Here are the Russian oligarchs aimed at Bidens new sanctions

Here are the Russian oligarchs aimed at Biden’s new sanctions

President Joe Biden announces sanctions against a handful of elite Russian oligarchs as part of its package aimed at punishing Vladimir Putinthe invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s elites, subject to a round of sanctions Thursday, are either from prominent families close to Putin himself or from influential leaders in the country’s financial sector, the administration said.

They will now be subject to “full blocking sanctions”, meaning they are cut off from the US financial system, all assets held in the United States are frozen and barred from entering the United States.

“This action includes people who have become rich at the expense of the Russian state and have raised their family members to one of the highest positions of power in the country.” the White House said in a statement.

“He also includes financial figures who lead Russia’s largest financial institutions and are responsible for providing the resources needed to support Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” the statement added.

President Joe Biden announces sanctions against a handful of elite Russian oligarchs as part of his package of measures to punish the invasion of Ukraine

President Joe Biden announces sanctions against a handful of elite Russian oligarchs as part of his package of measures to punish the invasion of Ukraine

Putin himself has not yet targeted individual sanctions, and his wealth, whatever it is, is so well hidden that it is unclear whether sanctions would have any effect.

Putin himself has not yet targeted individual sanctions, and his wealth, whatever it is, is so well hidden that it is unclear whether sanctions would have any effect.

Putin himself has not yet focused on individual sanctions, a step that would be exceptional, but which Biden says remains “on the table.”

However, it is unclear whether individual sanctions against Putin himself would have any significant impact, as the Russian leader’s wealth remains a mystery and beyond the reach of US law enforcement.

Putin is said to have a personal fortune of hundreds of billions, probably making him the richest man in the world, but this has never been confirmed. Forbes he recently called it “the most elusive riddle in the hunt for wealth.”

Here are the Russians Biden named for individual sanctions:

Sergei Borisovich Ivanov and his son Sergei Sergeevich Ivanov

The finance ministry calls the Ivanovs a “close to Putin” family.

“Elites close to Putin continue to use their closeness to the Russian president to plunder the Russian state, enrich themselves and elevate their family members to one of the highest positions of power in the country at the expense of the Russian people.” the department said in a statement.

Sergei B. Ivanov is the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport.

Sergei B. Ivanov is the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport

Sergei B. Ivanov is the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport

His son Sergei S. Ivanov is the current CEO of the Russian state-owned diamond mining company Alrosa and a member of the board of Gazprombank.

His son Sergei S. Ivanov is the current CEO of the Russian state-owned diamond mining company Alrosa and a member of the board of Gazprombank.

He is reportedly one of Putin’s closest allies, having previously served as chief of staff to the president’s executive office, deputy prime minister and Russia’s defense minister.

He is also a permanent member of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

Sergei B. Ivanov was close to Putin even before the Russian leader took power, working as his deputy when Putin headed the FSB, the security agency, the successor to the Soviet KGB.

Since Putin took office in 1999, the older Ivanov has held various state roles, including as Russia’s defense minister.

His son, Sergei S. Ivanov, is the current CEO of the Russian state-owned diamond mining company Alrosa and a member of Gazprombank’s board.

While the older Ivanov had previously been subject to US sanctions, the latest round has reassigned him and added his son.

Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev and his son Andrei Patrushev

Nikolai Patrushev is secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and is reported to be a longtime close aide to Putin.

He succeeded Putin as director of the Russian FSB, heading the security agency from 1999 to 2008.

The finance ministry lists the Patrushev family as another “close to Putin” and said: “Many of these people are believed to be participating in or benefiting from the kleptocracy of the Russian regime, along with members of their families.”

Nikolai Patrushev is secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and is reported to be a longtime close aide to Putin.

Nikolai Patrushev is secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and is reported to be a longtime close aide to Putin.

Patrushev's son, Andrei Patrushev, has held senior positions at Gazprom Neft and is employed in Russia's energy sector.

Patrushev’s son, Andrei Patrushev, has held senior positions at Gazprom Neft and is employed in Russia’s energy sector.

Patrushev’s son, Andrei Patrushev, has held senior positions at Gazprom Neft and is employed in Russia’s energy sector.

Andrei Patrushev was born in 1981 in Leningrad, according to a Gazprom biography.

From 2013 to 2015 he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Capital Construction of Gazprom Dobycha Shelf Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk LLC.

He has also served as a member of the Management Board, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Offshore Projects Development of Gazprom Neft PJSC.

Igor Ivanovich Sechin and his son Ivan Igorevich Sechin

Igor Sechin is the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft, one of the largest publicly traded oil companies in the world.

He previously served as Russia’s deputy prime minister from 2008 to 2012 and is reportedly a close ally of Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin while visiting the Konev Monastery on Konevets Island in Leningrad last year

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin while visiting the Konev Monastery on Konevets Island in Leningrad last year

Igor Sechin is Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the oil company Rosneft

Igor Sechin is Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the oil company Rosneft

He has had ties to Putin since 1994, when Putin was the first deputy mayor of St. Petersburg and Sechin was his chief of staff.

Since then, Sechin has followed Putin throughout his career, playing various roles in the Russian government.

His son Ivan Sechin was born in 1989 and graduated from the Lomonosov Business School at Moscow State University.

Ivan Sechin is believed to be working closely with his father at Rosneft, where he is reportedly deputy head of the department.

Andrei Sergeevich Puchkov, Yuri Alekseevich Solovyov and his wife Galina Olegovna Ulyutina

Andrey Sergeevich Puchkov Yuri Alekseevich Solovyov

Andrei Sergeevich Puchkov (left) and Yuri Alekseevich Solovyov (right) are two high-ranking executives of VTB Bank who work closely with VTB Bank CEO Andrei Kostin, who was previously sanctioned

Puchkov and Soloviev are two high-ranking executives of VTB Bank, working closely with VTB Bank CEO Andrei Kostin, who was previously sanctioned.

Puchkov has other business interests outside of VTB, including Moscow-based real estate company Atlant S and limited liability company Inspira Invest A.

Soloviev’s wife, Galina Olegovna Ulyutina, was previously involved in a “golden passport” scheme, according to the finance ministry.

Alexander Alexandrovich Vedyahin

The finance ministry describes Vedyahin as an “elite of the financial sector.”

Alexander Vedyahin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of SberBank

Alexander Vedyahin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of SberBank

“The top leaders of state-owned banks, such as Kremlin-linked elites, are taking advantage of their proximity to Russia’s power vertical to pursue the interests of the Russian state while maintaining an extravagant standard of living,” the ministry said in a statement.

Vedyahin is the first deputy chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank.

He was born in 1977 in Volograd, and in the last decade has completed advanced courses at Stanford and MIT in the United States.

Here are the Russian oligarchs aimed at Biden’s new sanctions Read More »

Senior Marine Commander of 47000 at Camp Pendleton FIRED

Senior Marine Commander of 47,000 at Camp Pendleton FIRED

The 47,000-strong senior Marine commander at Camp Pendleton, California, with nearly 30 years of service, has been fired for “losing confidence” in his abilities.

  • Sergeant Major Terence Whitcomb has been relieved of his duties as Senior Commander of the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton
  • The military cites his sudden departure “due to a loss of confidence and confidence in his ability to perform his duties”.
  • It is not known what his duties were, but as leader of the 1st Expeditionary Force, he was responsible for almost a quarter of the Marine Corps’ active forces.
  • It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post
  • Whitcomb has been a Marine since 1993 and became a senior sergeant in 2011, but took on his last role in 2021.
  • He has won several prestigious medals in his 29-year career, including the Merit Medal

A senior Marine chief at Camp Pendleton, who led a team of 47,000, was fired for “losing confidence” in his ability to do his job.

Sergeant Major Terrence Whitcomb was relieved of his duties as Senior Commander of the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton in California on Wednesday by Lieutenant General George Smith.

The military cites his sudden departure “due to a loss of confidence and confidence in his ability to perform his duties”. It is unclear what Whitcomb’s responsibilities involved or what he did to create mistrust. “Loss of trust and confidence” can include a wide variety of reasons.

The military also did not mention who will take on the role of Whitcomb.

Whitcomb, a “distinguished alumnus” of the 1957 Naval Senior Military Academy, was responsible for a quarter of the active service of the Marines.

Sergeant Major Terence Whitcomb has been relieved of his duties as Senior Commander of the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, California

Sergeant Major Terence Whitcomb has been relieved of his duties as Senior Commander of the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, California

He joined the Marines in 1993 and took up his current rank as Sergeant Major in November 2011, serving in both Camp Pendleton and the United Arab Emirates. He became Senior Sergeant of the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force in September 2021.

The first naval expeditionary forces were the largest forces in the Marines and had a long history of combat deployment. It is based in Camp Pendleton and based on the 3rd Marine Air Wing. It includes the West Coast Airborne Task Force and consists of Marines and Sailors.

He also served as a training instructor, administrative chief and staff member during his 29-year career and was sent to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and 2007. He was deployed as part of a naval air mission with special Destination Force in the Middle East between 2016 and 2018

Whitcomb (right, with former Commander-in-Chief General Robert Castelvi) won many awards during his 29-year career, including the Medal of Merit, the third most prestigious award given by the Department of Defense.

Whitcomb (right, with former Commander-in-Chief General Robert Castelvi) won many awards during his 29-year career, including the Medal of Merit, the third most prestigious award given by the Department of Defense.

The military said he had been fired

The military said he had been fired “due to a loss of confidence and confidence in his ability to perform his duties”. It is not clear what his duties are and what led to his dismissal

In his nearly 30-year career, he has won the Medal of Merit, the third most prestigious award presented by the Ministry of Defense; the Medal of Honor of the Navy and Marine Corps – an award given to servicemen who have performed an outstanding deed – which he has won four times; and a medal for the achievements of the Navy and Marines, which is awarded for combat or non-combat achievements that are exceptional for a lieutenant commander or higher. He won this three times.

DailyMail.com contacted Camp Pendleton and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force for comment.

1645752320 965 Senior Marine Commander of 47000 at Camp Pendleton FIRED

Lt. Gen. George Smith (pictured) relieved Whitcomb of his duties Wednesday

Earlier this month, police found the body of 28-year-old Sarah Celeste Otero at the bottom of a cliff in a remote part of Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.

Officials said they noticed her car abandoned at a rest stop near Camp Pendleton on Feb. 8, spokeswoman Jennifer Atenza said.

The medical examiner has not yet ruled on the exact cause of death, but no unfair play is suspected.

She struggled with depression and had a history of drug abuse, but has been sober for the past two years.

Otero had told her stepfather that she would go to a local gym on January 28 to see a friend, but FOX News reported that the friend was unaware of such plans and Otero never arrived.

Camp Pendleton is located in Southern California and is home to the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force =

Camp Pendleton is located in Southern California and is home to the 1st Naval Expeditionary Force =

Advertising

Senior Marine Commander of 47,000 at Camp Pendleton FIRED Read More »

Three former officers convicted of violating the rights of George

Three former officers convicted of violating the rights of George Floyd

One of the most important witnesses was Inspector Cathy Blackwell, a Minneapolis police officer who was previously in charge of training. She testified for three days about training recruits in the proper use of force and their constitutional duty to intervene when they see other officers using excessive force.

But defense attorneys attacked Inspector Blackwell, arguing that the department had failed to train officers to recognize when they were required to intervene, saying the discussion was formal and “little more than a word in PowerPoint.”

Understand the civil rights lawsuit over the death of George Floyd

Card 1 of 6

New focus. Since the murder of Mr Floyd on May 25, 2020, all eyes have been on the officer who killed him. Derek Chauvin. While Mr. Chauvin was convicted of murder at the state court in April 2021, he was not the only officer at the scene.

Respondents. Three officers were accused of willfully refusing to intervene against Mr. Chauvin and help Mr. Floyd. To Tao, a veteran officer who was Mr. Chauvin’s partner, held back a group of passers-by. J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, both rookies, helped capture Mr. Floyd.

Accusations. The case concerned whether the defendants were stripped Mr Floyd of his civil rights. All three officers were charged with failing to provide medical treatment to Mr. Floyd, while Mr. Kueng and Mr. Tao also faced charges of failing to intervene against Mr. Chauvin’s use of force.

Verdict. Prosecutors argued that the officers knew at the time that Mr Floyd was in serious health and that Mr Chauvin was breaking the law. February 24, 2022 jurors found former officers guilty. The three men still face separate trials charged by the state.

Under cross-examination, Thomas Plunkett, Mr Kuang’s lawyer, played a recording of Al Pacino’s fiery speech as a football coach in “Any Sunday,” a clip that was shown to police recruits. academy. Mr Plunkett said his point was that the department was promoting a “cops against the world” mentality.

The defense also tried to focus jurors on the hierarchical and paramilitary aspects of police culture—how recruits are taught to obey their superiors and follow orders without question.

Unlike Mr. Chauvin, who did not testify at the trial, each of the three officers spoke in his defense. They all stated that they believed Mr. Chauvin, as a senior officer, was in charge and knew what he was doing, and that they did not acknowledge that Mr. Floyd was in a medical emergency.

“I think I would trust a 19-year-old veteran with this,” Mr. Tao said. Mr. Kueng, who had Mr. Chauvin as one of his field training officers, said: “He was my senior officer and I trusted his advice.”

To make things easier for the jury, prosecutors often used the phrase “in your custody, in your care” to describe the duty of officers to protect a detained suspect. At Mr. Chauvin’s trial last year, prosecutors similarly reduced their case to jurors to the slogan “believe your eyes,” arguing that it was as simple as what they saw in the eyewitness’ heartbreaking video.

Three former officers convicted of violating the rights of George Floyd Read More »

Canadian health officials approve a plant based vaccine against COVID 19

Canadian health officials approve a plant-based vaccine against COVID-19

Canadian health officials have approved plant-based approval COVID-19 vaccine, the first of its kind.

Covifenz, developed as a joint venture between CanadaMedicago and GlaxoSmithKline from the United Kingdom use plant material to mimic the spike protein of the virus once injected into a person’s body.

The shot was approved by Canadian regulators for use by residents aged 18 to 64 on Thursday.

It has shown 71 percent effectiveness in preventing Covid infection before Omicronalthough trials were conducted before the rise of the variant at the end of last year, which means that there is still no data on how effective the strike is against the dominant strain.

The significance of this shot in the release of vaccines in the country is unknown, as Canada already has easy access to Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, among others.

The Canadian company Medicago has received approval for its herbal vaccine against COVID-19, Covifenz, in its home country.  This is the first plant-based vaccine to be approved for Covid control worldwide (photo)

The Canadian company Medicago has received approval for its herbal vaccine against COVID-19, Covifenz, in its home country. This is the first plant-based vaccine to be approved for Covid control worldwide (photo)

The vaccine works by using plant particles to mimic the spike protein of the virus, similar to how the mRNA vaccine uses its technology (photo file)

The vaccine works by using plant particles to mimic the spike protein of the virus, similar to how the mRNA vaccine uses its technology (photo file)

“The approval of our vaccine against COVID-19 is an important step for Canada in the fight against the pandemic,” said Takashi Nagao, president of Medicago.

The vaccine is a two-dose vaccine that is ‘refrigerator-stable’, which means that it does not require the hyper-cold storage that Moderna and Pfizer vaccines do for transport.

Phase 3 shooting trials involved 24,000 adults in six countries. Not enough data has been collected for the age group over 65 for regulators to make a decision.

The impact works by using plant particles that can create artificial protein in the body.

When the immune system releases this protein, it will make antibodies to fight the virus. This is how mRNA vaccines work.

National health officials are promoting the vaccine as a way back in biotechnology to Canada, a nation they say is lagging behind.

“As one of our government’s top priorities is to reverse the 40-year decline facing the Canadian organic farming sector, we are pleased to see approval of the Medicago vaccine,” said Francois-Philippe Champagne, a Canadian member. parliament.

“This is a big cornerstone for Canada’s biotechnology sector and local innovation.”

However, there are still questions to be answered about the strike, especially because other countries will not be so eager to approve the shot out of national pride.

The vaccine is effective against Delta and other previous strains of Covid, but many have almost disappeared in recent months.

Omicron is the most infectious version of Covid to date, and combined with its even more infectious BA.2 line, other strains of the virus have been pushed into the unknown.

1645751994 585 Canadian health officials approve a plant based vaccine against COVID 19 1645751994 254 Canadian health officials approve a plant based vaccine against COVID 19

It is also the most mutated strain to date and has so many changes from other versions of Covid that it may evade the protection provided by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and other vaccines made for older virus strains.

While booster shots have proven effective in strengthening the defense for other shots, Covifenz does not yet have an approved booster.

The staff will also have some competition. The Novavax protein injection, which may be the most effective and durable to date, has begun its global spread and will likely soon be available in the United States.

Glaxo also has a protein-based vaccine, a joint venture with French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, that is seeking permission from US officials.

Both injections have been shown to be effective against Omicron in laboratory tests, and protein injections can be stored at refrigerator temperatures, eliminating the potential advantage that a Canadian injection may have.

Canada also already has five other approved vaccines and has purchase agreements with Pfizer and Moderna to purchase Covid vaccines and booster vaccines from the companies at least until next year.

Canadian health officials approve a plant-based vaccine against COVID-19 Read More »

Twitter users jokingly complain about babies of nepotism like Jaden

Twitter users jokingly complain about “babies of nepotism” like Jaden Smith, George W. Bush, the Queen

Twitter users jokingly complain about “babies of nepotism” like Sofia Coppola, Jaden Smith and George W. Bush after Gen Zer was shocked that Euphoria’s Maud Apatow has famous parents

  • Probably a young Twitter user tweeted about 24-year-old Maud Apatow before the euphoria episode on Sunday night
  • “Wait, I just found out that the actress who plays Lexi is nepotism, dear, her mother is Leslie Mann and her father is a film director, haha,” she wrote.
  • Twitter users were shocked that this would come as a surprise – and that everyone would know who Leslie Mann was, but not Judd Apatow.
  • Dozens pretended to have just learned about the famous parents of Sofia Coppola, Jaden Smith, George W. Bush and even Queen Elizabeth

Twitter users have made memes from the shocked discovery of a pointless Gen Zer that Euphoria Maude Apatow star is the daughter of actress Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow.

Before the episode of the hit on Sunday night HBO show, supposedly a young Twitter user tweeted: “Wait, I just found out that the actress who plays Lexi is nepotism, baby, omg … her mother is Leslie Mann and her father is a film director, haha.”

People in the app were puzzled that it would be a surprise to everyone, given that the 24-year-old Maud grew up on camera in films with her mother that were directed by her father – and many were equally confused that she did not. knows Judd Apatow’s movie name.

Dozens have since shared their own tweets, pretending to have just learned about the celebrity’s famous parents, calling them Sophia Coppola, Jaden Smith, George W. Bush and even Queen Elizabeth “Babies of Nepotism.”

Some used fictional characters, such as Kendall Roy of Succession and Kaylo Ren of Star Wars, and some even called Jesus a “baby of nepotism.”

Twitter users have made memes from the shocked discovery of a senseless Gen Z-er that Euphoria star Maud Apatow is the daughter of actress Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow.

Twitter users have made memes from the shocked discovery of a senseless Gen Z-er that Euphoria star Maud Apatow is the daughter of actress Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow.

Before Sunday's episode of the hit HBO show, a young Twitter user probably wrote on Twitter:

Before Sunday’s episode of the hit HBO show, a young Twitter user probably wrote on Twitter: “Wait, I just found out that the actress who plays Lexi is nepotism, honey, uh … her mother is Leslie Mann, and her father is a film director haha.

Since then, dozens have shared their own tweets, pretending to have just learned about the famous parents of a famous person, as if Jaden Smith is the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith

Since then, dozens have shared their own tweets, pretending to have just learned about the famous parents of a famous person, as if Jaden Smith is the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith

In most cases, it is very well known that the celebrity's parent is also very famous - such as Sofia Coppola and her father Francis Ford Coppola.

In most cases, it is very well known that the celebrity’s parent is also very famous – such as Sofia Coppola and her father Francis Ford Coppola.

The fact that these are

The fact that these are “babies of nepotism” is even more of a joke when it comes to Queen Elizabeth, who inherited her title

In some cases, Twitter users highlighted the joke by choosing a celebrity not known except for their parents, such as Blue Ivy and parents Beyonce and Jay-Z.

In some cases, Twitter users highlighted the joke by choosing a celebrity not known except for their parents, such as Blue Ivy and parents Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Some of the

Some of the “celebrities” used in the memes are politicians, such as President George W. Bush, the son of fellow President George W. Bush.

Several even joked that Jesus Christ was a baby of nepotism because he was the son of God.

Several even joked that Jesus Christ was a baby of nepotism because he was the son of God.

Some have focused on how the original poster minimized the careers of the star's parents.  Louisa Jacobson of the Gilded Age is the daughter of Don Gummer and Meryl Streep

Some have focused on how the original poster minimized the careers of the star’s parents. Louisa Jacobson of the Gilded Age is the daughter of Don Gummer and Meryl Streep

Another joked that he just realized that Kylie Jenner, who became famous with her family, was a baby of nepotism.

Another joked that he just realized that Kylie Jenner, who became famous with her family, was a baby of nepotism.

Several have made references to fictional characters, such as Kaylo Ren in Star Wars movies

Several have made references to fictional characters, such as Kaylo Ren in Star Wars movies

Another joked with Kendall Roy on the HBO Succession show

Another joked with Kendall Roy on the HBO Succession show

One user was surprised to learn that Lily-Rose Depp is the daughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp

One user was surprised to learn that Lily-Rose Depp is the daughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp

Brooke Hogan had reality TV and signed a career thanks to his father, wrestler Hulk Hogan

Brooke Hogan had reality TV and signed a career thanks to his father, wrestler Hulk Hogan

It seems impossible for anyone to know who Lourdes Leon is without knowing that her mother is Madonna

It seems impossible for anyone to know who Lourdes Leon is without knowing that her mother is Madonna

Jumping over another recent story that was food on social media, a user tweeted about Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson's son Chet Hanks

Jumping over another recent story that was food on social media, a user tweeted about Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s son Chet Hanks

In some cases, the star - here, Paris Hilton - really overshadowed their parents

In some cases, the star – here, Paris Hilton – really overshadowed their parents

In another royal tweet, a user joked that he had just learned that Prince Harry was the grandson of Queen Elizabeth.

In another royal tweet, a user joked that he had just learned that Prince Harry was the grandson of Queen Elizabeth.

Twitter users had a lot of fun with memes with both real and fictional links

Twitter users had a lot of fun with memes with both real and fictional links

Twitter users jokingly complain about “babies of nepotism” like Jaden Smith, George W. Bush, the Queen Read More »

From quick resolution to apocalypse MARK ALMOND explores what might

From quick resolution to apocalypse, MARK ALMOND explores what might happen next

President Blitzkrieg’s approach to the invasion of Blitzkrieg Ukraine has seen Russian troops seize vital strategic centers and spread across the country at lightning speed. But what can happen next? MARK ALMOND, director of the Institute for Crisis Research, Oxford, is considering options.

1. SUDDEN WITHDRAWAL

Vladimir Putin likes to surprise his opponents. Given the speed and scale of the Russian invasion, what could be more shocking than the sudden cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of troops?

If Putin decides that his ruthless punitive action has achieved his main goals of forcing Ukraine to bow to his demands and humiliate NATOthen his army can simply organize a “triumphant” march home.

Such a surprising retreat could halt the worst of Western economic sanctions – and allow Putin to present himself as a “peacemaker.”

Probability: Vain hope.

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks about allowing a special military operation in Ukraine's Donbass region during a special televised address today

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks about allowing a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbass region during a special televised address today

2. UKRAINE IN LOCATION

The effectiveness of the Russian bombing and the speed of its tank advance suggest that this war will end in a few days. Indeed, US sources fear that Kiev may fall as early as Sunday.

The Russian army and FSB officers – the new KGB – may soon spread across the country to pursue those who spoke out against Russia’s ambitions before the invasion.

And while only a small percentage of Ukrainians may be willing to cooperate with a massive military presence, a puppet government may be installed in Kiev.

Meanwhile, millions of Ukrainians will be allowed to flee the EU – the easiest way to rid the country of potential rebels.

Probability: The most likely result.

An explosion illuminates the night sky over Kiev, Ukraine, in the early hours of Thursday as Russia invades

An explosion illuminates the night sky over Kiev, Ukraine, in the early hours of Thursday as Russia invades

3. UKRAINE RETURNS FIGHT

Russia’s early triumphs may turn out to be illusory. In 1941, the Nazis quickly took over Ukraine, but were soon undermined by massive guerrilla resistance.

The proliferation of firearms and anti-tank weapons by the Ukrainian government could mean that Russian troops will increasingly be ambushed deep in the occupied territories.

And significant Russian casualties could undermine the acceptance of the war at home.

Russian AP burns down near Hlukhov in Sumy region, Ukraine today, when Russian troops enter the country

Russian AP burns down near Hlukhov in Sumy region, Ukraine today, when Russian troops enter the country

The sight of bags of corpses returned during the Afghan war in the 1980s has sparked widespread discontent and helped undermine the stability of the Soviet Union, even though Russian forces now have mobile crematoria.

Putin may have started this war at a time of his own choosing, but ending it may be more problematic.

Probability: high. Kiev distributes weapons to any citizen who requests one.

4. RUSSIA IS GOING BEYOND UKRAINE

If Putin decides he is on the move, his army could move to weak, neutral former Soviet states bordering Russia (Moldova, Georgia and Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan).

Last month, Russian airborne troops ran a dry run to Ukraine as they flew to Kazakhstan to “stabilize” it after the riots over rising energy prices.

This successful operation set a precedent.

The Kremlin can accept the view that NATO will not prevent Russia’s military takeover of these defenseless states.

Russian peacekeepers from Collective Security Treaty Organization leave Russian military plane after withdrawing troops from Kazakhstan last month

Russian peacekeepers from Collective Security Treaty Organization leave Russian military plane after withdrawing troops from Kazakhstan last month

In fact, all indications are that Western leaders will limit their revenge to imposing sanctions, while Russian aggression is limited to former Soviet republics outside NATO.

Pretty soon, Putin could create a huge new Russian empire, while the West would virtually withdraw to the EU’s borders. This would lead to a dangerous new Cold War.

And let’s not forget China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping may see Moscow’s rapid recovery from former Soviet territory as an incentive to invade Taiwan. At the very least, China’s navy and air force may try to stifle trade on the island.

Probability: Given Putin’s imperial ambitions, a real possibility remains.

5. NUCLEAR COLLISION WITH THE WEST

During the Cold War, Washington and Moscow agreed that this would be MAD, a suicidal path to mutually guaranteed destruction.

But Putin openly threatened to use nuclear weapons in his speech, announcing the invasion of Ukraine yesterday morning.

What if he is encouraged enough by the disintegration of Ukraine’s trained and equipped Western army to confront those Eastern European NATO members he considers a “soft target”?

Launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile

Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launch during training launch as part of Grom 2022 Strategic Deterrence Force exercise at an unspecified location in Russia this month

The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, for example.

This could trigger Article 5 of NATO, which requires all members of the alliance to go to the aid of a member state that is under attack.

Under such circumstances, Putin could move from nuclear extortion to the deployment of Iskander missiles against his NATO neighbors.

Even this horrific scenario cannot be ruled out now.

Probability: Thin, but cannot be completely ruled out.

From quick resolution to apocalypse, MARK ALMOND explores what might happen next Read More »

обрушил на Россию широкие санкции за войну Путина на

Байден обрушил на Россию широкие санкции за войну Путина на Украине

ВАШИНГТОН. Президент Байден, пообещав превратить президента России Владимира Путина в «изгоя», в четверг объявил о новых жестких санкциях, направленных на то, чтобы отрезать крупнейшие российские банки и некоторых олигархов от большей части мировой финансовой системы и запретить стране импортировать Американские технологии имеют решающее значение для оборонной, аэрокосмической и морской промышленности.

Ожидается, что пакет, обнародованный правительством США, охватит компании и домохозяйства в России, где уже начали проявляться опасения по поводу полномасштабного вторжения г-на Путина в Украину. Фондовый рынок страны упал более чем на 30 процентов в четверг, уничтожив огромное количество богатства.

Новые санкции США включают суровые санкции в отношении двух крупнейших российских финансовых учреждений, на долю которых в совокупности приходится более половины банковских активов страны.

официальные лица США также запрет на экспорт важных американских технологий в Россию, что может поставить под угрозу ее промышленность. Кроме того, Соединенные Штаты ограничат возможности 13 крупных российских компаний, включая «Газпром», государственный энергетический конгломерат, привлекать финансирование на западных рынках капитала. И это наказывает семьи, близкие к г-ну Путину.

Аналитики считают, что санкции против финансовых гигантов вызовут немедленные сбои в экономике России, но в долгосрочной перспективе они поддаются контролю. С другой стороны, технологические ограничения могут подорвать способность некоторых российских отраслей идти в ногу со временем.

«Путин выбрал эту войну, и теперь он и его страна будут нести ответственность за ее последствия», — сказал г-н Байден в своем выступлении из Восточной комнаты Белого дома. «Это приведет к серьезным издержкам для российской экономики как немедленно, так и со временем».

Это был второй раунд американских санкций, введенных против России на этой неделе, после более скромного транша, о котором г-н Байден объявил во вторник после того, как правительство г-на Путина признало два поддерживаемых Россией повстанческих анклава на востоке Украины независимыми государствами.

Великобритания объявила о своем втором наборе санкций в четверг. Они в основном соответствовали американским, но с некоторыми дополнительными целями; Например, Лондон запретил российской авиакомпании «Аэрофлот» работать в Великобритании. Европейский союз обсуждал свой следующий раунд санкций после того, как в среду был введен первоначальный набор.

Один из вопросов на ближайшие дни и недели заключается в том, смогут ли Соединенные Штаты и их европейские союзники следить за действиями России, как они утверждают. В среду и четверг госсекретарь Энтони Дж. Блинкен беседовал с высокопоставленным дипломатом Европейского Союза Жозепом Борреллом Фонтельесом, что свидетельствует об интенсивных усилиях по координации совместных ответных действий.

Новый набор санкций Вашингтона включает в себя некоторые из более жестких наказаний, которые, по словам официальных лиц США, рассматривались. Были споры о том, не причинит ли ограничение деятельности крупнейших российских банков и других крупных компаний слишком много боли простым россиянам и гражданам других стран.

Экономика России составляет 1,5 триллиона долларов, она занимает 11-е место в мире. Мировая экономика остается нестабильной в начале третьего года пандемии, и многие правительства борются с самыми высокими темпами инфляции за последние десятилетия. Цена на сырую нефть резко выросла на этой неделе из-за действий г-на Путина.

«Я знаю, что это тяжело, и что американцы уже страдают», — сказал г-н Байден в четверг. «Я сделаю все, что в моих силах, чтобы уменьшить боль, которую американский народ испытывает на бензоколонке. Это критично для меня».

Но добавил, что агрессия г-на Путина не может остаться без ответа. «Если бы это произошло, последствия для Америки были бы намного хуже», — сказал он. «Америка противостоит хулиганам. Мы выступаем за свободу. Вот кто мы».

Далип Сингх, заместитель советника по национальной безопасности по международной экономике, заявил журналистам, что со временем санкции «выльются в более высокую инфляцию, более высокие процентные ставки, более низкую покупательную способность, более низкие инвестиции, более низкий производственный потенциал, более низкий рост и более низкий уровень жизни в России. ».

Но неясно, заставят ли санкции г-на Путина прекратить наступление, в ходе которого, по словам украинских официальных лиц, уже погибли десятки украинских солдат и мирных жителей. Если г-н Путин будет настаивать на своем, то санкции послужат ему наказанием, сказал г-н Блинкен.

Некоторые аналитики скептически относятся к тому, что боль санкций прорвется к г-ну Путину, который изолировал себя во время пандемии, даже от некоторых его ближайших советников.

Александр Габуев, научный сотрудник Московского центра Карнеги, сказал, что российский лидер и окружавшие его высокопоставленные чиновники приняли бункерный менталитет, понимая, что их жизнь и богатство зависят от их положения дома, а не в западных странах. По его словам, они также считают себя находящимися на переднем крае идеологического соперничества с Соединенными Штатами и их союзниками.

Кроме того, российское правительство приняло фискальную политику для защиты экономики страны после того, как Соединенные Штаты и Европа ввели санкции в 2014 году после первого вторжения г-на Путина в Украину, и некоторые высокопоставленные чиновники службы безопасности и олигархи извлекли выгоду из этих изменений.

Обновлено

24 февраля 2022 г., 19:54 по восточному времени

Эдвард Фишман, который курировал санкционную политику в Госдепартаменте после аннексии Крыма Россией в 2014 году, сказал, что он удивлен широтой новых санкций США, выходящих за рамки финансового и технологического секторов. Он сказал, что меры, ограничивающие доступ к рынкам капитала для российских государственных предприятий в таких различных отраслях, как горнодобывающая промышленность, металлургия, телекоммуникации и транспорт, «наносят удар по господствующим высотам российской экономики».

Даже когда российский фондовый рынок рухнул, а курс рубля по отношению к доллару упал до рекордно низкого уровня, страна может избежать всеобщей финансовой паники. Сергей Алексашенко, бывший первый заместитель председателя Центрального банка России и бывший председатель Merrill Lynch в России, сказал, что финансовые меры, вероятно, причинят серьезные, но в конечном итоге терпимые страдания.

«Они смогут управлять тем, что связано с финансовой сферой», — сказал г-н Алексашенко. «Может быть, это будет сложно, может быть, дорого — но это выполнимо».

По словам г-на Алексашенко, более разрушительным, хотя и в долгосрочной перспективе, будет новый контроль за экспортом технологий.

Экспортный контроль, введенный Министерством торговли, направлен на прекращение поставок в Россию передовых технологий, таких как полупроводники, компьютеры, лазеры и телекоммуникационное оборудование.

Ожидается, что меры прекратятся прямой технологический экспорт из американских компаний в Россию, что, в частности, может затормозить российскую оборонную, аэрокосмическую и судоходную отрасли. Они также выходят за рамки предыдущие санкции выдано правительством США путем установления новых экспортных ограничений на товары, которые производятся за пределами Соединенных Штатов, но с использованием американского оборудования или технологий.

Администрация заявила, что меры, принятые совместно с союзниками, ограничат ключевые поставки в Россию более чем на 50 миллиардов долларов. По данным Всемирного банка, в 2019 году страна импортировала товаров на сумму 247 миллиардов долларов.

«Это огромный набор технологических средств контроля», — сказала Эмили Килкриз, старший научный сотрудник Центра новой американской безопасности.

Понять атаку России на Украину

Карточка 1 из 7

Что лежит в основе этого вторжения? Россия считает Украину частью его естественная сфера влияния, и его нервирует близость Украины с Западом и перспектива вступления страны в НАТО или Европейский Союз. Хотя Украина не является частью ни того, ни другого, она получает финансовую и военную помощь от США и Европы.

Эти трения только начинаются сейчас? Антагонизм между двумя странами кипел с 2014 года, когда российские военные пересекли территорию Украины после того, как в результате восстания на Украине дружественный России президент сменился прозападным правительством. Затем, Россия аннексированный Крым и вдохновленный сепаратистское движение на востоке. Было заключено соглашение о прекращении огня в 2015 годуно боевые действия продолжались.

Чем отреагировала Украина? 23 февраля, Украина объявлено чрезвычайное положение на 30 дней. когда кибератаки вывели из строя государственные учреждения. После начала терактов президент Украины Владимир Зеленский объявлено военное положение. Министр иностранных дел назвал атаки «полномасштабным вторжением» и призвал мир «остановить Путина».

По ее словам, со временем наибольшее влияние окажет на российскую экономику и ее военный потенциал, поскольку электроника, самолеты и корабли изнашиваются, а российские предприятия не могут покупать технологии нового поколения.

«Это замораживает российские технологические запасы там, где они есть сегодня», — сказала г-жа Килкриз. «Вы не можете улучшить это, вы не можете заменить это, вы не можете улучшить это». Или, как выразился г-н Алексашенко: «Это проблема, которую вы не можете решить, сколько бы вы ни были готовы платить».

Россия могла бы обратиться к Китаю, близкий партнер, чтобы попытаться заполнить некоторые технологические пробелы, но официальные лица США говорят, что китайские компании не воспроизводят более совершенные американские продукты. Китайские фирмы также рискуют подвергнуться штрафным санкциям со стороны США, если их уличат в нарушении санкций. Хуавей а также ЗТЕ мы.

Сергей Гуриев, профессор экономики парижского отделения Sciences Po, заявил, что санкции нанесут ущерб экономике России, но «не приведут к макроэкономическому кризису». Он указал на большой суверенный фонд России и огромные валютные резервы страны — 631 миллиард долларов, что является четвертым по величине в мире.

«Чтобы разрушить макроэкономическую стабильность России, — сказал он, — Западу придется ввести санкции в отношении Центрального банка России и ввести эмбарго в иранском стиле на экспорт энергоресурсов». Это шаги, которые официальные лица США не предлагали.

Во вторник администрация Байдена объявила о введении санкций в отношении двух российских банков, ВЭБ и Промсвязьбанка, но это политические банки, не имеющие розничных операций в России.

Два названных в четверг — Сбербанк и ВТБ — являются крупнейшими банками в России и имеют розничные операции, и боль станет еще глубже. Новые санкции запрещают американским компаниям взаимодействовать со Сбербанком и не позволяют ему использовать доллары США в транзакциях, что имеет решающее значение для глобальной торговли.

Штрафы в ВТБ жестче. Это то, что чиновники казначейства называют «санкциями полной блокировки», что означает замораживание всех активов банка в финансовых учреждениях США. Он внесен в самый строгий санкционный список, известный как список SDN, и иностранные компании, скорее всего, будут держаться от него подальше, опасаясь наказания со стороны Вашингтона.

Министерство финансов заявило, что ВТБ был одним из крупнейших учреждений, которые оно когда-либо блокировало. Агентство также ввело санкции полной блокировки в отношении трех других российских финансовых учреждений.

«Это действительно будет испытанием: выдержит ли Fortress Russia, когда у вас есть активы, которые могут быть заморожены за границей?» сказал Даниэль Таннебаум, партнер Oliver Wyman, который консультирует банки по санкциям.

Пока официальные лица США и Европы не готовы отрезать все российские банки от Быстрый, бельгийская система денежных переводов, используемая более чем 11 000 финансовых учреждений по всему миру. Но высокопоставленный чиновник администрации Байдена заявил журналистам в четверг, что такая акция не исключается. В Европе мнения правительств расходятся во мнениях относительно того, стоит ли отвязывать Россию от Swift.

Официальные лица США пока не планируют больших сбоев в экспорте энергоресурсов из России, который является опорой экономики страны. Европа полагается на продукты, а мировые лидеры не хотят повышать цены на нефть и газ, хотя Германия остановила Северный поток 2 проект газопровода на этой неделе.

Лидеры Европейского союза встретились в четверг вечером в Брюсселе и обсудили детали предлагаемых санкций, которые, по их словам, нанесут тяжелый удар по российской экономике.

Но документы, с которыми ознакомилась The New York Times, указывают на то, что блок, который имеет тесные финансовые связи с Россией и граничит с Украиной, вероятно, отложит несколько трудных решений, несмотря на призывы Польши, Нидерландов и стран Балтии занять жесткую позицию. подход.

«Хватит этих пустых разговоров, вокруг нас достаточно наивности, банальности», — сказал премьер-министр Польши Матеуш Моравецкий, которая уже приняла украинцев, спасающихся от войны. «Мы покупаем как Европа, как Евросоюз, много российского газа, много российской нефти. А президент Путин берет деньги у нас, европейцев. И он превращает это в агрессию».

Матина Стевис-Гриднефф предоставила репортажи из Брюсселя, а Алан Раппепорт из Вашингтона.

Байден обрушил на Россию широкие санкции за войну Путина на Украине Read More »

Trumps deputy national security adviser says Putin can do whatever

Trump’s deputy national security adviser says Putin can do “whatever he wants” with $ 100 oil

Donald TrumpRussia’s energy independence policy has been maintained Vladimir Putin under control, according to the deputy adviser to the former president for national security K.T. McFarland, who said Thursday that the president Joe Biden had to sanction the Russian oil and gas industry after its invasion of Ukraine.

McFarland said she deliberately chose to wear yellow – one of the colors of the Ukrainian flag – when she appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida.

After dozens of Republicans accusing Biden of weakness in failing to prevent Putin’s attack, McFarland said Trump’s energy policy has helped curb Russian aggression.

“If oil costs $ 40 a barrel, which was when President Trump left office, the Russians are ruined,” she said.

“They can’t afford to go to war. War is expensive.

KT McFarland, Trump's deputy national security adviser at the White House for four months, said the former president's energy independence policy had kept Putin under control.

KT McFarland, Trump’s deputy national security adviser at the White House for four months, said the former president’s energy independence policy had kept Putin under control.

Former President Donald Trump President of Ukraine Vladimir Putin

McFarland said oil was priced at $ 40 a barrel when Trump left office. But it has since risen sharply, filling Vladimir Putin’s coffers and funding his military machine.

In this photo, taken from a video published by the press service of the Ukrainian police, military helicopters, apparently Russian, fly over the outskirts of Kiev, Ukraine

In this photo, taken from a video published by the press service of the Ukrainian police, military helicopters, apparently Russian, fly over the outskirts of Kiev, Ukraine

In the Glukhov region, the Ukrainian military collided with an armored column of 15 T-72 tanks with American Javelin missiles

In the Glukhov region, the Ukrainian military collided with an armored column of 15 T-72 tanks with American Javelin missiles

Moscow, the world’s largest natural gas supplier and one of the world’s largest oil producers, could only “play big” on the world stage if energy prices are high, she said.

Biden, she said, immediately reversed Trump’s policies.

“So he immediately shut down the American energy industry, oil and natural gas, the energy we exported to other countries, which stopped, and what happened, the price of oil skyrocketed,” she said.

“Vladimir Putin is rich and can choose when to invade.”

McFarland was deputy national security adviser for the first four months of the Trump administration.

She initially served under Mike Flynn and was asked to step down after he was fired for failing to reveal talks with Russia’s ambassador to Washington.

She said Biden’s sanctions would not hit Putin where it hurts – the oil and gas industry.

Her remarks added flesh to Republican cries that Biden was guilty, but Democrats opposed it, saying Trump’s comfortable relationship with Putin meant he would not curb it.

She spoke as Ukrainian forces battled Russian invaders from three countries after Moscow launched an attack on land, sea and air, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Republicans lined up to accuse Biden of weakness.

“As we pray for the Ukrainian people, make no mistake: THIS happens when America’s enemies see the weak and incompetent @POTUS,” tweeted US spokesman Scott Perry, adding the hashtag Bidenisafailure.

Republicans in the House of Representatives said: “President Biden’s weakness on the world stage has encouraged our enemies. China, Iran and North Korea are watching.

Matt Schlap, who heads the organization behind the CPAC and a leading conservative voice, said the issue of Russia and Ukraine would be a key topic for the next four days.

The attack reached Ukraine on all fronts with bombs and missiles dropped on targets across the country in the early hours, followed by attacks by troops from Crimea, Donbas, Belgorod and Belarus, as well as helicopter landings in Kiev and power plants on the Dnieper River.  The Chernobyl nuclear power plant also fell into the hands of Russian forces

The attack reached Ukraine on all fronts with bombs and missiles dropped on targets across the country in the early hours, followed by attacks by troops from Crimea, Donbas, Belgorod and Belarus, as well as helicopter landings in Kiev and power plants on the Dnieper River. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant also fell into the hands of Russian forces

Russian Ka-52 combat helicopter seen in the field after forced landing Kiev, Ukraine

Russian Ka-52 combat helicopter seen in the field after forced landing Kiev, Ukraine

He said there were differences between the party coalition spread.

“You know, Liz Cheney’s Wing of the Republican Party.” he is becoming increasingly marginalized and discredited, “he told DailyMail.com. “So that makes people turn to different voices to try to say, well, you know, if you’re not a military expert, do you think we should use America’s power, its treasure, to intervene?”

“And I would say that I think most people here would actually listen to the case to defend Ukraine, but the president has to do it.

“He has to somehow transform himself from this man who reads a line in the middle of the day into a president who gives big speeches in prime time, including press conferences, about what he thinks we should do.”

Recent polls show little support for the US role in the conflict.

The Associated Press’s Center for Public Affairs (NORC) found that only 22 percent of Republicans believe the United States should play a major role in the conflict, compared with 32 percent of Democrats.

Trump’s deputy national security adviser says Putin can do “whatever he wants” with $ 100 oil Read More »