Thursday, March 31, 2022

Is There A Spy In Putin's Inner Circle?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently been physically separating himself from staff and other world leaders with big tables. (AP: Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo)  

Carrington Clarke and Peter Jones, ABC News Australia: The US anticipated almost every move Vladimir Putin made in Ukraine. This is how they probably did it 

While the United States did not stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration seemed to see it coming in extraordinary detail. 

In the weeks leading up to the invasion on February 24, as Russia amassed troops and hardware on its neighbour's borders, senior US officials warned an attack was imminent, despite repeated Kremlin denials. 

As Russia menaced Ukraine from afar, even the Ukrainian government at times dismissed the build-up as bluster rather than a precursor to war. 

Reporters asked US President Joe Biden why he was so convinced that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had decided to invade Ukraine. 

"We have a significant intelligence capability," he responded simply. 

Mr Biden also claimed to know exactly what Mr Putin had in the pipeline — down to specific dates. 

It was as if US intelligence services had tapped into the mind of a foreign leader notorious for guarding his secrets. 

So was the US bluffing or did it really know what Russia had planned?  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: A lot of speculation in the above post.

France's Military Spy Chief Quits After Failing To Predict Russian Invasion

 

 France 24: French military spy chief quits after failure to predict Russian invasion 

France's military intelligence chief is leaving his post after Paris failed to accurately predict in contrast to other Western allies that Russia would launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, several sources with knowledge of his exit said. 

General Eric Vidaud, who has led the Direction of Military Intelligence (DRM) since only last summer, is to immediately step down from his post, a military source, who asked not to be named, told AFP. 

The source confirmed a report on the l'Opinion website citing an internal defence ministry investigation that criticised "insufficient briefings" and "failure to master the issues."  

Read more .... 

France's Military Spy Chief Quits After Failing To Predict Russian Invasion  

French military spy chief quits after Ukraine failings, sources say -- The Guardian/AFP  

French military intel chief's resignation seen as fallout for misjudging Putin's intentions in Ukraine -- CBS  

French military intelligence chief leaves job over Ukraine war failures — report Access to the comments -- Euronews 

France reportedly fires military intelligence chief for missing threat of Russia invading Ukraine -- The Week

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 31, 2022

Moving NATO troops from one country to another won't be enough to ensure European security  

Bernd Riegert, DW: Ukraine war ushers in Europe's 'new normal' 

The aid that NATO will offer Ukraine is limited. What will be the result of this war in Europe? The military alliance has to think of the future and boost its defenses, says DW's Bernd Riegert. 

NATO has to come to terms with a completely new security situation. A new reality, the "new normal," as Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has described it on Thursday. 

The Russian attempt to subjugate Ukraine has catapulted the world back a good 30 to 40 years to the Cold War era when highly armed military blocs faced off against each other in the middle of Europe.  

Read more .... 

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 31, 2022  

Could Ukraine 'win' the war? And other questions -- BBC  

Ukraine war: How reliant is the world on Russia for oil and gas? -- Jake Horton, Daniele Palumbo & Tim Bowler, BBC 

 By the Numbers: Where Do Russia’s Energy Exports Go? -- Russia Matters  

A three-step plan for ending war in Ukraine and averting World War III -- Shamil Idriss, The Hill  

Only total military failure will curb Putin’s ambitions in Ukraine -- Keir Giles, The Guardian  

Ukraine Has Forever Changed Europe’s Balance of Power -- Ramon Marks, National Interest  

The Emerging Order -- George Friedman, Geopolitical Futures Removing time from Putin’s side -- Laurence Kotlikoff, The Hill  

The Kremlin’s Next Targets? Georgia and Moldova -- Sergi Kapanadze, CEPA  

Biden’s Unbalanced Ukraine Policy -- Colin Dueck, National Interest

Biden risking new wars with Iran ‘diplomacy’ — and our Middle East allies know it -- Michael Rubin and Jonathan Schanzer, The Hill  

Will the EU-China summit lure Beijing toward the West? -- Priyanka Shankar, DW  

Pakistan: Why is Imran Khan blaming the West for his downfall? -- Haroon Janjua, DW  

April is likely to be a busy month for North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un -- Joseph DeTrani, The Cipher Brief  

What next for Iraq amid deep political schism? -- AFP

Russia - Ukraine War News Roundup -- March 31, 2022

 

CBS: Ukraine leader says war at a "turning point" as U.S. and U.K. say Putin, deluded, is regrouping Russia's forces 

Near Kherson, Ukraine — Russian forces were still shelling areas near Ukraine's capital Thursday, two days after Moscow said it would scale back its attack there to facilitate peace talks. Ukraine's president told his people Wednesday night that the fight to repel Russia's invasion had reached a "turning point," and he asked the U.S. for more weapons and other assistance to turn the tide. 

In a late-night video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cast doubt on Russia's stated decision to "drastically reduce" attacks around Kyiv and the northeast city of Chernihiv. He said Russian forces were building up in his country's eastern Donbas regions in preparation for a major offensive there. Russia has made it clear that it will shift the focus of its "special military operation" to Donbas.  

Read more .... 

 Live Updates  

Live updates: Russian forces block buses leaving Mariupol -- AP  

Live: Putin is in a cage he built himself, says UK -- BBC  

Ukraine-Russia live updates: Volodymyr Zelenskyy sacks two officials from national security service, thousands expected to flee Mariupol after Russia agrees to open humanitarian corridor -- ABC News Australia  

Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russia redeploying forces from Georgia, UK says; Germany rejects Putin’s gas supply ‘blackmail’ – live -- The Guardian  

Russia pulling back to resupply, US says; expect 'even more suffering' in Ukraine, NATO chief warns: Live updates -- USA Today  

Ukraine: NATO warns Russia 'repositioning,' not withdrawing — live updates -- DW  

'Heavy fighting' expected in suburbs of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in the 'coming days,' intel says: Live -- FOX News  

Live: Russia pledges to allow humanitarian corridor into Mariupol -- France 24 

Live Updates: Russia invades Ukraine -- CNN  

Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 37 of the Russian invasion -- The Guardian  

As it happened: Russia regrouping forces from Kyiv to focus on 'key fronts and Donbas' -- France 24  

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: List of key events, day 36 -- Al Jazeera 

Russia - Ukraine War News Roundup -- March 31, 2022  

Defiance and destruction as Ukraine recaptures towns near Kyiv -- France 24  

Russian forces continue to bombard Ukrainian cities after promising to scale back troops -- ABC News Australia  

War in Ukraine: Russia launches new attacks after peace promise -- BBC  

Russia says its military is regrouping. A ramped-up assault on eastern Ukraine could be next -- CNN  

Ukrainians have retaken Irpin from the Russian invaders. But it’s a city that now lies in ruins -- CNN  

Russia shifts focus to Ukraine’s south amid stiff resistance -- PBS 

Biden: 'No evidence' Putin is pulling troops from around Kyiv -- Yahoo News  

Russia's War Lacks a Battlefield Commander, U.S. Officials Say -- New York Times  

Putin ordering draft of 135,000 amid difficulties in Ukraine war -- The Hill  

Ukraine in fresh effort to evacuate Mariupol after Red Cross warnings -- The Guardian

Ukraine war: Russia blocks buses heading to Mariupol, says Ukraine -- BBC  

Ukraine Situation Report: NATO Says Russia Is Repositioning, Not Withdrawing -- Warzone/The Drive 

Ukraine war: Russian forces regrouping for attack - Nato -- BBC 

NATO chief: Russia continues to pursue military solution to Ukraine conflict -- The Hill  

Zelenskyy warns of impending Russian attacks on Ukraine's eastern front, says Moscow's claims of military pullback cannot be trusted -- Business Insider  

Volodymyr Zelenskyy asks for Australian Bushmaster armoured vehicles in address to federal parliament -- ABC News Australia  

A Ukrainian army lieutenant says Russian soldiers keep 'falling into the same traps' as Putin's commanders force them forward -- Business Insider  

Ukraine war: Russian troops leave Chernobyl, Ukraine says -- BBC  

Russian Forces Leaving Chernobyl After Radiation Exposure -- AP  

Russian forces leave Chernobyl nuclear plant, transferring control to Ukraine -- ABC News Australia  

‘Tragic milestone’: More than four million Ukrainians flee war -- Al Jazeera  

US soldiers are not training Ukrainians in Poland, Army chief says -- Task & Purpose  

UK spy chief says Russian soldiers disobey orders in Ukraine -- AP  

British spy chief says Russian President underestimated Ukrainian defence and global response to war -- ABC News Australia  

Putin ‘massively misjudged’ Ukraine, Russian troops shoot down own planes: GCHQ head -- Breaking Defense  

Russian efforts in Ukraine have not yet spilled over into cyberattacks on US, says lawmaker -- C4ISRNet

World News Birefs -- March 31, 2022 (Night Edition)

 

Daily Mail: Europe braces for Putin to turn off the gas: Deadline expires for EU to start paying for Russian energy in roubles or face supplies being stopped after Kremlin issued 'blackmail' decree - but will Moscow blink first? 

* Russia's Putin last night threatened to close down European gas from today if states refuse to pay in roubles 

* He said foreign buyers will have to 'open rouble accounts in Russian banks' which can be used to pay for gas 

* According to Gazprom, 58 per cent of its sales of natural gas to Europe as of January 27 were settled in euros 

* German Economy Minister Robert Habeck today rejected the demand, saying that it amounted to 'blackmail' 

* Deadline to accept demands passed at midnight - but it remains to be seen if Putin to follow through his threat 

* Spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said companies are not planning to buy Russian gas in roubles 

* Putin announced on March 23 that 'unfriendly' states would have to pay in roubles in retaliation for sanctions 

The energy crisis dramatically intensified last night as Vladimir Putin threatened to turn off Europe's gas supplies as soon as today if countries refuse to pay in roubles. 

The Russian President, announcing a decree in televised remarks yesterday, said foreign buyers would have to 'open rouble accounts in Russian banks' which can be used to pay for 'gas delivered starting from tomorrow'. 

'If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. 

Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped,' he said.  

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

Ukraine war having 'deadly' impact on Arab region, says Blinken. 

Iraqi cleric steps back, asks rivals to try form government. 

Turkey in delicate balancing act with Russia, Ukraine amid economic woes. 

Turkey: Prosecutor seeks to move Khashoggi trial to Saudi Arabia. 

IS linked attacks in Israel spark fear of new enemy. 

Several killed in West Bank clashes after Palestinian attacks in Israel. 

Two Palestinians killed in gunfight during Israeli West Bank raid. 

ASIA

Sri Lankan police fire tear gas at protesters angered by economic crisis. 

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's future in doubt as no-confidence vote looms. 

EU leaders urged to be tough on China if it backs Russia in Ukraine

China reopens northern city of Jilin as Shanghai's COVID lockdown enters second phase

China to restrict visas of US officials, says foreign ministry. 

Chinese Communist party expels former justice minister in latest purge. 

Federated States of Micronesia calls on Solomon Islands to reconsider security treaty with China

Solomon Islands says China deal won’t include military base.

In Afghanistan, ‘people selling babies, young girls to survive’. 

UN donor conference falls billions short of $4.4bn target to help Afghanistan. 

AFRICA 

East Africa faces worst hunger crisis in decades. 

Uganda says military kills 309 in security push in mineral-rich region. 

UN authorizes new AU mission in Somalia to combat extremists. 

Niger to recruit 5,000 soldiers to counter militants

Tunisian crisis escalates as president dissolves parliament. 

Libya's Bashagha says he will enter Tripoli peacefully within days. 

Ethiopia fails to block UN funding for human rights investigation. 

Military aircraft to escort Nigerian trains. 

Kenya's top court blocks President Kenyatta's controversial constitutional reform. 

EUROPE 

Europe's Russian gas in jeopardy, Ukraine girds for new attacks. 

Russia: Gas payments must be made via Russian bank accounts

Germany says Putin agreed to keep payments for gas in euros.

France, Germany reject Putin demands for gas payments in roubles as 'blackmail'. 

Germany's Scholz hosts Austria's Nehammer to talk Ukraine, Russia

Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders to meet amid recent fighting. 

'Unacceptable': Georgia condemns proposed separatist referendum on joining Russia. 

Breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia says it has no plans to join Russia. 

AMERICAS 

Biden announces largest-ever oil reserve release. 

Hillary Clinton and Democrats settle Steele dossier electoral case for $113,000. 

House set to pass marijuana legalization Friday. 

A key US inflation gauge sets 40-year high as gas and food soar

US introduces gender-neutral 'X' passports. 

Former Brazilian judge Sergio Moro ends campaign for president. 

Civilians among 11 killed by military in Colombia raid, say human rights groups. 

Mexico missing students: Parents angry at military's obstruction. 

 TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

 Ex-hostage recounts ordeal at trial of Islamic State jihadist. 

Germany repatriates female IS members and their children

Belgian man accused of helping terrorist escape Paris denies involvement. 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Stocks end lower, ending market’s worst quarter in 2 years. 

Which companies are going public in 2022? Almost none so far. 

Biden oil move aims to cut gas prices ‘fairly significantly’. 

Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 31, 2022

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division walk to their aircraft at Pope Army Airfield, N.C. Feb. 8, 2022.  (U.S. Army photo Sgt. Hunter Garcia)  

The Hill: U.S. troops deployed to Europe after Russian invasion to stay in place ‘a while longer’ 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has decided that thousands of service members deployed to Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will stay in place “for a while longer,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Thursday. 

Troops deployed to Poland as part of the 82nd Airborne Division and sailors in the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group sent to the Mediterranean will stay put, Kirby told reporters. 

He said the temporary deployments have been extended as Austin “wants to keep his options open” and avoid hard end dates so U.S. officials are “able to monitor the situation on the ground and make the best and most flexible decisions in real time.” 

Read more .... 

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 31, 2022  

The Pentagon is now calling Russia an ‘acute threat’ -- Task & Purpose  

The upcoming defense strategy dubs Russia an ‘acute threat.’ What does that mean? -- Breaking Defense  

Ukraine to receive more military aid from Britain, allies -- The Hill  

One Of Russia’s Newest Air Defense Systems Has Been Captured In Ukraine -- Warzone/The Drive  

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Pushes the West to Re-Arm -- The Economist  

Air Force Confirms It Plans To Slash F-35 Buy In 2023—But Can’t Explain Why -- Forbes  

Air Force commandos are learning how to fight in Sweden’s frigid forests where ‘nothing works’ -- Task & Purpose  

New gear headed to Army paratroopers and air crews -- Army Times  

Army Reducing Its Numbers in Face of Recruiting Difficulties -- Breitbart Biden facing ire over defense budget -- The Hill  

Pentagon Links Leadership Failures to Violence at Bases -- AP  

17 years on, military sexual assault prevention is ‘early in development’: Pentagon report -- Military Times

Pentagon disputes claims by lawmakers that US military aid to Ukraine is moving slowly -- Stars and Stripes  

Commission will review more than 750 military signs and markers to see if they need to be renamed over Confederacy ties -- CNN  

Navy Names the Ships It Wants Scrapped as Congressional Protests Grow -- Military.com  

Navy to name ship after Ginsburg -- The Hill  

U.S. military needs more drones than tanks, says HASC chair Smith -- Fedscoop  

The military is trading its tiny Tabasco bottles for powdered hot sauce in MREs -- Task & Purpose  

The Marine Corps has an eating disorder problem -- Task & Purpose  

CIA Director William Burns tests positive for Covid after meeting with Biden, but is not considered a close contact -- CNBC  

Israel, US team up for high-tech urban warfare competition -- Breaking Defense  

Why China, Philippines Are Staging Large-Scale Military Exercises -- VOA  

U.S., S.Korea seen resuming major military drills as N.Korea tensions rise -- Reuters  

Updated Pentagon maps reveal the Chinese military's growing reach -- Business Insider  

French intelligence chief Vidaud fired over Russian war failings -- BBC 

 Russia against U.S., NATO military presence near Afghanistan - TASS -- Reuters 

 UK Ambassador: We have a big appetite for Israeli military tech -- Jerusalem Post  

Ukraine: GCHQ chief warns China over 'alignment' with Russia -- BBC  

Ukraine crisis a wake-up call for Austrian military spending -- Army Technology  

China Signs Deal With Cambodia Army Rebuffing U.S. Warnings -- Bloomberg  

In Iniochos Exercise, Israel Rehearses Iran Strikes as Saudis Observe -- RCD

Russia Drafts 134,500 Conscripts

Russian soldiers march in Almaty, Kazakhstan, January 13, 2022 (photo credit: REUTERS/PAVEL MIKHEYEV)  

Daily Mail: Putin orders 134,500 MORE conscripts into his army as Russian forces continue to struggle to make significant gains in Ukraine 

* Moscow claimed Putin's decree had nothing to do with on-going war in Ukraine 

* Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said none would be sent to 'hot spots' 

* Order came five weeks into Russia's invasion which has run into fierce resistance 

* Meanwhile, pro-Russian forces claimed almost total control of Donbas region 

* This week, Russia said it would re-focus its military on the separatist region 

* NATO said today there was no sign yet that Russian forces are pulling back 

President Vladimir Putin has ordered 134,500 more conscripts to join his army as Russia's forces continue to struggle to make significant gains in Ukraine. 

The Russian despot signed a decree today ordering the new conscripts into the army as part of Russia's annual spring draft. 

Despite Moscow's struggles, the defence ministry claimed the call-up had nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. 

The order came five weeks into Russia's invasion, which has run into fierce Ukrainian resistance that has inflicted devastating losses on Moscow's armies.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This conscription drive is done every year at this time. It is a 12-month draft, which is mandatory for all male citizens ages 18–27. 

Russia Drafts 134,500 Conscripts  

Russia drafts 134,500 conscripts but says they won't go to Ukraine -- Reuters  

Putin orders 134,500 new conscripts into Russian army -- Axios  

Putin ordering draft of 135,000 amid difficulties in Ukraine war -- The Hill  

What Are Conscripts in Russia? Vladimir Putin Orders Over 100,000 More -- Newsweek

President Biden Suggests Putin Has ‘Fired’ Or Put His Advisers ‘Under House Arrest’

 

Politico: Biden suggests Putin has ‘fired’ or put his advisers ‘under house arrest’  

The president was asked about how misinformed the Russian leader really is about his military’s performance in Ukraine.  

President Joe Biden on Thursday offered a notable assessment of the state of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle of advisers, suggesting the Russian leader has “fired or put under house arrest” some of his confidants. 

Biden, after speaking about his moves to lower U.S. energy prices, was asked about how misinformed the Russian leader really is about his military’s performance in Ukraine. 

The president added that what he was about to say was not with absolute “certainty.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Russian President Putin's inner circle is still there. I see no evidence that they have been fired or put under "house arrest". 

President Biden Suggests Putin Has ‘Fired’ Or Put His Advisers ‘Under House Arrest’  

Biden Floats Possibility Putin is Firing His Advisers Over Ukraine War -- Newsweek  

Biden suggests Putin has confined or fired his closest allies as Russia's disastrous war continues in Ukraine, but no 'hard evidence' -- Business Insider  

Biden says Putin seems to be self-isolating -- Reuters

Biden says Putin appears to be "self-isolated" -- CBS

South Ossetia Wants A Referendum To Join The Russian Federation

Credit: Daniel Wood and Nick Underwood/NPR  

RFE: South Ossetian Leader Says Breakaway Georgian Region Seeks Vote To Join Russia 

TBILISI -- The leader of Georgia's Moscow-backed separatist region of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, says the de facto independent territory is looking to hold a referendum on joining Russia, a move Tbilisi called "unacceptable." 

Bibilov said in an interview with Russian state television on March 31 that South Ossetia was holding "consultations" with Russia on holding a referendum on becoming part of Russia. 

"I believe that the unification with Russia is our strategic goal. It is our path. And the South Ossetia will move on that path," Bibilov said. 

South Ossetia, along with Abkhazia, are Russian-backed separatist regions that have declared independence from Georgia.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The Kremlin is cool to the idea .... Kremlin Plays Down South Ossetia Leader's Call to Join Russia (Moscow Times). The U.S. will not recognize the referendum .... US Department of State not to recognize South Ossetian referendum (TASS). And Georgia is condemning such a move .... Georgia says ‘unacceptable’ for breakaway region to vote on joining Russia (CNN). 

South Ossetia Wants A Referendum To Join The Russian Federation  

Georgia's South Ossetia region might vote on joining Russia -- NPR 

South Ossetia to take legal steps soon for joining Russia — President Bibilov -- TASS  

Georgia’s South Ossetia plans to take steps to join Russia -- Al Jazeera  

South Ossetia consults with Russia on holding referendum, president says -- TASS  

South Ossetia’s referendum to join Russia could take place in May, June -- TASS

Kremlin Rejects White House And Pentagon Claims That Russian President Putin Is Being Misled By Advisers

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting in Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Kremlin Pool Photo via AP  

The Hill: Kremlin rejects US claims that Putin is being misled about Russia’s military failures 

Russia on Thursday rejected claims by U.S. intelligence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being misled about Russia’s military failures in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday that “It turns out that neither the State Department nor the Pentagon have real information about what is happening in the Kremlin,” The New York Times reported. 

“They do not understand President Putin, they do not understand the decision-making mechanism and they do not understand the efforts of our work,” Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta quoted Peskov as saying. 

He added that the Kremlin was concerned about this “complete misunderstanding.”  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Kremlin denies claim Putin being ‘misled’ on Ukraine by scared advisers (AFP)  

Update #2: US "Doesn't Have Real Information": Kremlin Rejects Claim Putin Being Misled By Advisers (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: This is an understatement .... US doesn't understand how Russia works – Kremlin (RT)  

Previous Post: White House Says Russia's Military Is Misleading Putin About The True State Of The Ukraine Battlefield (March 30, 2022).

President Biden Blames Russia And Oil Companies For High U.S. Gas Prices

 

Daily Mail: Biden blames COVID AND Putin for soaring gas prices, admits it's 'hard to tell' when they will go down and says Americans will save $80 a month if they buy an electric car as he unveils plan to reduce pain at the pumps 

* President Biden announced the release of 180 million barrels of oil over six month from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve later on Thursday 

* He said record high gas prices had two roots: the pandemic and Putin's war 

* He will also ask Congress to impose fees on oil and gas companies that lease federal land but are not using permits to produce energy 

* And he will use the Defense Production Act to accelerate switch to electric cars 

* The White House has been desperately looking at ways to lower fuel prices 

* Oil prices have surged since President Putin invaded Ukraine 

* At the start of the year the price of a gallon was about about $3.30, while today it is averaging about $4.22 

* It would be the largest release in the near 50-year history of the SPR 

President Joe Biden said Thursday that record gas prices were caused by the pandemic and Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine as he unveiled a two-pronged plan to increase supply and reduce demand. 

He announced he would release a million barrels of oil per day from the nation's strategic reserve for the next six months and accelerate the switch to electric vehicle.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Biden blames Putin for high gas prices (Washington Times)  

Update #2: Biden to tap oil reserves, press oil sector to hike production (Politico)  

WNU Editor: Of course they will not .... White House won’t name oil and gas companies it’s blaming for high prices (FOX News). 

I have a question. Is President Biden's reasons for high gas prices working? You tell me.

Despite Western Sanction Russia's Ruble, Banks, And Markets Are Quickly Recovering To Pre-War Levels

Washington Post: Despite Western sanctions, Russian ruble and banks are recovering 

Russia's ruble and banking system are showing continued signs of recovery from the initial punch of sanctions, as Moscow relies on energy exports and currency controls to partly protect the nation's economy. 

After initially plummeting, the ruble has rebounded and is edging closer to the value it held before the war began, according to the official exchange rate. And the banking system is gradually stabilizing as panicked customer withdrawals subside, economists say. Some of the recovery is artificial, made possible by strict limits that the central bank, the Bank of Russia, has placed on currency exchange, withdrawals and hard-currency transfers overseas. But it is also due to a very real factor still working in Russia's favor: strong oil and gas exports that bring a flood of hard currency into the country.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: So much for President Biden's remarks and the media's narrative last week that the Russian ruble and economy was imploding. 

A prediction. 

With Russia's insistence that their goods must be paid in rubles, we are going to see a situation where most countries in the world will start to establish ruble accounts to pay for the goods that they need from Russia. Since Russia is one of the world's major grain/energy/metals/commodities exporters, and many countries are dependent on these goods, I can easily see the ruble becoming one of the world's major currencies used in trade. From Moscow's perspective. They have everything to gain from this, and nothing to lose.

Update: These US efforts are clearly not working .... U.S. officials circle globe to keep pressure on Putin as ruble rises (Reuters). 

Despite Western Sanction Russia's Ruble, Banks, And Markets Are Quickly Recovering To Pre-War Levels  

Russia’s ruble rebound raises questions of sanctions’ impact -- AP  

Russian ruble makes almost full recovery despite western sanctions -- FOX News  

Ruble Edges Closer to Clawing Back All Its Post-Invasion Decline -- Bloomberg  

Putin’s plan to prop up the ruble is working. For now -- Charles Riley, CNN Business  

Biden turned the ruble into rubble. Then it quickly came back -- Politico

Putin Tells Europe: Pay In Rubles For Russian Energy Exports Or Face A Cut-Off

 

Daily Mail: Putin threatens to turn off Europe's gas supplies TOMORROW if countries refuse to pay in roubles, saying 'We get nothing free of charge and we are not going to engage in charity either' 

* Russia's Putin today threatened to close down European gas from tomorrow is states refuse to pay in roubles 

* He said foreign buyers will have to 'open rouble accounts in Russian banks' which can be used to pay for gas

* According to Gazprom, 58 per cent of its sales of natural gas to Europe as of January 27 were settled in euros 

* German Economy Minister Robert Habeck today rejected the demand, saying that it amounted to 'blackmail' 

* Spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said companies are not planning to buy Russian gas in roubles 

* Putin announced on March 23 that 'unfriendly' states would have to pay in roubles in retaliation for sanctions 

Vladimir Putin today threatened to turn off Europe's gas supplies from tomorrow if countries refuse to pay in roubles. 

The Russian President, announcing a decree in televised remarks, said foreign buyers would have to 'open rouble accounts in Russian banks' which can be used to pay for 'gas delivered starting from tomorrow'. 

 'If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. 

Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped,' he said.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: The Kremlin Thursday published a presidential decree outlining the mechanism for Europe to buy Russian natural gas. It basically allows foreign buyers to convert their dollars and euros into the Russian currency through a state-controlled bank that is not under sanctions (Gazprom Bank). 

But what a difference 24 hours makes. Yesterday the German Chancellor signaled his willingness to abide by the mechanism of payment that Putin offered. No more now. France and Germany have now signaled that they will only pay for Russian natural gas with Euros, a currency that Russia cannot receive or use because of sanctions .... Germany and France react to Russia’s gas-for-ruble demand (RT). More here .... Germany to pay for gas in euros despite Russia’s rouble decree, says Scholz (The Guardian). 

For now the gas will not be shut-off .... Putin Says Russia to Keep Supplying Gas Amid Shift to Rubles (Bloomberg). But if Europe does not pay for this gas, it is only going to be a matter of time before the gas will be cut-off. 

Update: I just heard on Russian news that Gazprom Bank, a Russian state-owned bank that is not under sanctions and is the institution that will be used to convert Euros to rubles, is going to be facing sanctions in the coming days from the U.S.. If that happens, I am 100% certain that Russia will stop all shipments of natural gas and oil to Europe. 

If natural gas and oil shipments to Europe are cut-off, it will be a disaster for the European economy. Europe will be facing energy rationing, exploding inflation to levels that have not been seen for decades, high interest rates that most European countries cannot afford, and high unemployment. This will be a continent-wide crisis with global consequences.  

Update #2: Putin does not bluff .... Putin says Russia will enforce rouble payments for gas from Friday (Reuters). 

My prediction is that nothing will be done now. But in the coming months (probably at the end of summer) Russia will be putting the squeeze on Europe and other countries to pay for their energy/food/and other commodities in rubles. The next 4 - 6 months are going to be very stressful for every European government.

Russian President Putin Tells Europe To Pay In Rubles For Russian Energy Exports  

Russia will view refusal of paying for gas in rubles as breach of contract — Putin -- TASS  

Putin: Existing Contracts on Russian Gas Will Be Frozen If They Aren't Paid in Rubles -- Sputnik  

Putin sets deadline for ruble gas payments -- RT 

Putin tells Europe: pay in roubles or we'll cut off your gas -- Reuters 

Putin Warns EU Nations Need Ruble Accounts to Get Gas -- AFP  

Russia: Gas payments must be made via Russian bank accounts -- DW 

Russia raises stakes in energy standoff by insisting on rubles for gas -- CNN  

Putin signs order demanding gas payments in roubles from Friday -- The Guardian  

Russia-Ukraine live news: Moscow outlines gas for roubles demand -- Al Jazeera  

Ukraine war: Putin demands payment in roubles for Russian gas supplies or contracts will be 'stopped' -- SKY News  

Putin threatens to cut gas exports unless countries pay in rubles -- Axios  

What paying for gas in rubles means for foreign buyers -- RT  

Factbox: What happens if Russia turns off gas to Germany? -- Reuters

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Faces No Confidence Vote On Sunday. Opposition Says They Have Enough Votes To Succeed

 

Reuters: Pakistan's PM Khan rejects calls to quit ahead of vote to oust him 

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday rejected opposition calls for him to resign, and accused an unnamed Western country of backing moves to oust him because he had visited Moscow recently for talks with President Vladimir Putin. 

Khan, 69, has faced mounting criticism of his performance, including his management of a troubled economy of the nuclear armed country. 

On Sunday, he faces a tough parliamentary no-confidence vote seeking to oust him from power. "I have never accepted defeat in life. 

Whatever the result of the vote, I will come forward with more strength," Khan said in a nationally televised live address.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: A key partner has joined the opposition. It looks like PM Khan's will be ousted this Sunday .... Imran Khan loses majority after key partner sides with Opposition (The Hindu). 

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is blaming the U.S. for wanting him gone because of his recent visit to Moscow .... On foreign power against him, Imran Khan names US in TV address (Hindustan Times). 

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Faces No Confidence Vote On Sunday 

'Have never accepted defeat, fought my entire life': Pak PM Imran Khan addresses nation -- Zee News  

Pakistan’s embattled PM Khan defiant, says he won’t resign -- AP

Pakistan PM won't quit as vote looms -- AAP  

Pakistan’s Khan faces removal: How do no-confidence motions work? -- Al Jazeera

US Imposes Sanctions On Iran's Missile Program After Missile Strikes In Iraq, Gulf

View of a damaged building in the aftermath of missile attacks in Erbil, Iraq March 13, 2022. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari  

Reuters: U.S. issues sanctions over Iran ballistic missiles 

* The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on an Iran-based man and his network of companies it accused of helping Tehran obtain materials for its ballistic missile program. 

* The U.S. Treasury Department said it acted after Iran’s missile attack on Erbil in Iraq and an “Iranian enabled” Houthi missile attack against a Saudi Aramco facility this month, as well as other missile attacks by Iranian proxies against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on an Iran-based man and his network of companies it accused of helping Tehran obtain materials for its ballistic missile program, acting after missile attacks by suspected Iranian-backed proxies on countries in the region. 

In a statement issued as talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have stalled, the U.S. Treasury Department said it acted after Iran’s missile attack on Erbil in Iraq and an “Iranian enabled” Houthi missile attack against a Saudi Aramco facility this month, as well as other missile attacks by Iranian proxies against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iran has responded .... Iran says U.S. violates U.N. resolution linked to nuclear deal (Reuters). 

 US Imposes Sanctions On Iran's Missile Program After Missile Strikes In Iraq, Gulf  

US sanctions Iranians after missile strikes in Iraq, Gulf -- ABC News/AP  

US sanctions suppliers to Iran's ballistic missile programme -- Middle East Eye  

US imposes new sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile program -- CNN  

Treasury Department sanctions Iranian companies, agent over missile attack -- UPI  

US targets Iran missile program with sanctions after strikes on regional rivals -- Times of Israel

U.S. sanctions key figures in Iran's ballistic missile program -- Axios

U.S. To Sends 100 Switchblade Killer Drones To Ukraine

Ukraine is ready to deploy baguette-sized Switchblade missiles. Credit: AeroVironment Inc.

AeroVironment Switchblade 600 Drone. Courtesy: AeroVironment  

CNBC: U.S. sends 100 killer drones called Switchblades to Ukraine 

* The U.S. included 100 killer drones called Switchblades in an arms package to Ukraine. 

* Ukraine requested the equipment as it fights off a Russian invasion. 

* President Joe Biden approved a massive defense aid package earlier this month. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. included 100 killer drones in a colossal weapons package for Ukraine that President Joe Biden approved earlier this month, U.S. officials confirmed Wednesday. 

Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of Defense for international security affairs, told lawmakers that Kyiv asked for the weapons, which are dubbed “kamikaze drones,” as it fights off a Russian invasion. 

“We have committed 100 Switchblade tactical unmanned aerial systems to be delivered in the most recent package of presidential drawdown,” Wallander said in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Ukraine will need more than 100 Switchblade drones to make a difference in this war.

U.S. To Sends 100 Switchblade Killer Drones To Ukraine  

Ukraine ready to deploy baguette-sized Switchblade flying bombs that fit in a backpack to rain death on Russian tanks -- The SUN  

Inside the cutting-edge Switchblade drones the U.S. is shipping to Ukraine -- Yahoo  

Pentagon official says US sending Ukraine 100 Switchblade drones -- The Hill  

The latest US weapon heading to Ukraine: A 2-foot long, 5-pound drone designed for one-way missions -- Business Insider

The "kamikaze" drones the U.S. is giving to Ukraine -- Axios

Top US Commander In Europe Admits That President Biden's Deterrence Strategy Failed In Ukraine

 

Daily Mail: Top US commander in Europe admits that Biden administration failed in its attempts to 'deter and dissuade' Putin from invading Ukraine 

* Gen Tod Walters, head of Europe Command, appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday and answered questions about Ukraine 

* He described being part of a 'deter and dissuade' effort to prevent invasion 

* He admitted that the strategy failed under questioning 

* But President Biden has denied that sanctions layered on Moscow had been designed to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine 

The commander of U.S. forces in Europe on Wednesday admitted that Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine showed that the Biden administration's efforts to 'deter and dissuade' the Russian leader had failed. During the run-up to the invasion, President Joe Biden worked with allies to step up sanctions on Moscow and position troops to strengthen N.A.T.O.'s eastern flank. 

Biden himself said it was not part of a deterrence effort last week, but appearing before members of Congress his commander in Europe, Gen. Tod Wolters, offered a different assessment as Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher probed the strategy. 

Read more ....  

Update #1: US commander admits Biden's deterrence strategy failed in Ukraine (FOX News)  

Update #2: US commander acknowledges Biden failed to deter Russia from invading Ukraine -- Washington Examiner  

WNU Editor: The Biden administration's approach to Russia and Ukraine in the months leading to the war was to focus on giving Ukraine a military deterrence that would make the cost of war too high for Russia. 

But as regular readers of this blog know. The solution to the Ukraine crisis has always been the same .... the need to reach a diplomatic agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas. 

What is maddening to me is that the ingredients to end the crisis were already present via through the Minsk II agreement that Russia, Germany, France, and Ukraine had signed in 2015. If Ukraine had implemented that agreement, accepted NATO's decision that Ukraine will not be admitted, and worked to meet the EUs requirement that Ukraine must resolve their conflict in eastern Ukraine before being considered for admission, I am 99% sure that we would not be at war today.

Is The Ukraine War In A Stalemate Or Checkmate?

 

WNU Editor: Another must watched video and analysis from Task & Purpose on the Ukraine war.

Mapping The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine -- March 31, 2022

Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War