(2022-01-15). US seeking ways to profit should Russia-Ukraine conflict break out — reports. rt.com 
Washington is predicting a probable military assault despite firm denials by Russia | The US State Department has reportedly held talks with international energy majors on the possibility of contingency supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe if conflict between Russia and Ukraine disrupts deliveries. | Over the past several months, the White House has repeatedly expressed the concern that Russia is preparing to launch a military assault on Ukraine. Russia has made it clear it has no such plans. | The US administration has threatened Moscow with another round of "crippling" sanctions in the event of…
(2022-01-15). Putin 'would eat Zelensky for breakfast' in talks — former Ukrainian PM. rt.com 
Ukrainian leader has been warned to tread carefully in his dealings with the Russian president | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should avoid direct discussions with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Kiev's former prime minister has advised, amid flaring tensions between the two states. | Speaking as part of an appearance at the Kiev Security Forum, which was broadcast by the YouTube channel Open Ukraine on Wednesday, Arseny Yatsenyuk said that "the best way to deter Russia is to stay strong and be united, both domestically and internationally." | "I am not criticizing Zelensky, but I would advis…
(2022-01-15). US Prepared 18 Response Scenarios in Case of 'Russian Invasion' of Ukraine, Victoria Nuland Says. sputniknews.com The US, NATO, and Russia met earlier this week to discuss European security issues, including the alliance's continuing expansion towards Russia's borders, which Moscow opposes, and the ongoing concerns of the West regarding an alleged Russian military buildup near Ukraine.
(2022-01-15). Russian Embassy Views White House Remarks About Ukraine as Pressure. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The Russian Embassy to the United States has described the recent remarks by the White House about Moscow's alleged preparations for an invasion of Ukraine as information pressure.
(2022-01-15). First Six Planes With Russia's Peacekeepers From CSTO Forces Arrive From Kazakhstan. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The first six planes with Russian peacekeepers from the forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) have arrived at the Severny airfield in the Russian city of Ivanovo from Kazakhstan, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday.
(2022-01-15). Kazakhstan: Kremlin's Turkish partner stabs it in the back again. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com As it has over Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Nagorno-Karabakh, Bosnia, Syria and Libya, even opening a park in honor of the late Chechen separatist chieftain Dzhokhar Dudayev. Russia expects Turkey to refrain from ill-considered statements on Kazakhstan — Zakharova Moscow expects Turkey to refrain from making ill-conceived statements on Kazakhstan and to avoid attempts to "catch …
(2022-01-15). Russia Warns U.S. It Does Not Rule Out Military Deployment in Cuba and Venezuela. libya360.wordpress.com Yoselina Guevara Venezuelan-Russian-made Mil Mi-17 helicopters overfly a column of T-72B tanks during a military parade to celebrate Venezuela's 206th anniversary of independence in Caracas, Venezuelan, on July 5, 2017. The new training center by Russia's Rostec will train Venezuelan pilots how to fly modernized helicopters. FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES At the end of the summit…
(2022-01-15). Lavrov commends Russia-China cooperation on bilateral, int'l issues. ecns.cn Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday spoke highly of the "unique architecture of Russia-China ties" and Russia's and China's joint efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and solve international problems.
(2022-01-15). Audio: NATO rules out withdrawal of troops all along Russia's western border. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com NATO rules out withdrawing troops from eastern flank: interview NATO will not give in to Russian pressure to withdraw forces from its eastern flank, the alliance's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told Beata Płomecka, Polish Radio's Brussels correspondent, in an exclusive interview. For audio click on Interview: Click to listen to left of Stoltenberg's photo.
(2022-01-15). US and NATO Ready to Continue Dialogue With Russia After NATO-Russia Council, Blinken Says. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg have held a conversation following the NATO-Russia Council meeting, stressing that the United States and the alliance are ready to continue dialogue with Moscow, the Department of State said.
(2022-01-15). NATO chief rallies EU defense ministers for conflict with Russia. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com NATO Secretary General meets with EU Defence Ministers Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council It's a pleasure to be in Brest, and I'm looking forward to meet EU Defence Ministers. NATO-EU cooperation is as strong as ever, and this is important, to have the close cooperation …
(2022-01-15). After week of Russia submitting to lectures from U.S., NATO and OSCE, White House delivers its verdict. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com
(2022-01-15). Russia makes vaccine passports policy change. rt.com 
Officials say the proposed legislation is not suited to the current coronavirus situation | Russian lawmakers have postponed consideration of a bill that would introduce a nationwide system of QR-code vaccine passes, saying that the law needs to be adapted to deal with the new Omicron variant of Covid-19. | Tatyana Golikova, the deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension provision, told journalists on Friday that government officials, together with leaders of ruling party United Russia, had decided the proposed legislation would need to be adjusted before it could be considered further.
(2022-01-15). Count-Down to Apocalypse: Are the US and Russia Finally on Course toward World War III? globalresearch.ca
(2022-01-15). Germany has lost its economic freedom — Russia. rt.com 
Lack of certification demonstrates that Berlin can't perform ordinary commercial activities, says Moscow | The ongoing saga with the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and its long wait for approval and certification shows that Germany has no freedom to pursue its own economic interests, Russia's foreign minister has claimed. | Speaking to the Russian First Channel on Thursday, Sergey Lavrov suggested that right now Berlin doesn't have economic sovereignty and is at the mercy of third parties. | "About Nord Stream 2, it's no longer about freedom to choose alliances. It's just freedom to carry out ordinary commercial a…
(2022-01-15). U.S. 'New Cold War' non-strategic, failing: The Diplomat magazine. ecns.cn The U.S. military and its civilian leaders are wrong to wage the "New Cold War" by overemphasizing militarized responses to economic and diplomatic challenges, The Diplomat magazine has reported.
(2022-01-15). Presidentes de Rusia y China prevén reunirse en febrero. telesurtv.net El mandatario ruso visitará China el día de la inauguración de los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno Beijing 2022.
(2022-01-15). Say It Ain't So, Joe Biden: Did the US President Quote Joseph Stalin? sputniknews.com In a heated statement to reporters, US President Joe Biden appeared to quote Joseph Stalin, the premier of the Soviet Union from 1924 to 1953, when he said, "state legislative bodies continue to change the law, not as to who can vote, but who gets to count the vote".
(2022-01-15). Turkey, Armenia hold first talks on normalizing ties. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 15 (MNA) — Envoys from Turkey and Armenia held the first round of talks aimed at normalizing ties in Moscow on Friday.
(2022-01-14). The Iran Deal And The Assassination Of Soleimani. popularresistance.org Vienna – World leaders have descended upon Austrian capital Vienna to participate in the ongoing nuclear deal being negotiated primarily between the United States and Iran. Today, MintPress spoke to Dr. Seyed Mohammad Marandi, Professor of English Literature and Orientalism at the University of Tehran. Dr. Marandi is currently in Vienna as part of the Iranian delegation. | While corporate media often portray Iran as a recalcitrant pariah and the United States as a long-suffering broker in the situation, Dr. Marandi notes that it was actually the Trump administration that unilaterally walked away from the agreemen…
(2022-01-14). "Occupied territories" in the way: Azerbaijan, Ukraine push Eurasian corridor through GUAM format. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Based on a news article of today from which excerpts are posted below. The GUAM acronym is formed from the first letters of the countries that it includes: Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova. Background information: GUAM: U.S., NATO Applaud Eastern Partnership Drive Into Former Soviet Space. GUAM (in 2007 formally named the Organization for Democracy and …
(2022-01-14). Kazakhstan Must Not be Allowed to Become Another Ukraine. orinocotribune.com By Fra Hughes — Jan 11, 2022 | What I am trying to convey here is the conclusion that America, the EU, and NATO care nothing for democracy and freedom. |
(2022-01-14). NATO touts Ukraine deal after massive cyberattack. rt.com 
The bloc is offering additional backing to Kiev after the government reportedly took a major hit in cyberspace | NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned a hacking attempt on Ukraine that was said to have disrupted several government websites. He announced that the alliance would sign a cyber-security deal with Kiev within days. | The overnight cyberattack on Ukrainian government agency portals was condemned by Stoltenberg in a brief statement on Friday. | "I strongly condemn the cyberattacks on the Ukrainian government," he said, adding that the alliance had "worked closely with Ukraine for years…
(2022-01-14). NATO chief demands ouster of Russian troops from Abkhazia, Crimea, South Ossetia, Transnistria. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com From Ukrinform Stoltenberg: Russian troops in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova uninvited, not welcomed Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations is one of the key principles of European security, therefore NATO calls on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, where they are uninvited and not welcomed. This was stated …
(2022-01-14). Russia discovers yet another red line: U.S., UK instructors in Ukraine. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com British military personnel have already trained over 20,000 Ukrainian troops under Operation ORBITAL and Canada has trained over 30,000 under Operation UNIFIER. That information is open source and available on the Internet as the links establish. Is it possible the Russian Foreign Ministry doesn't have access to computers? This time it's a real red line; …
(2022-01-14). US claims Russia preparing 'false flag' in Ukraine. rt.com 
Anonymous official told CNN that Russia sent 'operatives' to eastern Ukraine | Russian operatives have been deployed to two breakaway regions in the east of Ukraine to create a false-flag operation as pretext for an invasion, several US news outlets have reported, citing an anonymous American official. | A "group of operatives" trained in urban warfare and use of explosives has been sent to "carry out acts of sabotage against Russia's own proxy forces," CNN
(2022-01-14). Stoltenberg: NATO's Already Decided to Make Ukraine, Georgia Members, Didn't Say When It'll Occur. sputniknews.com During the NATO-Russia summit earlier this week the alliance strongly rejected the key proposals by Moscow on European security — to limit NATO's eastward expansion and the deployment of its armaments close to Russia's borders. The Kremlin sees both trends within the alliance as a national security threat.
(2022-01-14). Headlines from the Ukrainian press. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Ukranews: NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg Condemns Cyber-Attacks On Ukraine, Promises Enhanced Cyber Cooperation Russian Special Services Preparing Provocations Against Military Of Russian Federation In Order To Blame Ukraine For This — Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate Defense Ministry Will Form Personnel Reserve According To New Standards For First Time Ukrinform: Cyberattack on Ukraine's government websites came …
(2022-01-14). Russia responds to US 'false flag' claims. rt.com 
The Kremlin says there is no evidence for 'hearsay' accusations of Russian 'operatives' set to frame Ukraine | After Western media carried reports, on Friday, citing unnamed US officials, claiming that Russia is preparing a "false flag" incident in order to invade Ukraine, the Kremlin has dismissed them as baseless and unfounded rumors. | "So far, all these statements have been unsubstantiated and not backed up by anything," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS news agency, when asked about the stories making the rounds. | Earlier in the day, anonymous US officials echoed claims from Kiev that Russia had sent "op…
(2022-01-14). Russia 'fabricating a pretext for invasion' of Ukraine — White House. rt.com 
Washington believes Moscow could stage a fake incident to justify military action | The Kremlin is laying the groundwork to fabricate a reason for invading Ukraine, including possible sabotage activities and information operations, a senior White House official claimed on Thursday. | Speaking to the press, United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the American intelligence community believes Moscow is planning a scenario where it can justify a military incursion into Ukraine, noting that more information will be published "over the course of the next 24 hours." | "Russia is laying the g…
(2022-01-14). NATO uses alleged Russian cyber attack to openly intervene in Ukraine. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com The following is from the Ukrainian National News Agency (Ukrinform) Cyberattack on Ukraine's government websites came from Russia — experts A massive cyberattack on Ukraine's government websites was carried out from Russian territory, according to a study conducted by the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security. "On the night of January 13-14, a cyberattack …
(2022-01-14). Headlines from the Russian press. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com RT: Russia orders snap inspection of troops' readiness for rapid deployment Patience with West has come to an end — Moscow US claims Russia preparing 'false flag' in Ukraine Is Russia really preparing an offensive against Ukraine? Russia reveals when it expects Western response to security proposals TASS: Russia able to ensure its security, not …
(2022-01-14). Head of Russia-led bloc reveals details of Kazakhstan mission. rt.com 
The arrival of the allied peacekeeping force had a "sobering effect" in Kazakhstan, the official believes | As the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) wraps up its peacekeeping mission in Kazakhstan, the top official of the Russia-led military bloc talked about the course of the deployment and its results with RT. | Kazakhstan faced a rocky start to the new year, as a wave of violent unrest broke out on the back of protests triggered by a sharp hike in fuel prices. As the initially peaceful protest devolved into violence and rioting in a matter of days, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reached…
(2022-01-14). Kazakhstan Chaos: An Opportunity, But for Who? journal-neo.org 
Kazakhstan has suffered severe nationwide violence allegedly prompted by fuel price concerns. However, it quickly became clear that it was instead actually foreign-sponsored destabilization which was, at best, using legitimate public concerns as cover for attempted regime change. A Russian-led deployment of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) forces has helped stabilize the Central Asia nation, …
(2022-01-14). Russia's Riabkov: Increased Military Cooperation with Cuba and Venezuela Not Ruled Out. orinocotribune.com 
The government of the Russian Federation ratified its willingness to support the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with strategic cooperation in the midst of the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the US administration against the South American country. This was affirmed by the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Riabkov, who has been leading the Russian delegation in its meetings with top US and NATO officials and attempting to diffuse the tension created by the latest encirclement of Russia via NATO military bases and arms sales. | According to statements issued by the high-ranking Russian official and…
(2022-01-14). Philippines Becomes First Foreign Buyer of Indo-Russian BrahMos Anti-Ship Missile. sputniknews.com The Philippines has long expressed an interest in acquiring BrahMos, one of the world's fastest anti-ship missiles, to augment naval capacity in order to thwart any threat to the nation's maritime domain from outside incursions.
(2022-01-14). Russian FM attaches great importance to Raeisi's visit. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 14 (MNA) — "President Raeisi's upcoming visit to Russia is important," according to the Russian foreign minister, adding "Real progress has been achieved at the Iran nuclear deal talks."
(2022-01-14). VIDEO: CrossTalk | Russia-NATO Impasse. warisacrime.org By Crosstalk, January 14, 2022 Over the past two and half years Russia and NATO have agreed on very little, if anything. However, both agreed to meet for a high-level meeting and they did in Brussels. Both sides made their case. Nothing was really resolved. Lots of words. What happens next may be actions. CrossTalking …
(2022-01-14). Russia reveals when it expects Western response to security proposals. rt.com 
Moscow's offers have so far been met with a mixed response | Western powers have promised to send a written reply to the set of security proposals that Moscow presented in December, following negotiations this week, Russia's top diplomat has announced. | In an appearance on Russia's Channel One on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov shared that representatives from NATO and Washington had told him they would "put on paper" their counter-proposals, and that the Russian side had requested for this to happen in the next week. | "We are still hoping for the promises made now, in Geneva and Brussels…
(2022-01-14). US responds to Russian arrest of ransomware hackers. rt.com 
The Biden administration said one of the suspected hackers arrested in Russia was to blame for the Colonial Pipeline attack | The Biden administration is "pleased" about Russia arresting several suspected hackers, including one allegedly behind the ransomware attack that led to week-long fuel shortages last year. | A senior administration official, speaking with reporters on Friday, said Moscow had informed Washington about the arrests, and that one of the individuals involved was responsible for the May 2021 attack that crippled the Colonial Pipeline. | "I want to be very clear: In our mind, this is not relat…
(2022-01-14). Sweden Bolsters Gotland Patrols Amid NATO-Russia Tensions. sputniknews.com The Baltic island of Gotland, Sweden's largest, is considered strategically important and was previously identified by Swedish analysts as a possible "entry point" for alleged Russian aggression, which even the country's military considers unlikely.
(2022-01-14). Senior Navalny allies added to Russia's 'terrorist & extremist' list. rt.com 
Their bank accounts will now immediately be frozen | Leonid Volkov and Ivan Zhdanov, two close allies of the jailed Russian opposition activist Alexey Navalny, have been added to a state register of extremists. They were placed on an international wanted list last year. | The two men's names were registered on the website of Rosfinmonitoring, Russia's financial monitoring service, on Friday. | The agency compiles information on those suspected of terrorist or extremist activity. Under Russian law, the bank accounts of individuals on the list must be frozen immediately. Both men currently live abroad, having le…
(2022-01-14). Poland: U.S. F-16s complete NATO rotation near Belarusian, Russian borders. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com U.S. F-16s Complete Complete Successful NATO Deployment The US F-16s deployed to ≈Åask Air Base, Poland have returned to base at Spangdahlem, Germany…. This…deployment brought together American and Polish service members to cooperate under the banner of NATO Air Policing in the Baltic Sea region…enhancing multinational relationships and improving interoperability between Allies. "We are in …
(2022-01-14). Yahoo News excerpts: CIA trains Ukrainian paramilitaries for war with Russia. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com From Yahoo News national security correspondent Zach Dorfman. CIA-trained Ukrainian paramilitaries may take central role if Russia invades The CIA is overseeing a secret intensive training program in the U.S. for elite Ukrainian special operations forces and other intelligence personnel, according to five former intelligence and national security officials familiar with the initiative. The program, …
(2022-01-14). 'Russophobe' Kazakh minister not welcome at rocket launches — Roscosmos chief. rt.com 
Despite the inflammatory comments towards Russians, the Kremlin said judgements will be made based on his conduct in his new role | The recently appointed Kazakh Minister of Information and Social Development, accused of overwhelmingly anti-Russian sentiment, will not get a warm welcome at the Baikonur cosmodrome, the head of Roscosmos has insisted. | Writing on Telegram on Wednesday, Dmitry Rogozin bluntly stated that "we will not welcome Minister Askar Umarov," who assumed his new post when Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reshuffled the government following protests that turned violent. | The general…
(2022-01-14). Brit loses plot over Russian rival's toilet break (VIDEO). rt.com 
Dan Evans unloaded on the match umpire and Russian opponent Aslan Karatsev as he suffered defeat in Sydney | Britain's Dan Evans could not contain his rage as Russian opponent Aslan Karatsev took a timeout for a toilet break and clothing change during their semi-final at the Sydney International. | Top seed Karatsev overcame the Brit in a three-set, three-hour battle which included an epic tiebreak to decide set two. | In the end it was world number 20 Karatsev who prevailed, 6-3 6-7 (13-15) 6-3, depriving Evans of the chance of an all-British final with Andy Murray, who had overcome fourth seed Reilly Opelka…
(2022-01-14). The Case for Neutrality to Defuse Crisis With Russia. strategic-culture.org 
Faced with the certainty of the destruction of their country, most Ukrainians would settle for peace through neutrality, writes Scott Ritter. | By Scott RITTER |
(2022-01-14). U.S. OSCE envoy: The drumbeat of war is sounding loud. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com West should prepare for Russia-induced escalation, — US envoy in OSCE See also: Greatest threat of war in Europe in 30 years and the Helsinki Final Act Western governments should be getting prepared for escalation from the Russian side. Michael Carpenter, the U.S. permanent envoy in the OSCE said so during the talks with Russian delegates. …
(2022-01-14). Ex-OSCE Chief: Russia Wasn't Listened to on Risk Reduction Ideas, Now There Is Readiness for Talks. sputniknews.com The new head of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Zbigniew Rau, held a presser on Wednesday, as Poland became OSCE chair for the year. According to the Polish politician, the risk of war is "now greater than ever before in the last 30 years".
(2022-01-14). Biden Urged to Eliminate Land-Based Nuclear Missiles as US Policy Is Revised. truthout.org 
As the Biden administration considers changes to Trump-era nuclear policy, 60 national and regional organizations released a statement this week calling for the elimination of 400 land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that are "now armed and on hair-trigger alert in the United States." | "Intercontinental ballistic missiles are uniquely dangerous, greatly increasing the chances that a false alarm or miscalculation will result in nuclear war," the statement reads. "There is no…