Role of Russia

[Siberia]

Thanks Siberia for the presscon recap and your take on current events in Russia.

This economist, Peter Koenig, thinks that letting the ruble plummet is part of the plan

I agree that the devaluation might be part of the plan. And that it might be tied-in with the fairly recent (this month) announcement from Putin about money repatriation.
_http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-12-04/putin-offers-full-amnesty-money-repatriation-threatens-crackdown-against-fx-speculat

Or maybe I have it the other way around? That the sudden ruble devaluation is the (West's) response to Putin's call to money repatriation?

Thanks for your comment Michael Martin. I think this ruble devaluation is largely an attempt by the Wall Street wolves to prevent Russia from restoring its sovereignty to the full extent. At the same time, Putin also has some strong cards to play in response: like making friends instead of waging wars, for one example. :)

My take is that the devaluation would primarily affect imports but should have little to no effect on domestically produced items. And Russia has been moving in that direction already with the banning of agricultural imports from the EU.

Russia and China already have trade agreements with direct Ruble to Yuan conversions. The only thing left would be to sever reference to the USD entirely (i.e. Ruble to Yuan conversions would have a different forex table, one that does not include the USD).

Yes, this is a very good chance for domestic producers to strengthen their market position and make us more independent from imports. By the way, despite crazy weather, Russia's managed to harvest record amount of grain this year.

Also, you are right about ruble/yuan trade: Russia already trades with China in national currencies, as well as with some other countries. Besides, Russia sells her energy resources for physical gold.

Some musings on ZH and other economics-related sites suggest that if Russia is selling its gold to "defend the Ruble" that rumor
_http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-12-18/russia-has-begun-selling-its-gold-according-socgen
could be:
- a fabrication by the West main stream media
- could be true but Russia is selling to China
We'll only find out the real story in the coming months.

I've also heard this rumor, but it sounds unlikely, imo. We'll see soon, if it's true or not. The Government indeed applied additional measures these days, including selling out excessive forex reserves by the Ministry of Finance, which strengthened back the ruble up to Monday's (before the fall) levels. But those were forex reserves, not gold.

When Russia deems that her currency has reached rock-bottom, she will buy back cheap rubles in the market with massive amounts of dollars. Russia may then flood the western market – with dollars, and by now we know what that does to a currency – and simultaneously buy back rubles from the West. A brilliant move to reestablish Russia’s currency in a new emerging monetary system – which Europe would be welcome to join, but willingly, no by Washington style arm-twisting.

Is this another precursor to war? A nuclear confrontation or Cold War II? – Precursor to a false flag attempting Moscow to fall into the trap? - Not necessarily. Russia is playing a clever chess game, diplomacy at its best. Instead of sabre rattling – Russia is coin rattling. It might lead to a western financial fiasco early in 2015 for the dollar and euro denominated economies. And the winner is…

Will we have another Cassiopaea hit with "April drop dead date"? One could only hope.

Yes, it seems that the nearest months will be most interesting: some major global shift seems to be in the air. Speaking of Russian economy, some serious changes are coming already as soon as January 1, 2015:

1) Eurasian Economic Union to come into effect allowing better trade conditions for its member states: Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia.

2) Russia to launch its fully independent domestic processing of plastic cards, which means that Visa and Mastercard will no longer be physically capable of switching off their service in Russia.

This could be one of the reasons why the White House ilk is so much in a hurry right now with their false-flag and/or war preparations, because time is running dry for them. Russia becomes more and more independent of their influence and they are hysterically trying to undermine Russian economy and wage war between Russia and Europe asap, otherwise their global dominance may quickly turn into complete collapse of their own making. April drop dead date may come even sooner than April, it seems.

 

[lostinself]

Evgeny Fedorov talking a bit on how the Russian Central Bank works in accordance with Western globalists in order to quash the economy and make the people go on the streets in a Maidan-like event.

If too long, you can skip the first half.

https://youtu.be/VT085isnyB0

 

[Siberia]

Evgeny Fedorov talking a bit on how the Russian Central Bank works in accordance with Western globalists in order to quash the economy and make the people go on the streets in a Maidan-like event.

This is an interesting talk and Evgeny Fedorov makes good points. There are many other similar speeches and discussions like, for example, the recent IV Russian Forum of Small and Medium Business: Russia. New Strategy. The materials are in Russian, but they basically follow similar line as Evgeny Fedorov above. The speakers are: Sergey Glaziev, Michail Khazin, Michail Delyagin, Anatoly Wasserman and others.

Economically speaking, they are mostly right. But in the geopolitical realm, as well as in our internal political environment, we are not yet ready for such radical solution as sending Omon to seize the Central Bank and all that it entails. This is a measure of last resort, and Putin will avoid it for as long as possible, most likely. Such solution first of all means the changes to the Constitution of the Russian Federation (in order to subdue the Central Bank). One can try to imagine how the people will react, if the President decides to unilaterally change the Principal Law of Russia: this is a risky step even for a highly supported leader, who is actually the guarantor of the Constitution. So, Putin will probably try to play with the current state of affairs for as long as possible, trying to mitigate its impacts, until he feels the overwhelming need for such major changes.

But internal political risks are only part of the puzzle, and probably the lesser part. As soon as the Central Bank loses its power, and Putin and the Government take full control of it, "our Western partners" will, for one example, immediately switch off Visa and Mastercard services in Russia: such rumors were circulating all this week, until Visa and MC have finally denied such plans (the new Obama's sanctions only hurt Crimea this time). Until we have our own autonomous card processing, this is a risky business to go and seize the Central Bank. Switching off payment system even in part may completely paralyze Russian economy. Autonomous processing is on its way in Russia, but it will take about a month or two to become fully operating. The launch date is January 1, 2015. Until then, no Omon against the Central Bank, please.

Evgeny Fedorov is right about the fifth column's plans, they shouldn't be underestimated. The Saker also is having a "gut feeling" about them and about the current economic situation. This threat is real, it certainly exists: fifth column is a small part of Russian society, but it is well-paid and organized by their Western sponsors, especially in Moscow. And what is even worse, is that it is partly incorporated into the government structure and controls a number of media sources. But as both The Saker and Evgeny Fedorov admit, this threat is not imminent yet, the people's support of Putin is still strong. What is imminent is to save Donbass now: today Minsk peace talks have been cancelled again. If Russia avoids Kiev's provocations, we will handle our financial market problems, because they are not fundamental, they are purely speculative. If not, then Putin will have no other choice but to show the columnists who is the master of taiga and judo. fwiw

 

[angelburst29]

Even with problems with the Ruble, Russia continues to send Humanitarian Aid to the Ukraine.


Lugansk – Humanitarian Aid Arrives from Russia

Graham Phillips talks to people queuing for badly needed food rations in Pervomaisk, Lugansk Oblast.

_http://wakeupfromyourslumber.com/lugansk-humanitarian-aid-arrives-from-russia/

 

[anothermagyar]

Very interesting recent interview with Mikhail Gorbachev, made by Sophie Shevardnadze, RT.
Enjoy.

http://rt.com/shows/sophieco/215851-gorbachev-us-ukraine-war/

 

[SeekinTruth]

It's been one heck of a year, with lots of ups and downs. But if Russia continues its careful, responsible path, along with the all-important strategic alliance with China that has developed this year to a great degree, the tectonic shifts in the geopolitical landscape will spell the death knell for the Anglo-American-Zionist Empire. Currently, Russia can't be defeated militarily, especially with the strategic Chinese alliance. As time passes they will also become more and more invulnerable economically and financially (able to weather the Empire's attacks). So far, they've taken advantage of every mistake made by the Empire, and turned it into an opportunity to make possible a more stable environment in the future in contrast to the upheavals caused by the Empire of Chaos.

 

[Siberia]

It's been one heck of a year, with lots of ups and downs. But if Russia continues its careful, responsible path, along with the all-important strategic alliance with China that has developed this year to a great degree, the tectonic shifts in the geopolitical landscape will spell the death knell for the Anglo-American-Zionist Empire. Currently, Russia can't be defeated militarily, especially with the strategic Chinese alliance. As time passes they will also become more and more invulnerable economically and financially (able to weather the Empire's attacks). So far, they've taken advantage of every mistake made by the Empire, and turned it into an opportunity to make possible a more stable environment in the future in contrast to the upheavals caused by the Empire of Chaos.

I agree, the partnership with China is a good chance to heal global international relations. Despite the fact that China is the leading world economy, they are not warmongering or blatantly meddling other nations' affairs. They offer mutually beneficial partnership, stability, growth and development instead. If China continues supporting Russia in this resistance, there could be a good chance to change these pathological tendencies that the Empire is exporting around the globe.

The East is gradually uniting: Turkey refused to serve the Empire's interests, the BRICS countries are strengthening their ties, the new Eurasian Economic Union is emerging in the post-Soviet space.

And even Europe also seems to start slowly waking up: more and more countries openly demand lifting the sanctions. The real break-through could be the long delayed Minsk talks: Lukashenko and Nazarbayev, during their personal meetings with Poroshenko, urged him to hold these negotiations asap. Merkel and Hollande also asked him to speed up with Minsk meeting today.

 

[Siberia]

Just wanted to mention it, because it's worth it, imo.

Remember three weeks ago the Islamist terrorists attacked Grozny? Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of Chechnya, then promised to deal with the terrorists appropriately and restore the Press House within 20 days. This is how it looked after the attack:

And within 20 days, working 24/7, the people of Chechnya completely restored and opened their Press House again:

At the same time, the houses of those terrorists were burnt to ashes, the relatives of the terrorists fled from the country. Western-backed NGO's started shouting "how dare those barbarians burn the houses of innocent people?" Innocent? The terrorists killed 14 policemen and injured 36 more. Their relatives knew everything and supported them. You decide whether they deserved such attitude or not. The people of Chechnya have made their choice already.

And, by the way, where were those NGOs and their overseas patrons when the tragedy happened? Have you heard at least a single condemnation of this terrorist attack in the Western media or from the Western authorities? Or they only condemn those who fight terrorists?

But what impressed me the most of all in this story is Ramzan Kadyrov's interview:

"Today's 'rebels' are lost, they are sick. They can not be cured, they can only be eliminated."

A couple of days ago Ramzan Kadyrov congratulated the famous Russian biker Alexander (the Surgeon) Zaldostanov with joining Obama's sanction list:

Sasha, please let me sincerely congratulate you with this absolutely wonderful news!

:P

Kadyrov said that the Surgeon is a true patriot:

I was constantly wondering why Obama was not sanctioning him? What was he waiting for?

The new Obama's list includes, among others, Natalia Poklonskaya (Prosecutor of Crimea), Alexander Zakharchenko, Oleg Tsarev, Igor Bezler. Seems like Obama's sanctions are becoming a privilege. ;)

 

[Voyageur]

[...]
But what impressed me the most of all in this story is Ramzan Kadyrov's interview:

"Today's 'rebels' are lost, they are sick. They can not be cured, they can only be eliminated."

Further, this was just translated (video) from Ramsan's stadium speech featured on the Saker: _http://vineyardsaker.blogspot.ch/2014/12/ramzan-kadyrov-offers-putin-his-own.html

{snip}

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Ramzan Kadyrov offers Putin his own *personal* volunteer Chechen special force

Amazing video, thanks so much to all those who translated it in less then 24 hours!! The video begins by showing the Chechen special forces equipped with Russian military and police special forces uniform. Notice that the average age seems to be in the 30s. You can tell that these are hard core, experienced fighters. Will Putin actually use them and, if yes, how so? It is hard to tell. Probably not officially, but is obvious to me that these are ideal forces to send anywhere were "plausible deniability" is needed or to operate in a Muslim society (Lebanon? Xinjiang? Syria?). What is certain is that they are already present in Novorussia.
[...]

Video: _https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Irj_4IVLBP8

 

[SeekinTruth]

The story of how Putin turned Chechnya into such a loyal ally full of gratitude is among the astounding achievements of this remarkable man. The Chechen people and their fighters will make the Russian Federation proud.

 

[Keit]

The story of how Putin turned Chechnya into such a loyal ally full of gratitude is among the astounding achievements of this remarkable man. The Chechen people and their fighters will make the Russian Federation proud.

Yes, I think it's a great example of Putin's strategy and his ability to turn an obstacle into advantage, and a potential problem into an ally or even a friend. And he did it thanks to his understanding of Chechen's mentality and their leaders. It's also an example of his "non interference" policy. I am sure that Kadyrov isn't a saint, and there was a talk back then that he was no more than a Kremlin puppet. But as with everything, actions speak lower than words. And when Iraq is in ruins and devastated, including other countries that were "blessed" with American "democracy" and installation of puppet governments, Chechnya on the other hand is thriving. So all their arguments and claims become rather useless.

 

[Lumiere_du_Code]

Design a new uniform of Russian Post:

 

[Keit]

Design a new uniform of Russian Post:

As expected, there are already some that compare the uniforms to the Nazi or Gestapo ones. By the way, they were mouse-grey, not black or dark blue. They were wearing black uniforms only until 1935. Russians do this common mistake because of the Seventeen Moments of Spring iconic mini-series, where actors were wearing black uniforms for more pronounced effect. Btw, highly recommend the mini-series.

 

[angelburst29]

Just personal opinion but I think the new Officers Uniforms look smart and dignified. Gosh, they even thought of accenting the tie.

Putin is still using his "Pen."

Russian President Putin Signs GMO Labeling Liability Law
_http://sustainablepulse.com/2015/01/03/russian-president-putin-signs-gmo-labeling-liability-law/#.VLVoOunwuij

Sat. Jan 3, 2015 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the Russian Federation Code of Administrative Offences into law, including a new article establishing liability for the violation of mandatory requirements for the labeling of food products that contain GMOs.

Putin signed the new bill on the last day of 2014 TASS news agency reported.

The bill which was submitted by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) imposes fines for vague or unclear labeling on food products containing genetically modified ingredients.

According to the bill, individual entrepreneurs could be fined up to 50,000 rubles ($890), and the products will be confiscated. Business entities face a fine of up to 150,000 rubles (over $5,300).

President Putin said in 2014 that Russia must protect its citizens from overconsumption of products containing genetically modified organisms. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev followed this with a statement that Russia has no intention to import GMOs, however there are still large quantities of GMO foods being imported in to Russia.

Russian Minister of Agriculture Nikolai Fyodorov believes that Russia must remain a GMO-free country. At a meeting of deputies representing rural areas organized by United Russia, he said that the government will not “poison their citizens.”

In February, a group of senators from Russia’s Federation Council introduced a bill seeking to prohibit the distribution and import of products containing GMOs in Russia.

According to the explanatory note attached to the bill, only 18 lines of GMOs are officially allowed in Russia at the moment. This is a far lower number than in other countries, as the Russian farming industry has long maintained extensive restrictions on the use of technology related to GMOs. The senators say that because of its WTO membership, Russian markets could import numerous genetically modified products from other countries, thereby destabilizing the situation.

 

[Niall]

angelburst29, just an FYI that you can blockquote text you paste from elsewhere in your posts. This helps others to distinguish your comments from other text. Just highlight the text, then click on the 'Insert Quote' text bubble icon in the menu.

Also, deactivating links is only recommended for known disinfo sites (rense.com, etc) or mainstream articles that are propaganda pieces but which contain something you want to make reference to.