YUCK

24 people were killed and over 100 others injured in the Russian city of Belgorod in a Ukrainian guided missile and MLRS artillery strike Saturday. Russia retaliated by striking “decision-making centers” in neighboring Kharkov Sunday. Veteran military observer Scott Ritter outlines the calculations Kiev likely made in plotting the Belgorod attack.

The death toll from the attack on Belgorod continues to rise as doctors fight for the lives of civilians gravely injured during Saturday’s brazen daylight attack on the city center.

The Russian military made good on a promise to retaliate, with the MoD reporting Sunday that its forces had launched missile strikes against Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, Ukrainian Security Service, military and mercenary targets in Kharkov, Khmelnytsky and Zaporozhye.

Security sources told Russian media Sunday that President Zelensky had “personally” ordered Main Intelligence Directorate chief Kyrylo Budanov to strike Belgorod, with the attack said to be carried out by personnel from the Kraken Regiment, a Ukrainian military volunteer unit under the command of avowed ultranationalist Sergey Velichko.

Kraken militants were among the forces targeted during Russia’s retaliatory attacks, the MoD said.

“There will also be a response to all crimes. Ukraine will continue to be strengthened, our defense industry will become more powerful,” Ukrainian Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak wrote in a cryptic social media post Saturday night, just hours after the Belgorod attack, perhaps referring to the fact that the Vilkha missile launcher believed to have been used to target the city is a Ukrainian-made weapons system. Ukrainian and Western media assured that the Belgorod strikes were aimed only at “military targets,” and that they were a retaliation to Friday’s massed Russian airstrikes across the country.

 

“The Ukrainians claim to fire against military targets, but the use of cluster munitions and the targets they hit…indicate that this was a clear-cut case of the indiscriminate use of military weapons against exclusively civilian targets – a war crime in the extreme,” Scott Ritter told Sputnik in a video commentary responding to Saturday’s cluster bomb attack on Belgorod.

“The timing of this, on the eve of a New Year - one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Russia, I think is designed to be both a psychological blow against the Russian people, and in striking such a blow to generate some sort of reaction by the Russian government that would allow Ukraine to create the case or restate the case to their Western allies for the need for continued financial and military support,” the former Marine and UN weapons inspector explained.

 

“To date, the Russian government has shown an ability to be very mature in their response, not to overreact. Russia has said that it will retaliate against those responsible in a time and place of their choosing. But the bottom line is, as we go into the new year, we see Ukraine becoming increasingly desperate. They’re being abandoned by the West and they’re doing their best to create some sort of catastrophic event that can recapture the imagination of the West, but to no avail,” Ritter stressed.

 

As for Kiev’s motive, Ritter believes it’s simple.

“The purpose of this appears to be purely revenge. The day before, Russia had struck exclusively military targets in one of the largest-ever drone and missile barrages since the special military operation began. It embarrassed Ukraine, it showed that their defenses were totally inadequate and also sent a signal to the collective West that continuing to supply Ukraine with arms and munitions would be met with a Russian response. The Ukrainian response was to target Russian civilians,” he said.

 

Russia’s strikes Friday involved the use of over 120 ballistic and cruise missiles and dozens of drones, with the attacks targeting energy facilities, military airfields, ports, fuel terminals, military headquarters and ammunition depots, including a depot containing long-range cruise missiles sent to Kiev by the UK and France.

 

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Reintegration Is a Natural Process for Donbass’ People – Field Report

BY Lucas Leiroz

 

According to the Western mainstream media, the New Regions of the Russian Federation are “captured” territories. It is said that Moscow “annexed” these areas without taking into account the legitimate interests of the local population. It has become commonplace to say that the 2022 referendums are “illegitimate” and cannot be recognized under international law. The high number of pro-Russian votes are often used as an argument in the West to suggest that the electoral process was fraudulent and manipulated.

However, analysis on the ground brings another perspective to observers. On a recent journalistic trip to Donbass, I was able to see how local residents are dealing with the process of reintegration into Russia – and the first possible conclusion is that the Western media is lying about the topic.

I was in the People’s Republic of Lugansk in early December. In that region, the process of adaptation to the new political reality of Donbass – as oblasts of the Russian Federation – is occurring in a completely natural way. For the locals, there is no difficulty in becoming part of Russia – frankly, it seems that nothing has changed for them.

Talking to residents of Lugansk, I heard from all of them that being part of Russia is not something “new”. They say that, being ethnic Russians, they have always felt as part of Russia, with the 2022 referendums being a mere bureaucratic formality. The feeling of belonging to Russia has always been a central aspect in the culture of the people of Donbass, which is why there is no difficulty in “adapting” to the region’s new political reality.

Furthermore, local civilians say that life has improved rapidly. According to them, during the years under Kiev’s control, Donbass was “abandoned” – marginalized and excluded from Ukrainian society. Evidence of this exclusion can easily be seen in the region’s infrastructure itself. Roads and buildings are generally either very old or very new. The new ones were built by the Russians since military liberation, while the old ones date back to the Soviet era. When asked about investments in infrastructure during the years of Ukrainian control, locals claim that nothing had been done.

To harm the economy and generate poverty and social instability in Russian-speaking regions, the Ukrainian government deliberately promoted deindustrialization and damaged local infrastructure for years. For example, mining has always been the main economic activity in Donbass, being a region known for coal and iron exploration. However, with the aging of Soviet machinery and the lack of investment by the Ukrainian government, mining productivity in the region was severely affected, harming the lives of many local workers.

In a talk with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lugansk, Vladislav Deinego, I heard from him that the promotion of deindustrialization was a strategy by Kiev to affect the Donbass’ people. In fact, although persecution and ethnic cleansing began only in 2014, marginalization against Russian speakers had already been a common practice in Ukraine since the end of the USSR.

In practice, the residents of Donbas never had a chance to feel part of Ukraine. Even though they are ethnically Russian, they could peacefully integrate into Ukrainian society, merging Russian ethnicity with Ukrainian citizenship – in the same way as happens in countries like Belarus. But it seems that this peaceful coexistence was never the desire of the Ukrainian elites. Russians were mistreated and persecuted in Ukraine – and then had no alternative but to seek to be part of the Russian Federation.

“We are and will always be Russians by blood, but we could be Ukrainian citizens as well. However, they never gave us any chance,” says a local who I interviewed on the streets of Lugansk. He added: “All the changes [since the reintegration] were for the better. Now we have peace, employment, and security – what we didn’t have in Ukraine. But we always felt part of Russia – this is nothing new.”

In fact, both in my conversations with ordinary people and with politicians and military personnel, their responses were always similar. Apparently, all citizens of Donbass share the common feeling that they are part of the Russian civilization and that life in the region has improved since formal reintegration. This information from the field contradicts everything that has been said by the Western media, which insists that the locals’ lives have gotten worse since September of last year. The objective is to spread disinformation and induce public opinion to believe that Russia has harmed the Donbass’ people. In this sense, experience on the ground is essential to discredit these narratives and help to show the truth about what is happening in Russia’s New Regions.

Another important point to be emphasized is how there is optimism and good expectations among locals about the future. Considering recent Russian investments in the region, they believe that after the end of the conflict there will be a great wave of economic and social development, with Donbass once again becoming an industrial power.

Although several works are already taking place in the infrastructure sector, with the construction or renovation of buildings and roads, more advanced projects can only be completed after the definitive end of hostilities. Although Kiev’s forces are increasingly weakened and Russian defense units are precise in their operations, the region continues to be vulnerable to some Ukrainian attacks – which currently hampers the progress of infrastructure works.

However, with the end of the conflict – which locals believe to be close – expectations are for improvements and economic development. In conversation with the head of the Lugansk Trade Union Federation, Igor Ribushkin, I heard from him that heavy investments are expected in the metallurgical sector, as this will boost heavy industry and enable the resumption of activities in key points of the local economy, such as mining and agriculture.

In the end, Donbass’ people are unanimous in saying that they are living better now than before Russian military actions. Knowing the reality on the ground and the way the inhabitants of Donbass see Russia, it is possible to categorically say that Russia’s high approval rating in the referendums is no surprise. The absolute majority of the local population really wants to live in Russia, so using the voting numbers to allege electoral fraud is mere unsubstantiated propaganda on the part of the Western mainstream media.

Locals are feeling safer and are starting to think optimistically about the future – which was impossible before, when they were hostages to the Kiev regime. For them, adapting to the new legal reality of the regions is not an “issue”. They have always identified themselves as Russians and are now formally citizens of the Russian Federation. It is a natural process with no major impacts, but positive changes in the people’s living conditions.

https://strategic-culture.su/news/2023/12/31/reintegration-is-a-natural-process-for-donbass-people-field-report/

 

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NO NATO IN "UKRAINE" (WHAT'S LEFT OF IT)

THE DONBASS REPUBLICS ARE NOW BACK IN THE RUSSIAN FOLD — AS THEY USED TO BE PRIOR 1922. THE RUSSIANS WON'T ABANDON THESE AGAIN.

CRIMEA IS RUSSIAN — AS IT USED TO BE PRIOR 1954

A MEMORANDUM OF NON-AGGRESSION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE USA.

 

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Russian troops have provided Sputnik with footage of fighters from a Ukrainian blocking detachment shooting their own comrades in the back during a Russian advance. Sputnik asked former CIA analyst Larry Johnson why Ukraine’s military might be resorting to such a desperate tactic.

In the Western popular imagination, blocking units, also known as ‘blocking detachments’ or ‘anti-retreat forces’, are probably best remembered from their use in the 2001 Hollywood film ‘Enemy at the Gates’, which depicted untrained, unarmed Red Army soldiers being forced to run toward fortified Nazi German positions in Stalingrad, and getting mowed down ruthlessly by NKVD officers after trying to retreat back to their own lines.

The fictional portrayal of such unimaginable cruelty by the army which played the decisive role in liberating Europe from the Nazis was intensely criticized by Russians, and slammed by veterans and others as an unabashed piece of Hollywood propaganda which ‘spit into vets’ souls’.

Twenty years after the film's release, after the Donbass crisis deteriorated into a full-scale NATO-Russia proxy war in Ukraine, Russian media began accusing Ukrainian military of using blocking units in real life to ‘motivate’ troops not to retreat, and collecting evidence, including PoW testimony and video, to prove it.

Drone footage published by Sputnik on Sunday showed Ukrainian forces using a blocking detachment to prevent mobilized troops from retreating during a Russian assault. The footage, provided to the news agency by a source familiar with the situation, showed Russian forces assaulting a Ukrainian stronghold, entering a trench, after which Ukrainian soldiers could be seen running out the other side toward positions in the rear, only to be shot at and have grenades thrown at them by their own comrades.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240101/ukraine-using-blocking-units-after-deploying-too-many-untrained-soldiers-to-frontlines-1115935872.html

 

 

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NO NATO IN "UKRAINE" (WHAT'S LEFT OF IT)

THE DONBASS REPUBLICS ARE NOW BACK IN THE RUSSIAN FOLD — AS THEY USED TO BE PRIOR 1922. THE RUSSIANS WON'T ABANDON THESE AGAIN.

CRIMEA IS RUSSIAN — AS IT USED TO BE PRIOR 1954

A MEMORANDUM OF NON-AGGRESSION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE USA.

 

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THE WEST KNOWS IT.

 

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Kiev has the right to defend itself against Moscow, EU spokesman on foreign affairs Peter Stano has told TASS. The Russian news agency contacted Stano for a comment on recent attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod which resulted in over two dozen civilian casualties.

The official largely evaded the agency’s question about the bloc’s stance on the Belgorod attacks; Kiev reportedly used weaponry supplied and paid for under the so-called European Peace Facility, a war chest fund used almost exclusively to bankroll the Ukrainian conflict.

“In general, Ukraine has the legal right to defend itself from… aggression,” Stano told TASS on Wednesday.

“Regarding the specific incident in Belgorod, no information that comes from Russia can be considered trustworthy,” the spokesman added, accusing Moscow of “constant lies, manipulation and propaganda.”

The remarks provoked a sarcastic reaction from Stano’s Russian counterpart, Maria Zakharova, who suggested that the official’s take on the Belgorod attacks was actually a perfect illustration of the so-called “rules-based world order” propagated by the West.

Western countries have legalized lawlessness and come up with a name for it – the ‘rules-based world order,’” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told TASS when reached for comment about Stano’s take on Belgorod.

Belgorod Region, like other Russian federal subjects bordering Ukraine, has repeatedly been subject to drone, missile, and artillery attacks amid the ongoing conflict. The strikes have repeatedly inflicted material damage and caused civilian casualties in the affected regions.

The attacks on the border regions have intensified in recent days, with the deadliest one occurring last Saturday, when the city of Belgorod was hit by heavy multiple rocket launchers. The attack caused widespread destruction across the city; multiple public facilities and residential buildings were damaged. The strikes claimed the lives of at least 25 civilians, including five children, while more than 100 were wounded, according to local authorities.

Ukrainian forces have continued their efforts to strike the city over the past few days, with the Russian troops intercepting multiple incoming projectiles. Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian military said it had shot down multiple Tochka-U tactical ballistic missiles and Olkha rockets heading for the region.

https://www.rt.com/russia/590070-eu-ukraine-belgorod-attacks/

 

 

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MAKE A DEAL PRONTO BEFORE THE SHIT HITS THE FAN:

 

 

NO NATO IN "UKRAINE" (WHAT'S LEFT OF IT)

THE DONBASS REPUBLICS ARE NOW BACK IN THE RUSSIAN FOLD — AS THEY USED TO BE PRIOR 1922. THE RUSSIANS WON'T ABANDON THESE AGAIN.

CRIMEA IS RUSSIAN — AS IT USED TO BE PRIOR 1954

A MEMORANDUM OF NON-AGGRESSION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE USA.

 

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THE WEST KNOWS IT.

 

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Nabiullina vs the West: Russia's trailblazing sanctions slayer prepares for new challenges in 2024

 

As she embarks on her second decade as head of the Central Bank, the pioneering official must steer her country’s finance’s though a maze of threats 

Russian Market is a project by a financial blogger, Swiss journalist and political commentator based in Zurich. 

Elvira Nabiullina’s ten-year stewardship at the forefront of the Bank of Russia, marked by fiscal mastery and trailblazing leadership, showcases a narrative of exceptional achievement against the backdrop of societal shifts and global economic challenges. Nabiullina’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the firate woman to steer the economic course of a then G8 country underscores her mettle and intellectual prowess, exemplifying the significance of equal opportunities in a landscape defined by traditional gender roles.

Maintaining a low profile yet earning the accolade of Russia’s ‘leader of distinction,’ Nabiullina’s transparent and disciplined leadership style, complemented by an unparalleled work ethic, has solidified her position as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and resilience. Her impact on the financial landscape resonates not only as a testament to her adept economic stewardship but also as a pioneering force toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Nabiullina’s tenure has been characterized by deft maneuvers, particularly during challenging times when her hawkish monetary policies stabilized the economy and garnered international acclaim, including the prestigious title of central bank governor of the year. As the West intensifies efforts to isolate Russia financially, Nabiullina stands as the linchpin, navigating the economy through unprecedented sanctions.

However, despite commendable fiscal strategies, the recent International Monetary Fund prediction of a 2.2 percent growth in Russia’s economy, a substantial increase from the initial 0.7 percent forecast, prompts scrutiny.

Entering a new year, Nabiullina faces mounting challenges – tightening sanctions, potential brain drain, volatile commodities markets, a weakened ruble, and spiraling inflation. This critical juncture prompts the question: Will she persist as Moscow’s steadfast economic steward, ensuring the Kremlin’s financial resilience, or will internal dissent and external pressures necessitate a change in course?

In a recent interview with RBK, Nabiullina acknowledged the hurdles ahead, underscoring the need for preparedness amidst potential escalations in Western sanctions. The freeze and blockage of central bank reserves and Russian investors’ assets were deemed painful measures, with Nabiullina not ruling out the possibility of further sanctions against Moscow.

Furthermore, Nabiullina revealed that the Russian central bank will require two to three months or more to ensure a steady decline in inflation before making decisions on interest rate cuts, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive analysis of indicators characterizing sustainable inflation declines. Admitting that the central bank might have initiated monetary policy tightening earlier than July, Nabiullina stressed the uncertainty surrounding the timing of rate cuts, urging a cautious approach and considering a broad spectrum of indicators indicative of inflation stability.

In her role as a torchbearer for gender equality, Elvira Nabiullina aligns with her counterparts, Christine Lagarde and Janet Yellen. Her decade-long leadership has not only demonstrated fiscal mastery but has also championed inclusivity in the financial realm, actively addressing gender disparities in the global economic landscape. Nabiullina’s commitment to gender diversity extends beyond fairness, recognizing its indispensable role in fostering sustainable economic growth. Her leadership is a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to excel in central banking and finance, contributing to the broader narrative of achieving gender equality in influential economic positions.

As we reflect on Nabiullina’s decade-long stewardship, the upcoming year promises to be a pivotal chapter in her legacy. Will she continue to navigate economic challenges with the finesse that earned her international recognition? Only time will tell, but one thing remains certain – Elvira Nabiullina’s journey is far from over, and the world will be watching closely.

https://www.rt.com/business/589774-elvira-nabiullina-russia-central-bank/

 

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