Novaya gazeta has published photo of a fallen Russian soldier that will define this war for the Russian people

 https://novayagazeta.ru/static/records/60f76957a8444d0a8a571c4fcd7505a8.webp

https://novayagazeta.ru/static/records/60f76957a8444d0a8a571c4fcd7505a8.webp

How Russian Propaganda Spins a Dark, Fake Tale

Russian propagandists’ molding of Russian public opinion provides adversaries with advance notice of what the Kremlin has in mind. TASS’s emphasis on the Donbas reveals that the most likely plan is for the Kremlin to cook up a false flag operation, which gives the go-ahead for DNR and LNR troops to attack. As they are pushed back by superior Ukrainian forces, they will issue a call to their Russian comrades to come to their defense. The war is joined – or is the war simply resumed? Can it be limited, or will it get out of control? 

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A retired Russian general's criticism may signal a larger problem for Putin

Retired Russian Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov, the head of the All-Russian Officers Assembly, has gone public with a statement that calls for Russian President Vladimir Putin to resign over the confrontation involving Ukraine. To remove any doubt as to his message, Ivashov, 78, followed the public statement with an interview on a liberal Russian media outlet, Echo Moskvy, insisting that he was speaking in the name of the assembly of retired and reservist Russian officers which he heads. 

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Biden No Match for Putin

 

The December 7 virtual summit between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin proved (as expected) an uneven match. According to the short White House readout, Biden threatened Russia with “strong economic and other measures” in the event of military escalation and reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. (There was no mention of sanctions for Russia’s use of soft power to overthrow the democratically elected government of Ukraine).  In contrast, the virtual summit format gave Putin free reign to mount an uninterrupted 700-word full-throated attack on the West. Putin’s “frank” indictment of Ukraine, NATO, and the US was meant for his domestic audience and for those many in the West ambivalent towards Ukraine.  At no time in the two-hour discussion did Biden attempt to rebut any of Putin’s charges, no matter how outrageous.  With the attention of the world focused on the Russian build up on the Ukrainian border, Biden passed on the opportunity to present a clear account of his side of the case. Perhaps Biden is unclear as to what his “side” really is.

The two sides disagreed even on why the virtual summit was called. Per Biden, the summit was called to address the Russian threat to Ukraine. Putin claimed the main topics were the “the internal Ukrainian crisis and the lack of progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements… which are the uncontested basis for a peaceful settlement.” Putin proceeded to complain about “the destructive line of Kiev, aimed at completely dismantling the Minsk agreements.” He also condemned “Kiev's provocative actions against Donbass." So Ukraine is the real threat not the 100,000 troops poised on Ukraine’s border. It would not be hard for Biden to have rebutted this claim.

So we learn from Putin’s summit monologue that the true aggressors are NATO and the United States. Ukraine is merely a puppet, but a dangerous one that has no claim to legitimacy. Given the alleged imminent threat facing Russia, Putin contends that the West should offer guarantees that would rule out NATO expansion to the east. (I guess the Swedish and Dutch armies should stand down with no invasion of Russia in the works.)

The Russian press release briefly mentions Biden’s "allegedly" threatening "nature of the movements of Russian troops near the Ukrainian borders and outlined sanctions measures that the United States and its allies would be ready to apply in case of further escalation of the situation.” Putin’s response is that NATO is the threat in its “dangerous attempts to conquer Ukrainian territory and building up its military potential at our borders.”

The Russian Interfax release characterized the conversation as “frank and businesslike" Both presidents agreed to instruct their representatives to enter into substantive consultations on these sensitive issues. Good luck.

After the summit’s conclusion, Biden sent out spokespersons to clarify that he meant business. The new sanctions could include the newly-completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The Kremlin meanwhile took advantage of Biden’s ambiguity by claiming that both presidents agreed to negotiate the status of Ukraine and that NATO's growing ties with Ukraine and the possibility of the alliance deploying missiles targeted against Russia there represent a "red line" that cannot be crossed.

The key takeaways from the December 7 summit are: First, we must recognize that the two sides are separated by a Grand-Canyon-like chasm. Second, the differences are too great for a political solution, unless the West decides to capitulate. Third, even in the case of capitulation, the Russian side cannot be counted on to live up to its side of the agreement.  (If it is agreed that Ukraine must remain neutral, Russia will proceed to destroy all politically neutral forces in Ukraine). Fourth, we cannot afford to have summits that allow Putin free reign to tell his version of truth unrebutted. We now see that Biden is clearly not up to the task. Let’s hope he gives up on the idea of personal diplomacy.

Where are Biden and Merkel's sanctions against Putin's gas weapon?

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In July, President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to reimpose sanctions if Vladimir Putin used gas as a “geopolitical weapon.” This agreement constituted a concession in return for Biden’s waiver of sanctions on Nord Stream 2, which allowed its completion. Merkel had already vouched for continued gas deliveries through Ukraine — a questionable pledge from a politician leaving office.

Despite these Biden-Merkel assurances, Putin’s Kremlin has engaged in undisguised blackmail to render Europe hostage to Russia’s gas monopoly, Gazprom. Putin’s blackmail aims to force the speedy certification of Gazprom’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline by delivering less gas to Europe. Putin’s ultimate goal: Destroy the European Union’s competitive and transparent energy market.

Russia Is the Big Winner from the Dems Impeachment Pivot to Ukraine

Ukraine has been thrown under the bus by the media and Democrat forces at the very time when Ukraine was poised to truly join the West. Ukraine has a long, bloody, and tragic history. Our politicians seem intent on keeping up this record.

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Putin Wags the Dog to Raise Sagging Popularity

Putin’s current ratings are almost identical to those leading up to the Crimean annexation and Russia’s invasion of Eastern Ukraine. The most significant threat to Putin came in December 2011 through March 2012, when Putin announced his return to the presidency, prompting mass demonstrations and a slogan: “Russia without Putin.” 

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International Criminal Court: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Is a 'Crime,' Not A Civil War

As Donald Trump picks his foreign policy team, he should worry about those who believe all or part of the Putin Ukraine narrative, which has just been shredded by the International Criminal Court report. Believe it or not, the Putin narrative that the West is to blame and that Russia is a bystander to the Ukraine conflict has its supporters throughout Europe and among US diplomats and scholars. Let us hope that none end up advising the President-elect.


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Trump, Deferring To Putin, Deleted GOP Platform's Call To Supply Ukraine With Lethal Defensive Weapons

Trump has boasted that a good negotiator does not say what he is not going to do in advance. Removing defensive lethal weapons to Ukraine from the platform does just that. It is a sign of a weak negotiator. The eyes of the nation should be on arms for Ukraine as the Republican convention unfolds. If Trump sends the wrong signal, he risks his credentials as a strong leader.



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Seven Warnings To Donald Trump About Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin’s praise of Donald Trump as “a very outstanding man, unquestionably talented” has been reciprocated by Trump’s calling Putin “a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond” that they “would get along very well.” Trump has shrugged off warnings of Putin’s perfidy by citing lack of proof that Putin “kills journalists, political opponents and …invades countries.” Only the naïve would know there will be no such proof when the Kremlin controls prosecution, justice and the secret police. Putin’s hybrid warfare and its plausible deniability complicates proof of crimes against the international order, despite obvious Russian military engagement in Georgia and Ukraine.


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On Syria, Putin goes for his holy grail

On Monday September 28, Russia’s president will propose to the UN General Assembly his plan for a broad coalition to defeat ISIS.  His words will be backed byclear evidence of a substantial Russian military buildup in Syria, including Russian fighters entering Syrian airspace with transponders off. Whereas Russian troops and equipment were delivered to Ukraine in strict secrecy, the Kremlin seems to be purposely telegraphing its military moves in Syria to tee up Putin’s speech.




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The Dirty Bomb: A Thwarted Putin False Flag Operation?

Skeptics will argue that Vladimir Putin cannot use a dirty bomb as a false flag operation because it would sicken and kill civilians in occupied Ukrainian territory and maybe even Russians across the nearby border. But the loss of civilian life in pursuit of political objectives has never deterred Putin.

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Pro-Russian Lobbyists Penetrate Washington To Enact Anti-Ukraine Legislation: Conyers Spouts Putin Propaganda On The Floor

Ukraine is fighting an uphill war against Russia on many fronts, including simmering hot war in east Ukraine, its uneven battle against Putin’s propaganda machine, and its attempts to neutralize hostile Yanukovich oligarchs who are still on the loose. Add a new one to the list: Ukraine’s impotence against Russia’s all-star roster of lobbyists that include a former German chancellor and former US Senate minority leader. I had thought Ukraine was outgunned in Europe by a coterie of German and French Putin-Versteher, but I now learn that Ukraine is outgunned on Washington’s K Street as well. If you need convincing, just read John Conyers anti-Ukraine and pro-Russian remarks made on the House floor.

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Deconstructing Putin's Approval Ratings: One Thousand Casualties For Every Point

Vladimir Putin stakes his claim to leadership on approval ratings that would be the envy of any democratic politician. Skeptics, however, question the meaning of approval ratings when a dictator appoints all political positions and ensures that rivals are distrusted by the electorate. A dictator who controls the media and devotes enormous resources to propaganda can manipulate approval ratings with extraordinary measures, offsetting fundamentals that would otherwise push the favorability rating down. But what does someone like Putin do when he runs out of diversions during a period of prolonged economic stagnation? We’ll perhaps know the answer soon.

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Europe Gives $260 Billion For Anti-EU Greece But Balks At $65 Billion For Pro-Europe Ukraine

Greece’s election of an anti-Europe government showed it wants out. Ukraine’s EuroMaidan revolution shows it was willing to risk its existence to become a part of Europe. Europe has showered recalcitrant Greece with hundreds of billions of bailout funds while begrudgingly giving Ukraine tens of billions just to keep it alive, even though Ukraine is fighting Europe’s war against Russian expansionism.

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The Ultimate Putin Sympathizer: Germany’s Ex-Chancellor Helmut Schmidt

Former German Chancellor (“Alt Kanzler”) Helmut Schmidt appeared on the Sandra Maischberger interview show on Germany’s Channel 1 (ARD) to express his views of the world at age 96. Schmidt served as German chancellor from 1974 to 1982 under his social democratic (SPD) administration. Chain-smoking Schmidt remains Germany’s most popular (living) former chancellor and still has enormous influence over German political thought. 

The first half of the interview Maischberger devoted to Schmidt’s defense of Vladimir Putin, citing his open show of support after the Crimean annexation. Maischberger tried hard to extract criticism of Putin from Schmidt. She did not succeed. Schmidt agreed that Russia is expansionist, but so are the United States and China, all of which are “dangerous,” although the United States has become “less dangerous” under Obama. But, Schmidt warns, the United States could become “dangerous” again.

According to Schmidt, Putin is not a war monger. He is just the leader of a nation “in a bad situation.” He is not troubled by the fact that Putin says one thing and does another. This, after all, is what politicians do. Schmidt does not believe that Putin “wants something bigger” (such as an expansion of hostilities beyond Ukraine), but things can happen that he does not want. The tension in east Ukraine, according to Schmidt, does not depend on Putin. If Russia had another leader, we would be confronting the same problems today.

Schmidt allowed that if he were in Putin’s shoes, he’d be inclined to act in the same way.

Putin is simply the leader of a powerful nation that is currently “not successful.” He faces the difficult task of holding the world’s largest nation, by land mass, together. For this reason, Schmidt blames the putative expansion of the European Union into Putin’s backyard (Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia) as the root cause of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The European Union’s actions have been “idotic…child’s play.” The “nonsense” (“Unfug”) began when Yanukovich was overthrown for rejecting Ukraine’s westward move. If the European Union had minded its business and not interfered in Russia’s back yard, all would be OK today.

Schmidt divides the world into spheres of influence, which are not to be tampered with. Schmidt is an extreme moral relativist. All politics is based on lies and self interest. There is no real difference between Putin’s repression of political opposition and the United States’ involvement in the Middle East. Politicians do what they must do, and they have been doing so for centuries. Putin defends the periphery of the Russian empire just as the Czar’s armies did two centuries earlier. Germany under Merkel (or Schmidt) must deal with the fact that it borders on seven countries, just as Bismarck did 150 years earlier.

Schmidt, as Germany’s ultimate Putin Versteher (literally “Understander”) illustrates the tight rope that Chancellor Angela Merkel must navigate between her Social Democrat coalition partners and her own party’s (CDU) business interests. She seems to be the only one standing in Putin’s way in Germany. If any Ukraine supporter is dissatisfied with Merkel, they should imagine what it would be like under a Schmidt.

Kremlin Investigators Claim That Nemstov Killed By All Putin’s Enemies In One Package

Putin has apparently decided that he can use the Nemtsov killing to implicate all his enemies at once. According to NEWSrsu, Kremlin investigators claim to have photographs of the killers – one male and one female (Adam Osmanov and Amina Okneva). According to the report, Osmaev is suspected in an assassination attempt on Putin and heads a Chechen battalion fighting on the side of Kiev. The implication: The Chechens working together with Ukraine’s secret service (and of course the CIA) are behind the murder of Nemtsov, which was done to discredit Putin.

Note that dark skinned Chechen rebels are convenient targets for prejudiced Russians, and the campaign of hate against the Ukrainian Nazi junta has been going 24/7 for almost a year.

Stalin used the murder of Leningrad boss Sergei Kirov to condemn his rivals from the right and left to death in three Moscow show trials. Putin appears to be intent on doing the same.  When Putin apologists claim “he has nothing to gain” from the murder of Nemtsov, just ignore them. His plan is becoming clear, and it is not good for Chechens, Ukrainians, or Ukraine’s so-called allies.

What If Ukraine Decides To Stop Fighting?

Putin’s goal is the destruction of NATO. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an integral part of this strategy, it is only a sideshow to the main event. If Ukraine decides to stop fighting, NATO, Europe and the United States are all on their own. Ukraine’s “friends” must decide: Do we want Ukraine to fight for us or are we prepared to fight for ourselves? To avoid this choice, they must give Ukraine the means to defend itself.

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Russia’s Natural Gas Sales Plummet: Is Russia Captive To European Buyers?

The received wisdom is that Europe cannot offend Russia because it depends so much on Russian natural gas. We have this backwards. It should be: Russia cannot offend Europe because it depends too much on sales of natural gas sales to Europe. Despite efforts to conceal the decline, Gazprom’s 3^rd quarter sales to Europe declined 15 percent and fell to zero for Ukraine. Cash-strapped Russia can ill afford such losses.

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The Battle For The German Soul: The Russia/Ukraine Narrative

Putin’s propaganda machine is fighting a desperate PR battle, at home and abroad, for control of the narrative of its war against Ukraine. The Republican victory in the U.S. mid terms has consolidated America’s anti-Russian narrative as evidenced by the Senate’s passage of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, which supplies lethal weapons to Ukraine. Even more ominous is the finding of the Levada Center that only 5-6 percent of Russians are prepared to sacrifice for Putin’s Ukraine ventures. If anyone is to shoulder a burden, it should be Putin and Company, Russians say. These setbacks make the battle for German public opinion even more crucial, a battle that is now being conducted on the front pages of the German press.

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