Russia - General Discussion.

[ngatimozart]

@Ananda you are reading things into my post that simply was not there... I will leave it at that.

@Ananda has a non western and Indonesian POV that is as valid as yours or mine. Don't shoot the messenger because they say something that you, I, or others don't like. The west per se has done many things that doesn't endear them to non western nations, such as colonialism etc. There is a concept called Orientalism where it is claimed that the west (i.e., Europeans & Anglo-Saxon North Americans) forces non Europeans & Anglo-Saxon North Americans to conform to their imagery of them. Edward Said is the author of this concept and he has valid arguments for it.

FYI my own people were subjected to western (British) colonialism and although it bought some benefits, it bought many negatives. I am Māori and Irish Catholic with both sides of my heritage not having very favourable impressions of the British.

 

[Ananda]

One thing that could possibly happen is that the PRC funnels ammo to Russia via NK.

Personally I doubt this is what PRC will do. More plausible they will help DPRK with materials to increase the ammo production. Whether DPRK then use the ammo to sell to Russia, is not direct responsibility of PRC. PRC can claim they are helping DPRK to increase their arm against ROK build up.

 

[Redshift]

I'm calling that only to one, and not everyone so far in my history in this forums. I reply that because you say everytime. That's accusation that I need to clarify.

You say it often, very often reread some of your posts, you use it to denigrate the opinions of others from news agencies to governments to individuals, it is a constant theme in many of your posts.

I never see "eastern bias", "African bias" , "China bias", ""India bias", "global south bias ".

There is an overall impression from your posts that "the west" speaks as one and is some unified entity ,(it really isn't) ,which is incapable of ever understanding it's place in the world.

This isn't an accusation it is an observation, go have a look at the way that you frame reports or opinions from "the west", compared to those from other parts of the world.

 

[Ananda]

You say it often, very often reread some of your posts, you use it to denigrate the opinions of others from news agencies to governments to individuals, it is a constant theme in many of your posts.

You first "observe" me of calling everyone that I'm not agree with as Western Bias. I say I only frame Western bias to one person so far. Now you say I denigrate other opinions, especially from Western perspectives?

So for non Western opinion that don't agree with Western standing now going to be said as denigrate Western ones? While Western opinion that saying those who doesn't goes with West as corrupt ones is Ok?

There are those in West that put their opinion on different perspective then what those in mainstream media, especially related to Western politics. Those opinion somehow at present situation got support from those non west (especially in global south).

However it is alright for some in the West saying those opinions are propagandist and losing credibility? So it is alright then to denigrate the opinions from those that not in line with mainstream Western media and politics as liars?

I put this some time ago in this thread, every one had their own bias. Every media increasingly put their own agenda. Seems the day of respected mainstream media are fading away, change to politics agenda. Thus sorry to not agree with everything that Western media says, especially in this war. Sorry if I only put most Western mainstream media on this war only slightly higher in credibility then those from Russia-China (which off course full of propagandist).

I also say the Western media that I tend to agree and believe is those market specialise media. Thus I put it as my reverence from time to time. Like I said Market is wise, Politics is sucs. So I'm supporting Western Market but not Western Politics.

Add:
Market is different with Nation to Nation trade.

 

[Capt. Ironpants]

I happen to appreciate your posts, @Ananda, and especially appreciate your sharing your expertise on economics and things financial.

One of the things I treasure about this forum is getting views from all over the world, including your part of the world.

I'm here mostly to learn, and I have learned much from those here. I often have questions in my mind about some military tactic or bit of equipment. I don't want to bug the fine military experts here with my dumb civvie questions, although the few times I have asked, those here have graciously shared their knowledge with me. The time @Feanor kindly took the trouble to explain tanks on trains to me comes to mind, although his post got me all curious and sent me off on an internet chase for over an hour (!) looking up Russian vehicles I had seen older versions of in real life, but not the newer ones.

I have usually found the answer here without having to ask if I am patient enough to wait. Not always, but almost always.

I really enjoy @ngatimozart 's sense of humor, which reminds me so much of a Maori officer buddy of mine who was like a brother to me.

I write this not to stick up for you -- you do a perfectly capable job of sticking up for yourself. I simply want to make it known that I value your voice here, and that perhaps there are more like me who appreciate a diversity of views and insights, but, perhaps, like me, do more reading than writing. This is one of the main reasons I keep reading and learning here.

 

[KipPotapych]

Surovikin has apparently made an appearance. His future remains unclear, and we have no info as to what his actual status is.

Появился Суровикин

Появилось свежее фото генерала Суровикина. Судя по всему первое в публичном поле после известных событий 23-24 июня. По-прежнему нет полной ясности относительно его дальнейшей деятельности.

colonelcassad.livejournal.com

Генерал Суровикин возглавил координационный комитет СНГ по вопросам ПВО: EADaily

EADaily, 10 сентября 2023. Бывший командующий Объединённой группировкой войск в зоне СВО Сергей Суровикин избран председателем координационного комитета СНГ по вопросам противо-воздушной обороны.

eadaily.com

Via google translate:

Former commander of the Joint Group of Forces in the SVO zone Sergei Surovikin was elected Chairman of the CIS Coordinating Committee on Air Defense.

The personnel appointment is reported by the Council of Defense Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States. It is specified that all representatives of the council voted for his candidacy.[…]

Earlier, the head of the Presidium of "Officers of Russia" Sergei Lipovoi told journalists that Surovikin was at the disposal of the Russian Defense Ministry, "as long as his new position and place of service are being coordinated with the presidential administration".

I guess this is the end of this chapter.

 

[Vivendi]

Russian general Mordvichev confirms in an interview what the long-term aim of Russia really is:

"Ukraine is only a stepping stone?" the interviewer then asked.

"Yes, absolutely. It is only the beginning," Mordvichev responded, who went on to say that the war "will not stop here."

Russian General Admits Ukraine Just a 'Stepping Stone' to Invade Europe (newsweek.com)

Poland and the Baltics are absolutely doing the right thing with strengthening their defenses. Russia will remain a real threat to those countries for quite some time it seems.

Sweden is also strengthening the defenses, reaching the NATO target of 2% already next year:

In remarks clearly referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the MoD said Sweden is “facing the most serious security situation since the end of the Second World War. This requires defense forces that are ready to protect Swedish territory.

Sweden aims to boost military spending by nearly 30%, hitting NATO spending target - Breaking Defense

Well done Sweden and Poland!

 

[ngatimozart]

Russian general Mordvichev confirms in an interview what the long-term aim of Russia really is:

Russian General Admits Ukraine Just a 'Stepping Stone' to Invade Europe (newsweek.com)

I think that is quite alarmist, I would argue disinformation on the part of the author / publisher, and I doubt the veracity of such a claim. Putin must realise that attacking a NATO member will result in the total destruction of the Russian state and untold millions of Russian dead because it will bring Russia in direct conflict with three nuclear armed nations; to whit USA, UK, and France. Putin's Russia doesn't have the capabilities for such an adventure unless he is prepared to commit unrestricted nuclear warfare. Putin maybe many things, but insane isn't one of them.

 

[swerve]

Poland and the Baltics are absolutely doing the right thing with strengthening their defenses. Russia will remain a real threat to those countries for quite some time it seems.

Sweden is also strengthening the defenses, reaching the NATO target of 2% already next year:

Sweden aims to boost military spending by nearly 30%, hitting NATO spending target - Breaking Defense

Well done Sweden and Poland!

I'd like to know how the Swedes plan to spend the extra money, but that should be discussed elsewhere, not under Russia.

 

[Vivendi]

I think that is quite alarmist, I would argue disinformation on the part of the author / publisher, and I doubt the veracity of such a claim. Putin must realise that attacking a NATO member will result in the total destruction of the Russian state and untold millions of Russian dead because it will bring Russia in direct conflict with three nuclear armed nations; to whit USA, UK, and France. Putin's Russia doesn't have the capabilities for such an adventure unless he is prepared to commit unrestricted nuclear warfare. Putin maybe many things, but insane isn't one of them.

Yes it sounded alarmist, however it also depends how it's interpreted. I interpret it as being a long-term aim, not something they plan to do in the short or medium term. It is also in line with several statements made on Russian state television, they have been saying for some time now that the aim is to conquer much more than just Ukraine. It sounds very unrealistic currently, however, things may change, for instance: imagine a future US president that is anti-NATO, "anti-Europe" and succeeds in pulling the US out of NATO, and also stops all support to Ukraine. This could in the first instance force Ukraine to negotiate an agreement and end the war, which would then allow Russia to rebuild and rearm. After rearming they would be ready for new aggressions against e.g. the Baltics. Would the European countries be willing and able to fight off Russia on their own with no support from the US, or would they be willing to "sacrifice" some countries, as was done in the early phase of WW2?

It's clear that Russia is still hard at work to weaken European and US/CAN democracies, spread disinformation, and weaken NATO. Putin's wet dream is that NATO is dissolved, or the US leaving the organization.

Also China would probably find the idea of a NATO without the US very intriguing, it would strongly reduce the risk of NATO becoming involved in a US-China war for instance.

Today it seems highly unlikely that the US would leave NATO. However, we have seen a lot of unlikely events happening the last few years.

 

[Feanor]

Surovikin has shown up in Algeria. So... he's out of disfavor? Maybe not. He's not dressed the same as the MOD officers surrounding him, while his clothing looks military-style, it's not an actual uniform. He's also not wearing any rank,and he's still unshaven. To be honest he looks more like Prigozhin then a Russian general in these photos. This may or may not be strategic.

Суровикин в Алжире

Арестованный, посаженный и расстрелянный из зенитки Суровикин в Алжире. Вмести с ним отмечаются и другие представители министерства обороны.

colonelcassad.livejournal.com

Рыбарь

В Сети опубликовали фото Сергея Суровикина в составе российской военной делегации в Алжире. После его пропажи из инфополя СМИ строили самые разные предположения о судьбе экс-главкома ВКС, однако нынешние кадры свидетельствуют, что генерал жив и исполняет обязанности. С одной стороны, отправка...

t.me

 

[Feanor]

It appears the fighting on the Black Sea is having it's effect. Russian oil exports via that route have slowed drastically.

Russia’s Seaborne Crude Flows Drop to the Lowest Since January

Shipments fall by more than 1 million barrels a day from their mid-May peak

www.bloomberg.com

Moscow calling

Экспорт российской нефти по Черному морю практически прекратился Это произошло после атаки украинских морских дронов 4 августа на Новороссийск. За прошедшую неделю из крупнейшего черноморского порта РФ вышел лишь один танкер, а объемы экспорта рухнули до 100 тысяч баррелей в день, сообщает...

t.me

Vladimir Richlein, proprietor of RED Aircraft, a company that produces aircraft engines in Austria, got 5 years for supplying material to Russia in defiance of sanctions. He has a working relationship with the UZGA factory in Russia, and his engines are also used on the Yak-152 trainers.

Основатель компании RED Aircraft осужден в Германии за поставки своих двигателей в Россию

Как сообщили германские СМИ, окружной суд Кобленца в Германии 30 августа 2023 года приговорил к пяти годам тюремного заключения основателя и бывшего владельца немецкой компании RED Aircraft Владимира Райхлина за незаконный экспорт в Россию с 2015 по 2021 годы для военного применения в обход…

bmpd.livejournal.com

Russia is working on a domesticated SSJ-100 project, with the first prototype flying recently, albeit with still old engines. The new PD-8 is planned for testing later this year. While much criticism has been leveled at the SSJ program, it is the only successful passenger airliner produced in the former Soviet Union states post-'91. It, and likely some Tu-204 variation, are likely to be the future of Russian airtravel for quite some time to come.

Совершил первый полёт импортозамещённый самолёт SJ-100

Как сообщило АО Объединённая авиастроительная корпорация (ОАК), 29 августа 2023 года первый опытный образец импортозамещенного российского ближнемагистрального самолета SJ-100 (SSJ-NEW), изготовленный Производственным центром ПАО Яковлев (входит в ОАК…

bmpd.livejournal.com

 

[KipPotapych]

China is calling for closer ties with Russia in regards to trade. Seems to be mostly resource and ag oriented, but there is likely more going through that border the other way than we know, in my opinion.

China urges deeper trade ties with Russia despite Western rebuke

With the war in Ukraine well in its second year and Russia under Western sanctions, Moscow has leaned on its ally Beijing for economic support, feeding on Chinese demand for oil and gas as well as grain.

www.reuters.com

 

[Arji]

Maybe, slightly off topic. But, as a citizen of third world neutral country, to me this whole debacle is the most hilarious thing that happened this week. It goes to show that learning a bit of history goes a long way, else you'll risk reinforcing your enemy's propaganda. How they can't deduce that the only one fighting the Soviet was either Japan or the German, and therefore have the possibility of being a Nazi, I have no idea.

House Speaker apologizes for honouring Ukrainian who fought in Nazi unit in WW II - cbc.ca

 

[John Fedup]

Maybe, slightly off topic. But, as a citizen of third world neutral country, to me this whole debacle is the most hilarious thing that happened this week. It goes to show that learning a bit of history goes a long way, else you'll risk reinforcing your enemy's propaganda. How they can't deduce that the only one fighting the Soviet was either Japan or the German, and therefore have the possibility of being a Nazi, I have no idea.

House Speaker apologizes for honouring Ukrainian who fought in Nazi unit in WW II - cbc.ca

Just a typical day for our incompetent pollies. Red flag number one, a 90 plus year old Ukrainian war veteran, a possibility he may have been on the wrong side.

 

[Feanor]

Just a typical day for our incompetent pollies. Red flag number one, a 90 plus year old Ukrainian war veteran, a possibility he may have been on the wrong side.

I'm surprised they apologized. The Baltics have SS veteran parades openly.... when I saw news about this, I honestly assumed Canada did this knowingly.

 

[John Fedup]

I'm surprised they apologized. The Baltics have SS veteran parades openly.... when I saw news about this, I honestly assumed Canada did this knowingly.

The Speaker of Parliament was the person who invited this veteran to attend. He was a constituent in the Speaker’s electoral riding. Calls for Rota to resign are being demanded by other MPs despite his personal apology.

 

[KipPotapych]

Common sense prevailed. What an embarassing moment.

Canada's House speaker resigns over inviting a man who fought for a Nazi unit to Parliament

Anthony Rota, the speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, is resigning for inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president.

apnews.com

 

[John Fedup]

Common sense prevailed. What an embarassing moment.

Canada's House speaker resigns over inviting a man who fought for a Nazi unit to Parliament

Anthony Rota, the speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, is resigning for inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president.

apnews.com

Only as Speaker as I believe he will retain his seat in Parliament. Junior can’t afford to loose MPs. Rota likely won’t get re-elected in the next election assuming he runs again. Guess he should have hired smarter staff.

 

[KipPotapych]

Agree on all points.

What a circus though. I was catching myself falling out of the chair while they were all clapping. You would think someone would clue in, especially Rota himself as he read “fought against the Russians” and “Canadian hero”. Not sure if it could be any more dumb, lol.

Maybe a good thing it happened though. Like Feanor, for example, said he assumed it was done purposefully. Not sure if it is said, humiliating, or both. Maybe this will clear the air up a bit. Though many corners of the world only read selective reporting, so… And the Russians are probably having a run with it, I would assume.