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Jittery market: Austrian energy giant OMV limits diesel spot sales until further notice
Earlier this week, we quoted the heads of some of the world's biggest independent energy trades, who spoke at the FT Commodities Global Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland and unveiled a dire forecast for the diesel market: "The thing that everybody's concerned about will be diesel supplies. Europe imports about half of its diesel from Russia and about half of its diesel from the Middle East," said Russell Hardy, chief of Switzerland-based oil trader Vitol. "That systemic shortfall of diesel is there." As a reminder, Russian supplies account for about 15% of Europe's diesel consumption, according to the FT which carried their comments. Hardy said the shift to more diesel consumption over gasoline in Europe had helped to create shortages of the fuel. He added that refineries could boost their diesel output in response to higher prices at the expense of other oil-derived products to shore up supply, but warned that rationing was a possibility.
https://www.sott.net/article/465864-Jittery-market-Austrian-energy-giant-OMV-limits-diesel-spot-sales-until-further-notice
Jittery market: Austrian energy giant OMV limits diesel spot sales until further notice
Earlier this week, we quoted the heads of some of the world's biggest independent energy trades, who spoke at the FT Commodities Global Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland and unveiled a dire forecast for the diesel market: "The thing that everybody's concerned about will be diesel supplies. Europe imports about half of its diesel from Russia and about half of its diesel from the Middle East," said Russell Hardy, chief of Switzerland-based oil trader Vitol. "That systemic shortfall of diesel is there." As a reminder, Russian supplies account for about 15% of Europe's diesel consumption, according to the FT which carried their comments. Hardy said the shift to more diesel consumption over gasoline in Europe had helped to create shortages of the fuel. He added that refineries could boost their diesel output in response to higher prices at the expense of other oil-derived products to shore up supply, but warned that rationing was a possibility.
https://www.sott.net/article/465864-Jittery-market-Austrian-energy-giant-OMV-limits-diesel-spot-sales-until-further-notice
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Moscow, Tehran developing SWIFT alternative - Iranian ambassador
Russia and Iran have been cooperating to connect their interbank messaging systems in order to bypass the SWIFT financial transactions network, Kazem Jalali, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, said on Thursday. Both countries are facing severe Western sanctions, making settlements in trade through SWIFT difficult or impossible. "We are making efforts in this direction..." Jalali told reporters, as quoted by RIA Novosti news agency. Last month, seven Russian banks were severed from SWIFT, effectively denying them access to international markets. The ban was part of the latest Western sanctions targeting Russia over its military operation in Ukraine. Russia has its own payment mechanism called the Financial Message Transfer System (SPFS) that has similar functionality and allows the transmission of messages in the SWIFT format. It was created as an analogue to SWIFT that has been developed by the Bank of Russia since 2014.
https://www.sott.net/article/465865-Moscow-Tehran-developing-SWIFT-alternative-Iranian-ambassador
Moscow, Tehran developing SWIFT alternative - Iranian ambassador
Russia and Iran have been cooperating to connect their interbank messaging systems in order to bypass the SWIFT financial transactions network, Kazem Jalali, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, said on Thursday. Both countries are facing severe Western sanctions, making settlements in trade through SWIFT difficult or impossible. "We are making efforts in this direction..." Jalali told reporters, as quoted by RIA Novosti news agency. Last month, seven Russian banks were severed from SWIFT, effectively denying them access to international markets. The ban was part of the latest Western sanctions targeting Russia over its military operation in Ukraine. Russia has its own payment mechanism called the Financial Message Transfer System (SPFS) that has similar functionality and allows the transmission of messages in the SWIFT format. It was created as an analogue to SWIFT that has been developed by the Bank of Russia since 2014.
https://www.sott.net/article/465865-Moscow-Tehran-developing-SWIFT-alternative-Iranian-ambassador
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CEOs of major US airlines urge Biden to drop masks on planes
The CEOs of major US airlines are urging President Biden to drop his "outdated" federal mask requirements for planes and airports. The chief executives of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and several other passenger and cargo carriers made the request in an open letter on Wednesday. They have called on Biden to let his federal mask mandate expire next month and get rid of COVID-19 testing requirements for incoming international travelers. "Now is the time for the Administration to sunset federal transportation travel restrictions," the letter read.
https://www.sott.net/article/465866-CEOs-of-major-US-airlines-urge-Biden-to-drop-masks-on-planes
CEOs of major US airlines urge Biden to drop masks on planes
The CEOs of major US airlines are urging President Biden to drop his "outdated" federal mask requirements for planes and airports. The chief executives of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and several other passenger and cargo carriers made the request in an open letter on Wednesday. They have called on Biden to let his federal mask mandate expire next month and get rid of COVID-19 testing requirements for incoming international travelers. "Now is the time for the Administration to sunset federal transportation travel restrictions," the letter read.
https://www.sott.net/article/465866-CEOs-of-major-US-airlines-urge-Biden-to-drop-masks-on-planes
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New York a city under siege, as staggering crime wave roils politics, challenges Left
The NYPD's new anti-gun units hit the streets last week and not a moment too soon. New York City is in the midst of a staggering crime wave. Over the past weekend, 29 people were shot in 24 separate incidents, the Daily News reported. According to the latest NYPD statistics, major felonies in the city increased 58% in February 2022, in year over year comparisons to February 2021. Murders rose 10%. Felony assaults rose 22%. Rapes increased 35%. Robberies increased 56%. Hate crimes — largely against Jews and Asian-Americans — surged 189%. Crimes in the transit systems — mainly the subways — were up 73%. New York is a city under siege. Every day brings a new horror story. A child is assaulted in Times Square. A young woman is stabbed to death in her Chinatown apartment. A senior citizen is hacked to death by a wheelchair-bound transgender two-time convicted murderer. A madman smears feces on a woman's face in a subway station, is released on bail, and arrested again after hurling a...
https://www.sott.net/article/465867-New-York-a-city-under-siege-as-staggering-crime-wave-roils-politics-challenges-Left
New York a city under siege, as staggering crime wave roils politics, challenges Left
The NYPD's new anti-gun units hit the streets last week and not a moment too soon. New York City is in the midst of a staggering crime wave. Over the past weekend, 29 people were shot in 24 separate incidents, the Daily News reported. According to the latest NYPD statistics, major felonies in the city increased 58% in February 2022, in year over year comparisons to February 2021. Murders rose 10%. Felony assaults rose 22%. Rapes increased 35%. Robberies increased 56%. Hate crimes — largely against Jews and Asian-Americans — surged 189%. Crimes in the transit systems — mainly the subways — were up 73%. New York is a city under siege. Every day brings a new horror story. A child is assaulted in Times Square. A young woman is stabbed to death in her Chinatown apartment. A senior citizen is hacked to death by a wheelchair-bound transgender two-time convicted murderer. A madman smears feces on a woman's face in a subway station, is released on bail, and arrested again after hurling a...
https://www.sott.net/article/465867-New-York-a-city-under-siege-as-staggering-crime-wave-roils-politics-challenges-Left
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Lawsuit accuses NYPD of secretly building 'rogue' DNA database
A lawsuit filed Monday accuses the New York Police Department (NYPD) of collecting genetic materials from thousands of citizens in a secret attempt to create a "rogue" DNA database. Legal Aid Society, in a post on social media announcing the federal lawsuit, said: "For decades, the NYPD has used dishonest tactics to obtain New Yorkers' DNA, including those as young as 11-years-old, by offering bottles of water or cigarettes to our clients detained at local precincts." The organization accused the NYPD: "of keeping citizens' DNA permanently stored in a rogue local database," saying it "continuously compares past and future crime scene DNA evidence against this database, which has led to wrongful arrests and prosecutions." The NYPD has previously said it would review its DNA database after discreetly collecting thousands of the samples, according to CBS News. But the Legal Aid Society said in its post that the database "only continues to grow."
https://www.sott.net/article/465868-Lawsuit-accuses-NYPD-of-secretly-building-rogue-DNA-database
Lawsuit accuses NYPD of secretly building 'rogue' DNA database
A lawsuit filed Monday accuses the New York Police Department (NYPD) of collecting genetic materials from thousands of citizens in a secret attempt to create a "rogue" DNA database. Legal Aid Society, in a post on social media announcing the federal lawsuit, said: "For decades, the NYPD has used dishonest tactics to obtain New Yorkers' DNA, including those as young as 11-years-old, by offering bottles of water or cigarettes to our clients detained at local precincts." The organization accused the NYPD: "of keeping citizens' DNA permanently stored in a rogue local database," saying it "continuously compares past and future crime scene DNA evidence against this database, which has led to wrongful arrests and prosecutions." The NYPD has previously said it would review its DNA database after discreetly collecting thousands of the samples, according to CBS News. But the Legal Aid Society said in its post that the database "only continues to grow."
https://www.sott.net/article/465868-Lawsuit-accuses-NYPD-of-secretly-building-rogue-DNA-database
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Indian Oil Corporation buys Russian crude at deep discount
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's top oil firm, has bought as much as 3 million barrels of crude oil that Russia had offered at steep discount to prevailing international rates, sources said. The purchase, made through a trader, is the first since Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine that brought international pressure for isolating Putin administration. Sources aware of the matter said IOC bought Urals crude for May delivery at a discount of USD 20-25 a barrel to dated Brent. As the US and other western nations slapped sanctions on Moscow, Russia has begun offering oil and other commodities at discounted prices to India and other large importers. IOC made the purchase on modified terms that require the seller to deliver it to the Indian coast so as to avoid any complications that sanctions may lead to in arranging shipping and insurance. Unlike the sanctions the US imposed on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, oil and energy trade with Russia has not been...
https://www.sott.net/article/465869-Indian-Oil-Corporation-buys-Russian-crude-at-deep-discount
Indian Oil Corporation buys Russian crude at deep discount
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's top oil firm, has bought as much as 3 million barrels of crude oil that Russia had offered at steep discount to prevailing international rates, sources said. The purchase, made through a trader, is the first since Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine that brought international pressure for isolating Putin administration. Sources aware of the matter said IOC bought Urals crude for May delivery at a discount of USD 20-25 a barrel to dated Brent. As the US and other western nations slapped sanctions on Moscow, Russia has begun offering oil and other commodities at discounted prices to India and other large importers. IOC made the purchase on modified terms that require the seller to deliver it to the Indian coast so as to avoid any complications that sanctions may lead to in arranging shipping and insurance. Unlike the sanctions the US imposed on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, oil and energy trade with Russia has not been...
https://www.sott.net/article/465869-Indian-Oil-Corporation-buys-Russian-crude-at-deep-discount
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The Biden administration is cooking the books on illegal immigrant arrests
The Biden administration is attempting to put a positive spin on its dangerous enforcement guidelines through unreliable data. The Biden administration has delayed for months an annual illegal immigration report that contains crucial statistics about this key national security issue, as the U.S. border crisis keeps breaking records since Joe Biden took the presidential office.
https://www.sott.net/article/465870-The-Biden-administration-is-cooking-the-books-on-illegal-immigrant-arrests
The Biden administration is cooking the books on illegal immigrant arrests
The Biden administration is attempting to put a positive spin on its dangerous enforcement guidelines through unreliable data. The Biden administration has delayed for months an annual illegal immigration report that contains crucial statistics about this key national security issue, as the U.S. border crisis keeps breaking records since Joe Biden took the presidential office.
https://www.sott.net/article/465870-The-Biden-administration-is-cooking-the-books-on-illegal-immigrant-arrests
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Greece hit with snow on the first day of Spring
Greece has been dusted with snow as temperatures across the country have dropped on Sunday, which is the first day of Spring. Sunday marks the Spring Equinox, when the Sun passes over the Equator, bringing with it roughly the same amount of daylight and nighttime. Often, the Spring Equinox brings with it warmer weather, but not this year. Snowfall began early Sunday morning in the northern suburbs of Athens, and sleet and rain fell in the center of the Greek capital. According to experts, the snowfall and low temperatures will continue throughout the day and may even extend into Monday. Much of the country is currently experiencing rainstorms, sleet, and light snowfall in what is an unseasonably wintry storm for the first day of spring.
https://www.sott.net/article/465871-Greece-hit-with-snow-on-the-first-day-of-Spring
Greece hit with snow on the first day of Spring
Greece has been dusted with snow as temperatures across the country have dropped on Sunday, which is the first day of Spring. Sunday marks the Spring Equinox, when the Sun passes over the Equator, bringing with it roughly the same amount of daylight and nighttime. Often, the Spring Equinox brings with it warmer weather, but not this year. Snowfall began early Sunday morning in the northern suburbs of Athens, and sleet and rain fell in the center of the Greek capital. According to experts, the snowfall and low temperatures will continue throughout the day and may even extend into Monday. Much of the country is currently experiencing rainstorms, sleet, and light snowfall in what is an unseasonably wintry storm for the first day of spring.
https://www.sott.net/article/465871-Greece-hit-with-snow-on-the-first-day-of-Spring
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Britain to send 6,000 missiles to aid Ukrainian military, says Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said late on March 23 that his country would send 6,000 more missiles and about $33 million in financial aid to Ukraine's military, which is battling against a brutal invasion by Russian forces. The missiles will consist of antitank and high-explosive weapons, Johnson said on the eve of a NATO and G7 summit in Brussels. He said in a statement: "The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defenses as they turn the tide in this fight. We cannot and will not stand by while Russia grinds Ukraine's towns and cities into dust." According to his office, Johnson will press Western allies at the Brussels summits to "step up a gear" in their responses to Moscow's actions.
https://www.sott.net/article/465872-Britain-to-send-6000-missiles-to-aid-Ukrainian-military-says-Boris-Johnson
Britain to send 6,000 missiles to aid Ukrainian military, says Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said late on March 23 that his country would send 6,000 more missiles and about $33 million in financial aid to Ukraine's military, which is battling against a brutal invasion by Russian forces. The missiles will consist of antitank and high-explosive weapons, Johnson said on the eve of a NATO and G7 summit in Brussels. He said in a statement: "The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defenses as they turn the tide in this fight. We cannot and will not stand by while Russia grinds Ukraine's towns and cities into dust." According to his office, Johnson will press Western allies at the Brussels summits to "step up a gear" in their responses to Moscow's actions.
https://www.sott.net/article/465872-Britain-to-send-6000-missiles-to-aid-Ukrainian-military-says-Boris-Johnson
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Russia sees first high level official resign and exit country over Putin's war
Bloomberg is confirming that Russia has its first high level dissenter who has stepped down from his government post and fled the country in protest over Putin's war in Ukraine. Bloomberg confirmed: "Russian climate envoy Anatoly Chubais has stepped down and left the country, citing his opposition to President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, according to two people familiar with the situation, becoming the highest-level official to break with the Kremlin over the invasion." The 66-year old Chubais had been named by Putin as envoy for sustainable development in December 2020, and crucially in the 1990's as one of the key architects of Russia's privatization era he had a hand in Putin's rise to power. As Bloomberg recalls: "Chubais gave Putin his first Kremlin job in the mid-1990s and initially welcomed his rise to power at the end of that decade." He remained in Russia's government serving various roles despite his reformist credentials and close contacts with the West.
https://www.sott.net/article/465873-Russia-sees-first-high-level-official-resign-and-exit-country-over-Putins-war
Russia sees first high level official resign and exit country over Putin's war
Bloomberg is confirming that Russia has its first high level dissenter who has stepped down from his government post and fled the country in protest over Putin's war in Ukraine. Bloomberg confirmed: "Russian climate envoy Anatoly Chubais has stepped down and left the country, citing his opposition to President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, according to two people familiar with the situation, becoming the highest-level official to break with the Kremlin over the invasion." The 66-year old Chubais had been named by Putin as envoy for sustainable development in December 2020, and crucially in the 1990's as one of the key architects of Russia's privatization era he had a hand in Putin's rise to power. As Bloomberg recalls: "Chubais gave Putin his first Kremlin job in the mid-1990s and initially welcomed his rise to power at the end of that decade." He remained in Russia's government serving various roles despite his reformist credentials and close contacts with the West.
https://www.sott.net/article/465873-Russia-sees-first-high-level-official-resign-and-exit-country-over-Putins-war
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Rabobank: We are seeing a struggle for a New World Order
As we know, the Ukraine war is taking place on several fronts: and, as we underlined before it started, the Ukraine metacrisis is too. The Russian Defense Ministry officially released data showing 9,861 Russian troops have been killed, with 16,153 injured. That is getting close to the tally of the entire 11-year Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That news was then rapidly deleted from their media, like a certain laptop. Aging Russia does not have the young men to waste on this war, and we already had rumors that boys from patriotic youth organisations may be drafted too: the ultra-nationalist babushky most in favor of the war are too old to fight it. As feared, this also ups the ante for Russia to escalate to heavier bombardment of civilian areas. Mariupol refused to surrender yesterday - what happens to it now remains to be seen, but it does not look good for its inhabitants. Moreover, US President Biden has warned of imminent Russian cyber-attacks, and of the risk of a chemical...
https://www.sott.net/article/465874-Rabobank-We-are-seeing-a-struggle-for-a-New-World-Order
Rabobank: We are seeing a struggle for a New World Order
As we know, the Ukraine war is taking place on several fronts: and, as we underlined before it started, the Ukraine metacrisis is too. The Russian Defense Ministry officially released data showing 9,861 Russian troops have been killed, with 16,153 injured. That is getting close to the tally of the entire 11-year Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That news was then rapidly deleted from their media, like a certain laptop. Aging Russia does not have the young men to waste on this war, and we already had rumors that boys from patriotic youth organisations may be drafted too: the ultra-nationalist babushky most in favor of the war are too old to fight it. As feared, this also ups the ante for Russia to escalate to heavier bombardment of civilian areas. Mariupol refused to surrender yesterday - what happens to it now remains to be seen, but it does not look good for its inhabitants. Moreover, US President Biden has warned of imminent Russian cyber-attacks, and of the risk of a chemical...
https://www.sott.net/article/465874-Rabobank-We-are-seeing-a-struggle-for-a-New-World-Order
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Rostislav Ishchenko on "will Poland invade the western Ukraine?"
Question: do you believe that Poland will send forces into the Ukraine? No, I don't think the US is giving conflicting instructions to Kiev. The fact is that when we are negotiating with Ukraine, we are, in fact, indirectly negotiating with the United States. Because, it is clear that we are fighting not with Zelensky, but with the United States, now, on the territory of Ukraine. The United States is at war with us to the last Ukrainian, but the United States is at war nonetheless. Therefore, when we offer surrender to Zelensky, we offer it to Zelensky, and in response, through the mouth of Zelensky, the United States offers us to surrender. They say: "Well, you withdraw troops from Ukraine, clear the Crimea and Donbass, return them to Ukraine, and then we'll talk." So, it is clear that Zelensky himself cannot put forward such demands, they are simply absurd. Therefore, in this case, since two global forces are fighting each other, the demands are practically global. These are...
https://www.sott.net/article/465875-Rostislav-Ishchenko-on-will-Poland-invade-the-western-Ukraine
Rostislav Ishchenko on "will Poland invade the western Ukraine?"
Question: do you believe that Poland will send forces into the Ukraine? No, I don't think the US is giving conflicting instructions to Kiev. The fact is that when we are negotiating with Ukraine, we are, in fact, indirectly negotiating with the United States. Because, it is clear that we are fighting not with Zelensky, but with the United States, now, on the territory of Ukraine. The United States is at war with us to the last Ukrainian, but the United States is at war nonetheless. Therefore, when we offer surrender to Zelensky, we offer it to Zelensky, and in response, through the mouth of Zelensky, the United States offers us to surrender. They say: "Well, you withdraw troops from Ukraine, clear the Crimea and Donbass, return them to Ukraine, and then we'll talk." So, it is clear that Zelensky himself cannot put forward such demands, they are simply absurd. Therefore, in this case, since two global forces are fighting each other, the demands are practically global. These are...
https://www.sott.net/article/465875-Rostislav-Ishchenko-on-will-Poland-invade-the-western-Ukraine
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The White House can't just wash away the stink of Hunter Biden's laptop
The White House at some point is going to have to address Hunter Biden's laptop. For 17 months, Joe Biden and his aides have ignored the scandal, broken by The Post three weeks before the 2020 election. They have denied our revelations, refused to respond to our questions, told lies, and relied on their media and Big Tech allies to censor and cover up credible allegations of corruption involving the president and his family. But the dam is about to burst, as more Americans learn about the scandal and draw negative conclusions about Biden's integrity.
https://www.sott.net/article/465876-The-White-House-cant-just-wash-away-the-stink-of-Hunter-Bidens-laptop
The White House can't just wash away the stink of Hunter Biden's laptop
The White House at some point is going to have to address Hunter Biden's laptop. For 17 months, Joe Biden and his aides have ignored the scandal, broken by The Post three weeks before the 2020 election. They have denied our revelations, refused to respond to our questions, told lies, and relied on their media and Big Tech allies to censor and cover up credible allegations of corruption involving the president and his family. But the dam is about to burst, as more Americans learn about the scandal and draw negative conclusions about Biden's integrity.
https://www.sott.net/article/465876-The-White-House-cant-just-wash-away-the-stink-of-Hunter-Bidens-laptop
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Make Nazism Great Again
The supreme target is regime change in Russia, Ukraine is just a pawn in the game - or worse, mere cannon fodder. All eyes are on Mariupol. As of Wednesday night, over 70% of residential areas were under control of Donetsk and Russian forces, while Russian Marines, Donetsk's 107th batallion and Chechen Spetsnaz, led by the charismatic Adam Delimkhanov, had entered the Azov-Stal plant - the HQ of the neo-Nazi Azov batallion. Azov was sent a last ultimatum: surrender until midnight - or else, as in a take no prisoners highway to hell. That implies a major game-changer in the Ukrainian battlefield; Mariupol is finally about to be thoroughly denazified - as the Azov contingent long entrenched in the city and using civilians as human shields were their most hardened fighting force. Meanwhile, echoes from the Empire of Lies all but gave the whole game away. There's no intention whatsoever in Washington to facilitate a peace plan in Ukraine - and that explains Comedian Zelensky's non-stop...
https://www.sott.net/article/465877-Make-Nazism-Great-Again
Make Nazism Great Again
The supreme target is regime change in Russia, Ukraine is just a pawn in the game - or worse, mere cannon fodder. All eyes are on Mariupol. As of Wednesday night, over 70% of residential areas were under control of Donetsk and Russian forces, while Russian Marines, Donetsk's 107th batallion and Chechen Spetsnaz, led by the charismatic Adam Delimkhanov, had entered the Azov-Stal plant - the HQ of the neo-Nazi Azov batallion. Azov was sent a last ultimatum: surrender until midnight - or else, as in a take no prisoners highway to hell. That implies a major game-changer in the Ukrainian battlefield; Mariupol is finally about to be thoroughly denazified - as the Azov contingent long entrenched in the city and using civilians as human shields were their most hardened fighting force. Meanwhile, echoes from the Empire of Lies all but gave the whole game away. There's no intention whatsoever in Washington to facilitate a peace plan in Ukraine - and that explains Comedian Zelensky's non-stop...
https://www.sott.net/article/465877-Make-Nazism-Great-Again
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US prepares for failure of anti-Russian strategy - media
Senior US officials tasked with improving the country's geopolitical position in the wake of Russia's attack against Ukraine have doubts about their government's current strategy, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The admission was buried in an article detailing the work of the Tiger Team, a group created in late February by the White House for planning around the situation in Ukraine. The report itself largely focused on how the US was preparing contingency plans for the unlikely scenario that Moscow would use weapons of mass destruction. In addition to establishing the unit, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan formed a second body for long-term planning, the newspaper said, explaining its skepticism of the established Western narrative regarding the Ukraine conflict. "Inside the White House, it has become an article of faith that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] made a huge strategic error - one that will diminish...
https://www.sott.net/article/465878-US-prepares-for-failure-of-anti-Russian-strategy-media
US prepares for failure of anti-Russian strategy - media
Senior US officials tasked with improving the country's geopolitical position in the wake of Russia's attack against Ukraine have doubts about their government's current strategy, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The admission was buried in an article detailing the work of the Tiger Team, a group created in late February by the White House for planning around the situation in Ukraine. The report itself largely focused on how the US was preparing contingency plans for the unlikely scenario that Moscow would use weapons of mass destruction. In addition to establishing the unit, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan formed a second body for long-term planning, the newspaper said, explaining its skepticism of the established Western narrative regarding the Ukraine conflict. "Inside the White House, it has become an article of faith that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] made a huge strategic error - one that will diminish...
https://www.sott.net/article/465878-US-prepares-for-failure-of-anti-Russian-strategy-media
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EU leaders call Putin's rubles-for-gas plan breach of contract
Several leaders from European Union members have scoffed at Russia's demand that some "unfriendly" countries will be forced to pay for its natural gas and oil in rubles, saying the move is a breach of contract. In a move seen aimed at bolstering Russia's beleaguered currency in the face of crippling economic and financial penalties over its invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow will no longer accept payments in dollars or euros, what he called "compromised currencies" from countries that have imposed the sanctions. While Putin did not name any countries, it is understood the policy would target Britain, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United States, and members of the European Union.
https://www.sott.net/article/465879-EU-leaders-call-Putins-rubles-for-gas-plan-breach-of-contract
EU leaders call Putin's rubles-for-gas plan breach of contract
Several leaders from European Union members have scoffed at Russia's demand that some "unfriendly" countries will be forced to pay for its natural gas and oil in rubles, saying the move is a breach of contract. In a move seen aimed at bolstering Russia's beleaguered currency in the face of crippling economic and financial penalties over its invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow will no longer accept payments in dollars or euros, what he called "compromised currencies" from countries that have imposed the sanctions. While Putin did not name any countries, it is understood the policy would target Britain, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United States, and members of the European Union.
https://www.sott.net/article/465879-EU-leaders-call-Putins-rubles-for-gas-plan-breach-of-contract
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'The unipolar world has come to an end,' says Medvedev, Russia's former president
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev explained why "the unipolar world has come to an end" and weighed the odds of Europe abandoning the Russian gas. In a wide-ranging interview with Sputnik and RT, the former president assessed the actions of the West amid the Ukrainian conflict and revealed some details about Russia's military operation in Ukraine. He also discussed different views on it, including opinions of those who chose to leave Russia. He explained why "the Americans are no longer the masters of planet Earth" and commented on Russophobia.
https://www.sott.net/article/465880-The-unipolar-world-has-come-to-an-end-says-Medvedev-Russias-former-president
'The unipolar world has come to an end,' says Medvedev, Russia's former president
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev explained why "the unipolar world has come to an end" and weighed the odds of Europe abandoning the Russian gas. In a wide-ranging interview with Sputnik and RT, the former president assessed the actions of the West amid the Ukrainian conflict and revealed some details about Russia's military operation in Ukraine. He also discussed different views on it, including opinions of those who chose to leave Russia. He explained why "the Americans are no longer the masters of planet Earth" and commented on Russophobia.
https://www.sott.net/article/465880-The-unipolar-world-has-come-to-an-end-says-Medvedev-Russias-former-president
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New Zealand overhauls its COVID-19 restrictions: Jacinda Ardern announces vaccine passes and mandates will end
Jacinda Ardern has announced sweeping changes to New Zealand's COVID-19 restrictions, axing the My Vaccine Pass and removing vaccine mandates in almost all industries. Vaccine passes are being axed in New Zealand, with mandates being removed in almost all industries. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the changes on Wednesday as she unveiled the country's post-Omicron peak plan.
https://www.sott.net/article/465881-New-Zealand-overhauls-its-COVID-19-restrictions-Jacinda-Ardern-announces-vaccine-passes-and-mandates-will-end
New Zealand overhauls its COVID-19 restrictions: Jacinda Ardern announces vaccine passes and mandates will end
Jacinda Ardern has announced sweeping changes to New Zealand's COVID-19 restrictions, axing the My Vaccine Pass and removing vaccine mandates in almost all industries. Vaccine passes are being axed in New Zealand, with mandates being removed in almost all industries. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the changes on Wednesday as she unveiled the country's post-Omicron peak plan.
https://www.sott.net/article/465881-New-Zealand-overhauls-its-COVID-19-restrictions-Jacinda-Ardern-announces-vaccine-passes-and-mandates-will-end
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Ukrainian civilians stripped, tied up and beaten by vigilantes in shocking videos
WARNING: Distressing content A series of horrifying videos published on social media show Ukrainian civilians - including women and children - being tied up, stripped and beaten in apparent vigilante attacks. Since Russia's invasion last month, reports have emerged of humiliating public punishments dished out by Ukrainians to alleged looters and saboteurs, with several photos showing people tied to poles with their pants pulled down going viral online.
https://www.sott.net/article/465882-Ukrainian-civilians-stripped-tied-up-and-beaten-by-vigilantes-in-shocking-videos
Ukrainian civilians stripped, tied up and beaten by vigilantes in shocking videos
WARNING: Distressing content A series of horrifying videos published on social media show Ukrainian civilians - including women and children - being tied up, stripped and beaten in apparent vigilante attacks. Since Russia's invasion last month, reports have emerged of humiliating public punishments dished out by Ukrainians to alleged looters and saboteurs, with several photos showing people tied to poles with their pants pulled down going viral online.
https://www.sott.net/article/465882-Ukrainian-civilians-stripped-tied-up-and-beaten-by-vigilantes-in-shocking-videos
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Prosecutor says Trump guilty of 'numerous' felonies in resignation letter
A prosecutor who investigated Donald Trump says the former president was "guilty of numerous felony violations." Mark Pomerantz made the stunning assertion in his resignation letter last month to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who paused the pursuit of an indictment in the criminal investigation into Trump and his business practices. "As you know from our recent conversations and presentations, I believe that Donald Trump is guilty of numerous felony violations of the Penal Law in connection with the preparation and use of his annual Statements of Financial Condition," Pomerantz said in the letter, which was reported by the New York Times on Wednesday.
https://www.sott.net/article/465883-Prosecutor-says-Trump-guilty-of-numerous-felonies-in-resignation-letter
Prosecutor says Trump guilty of 'numerous' felonies in resignation letter
A prosecutor who investigated Donald Trump says the former president was "guilty of numerous felony violations." Mark Pomerantz made the stunning assertion in his resignation letter last month to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who paused the pursuit of an indictment in the criminal investigation into Trump and his business practices. "As you know from our recent conversations and presentations, I believe that Donald Trump is guilty of numerous felony violations of the Penal Law in connection with the preparation and use of his annual Statements of Financial Condition," Pomerantz said in the letter, which was reported by the New York Times on Wednesday.
https://www.sott.net/article/465883-Prosecutor-says-Trump-guilty-of-numerous-felonies-in-resignation-letter
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US prepares for failure of anti-Russian strategy - media
Senior US officials tasked with improving the country's geopolitical position in the wake of Russia's attack against Ukraine have doubts about their government's current strategy, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The admission was buried in an article detailing the work of the Tiger Team, a group created in late February by the White House for planning around the situation in Ukraine. The report itself largely focused on how the US was preparing contingency plans for the unlikely scenario that Moscow would use weapons of mass destruction. In addition to establishing the unit, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan formed a second body for long-term planning, the newspaper said, explaining its skepticism of the established Western narrative regarding the Ukraine conflict. "Inside the White House, it has become an article of faith that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] made a huge strategic error - one that will diminish...
https://www.sott.net/article/465878-US-prepares-for-failure-of-anti-Russian-strategy-media
US prepares for failure of anti-Russian strategy - media
Senior US officials tasked with improving the country's geopolitical position in the wake of Russia's attack against Ukraine have doubts about their government's current strategy, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The admission was buried in an article detailing the work of the Tiger Team, a group created in late February by the White House for planning around the situation in Ukraine. The report itself largely focused on how the US was preparing contingency plans for the unlikely scenario that Moscow would use weapons of mass destruction. In addition to establishing the unit, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan formed a second body for long-term planning, the newspaper said, explaining its skepticism of the established Western narrative regarding the Ukraine conflict. "Inside the White House, it has become an article of faith that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] made a huge strategic error - one that will diminish...
https://www.sott.net/article/465878-US-prepares-for-failure-of-anti-Russian-strategy-media