some news roundup from just the last 24 hours
Ukraine's army chief (top man) Zaluzhnyi, the guy who organized Ukraine's entire defense from Russia since the invasion started, says the military must adapt to receiving less aid from the west in coming years and prepare for a long war of attrition with less resources, and calls for wider mobilization
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/01/europe/zaluzhnyi-ukraine-russia-war-analysis-intl/index.htmlZaluzhnyi has been fired from his post by Zelensky today, informing their US masters and 'the white house is okay with the decision to fire Zaluzhnyi'
https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-tells-white-house-plan-fire-top-commander-sources-2024-02-02/The US moves to steal 500,000 bbl of Iranian oil under its unilateral sanctions, not recognized by any international actors, also announcing criminal charges (presumably in absentia) against international actors for buying the oil
https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/us-moves-to-seize-more-than-500-000-barrels-of-iranian-oil-it-says-was/article_0e99d468-a017-527e-86df-6e0c5d547385.htmlThe EU's budget plan they just voted on includes a provision to steal the interest payments on frozen Russian assets and send them to Ukraine, overcoming the objection of member states that it would be illegal under international law and shake confidence in the euro as a reserve currency
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/01/business/frozen-russian-assets-ukraine/index.htmlEcuador is the terms of their contract with Russia to hand over Russian military equipment to the United States and Ukraine
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-condemns-ecuador-over-decision-hand-russian-military-hardware-us-ukraine-2024-02-02/China makes an ultimatum to Ukraine to remove Chinese companies from Ukraine's blacklist, not making a direct threat yet but the sort of vague intonations about possibly linking it to grain purchases if Ukraine doesn't relent
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-warns-ukraine-over-naming-its-firms-sponsors-war-sources-2024-02-01/RMB replacing the petrodollar in Russia has raised from a 0.4% to 34.5% share in Russia, with 4.14% share overall in the world, as the Russian central bank head says the RMB has now become Russia's primary foreign currency and fully replaced the dollar and euro
https://archive.is/v15bWPutin gave a speech (no linky because kremlin dot ru domain, and google translated it) saying Russia is investing heavily into the DPR/LPR/Crimea and expects them to reach the development index of mainland Russia by 2030, and highlighted the infrastructure projects;
Quote
Dear Colleagues!
Let me remind you of the basic, integral goal that we have outlined. In 2030, Donbass and Novorossiya should reach the all-Russian level in key areas that determine the quality of people’s lives.
To achieve this, we have launched a comprehensive Development Program for our historical regions. It contains almost 300 events that are linked to specific targets in literally all areas, including the economy and infrastructure, healthcare and education, culture and sports. Last year we allocated, as I said, trillion 77 billion for these purposes, but it turned out a little more: trillion 83 billion rubles - decent money. And in the next few years we have planned this level of funding - the money has been counted, it is there, and we need it not to disappear anywhere - in approximately the same amount every year.
In general, socio-economic development and integration of the reunited regions have picked up a good pace. First of all, thanks to the clear, well-coordinated work of the Government, federal ministries, departments and, of course, colleagues in the constituent entities of the Federation.
Pensions and benefits are paid on a regular basis, and other social support measures are implemented. They have already covered more than two million people, and by next year about three million citizens will receive such payments.
The economy is gradually recovering, including industry. More than one and a half hundred enterprises in mechanical engineering, metallurgy, mining, and other important sectors [industry] in all these regions have resumed work. Support for farmers has been established. There are banks and shops. As for banks, I would like to draw the attention of our colleagues - they will definitely hear us: there is nothing to be afraid of. What was feared before, sanctions, has already happened. What is there to be afraid of? We need to enter these territories more actively and work there. I am also appealing to our major financial institutions.
After the organization of a free economic zone in Donbass and Novorossiya, the same as in Crimea and Sevastopol, 75 enterprises became participants. Projects have been announced that will save and create more than 42 thousand jobs.
In less than two years, more than two thousand kilometers of roads, about six and a half thousand residential buildings and social facilities have been restored in the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, and many of them were, in fact, built anew.
I would also note the fraternal assistance of other regions of Russia, which took patronage over the cities and towns of Donbass and Novorossia, as well as the work of volunteers, representatives of public associations and political parties.
Let me emphasize: in both the economic and social spheres of our historical regions, it is important not only to restore existing enterprises, infrastructure, schools and hospitals - we need to create new industries, new social facilities, jobs, and set the impetus for long-term, sustainable development of all spheres of life in these regions. This is our priority, key task. I would like to once again set all of us, colleagues, up for precisely this kind of responsible and ultimately productive work.
Let's discuss all these proposed topics, let's talk about these topics. If necessary, and I know that there are issues that require solutions, we will come up with these solutions.
How often do you actually get the text of a Putin speech? I really had to dig for that shit