1) Russia is concerned about NATO expansion and sees it as a threat, given past assurances that NATO would not expand into Russia's sphere of influence.
2) Tensions are rising as Russia has built up forces near Ukraine's border, threatening invasion over Ukraine's moves towards NATO membership.
3) The conflict has potential to escalate into a major war between nuclear-armed powers, with leaders on both sides making threats of military action.
- The conflict in eastern Ukraine is deteriorating, with increased fighting and Russian military support for separatists. Russia seeks a frozen conflict rather than a political settlement.
- Increased U.S. and NATO military assistance is urgently needed to deter further Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
- The report recommends providing $1 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine in 2015, followed by $1 billion annually in 2016 and 2017, including both lethal and non-lethal defensive equipment. Other NATO members should also provide military assistance.
- Strengthening Ukraine's defenses is essential to achieving a peaceful solution and will raise the costs to Russia of renewed military action in Ukraine.
- The conflict in eastern Ukraine is deteriorating, with increased fighting and Russian/separatist forces gaining new advantages. Russia seeks a frozen conflict rather than a political settlement.
- Increased U.S. and NATO military assistance is urgently needed to deter further Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
- The report recommends providing $3 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine over three years, including both lethal and non-lethal defensive equipment like anti-armor missiles to address Russian advantages in weapons. Additional NATO aid is also encouraged.
Can the United Nations unite Ukraine. Hudson Institute. February 2018DonbassFullAccess
Research paper by Hudson Institute on the possible outcomes of the deployment of the UN peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Edited by Richard Gowan.
The chances of a peacekeeping force successfully deploying to eastern Ukraine are currently low. But if broader political circumstances created an opening with Moscow for this option, there is sufficient evidence to suggest an international force could manage the basic security, policing and political dimensions of reintegrating the Donbas under Kyiv’s control. It would be a risky and stop-start process, but it may be the best way to end what
is Europe’s deadliest ongoing conflict, and remove one of the main obstacles to normal relations between the West and Moscow.
Hudson Institute is a research organization promoting American leadership and global engagement for a secure, free, and prosperous future.
Founded in 1961 by strategist Herman Kahn, Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, health care, technology, culture, and law.
D&B Briefing: The Economic & Political Situation in the Ukraine | 3/17/14Dun & Bradstreet
D&B has downgraded Ukraine’s country risk rating to DB6c (in our "very high risk" category) from its already poor score of DB6b (on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest possible level of operational risk). The downgrade stems from the significant recent deterioration in the country’s business operating environment. This article gives more insight into the current situation in Ukraine and why their risk rating was downgraded.
The document summarizes the conflict between Ukraine and Russia that began in 2014. It describes how pro-European protests in Ukraine led to a change in government, after which Russian soldiers entered Crimea and took control of the peninsula. This was followed by declarations of independence in eastern Ukrainian cities, though these states remain unrecognized. The document then lists some key factors fueling the conflict, such as nuclear weapons, economic interests, and historical divisions between east and west. It analyzes the conflict from different perspectives, suggesting it is partly an energy war between Russia, Europe, and NATO over natural gas pipelines and resources. In conclusion, it proposes some potential positive changes such as different associations for eastern and western Ukraine or new regional alliances.
This document summarizes Ukraine's ongoing struggles with reforms, security challenges, and anti-corruption efforts since the 2014 Euromaidan revolution. Key points include:
1) Ukraine faces ongoing security threats from Russian aggression and interference while also struggling with reforms in governance, economic policy, and anti-corruption efforts due to resistance from entrenched political and business interests.
2) Significant reforms have been undertaken in some areas like macroeconomic policy, energy sector, and banking, but resistance remains for deeper reforms in governance, rule of law, and reducing the influence of oligarchs.
3) Civil society has played an important role in supporting reforms but faces challenges in connecting with citizens and maintaining reform momentum against powerful
1) Russia is concerned about NATO expansion and sees it as a threat, given past assurances that NATO would not expand into Russia's sphere of influence.
2) Tensions are rising as Russia has built up forces near Ukraine's border, threatening invasion over Ukraine's moves towards NATO membership.
3) The conflict has potential to escalate into a major war between nuclear-armed powers, with leaders on both sides making threats of military action.
- The conflict in eastern Ukraine is deteriorating, with increased fighting and Russian military support for separatists. Russia seeks a frozen conflict rather than a political settlement.
- Increased U.S. and NATO military assistance is urgently needed to deter further Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
- The report recommends providing $1 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine in 2015, followed by $1 billion annually in 2016 and 2017, including both lethal and non-lethal defensive equipment. Other NATO members should also provide military assistance.
- Strengthening Ukraine's defenses is essential to achieving a peaceful solution and will raise the costs to Russia of renewed military action in Ukraine.
- The conflict in eastern Ukraine is deteriorating, with increased fighting and Russian/separatist forces gaining new advantages. Russia seeks a frozen conflict rather than a political settlement.
- Increased U.S. and NATO military assistance is urgently needed to deter further Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
- The report recommends providing $3 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine over three years, including both lethal and non-lethal defensive equipment like anti-armor missiles to address Russian advantages in weapons. Additional NATO aid is also encouraged.
Can the United Nations unite Ukraine. Hudson Institute. February 2018DonbassFullAccess
Research paper by Hudson Institute on the possible outcomes of the deployment of the UN peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Edited by Richard Gowan.
The chances of a peacekeeping force successfully deploying to eastern Ukraine are currently low. But if broader political circumstances created an opening with Moscow for this option, there is sufficient evidence to suggest an international force could manage the basic security, policing and political dimensions of reintegrating the Donbas under Kyiv’s control. It would be a risky and stop-start process, but it may be the best way to end what
is Europe’s deadliest ongoing conflict, and remove one of the main obstacles to normal relations between the West and Moscow.
Hudson Institute is a research organization promoting American leadership and global engagement for a secure, free, and prosperous future.
Founded in 1961 by strategist Herman Kahn, Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, health care, technology, culture, and law.
D&B Briefing: The Economic & Political Situation in the Ukraine | 3/17/14Dun & Bradstreet
D&B has downgraded Ukraine’s country risk rating to DB6c (in our "very high risk" category) from its already poor score of DB6b (on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest possible level of operational risk). The downgrade stems from the significant recent deterioration in the country’s business operating environment. This article gives more insight into the current situation in Ukraine and why their risk rating was downgraded.
The document summarizes the conflict between Ukraine and Russia that began in 2014. It describes how pro-European protests in Ukraine led to a change in government, after which Russian soldiers entered Crimea and took control of the peninsula. This was followed by declarations of independence in eastern Ukrainian cities, though these states remain unrecognized. The document then lists some key factors fueling the conflict, such as nuclear weapons, economic interests, and historical divisions between east and west. It analyzes the conflict from different perspectives, suggesting it is partly an energy war between Russia, Europe, and NATO over natural gas pipelines and resources. In conclusion, it proposes some potential positive changes such as different associations for eastern and western Ukraine or new regional alliances.
This document summarizes Ukraine's ongoing struggles with reforms, security challenges, and anti-corruption efforts since the 2014 Euromaidan revolution. Key points include:
1) Ukraine faces ongoing security threats from Russian aggression and interference while also struggling with reforms in governance, economic policy, and anti-corruption efforts due to resistance from entrenched political and business interests.
2) Significant reforms have been undertaken in some areas like macroeconomic policy, energy sector, and banking, but resistance remains for deeper reforms in governance, rule of law, and reducing the influence of oligarchs.
3) Civil society has played an important role in supporting reforms but faces challenges in connecting with citizens and maintaining reform momentum against powerful
The document summarizes the conflict in Ukraine between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions, and Russia's annexation of Crimea. Key points:
- Ukraine faced economic crisis and had to choose between an EU/IMF deal imposing austerity or a Russian deal with loans and gas concessions, further polarizing the country.
- Protests in Kiev led to the ousting of President Yanukovych, though some violence was carried out by neo-Nazi groups supporting the protesters. This instability spread to Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
- Russia claims it is protecting ethnic Russians in Crimea and eastern Ukraine based on bilateral agreements allowing it troops in Crimea. It annexed Crimea after a referendum, though this violates international
The “green men” who fanned out across Crimea in early 2014, establishing control over key infrastructure and clearing the way for once-marginal political actors to seize the reins of power, were the vanguard of a forced political change that has led to grave human rights abuses across the Crimean peninsula.
The document summarizes the situation in southeast Ukraine from May 19-25, 2016. It reports that Russian-backed forces violated the ceasefire over 5,800 times that year and used heavy weapons on 1,319 occasions, restricting OSCE monitors. Possible future scenarios for Russia include pushing Ukrainian forces back or establishing a land corridor to Crimea. The document identifies Russian military commanders in eastern Ukraine and notes Russia is training forces to use new drones and electronic warfare equipment. It concludes Russia seeks to renew influence over former Soviet states and avoid further NATO expansion while using the conflict in Ukraine to undermine Ukraine and legitimize annexing Crimea.
NATO is reluctant to allow Georgia to join due to concerns about further angering Russia. Georgia is strategically important as a partner for the West, located between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. If Georgia becomes more secular and pro-Western, it could become an important ally. However, Russia sees Georgia as within its sphere of influence. This has led to tensions between Russia and NATO over energy pipelines and military exercises in the region.
- War clouds are gathering as Russia threatens to invade Ukraine and China flexes its muscles on the India-China border. Both countries have rebuilt their economies and militaries while Western powers have aging equipment.
- China and Russia want to show strength domestically and see Western treaties as having truncated their nations. They have penetrated Western systems through cyber and economic means.
- The global power balance has shifted eastward as Western nations ceded manufacturing and technology to Asia. A future world war would likely be in Asia between East and West. India would struggle to fight on multiple fronts against China and Pakistan.
1) Russia has increased its military spending 10-fold since 2000 despite an economic slump, and has sharply increased "snap" military exercises along NATO borders to intimidate neighbors and show its power.
2) NATO air bases like Bodo, Norway have a renewed sense of purpose intercepting Russian planes off the Norwegian coast within 15 minutes.
3) While Russia is not seen as a direct military threat, its actions have increased uncertainty that has caused Norway to increase military spending for the first time in years.
Nation Observes Day of Mourning After Aktobe Terrorist Attack. KADEX 2016 Military Expo Draws Participants from 40 Countries. PM Massimov, Counterparts Discuss CIS Cooperation in Bishkek. Kazakh Opera Returns to Her Roots after Succeeding in Italy
Russian Sanctions: What the U.S. and OFAC Directives Mean for Global CompaniesEthisphere
The document provides an overview and summary of recent U.S. sanctions imposed in response to the Russian actions in Ukraine and the implications for global companies. It discusses the sanctions that have designated individuals and entities in Russia, examines entities that may be considered "owned or controlled" by designated persons, and outlines steps companies can take to mitigate risks from potential expansion of sanctions to other sectors of the Russian economy.
The document provides a quarterly situation report for Pakistan's North Zone (KP, FATA, GB, AJK) from March 2016. Some key points:
1. The first quarter saw continued political stability but a rise in militant attacks, especially using IEDs. Militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar emerged as the lead group claiming attacks.
2. 538 people were killed in militant violence, including 2 US consulate staff. 7 FDA staff remain missing after being abducted.
3. Operations against militants continued in FATA but extremism is spreading, with attacks now reaching other parts of Pakistan. Extortion has also become a major problem in KP.
1. A Ukrainian soldier was killed and two others wounded during a storming of a Ukrainian military unit in Simferopol, Crimea. According to eyewitnesses, Russian special forces fired first at Ukrainian soldiers and Crimean self-defense forces, sparking return fire.
2. The incident has moved the conflict between Ukraine and Russia from political to military spheres. Ukraine's Prime Minister called for a commission to investigate at the defense ministry level, as outlined in the Budapest Memorandum.
3. Ukraine has permitted its military units in Crimea to use weapons in self-defense following the soldier's death. Attacks on Ukrainian military sites in Crimea by pro-Russian forces continued the next day.
Is the War in Ukraine Part of the Great Collapse before the Great ResetPeter Hammond
The document discusses how the war in Ukraine may be part of a planned "Great Collapse" to usher in a "Great Reset". It argues that the US and NATO deliberately provoked Russia through actions like expanding NATO eastward and supporting the 2014 coup in Ukraine. This has backfired and instead pushed Russia toward China while endangering European security. The document urges learning lessons from this about respecting other nations' strategic interests and avoiding foreign meddling.
Peace and conflict resolution in fata: Some Reflections (conference paper)Manzoor Naazer
The document summarizes the root causes and factors contributing to militancy and conflict in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), Pakistan. It discusses underlying causes such as political, administrative and legal vacuum; illiteracy, unemployment and underdevelopment; and legacy of past policies. Proximate causes include reaction to Pakistan's external and internal policies; external links and funding of militancy; supply and demand dynamics of militancy; ideological justifications; and roles of other countries like the US, India and Afghanistan. The document recommends Pakistan take ownership of resolving militancy through religious counter-propaganda, stopping foreign support, and administrative reforms to address the problem.
The document summarizes evidence of Russia's undeclared war against Ukraine, including Russian military equipment and personnel found in eastern Ukraine. It also describes Russia's efforts to finance separatism and terrorism through illegal channels and Russian social media disinformation campaigns. Specific operations carried out by Ukrainian security services are mentioned, such as blocking financial accounts, seizing weapons, and capturing Russian intelligence officers, saboteurs, and terrorists. Details are provided on weapons and suspects involved in criminal cases. Testimonies from detained terrorists implicate Russia in training and directing them. Locations of terrorist training centers on Russian territory are also listed.
Pakistan – the problems and solutions regarding terrorism and 4thGWZaid Hamid
4th Generation War is the latest weapon being deployed against the Muslim world to dismember Muslim countries in the greater middle east. This mode of War fare is least understood by the policy makers, leaders, and the media. Here BrassTacks brings a comprehensive presentation for the policy makers on this illusive subject.
The document summarizes Russia's undeclared war against Ukraine through several means:
- Providing military equipment and vehicles to Russian militants in Ukraine traced back to specific Russian regions.
- Seizing cash meant to finance terrorism and separatism upon entering Ukraine.
- Blocking bank accounts and arresting leaders involved in separatist financing.
- Downing Russian UAVs and destroying Russian military vehicles and weapons used by militants in Ukraine.
- Identifying pro-Russian social media groups spreading propaganda and their administrators in Russia.
- Capturing Russian intelligence officers, saboteurs, and terrorists planning attacks in Ukraine.
- Detaining terrorists who testify to receiving training in Russia.
The situa on in Ukraine escalated sharply in April as armed insurgents seized buildings in Dontesk and Lugansk. Nego a ons in Geneva agreed to disarmament but the insurgents defied the agreement. Russia keeps demanding Ukraine stop using force but has unclear control over the insurgents. Russia faces tougher sanc ons if it intervenes further in Ukraine. Domes cally, Russia amended laws on ci zenship and elec ons to ghten eligibility and signature requirements, and passed a first reading abolishing direct mayoral elec ons.
Russian forces and illegal armed groups have amassed over 42,000 personnel, 700 tanks, and over 1,300 armored vehicles on Ukrainian territory. During the past week, 362 ceasefire violations by enemy fire were recorded. Two cases of illegal border crossing involved Russian military equipment, fuel, ammunition and uniforms being transported into Ukraine. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukrainian forces have suffered over 2,700 casualties while eliminating over 9,400 enemy personnel. The security situation along the contact line remains tense with Russian forces seeking to extend their control of territory.
Assignment NDP- Actvisits and the freedom of expression and Media in KuwaitSabine Hassoun
The documents report that Kuwait places limitations on freedom of speech and press. The government restricts criticism of the emir, religion, and neighboring states, and prosecutes online activists and opposition critics. It bans material deemed insulting or immoral and monitors online content. Authorities have shut down media outlets and imposed jail terms and fines on journalists. While Kuwait has a privately owned press, self-censorship is common due to restrictive laws. The government also limits public assembly and has arrested protestors and activists.
The document discusses the Ukraine crisis between Russia and Western countries in 2014. It summarizes that former Ukrainian president Yanukovych abandoned a trade deal with the EU in favor of an investment agreement with Russia, sparking mass protests. Russia then annexed Crimea after a referendum, threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity. The crisis highlighted a power struggle between Russia seeking to maintain influence and the West supporting Ukrainian sovereignty. International relations theories of realism and defensive/offensive approaches help explain Russia's aggressive actions under Putin to regain regional power lost after the Soviet Union's collapse.
This document discusses replacing retiring coal plants with either energy storage or combustion turbines (CTs) for peaking capacity. CTs have historically been the preferred option but are inefficient and emit pollutants. The document argues that advanced energy storage is becoming cost competitive with CTs and is more flexible, providing capacity and grid balancing services at both regional and local levels. By 2017-2018, the capital costs of 4-hour energy storage are projected to be on par with or cheaper than CTs, making storage the better option for meeting peaking capacity needs.
This interim report summarizes subsidies and costs of EU energy in 2012. It finds that total public interventions in EU energy markets were €122 billion in 2012, with renewable energy sources receiving the highest support of €41 billion. The estimated external costs of environmental impacts from energy production and use were €200 billion. Wholesale costs of energy across the EU were approximately €500 billion for context. The report provides breakdowns of subsidies by technology and EU country.
This document discusses Vladimir Putin's inner circle in Russia and those affected by sanctions from the US and EU. It identifies the original partners in Putin's cooperative from the 1990s, including Vladimir Yakunin, Yury Kovalchuk, and Nikolay Shamalov. It describes how Gennady Timchenko amassed a large fortune controlling energy companies like Gunvor and gas giant Novatek. The document also notes how Boris and Arkady Rotenberg, Igor Sechin of Rosneft, and Sergey Chemezov of Rostec are among Putin's closest allies facing sanctions.
The document summarizes the conflict in Ukraine between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions, and Russia's annexation of Crimea. Key points:
- Ukraine faced economic crisis and had to choose between an EU/IMF deal imposing austerity or a Russian deal with loans and gas concessions, further polarizing the country.
- Protests in Kiev led to the ousting of President Yanukovych, though some violence was carried out by neo-Nazi groups supporting the protesters. This instability spread to Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
- Russia claims it is protecting ethnic Russians in Crimea and eastern Ukraine based on bilateral agreements allowing it troops in Crimea. It annexed Crimea after a referendum, though this violates international
The “green men” who fanned out across Crimea in early 2014, establishing control over key infrastructure and clearing the way for once-marginal political actors to seize the reins of power, were the vanguard of a forced political change that has led to grave human rights abuses across the Crimean peninsula.
The document summarizes the situation in southeast Ukraine from May 19-25, 2016. It reports that Russian-backed forces violated the ceasefire over 5,800 times that year and used heavy weapons on 1,319 occasions, restricting OSCE monitors. Possible future scenarios for Russia include pushing Ukrainian forces back or establishing a land corridor to Crimea. The document identifies Russian military commanders in eastern Ukraine and notes Russia is training forces to use new drones and electronic warfare equipment. It concludes Russia seeks to renew influence over former Soviet states and avoid further NATO expansion while using the conflict in Ukraine to undermine Ukraine and legitimize annexing Crimea.
NATO is reluctant to allow Georgia to join due to concerns about further angering Russia. Georgia is strategically important as a partner for the West, located between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. If Georgia becomes more secular and pro-Western, it could become an important ally. However, Russia sees Georgia as within its sphere of influence. This has led to tensions between Russia and NATO over energy pipelines and military exercises in the region.
- War clouds are gathering as Russia threatens to invade Ukraine and China flexes its muscles on the India-China border. Both countries have rebuilt their economies and militaries while Western powers have aging equipment.
- China and Russia want to show strength domestically and see Western treaties as having truncated their nations. They have penetrated Western systems through cyber and economic means.
- The global power balance has shifted eastward as Western nations ceded manufacturing and technology to Asia. A future world war would likely be in Asia between East and West. India would struggle to fight on multiple fronts against China and Pakistan.
1) Russia has increased its military spending 10-fold since 2000 despite an economic slump, and has sharply increased "snap" military exercises along NATO borders to intimidate neighbors and show its power.
2) NATO air bases like Bodo, Norway have a renewed sense of purpose intercepting Russian planes off the Norwegian coast within 15 minutes.
3) While Russia is not seen as a direct military threat, its actions have increased uncertainty that has caused Norway to increase military spending for the first time in years.
Nation Observes Day of Mourning After Aktobe Terrorist Attack. KADEX 2016 Military Expo Draws Participants from 40 Countries. PM Massimov, Counterparts Discuss CIS Cooperation in Bishkek. Kazakh Opera Returns to Her Roots after Succeeding in Italy
Russian Sanctions: What the U.S. and OFAC Directives Mean for Global CompaniesEthisphere
The document provides an overview and summary of recent U.S. sanctions imposed in response to the Russian actions in Ukraine and the implications for global companies. It discusses the sanctions that have designated individuals and entities in Russia, examines entities that may be considered "owned or controlled" by designated persons, and outlines steps companies can take to mitigate risks from potential expansion of sanctions to other sectors of the Russian economy.
The document provides a quarterly situation report for Pakistan's North Zone (KP, FATA, GB, AJK) from March 2016. Some key points:
1. The first quarter saw continued political stability but a rise in militant attacks, especially using IEDs. Militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar emerged as the lead group claiming attacks.
2. 538 people were killed in militant violence, including 2 US consulate staff. 7 FDA staff remain missing after being abducted.
3. Operations against militants continued in FATA but extremism is spreading, with attacks now reaching other parts of Pakistan. Extortion has also become a major problem in KP.
1. A Ukrainian soldier was killed and two others wounded during a storming of a Ukrainian military unit in Simferopol, Crimea. According to eyewitnesses, Russian special forces fired first at Ukrainian soldiers and Crimean self-defense forces, sparking return fire.
2. The incident has moved the conflict between Ukraine and Russia from political to military spheres. Ukraine's Prime Minister called for a commission to investigate at the defense ministry level, as outlined in the Budapest Memorandum.
3. Ukraine has permitted its military units in Crimea to use weapons in self-defense following the soldier's death. Attacks on Ukrainian military sites in Crimea by pro-Russian forces continued the next day.
Is the War in Ukraine Part of the Great Collapse before the Great ResetPeter Hammond
The document discusses how the war in Ukraine may be part of a planned "Great Collapse" to usher in a "Great Reset". It argues that the US and NATO deliberately provoked Russia through actions like expanding NATO eastward and supporting the 2014 coup in Ukraine. This has backfired and instead pushed Russia toward China while endangering European security. The document urges learning lessons from this about respecting other nations' strategic interests and avoiding foreign meddling.
Peace and conflict resolution in fata: Some Reflections (conference paper)Manzoor Naazer
The document summarizes the root causes and factors contributing to militancy and conflict in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), Pakistan. It discusses underlying causes such as political, administrative and legal vacuum; illiteracy, unemployment and underdevelopment; and legacy of past policies. Proximate causes include reaction to Pakistan's external and internal policies; external links and funding of militancy; supply and demand dynamics of militancy; ideological justifications; and roles of other countries like the US, India and Afghanistan. The document recommends Pakistan take ownership of resolving militancy through religious counter-propaganda, stopping foreign support, and administrative reforms to address the problem.
The document summarizes evidence of Russia's undeclared war against Ukraine, including Russian military equipment and personnel found in eastern Ukraine. It also describes Russia's efforts to finance separatism and terrorism through illegal channels and Russian social media disinformation campaigns. Specific operations carried out by Ukrainian security services are mentioned, such as blocking financial accounts, seizing weapons, and capturing Russian intelligence officers, saboteurs, and terrorists. Details are provided on weapons and suspects involved in criminal cases. Testimonies from detained terrorists implicate Russia in training and directing them. Locations of terrorist training centers on Russian territory are also listed.
Pakistan – the problems and solutions regarding terrorism and 4thGWZaid Hamid
4th Generation War is the latest weapon being deployed against the Muslim world to dismember Muslim countries in the greater middle east. This mode of War fare is least understood by the policy makers, leaders, and the media. Here BrassTacks brings a comprehensive presentation for the policy makers on this illusive subject.
The document summarizes Russia's undeclared war against Ukraine through several means:
- Providing military equipment and vehicles to Russian militants in Ukraine traced back to specific Russian regions.
- Seizing cash meant to finance terrorism and separatism upon entering Ukraine.
- Blocking bank accounts and arresting leaders involved in separatist financing.
- Downing Russian UAVs and destroying Russian military vehicles and weapons used by militants in Ukraine.
- Identifying pro-Russian social media groups spreading propaganda and their administrators in Russia.
- Capturing Russian intelligence officers, saboteurs, and terrorists planning attacks in Ukraine.
- Detaining terrorists who testify to receiving training in Russia.
The situa on in Ukraine escalated sharply in April as armed insurgents seized buildings in Dontesk and Lugansk. Nego a ons in Geneva agreed to disarmament but the insurgents defied the agreement. Russia keeps demanding Ukraine stop using force but has unclear control over the insurgents. Russia faces tougher sanc ons if it intervenes further in Ukraine. Domes cally, Russia amended laws on ci zenship and elec ons to ghten eligibility and signature requirements, and passed a first reading abolishing direct mayoral elec ons.
Russian forces and illegal armed groups have amassed over 42,000 personnel, 700 tanks, and over 1,300 armored vehicles on Ukrainian territory. During the past week, 362 ceasefire violations by enemy fire were recorded. Two cases of illegal border crossing involved Russian military equipment, fuel, ammunition and uniforms being transported into Ukraine. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukrainian forces have suffered over 2,700 casualties while eliminating over 9,400 enemy personnel. The security situation along the contact line remains tense with Russian forces seeking to extend their control of territory.
Assignment NDP- Actvisits and the freedom of expression and Media in KuwaitSabine Hassoun
The documents report that Kuwait places limitations on freedom of speech and press. The government restricts criticism of the emir, religion, and neighboring states, and prosecutes online activists and opposition critics. It bans material deemed insulting or immoral and monitors online content. Authorities have shut down media outlets and imposed jail terms and fines on journalists. While Kuwait has a privately owned press, self-censorship is common due to restrictive laws. The government also limits public assembly and has arrested protestors and activists.
The document discusses the Ukraine crisis between Russia and Western countries in 2014. It summarizes that former Ukrainian president Yanukovych abandoned a trade deal with the EU in favor of an investment agreement with Russia, sparking mass protests. Russia then annexed Crimea after a referendum, threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity. The crisis highlighted a power struggle between Russia seeking to maintain influence and the West supporting Ukrainian sovereignty. International relations theories of realism and defensive/offensive approaches help explain Russia's aggressive actions under Putin to regain regional power lost after the Soviet Union's collapse.
This document discusses replacing retiring coal plants with either energy storage or combustion turbines (CTs) for peaking capacity. CTs have historically been the preferred option but are inefficient and emit pollutants. The document argues that advanced energy storage is becoming cost competitive with CTs and is more flexible, providing capacity and grid balancing services at both regional and local levels. By 2017-2018, the capital costs of 4-hour energy storage are projected to be on par with or cheaper than CTs, making storage the better option for meeting peaking capacity needs.
This interim report summarizes subsidies and costs of EU energy in 2012. It finds that total public interventions in EU energy markets were €122 billion in 2012, with renewable energy sources receiving the highest support of €41 billion. The estimated external costs of environmental impacts from energy production and use were €200 billion. Wholesale costs of energy across the EU were approximately €500 billion for context. The report provides breakdowns of subsidies by technology and EU country.
This document discusses Vladimir Putin's inner circle in Russia and those affected by sanctions from the US and EU. It identifies the original partners in Putin's cooperative from the 1990s, including Vladimir Yakunin, Yury Kovalchuk, and Nikolay Shamalov. It describes how Gennady Timchenko amassed a large fortune controlling energy companies like Gunvor and gas giant Novatek. The document also notes how Boris and Arkady Rotenberg, Igor Sechin of Rosneft, and Sergey Chemezov of Rostec are among Putin's closest allies facing sanctions.
- The document discusses the growing military presence and conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It notes Russia has amassed over 42,000 troops, 1,135 armored vehicles, and 180 aircraft on Ukraine's borders. Russian forces have been shelling Ukrainian positions daily.
- Within Ukraine, there are estimated to be 12,000-13,000 Russian-backed mercenaries fighting Ukrainian troops. Ukraine's military was in disarray prior to the conflict but has since expanded territory under its control, though progress has been slow.
- The author believes a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine is imminent, as Ukraine's military would be unable to withstand Russia's superior forces and the West would not intervene militarily due to nuclear
Impact of sanctions on commercial contracts russian legal aspectsAndrew Gelston
This document discusses the impact of sanctions between Russia and the EU on commercial contracts. It outlines the various sanctions decisions made by the EU against Russia and Russian countermeasures. Key areas that are at high risk of exposure due to sanctions include government procurement, food exports, financing, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, transport, oil, and military/dual-use goods. The document also examines force majeure clauses in contracts and recommends including special anti-sanctions clauses to regulate obligations when sanctions make performance impossible. It provides examples of how European companies have had to suspend services to Russian clients due to EU sanctions.
Estimating the Value of Utility Scale Solar Technologies in California Under ...Andrew Gelston
This report analyzes the value of concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV) in California's electricity grid under a 33% and 40% renewable portfolio standard. It finds that CSP with thermal energy storage provides significantly higher total value than PV, from both avoided operational costs and capacity value. CSP-TES value ranges from $94.6-$107/MWh in the 33% scenario and $96-$109/MWh in the 40% scenario. PV value is lower at $47.1-$58.2/MWh and $32.2-$47.4/MWh respectively. A large portion of CSP-TES value comes from its ability to provide reliable capacity. The analysis
European Green Cars Initiative Projects HELIOS Proposal Paper (July 2012)Andrew Gelston
European Green Cars Initiative Projects-
Helios Presentation with the objectives of
Evaluate the performances of 4 positive electrode (NCA, LMO blend, LFP & NMC/ Graphite anode)
Comparative assessment of Performance (12- 15 months cycling tests) life, cost, recycling and safety characteristics
White Paper Analysis of Utility-Managed, On-Site Energy Storage in MinnesotaAndrew Gelston
This document provides a summary of a white paper analyzing the potential for utility-managed, on-site energy storage in Minnesota. Key findings include:
- Energy storage could provide grid benefits like reducing transmission and distribution infrastructure needs as well as allowing better integration of renewable resources.
- Four use cases for customer-sited energy storage were modeled, finding that a utility-controlled system to provide distribution benefits had the best cost-effectiveness.
- Barriers to energy storage deployment like economic and regulatory challenges were identified.
- Recommendations included developing incentive programs and further analyzing the potential of thermal energy storage.
BNE Credit - October 20, 2014 (Eastern EU Data)Andrew Gelston
This document provides a weekly newsletter summarizing credit stories in Eastern Europe from the previous week. It includes over 100 brief articles on topics like credit ratings changes, macroeconomic indicators, and developments in markets across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The top credit story was Moody's cutting Russia's credit rating to the second-lowest investment grade due to sluggish growth prospects driven by sanctions, lower oil prices, and capital outflows from Russia.
Nato ukraine relations- the background - sept 1Andrew Gelston
NATO and Ukraine have had a partnership dating back to Ukraine's independence in 1992. They established a Partnership for Peace in 1994 to strengthen cooperation. In 1997, NATO and Ukraine signed a charter establishing a distinctive partnership to promote stability and democratic values. Most recently in 2014, NATO supported Ukraine's sovereignty in response to Russia's illegal military action against Ukraine.
Oncor Proposal - The value of distributed electricity storage in texasAndrew Gelston
- The document analyzes the value of electricity storage in Texas and proposes policies to enable cost-effective storage investments.
- It estimates that up to 5,000 MW of distributed storage could provide net benefits to Texas from a societal perspective, reducing costs for customers and improving reliability.
- However, relying solely on merchant developers or customers to invest in storage would lead to underinvestment, as they cannot capture all the grid-wide benefits provided by coordinated transmission and distribution planning.
Energy Storage Opportunities and Challenges ECOFYS Andrew Gelston
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The Ukraine-Russia conflict began in 2013 when Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych decided not to sign a trade deal with the European Union and instead accepted a Russian bailout, sparking mass protests. In 2014, Yanukovych was removed from office by parliament and fled to Russia. Russia then seized control of Crimea and backed separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The US and EU imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response, and tensions escalated further after MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine. Ukraine remains divided between pro-Russian eastern regions and the west which favors integration with the EU, while a resolution to the ongoing conflict remains elusive.
Preserving Ukraine’s Independence, Resisting Russian Aggression: What the Uni...atlanticcouncil
- The conflict in eastern Ukraine is deteriorating, with increased fighting and Russian/separatist forces gaining new advantages. Russia seeks a frozen conflict rather than a political settlement.
- Increased U.S. and NATO military assistance is urgently needed to deter further Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
- The report recommends providing $3 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine over three years, including both lethal and non-lethal defensive equipment like anti-armor missiles to address Russian advantages in weapons. Additional NATO member aid is also encouraged.
Ukraine must take swift and decisive action to defeat the rebels. Diplomatic alternatives offer no further hope. Unless Kiev acts soon the Ukrainian state as we know it will cease to exist. Decisive action by the Ukrainian military will enable Vladimir Putin to distance himself from the rebels re-vitalise political and economic ties to Kiev.
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Pressures between Ukraine and Russia are at their loftiest position in times, but politic sweats are also going full brume ahead to find a result to the extremity.
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The document provides information about the Ukraine crisis, including:
1) Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe and was formerly part of the Soviet Union along with Russia. Crimea, now occupied by Russia, was formerly part of Ukraine.
2) NATO expansion caused tensions as Russia opposed Ukraine joining NATO due to security concerns about Western military presence near its borders.
3) The conflict began when Ukraine's president rejected an EU trade deal in 2013, leading to protests that ousted him. Russia then annexed Crimea and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine, hoping to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and the EU.
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- Russia and Ukraine were both formerly part of the USSR but it dissolved in 1991. Ukraine sought to join the EU and NATO which Russia opposed due to concerns about security and losing influence. This led to conflicts and Russia annexing Crimea in 2014 and supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine. Fighting has continued since then despite ceasefire attempts, severely impacting Ukraine and wider effects on food and fuel prices globally.
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Lecture entitled ‘The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement: Why Voting the Right Way in the Dutch Referendum Matters' given to students at the Studievereniging voor Politicologen In Leiden, University of Leiden on 3 March 2016.
Final Analysis of Competing Hypotheses_gradedEric Tallant
Russia's goals in Eastern Ukraine are to limit Western influence near its borders and project strength. By annexing Crimea and fueling conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Russia has created a buffer zone between itself and expanding NATO. This prevents NATO from advancing further into Ukraine and deters it from directly intervening in the conflict for fear of provoking Russia. Maintaining instability in Eastern Ukraine also allows Russia to control the strategic Crimean region and its ports on the Black Sea.
"SEVEN SCENARIOS FOR UKRAINE: from Triumph to Decline"Ruslan Bortnik
Experts of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics, together with partners, prepared an analytical study "SEVEN SCENARIOS FOR UKRAINE: from triumph to decline." The study, which was conducted for more than 6 months, examines 7 key scenarios for Ukraine, their markers, implementation conditions and consequences.
Американский аналитический центр Атлантический совет обнародовал доклад "Прячущиеся на виду: война Путина на Украине" с доказательствами участия армии России в боейвых действиях в Донбассе
Вашингтонский аналитический центр Атлантический совет обнародовал доклад "Прячутся на виду: война Путина в Украине", в котором, как утверждают авторы, приводятся неопровержимые доказательства участия российской армии в войне против Украины, основанные на общедоступных данных, таких как картографические сервисы Google.
Hybrid resources: Challenges, Implications, Opportunities, and InnovationAndrew Gelston
Many experts were initially perplexed by the rapidly growing popularity of hybrid resources, which combine multiple technologies into a single entity. Hybrid resources intentionally take on more operational responsibility by optimizing and scheduling their combined functions. They provide advantages over individual resources, including lower costs from shared infrastructure, increased flexibility to provide a variety of services, and the ability to adapt over time by upgrading components. Hybrid resources reflect logical responses to increasing complexity and risk in the electric power system.
Distributed vs. centralized energy storage for power system applicationsAndrew Gelston
This document provides a literature review on distributed and centralized energy storage systems for power grid applications. It discusses the differences between distributed and centralized storage, as well as various applications of energy storage like grid stabilization, load leveling, energy arbitrage, reserves, black start capabilities, and integrating renewable energy. A wide range of energy storage technologies are also reviewed, including electrochemical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal storage. The document will be used to model an energy storage system using Plexos software and analyze the impacts of different storage configurations and scenarios.
NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries to Combine (December 2014)Andrew Gelston
Achieving a More Affordable Clean Energy Future For Hawaii
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This document discusses power goals for human space exploration and battery technologies. It provides an overview of battery basics, commonly used battery chemistries for space exploration, and technology programs to achieve power goals. The document outlines performance parameters for battery technology development, including specific energy, energy density, operating environment, and specific capacity goals for cathodes and anodes. It also summarizes NASA's lithium-ion battery development efforts for both human-rated and non-human-rated applications in areas like the International Space Station, rovers, satellites, and deep space missions.
IEA Technology roadmap solar photovoltaic energy 2014 Andrew Gelston
This document provides a summary and update of the International Energy Agency's 2014 technology roadmap for solar photovoltaic energy. It envisions solar PV providing up to 16% of global electricity by 2050, compared to 11% in the 2010 roadmap. Significant cost reductions have already been achieved, with further reductions possible through targeted research and development. Large-scale integration of variable solar PV will require measures to ensure grid stability and flexibility. Clear and predictable policy support is needed to continue driving down costs and overcoming non-economic barriers to deployment in order to achieve the roadmap's vision.
This document discusses the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Maps show Russian forces invading eastern Ukraine and gaining control of additional territory over the course of a month. The document argues that Russia has clearly invaded Ukraine and is not simply supporting separatist groups. It notes Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas and oil transported through Ukraine, which gives Russia leverage. Sanctions on Russia have begun to impact its economy but Ukraine is suffering immediate effects of the conflict and invasion.
Detailed russian support and invasion storyAndrew Gelston
1) Russian forces launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on August 24th, crossing the border in large numbers near Amvrosievka and Starobeshevo.
2) This took the Ukrainian forces by surprise, as their command was unprepared for a full invasion. Russian forces made progress, enveloping Ukrainian troops near Ilovaisk.
3) The Ukrainian commander of sector B, Ruslan Homchak, gathered available forces to establish a defense of Ilovaisk and cut off the Russian advance, but it was already too late to prevent the tragedy that would unfold.
This document is the 2013 statistical pocketbook of Russia published by Rosstat, the Russian federal state statistics service. It provides concise information and data on Russia's social, demographic and economic development in 2012 compared to 2011. Key indicators covered include population statistics, labor market trends, living standards, housing, economic activity by sector and region. All data is from Rosstat and other Russian government agencies and some 2012 figures are preliminary.
Ukrainian ports continue to operate normally without disruptions to cargo operations or ships experiencing delays due to the political situation. Vessels loading near the port of Kerch are being serviced at roadstead anchorages outside the 12-mile zone, as confirmed by a charting of the sea area by Ukrhydrographia showing the anchorages' coordinates lie outside this zone.
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The document summarizes sanctions imposed by the European Union, United States, and Russia in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol from Ukraine. Key points include:
- The EU and US have frozen assets of designated persons and entities involved, and prohibited certain financial transactions.
- The EU has also banned imports from Crimea/Sevastopol, and sales of certain goods and technology to areas under Russian control.
- Russia responded with a ban on many agricultural imports from countries that sanctioned it.
- Members are advised sanctions laws are complex and to seek legal counsel, as breaching sanctions could jeopardize their insurance coverage.
The document provides trade statistics and figures on trade between the European Union and Russia from 2003-2013. It shows that in 2013, EU imports from Russia totaled 206.4 billion euros while exports to Russia were 119.8 billion euros, resulting in a trade deficit of 86.7 billion euros for the EU. The top imports from Russia were mineral products while the top exports to Russia were machinery and appliances. The document also includes charts and tables breaking down EU-Russia trade by product category and year.
President Obama issued three executive orders imposing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. The sanctions restricted travel and imposed financial costs on Russia. The US sanctioned Russian and Ukrainian officials and companies, limited credit to Russian banks, and restricted exports related to Russia's energy sector. These coordinated actions with international partners aimed to make clear there are consequences for violating Ukraine's territorial integrity and encourage Russia to respect its international obligations regarding Ukraine.
Russia's food security problem during its economic transition has primarily been one of access rather than availability. While agricultural production declined after reforms, food supplies remained adequate due to steady domestic production of staples and increased imports. However, economic difficulties reduced purchasing power for many, limiting their access to a healthy diet. Recent GDP and income growth have significantly reduced poverty and thereby increased food access security, though overconsumption of calories remains a health issue.
This document analyzes the economic impact of the Ukrainian crisis, with a focus on Nordic markets. It finds that the crisis will have a modest direct impact on European economies due to limited trade links with Russia. The biggest risk is negative sentiment slowing investment and growth. Finland is most vulnerable due to trade exposure to Russia. The crisis should have limited impact on Scandinavian countries like Norway and Denmark. An escalating trade war would be unbearable for both Russia and the EU, so sanctions may be revoked within months. The risk of energy supply disruptions is also limited given the interdependence of Russia and Europe.
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Youngest c m in India- Pema Khandu BiographyVoterMood
Pema Khandu, born on August 21, 1979, is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu. Pema Khandu assumed office as the Chief Minister in July 2016, making him one of the youngest Chief Ministers in India at that time.
Essential Tools for Modern PR Business .pptxPragencyuk
Discover the essential tools and strategies for modern PR business success. Learn how to craft compelling news releases, leverage press release sites and news wires, stay updated with PR news, and integrate effective PR practices to enhance your brand's visibility and credibility. Elevate your PR efforts with our comprehensive guide.
13062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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1. UKRAINIAN WORLD CONGRESS BRIEFING NOTE:
THE CASE FOR MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE
Executive Summary
3 September 2014 - Thousands of Russian troops are in Ukraine with tanks, missiles and heavy artillery,
and directly engaged in what is clearly an invasion. Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin has been
emboldened by a slow and weak response from the Western countries as they have failed to implement
the most difficult sanctions against the Russian Federation or provide the arms necessary for Ukraine to defend
itself. At the NATO Summit being convened on 4 September 2014, NATO member countries must provide
Ukraine with defensive weapons that will impose a cost on Vladimir Putin for further aggression.
As stated by Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
on 30 August 2014 in Kyiv, “there are those in Europe and elsewhere who say, we don't want to provoke
Putin. Well, Putin doesn't need provocation. In this case, weakness is a greater provocation for Putin to act
than strength. And Putin only understands two things and that's strength either because of the economic
consequences that we can levy upon Russia and hopefully the European Union will move with us into more
significant sectoral sanctions. And also the costs to Russians as they send their sons and daughters back
in body bags to Russia and Russian mothers say, what is happening here?”
The United States, the European Union, Canada and NATO must provide Ukraine with a fighting chance
to defend itself.
If there is no heavy price for the Russian Federation to pay for its invasion of Ukraine, then what do we say
to China in the South China Sea? What do we say to Iran as it seeks to pursue nuclear weapons? What do we
say to North Korea with respect to the Korean peninsula?
Background
On 27 August 2014 the Russian Federation sent regular combat troops and sophisticated military equipment
across its border with Ukraine into Southeastern Donetsk oblast in blatant violation of the UN Charter, security
commitments and international law. This is the second time that Ukraine has been invaded within the last six
months, the first resulting in the illegal seizure by the Russian Federation of Crimea. The evidence is clear
that thousands of Russian troops are in Ukraine with tanks, missiles, heavy artillery, and are directly engaged
in what is clearly an invasion. The Kremlin's escalating war in Ukraine's East requires a strong
and comprehensive response from the West, and NATO in particular.
Mr. Putin's aggression in Ukraine is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a broader pattern that threatens
international stability in Europe and beyond. This danger should have been evident in 2008, when the Russian
army was used to take Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Georgia. Vladimir Putin has proclaimed
on numerous occasions his duty and right to "protect ethnic Russians and Russian speakers," wherever
they may be. This dangerous policy threatens Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Latvia,
Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, among others. The Russian Federation
President has also spoken dismissively of Ukraine’s independence, and Ukraine’s right to decide its own future
without Moscow’s interference.
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2. 2
Further, since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Kremlin has promoted instability in neighboring countries
as a means of influencing their domestic and foreign policies. This was true in Georgia (Ajaria in addition
to Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Moldova (Transnistria), Azerbaijan (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Ukraine
(Crimea). This policy predated NATO expansion to the East, which undercuts the arguments of those
who explain that such Kremlin actions are a response to the inclusion of former Warsaw Pact nations in NATO.
As an alliance of democratic states, it needs to be stressed that new NATO member states joined of their own
free will, and that part of their motivation was a fear of precisely the kind of aggression the Russian Federation
is exhibiting now.
International Response to Date
Western governments did not live up to their commitments made in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum
on Security Assurances when the Russian Federation violated Ukraine's territorial integrity and illegally
annexed Crimea in March 2014. The international community has condemned the Russian Federation’s policy
of aggression against Ukraine and imposed sanctions against both Russian individuals and entities, provided
financial and technical assistance to Ukraine, as well as non-lethal military equipment and aid to Ukraine's
armed forces and border patrol. It has stopped short, however, of providing military assistance. The current
situation demands even firmer and more robust measures to prevent the Russian Federation from advancing
its political, economic, and military objectives vis-à-vis Ukraine, which would have grave consequences
for European security and international stability.
Policy Response
Moscow's aggression in Ukraine can only be stopped with a strong and unwavering response from NATO
and the G7 countries making it prohibitive for the Russian Federation to continue. This response should
include:
1. Decisive sectoral economic sanctions: Additional sectoral economic sanctions must be enacted,
particularly against the financial, defense and energy sectors. These measures must be broadened
to increase the cost of the Russian Federation’s aggression. In the area of financial sanctions,
serious consideration must be given to taking the Russian Federation off the SWIFT bank transfer
payments system, as this is one action that can have an immediate and profound impact
on the Russian Federation economic elites and their ability to conduct business dealings
with the rest of the world.
2. Political isolation of Putin: The Russian Federation must be made answerable to the United
Nations and accountable to international governing bodies. It deserves to be deprived
of its membership and veto on the UN Security Council, and since it is party to the conflict
in Ukraine it should be denied the right to unilaterally engage in any “humanitarian” or supposed
peacekeeping operations. The G20 should follow the lead of the G7 and suspend the Russian
Federation’s membership.
The NATO-Russia Founding Act, which sees the Russian Federation as a partner and commits
NATO to not build infrastructure or permanently deploy major forces in the countries
of the Eastern members of the Alliance, should be suspended. NATO and its allies must ban
the sale of all services and military equipment to the Russian Federation, including the sale
by France to the Russian Federation of Mistral warships.
3. Military support: In exchange for guarantees concerning its territorial integrity and security,
Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal and drastically reduced the size of its army since attaining
145 Evans Avenue, Suite 207, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 5X8 Canada
Tel: 416.323.3020 Fax: 416.323.3250 E-mail: congress@look.ca
Skype: ukrainian.world.congress Website: www.ukrainianworldcongress.org
3. 3
independence. More recently, the Ukrainian Army was deliberately neglected and demoralized
by the previous government of Viktor Yanukovych. Ukraine has recently rebuilt a committed,
competent military force, and in a remarkably short period of time has created the nucleus
of a new army that has the will and morale to fight but lacks the necessary military hardware to do
so effectively. The combined armed forces of Ukraine, which include many volunteer
detachments and National Guard units, receive a significant amount of their funding and supplies
from the direct donations of Ukraine’s patriotic citizenry. In particular, Ukrainian troops require
anti-tank and anti-BTR systems to stop the heavy weaponry that the Russian Federation
has provided in the Southeast, along with regular Russian combat forces. In view of the events
that transpired since the invasion by the Russian Federation of Crimea, it is crucial that NATO
member countries provide "direct defensive military assistance" to Ukraine so that it can protect
itself from continuing Russian aggression.
Over the past two months, Ukraine’s revitalized armed forces have waged a successful campaign
to liberate territory in the East, notwithstanding the weaponry, supplies and fighters provided
by the Russian Federation to bolster the relatively small number of "separatist formations" that have
terrorized the population after Viktor Yanukovych fled the country. These local insurgent bands were
largely composed of criminal elements and mercenaries, who seized government buildings, engaged
in hostage-takings, and stole and extorted money from businesses and civilians with the goal
of establishing themselves as regional powerbrokers. Today, regular Russian forces have entered the fray,
enabling the terrorists to mount a counter-offensive. Ukraine's military, therefore, urgently needs
equipment and support, including:
o Air defense, anti-radiation (ie. HARM) and anti-armour systems;
o Unmanned aerial vehicles;
o Tactical communications and navigation hardware with advanced capabilities
of cryptographic security;
o Surveillance resources and night vision devices;
o Material assets (military uniforms, helmets, flak jackets and tactical gear);
o Food (ready-to-eat military rations) and fuel;
o Electronic warfare means;
o Engineering reconnaissance and mine clearance support;
o Emergency medical assistance supplies, including a staffed MASH unit;
o SpecOps and counter-insurgency training;
o Satellite-based theater surveillance and intelligence; and
o Military trainers.
While Ukraine has little chance of defeating Russian forces in a protracted conventional war, properly
equipped Ukrainians can resist longer and inflict enough casualties to make the Russian people take notice
of what is happening. A recent Russian poll showed that only 5% of the population supports sending
Russian troops into Ukraine. There are growing statements of concern being expressed by parents
and spouses of Russian soldiers fighting and dying in Ukraine. The Kremlin is hiding this fact
from the public, but the truth cannot be buried for long. More effective resistance will not only slow
the advance of Russian forces, but may also lead to real opposition in the Russian Federation to Vladimir
Putin's policies, and thus deter further aggression.
Opponents of providing Ukraine with lethal military equipment typically make two arguments. The first is
that providing such equipment will only lead to escalation by the Russian Federation. This is discounted
by the fact that Moscow has repeatedly increased its intervention without any Western military supplies
reaching Ukraine.
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4. 4
The second argument made by opponents of military aid to Ukraine is that, given the penetration
by Russian intelligence of Ukrainian military and intelligence organizations, the technology or intelligence
used by Ukraine's military could be compromised. To avoid this risk, any intelligence given would need
to be carefully vetted to protect intelligence means and sources. As for the technology, the defensive
equipment Ukraine requires need not be state-of-the-art, but should be of a standard capable of repelling
the Russian weapon systems currently being deployed in Ukraine.
Conclusion
The death toll in Eastern Ukraine now numbers in the thousands and includes not only military personnel,
but many innocent civilians. Among the latter are the 298 victims of MH17, who lost their lives at the
hands of Russia-backed terrorists who need to be brought to criminal justice. The world is still waiting
to learn the findings of the investigation into their deaths, which was hampered and sabotaged
by those responsible for shooting down the passenger plane with a sophisticated rocket system that is
an important part of the Russian arsenal inside Ukraine.
It further needs to be remembered that the Russian Federation, Great Britain and the United States are
all signatories to the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, in which each party agreed to respect and defend
Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukraine giving up the world's third largest
nuclear arsenal. NATO countries must provide the military aid that Ukrainians need to defend
themselves, and impose deep sectoral sanctions and politically isolate the Russian Federation until it stops
its war on Ukraine and returns Crimea. Vladimir Putin has turned the Russian Federation into a rogue
state and a state sponsor of terror. Ukrainians cannot stop him without real international support.
Finally, NATO and G7 countries must immediately make the policy decision to assist Ukraine in building
up its armed forces.
Allowing Moscow to have its way with Ukraine today will only encourage it to seek similar gains
elsewhere. Strong Western support can help Kyiv to resist and overcome Moscow's aggression, and will
certainly dissuade President Putin from further aggression beyond Ukraine.
The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is the international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities
in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians. The UWC has member organizations
in 33 countries and ties with Ukrainians in 14 additional countries. Founded in 1967, the UWC was recognized
in 2003 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organization (NGO)
with special consultative status.
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Tel: 416.323.3020 Fax: 416.323.3250 E-mail: congress@look.ca
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