Video - Captured Russian officer explains how 2-3k Russian officers w/ fake ID run Putin's proxy Ukraine forces.

Full video transcript in English here: http://t.co/X7yCGzF0Ym via @LUGANSK_TODAY

— Silver Surfer (@RobPulseNews) July 30, 2015

Video - The Honeymoon Is Over In the Crimea.

Video - Russian helicopter pilots preparing for Victory parade, will fly in very close formation.

Preparing for Victory Parade already in full swing. So helicopter from the Tver region went to the outskirts of Moscow Kubinka to continue preparation for the celebration in the general scheme of the Air Force. However, the flight turned out to be difficult.

Percussion Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" and Mi-28-H "Night Hunter" - machines, of course, all-weather and equally effective both day and night. But hurricane wind and snowfall in early April forced the pilots to demonstrate their skills on the way from Torzhok in Kubinka.

More than two dozen helicopters virtually all types will be presented at the anniversary of the Victory Parade. In addition to the Ma-28-N and the Ka-52, this latest modification of the Mi-8 with the index "AMTSH" and the famous Mi-24, and heavyweight champion of the Mi-26.

For the first time over Red Square they fly not in isolation, but as part of larger units. The distance between the helicopter rotor will not exceed 10-20 meters - even for experienced pilots is a challenge to their skill. Source.

Russia grants Kiev gas discount, but Kiev counts on the EU to fit the bill.

Russia grants Kiev gas discount, but Kiev counts on the EU to fit the bill. (RBTH).

The centrist newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree on the extension of discounted gas supplies to Ukraine. Moscow is ready to supply Kiev with gas at $250 per 1,000 cubic meters. The publication explains that this will allow Ukraine to acquire gas at a cheaper rate than directly from gas hubs in Europe.

However, Kiev, writes the newspaper, is not able to purchase reserve gas even at reduced prices.

The Ukrainian government is counting on the Europeans paying for its gas supplies: Kieve is holding talks with the European bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank and other international financial institutions on the granting of loans for pumping natural gas into storage tanks in the summer period in order to create the necessary fuel reserves for the next heating season and ensure the uninterrupted transit of Russian gas to the EU.

Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes that Kiev’s current attempts to use European money to replenish Ukraine’s underground gas storage tanks are a repeat of the actions taken by former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in 2009.

Russian experts explain that the super-reduced prices for Ukraine are principally due to political factors. “It appears that the European Union is now interested in the preservation of gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine. And the Europeans may allocate further credit to Ukraine for this,” says Mikhail Krutikhin, a partner at consulting company RusEnergy.

However, he stressed that the sides remained in fundamental disagreement on the issue of the gas contract.  Hmmm.........And there's still the unsettled remaining debt to Russia. Read the full story here.

Russian Pres Putin: 'try to take Crimea away and I will give you a nuclear war'.

Russian Pres Putin: 'try to take Crimea away and I will give you a nuclear war'. (TheAustralian).

As President Putin celebrated the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea on March 18 with an appearance at a concert outside the Kremlin, a group of retired Russian generals sat down in Torgau, Germany, with a group of their American counterparts. The assembled Russians once ran the interior ministry, the military directorate in charge of nuclear weapons, the GRU (Russian military intelligence) and the FSB (the main successor agency to the KGB). The American individuals present had similar backgrounds in the military, CIA and Defence Intelligence Agency.

Behind closed doors, over two days, the Russians delivered a series of blunt warnings from Moscow that reveal just how precarious Europe’s security has become over the past year, and how broad the gulf between the Kremlin and the West now is.

The US party at the Elbe Group talks appears to have been surprised to discover that Russian security experts believe that the US is bent on destroying their country — and that Russia is both entitled and fully prepared to use nuclear force to defend itself. That point of view reflects both Mr Putin’s assessment of Russia’s vulnerability and the KGB background shared by him and his closest advisers, according to Kremlin insiders.

Swaggering nuclear rhetoric has increasingly permeated Russian life. In a recent documentary, Mr Putin said that when he gave the instruction to annex Crimea, he also ordered that Russia’s nuclear forces be placed on full alert.

He has referred to Russia’s nuclear might many times since the Ukraine crisis began, including in remarks to a group of schoolchildren in August, when he reminded them that “Russia is one of the leading nuclear powers”, and “it’s best not to mess with us”.

Notes of the Elbe Group meeting indicate some areas where the Kremlin is open to dialogue, namely on the “future nature and composition” of the contested territory in eastern Ukraine which, the generals say, Russia wants to see become “an autonomous entity in a confederated Ukraine”.

However, they also show the detailed thinking behind the nuclear bluster. Among the “key messages delivered by Russian participants” was a warning that any military move by the West on Crimea would trigger a Russian response, possibly involving nuclear force. “The United States should also understand it would also be at risk.”

The Russian delegation said that any NATO build-up in the Baltics would prompt an increase in Russia’s “nuclear posture”, according to notes drawn up by a US participant. The warning is baldly recounted: “Russia will use its nuclear weapons against NATO.”

When discussing possible Russian action in the Baltics, it reported: “Russian members mentioned a spectrum of responses from nuclear to non-military.” Hmmmm.....I'm convinced Putin believes he can survive a nuclear showdown with the West and emerge victorious.Read the full story here.

"CHANGE" - Putin Pulls Out of Post-Cold War Arms Treaty.

"CHANGE" - Putin Pulls Out of Post-Cold War Arms Treaty. (FT).

At a time when European officials concerned about Russian aggression in Eastern Europe are openly calling for the creation of a Pan-European army, Moscow has announced it will cease all involvement in a major arms control treaty that was signed at the end of the Cold War.

The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was an agreement signed in 1990 between the 16 North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries and six Warsaw Pact countries. It set caps on the number of soldiers, tanks, artillery pieces and other non-nuclear military assets that could be stationed in Europe.

State-run media reported that the decision to “withdraw completely” from the treaty was announced by Anton Mazur, head of the Russian delegation arms control talks in Vienna.

Russia’s withdrawal decision is very nearly a formality. Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2007 suspended Russia’s observation of the treaty after the other signatories would not agree to changes, in the form of an “adapted” treaty. Russia had felt those changes were necessary because of a realignment of global power away from Russia after the Cold War.

“For years, the Russian side has been doing its best to maintain viability of the regime of control over conventional arms, it initiated talks on adapting the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, it ratified the agreement on Adapted CFE Treaty,” Mazur said,according to the Kremlin-owned news service ITAR-TASS. “Regrettably, NATO countries have preferred to dodge CFE provisions by means of the alliance’s expansion and use any pretexts to prevent the Agreement on Adapted CFE Treaty from coming into effect. This course pursued despite our repeated warning about its harmful impacts on the regime of control over conventional weapons led to the unavoidable result — Russia’s suspending the CFE Treaty in 2007.”

Russia had continued to participate in “consultative” meetings with the signatories. However, Mazur said the Kremlin now sees further participation as “pointless from both political and practical points of view and as excessively costly from the financial and economic point of view.” Hmmmm......Change you can believe in. Read the full story here.

Video - Russian Army - We're back !!! (In Russian).

 Source Dep PM Rogozin : As happy as a kid in a candy store: 

Ну как-то так... https://t.co/UgVVDdAms7 Действительно возвращаемся

— Dmitry Rogozin (@Rogozin) March 19, 2015

Russia placing Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad and Tu-22M3 Backfire C Bomber, Missile Carrier to the Crimea

Source

Russia placing Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad and Tu-22M3 Backfire C Bomber, Missile Carrier to the Crimea.(BBC.ru)

Sources in the Russian Defense Ministry told Tass and RIA Novosti about the transfer of Tu-22M3 capable of carrying nuclear weapons, in the Crimea.

It is noted that this transfer will take place "during the check carried out by the sudden readiness of the Armed Forces."

On the relocation of Russian bombers on the peninsula in the autumn reported the US Congress in a letter to President Barack Obama.

On Monday, the military command in Moscow announced another spot checks readiness of the Northern Fleet. According to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the check will be held until March 21. Hmmm........'Flexibility and Change' More on the Backfire Bomber here.

Belarus Sends Servicemen to Russia for Strategic Command Exercise.

Two partners in 'crime' 

Belarus Sends Servicemen to Russia for Strategic Command Exercise. (SP).

Belarusian servicemen will participate in a joint strategic command and staff exercise with the center command office of the Russian Armed Forces, the country’s defense ministry reported.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will start strategic command-staff exercise with the central bodies of military control on March 17. In order to participate in this event the operational team of officers of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces arrived,” the ministry statement read.

The strategic training will be held amid a snap combat readiness exercise of the Russian Armed Forces in the Arctic region which began on March 16. It includes 38,000 military personnel, 3,360 units of military equipment, 41 warships, 15 submarines, 110 aircraft and helicopters.

Russia's Arctic Soldiers May Be Rewarded With Free Homes in Crimea and other desirable locations in southern Russia.

Russia's Arctic Soldiers May Be Rewarded With Free Homes in Crimea and other desirable locations in southern Russia.(MT).

Russian soldiers who serve in the rough and inhospitable Arctic could be compensated by the state with real estate in Crimea, or other desirable locations in southern Russia, a Defense Ministry official said Thursday.

Russia is pursuing a major military expansion in the Arctic that aims to reoccupy abandoned Soviet positions and assert Russia's territorial claims in the resource-rich North.

“Naturally, military personnel service in remote Arctic garrisons can count on quality accommodation in Russia's central and southern regions,” the Interfax news agency quoted Sergei Pirogov, director of the Defense Ministry's housing department, as saying Thursday.

The Defense Ministry has been working to increase the standard of living for its soldiers by building them modern housing and increasing wages for contract soldiers in the hopes of attracting more quality applicants for volunteer service.

Pirogov said that in the last two years, over 2,000 servicemen from the Northern Fleet — upon which Russia's new Arctic command is being built — have been provided with housing in central and southern Russia.

Arctic military personnel may qualify for brand new apartments in the Crimean city of Sevastopol and in Sochi, Pirogov was quoted as saying. Other less exotic locations include Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Smolensk, Tver and other areas with developed infrastructure, he said. Read the full story here.

Russia Declares Handover or-Refund Stance on Mistral Ships Deal.

Russia Declares Handover or-Refund Stance on Mistral Ships Deal. (SP).

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov stated that Moscow’s position on the delivery of Mistral-class helicopter carriers from France boils down to two: either the ships or a refund.

Moscow’s position on the delivery of Mistral-class helicopter carriers from France boils down to two: either the ships or a refund, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said Monday.

“As our president has [already] told the press, the topic of the Mistral was not discussed [during an unscheduled meeting in Moscow with French President Francoise Hollande]. The president also said that we understand the situation calmly, and that in principle two variants would suffice: either the ships or the money that should be returned,” Ushakov said.

An impromptu meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart, Francois Hollande took place Saturday in Moscow's Vnukovo-2 Airport.

Putin said Saturday the issue of Mistral delivery had not been brought up during his rendezvous with Hollande, but stressed Moscow would "proceed from the assumption" that Paris meant to honor the contract.

The Russian president added, however, that Moscow would "have no major complaints" if Paris did not deliver on its contractual obligations since it expected the money paid for two ships to be returned.

Last week, Putin's senior aide said Moscow expected France to make its final decision on the ships deal known before the turn of the year. He warned Russia might file a lawsuit with the European Court of Arbitration "next year" to seek damages from France. Read the full story here.

Russian Army holds parade in Lugansk. Photos.

Russian Army holds parade in Lugansk. Photos.  (lugansk-news).

Yesterday Russian “humanitarian” aid convoy arrived to Lugansk and today Russian regular army units had a parade on the main city square in the center of Lugansk.

On the parade there were armored vehicles, tanks, and GRADs (multiple rocket launcher systems) and other heavy artillery.

The troops were under Russian flag, you can see Russian Federation emblem “Two-head eagle” and the Orthodox Church priest of Moscow Patriarchate who is giving his blessing to the solders.

They were also using flags of so-called “Novorossia”. Read and see more photo's here.

 Related:

Huge military convoy is waiting on the eastern entrance to #Donetsk. Armed Kamaz trucks w munitions, Grads, a/a guns pic.twitter.com/STZbxwjksn
— Petr Shelomovskiy (@shelomovskiy) November 1, 2014

Russia test fires another intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol-M"

Russia test fires another intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol-M". (RN).

The Russian Strategic Missile Forces test-fired on Saturday a Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile from a launch site in northwestern Russia, the country's Defense Ministry said.

"The (MBR) RT-2PM2 ,Topol-M', a silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile, was launched on November 1, at 9:20 a.m. [local time, or 6:20 GMT] from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome," the ministry said in a statement.

The launch was carried out to test Topol-M's technical features. According to the statement, the missile demonstrated its high precision capabilities and overall good performance, hitting a designated target at a test range on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula.

Test again confirmed the correctness of the technical solutions incorporated in creating the missile system, and its readiness to perform combat tasks, the Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Egorov.

The Defense Ministry said previously that Topol-M and RS-24 ballistic missiles would be the mainstays of the ground-based component of Russia's nuclear triad and would account for no less than 80 percent of the SMF's arsenal by 2016. Hmmm......He thinks he can confront the West and win.

Russian army command ordered to urgently paralyze roads in the direction of Mariupol.

Russian army command ordered to urgently paralyze roads in the direction of Mariupol.(EuromaidanPress).

Russian-backed militants continue intensive artillery fire upon Ukrainian troops at the forefront positions and send more reconnaissance subversive groups in the direction of the Donetsk-Mariupol road.

The Russian command has set a target for its divisions and local gang formations to paralyze the road at Mariupol direction, as Dmytro Tymchuk, head of the Information resistance group reports on his page on Facebook.

“Attempts to infiltrate the area west of Mariupol by the enemy’s reconnaissance subversive groups to block the road Novoazovsk – Odesa (E58) are increasing. Ukrainian troops take active measures to find and neutralize these groups,” he said.

The expert reports that enemy groups conduct reconnaissance in the area of Mariupol (checkpoints, roadblocks, command posts, positions, base camps of Ukrainian troops). Additionally, they conduct reconnaissance of the results of their shellings. The enemy tries to inflict fire damage to Ukrainian troops at the front line using intense artillery fire.

Using the same pattern (zeroing, then massive fire strikes on stationary targets) Russian-backed militants have been conducting combat operations at Volnovakha direction (Volnovakha is North West from Mariupol). Lay-out of objects and evaluation the impacts of fire has been also conducted by enemy’s reconnaissance subversive groups.

Earlier UNIAN reported that the commander of the Azov battalion assumed that Russian backed militants would attack Berdyansk rather than Mariupol.

A kettle (encirclement) could occur near Berdyansk in the Donetsk Oblast. This kettle could bring even greater losses than during the Ilovaisk tragedy, said the commander of the regiment Azov Andriy Biletskyi.

As he said on air of Channel 5, Russian-backed militants will strike not Mariupol but Berdyansk near the river Byrd in case they advance. This could ensure cutting off Ukrainian army units in Mariupol.

According to him, the situation in Donbas is exascerbating and worsening. In particular, fighting intensified in the Novoazovsk direction, where there were casualties among Ukrainian army servicemen during last few days.

Video - Russian 'Humanitarian aid = Winter uniforms'

Humanitarian aid OMB "Ghost" from different parts of Russia. As said A.Mozgovoy: best, it - targeted assistance. Ie assistance addressed directly battalion "Ghost" or Alexey Mozgovoy. Many thanks to all implicated in this good mission.

Source:

#BREAKING Russian invaders again expose their own lies. "Humanitarian aid" = winter uniforms! https://t.co/JaPQbTiG0w pic.twitter.com/XaTjul00Ds

— Conflict Reporter (@Conflict_Report) October 31, 2014

#Russia|n Army BTR-80 in Russian Army paint scheme Russian Army winter uniform Russian Army AK-74 rifle & IN #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/jC6eM9xfvt

— Thomas C. Theiner (@noclador) October 31, 2014

#Luhansk city today. The "Great Don Army"(Russian Cossack invaders/occupiers)deploy massive force before their "elex" pic.twitter.com/1nFDIXQbjO

— Conflict Reporter (@Conflict_Report) October 31, 2014

Russian - American Historian: "Putin prepares for a big war."

Russian - American Historian: "Putin prepares for a big war." (InformNapalm).

Interview famous Russian-American historian Yuri G. Felshtinsky Kiev Russian journals "Business" that editors refused to publish, but it hit the pages of other publications.

- Recently, Vladimir Putin visited Russia annexed the Crimea. As can be appreciated, this visit and his rhetoric that Russian army will be equipped with the most advanced weapons and it will belong to the field of strategic offensive weapons?

- Putin prepares for a big war. After the occupation of the Crimea in March 2014 the world was divided into optimists and pessimists. The first thought that Putin will stop at the Crimea. Second - that Crimea is just the beginning, the first step of a long journey, scheduled for Russia Putin. Unfortunately, the Crimean peninsula was handed over without a fight. Then all rejoice, and Russia, and Ukraine, and the whole world - that there were no casualties. The only thing that we then heard from the European and American leaders: let Putin say that Crimea everything is limited, and we'll live together as before. Instead, Putin announced to the world that it's time to fix the historical mistakes of 1991, which resulted in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Here's the tune - the correction of historical errors - we now every morning and hear in various forms; we are now under her wake up and go to sleep under it. In the morning, wake up and climb into the Internet: Russian troops have entered is already in Ukraine, or not yet. That is the reality, which was created by Putin in March 2014.

Successful blitzkrieg to seize the Crimea has generated euphoria in Russia and finally turned the head of Putin himself. He began classical dizzy with success. Everything that happened then in the Donbas, Lugansk, and even in Odessa - the result, on the one hand, Putin's overall strategic plan for the correction of historical mistakes of 1991, and on the other - a consequence of the bloodless surrender Ukraine Crimea. In Crimea, really avoid bloodshed. But now Ukraine has the war in the east, hundreds of victims (may already be thousands?), And this war threatens to expand and of the Russian-Ukrainian smooth transition into the world.

- It is inevitable?

- World War III? No. It is not inevitable. Now the pre-war period. It is not for Russia and Ukraine prewar (these countries are already in the war). He prewar for the rest of the world. Of course, there is the opportunity to stop the war. This possibility is always there. And many of the big war must have been prevented, and therefore we do not know about them and they do not study. But those steps are done now Russia, can not lead to a major war. It is not just about the Crimea or Donbass - Lugansk. It is not just about Ukraine. It is about the whole of Europe. Russian military exercises conducted in all the border areas of the Kuril Islands to the Kaliningrad region, from the Black Sea to the Baltic. Waived unilaterally enough technical bilateral military agreements, to which even no one pays attention. For example, May 5, 2014 to the sound of the collision in eastern Ukraine, the Russian government unilaterally severed signed in 2001 with Lithuania bilateral agreement on additional measures to build confidence and security. Under this agreement, if we bear in mind Russia, the Russian side was obliged to share information with Lithuania on its military capacities in the Kaliningrad region and carried out together with the Lithuanian side of their military inspections. Lithuania abide by all the terms of this agreement, and did not give a reason for the break.

"This move demonstrates its unwillingness to Russia to ensure mutual trust and can be considered as another step towards the destruction of mutual trust and security in Europe," - said in a statement the Ministry of Defence of Lithuania on the matter. Note that we are talking about Kaliningrad, ie of the most remote western part of Russia. Now combine this with the last speech of Putin's creation of a powerful military base in the Crimea, and you will realize that it is about creating two bridgeheads for future offensive operations of the Russian army, in the south (in the Crimea) and the west (in the Kaliningrad region). Add to this the concentration of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine, a joint military exercise with Belarus calls reservists for summer exercises, changing the law on the timing and frequency of these calls reservists initial appointment Rogozin curator MIC Russia and the ever-increasing budgets for service, boorish provocative rhetoric approximate the Kremlin and Putin jester Zhirinovsky - and you realize that everything points to the preparation of Russia to world war. "Response" sanctions Kremlin towards Europe and the United States also point to prepare Russia for the war and isolation. Russia knows that after the start of full-scale military action, it would be in absolute isolation, and this isolation and rupture with the civilized world, it actively and openly prepared. The gas supply is stopped on credit; advance prohibit the importation of foreign products to Russia gradually rebuilt and began to feed herself to the country suddenly not started goods famine. Some are close to the Kremlin structure type of "Lukoil", begins selling foreign assets. About close to the Kremlin "private citizens" I did not say they had long prepared for this war. Timchenko, for example, sell their assets on the day before the first administration of sanctions. All this, I repeat, against the background of the fact that Russian strategic bombers resumed violate air borders of NATO and NATO planes chase. This with the Brezhnev era was not. This preparation for war, not only with Ukraine, but also with the world. Ukraine was the first front of this war.

- But it is not reasonable to start a major war?

- Of course, it is unreasonable. But no ruler and commander, the war begins, does not consider that a big war starts, and especially does not believe that the world goes to war. If it was known in advance the result of wars, none would have begun. Take for example the First World War. It was all a misunderstanding. Europe felled branch on which sit very comfortably. On the political map of Europe disappeared Empire: Russian, German, Austro-Hungarian; Winners: France and the United Kingdom - have lost more people than World War II and from this "victory" is not able to recover. And all this because of the assassination of the heir of one terrorist in Serbia. Avenged one heir, and dare yourself all the monarchies of continental Europe. Reasonably it? Absolutely unreasonable.

It took 100 years. By March 2014 we again lived comfortable, cozy, peaceful, bearing in mind Europe. Functioning market economy, the boundaries are becoming more open. Russia from a poor Soviet power in 2014 due to high prices for gas and oil, due to the fact that Russian companies have entered the world stock exchanges and traded their shares through unlimited lines of credit to become part of the global economy Russian large and medium-sized businesses, has become prosperous rich country, and the Russians - wealthy citizens. Live and live. But the people who seized power in Russia (they are all from the KGB), all other tasks than the welfare of the Russian people. Now Putin begins the path through which Hitler and Germany were held in 1938-1945, respectively. But, like Austria-Hungary in 1914, as Germany in 1938-39, Putin and his entourage do not understand what a great start to the war. Recently the "Third World" was the voice for us on the orders of Putin, Zhirinovsky, but only in order to intimidate us her perspective, and not because he has a presentiment of the Third World. He expects to surrender.

- What should be done to avoid war?

- Let's start with what should have been done in the period of March to July 2014 the Ukrainian side and what she did not. From the first day it was necessary to declare that Russia started the war against Ukraine. Only now, under the pressure of the facts and circumstances from time to time some members of the Ukrainian government and the public mention that generally occurs may indicate the beginning of a war against Ukraine. And the war is already five months. And the government of this nation is not yet said. People should speculate and to conjecture. Military aspects of the question - what the Crimea had to fight - we even discuss now will not. Of course, it was necessary for the Crimea war, because for the salvation of souls east Crimean Ukraine now pays ten times more.

No army and quickly it did not create, it's understandable. No money, and they do not quickly find. It is also understandable. Accordingly, do not buy weapons - and it clearly. But Russian propaganda TV channels broadcasting in the whole of Ukraine, because it was possible to disable? You do not need no money, no army. To do this, you just need to have some idea of ​​what is happening and some (sorry) of the brain. Why do it just now, five months later, when the war in the east already? Why is the general background of talk about lack of money had been paid 786 million dollars Russia for gas supplied earlier when Yatsenuk repeatedly stated that during the occupation of the Crimea the same Russian Ukrainian gas was kidnapped by a large amount? Who gave the order to pay the money to Russia? What is this stupidity or treason? Why not launched an investigation of this crime? If you tell me that Russia does not pay "rollback" for these 786 million, I do not believe it. I remember what the campaign was unwound by Russian television in order to receive the money. Putin - Medvedev - Miller does not peel off screen, demanding 786 million - it is so important to them was to get the money to continue the war with Ukraine. And Ukraine instead let the money on his defense, gave them to Russia to engage in war against themselves.

So many things could have been done in March and July, without spending money, but rather to save.

Military, diplomatic and political opportunities in Ukraine, unfortunately, limited. But as long as she is not aware of Ukraine and say openly that she started a war against NATO for help is not coming. Why NATO should come to the rescue if the Ukrainians are not fighting with the Russian army, and with local separatists? What does the NATO, where do the US and Europe? Well, sort it out yourself, if your local militias.

You know perfectly well that this is not a "militia", not "separatists" and that they are not local. Then he should say that it was clear and in Ukraine and abroad.

That makes the Ukrainian government, there is no consistency. If Russia is an aggressor, why there is a discussion of "humanitarian aid"? Ignore it or not? Getting it or not? Conduct customs clearance or not? Where did you see that a country against which the aggression started, received from humanitarian assistance to the aggressor? The answer is clear: do not get, do not miss, do not carry out customs clearance; equate to the penetration of the enemy into its territory and destroy. What can there be questions and doubts? Poles ever received from Hitler humanitarian aid? Even NATO stated that it considers "humanitarian convoy" of 280 cars Russian invasion in Ukraine. But Ukrainians are discussing what a truck - baby food or something else, and why they are half empty. What is the difference in them and why they are empty? Free cheese is only in a mousetrap. A convoy of 280 KamAZov this is your mousetrap with free cheese. Tell me about it openly, declaring that destroy the tower in case of penetration in Ukraine - and the end of the debate on "humanitarian aid". Russia wants to help the people of eastern Ukraine? Let withdraw its troops from Ukraine and stop the shelling. Then do not need humanitarian assistance.

Now Moscow is ready to hook or by crook yourself push through Ukraine. It is important that the Ukrainians understand two things. First, there is no chance not to fight. Second, in Ukraine will not stand alone. We need to work on getting the widest possible support from Europe and America. This is the main military and political task of the government. Unfortunately, Europe and America are arranged so that, while no bloodshed, no one responds. Western structures do not work as "first aid". On the phone call can not help this. But seek military support - the main task of the government, so Ukraine must declare that will resist any level of Russian aggression. Helps only those who bounces. It is a vicious circle, and I understand it: as Ukraine comes to resist, she will not help; but she can not resist, if it does not help.

At this stage, Ukraine resists, saying at the same time that there is no war. I suggest resist declaring openly that started the war against Ukraine. Then come help because from all points of view: from the military, political, diplomatic, strategic, geopolitical, and from the point of view of common sense, NATO is more profitable to meet Russian aggressors on the territory of Ukraine belligerent, not enslaved.

- How important is the war in the Donbass in this great conflict?

- This is just one of the scenes. For Ukraine, it certainly is important. If the occupation of Crimea held as blitzkrieg, the Donbas so failed. Residents of eastern Ukraine is now clear that the Russian attempt to reassign currently Ukraine is in their house destruction, war and death, not prosperity and wealth. If, after the occupation of the Crimea could be the illusion that the Russian annexation of Ukraine will take place peacefully, without victims, on the Crimean scenario, now, five months later, clear to all that this is not so. Residents of eastern Ukraine, confident today determined not so complacent with regard to Russia in March 2014, when Lenin monument under the red banner of the Soviet organized rallies demanding referendums. Russian Invasion "polite green men" brought total destruction in Ukraine, killing of civilians and the military, many thousands of refugee problem. And this is only the beginning. In Crimea, these problems too will come only later. It is clear that for Ukrainians nothing good project "New Russia" does not bear. But Putin will continue to push further. Crimean script was option number 1, now implemented option number 2, but there is another option number 3, № 4, № 5 ... Of course, the Russian General Staff, all these options have different names. Gradually these plans voiced by Putin. From his last speech Crimean we learned that in Ukraine there is a civil war that Ukraine is mired in blood, that Russia can not intervene in what is happening in Ukraine. We have not heard anything that would indicate to us on Putin's intention to stop the aggression and interference in the affairs of Ukraine; have not heard about the territorial integrity of Ukraine; heard that Ukraine has the right to decide their own fate itself. I emphasize that we heard just the opposite: Russia will not interfere in Ukrainian affairs, as in Ukraine, bloodshed, civil war, disaster, and the duty of Russia in this situation to intervene. Remember how Molotov before the invasion of Poland in 1939, declared the decay of this "ugly offspring of the Versailles Treaty" and the need in this context to protect the Ukrainian and Belarusian brothers? Here and Putin in his Crimean speech, almost word for word repeats the speech of Molotov. Not surprisingly, the live broadcast of Putin's speech at the last minute canceled. He is there so much uttered all, a couple with Zhirinovsky ...

Ukraine should understand that war with Russia has already begun. If the world and intervene in time to full-scale war will not come - excellent. But you need to come from the worst-case scenario, hoping for the best; and not of the best, because then absolutely the worst happens. Ukraine is fighting not against individual separatists. Assume so, then put before the country, the people, the army the wrong problem. Russian war with Ukraine. Because of this, Ukraine is forced to fight Russia.

- But who can be an ally of Moscow in this war?

- No one. Who is the weakest link in the policies of Putin. If Hitler's allies were Italy and Japan, and sympathy for the Fuhrer and the Nazi movement was strong in many other European countries, on the side of Putin such support is not. Stalin's Soviet Union, of course, defeated in World War II, when, together with Britain and the United States fought against Germany and Italy. But this is not the same as that in the solitude of one Russian forces fighting against the United States, England, Germany, Italy and the rest of Europe. By the way, Putin's Russia is not Stalin's Soviet Union. This is much weaker state.

The Kremlin, of course, is waving a Chinese flag as a lifeline. On the map of Chinese can speak at length, can be short. I will try to briefly. With reference to our conversation about the Russian-Ukrainian war or about the Third World, forget about China. Only on our European ignorance this colossus with feet of clay seems to us a single monolithic power. In the form in which it exists today, China was formed in 1928. So this ancient civilization, but the state is very young, with their serious problems. And because under the current Chinese communist dictatorship government-controlled Chinese media did not tell us about all the problems of this country, they do not become less. We just do not know about them. So China - the last country interested in breach of international order, global stability and the war in Europe, and especially in the world, because China's economy is primarily interested in the stability and sustained investment from Western banks in the Chinese economy. This stability of any major war will be broken. So get involved in an international conflict on the side of Russia, China, of course, will not.

However, I am far from thinking, and (which is promoted by many) that China will take advantage of Russia's involvement in the war in Europe to strengthen its position in Russia, or even for territorial expansion at the expense of Russia. China peacefully waited a hundred years, until the end of Hong Kong rental UK. China still does not take military efforts to annex Taiwan, although Taiwan is certainly "primordial Chinese land." This ancient civilization thinks in terms of centuries, not "presidential terms." Crimean jump Putin for the Chinese - European scam stupid tribal chief, does not have the long-term thinking on the state wisely for generations to come. And speaking of the Russian-Chinese trade, then yes, of course, Russia will start selling gas and oil to Asia instead of Europe. But prices for these raw materials fees will be quite different. Zero price gives endless demand. At zero price anyone will take the Russian oil and gas. But on the high European prices will be nobody to sell them. So China as buyer will not replace Russia Europe.

- You said that the capture of Ukraine is very important Belarus, the Russian army which opens the way to Volhynia and Galicia bypassing Naddnepryanschiny. Now we see him on Lukashenko political maneuvering between the pro-Putin and pro-Ukrainian position. What are his chances to defend from Putin?

- In the eyes of Europe and the United States Lukashenko a dictator, so sympathy for him will not. It does not follow that the world recognizes the annexation of Belarus, Russia. Does not recognize. But this will not change anything. No offense to Belarusians be said, but as a military unit of Belarus - is the missing link, a blank space. What will happen to this country in connection with the Russian-Ukrainian war - at the discretion of the Russian General Staff. If you look at the map, Belarus very strategic attack on Ukraine. Full-scale war with Ukraine is impossible without violating the sovereignty of Belarus. The Russian army, of course, will go to Ukraine, including through Belarus. In agreement with Lukashenko or against his will - does not matter.

Lukashenko makes contradictory statements. Understand it can be. He was nowhere to wait for help, what is Putin, he knows better than us. Putin can not believe he will deceive. Agree with him about anything Lukashenko can not, except that of total surrender. Therefore Lukashenko nervously awaits what will be. And in the case of a full-scale Russian attack will come to Ukraine along the Russian-Belarusian-Ukrainian border: from the Crimea, through Belarus to the east and southeast. Will there be a pre-agreement between Putin and Lukashenko of Belarus entry into the Russian Federation, for the passage of Russian troops through the territory of Belarus or even the participation of Belarusian units in joint military operations against the Ukraine - the question of formal technical. Protect Ukraine from Russian aggression Lukashenko seems to me, will not.

- How long Russian society can live in such a state of pre-war propaganda and rigid, which inflates the power rating?

- Indefinitely. The Russian press and television are still working in a given mode, just a little abated ardor. Not one good word about Ukraine and Ukrainians, the US and Europe on Russian television, you will not hear. Most of the population of Russia, unfortunately, does not use the internet, get news only from the Russian media, as you well know what show and write the Russian media about Ukraine. If Hitler and Goebbels were such propaganda tools, to conquer the world it would be much easier.

Russian propaganda machine rebuilt Putin years, starting from 2000. In Russia, everything is just gasped and groaned: oh, why is Putin needed to subdue the independent Russian media. That's it for the whole machine of meekly obeyed the orders from above: wet Chechens said - will drench the Chechens. Georgians said wet - moisten the Georgians. Said Ukrainians - will drench the Ukrainians. Such a system will exist as long as the Putin regime will survive.

Rating power - a separate issue. Rating seriously makes sense to discuss in a free country. And in a truly free country is very high ratings from the government does not happen. If the government's approval rating is too high, believe me, you're dealing with a dictatorship. All dictators always a high level of support - to the point where their revolution sweeps. I would have thought that the current Russian polls rather not talk about the level of popularity of Putin, and the remainder of the level of freedom in Russia. I'll explain what I mean. After the occupation of the Crimea to Russia conducted a survey by region, who are "for" Putin. Least supported Putin in Moscow, but it seems to sixty percent. Most in Chechnya - 97%. Conclusion: The level of freedom of speech in Moscow, 40% and 3% in Chechnya. In the rest of Russia - between three and forty percent.

By the support of Putin's popularity ratings have no relationship, especially as the population of Russia influence government policy has not. Elections in Russia long ago became a fiction; Parliament supports throughout government and became a formal instrument of power, just like the Supreme Soviet of the USSR at the time. The survey was conducted themselves only as directed above - this is another propaganda tool in the hands of the Kremlin, and only.

Russia is not one of those countries where people are satisfied with the revolution every ten years. Russian citizens are not inclined to throw off their government. Many (often people are smart, educated and active) refer to Russia as a platform for making money. We make money no problem man to reform Russia, especially because in this way too much risk. The main thing that the power to punish a business can take, as a businessman to plant for economic crimes, as Khodorkovsky. Simply continue to earn money, while give, but "if something happens to go." So many people think, although not many admit it. Of course, there is a percentage of people who genuinely supports Putin. But it's either fascists or nationalists, or people who have passed through a series of past wars - sick of war. In Germany, the percentage of support for Hitler was quite high. Germans is not much help since 1939. The specter of war in Russia today, few people care about and few people are scary. So was the war in Chechnya - in Russia it is in general no one has touched. Crimea captured - also without negative consequences. Russians continue to live their lives. In the minds of people in Russia do not start any shifts up until the war starts deteriorating real life. Yet imposed sanctions against Russia are slow and weak, but they gradually begin to work. There is more than all Europe will help Putin himself, because he himself needed to impose sanctions against the people. He must seize the initiative, insurance against global international isolation. So now it will be phased retaliatory sanctions, pretending that punishes European and American business. Another indication of the preparation for the great war - the purchase of Russian gold increase gold reserves. This is the standard operation of the central bank of the country before the start of hostilities.

- Is there a threat to the division of Europe in the current Russian-Ukrainian conflict?

- Any dictator keeps on "layout" - all you need to bleed, even within their team. This is done on a personal, national and continental level. Putin hoped to dissolve the United States and Europe, and then find fault line even in Europe itself. This is an important task, but, in my opinion, it is not feasible. Not even because Europe is united in the EU and will adhere to the general policy, but because it actually has not happened. This could only happen at the beginning of the conflict. There are countries which are less affected by the break with Russia; someone will suffer more. But to assume that this will stop the sanctions properly. Germany depends on Russian gas supplies to Russia and the machine. And, of course, the Germans were not interested in the suspension of trading. But while Germany suffered most as a result of two world wars, which she initiated and lost. Germany knows better than anyone what a dictator in European power and what it can cause. Yes, the German business scared sanctions against Russia. All business now scared. But what happens in March 2014 - is not about the money. Everything that makes Putin - not about the money. It's about the glory as Putin understands it; about empire, as he sees it; about the history and geopolitics, as he feels them. This is another level of world problems. Period ended making money for everyone. There comes a period of accumulated waste of resources. The quiet operation of market mechanisms, to rebuild for years already broken.

- Who will win in this war?

- We know what the outcome of the previous two world wars in Europe: the complete ruin and destruction. This applies to the losers and winners. Even the UK has suffered, not only in terms of loss of life. After the First World War broke continental empire. After the second - to the east and west were divided Germany and Europe. It is difficult to talk about the winners in such a war. United States emerged from the war a world power, and since then against their will were involved in all the world's problems. Can this be considered a win, a difficult question. Kindle today Putin war - European. In Europe, all suffer from it, especially Russia.

By Material: Sled.net.ua

Russia-Ukraine Gas Conflict....A deal that never will work in practice?

Russia-Ukraine Gas Conflict....A deal that never will work in practice? (RN).

1. Ukraine to Pay off $1.45 Bln in Russian Gas Debt Immediately: Oettinger

Ukraine has confirmed that it is ready to pay off $1.451 billion in Russian gas debt immediately, and to cover $3.1 billion of its debt to Russian energy giant Gazprom by the end of the year, EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said.

“Ukraine is ready to pay $1.451 billion for gas deliveries during November-December 2013 and April-May-June 2014,” Oettinger said following a trilateral gas meeting late on Thursday.

“Until the end of the year Naftogaz will send a second tranche to pay for the open gas bills, which will amount to $1.65 billion. This way, Naftogaz will pay Gazprom 3.1 billion, so the disputable amount will decrease, the decision on which will be taken by the Stockholm Arbitration Court,” he added.

Ukraine also agreed to pay for at least 4 billion cubic meters of Russian gas, allowing uninterrupted supplies to the European Union during winter.

“Ukraine would be able to prepay for 4 billion cubic meters of gas,” Oettinger added.

Guenther Oettinger stated that Russia agreed to give Ukraine a $100 per 1,000 cubic meters discount until March 2015 in a form of export duty reduction.

2. Ukraine, EU Jointly Found Financing to Ensure Gas Purchases From Russia: Prodan?

Energy Minister Yuriy Prodan :
"Together with the European Commission we have managed to secure financing to purchase the necessary volumes of [Russian] gas," Prodan said following a trilateral gas meeting late on Thursday.

"These volumes will guarantee secure and reliable gas deliveries through Ukraine to the European Union," Prodan said.

Following the talks, EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said*  that the EU, however, has not agreed to pay for future gas deliveries to Ukraine and has not guaranteed to pay for the majority of the country's open bills Nevertheless, Oettinger stated that the EU together with the International Monetary Fund are currently working on a financial aid program to Ukraine for year 2015, which would help Kiev to pay for gas deliveries in February-March 2015.
Russia and Ukraine on Thursday held the final round of talks, mediated by the European Commission, to find an interim solution to the standoff over Ukraine's unpaid gas bills and the price Kiev will pay for Russian gas supplies during the upcoming winter. 

Update:

BRUSSELS, October 31 (RIA Novosti) - The European Commission has agreed to stipulate financial guarantees of payments for Russian gas supplies to Ukraine through March 2015 in an official letter to Kiev, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said.

A separate bilateral protocol on gas payment guarantees between the EC and Ukraine was expected to be signed on Thursday as the Russian side considered it a key precondition for implementation of the so-called "winter package" trilateral gas deal.

The protocol, however, was not signed, and EC Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger told reporters, following trilateral gas talks in Brussels on Thursday, that the European Union had not provided binding guarantees to Russia. 

Following the talks in Brussels, Oettinger said that the EU has not agreed to pay for future gas deliveries to Ukraine and has not guaranteed to pay for the majority of the country's open bills.

"It will all be detailed in a letter from the European Commission to Ukraine. The letter will mention certain financial guarantees, certain agreements between the EC and Ukraine," Miller told reorters in a separate press point.

Hmmm....*It's Pretty obvious there is NO deal on financing future gas deliveries, Get ready for gas shut off once Ukraine starts siphoning gas designated for Europe.

Full oversight of the Gas story here.

Video - Russian army convoy in Makeevka, Ukraine today.

Ukraine will receive Russian gas with prepayment - EC act as the guarantor.

EU slowly becoming a black hole absorbing all wealth from Europe's member states.

Ukraine will receive Russian gas with prepayment - EC act as the guarantor. (Economics). [GoogleTranslate].

Participants in the tripartite talks in Brussels agreed on a phased repayment of Ukraine's debt to Russia for gas at a rate of 3.1 billion dollars.

UNIAN reported party gas talks in Brussels on condition of anonymity.

According to him, during the negotiations, "If we talk about the financial side, it was important for us to move away from the position of" take or pay ". These five months will be the principle of "pay and take it." 

The idea is: for how much we have the resources for such amount we buy volumes of Russian gas. "

"We have also agreed on the mechanisms of debt repayment in the amount of 3.1 billion dollars. This is money that the IMF provided and which are reserved to the account of the Ukrainian government for the payment of this debt. We will pay this amount, but it is tied to the overall package of agreements. Payment will be phased to be clearly spelled out in a tripartite by mandatory protocol to be signed on behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the EC. "

As for the purchase of new volumes of gas, according to the interlocutor, "there are different options, which include assistance from international financial institutions."

A European Commission will act as the guarantor of a fair price for Russian gas.

an UNIAN correspondent, said this during a meeting of the government of Prime Minister of Ukraine Yatsenyuk.

The price of fuel will be determined by a formula which takes into account the price of oil. "Thus, in the last quarter of 2014 the price will be at the level of 378 dollars per thousand cubic meters, while in the first quarter of 2015 - at $ 365," - said Yatsenyuk.

"We are not concerned with the question of how Russia will decide on the establishment of a fair price for gas. If Russia will affect the pricing procedure and will try again to put the price at $ 500., As proposed, we reached agreement with the European Commission that the European Commission is the guarantor of the obligations Russia at a fair price, including through the mechanism of compensation increase of prices, if such price will not match a tripartite protocol signed between the European Union, Ukraine and Russia ", - said Yatsenyuk.

He added that the signing of this protocol is only possible at the tripartite level - the European Union, Ukraine and Russia. In turn, the basic approach to the determination of a fair price for Russian fuel, said Yatsenyuk, Ukraine and the EU have announced another 4 months ago.

"The basic approach, which we announced 4 months ago, in the summer season, the price is $ 325. Per thousand cubic meters in the winter - to $ 385. Per thousand cubic meters," - said the head of government.

However, the final point in the issue price will deliver, according to Yatsenyuk, Stockholm arbitration court. "The final decision on gas contracts will Stockholm arbitration court," - said the prime minister.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk noted that Ukraine insists on formular determining gas prices based on oil prices. In this regard, according to the calculations of the Ukrainian government, the price of Russian gas to the end of the year should reach $ 378. Per thousand cubic meters, while in the first quarter of 2015 - not above $ 365. Per thousand cubic meters. Furthermore, the volumes of gas supplies to Ukraine shall determine, and the payment of fuel will be prepaid.

Also, according to Yatseniuk, Ukraine insists on the rejection of the principle of "take or pay" and to transfer payment for gas transit on account of "Naftogaz".

In addition, Yatsenyuk noted that the price of gas is already supplied to Ukraine, shall not exceed $ 268. Per thousand cubic meters, and Ukraine has the necessary reserve funds - in the amount of $ 3.1 billion. - To pay for the fuel already delivered.

The European Commission also confirmed that they are willing to act as guarantor of the Russian gas price for Ukraine, and in the amount of $ 385. Per thousand. Cu.

As UNIAN reported negotiators "for the Ukrainian side was the key to get the guarantee immutability so-called winter gas prices on the part of the Russian Federation - 385 dollars.

According to the source, the solution of this problem is that even if Russia unilaterally raise the price of gas, the tripartite protocol to be signed between Ukraine, EU and Russia, Kiev guarantees compensation for the difference in price.  Hmmm.......Reads almost like 'Peace in our time' . More here in Russian.

The current arrangements are valid only for the period of November, 1, 2014 - March, 31, 2015.
— Минэнерго России (@MinenergoGov) October 30, 2014

'Russian' Troops moving in 'Coordinated' manner towards Ukraine border

Huge amount of Russian armored vehicles in Donetsk region last days. Enough to capture even Zaporizhye region
— Liveuamap (@Liveuamap) October 30, 2014

New Russian artillery on #Ukraine's border, some of which is later deployed near #Donetsk & Mariupol pic.twitter.com/KRfED6Ae9z
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) October 30, 2014

Tymchuk: New regular Russian army armor and units disguised as "separatists" are massing in #Donetsk #Ukraine
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) October 30, 2014

#BREAKINGREPORT Russian invaders prepare dozens of artillery pieces in more than 20 BMP and BTR in #Olhynka, ready to attack #Volnovakha.
— Conflict Reporter (@Conflict_Report) October 30, 2014

Russian forces continue to push on the so-called boundaries within Ukraine https://t.co/4YamioJHRZ @newsburko |EMPR pic.twitter.com/cHyQ3D3z5z
— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) October 30, 2014

#BREAKINGREPORT Around 100 Russian Federation troops arrived in #Donetsk's #Petrovsky district, establishing a unified artillery command.
— Conflict Reporter (@Conflict_Report) October 30, 2014

@Conflict_Report @mark24823687 Girkin in this interview: "the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus will become a United Russia"
— Magura_bright (@Magura_bright) October 30, 2014

#Breaking I.#Girkin to Russian news magazine editor A. Krutov: "Russia expects war. Won't be strongest,but will incl. fight and weapons."
— Conflict Reporter (@Conflict_Report) October 30, 2014

8.30 - Column of #Russian tanks and GRADs heading from #Snezhnoye for #Donetsk #Ukraine
— Ruthen (@RutheniaRus) October 30, 2014

#BREAKINGNEWS 2 German air force Eurofighter jets intercepted 7 Russian war planes over the Finnish sea on Tuesday. - Ger Defense Ministry
— Conflict Reporter (@Conflict_Report) October 30, 2014

Just how busy has Russia's air force been over the last few days? pic.twitter.com/1gp5WUrb6f

— Robert Coalson (@CoalsonR) October 30, 2014

Russia successfully test-fires new Navy Bulava ICBM http://t.co/RSKAK3DHBj
— ArmyTimes (@ArmyTimes) October 29, 2014

Related: Nato jets track 'unusual' Russian bomber sorties, heavy armor moving near Ukraine border.

Source. 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division

                     Video above - 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division