors. Russia and Ukraine are forever linked and the Russian influence cannot be removed from history.

Leaders do not need to place such harsh restrictions on the population if they feel they are in control. Zelensky sees that the people are absolutely fed up with his corrupt government. They watch their men and boys go off to war, never to return. The war seemingly has no end in sight and the people initially agreed to the Minsk Agreement which could have prevented this entire mess to begin with.

“In thinking about the laws recently adopted in Ukraine, I fear for the freedom of those who pray, because those who truly pray always pray for all,” Francis said after the prayer service. Pope Francis has reason to fear for anyone in Ukraine with ties to Russia, which amounts to a good portion of the population. The government is cracking down on this demographic and anyone who might show sympathy for Russia and/or distaste for the war effort.

Aug 23 2024

Trade Between the EU and Russia Plunges to 24-Year Low


Posted Aug 23, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 
World Trade 2

Sanctions and a mysteriously erupted underwater gas pipeline have led to a dramatic decrease in trade between the European Union and Russia. In June, trade between the two fell by 10% to  €4.9 billion, marking a low not seen since September 1999, when trade fell to €4.6 billion.

Russia continues to export gas (1.1 billion euros), oil (333 million euros), as well as iron and steel (164 million) to the EU. Overall, Russian goods to the EU fell 14% in June on a monthly basis to 2.5 billion euros, the lowest level since February 1999.

European products received by Russia declined 5% on a monthly basis to 2.4 billion euros. Russia still relies on the EU for pharmaceuticals (634 million euros), equipment( 262 million euros), and optical instruments (203 million euros).

Sanctions do not eliminate demand. When we look at neighboring OR neutral nations, we see a dramatic increase in trade. The EU in particular is buying Russian goods from third-parties at a mark up. Russia’s trade with Romania and Bulgaria increased by 15%, for example.

The main thing here is that Russia is lush with natural resources and fossil fuels. There are not many alternatives for Europe in terms of fossil fuels, especially since America lost its energy independence under the Biden Administration. The demand for Russian fuel has not waned so Western nations are simply forced to purchase the same exact product from a third party. Russia has effectively been selling oil to nations like India who then turn around and sell it to the West at a premium

Russia does not need to adhere to the G7 nation’s price capping regulations. Pettiness is poor business, and simply attempting to ostracize a necessary trade partner from the global market has backfired in a major way. Now nations like those under BRICS are trading freely without Western interference and it is becoming overtly apparent that sanctions do not work. Is it any wonder that Turkey wants to join the BRICS alliance despite its alignment with NATO?

Money is power. Some wiser world leaders will oppose the one-world method of agreeing to collectively embark on poor economic policies to benefit the greater good of the alliance. Hence why nations like China and India have not bought into the climate change policies set by a greater authority. The nations who chose to invade Russia through a proxy war in Ukraine have made a terrible financial decision that will significantly harm their economies for years to come.

Aug 15 2024

Ukrainian Man “Volodymyr Z” Charged with Blowing up Nord Stream Pipeline, Evades Arrest in Poland


Posted originally on the CTH on August 14, 2024 | Sundance 

This is a weird follow-up to the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. Apparently, German investigators are on the hunt for a Ukranian suspect who was hiding out in Warsaw, Poland.  Why Germany, and not the USA?  Because the USA previously blamed Russia, and it will look silly now if they admit it wasn’t Putin.

The Ukranian suspect is named is “Volodymyr Z”, and before the Polish police could arrest him and turn him over to the German police, Volodymyr Z slipped back across the border into Ukraine. That’s the story, and apparently, they are sticking to it.

BERLIN, Aug 14 (Reuters) – Poland received a European arrest warrant issued by Berlin in connection with the 2022 attack on Nord Stream pipelines, but the suspect, a Ukrainian man named as Volodymyr Z, has already left Poland, Polish prosecutors told Reuters.

He was able to leave as Germany had failed to include his name in a database of wanted persons, added the prosecutors.

The multi-billion dollar Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines transporting gas under the Baltic Sea were ruptured by a series of explosions in September 2022, seven months after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

German investigators believe Volodymyr Z, a Ukrainian diver, was part of a team that planted the explosives, the SZ and Die Zeit newspapers reported alongside the ARD broadcaster, citing unnamed sources.

Polish National Public Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Anna Adamiak said German authorities sent a European warrant to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw in June for Volodymyr Z in connection with proceedings conducted against him in Germany.

“Ultimately, Volodymyr Z was not detained because at the beginning of July he left Polish territory, crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border,” she wrote in an emailed statement in reply to Reuters questions.

“Free crossing of the Polish-Ukrainian border by the above-mentioned person was possible because German authorities … did not include him in the database of wanted persons, which meant that the Polish Border Guard had no knowledge and no grounds to detain Volodymyr Z.” (read more)

Hey, at least they have stopped claiming President Putin did it.  So, there’s that.

Aug 6 2024

Zelensky to Raise Taxes


Posted originally on Aug 6, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 

Zelensky.Skulls

The people of Ukraine have been terribly mistreated under the rule of Zelensky. The Ukrainian government is well-known for widespread corruption, with Zelensky himself even appearing in the Panama Papers fiasco. The war has been sold to the masses as a victory for Ukraine, and yet tens of thousands of boys and men have been sent off to die to fight a much larger and stronger opponent. As if that were not enough, Zelensky is now seeking to raise taxes to fund his endless war.

Ukrainian officials believe the people must pay in blood and money to fund the war. The Finance Ministry announced that the budget for FY24 has increased by Hr 500 billion ($12 billion). The ministry will pander to parliament to approve of a war tax on individuals which will be raised from 1% to 5%. The Finance Ministry believes it can collect an additional $3.3 billion from the people through this increase.

“Anyone who comes to you with a proposal to raise taxes in a warring country is a traitor,” proclaimed Oleh Horokhovsky, CEO of Ukrainian bank Monoban, adding, “those who steal and loot during the war were shot.” Ukrainian businesses are already struggling to survive. The narrative that all of Ukraine is collectively unified in this battle against Russia is simply false.

Finance Minister Marchenko would like to place additional taxes on absolutely everything from alcohol to fuel. He is proposing a 15% levy on new car sales in addition to the existing 5% tax. “We have a security problem, the house is on fire, and you say that it is not necessary to buy fire extinguishers, but it is better to buy a car. No problem, buy a new car, but you will also support the Armed Forces,” he told RBC Ukraine. This premise allegedly believes that anyone and everyone wishing to conduct business in Ukraine must also support the war effort.

Chairman of the Committee on Financial, Tax and Customs Policy of the Verkhovna Rada, Danylo Hetmantsev spoke a bit more empathetically, saying that the additional taxes are not ideal but “necessary to cover the deficit.”

This is precisely the problem with governments globally who mistakenly believe that they can cover their deficits by raising taxes. Ukraine has received more in foreign aid than their entire GDP and that still has not been sufficient to fund the war. The people have given everything. They have nothing left to give. They can no longer vote for their elected official. Zelensky is an absolute traitor of Ukraine who is willing to extort his own people for his own personal interests.

Jul 29 2024

Funding Ukraine Through Frozen Russian Assets


Posted originally on Jul 29, 2024 By Martin Armstrong

G7_Leaders_Reach_Deal_to_Unlock_Frozen_Russian_Assets_for_Ukraine 6 13 24

EU Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni has claimed that the Group of Seven (G7) will release $50 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine by October. These leaders agreed at the last meeting on June 13 that they would indeed take the money they confiscated from Russia and provide it to Ukraine in terms of a loan.

They stipulate this by saying they will only loan Ukraine money made on the profits of holding these assets. The risk will be shared among the G7 nations, and this risk is substantial, for Ukraine will no longer exist as a nation when this is over based on our computer models. Zelenskyy is too busy stuffing his pockets to actually care about his people or the future. He is banking on NATO invading Russia and extinguishing it as a country so he can then seize all the assets of Russia for Ukraine.

Ukraine War Wealth

The Pandora Papers revealed that Ukraine had the highest number of politicians from any country with a secret offshore account. Even Forbes Magazine said that Ukraine owes it to the West to clean up the outrageous corruption. NATO could not even permit Ukraine entry due to its overtly corrupt politicians.

These nations are teetering on the edge by using these assets as collateral. If they were to actually give Ukraine the frozen assets, Putin would then be justified to just confiscate ALL assets held by Western countries and private/public corporations. These actions by the G7 completely violate international law. What’s more, these nations are now threatening foreign banks in nations like India to cease funding Russia or risk being debanked or blacklisted by the United States and Europe.

No sum is ever enough for Ukraine. Zelensky is demanding the full $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. Reports state that the income generated from the $300 billion has only reached $3.2 billion on an annualized basis at this time. Yet, the European Commission released $1.6 billion to Ukraine on July 26, which does not include the proposed $50 billion incoming loan.

“There is no better symbol or use for the Kremlin’s money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proudly stated. She forgot to add that 90% of these funds will go right back to Europe to reimburse them for the aid they have sent Ukraine. It is beyond morally corrupt to recirculate illegally confiscated assets in this manner.

“The extraordinary revenues generated in this context by the EU operators do not belong to Russia and are held by CSDs,” or central securities depositories, the EC released in a statement. “The EU has now started to channel these revenues to Ukraine.” So, the commission felt they could steal assets from Russian people and corporations simply residing in a country they sanctioned? Europe is not at war with Russia, technically, and neither is the rest of the G7. Ukraine is not a member state. The West unleashed a new form of economic warfare that would be used against them as any “unfriendly” nation could easily turn around and withhold funding from another country.

Jul 29 2024

Russian President Putin Pledges to Reciprocate if U.S. Places Long-Range Missile Systems in Germany


Posted originally on the CTH on July 28, 2024 | Sundance

I can tell you from firsthand recent experience, Russia has psychologically prepared the citizens of the country for war against the West, if that is what’s needed.

The Russian people do not want war but trust me – they are a hardened nation filled with people who are used to hardship in comparative terms to Americans and Europeans. Their military bases are full of trainees, and the streets have as many young men in fatigues as they do business attire.

The roads and highways are full of not-so-subtle billboards preparing the nation. There are posters on the streets and in the subway stations, and flyers in almost every business, shop, office and retail location preparing the citizens of Russia.  There is also a very cold and deliberate tone in all of the expressed government information about preparation.  In short, they’re ready.

POLITICO – Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to deploy missiles within striking distance of the West should the U.S. move forward with its missile deployment in Germany.

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened a tit-for-tat response should Washington deploy long-range missiles in Germany, saying Moscow would answer by placing similar missiles within striking distance of the West.

Washington and Berlin announced earlier this month that the U.S. will deploy the arms in Germany starting in 2026, along with Tomahawk cruise missiles and developmental hypersonic weapons. The missiles “have significantly longer range than current land-based fires in Europe,” the White House said in a statement.

The move is meant to show the U.S.’s commitment to NATO and its European allies.

In a speech on Sunday to mark Russian navy day, Putin accused the U.S. of escalating tensions, saying “we will take mirror measures to deploy, taking into account the actions of the United States, its satellites in Europe and in other regions of the world,” Reuters reported.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty — signed in 1987 — banned ground-based missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometers. The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing Moscow’s development of the 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, known in NATO circles as the SSC-8. (Read More)

RUSSIA TODAY – Russia will consider itself free from a moratorium on the deployment of medium and shorter-range missiles if the US places missiles in Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in an address to sailors at the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.

Earlier this month, the US and Germany announced plans to deploy long-range precision missile systems in Europe. According to a joint US-German press release dated July 10, the US “will begin episodic deployments of the long-range fires capabilities of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026.”

Putin called this announcement “noteworthy,” as such a deployment will put important Russian state and military facilities, administrative and industrial centers, as well as defense infrastructure within the reach of the weapons. He noted that the flight time of such missiles to targets on Russian territory would be about ten minutes, and that they could also be equipped with nuclear warheads.

“This situation is reminiscent of the events of the Cold War related to the deployment of American medium-range missiles in Europe,” Putin stated. He said that while Russia has long left the Cold War in the past, the US “did not reciprocate.” The president warned that if the US goes through with the missile deployment plan, Russia will respond accordingly. (read more)

I know exactly where that speech was given, and I have seen the naval combat training center therein.

Vladimir Putin is not bluffing.

Jul 22 2024

Zelensky Prepared for a Trump Presidency


Posted Jul 22, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 

Zelensky.Trump_.VeryDangerous

Donald Trump has guaranteed to end the war in Ukraine if elected president, vowing to do so before his first day in office. The recent outpouring of support for Donald Trump has led world leaders to consider the possibility of a second Trump presidency. Perhaps no one would dread a second Trump term more than Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, who Trump has deemed the greatest salesman in history for extorting the west for hundreds of billions while providing nothing in return.

In an interview with the BBC, Zelensky suggested that Donald Trump simply doesn’t understand the war in Ukraine. Zelensky is hoping that Britain can work with its old ally to push America into continued funding. “I don’t think Britain’s position would change,” Zelensky told the BBC. “But I would like for Prime Minister Starmer to become special – speaking about international politics, about defending world security, about the war in Ukraine.”

Sorry, but the nation primarily funding the war holds the power. We would see an America-first policy on Ukraine if Trump were elected as it is simply of no benefit to America or Americans for the war to continue.

Zelensky later complained that the billions worth of fighter jets have not arrived in Ukraine, saying that weakening Russia’s army is the only way to bring them to the negotiating table. “It doesn’t mean that all territories are won back by force. I think the power of diplomacy can help,” the Ukrainian president said, “By putting pressure on Russia, I think it is possible to agree to a diplomatic settlement.” Zelensky also noted that he would not step down from power until the war was over.

Zelensky.Skulls

Putin offered Ukraine numerous peace deals. As of late, Putin is demanding that NATO prevents Ukraine from becoming a member, and he would like to uphold the original Minsk Agreement. The US controls NATO and could persuade the bloc to act in one way or another with Trump as POTUS. Trump has threatened to withdraw from NATO entirely which would be a massive loss of not just funding but confidence in the overall alliance.

Trump could potentially arrange land redistribution to Russia, land that has historically been Russian. Land that, in the grand scheme of things, would impact absolutely no one living in America or Europe and would have few repercussions for Ukraine aside from pride. How many lives are worth upholding that pride? However, even this part of the agreement could potentially be avoided if Ukraine were prevented from entering NATO AND Russia was not on the hook for reparations. The final peace deal would indeed need to be a truce where both sides back away gracefully. The biggest threat to Russia and world peace is Ukraine’s potential entry into NATO, which would guarantee World War III under Article V.

Putin would likely make a large gesture and sign treaties promising not to continue the war or invade any neighboring nations, despite never having plans to do so. Russia is cornered and needs a way out. A peace treaty will become impossible if allied troops become deeply entrenched in this battle. Hence, the neocons and ramping up their aid to Ukraine before the 2024 US Presidential Election in November. The time for negotiating peace is running out. Something major is slated to occur this September, and I fear it will be a push toward World War III that no incoming president could undo.

Jul 19 2024

Ukraine Loses Battle for Krynky, a Small Village on Eastern Side of Dnipro River


Posted originally on the CTH on July 18, 2024 | Sundance

The Dnipro River essentially forms the boundary between Russian controlled territory and Ukraine.  Everything East of the river is controlled by Russia, while everything west is controlled by Ukraine.  This status is essentially the underpinning of the visible stalemate.

By most generally accepted accounts, the Russians have carved out the buffer zone they initially wanted. Russia is essentially no longer trying to take any more ground in Ukraine and in many places, they have begun rebuilding towns. That’s what it looks like on the ground.

Ukraine had crossed the Dnipro to take the village of Krynky (near Kherson) a few months ago and had been trying to hold the area.  However, with the river behind them it was increasingly unrealistic to stop Russia from retaking the town.  As expected, Russia pushed the depleted Ukraine forces back across the river.

UKRAINE – […] Ukrainian troops have lost a hard-won position on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, near the southern city of Kherson, after months of bloody fighting to hold on to a piece of land in what some Ukrainian soldiers and military analysts have described as a futile operation.

The Ukrainian military said on Wednesday night that fighting continued on the eastern bank but that most of the main positions in the village of Krynky, where its troops had gained a foothold, “were destroyed by intense, combined and prolonged enemy fire.” The statement came after several Ukrainian news media outlets reported that Ukrainian forces had withdrawn from the village, which now lies in ruins.

The operation to establish a bridgehead on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnipro had been controversial from the start. Launched last fall, it was seen as an attempt to open a new front in the south that would disrupt Moscow’s logistics and tie down its troops in the area. But military analysts warned that the operation, which consisted of dangerous river crossings, was vulnerable in its logistics and unlikely to lead to rapid breakthroughs.

Ukrainian gains were limited to small pieces of land near the river, of which Krynky was the most notable.

[…] holding on to Krynky also cost Ukraine many lives. Ukrainian soldiers said they were stuck for days in muddy terrain with little to no cover from Russian artillery, drones and airstrikes.

An article published on Wednesday by Slidstvo Info, an investigative Ukrainian news outlet, reported that at least 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed on the eastern bank or are missing. That figure could not be independently confirmed. (read more) 

It will be interesting to see what the State Dept/CIA do if Biden makes an exit announcement.

Will a successful Trump/Vance ticket fundamentally change the Russia-Ukraine war?

Lots of variables and financial interests positioning to keep the USA financial support in place.

The NATO alliance will do whatever the USA does.

Jul 18 2024

Russia Raises Taxes to Fund War


Posted originally on Jul 15, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 

Russia 5 Rubles

The people always lose in times of war. Vladimir Putin is looking to the Russian civilians to help fund the war that has lasted far longer than anticipated, thanks to Ukraine having backers with deep pockets. The flat tax rate of 13% that Putin implemented when he took over for Yeltsin in 2001 is being ratified for the first time I nearly 25 years.

Families earnings under 2.4 million roubles ($27,312.14 USD) will maintain the 13% rate. Those earning between 5 and 20 million roubles (>$227,592.80 USD) will face a flat tax rate of 18%, while those earning between 20 million to 50 million roubles (%$568,982.000 USD) will face a 20% tax. The highest earners bringing home over 50 million roubles annually will be taxes 22%.

Now, this is still a light rate of taxation compared to what we see elsewhere. Still, people and businesses alike are displeased. The corporate tax rate will rise by 5% from 20% to 25%. The government expects to generate an additional 2.6 trillion roubles in revenue once the tax is implemented next year.

Russia’s Finance Ministry believes that 2 million people, 3.2% of the working population, will see a rise in their taxes. Taxes on investments will not change. “The changes are aimed at building a fair and balanced tax system,” Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said, adding that the additional funds would bolster Russia’s “economic well-being.” He said the tax hikes will help fund social spending, including state child support and Russia’s pension fund.

It is almost unheard of for a nation to maintain the same rate of taxation for two decades. The flat rate was big selling point of Putin’s success and popularity among the Russian people. Yet, wages in Russia have also risen at the fastest pace in over five years, with a 7.3% uptick in 2023. Russia is expected to spend at least 40% of its budget on the war in Ukraine. Russia now must prepare for a prolonged war as NATO has become heavily invested and has backed the country into a tight corner.

Jul 12 2024

Zelensky Secures $43B from NATO


Posted originally on Jul 12, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 

The greatest salesman who ever lived scored big after the latest NATO summit. Ukraine’s Zelensky successfully convinced all NATO nations to pledge a collective $43 billion in funding to the never-ending war effort. These world leaders are openly willing to abandon their own nation’s economic needs in favor of Ukraine.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been asked to step down from office due to the current state of Canada’s economy. Doubling down on his poor decisions, Trudeau has offered to purchase submarines and missiles for Zelensky. In fact, Canadian taxpayers are now on the hook for a C$500 million aid package. “The leaders discussed the defence needs of Ukraine and coordinated cooperation within the fighter jets coalition,” the Office of the President reported.

Never to be outdone in terms of spending, the US already passed a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine back in April. They are continuing to send funds and expensive equipment overseas. US Secretary of State Blinken promised Zelensky the first found of F-16 fighter jets, which could range from $25 to $70 million a piece. Denmark and the Netherlands will aid in transferring the jets to Zelensky.

“In addition, in the coming months, the United States and partners intend to provide Ukraine with dozens of tactical air defense systems,” Biden said. This will include German-made self-propelled Gepard anti-aircraft guns, NASAMS medium-range air defense systems, and variants of IRIS-T systems. All of NATO is ramping up Ukraine’s air force with at least 80 new jets en route.

NATO said that the $43 billion is merely a “minimum baseline funding” as the blank checks will not cease. The current budget will fund a portion of the war into 2026, a clear indication that peace is not an option. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg admitted that the quickest way to end a war, preventing countless deaths, would be to “lose” a war. Yet, Stoltenberg insists that NATO cannot “yield to Putin.” We heard Biden claim during the last debate that Putin is hell-bent on conquering all of Europe despite Putin openly asking for a truce if NATO stops its aggressive tactics.

The summit leaders also mentioned that China is in their sites, calling President Xi a “decisive enabler.” NATO is warning China that it must cease funding Russia and then went as far as to question China’s nuclear arsenal and space expansion. The leaders are now asking Xi to arrange discussions to see how they may disarm China diplomatically.

The cycle of war has only just begun.

Categories:WAR