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Moscow pays foreign debt in rubles for first time
US blocks banks from processing payments in dollars. Russia has paid foreign holders of Eurobonds in rubles for the first time after an attempt to settle the $649.2 million payment was rejected by a foreign financial institution under orders from Washington, the Russian Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the US Treasury stopped Russia from paying holders of its sovereign debt more than $600 million from reserves held in US bank accounts, saying that the Kremlin had to choose between draining its dollar reserves and default. Roughly half of Russia's foreign exchange reserves, worth over $300 billion, have been frozen by Western countries as part of sanctions over Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded: "Russia has all necessary resources to service its debts... If this blockade continues and payments aimed for servicing debts are blocked, it (future payment) could be made in rubles." The country has a total of 15 international bonds...
https://www.sott.net/article/466439-Moscow-pays-foreign-debt-in-rubles-for-first-time
Moscow pays foreign debt in rubles for first time
US blocks banks from processing payments in dollars. Russia has paid foreign holders of Eurobonds in rubles for the first time after an attempt to settle the $649.2 million payment was rejected by a foreign financial institution under orders from Washington, the Russian Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the US Treasury stopped Russia from paying holders of its sovereign debt more than $600 million from reserves held in US bank accounts, saying that the Kremlin had to choose between draining its dollar reserves and default. Roughly half of Russia's foreign exchange reserves, worth over $300 billion, have been frozen by Western countries as part of sanctions over Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded: "Russia has all necessary resources to service its debts... If this blockade continues and payments aimed for servicing debts are blocked, it (future payment) could be made in rubles." The country has a total of 15 international bonds...
https://www.sott.net/article/466439-Moscow-pays-foreign-debt-in-rubles-for-first-time
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Hungary breaks with EU, will pay for Russian gas in rubles
Hungary has broken ranks with the European Union, saying it will accept Moscow's demand that gas supplies be paid for in rubles. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has opposed any EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas or Western arms shipments through Hungarian territory to Ukraine, told journalists on April 6 that he had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin that if asked, Hungary would pay for gas shipments using the Russian currency. Earlier on April 6, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said gas contracts were between his country and Russia, and that the EU had "no role" to play in the deal.
https://www.sott.net/article/466440-Hungary-breaks-with-EU-will-pay-for-Russian-gas-in-rubles
Hungary breaks with EU, will pay for Russian gas in rubles
Hungary has broken ranks with the European Union, saying it will accept Moscow's demand that gas supplies be paid for in rubles. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has opposed any EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas or Western arms shipments through Hungarian territory to Ukraine, told journalists on April 6 that he had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin that if asked, Hungary would pay for gas shipments using the Russian currency. Earlier on April 6, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said gas contracts were between his country and Russia, and that the EU had "no role" to play in the deal.
https://www.sott.net/article/466440-Hungary-breaks-with-EU-will-pay-for-Russian-gas-in-rubles
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UK government plans to launch new digital ID technology April 22 as part of dystopian nationwide digital identity push
The UK government is pushing ahead with its nationwide digital ID plans, despite half of the responses to its public consultation on digital identity opposing the idea. On April 6, 2022, new digital identity document verification technology (IDVT) that enables data sharing between public bodies and businesses for the purpose of identity verification will be introduced. It will be made available to UK employers, landlords, and letting agents who can use it to digitally carry out pre-employment criminal record checks, right to work checks, and right to rent checks. The introduction of this digital IDVT is part of the government's far-reaching digital ID plans which were announced in March. The government has framed these digital ID plans as a way for UK citizens to "easily and quickly prove their identity using digital methods instead of having to rely on traditional physical documents."
https://www.sott.net/article/466441-UK-government-plans-to-launch-new-digital-ID-technology-April-22-as-part-of-dystopian-nationwide-digital-identity-push
UK government plans to launch new digital ID technology April 22 as part of dystopian nationwide digital identity push
The UK government is pushing ahead with its nationwide digital ID plans, despite half of the responses to its public consultation on digital identity opposing the idea. On April 6, 2022, new digital identity document verification technology (IDVT) that enables data sharing between public bodies and businesses for the purpose of identity verification will be introduced. It will be made available to UK employers, landlords, and letting agents who can use it to digitally carry out pre-employment criminal record checks, right to work checks, and right to rent checks. The introduction of this digital IDVT is part of the government's far-reaching digital ID plans which were announced in March. The government has framed these digital ID plans as a way for UK citizens to "easily and quickly prove their identity using digital methods instead of having to rely on traditional physical documents."
https://www.sott.net/article/466441-UK-government-plans-to-launch-new-digital-ID-technology-April-22-as-part-of-dystopian-nationwide-digital-identity-push
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US to send $100M in additional military aid to Ukraine
The U.S. is sending up to $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine as Russia's invasion of the country continues. The State Department and Pentagon announced the military funding in statements Tuesday evening. The money will go toward Javelin anti-armor systems, according to Pentagon press secretary John Kirby. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he authorized an immediate drawdown to address Ukraine's need for more anti-armor systems. Drawdowns allow the president to help countries during emergencies without needing approval from a legislative authority or budgetary appropriations, according to a Defense Department handbook. Tuesday night's drawdown marks the sixth such allocation the U.S. has made for Ukraine since August, according to Blinken. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $1.7 billion since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in late February. He said in a statement: "I have authorized, pursuant to a delegation from the President earlier today, the...
https://www.sott.net/article/466442-US-to-send-100M-in-additional-military-aid-to-Ukraine
US to send $100M in additional military aid to Ukraine
The U.S. is sending up to $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine as Russia's invasion of the country continues. The State Department and Pentagon announced the military funding in statements Tuesday evening. The money will go toward Javelin anti-armor systems, according to Pentagon press secretary John Kirby. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he authorized an immediate drawdown to address Ukraine's need for more anti-armor systems. Drawdowns allow the president to help countries during emergencies without needing approval from a legislative authority or budgetary appropriations, according to a Defense Department handbook. Tuesday night's drawdown marks the sixth such allocation the U.S. has made for Ukraine since August, according to Blinken. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $1.7 billion since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in late February. He said in a statement: "I have authorized, pursuant to a delegation from the President earlier today, the...
https://www.sott.net/article/466442-US-to-send-100M-in-additional-military-aid-to-Ukraine
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Need for a special counsel in Hunter Biden's case has grown urgent
David Weiss, the US attorney for Delaware, seems to be leading a genuine investigation of Hunter Biden: Prosecutors taking the case to a grand jury the other day even asked a witness about "the big guy," for whom Hunter and his partners had reserved a 10% cut of one potential (and lucrative) deal. No one familiar with the case has suggested who the "big guy" might be if not now-President Joe Biden, and at least one of the partners has confirmed it was Joe. Then, too, Weiss is a veteran of the Delaware office, appointed US attorney in early 2018 by President Donald Trump — not a political hack. The only thing at all questionable about his Hunter investigation is why it has taken so long, when the probe actually began long before the last election. Hunter's bank records on his dealings with the Bank of China, for example, got subpoenaed back in May 2019. For the long wait, you have to assume the blame rests with his superiors in Washington. It would've been standard procedure to hold...
https://www.sott.net/article/466443-Need-for-a-special-counsel-in-Hunter-Bidens-case-has-grown-urgent
Need for a special counsel in Hunter Biden's case has grown urgent
David Weiss, the US attorney for Delaware, seems to be leading a genuine investigation of Hunter Biden: Prosecutors taking the case to a grand jury the other day even asked a witness about "the big guy," for whom Hunter and his partners had reserved a 10% cut of one potential (and lucrative) deal. No one familiar with the case has suggested who the "big guy" might be if not now-President Joe Biden, and at least one of the partners has confirmed it was Joe. Then, too, Weiss is a veteran of the Delaware office, appointed US attorney in early 2018 by President Donald Trump — not a political hack. The only thing at all questionable about his Hunter investigation is why it has taken so long, when the probe actually began long before the last election. Hunter's bank records on his dealings with the Bank of China, for example, got subpoenaed back in May 2019. For the long wait, you have to assume the blame rests with his superiors in Washington. It would've been standard procedure to hold...
https://www.sott.net/article/466443-Need-for-a-special-counsel-in-Hunter-Bidens-case-has-grown-urgent
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Sit back and watch Europe commit suicide
The stunning spectacle of the European Union (EU) committing slow motion hara-kiri is something for the ages. Like a cheap Kurosawa remake, the movie is actually about the US-detonated demolition of the EU, complete with the rerouting of some key Russian commodities exports to the US at the expense of Europeans. It helps to have a 5th columnist actress strategically placed - in this case astonishingly incompetent European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen - with her vociferous announcement of a crushing new sanctions package: Russian ships banned from EU ports; road transportation companies from Russia and Belarus prohibited from entering the EU; no more coal imports (over 4.4 billion euros a year).
https://www.sott.net/article/466444-Sit-back-and-watch-Europe-commit-suicide
Sit back and watch Europe commit suicide
The stunning spectacle of the European Union (EU) committing slow motion hara-kiri is something for the ages. Like a cheap Kurosawa remake, the movie is actually about the US-detonated demolition of the EU, complete with the rerouting of some key Russian commodities exports to the US at the expense of Europeans. It helps to have a 5th columnist actress strategically placed - in this case astonishingly incompetent European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen - with her vociferous announcement of a crushing new sanctions package: Russian ships banned from EU ports; road transportation companies from Russia and Belarus prohibited from entering the EU; no more coal imports (over 4.4 billion euros a year).
https://www.sott.net/article/466444-Sit-back-and-watch-Europe-commit-suicide
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Medicine's got a tricky operation coming up: How to graft 'systemic racism' onto hard science
Just a few years ago, concepts such as "white supremacy," "systemic racism," and "structural intersectionality" were not the standard fare of prestigious medical journals. These are now the guiding ideas in a February special issue of Health Affairs that focuses on medicine and race. Featuring nearly two dozen articles with titles such as "Racism Runs Through It" and "Sick and Tired of Being Excluded," as well as a poem called Identity, the Washington, D.C.-based, peer-reviewed journal analyzes racial health disparities not through biology, behavior, or culture, but through the lens of "whiteness," along with concepts such as power, systems of oppression, state-sanctioned violence, and critical race praxis - a sampling of terms that come up in the February issue. Health Affairs, dubbed by a Washington Post columnist as "the bible of health policy," represents something much more ambitious than woke virtue signaling. Its February issue reflects the effort of newly empowered...
https://www.sott.net/article/466445-Medicines-got-a-tricky-operation-coming-up-How-to-graft-systemic-racism-onto-hard-science
Medicine's got a tricky operation coming up: How to graft 'systemic racism' onto hard science
Just a few years ago, concepts such as "white supremacy," "systemic racism," and "structural intersectionality" were not the standard fare of prestigious medical journals. These are now the guiding ideas in a February special issue of Health Affairs that focuses on medicine and race. Featuring nearly two dozen articles with titles such as "Racism Runs Through It" and "Sick and Tired of Being Excluded," as well as a poem called Identity, the Washington, D.C.-based, peer-reviewed journal analyzes racial health disparities not through biology, behavior, or culture, but through the lens of "whiteness," along with concepts such as power, systems of oppression, state-sanctioned violence, and critical race praxis - a sampling of terms that come up in the February issue. Health Affairs, dubbed by a Washington Post columnist as "the bible of health policy," represents something much more ambitious than woke virtue signaling. Its February issue reflects the effort of newly empowered...
https://www.sott.net/article/466445-Medicines-got-a-tricky-operation-coming-up-How-to-graft-systemic-racism-onto-hard-science
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Fusion Centers target the homeless, substance abusers, protesters and more
A damning report on the Maine Information Analysis Center (MIAC) or Fusion Center, reveals just how intertwined corporate and government surveillance of the public has become. Fusion centers are notoriously secretive about public surveillance and what little we know can be summed up thusly: "Official secrecy, moreover, cloaks fusion centers, so what little public information is available on a particular fusion center rarely provides much detail on its unique profile."The MIAC Shadow Report reveals how law enforcement goes out of their way to hide who's actually in charge of public surveillance and is pre-occupied with people committing conventional crimes. The report begins by revealing what many of us already knew or suspected; fusion centers have been and continue to surveil protesters and activists. "Fusion centers are the nerve system of mass criminalization" the report warns. A major concern of the authors is how fusion centers use private corporations to conduct secret facial...
https://www.sott.net/article/466446-Fusion-Centers-target-the-homeless-substance-abusers-protesters-and-more
Fusion Centers target the homeless, substance abusers, protesters and more
A damning report on the Maine Information Analysis Center (MIAC) or Fusion Center, reveals just how intertwined corporate and government surveillance of the public has become. Fusion centers are notoriously secretive about public surveillance and what little we know can be summed up thusly: "Official secrecy, moreover, cloaks fusion centers, so what little public information is available on a particular fusion center rarely provides much detail on its unique profile."The MIAC Shadow Report reveals how law enforcement goes out of their way to hide who's actually in charge of public surveillance and is pre-occupied with people committing conventional crimes. The report begins by revealing what many of us already knew or suspected; fusion centers have been and continue to surveil protesters and activists. "Fusion centers are the nerve system of mass criminalization" the report warns. A major concern of the authors is how fusion centers use private corporations to conduct secret facial...
https://www.sott.net/article/466446-Fusion-Centers-target-the-homeless-substance-abusers-protesters-and-more
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Harvard Law School 'apartheid' report leaves Israel's defenders speechless
Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic's recent report declaring that Israel is practicing apartheid is a victory for Palestinian human rights. In case you missed it, Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) lately issued a report that finds Israel's treatment of Palestinians on the West Bank amounts to the crime of apartheid. The study, "Apartheid in the Occupied West Bank: A Legal Analysis of Israel's Actions" came out on February 28 in the wake of five longer, wider-ranging, apartheid reports published since 2020 - and just before the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territories published another apartheid report on March 21. Prepared by the law school's human rights clinic in partnership with Ramallah-based Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, the report was released without fanfare and received minimal press coverage. And it has, so far, drawn no public condemnation by the Israel lobby....
https://www.sott.net/article/466447-Harvard-Law-School-apartheid-report-leaves-Israels-defenders-speechless
Harvard Law School 'apartheid' report leaves Israel's defenders speechless
Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic's recent report declaring that Israel is practicing apartheid is a victory for Palestinian human rights. In case you missed it, Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) lately issued a report that finds Israel's treatment of Palestinians on the West Bank amounts to the crime of apartheid. The study, "Apartheid in the Occupied West Bank: A Legal Analysis of Israel's Actions" came out on February 28 in the wake of five longer, wider-ranging, apartheid reports published since 2020 - and just before the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territories published another apartheid report on March 21. Prepared by the law school's human rights clinic in partnership with Ramallah-based Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, the report was released without fanfare and received minimal press coverage. And it has, so far, drawn no public condemnation by the Israel lobby....
https://www.sott.net/article/466447-Harvard-Law-School-apartheid-report-leaves-Israels-defenders-speechless
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Man in Star Wars shirt eating $12 Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel wonders 'Where does Disney get so much money to push its leftist agenda?'
According to sources, local conservative/libertarian-ish man Kyle McManus on Monday pondered how Disney has so much money, power, and cultural influence to push its leftist agenda. The man wondered these things as he stood on a bridge inside Disney's California Adventure eating a $12 Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel. "I just don't get how Disney keeps funding all these LGBTQ agenda-driven movies and shows," said the man wearing a Star Wars T-shirt purchased for $36 at the World of Disney store. "We need to start fighting back to retake the culture, but it's just so tough when Disney has so much funding." "I wonder where they get it all," he mused as he looked out over the fountain display in front of the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel while dipping his $12 Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel into his $3 cup of cheese sauce. "It's like they have unlimited money. Who on earth would fund this operation that keeps grooming our kids and pushing their radical agenda on us?" "It must be George Soros,"...
https://www.sott.net/article/466448-Man-in-Star-Wars-shirt-eating-12-Mickey-Mouse-shaped-pretzel-wonders-Where-does-Disney-get-so-much-money-to-push-its-leftist-agenda
Man in Star Wars shirt eating $12 Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel wonders 'Where does Disney get so much money to push its leftist agenda?'
According to sources, local conservative/libertarian-ish man Kyle McManus on Monday pondered how Disney has so much money, power, and cultural influence to push its leftist agenda. The man wondered these things as he stood on a bridge inside Disney's California Adventure eating a $12 Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel. "I just don't get how Disney keeps funding all these LGBTQ agenda-driven movies and shows," said the man wearing a Star Wars T-shirt purchased for $36 at the World of Disney store. "We need to start fighting back to retake the culture, but it's just so tough when Disney has so much funding." "I wonder where they get it all," he mused as he looked out over the fountain display in front of the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel while dipping his $12 Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel into his $3 cup of cheese sauce. "It's like they have unlimited money. Who on earth would fund this operation that keeps grooming our kids and pushing their radical agenda on us?" "It must be George Soros,"...
https://www.sott.net/article/466448-Man-in-Star-Wars-shirt-eating-12-Mickey-Mouse-shaped-pretzel-wonders-Where-does-Disney-get-so-much-money-to-push-its-leftist-agenda
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Video appears to show Ukrainian troops killing captured Russian soldiers.
A video posted online on Monday and verified by The New York Times appears to show a group of Ukrainian soldiers killing captured Russian troops outside a village west of Kyiv. "He's still alive. Film these marauders. Look, he's still alive. He's gasping," a man says as a Russian soldier with a jacket pulled over his head, apparently wounded, is seen still breathing. A soldier then shoots the man twice. After the man keeps moving, the soldier shoots him again, and he stops. Comment: So, a warcrime. At least three other apparent Russian soldiers, including one with an obvious head wound who has his hands tied behind his back, can be seen dead near the victim. All are wearing camouflage, and three have white arm bands commonly worn by Russian troops. Equipment is scattered around them and there are blood stains near each man's head. The soldiers are lying in the road a few feet from a BMD-2, an infantry fighting vehicle used by Russian airborne units. Some appear to have had their...
https://www.sott.net/article/466449-Video-appears-to-show-Ukrainian-troops-killing-captured-Russian-soldiers
Video appears to show Ukrainian troops killing captured Russian soldiers.
A video posted online on Monday and verified by The New York Times appears to show a group of Ukrainian soldiers killing captured Russian troops outside a village west of Kyiv. "He's still alive. Film these marauders. Look, he's still alive. He's gasping," a man says as a Russian soldier with a jacket pulled over his head, apparently wounded, is seen still breathing. A soldier then shoots the man twice. After the man keeps moving, the soldier shoots him again, and he stops. Comment: So, a warcrime. At least three other apparent Russian soldiers, including one with an obvious head wound who has his hands tied behind his back, can be seen dead near the victim. All are wearing camouflage, and three have white arm bands commonly worn by Russian troops. Equipment is scattered around them and there are blood stains near each man's head. The soldiers are lying in the road a few feet from a BMD-2, an infantry fighting vehicle used by Russian airborne units. Some appear to have had their...
https://www.sott.net/article/466449-Video-appears-to-show-Ukrainian-troops-killing-captured-Russian-soldiers
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Black Lives Matter shows how liberal groups weaponize social media censorship
The talking points have apparently gone out, and it is now OK for the mainstream press to gently criticize the Black Lives Matter movement. Accordingly, New York magazine has issued a critique of BLM's financial management — particularly, the organization's purchase in 2020 of a $6 million, 6,500 square foot house in Southern California. Almost exactly a year ago, the New York Post reported on the purchase of four other multi-million dollar high-end homes by BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors. The story described the homes no differently than it would any other celebrity home purchase. All the information contained in the article was gleaned from public records, including the photos. No addresses were listed. But within days, users on Facebook were banned from sharing the story — on the platform itself, on Facebook messenger, and on Instagram, which Facebook owns. Despite the fact that all the information discussed was a matter of public record, Facebook flagged the article for...
https://www.sott.net/article/466450-Black-Lives-Matter-shows-how-liberal-groups-weaponize-social-media-censorship
Black Lives Matter shows how liberal groups weaponize social media censorship
The talking points have apparently gone out, and it is now OK for the mainstream press to gently criticize the Black Lives Matter movement. Accordingly, New York magazine has issued a critique of BLM's financial management — particularly, the organization's purchase in 2020 of a $6 million, 6,500 square foot house in Southern California. Almost exactly a year ago, the New York Post reported on the purchase of four other multi-million dollar high-end homes by BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors. The story described the homes no differently than it would any other celebrity home purchase. All the information contained in the article was gleaned from public records, including the photos. No addresses were listed. But within days, users on Facebook were banned from sharing the story — on the platform itself, on Facebook messenger, and on Instagram, which Facebook owns. Despite the fact that all the information discussed was a matter of public record, Facebook flagged the article for...
https://www.sott.net/article/466450-Black-Lives-Matter-shows-how-liberal-groups-weaponize-social-media-censorship
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BEST OF THE WEB: Ukraine War! What Is It Good For? Propaganda!
Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine has been presented to us, in the West, as unprovoked and unjustified. We have not been told about Russia's legitimate security concerns in the face of NATO expansionism. Nor has Ukraine's significant Nazi problem been honestly reported, with some Western propagandist even promoting them. The Russian government claims that its recognition and defence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) are born from "compassion" for the people who have been under siege for eight years. However, Russia also needs the new republics as satellite states, providing a foothold for its own national security as it opposes NATO's advance. It should be noted that Russia's military actions, in trying to oust Nazis from their strongholds in Mariupol, Kharkiv and elsewhere, has led to the near destruction of many cities and towns in Eastern Ukraine. As of the 19th March the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) estimate...
https://www.sott.net/article/466451-Ukraine-War-What-Is-It-Good-For-Propaganda
BEST OF THE WEB: Ukraine War! What Is It Good For? Propaganda!
Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine has been presented to us, in the West, as unprovoked and unjustified. We have not been told about Russia's legitimate security concerns in the face of NATO expansionism. Nor has Ukraine's significant Nazi problem been honestly reported, with some Western propagandist even promoting them. The Russian government claims that its recognition and defence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) are born from "compassion" for the people who have been under siege for eight years. However, Russia also needs the new republics as satellite states, providing a foothold for its own national security as it opposes NATO's advance. It should be noted that Russia's military actions, in trying to oust Nazis from their strongholds in Mariupol, Kharkiv and elsewhere, has led to the near destruction of many cities and towns in Eastern Ukraine. As of the 19th March the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) estimate...
https://www.sott.net/article/466451-Ukraine-War-What-Is-It-Good-For-Propaganda
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Central bank smackdown: Glazyev vs. Nabiullina
Why did Putin appoint a financial terrorist to run Russia's Central Bank? Did he know he was putting Russia's future in the hands of someone whose interests align more closely with power-mad globalists than with the Russian people? Does he understand the role the Central Bank chief played in facilitating Washington's theft of Russia's foreign reserves? Does he understand the role the Central Bank chief played in allowing Russia's currency to be ripped to shreds by vicious hedge fund speculators acting on Washington's behalf? Does he understand that doubling interest rates overnight to 20% will wipe out business investment, increase unemployment and push the economy headlong into a protracted slump? Does he like the idea that Russia's national bank is now lending money at the same inflated rate as a Mafia loan shark? Would Putin borrow money at 20%? Would anyone? And if no one borrows money, then there's no credit expansion. And if there is no credit expansion, there's no economic...
https://www.sott.net/article/466452-Central-bank-smackdown-Glazyev-vs-Nabiullina
Central bank smackdown: Glazyev vs. Nabiullina
Why did Putin appoint a financial terrorist to run Russia's Central Bank? Did he know he was putting Russia's future in the hands of someone whose interests align more closely with power-mad globalists than with the Russian people? Does he understand the role the Central Bank chief played in facilitating Washington's theft of Russia's foreign reserves? Does he understand the role the Central Bank chief played in allowing Russia's currency to be ripped to shreds by vicious hedge fund speculators acting on Washington's behalf? Does he understand that doubling interest rates overnight to 20% will wipe out business investment, increase unemployment and push the economy headlong into a protracted slump? Does he like the idea that Russia's national bank is now lending money at the same inflated rate as a Mafia loan shark? Would Putin borrow money at 20%? Would anyone? And if no one borrows money, then there's no credit expansion. And if there is no credit expansion, there's no economic...
https://www.sott.net/article/466452-Central-bank-smackdown-Glazyev-vs-Nabiullina
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Why do Europeans have to sacrifice hot showers to 'stick it to Putin'?
EU citizens are being asked to make great sacrifices to support a sanctions regime against Moscow over its military offensive in Ukraine. But how long will Western consumers be willing to live without creature comforts? What a difference a month can make. Not long ago, Moscow and Berlin had the champagne on ice for an expected ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nord Stream 2, a planned 1,234-km (766 mile) pipeline extending from Russia to Germany that would have kept Europe warm and toasty for decades. Now, EU officials are advising their citizens to dial back their time in the shower and invest in wool sweaters as calls for decoupling from Russian energy supplies ratchet up. "Everyone is asking, 'what can I do,'" remarked Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition. "You can do two things," she recommended. "Control your own and your teenager's showers, and when you turn off that water, you say, 'take that, Putin.'" Comment: Note that this is supposed to be a commissioner, a...
https://www.sott.net/article/466453-Why-do-Europeans-have-to-sacrifice-hot-showers-to-stick-it-to-Putin
Why do Europeans have to sacrifice hot showers to 'stick it to Putin'?
EU citizens are being asked to make great sacrifices to support a sanctions regime against Moscow over its military offensive in Ukraine. But how long will Western consumers be willing to live without creature comforts? What a difference a month can make. Not long ago, Moscow and Berlin had the champagne on ice for an expected ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nord Stream 2, a planned 1,234-km (766 mile) pipeline extending from Russia to Germany that would have kept Europe warm and toasty for decades. Now, EU officials are advising their citizens to dial back their time in the shower and invest in wool sweaters as calls for decoupling from Russian energy supplies ratchet up. "Everyone is asking, 'what can I do,'" remarked Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition. "You can do two things," she recommended. "Control your own and your teenager's showers, and when you turn off that water, you say, 'take that, Putin.'" Comment: Note that this is supposed to be a commissioner, a...
https://www.sott.net/article/466453-Why-do-Europeans-have-to-sacrifice-hot-showers-to-stick-it-to-Putin
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Thievery: Finland seizes $46 million worth of Russian art over EU sanctions
The European Union has imposed extensive sanctions against Russia and Belarus due to Russia's attack on Ukraine. As the implementing authority, Finnish Customs' tasks include enforcing the sanctions on goods agreed at EU level. On 1-2 April 2022, Finnish Customs detained three shipments bound for Russia at Vaalimaa border crossing point. The shipments contained paintings and sculptures. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the EU list of sanctions contains a paragraph on works of art.
https://www.sott.net/article/466454-Thievery-Finland-seizes-46-million-worth-of-Russian-art-over-EU-sanctions
Thievery: Finland seizes $46 million worth of Russian art over EU sanctions
The European Union has imposed extensive sanctions against Russia and Belarus due to Russia's attack on Ukraine. As the implementing authority, Finnish Customs' tasks include enforcing the sanctions on goods agreed at EU level. On 1-2 April 2022, Finnish Customs detained three shipments bound for Russia at Vaalimaa border crossing point. The shipments contained paintings and sculptures. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the EU list of sanctions contains a paragraph on works of art.
https://www.sott.net/article/466454-Thievery-Finland-seizes-46-million-worth-of-Russian-art-over-EU-sanctions
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US, Poland to hold joint military exercises near Ukraine border
A State Department source tells Fox News on Thursday that the U.S. and Poland will hold joint military exercises tomorrow near Rzeszow, about an hour away from Poland's border with Ukraine. President Joe Biden had visited the city during his trip to Europe for a NATO summit in late March. "Tactical and fire training at the training ground in Nowa Dęba is to deepen the interoperability of Polish and American troops and to harmonize Polish military units," the Polish military said in a statement previewing the military exercise.
https://www.sott.net/article/466455-US-Poland-to-hold-joint-military-exercises-near-Ukraine-border
US, Poland to hold joint military exercises near Ukraine border
A State Department source tells Fox News on Thursday that the U.S. and Poland will hold joint military exercises tomorrow near Rzeszow, about an hour away from Poland's border with Ukraine. President Joe Biden had visited the city during his trip to Europe for a NATO summit in late March. "Tactical and fire training at the training ground in Nowa Dęba is to deepen the interoperability of Polish and American troops and to harmonize Polish military units," the Polish military said in a statement previewing the military exercise.
https://www.sott.net/article/466455-US-Poland-to-hold-joint-military-exercises-near-Ukraine-border
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Ruble stronger than before Ukraine crisis, Russia needs just 6 months needed to offset impact of sanctions
The Russian ruble strengthened to 75 rubles to the US dollar and 81 against the euro on Thursday, reaching its strongest levels against major currencies since February 19. The ruble plunged to historic lows after Russia launched the special military operation in Ukraine, and the US and its allies imposed unprecedented sanctions targeting the country's financial system. On March 7, the Russian currency fell to as low as 150 rubles to the dollar. The ruble nosedived on February 24, immediately after the start of the military operation, as international penalties targeted its freely traded currency. Western countries froze Moscow's foreign reserves, making it difficult for the Bank of Russia to support the ruble by selling foreign currencies.
https://www.sott.net/article/466456-Ruble-stronger-than-before-Ukraine-crisis-Russia-needs-just-6-months-needed-to-offset-impact-of-sanctions
Ruble stronger than before Ukraine crisis, Russia needs just 6 months needed to offset impact of sanctions
The Russian ruble strengthened to 75 rubles to the US dollar and 81 against the euro on Thursday, reaching its strongest levels against major currencies since February 19. The ruble plunged to historic lows after Russia launched the special military operation in Ukraine, and the US and its allies imposed unprecedented sanctions targeting the country's financial system. On March 7, the Russian currency fell to as low as 150 rubles to the dollar. The ruble nosedived on February 24, immediately after the start of the military operation, as international penalties targeted its freely traded currency. Western countries froze Moscow's foreign reserves, making it difficult for the Bank of Russia to support the ruble by selling foreign currencies.
https://www.sott.net/article/466456-Ruble-stronger-than-before-Ukraine-crisis-Russia-needs-just-6-months-needed-to-offset-impact-of-sanctions
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Ruble stronger than before Ukraine crisis, Russia needs just 6 months to offset impact of sanctions
The Russian ruble strengthened to 75 rubles to the US dollar and 81 against the euro on Thursday, reaching its strongest levels against major currencies since February 19. The ruble plunged to historic lows after Russia launched the special military operation in Ukraine, and the US and its allies imposed unprecedented sanctions targeting the country's financial system. On March 7, the Russian currency fell to as low as 150 rubles to the dollar. The ruble nosedived on February 24, immediately after the start of the military operation, as international penalties targeted its freely traded currency. Western countries froze Moscow's foreign reserves, making it difficult for the Bank of Russia to support the ruble by selling foreign currencies.
https://www.sott.net/article/466456-Ruble-stronger-than-before-Ukraine-crisis-Russia-needs-just-6-months-to-offset-impact-of-sanctions
Ruble stronger than before Ukraine crisis, Russia needs just 6 months to offset impact of sanctions
The Russian ruble strengthened to 75 rubles to the US dollar and 81 against the euro on Thursday, reaching its strongest levels against major currencies since February 19. The ruble plunged to historic lows after Russia launched the special military operation in Ukraine, and the US and its allies imposed unprecedented sanctions targeting the country's financial system. On March 7, the Russian currency fell to as low as 150 rubles to the dollar. The ruble nosedived on February 24, immediately after the start of the military operation, as international penalties targeted its freely traded currency. Western countries froze Moscow's foreign reserves, making it difficult for the Bank of Russia to support the ruble by selling foreign currencies.
https://www.sott.net/article/466456-Ruble-stronger-than-before-Ukraine-crisis-Russia-needs-just-6-months-to-offset-impact-of-sanctions
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Scientists discover ancient cemetery of flying reptiles in Chile's Atacama desert
Scientists in Chile say they have unearthed a rare cemetery with well-preserved bones of ancient flying reptiles that roamed the Andean country's Atacama desert more than 100 million years ago. The remains belong to pterosaurs, scientists determined, flying creatures that lived alongside dinosaurs that had a long wingspan and fed by filtering water through long thin teeth, similar to flamingos. The group of scientists, led by Jhonatan Alarcon, an investigator at the University of Chile, have been searching for pterosaurs for years, but this discovery surpassed their hopes.
https://www.sott.net/article/466457-Scientists-discover-ancient-cemetery-of-flying-reptiles-in-Chiles-Atacama-desert
Scientists discover ancient cemetery of flying reptiles in Chile's Atacama desert
Scientists in Chile say they have unearthed a rare cemetery with well-preserved bones of ancient flying reptiles that roamed the Andean country's Atacama desert more than 100 million years ago. The remains belong to pterosaurs, scientists determined, flying creatures that lived alongside dinosaurs that had a long wingspan and fed by filtering water through long thin teeth, similar to flamingos. The group of scientists, led by Jhonatan Alarcon, an investigator at the University of Chile, have been searching for pterosaurs for years, but this discovery surpassed their hopes.
https://www.sott.net/article/466457-Scientists-discover-ancient-cemetery-of-flying-reptiles-in-Chiles-Atacama-desert
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At least 12 fatalities after floods and landslides following heavy rain in Antioquia, Colombia
Heavy rain in northwest Colombia has taken its toll on the population of the department of Antioquia where at least 12 people have died in landslides and floods over the last few days. Heavy rainfall triggered floods and landslides in Abriaqui municipality on 07 April 2022, destroying part of the El Porvenir mine and a workers' campsite, killing 11 people and injuring 10. More people are feared missing and the number of fatalities could rise. Around 20 families were evacuated from a nearby village. Roads in the area have been blocked by floods and landslide debris. The previous day authorities reported that one person died in a landslide after heavy rain in Barbosa municipality.
https://www.sott.net/article/466458-At-least-12-fatalities-after-floods-and-landslides-following-heavy-rain-in-Antioquia-Colombia
At least 12 fatalities after floods and landslides following heavy rain in Antioquia, Colombia
Heavy rain in northwest Colombia has taken its toll on the population of the department of Antioquia where at least 12 people have died in landslides and floods over the last few days. Heavy rainfall triggered floods and landslides in Abriaqui municipality on 07 April 2022, destroying part of the El Porvenir mine and a workers' campsite, killing 11 people and injuring 10. More people are feared missing and the number of fatalities could rise. Around 20 families were evacuated from a nearby village. Roads in the area have been blocked by floods and landslide debris. The previous day authorities reported that one person died in a landslide after heavy rain in Barbosa municipality.
https://www.sott.net/article/466458-At-least-12-fatalities-after-floods-and-landslides-following-heavy-rain-in-Antioquia-Colombia
