Speaking of Serbia and Kosovo. One can say Russia needs conflicts everywhere, because they distract the West from Ukraine, our prime target. Maybe in some cases it is true, but not on the Balkans. If Russia is really interested in any conflict there, it must be a conflict where Serbia wins. Now it's impossible, so it's much better to keep things calm there.
Serbia is the most pro-Russian country in the world. Apart from historical dimension, the friendship has practical aspect. We give them cheap oil and gas, they support us politically. Since 2014 Serbia didn't implement anti-Russian sanctions and became a safe haven for Russian capital. Now their role as a financial intermediary is crucial, because many Russian banks can't operate in the western countries anymore. Also Serbia kept air connection with Russia and turned into the gate to Europe for many Russian citizens.
In hypothetic war against Albanians Serbian troops will face NATO forces right from the start. Then landlocked Serbia will get the blockade followed by the military defeat and regime change. Today it's the only scenario, so we should wait.
#international #serbia
Serbia is the most pro-Russian country in the world. Apart from historical dimension, the friendship has practical aspect. We give them cheap oil and gas, they support us politically. Since 2014 Serbia didn't implement anti-Russian sanctions and became a safe haven for Russian capital. Now their role as a financial intermediary is crucial, because many Russian banks can't operate in the western countries anymore. Also Serbia kept air connection with Russia and turned into the gate to Europe for many Russian citizens.
In hypothetic war against Albanians Serbian troops will face NATO forces right from the start. Then landlocked Serbia will get the blockade followed by the military defeat and regime change. Today it's the only scenario, so we should wait.
#international #serbia
When Russia signed "The Grain Deal" the EU allowed normal cargo transit between Kaliningrad oblast and mainland Russia. Officially these two things are not connected, it just happened on the same day, but many people believe in Russia-West shadow deals. Maybe they are real, maybe not. Anyway, it didn't last long. This time the Lithuanian bank which accepts transit fees from Russian railways refuses to continue. If nothing happens, the railroad transit will be stopped on the 1st of September.
I expected smth like this, that's why I didn't write about the renewal of transit and "great Russian diplomatic victory". For now the best way to deal with the West is shown by Gazprom. They diminished the supply of gas to Europe by 80% and demand the delievery of western equipment. Europe has already agreed to send the needed turbine, thus adding some exceptions to sanctions. Now Gazprom wants guarantees that these exceptions will be permanent. In my opinion Russian railways may remember that Lithuanians (and Europeans in general) use Russian transit to trade with Asian countries. It would be a shame if smth happened to it.
#international #kaliningrad
I expected smth like this, that's why I didn't write about the renewal of transit and "great Russian diplomatic victory". For now the best way to deal with the West is shown by Gazprom. They diminished the supply of gas to Europe by 80% and demand the delievery of western equipment. Europe has already agreed to send the needed turbine, thus adding some exceptions to sanctions. Now Gazprom wants guarantees that these exceptions will be permanent. In my opinion Russian railways may remember that Lithuanians (and Europeans in general) use Russian transit to trade with Asian countries. It would be a shame if smth happened to it.
#international #kaliningrad
👍1
Drone and missile attacks on military objects in Crimea became a routine.
The first attack on the Black sea Fleet HQ in Sevastopol was made by a small civil drone with a grenade on 31st of July, the day of the Russian Navy. It's a miracle that nobody died, although 6 people got hurt. The annual naval parade was cancelled this time.
Today the fleet HQ was attacked again, with Ukrainian drone PD-1 (as @rybar speculates), which has 450km range. Russian sailors shot it down with assault rifles, it fall on the roof. This case shows that drone protection measures are not implemented yet.
Meanwhile other military and infrastructure objects are under attack, too. Yesterday Russian anti-air shot down drones near the Crimean bridge and city of Kerch. For two days in a row Russian anti-air succesfully shoots down Ukrainian missiles near the city of Yevpatoria. Also Ukrainians tried to bomb the airfield of Belbek near Sevastopol. Today some drones were shot down above the village of Olenevka in the West of Crimea.
Djankoy district in the North of peninsula suffered from sabotage acts. On 16th of August ammunition depot was blown up. It is unknown whether it happened due drone attack or smth else. The explosion damaged the electricity plant and a railroad nearby. The fire on electricity plant can be a separate act of sabotage, it's under investigation now.
The most successful Ukrainian attack on Crimea happened on 10th of August, when (most probably) missile strikes hit Russian military airfield in the district of Saki. According to the official information, one person died. American satellites photos show that Russia lost 7 planes.
Some conclusions.
1. The buffer zone between Crimea and the frontlines is too small to prevent Ukraine from missile attacks.
2. Ukrainians have diversionists in Crimea, who use small drones.
3. The Black Sea Fleet HQ is not equipped with drone protection despite two attacks on its building.
4. Russian anti-air defense is mostly successful.
It should be noted that Crimea is one of the most significant summer resorts in Russia. In June it was visited by 815k tourists, which 40% less than in June 2021. This decline was caused by civil flights ban and geographical proximity to the frontlines.
#war_in_ukraine #crimea #sevastopol
The first attack on the Black sea Fleet HQ in Sevastopol was made by a small civil drone with a grenade on 31st of July, the day of the Russian Navy. It's a miracle that nobody died, although 6 people got hurt. The annual naval parade was cancelled this time.
Today the fleet HQ was attacked again, with Ukrainian drone PD-1 (as @rybar speculates), which has 450km range. Russian sailors shot it down with assault rifles, it fall on the roof. This case shows that drone protection measures are not implemented yet.
Meanwhile other military and infrastructure objects are under attack, too. Yesterday Russian anti-air shot down drones near the Crimean bridge and city of Kerch. For two days in a row Russian anti-air succesfully shoots down Ukrainian missiles near the city of Yevpatoria. Also Ukrainians tried to bomb the airfield of Belbek near Sevastopol. Today some drones were shot down above the village of Olenevka in the West of Crimea.
Djankoy district in the North of peninsula suffered from sabotage acts. On 16th of August ammunition depot was blown up. It is unknown whether it happened due drone attack or smth else. The explosion damaged the electricity plant and a railroad nearby. The fire on electricity plant can be a separate act of sabotage, it's under investigation now.
The most successful Ukrainian attack on Crimea happened on 10th of August, when (most probably) missile strikes hit Russian military airfield in the district of Saki. According to the official information, one person died. American satellites photos show that Russia lost 7 planes.
Some conclusions.
1. The buffer zone between Crimea and the frontlines is too small to prevent Ukraine from missile attacks.
2. Ukrainians have diversionists in Crimea, who use small drones.
3. The Black Sea Fleet HQ is not equipped with drone protection despite two attacks on its building.
4. Russian anti-air defense is mostly successful.
It should be noted that Crimea is one of the most significant summer resorts in Russia. In June it was visited by 815k tourists, which 40% less than in June 2021. This decline was caused by civil flights ban and geographical proximity to the frontlines.
#war_in_ukraine #crimea #sevastopol
Darya Dugina, daughter of Alexander Dugin, was assasinated in car explosion. It seems the car was used by the father, so the bomb was intended to kill him. Darya also was a conservative philosopher and shared Alexander Dugin's worldview, including his support of Novorossiya. I'm pretty sure Ukrainians made their move this time.
You know, when you write the news items, it's usually smth bad: natural disasters, wars, crimes etc.
Today, in desperate attempt to change this I'll write about a good thing: Lithuanian banks changed their mind and approved financial operations with Russian side. For now, but just for now, the issue of #kaliningrad transit doesn't exist. The future will tell how long this will stay. Still, I'm happy for Kaliningrad oblast, one of my favourite regions in Russia.
P.S. there were some questions about Dugin, I'll express my opinion on him tomorrow
Today, in desperate attempt to change this I'll write about a good thing: Lithuanian banks changed their mind and approved financial operations with Russian side. For now, but just for now, the issue of #kaliningrad transit doesn't exist. The future will tell how long this will stay. Still, I'm happy for Kaliningrad oblast, one of my favourite regions in Russia.
P.S. there were some questions about Dugin, I'll express my opinion on him tomorrow
👍1
About spy scandal in Albania.
After the collapse of the USSR many places on its vast territory were abandoned by people: military/naval bases and installments, scientific stations, lighthouses etc. The depopulation process hit Russian rural territories very hard, so it's not a problem to find whole villages that stand empty. One of my childhood memories is about playing in closed steel plant.
There are people who like visiting such places, me included. That's a type of tourism, to watch some "zabroshkas". In Russian zabroshenny means abandoned, so I can roughly translate a slang word "zabroshka" as "abandee".
Sometimes visiting abandoned places is difficult and dangerous. The object can be far away, its structure is not always safe. Also some facilities can be active de-jure or be mothballed with security perimeter left. In worst case you walk in, make photos, upload them, and on the next day FSB detains you for "espionage" (article 276 of penal code, from 10 to 20 years in jail) or "illegal obtaining of information constituting a state secret" (article 283, 3 to 7 years in jail). Such was the fate of a Russian-Ukrainian bloger Andrey Pyzh with nicknames МШ and Urbanturizm. It is unknown exactly what happened, but in 2020 he was detained and later got arrested for 5 years.
So, yeah, Albania. Two Russians and one Ukrainian infiltrated an abandoned facility which produced AK assault rifles in the past. Turned out the facility is active, and operates in Ukrainian interest (sources: 1. I think so 2. Common sense. Military factory in post-socialist country now can work only for the one client). Due to unhappy coincidence the guys met the security and got detained. Moreover, the Ukrainian used pepper spray on the guard.
Later turned out that one of the Russians is Lаna Sator, a famous in narrow circles explorer of abandoned stuff. Once she was detained by FSB, but they let her go. Now she has a unique opportunity to compare FSB with Albanian counter-intelligence. Still, my take is she is not a spy. Spies don't have tg channels with their trips. I hope Russian embassy will help Lana get home.
#albania #international
After the collapse of the USSR many places on its vast territory were abandoned by people: military/naval bases and installments, scientific stations, lighthouses etc. The depopulation process hit Russian rural territories very hard, so it's not a problem to find whole villages that stand empty. One of my childhood memories is about playing in closed steel plant.
There are people who like visiting such places, me included. That's a type of tourism, to watch some "zabroshkas". In Russian zabroshenny means abandoned, so I can roughly translate a slang word "zabroshka" as "abandee".
Sometimes visiting abandoned places is difficult and dangerous. The object can be far away, its structure is not always safe. Also some facilities can be active de-jure or be mothballed with security perimeter left. In worst case you walk in, make photos, upload them, and on the next day FSB detains you for "espionage" (article 276 of penal code, from 10 to 20 years in jail) or "illegal obtaining of information constituting a state secret" (article 283, 3 to 7 years in jail). Such was the fate of a Russian-Ukrainian bloger Andrey Pyzh with nicknames МШ and Urbanturizm. It is unknown exactly what happened, but in 2020 he was detained and later got arrested for 5 years.
So, yeah, Albania. Two Russians and one Ukrainian infiltrated an abandoned facility which produced AK assault rifles in the past. Turned out the facility is active, and operates in Ukrainian interest (sources: 1. I think so 2. Common sense. Military factory in post-socialist country now can work only for the one client). Due to unhappy coincidence the guys met the security and got detained. Moreover, the Ukrainian used pepper spray on the guard.
Later turned out that one of the Russians is Lаna Sator, a famous in narrow circles explorer of abandoned stuff. Once she was detained by FSB, but they let her go. Now she has a unique opportunity to compare FSB with Albanian counter-intelligence. Still, my take is she is not a spy. Spies don't have tg channels with their trips. I hope Russian embassy will help Lana get home.
#albania #international
👍3
First, I don't like Dugin, so I'm kinda biased here.
He is a philosopher, who took a lot from so-called the New Right (Nouvelle Droite). That is antiglobalism, traditionalism, support of spirituality etc. Dugin entered Nazbol party with Limonov and others. He mixed right wing traditionalism and leftist welfare + the USSR nostalgia. Later his ideas developed as de-facto anti-nationalist. His most important contribution to theory was the new iteration of Eurasionism (at first it was the idea of White Russians in immigration). In short this idea was "we must unite with Iran, China, India, Middle Asia against the West (Atlantists). While Russian nationalists believe Ukraine is a problem per se, Dugin thinks that it's the West to blame for the conflict.
It is popular opinion in the West that Dugin was or is influential in Russian politics, he advised Putin and so on. That's wrong perception, because Russian elites are too cynical and soulles to listen to idealists, whether they are communists, nationalists, liberals or someone else. Dugin has never hold any govt position, his views in a whole are marginal. To say more, in previous decade he lost his professor seat at MSU after too "radical" expression of Novorossiya support and almost completely dissappeared from TV, except Tsargrad channel which is not very popular.
Why the Westerners know him? Well, Dugin fits into stereotypes about Russia. A man with beard with ultraconservative views, "advisor of Putin". For me it's yet another incarnation of "Rasputin sex machine", whose image is also very famous in the West.
What I don't like in Dugin
Basically I don't like satanists who convert to Christianity (he was a big fan of Aleister Crowley in young years) and start teaching me how to live. All his views in pure form are about ethnic Russians who must accept massive migration from Muslim countries, live in poor conditions and fight the West. Not interested, sorry.
What I like in Dugin
He is a good scholar. His lectures on international relations and philosophy are well-written and helped me a lot more than once. Sometimes he can write good stuff, knows a lot of languages, also he arranged some very interesting postmodern perfomances, so I may call him a talented director, too. Also I respect people who are open for discussion. Dugin constantly argues with right/left liberals, communists and others. He is very social, it's not very hard to establish connection with him. I met him in person only once, but I know some people who were partying at his place. The last but not least, Dugin is a meme fuel. You can't imagine how many funny stories are about him, and how many funny speeches he made.
I've never expected Dugin to become a tragic figure, a father, who lost his child in a struggle against the western puppets. Maybe we will witness a new Dugin soon.
He is a philosopher, who took a lot from so-called the New Right (Nouvelle Droite). That is antiglobalism, traditionalism, support of spirituality etc. Dugin entered Nazbol party with Limonov and others. He mixed right wing traditionalism and leftist welfare + the USSR nostalgia. Later his ideas developed as de-facto anti-nationalist. His most important contribution to theory was the new iteration of Eurasionism (at first it was the idea of White Russians in immigration). In short this idea was "we must unite with Iran, China, India, Middle Asia against the West (Atlantists). While Russian nationalists believe Ukraine is a problem per se, Dugin thinks that it's the West to blame for the conflict.
It is popular opinion in the West that Dugin was or is influential in Russian politics, he advised Putin and so on. That's wrong perception, because Russian elites are too cynical and soulles to listen to idealists, whether they are communists, nationalists, liberals or someone else. Dugin has never hold any govt position, his views in a whole are marginal. To say more, in previous decade he lost his professor seat at MSU after too "radical" expression of Novorossiya support and almost completely dissappeared from TV, except Tsargrad channel which is not very popular.
Why the Westerners know him? Well, Dugin fits into stereotypes about Russia. A man with beard with ultraconservative views, "advisor of Putin". For me it's yet another incarnation of "Rasputin sex machine", whose image is also very famous in the West.
What I don't like in Dugin
Basically I don't like satanists who convert to Christianity (he was a big fan of Aleister Crowley in young years) and start teaching me how to live. All his views in pure form are about ethnic Russians who must accept massive migration from Muslim countries, live in poor conditions and fight the West. Not interested, sorry.
What I like in Dugin
He is a good scholar. His lectures on international relations and philosophy are well-written and helped me a lot more than once. Sometimes he can write good stuff, knows a lot of languages, also he arranged some very interesting postmodern perfomances, so I may call him a talented director, too. Also I respect people who are open for discussion. Dugin constantly argues with right/left liberals, communists and others. He is very social, it's not very hard to establish connection with him. I met him in person only once, but I know some people who were partying at his place. The last but not least, Dugin is a meme fuel. You can't imagine how many funny stories are about him, and how many funny speeches he made.
I've never expected Dugin to become a tragic figure, a father, who lost his child in a struggle against the western puppets. Maybe we will witness a new Dugin soon.
👍4
Yesterday the special military operation in Ukraine celebrated its 6th month anniversary. The holiday coincided with Ukrainian independence day, so Russian troops made the date unforgettable with missile strikes and operations of strategic bombers (rare guests in Ukrainian sky).
The frontline changes very slowly, in recent two or even three weeks the Russians liberated some villages in DPR, Kharkov and Nikolaev oblasts. Some experts claim that grand offensive will start soon, but I hear these talks all six months. If something happens, I'll write about it.
Previous milestone
The frontline changes very slowly, in recent two or even three weeks the Russians liberated some villages in DPR, Kharkov and Nikolaev oblasts. Some experts claim that grand offensive will start soon, but I hear these talks all six months. If something happens, I'll write about it.
Previous milestone
Telegram
Russia 101
100 days of war
All experts expected two things.
First, Russian army must have defeated Ukraine quickly. Maybe in a week, maybe in two weeks. Then Special military operation should have turned into police operation with detention of Ukrainian nationalists…
All experts expected two things.
First, Russian army must have defeated Ukraine quickly. Maybe in a week, maybe in two weeks. Then Special military operation should have turned into police operation with detention of Ukrainian nationalists…
A few words about nuclear power plant in Zaporozhye
ZNPP is the biggest in Ukraine (and Europe): it has six reactors, which generate 40bln kW h annualy, and four high-woltage power lines transfer the electricity in different directions. Russians took the plant in March, together with a town of Energodar, where the personnel lives. Most of the ZNPP workers stayed.
The situation on ZNPP is delicate. Ukrainian workers report both to Rosatom and (Ukrainian) Energoatom, the electricity goes (until today) to the territories taken by the Russians and those which stayed under Ukrainian control. There are three reasons why the work organized in such manner.
1. The staff at ZNPP is 11k people. All of them cannot be replaced by the Russians. So Rosatom just sent supervisors.
2. The plant is in Ukrainian energy system. Any changes, like cutting off electricity supply to some areas, require coordination, otherwise it can lead to the disasters on voltage lines, or worse.
3. Humanitarian reasons. The electricity shortage will affect civillians on the Ukrainian side.
Since July the plant has become a target for Ukrainian artillery and drones. It should be noted that the reactors are built in the blocks which can withstand not only artillery shelling, but the direct hit of long-haul aircraft. What do Ukrainians want? At first I thought that they want to clear the plant from Russians and working personnel, causing shut down of the reactors. This will affect Russian territories more, because Ukrainians can redistribute the juice within their system, although that will be a sacrifice for them, too. Now I think that nuclear disaster is an option.
The reactors were built in the Soviet times, and till 2014 they used Soviet, than Russian fuel. After Donbass conflict Ukrainians switched to American supplier, which, unlike Rosatom, doesn't provide recycling of nuclear waste. The used fuel is put into storage near the power plant. The storage is also protected, but it can't endure long work of the artillery. Technically it's possible to wait for the west wind and hit the storage with missiles. This will cause a nuclear disaster in Zaporozhye oblast, and possibly in DPR, LPR, Russia. Since all western media claim that... Russians shoot at the power plant they control, I have no doubts all consequences of Ukrainian strikes will be Russian problem.
In recent two days all four voltage lines were cut due to Ukrainian attacks. Today only those lines were restored, which connect Russian-controlled areas and the plant. For a time Kherson and other cities were without electricity, but now it's fine.
#zaporozhye
ZNPP is the biggest in Ukraine (and Europe): it has six reactors, which generate 40bln kW h annualy, and four high-woltage power lines transfer the electricity in different directions. Russians took the plant in March, together with a town of Energodar, where the personnel lives. Most of the ZNPP workers stayed.
The situation on ZNPP is delicate. Ukrainian workers report both to Rosatom and (Ukrainian) Energoatom, the electricity goes (until today) to the territories taken by the Russians and those which stayed under Ukrainian control. There are three reasons why the work organized in such manner.
1. The staff at ZNPP is 11k people. All of them cannot be replaced by the Russians. So Rosatom just sent supervisors.
2. The plant is in Ukrainian energy system. Any changes, like cutting off electricity supply to some areas, require coordination, otherwise it can lead to the disasters on voltage lines, or worse.
3. Humanitarian reasons. The electricity shortage will affect civillians on the Ukrainian side.
Since July the plant has become a target for Ukrainian artillery and drones. It should be noted that the reactors are built in the blocks which can withstand not only artillery shelling, but the direct hit of long-haul aircraft. What do Ukrainians want? At first I thought that they want to clear the plant from Russians and working personnel, causing shut down of the reactors. This will affect Russian territories more, because Ukrainians can redistribute the juice within their system, although that will be a sacrifice for them, too. Now I think that nuclear disaster is an option.
The reactors were built in the Soviet times, and till 2014 they used Soviet, than Russian fuel. After Donbass conflict Ukrainians switched to American supplier, which, unlike Rosatom, doesn't provide recycling of nuclear waste. The used fuel is put into storage near the power plant. The storage is also protected, but it can't endure long work of the artillery. Technically it's possible to wait for the west wind and hit the storage with missiles. This will cause a nuclear disaster in Zaporozhye oblast, and possibly in DPR, LPR, Russia. Since all western media claim that... Russians shoot at the power plant they control, I have no doubts all consequences of Ukrainian strikes will be Russian problem.
In recent two days all four voltage lines were cut due to Ukrainian attacks. Today only those lines were restored, which connect Russian-controlled areas and the plant. For a time Kherson and other cities were without electricity, but now it's fine.
#zaporozhye
👍1
For two months Russian and Ukrainian journalists were writing one thing: "we prepared the reserves and soon our glorious army will start an offensive operation". Most of the experts claimed that it will take place in South. Either Ukrainians would try to take Kherson, or Russians attack Nikolaev/Krivoy Rog/Zaporozhye.
This war reminds me WWI. The main role on the battlefield belongs to the artillery. Tanks and other vehicles are not broadly used, because Ukrainians don't have much oil and they already lost a lot of equipment. Still they have Javelins and other anti-tank weapons, so Russian tanks are always in danger. Same story with aviation. Therefore the attacker is in noticable disadvantage.
Ukrainians took the risk and crossed Ingulets river, located between Nikolaev oblast and Kherson oblast. What is known at the moment? First of all, the offensive is ongoing. Despite Russian counter-attacks, Ukrainians kept some ground. Their most notable achievement is capture of Sukhoy Stavok village, 6km away from the previous frontline. Although it is reported that now Russian artillery cleared the place, Ukrainians saved control over two settlements closer to Ingulets river.
Rather worrying reports from the northern parts of Kherson oblast. Ukrainians attack Russian troops from two directions and have Russian supply lines under artillery control.
The outcome this battle depends on reserves. Ukrainians lost much more people than Russians, and whether they have δύναμις to proceed is a big question to me.
#war_in_ukraine
This war reminds me WWI. The main role on the battlefield belongs to the artillery. Tanks and other vehicles are not broadly used, because Ukrainians don't have much oil and they already lost a lot of equipment. Still they have Javelins and other anti-tank weapons, so Russian tanks are always in danger. Same story with aviation. Therefore the attacker is in noticable disadvantage.
Ukrainians took the risk and crossed Ingulets river, located between Nikolaev oblast and Kherson oblast. What is known at the moment? First of all, the offensive is ongoing. Despite Russian counter-attacks, Ukrainians kept some ground. Their most notable achievement is capture of Sukhoy Stavok village, 6km away from the previous frontline. Although it is reported that now Russian artillery cleared the place, Ukrainians saved control over two settlements closer to Ingulets river.
Rather worrying reports from the northern parts of Kherson oblast. Ukrainians attack Russian troops from two directions and have Russian supply lines under artillery control.
The outcome this battle depends on reserves. Ukrainians lost much more people than Russians, and whether they have δύναμις to proceed is a big question to me.
#war_in_ukraine
The offensive goes between two orange rhombuses. The southern one is Blagodatnoye village, the norther one is Vysokopolye village, there is 80km between them. Almost all Ukrainian attacks were repelled, their successful advancement shown as a grey rhombus, while currently captured village is in blue.
I see a lot of hatred today. Gorbachev died yesterday and many patriots of different views express their joy.
When Gorbachev came to power the USSR was in crisis. The ineffectiveness of planned economy made the country backwarded in comparisson with the West. People were disappointed in communist ideology. After Kruschev the Soviet elites did their best to keep status-quo in politics. They wanted to save their privileges, therefore they denied control from below (Soviet-era elections were even a bigger joke than Russian elections now) and didn't let initiative leaders to take power above them. The USSR required strong and determined leaders and got a chain of old people instead. When Leonid Brezhnev came to power in 1964 he was an active person with military and party experience. Ten years later he was a wreck, a character of Soviet jokes. Still he ruled till his death in 1982. Andropov was a leader since 1982 to 1984. Chernenko ruled the superpower for one year.
Politburo decided to change the situation and picked Gorbachev as Secretary General because of his age. In 1985 Gorbachev was officially elected, in 1987 he declared a long-awaited program of reforms, called "Perestroika".
It was a change of paradigm. You can criticize officials. You can read Bulgakov, Pasternak, Zamyatin and different foreign authors. You don't need to fight useless war in Afghanistan. It is much better to negotiate with Americans instead of spending your last ruble on new super-duper tank or missile.
Unfortunately, economic part of the reforms was a mess. Gorbachev failed to mix market elements with planned economy and paved way to the unseen growth of criminal activity and corruption. People didn't see the improvement of their life conditions, while introduction of free speech (glasnost) embraced nationalist ideas. The appearance of popular national leaders in Soviet republics was the end of Gorbachev. Despite successful referendum on saving the country, national leaders decided otherwise and signed Belovezh Accords, which declared the end of the USSR.
In Russia people don't forgive political leaders if they are weak, and it's the main problem of Gorbachev. He tried to save the USSR, but he lacked a team of reformers, he didn't have enough knowledge and management skills. He was the last hope, and he betrayed it.
#obituary
When Gorbachev came to power the USSR was in crisis. The ineffectiveness of planned economy made the country backwarded in comparisson with the West. People were disappointed in communist ideology. After Kruschev the Soviet elites did their best to keep status-quo in politics. They wanted to save their privileges, therefore they denied control from below (Soviet-era elections were even a bigger joke than Russian elections now) and didn't let initiative leaders to take power above them. The USSR required strong and determined leaders and got a chain of old people instead. When Leonid Brezhnev came to power in 1964 he was an active person with military and party experience. Ten years later he was a wreck, a character of Soviet jokes. Still he ruled till his death in 1982. Andropov was a leader since 1982 to 1984. Chernenko ruled the superpower for one year.
Politburo decided to change the situation and picked Gorbachev as Secretary General because of his age. In 1985 Gorbachev was officially elected, in 1987 he declared a long-awaited program of reforms, called "Perestroika".
It was a change of paradigm. You can criticize officials. You can read Bulgakov, Pasternak, Zamyatin and different foreign authors. You don't need to fight useless war in Afghanistan. It is much better to negotiate with Americans instead of spending your last ruble on new super-duper tank or missile.
Unfortunately, economic part of the reforms was a mess. Gorbachev failed to mix market elements with planned economy and paved way to the unseen growth of criminal activity and corruption. People didn't see the improvement of their life conditions, while introduction of free speech (glasnost) embraced nationalist ideas. The appearance of popular national leaders in Soviet republics was the end of Gorbachev. Despite successful referendum on saving the country, national leaders decided otherwise and signed Belovezh Accords, which declared the end of the USSR.
In Russia people don't forgive political leaders if they are weak, and it's the main problem of Gorbachev. He tried to save the USSR, but he lacked a team of reformers, he didn't have enough knowledge and management skills. He was the last hope, and he betrayed it.
#obituary
🤔1
The offensive of Ukrainian forces continues. Judging by the videos of burning tanks, wounded foot soldiers, lines of ambulance cars in Nikolaev, obituaries in regional newspapers I can carefully claim that Ukrainians have problems and soon they will be stopped. They advanced for couple of kilometers more, maybe 7-8km in total since Monday.
Meanwhile today Ukrainians organized landing near Energodar, where Zaporozhskaya nuclear plant located. At first I could not believe in this, because the attack looked suicidal from the start. According to Russian MoD, Ukrainians lost 60 people in the first wave and only Dnepr river knows how many drowned in the second one. Ukrainians deny the landing took place at all. Now there is a video of two Russian helicopters flying over Energodar and a photo of a hit barge (suspiciosly without a tug boat). I hope to see more information on that landing in the nearest future.
As for IAEA mission, despite Ukrainian attack it reached Energodar to inspect ZNPP. Russian officials hope that presence of the mission will prevent the Ukrainians to shell the plant. Well, maybe it will work. I won't be surprised of Ukrainians kill some IAEA delegates and accuse Russia of it.
#war_in_ukraine
Meanwhile today Ukrainians organized landing near Energodar, where Zaporozhskaya nuclear plant located. At first I could not believe in this, because the attack looked suicidal from the start. According to Russian MoD, Ukrainians lost 60 people in the first wave and only Dnepr river knows how many drowned in the second one. Ukrainians deny the landing took place at all. Now there is a video of two Russian helicopters flying over Energodar and a photo of a hit barge (suspiciosly without a tug boat). I hope to see more information on that landing in the nearest future.
As for IAEA mission, despite Ukrainian attack it reached Energodar to inspect ZNPP. Russian officials hope that presence of the mission will prevent the Ukrainians to shell the plant. Well, maybe it will work. I won't be surprised of Ukrainians kill some IAEA delegates and accuse Russia of it.
#war_in_ukraine
I think everybody saw the frustration of Europeans concerning the prices of housing services. Let's talk about bills in Russia instead, maybe you'll compare them with yours.
My Moscow flat is in typical Soviet building *molchat doma song plays on the background*. It's a bit less than 60m², which is also a typical size. How much do I pay for that monthly? Here is the list, with 1$=62₽.
Electricity 5-6$ (300-400₽)
Phone+Internet 5$ (315₽)
Gas 1,5$-2,5$ (7₽ for 1m³ 100-200₽)
Cold water 5$-6,5$ (45₽ for 1m³ 300-400₽)
Hot water 10$-16$ (223₽ for 1m³ 600-1000₽)
Sewers 3$-6,5$ (200-400₽)
Central heating 38$ (2400₽)
Overhaul 19$ (1200₽)
Garbage removal 32$ (2000₽)
Tv-set 4$ (270₽)
In (maximum) total 135$
Is it much? According to Russian Statistics Service, average salary in Moscow is 111092₽, which is 1791$. Taking into account high inequality levels, it's better to use median salary, 62500₽=1008$.
Does it differ from other regions of Russia? Yes, usually the bills are smaller in other regions, but salaries are lower there, too. Important exceptions are polar and some Far Eastern regions, where housing services are extremely expensive.
What is overhaul? We pay every month for future repair of the building. The size of the bill depends on the square of the flat. That's relatively new line in the bills, before such works were provided by the state automatically.
What about taxes? There is annual property tax, let's say 50$ for such flat.
In the end I should say there are subsidies for poor and elder owners, usually they cover 50% of the bill.
So, what do you think? Is it cool to live in Moscow?
#lifestyle
My Moscow flat is in typical Soviet building *molchat doma song plays on the background*. It's a bit less than 60m², which is also a typical size. How much do I pay for that monthly? Here is the list, with 1$=62₽.
Electricity 5-6$ (300-400₽)
Phone+Internet 5$ (315₽)
Gas 1,5$-2,5$ (7₽ for 1m³ 100-200₽)
Cold water 5$-6,5$ (45₽ for 1m³ 300-400₽)
Hot water 10$-16$ (223₽ for 1m³ 600-1000₽)
Sewers 3$-6,5$ (200-400₽)
Central heating 38$ (2400₽)
Overhaul 19$ (1200₽)
Garbage removal 32$ (2000₽)
Tv-set 4$ (270₽)
In (maximum) total 135$
Is it much? According to Russian Statistics Service, average salary in Moscow is 111092₽, which is 1791$. Taking into account high inequality levels, it's better to use median salary, 62500₽=1008$.
Does it differ from other regions of Russia? Yes, usually the bills are smaller in other regions, but salaries are lower there, too. Important exceptions are polar and some Far Eastern regions, where housing services are extremely expensive.
What is overhaul? We pay every month for future repair of the building. The size of the bill depends on the square of the flat. That's relatively new line in the bills, before such works were provided by the state automatically.
What about taxes? There is annual property tax, let's say 50$ for such flat.
In the end I should say there are subsidies for poor and elder owners, usually they cover 50% of the bill.
So, what do you think? Is it cool to live in Moscow?
#lifestyle
The Ukrainians continue their offensive in Kherson oblast, where they took two-three villages in the northern part of the region. Meanwhile their attacks in the south failed.
Anyway, now Russians have bigger problem: new Ukrainian offensive in Kharkov oblast, which started yesterday. The main target of Ukrainians is the city of Balakleya with the biggest military warehouses in Ukraine. Russian garisson is in tactical encirclement there, which means the supply lines are under Ukrainian artillery shells. City of Izyum is also under attack. There is a chance for Ukrainians to enter the operational space, maybe for the first time in this war.
Since two offensives have a lot in common, I think we can talk about certain patterns here.
1. We overslept both attacks. It's extremely surprising, because many experts predicted problems near Kharkov month ago. Moreover, Russians didn't use reserves in Kherson, probably expecting attacks somewhere else.
2. Ukrainians target weak units, which consist of mobilized men from DPR/LPR. There is huge debate how weak they are now, because they have 6 months war experience already and their equipment also became better.
3. In first wave of offensive Ukrainians use their mobilized soldiers. They suffer heavy losses, but Russians spend the ammo on them and reveal firing positions. After that professional Ukrainian units come in the second wave.
The main difference between two operations lies rather in landscape than smth human-related. In steppes between Kherson and Nikolaev it is easier to evaporate attacking forces, while forests in Kharkov oblast give them cover. I believe within a couple of days it will become clear who wins what this time.
#war_in_ukraine
Anyway, now Russians have bigger problem: new Ukrainian offensive in Kharkov oblast, which started yesterday. The main target of Ukrainians is the city of Balakleya with the biggest military warehouses in Ukraine. Russian garisson is in tactical encirclement there, which means the supply lines are under Ukrainian artillery shells. City of Izyum is also under attack. There is a chance for Ukrainians to enter the operational space, maybe for the first time in this war.
Since two offensives have a lot in common, I think we can talk about certain patterns here.
1. We overslept both attacks. It's extremely surprising, because many experts predicted problems near Kharkov month ago. Moreover, Russians didn't use reserves in Kherson, probably expecting attacks somewhere else.
2. Ukrainians target weak units, which consist of mobilized men from DPR/LPR. There is huge debate how weak they are now, because they have 6 months war experience already and their equipment also became better.
3. In first wave of offensive Ukrainians use their mobilized soldiers. They suffer heavy losses, but Russians spend the ammo on them and reveal firing positions. After that professional Ukrainian units come in the second wave.
The main difference between two operations lies rather in landscape than smth human-related. In steppes between Kherson and Nikolaev it is easier to evaporate attacking forces, while forests in Kharkov oblast give them cover. I believe within a couple of days it will become clear who wins what this time.
#war_in_ukraine