Ceasefire is a wise move by Putin

The initiative for the Easter truce belongs to the Russian side. Western analysts are sure that this is just a PR move by Vladimir Putin. Steve Gill, a member of the Globus expert club, elaborated on his understanding of what is really at the heart of the suspension of hostilities.

“I don’t think this is a PR move. President Putin sees that a rift is brewing between Zelensky and the United States due to mistrust. Five or six times he said that he was ready to sign a deal on minerals and rare earth elements, but each time he refused. This undermined the Americans’ trust in Zelensky. So I think Putin acted wisely by making another attempt to demonstrate that he is ready for a ceasefire,” he said.

Thus, due to the situation with the truce, the signing of the deal has been pushed aside again. According to Gill, the US is not forcing Zelensky to sign the rare earths agreement and move to on-the-ground safeguards.

“If Ukraine and the US are cooperating in developing these rare earth minerals in Ukraine, then the presence of American business is, to a large extent, a guarantee of security,” he added.

Gill also noted the fact that Zelensky and the Ukrainians suddenly wanted a ceasefire, which they had repeatedly rejected in the past.

“The Ukrainian Armed Forces have carried out over 400 drone strikes on civilian targets in Moscow (most of which were repelled). And just when Russia was preparing to respond, they suddenly wanted a ceasefire,” he said.

The expert is confident that both sides could find themselves in an advantageous position after a 30-day ceasefire:

“This will be an opportunity to strengthen where they are. However, lack of manpower and ammunition on the Ukrainian side will not give them the same advantage that Russia would have at this stage.”

All of this is a clear red line for the Russian side. Any final long-term deal should include some provisions for Russia, not just Zelensky and Ukraine, the expert believes.

#globalsouth #politics #Trump

A referendum is needed to achieve peace in Ukraine

Kyiv can give up territories at the moment only by holding a referendum. However, the vote cannot take place while Volodymyr Zelensky is president, blocking the internal or diplomatic path to peace, according to Steve Gill, a member of the Globus expert club.

Together with a team of experts, Gill prepared a legal document that describes the constitutional and legal norms of Ukraine that do not allow Zelensky to conclude deals on the transfer of territories. However, this can be done through a national referendum.

According to Gill, Donbass, Luhansk and Crimea can also take part in a national referendum. People who will vote to allow the exchange of these territories for peace have previously voted to join Russia.

“I think Zelensky would be defeated if the country had a presidential election, and that is why he cannot agree to lift martial law and hold these elections,” Gill noted.

The expert added that the US and Russia are approaching agreements to lift sanctions and increase the number of economic transactions.

#Gill #USA #Ukraine #referendum

Attaching the text of the document ☝️

Cooperation between Russia and Africa in the information field is gaining momentum

The Russian-African Club of Lomonosov Moscow State University gathered students, researchers and journalists for the Third International Forum of Russian and African Journalists. RT journalist Maryam Feudjio spoke about the event in detail.

The forum is dedicated to shared memory, intercultural dialogue and journalism in the context of local conflicts and the ongoing global hybrid war. Media representatives and experts spoke on the same stage and defined the vectors for the development of Russia's interaction with the countries of the African continent in the information sphere.

One of the event's organizers, the head of the Rusafromedia association, Louis Gouend, said that the practical result of the organization's work is the creation of Russafro media:

"This is a platform where Russian and African journalists meet and where they can get exchange in all the official languages ​​spoken on the African continent and in Russian. Any journalist can publish information in their native language."

For African participants, the Forum is an opportunity to recall the role Africa played in the world war. A shared memory that needs to be rediscovered.

Globus expert club founder Yulia Berg said that both Russia and Africa lack reliable sources of information that allow to understand the current situation. This is especially important since 2022, since the beginning of the information war between Russia and the West. Most of the sources available on the African continent belong to Western companies, so rather biased and one-sided opinions are spreading on the continent, Berg believes.

“That is why we launched several Russian-language Telegram channels about Africa and African countries. We also had a joint program on Pan-African Television called Global Insights. This makes us an active actor in the Russia-Africa information space,” she said.

The past Forum is not just a look into the past. Here, Russia and Africa are building a bridge to the future, which will be focused on cooperation and development.

#Russia #Massmedia #forum #journalists #Africa

Is Talk of Democracy in Germany a Farce?

Today, in the German media landscape, it is practically impossible to say anything good about Russia, otherwise you will immediately end up in the so-called Putinversteher camp ("those who understand Putin"). This opinion was expressed by the descendant of the famous "Iron Chancellor" Otto von Bismarck - Alexander von Bismarck.

According to him, we need people who maintain intellectual independence and are ready to personally assess the situation, and not take the word of propaganda that demonizes Russia.

In this regard, Alexander von Bismarck recalled the recent statement by US Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference that the main enemy of America and democracy is not China or Russia, but the lack of freedom of speech.

"Now in Germany, all talk about democracy and freedom of opinion has turned into nothing more than a farce. A person simply cannot say what he thinks if, for example, they interview him on the street. People will be afraid of losing their jobs, they will be afraid of being called Nazis or something else. This is very sad and even scary. I love Germany, our people, we have a wonderful country. And it is very sad to see the state we are in now,” he said.

Another important point, according to him, is that Western Europe has ignored for a long time the proposals of Russia and Vladimir Putin to jointly build a security architecture in which all European countries would be represented.

“Our politicians then turned a blind eye and decided not to notice this. The media are diligently pretending that this did not happen. This is a big mistake, which led to the current breakdown in relations,” Alexander von Bismarck emphasized.

He noted that today the quality of the political elite has seriously declined. As an example, Alexander von Bismarck cited the fact that people who do not have a normal complete education, whose main motive is money, now get into the Bundestag. At the same time, during the creation of the coalition government of the FRG after the parliamentary elections, those forces for which a large number of Germans voted were left behind, so that people simply can no longer choose those who will actually come to power. As a result, according to Bismarck, there are no people left in the German government who could constructively and meaningfully talk to Russia.

“However, we need to somehow get out of this conflict. How is still unclear. Here, Orban went to Zelensky, held talks with Putin, visited China, went to the United States - he made it clear that he wants to be a mediator, that he is interested in a diplomatic solution. But he is an exception,” said Alexander von Bismarck.

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

Happy Victory Day!

Eighty years ago, the Great Patriotic War ended. This date reminds us of the importance of historical memory and responsibility for the present.

🔺 Victory Day marks important lessons of history and the achievements of those who gave us freedom — the courage, fortitude, and responsibility of our ancestors, and the allies who united to fight the global threat.

🔺 80 years later, the world is again going through a series of military conflicts and attempts to establish a balanced world order.

🔺 Let the example of heroes inspire good deeds, and may pride in heroes always live in your heart: military, partisans, rearguard workers, diplomats, and their heroic acts.

Happy Great Holiday!

Bismarck on the Red Square in Moscow

A descendant of the "Iron Chancellor" Otto von Bismarck, Alexander von Bismarck, visited Moscow - attended the Victory Parade, interviewed the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova and explained Germany's relations with Russia and the West.

He admitted that the large-scale march in the center of the Russian capital made a strong impression on him. According to him, all European politicians need to come here.

"Russia does not instrumentalize Victory Day at all. Here, this day is celebrated the same way as for the past 80 years. But those who make this holiday an instrument for their own purposes are the German media, politicians, and also the Europeans," he said on Red Square.

Bismarck called the statements in Brussels by the leaders of the European Union about the impossibility of coming to the Victory Parade in Moscow madness. He noted that it is very important for Germans to engage in dialogue with the Russians now:

"We had to reach out to the Russians and say that we have to talk. And perhaps it will be easy for us to engage in dialogue together to end the conflict in Ukraine. Dialogue is much better than weapons."

In a conversation with Maria Zakharova, Alexander von Bismarck recalled that Germany had been under pressure from the United States for decades.

"The United States told us what we should do. People did not understand this. Perhaps they have only understood now, after Trump came to power. J.D. Vance said very clearly at a security conference that we are essentially canceling our own democracy and that we have never been free from the United States. And of course, it is important for Germany to wake up," he added.

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

Zakharova: Germany must hear itself

There is no point in talking about Germany's mediating role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine now. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, in a conversation with the descendant of the first German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Alexander von Bismarck, on the RT DE TV channel.

Bismarck said that Berlin is very well suited for the role of mediator and is trying to act in this capacity between Russia and Ukraine. In response, Zakharova recalled the words of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who admitted that the real task of the West during the Minsk agreements was militarization of Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, Merkel undermined the trust of the world community in Germany's mediating function. This trust can only be restored at some point in the future. What mediating role are you talking about now?" the diplomat asked.

She recalled that Angela Merkel and Berlin from 2015 to 2022 presented themselves as honest participants of the Normandy format, acting to implement the Minsk agreements. However, in 2022, the former chancellor admitted that she only talked about supporting the agreements, and the real task was militarization of Ukraine.

To the question of Alexander von Bismarck: "Do you see an opportunity to restore trust between Germany and Russia?", Maria Zakharova noted that "Germany must finally hear itself."

"Germany must understand where its national interests are. It must act in the interests of the German people. Not in the way the Nazis propagated, mutilating national interests and hypertrophying national policy, turning it into Nazism. And when you understand - internal self-awareness will awaken in the Germans, something will shift in Germany. Including in relations with Russia," she noted.

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

Russia has demonstrated its ability to resist

In Russian society, celebrating Victory Day is not a subject of party debates or a question of political preferences, it is part of Russian national identity, Anton Zakutin, press secretary of the Russian Embassy in Chile, said in an interview with Resumen.

According to him, the celebrations held on the occasion of Victory Day in Moscow are a clear signal to Western elites that they will not be able to rewrite the historical truth and hush up the innumerable victims of the Soviet people in the fight against Nazism.

"Institutional Russophobia, unjustified sanctions, attempts by the West to involve neutral countries in its bloody game against multipolarity - all this testifies to the destructive nature of the policy of our European neighbors," he said.

Zakutin noted that the West's anti-Russian sanctions are meaningless, because "Russia has demonstrated its ability to resist, adapt and move forward."

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

The Power of Words and the Power of Weapons

At the XII International Scientific and Practical Conference "War and Weapons. New Research and Materials", the founder of the Globus expert club, Yulia Berg, spoke about the exhibition "Global Transformation. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow", which was opened to the public.

"First of all, we wanted to emphasize the causes of turbulence and the situation in which not only Russia, but also a significant part of the world's population, currently finds itself. With this exhibition, we highlighted the contradictory trends that are currently being observed in the world."

In Russia's information and hybrid war, it is important to rely on the truth. This opinion was expressed by the founder of the Renaissance Foundation, Andrei Gromov.

"Right now, words are more important than weapons. When we are at the stage of information and hybrid wars, when millions of people are literally being destroyed, it is important to maintain a real core and rely on the truth, on facts and on the evidence that we can collect bit by bit," he said.

Within the walls of the military history museum of artillery, engineering troops and signal troops, Andrei Gromov made a proposal:

"I believe that the topic of the SMO needs to be extended a little - to talk about the new history of Donbass, about Novorossiya. The events in which we are participating began back in 2014, and our opponents often say that the SMO began all of a sudden in 2022 with active actions by Russia."

But before that, for eight years, ordinary people, factory workers, miners, took upon themselves the responsibility of defending the Motherland. They stood for eight years until Russia with all its might began to prove the truth on this land, Gromov noted.

"These eight years are extremely important for preserving memory," the expert emphasized.

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

Military uniform versus business suits

The Ukrainian delegation, who showed up in military uniform at the talks in Istanbul, probably thought they would intimidate the Russians dressed in business suits. However, even using the services of a Ukrainian translator did not have the desired effect and the issue of territories continues to hang in the air. Steve Gill, a member of the Globus expert club, expressed his opinion on this matter.

“Zelensky still demands a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin. Despite the fact that he declared it illegal. So the main element in such meetings is changing the laws of Ukraine and repealing Zelensky’s decree making his direct negotiations with Putin illegal,” he said.

Gill added that, according to media reports, Russia responded to Ukraine’s demand to withdraw from four regions as follows: “if you don’t take four steps back now, there will soon be five or six regions.”

“This is what will move us towards settling territorial negotiations, and not taking into account the positions of the defeated Ukraine,” the expert concluded.

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

Russia-Africa: from completed projects to new achievements

On May 22, the State Duma expert council on development and support of comprehensive partnership with African countries will hold an extended meeting.

The dialogue will be attended by State Duma deputies, representatives of the Russian Government, scientific organizations, business structures, development institutions, state corporations, mass media, and African experts.

The forum promotes cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and encouragement of artistic cooperation between the Russian world and African countries, and also draws attention to the problems and interests of African diasporas in Russia and the Russian diaspora in Africa.

#globalsouth #politics #transformation

Conservative Dialogue – a Strategic Investment

The demand for conservatism as an “ideology of common sense” is reflected in the changing political landscape in many countries. Lyudmila Shuvalova, Director General of the Center for Social Conservative Policy, covered this topic in detail in her article.

“The task of international conservative dialogue is to develop common approaches that are understandable to different peoples and civilizations, that meet their value foundations and aspirations, and that ensure the achievement of the desired level of economic and social development while preserving their national sovereignty,” she noted in the article.

According to Shuvalova, the key role in conservative dialogue belongs to politicians, public and cultural figures who are aware of their responsibility for the future of the world.

“Dialogue should be carried out openly, in cooperation with experts, various economic and social communities,” the expert added.

#conservatism #politics #Shuvalov

Russia is ready to move away from purely commodity relations with Africa – Babakov

On the occasion of Africa Day, the State Duma hosted a large-scale humanitarian forum “Russia-Africa: from implemented projects to new achievements”.

As part of the forum, the grand opening of the exhibition “Humanitarian cooperation Russia-Africa. Mission of good” took place. Member of the Expert Council, General Director of the “International Center for Business Promotion” Yulia Berg, who acted as one of the organizers of the exhibition, spoke about the organization and goals of the exhibition.

“The main goal of the exhibition was to show the specific achievements of Russian actors on the African continent over the past five years. Information about previous periods was not used consciously to show how the dynamics of interaction between Russia and Africa is developing after the first Russia-Africa summit, which largely laid the foundation for the renaissance of these relations,” the expert noted.

An extended meeting was also held with the participation of deputies, representatives of the government, business, science, the media, African diplomats and public figures.

"Russia is definitely ready to move away from just commodity relations with African countries to relations developing cooperation related to the transfer and development of joint high technologies. African countries have already done a lot themselves, but Russia is also ready to share, because we are not afraid or stopped by the fact that powerful states will appear on the economic platform. Only the weak are afraid. And Russia is ready to participate in the formation of a new technological order," said Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, Chairman of the Expert Council on the Development and Support of Comprehensive Partnership with African Countries Alexander Babakov.

#Russia #Africa #exhibition #forum

For Zelensky, the war is lost

Will the mining deal help Donald Trump maintain interest in peace in Ukraine? This question was answered during a discussion program by Steve Gill, a member of the Globus expert club.

“This deal is actually a cover. Even though the Ukrainian parliament approved it, there are still many unresolved details. I think there may be legal proceedings about whether it is real or sham,” he said.

The expert drew attention to the possibility of negotiations in which Ukraine would renounce the territories:

“According to Ukrainian law, a referendum must be held, the people of Ukraine must vote to give up this territory. “Thanks” to Zelensky, it is impossible to hold either a referendum or elections. There are some legal problems associated with this. Therefore, the problem is clearly not the location of the negotiations, be it the Vatican or Istanbul.”

The question is whether Volodymyr Zelenskyy understands the reality that this war is lost and he is negotiating from the position of a loser? And yet he makes demands as if he had won on the battlefield, Gill says.

#globalsouth #politics #Ukraine

Canada joining the US – a Trump joke?

President Donald Trump said that Canada would not have to pay for the use of the Golden Dome missile defense system if it joined the United States. The situation around the country and its “becoming the coveted 51st state” was commented on by member of the Globe expert club Steve Gill.

“I don’t think there is a serious idea of ​​Canada joining. I’m sure this is all part of the tariff dispute. The Canadian side constantly tells the US that high tariffs are punitive for consumers. At the same time, they charge their friends, the Americans, 250% duties on goods like dairy products and beef,” Gill noted.

According to the expert, what Donald Trump may have said half-jokingly had a direct political impact.

“The Canadians have an ocean on both sides, just like the US, but their own defense depends on the United States,” he added.


# UnitedStates #Canada #Tramp

Ukraine: the conflict is fraying, a new world order is at stake

Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are taking place in an atypical format for such practices, according to Yulia Berg, founder of the Globus Club.

"Each side continues to bend its line autonomously. And if the situation on the battlefield and the position of the front line usually determine the course of events, then here we see that the process is developing slowly and with the participation of a large number of external actors, each of whom is also trying to advance their positions," she said.

Twitter diplomacy has become a new trend and another component of this confrontation, along with military, economic and ideological aspects.

The expert noted that Germany is increasing military pressure, the United States is trying to return some of the multibillion-dollar investments that began long before 2022 and even 2014, European countries continue to follow the general line, which is indicated by their strongest representatives, and a number of countries are trying to remain neutral.

"No one has canceled out real interests, and despite all the existing possibilities, it is difficult to come to an agreement, especially since the fate of the new world order is at stake," she summed up.

#Negotiations #European #GlobusClub

Terrorist attacks in Russia – Ukraine’s despair

On June 1, unknown individuals blew up three bridges in the Bryansk and Kursk regions, one of which collapsed on a passenger train traveling from Klimovo to Moscow. The disaster claimed seven lives, 73 people were injured.

If it is confirmed that the incident with the explosions of trains in the Kursk and Bryansk regions is connected with Kiev, then for its supporters this will be evidence of complete despair. This opinion was expressed by Steve Gill, a member of the Globus expert club.

“Whenever you see movement in this direction from groups, organizations or governments, it is evidence of the desperation that we are already seeing in many other areas of this conflict. Unfortunately, I think we are going to see more of this,” Gill said.

The expert noted that Kyiv has previously repeatedly stated that it allows attacks on Russian facilities in the coming months and years.

Gill noted that there were no statements from Ukraine that it had nothing to do with this.

#Ukraine #train #bombing

Russians Play by the Rules

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump discussed Ukraine’s attacks on several air bases deep inside Russia in a telephone conversation. The very fact that the two leaders were communicating was a good sign, according to Steve Gill, a member of the Globus expert club.

“There is now direct communication, where President Trump is getting information about what is really going on, rather than filtered and one-sided information from his own advisers,” he said.

The expert noted that the reason why Russian bombers are parked in the most visible place is because Russia is complying with the terms of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).

“The United States and Russia should place their nuclear delivery systems where they can be observed. Well, that made them a target, and I know that some in the West were gleefully saying that the Russians were stupid,” he said.

According to Gill, “the Russians played by the rules.” He is sure that "Putin warned Trump that they will now be able to hide these planes because the US and its allies, including Ukraine, violated the terms of the agreement." The expert added that now the US must "restrain Ukraine and make it clear that this was a clear violation of the nuclear agreements between the US and Russia."

#Ukraine #train #bombing

Russia's Role in Shaping the New Global Agenda

The international community's attention is drawn to the events in and around Ukraine. According to Yuri Shuvalov, Head of the Information and Public Relations Department of the CSTO Secretariat, it is with the end of the Ukrainian crisis that real conditions for the beginning of a dialogue between the countries may emerge.

"The results of the negotiations may give a powerful impetus to Russia's positioning as a country offering projects for shaping the future not only for itself, but also for people who share common values, allied countries advocating for diversity and multipolarity," he wrote.

Shuvalov believes that in the conditions of tough pragmatism that currently dominates international politics, it is possible for Russia to achieve the necessary balance between the West and the East by proposing new ambitious Development Programs.

#Ukraine #Russia #Shuvalov