Category Archives: Russia

New York Times, Defense Intelligence Agency Go Wobbly on Ukraine Prospects as Militias + Russia Continues to Grind Down Opposition in Donbass

It’s becoming hard for the West to pretend that Russia will fail at its aims in Ukraine, most importantly, destroying its abilty to wage war.

Russia Announces Initial Retaliatory Sanctions Targets; Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

Russia has started rolling out its retailiaory “special economic measures”. But it’s still not clear what they amount to in practice.

Treasury Implements Bottom of the Barrel New Russia Sanctions on Sunday May 8; How Broad a Nexus for Russia Retaliatory Sanctions Later This Week?

More sanctions sparring, with the latest US move looking petty and lame.

Did UN Secretary-General Guterres Commit A War Crime At Azovstal?

A key scene from the protracted Azovstal steel factory drama.

James Galbraith: The Dollar System in a Multi-Polar World

On the rise and decline of the dollar system.

No, Biden Can’t Just Sell Off Seized Russian Yachts and Central Bank Assets to Help Aid Ukraine – International Law and the US Constitution Forbid It

Why it would not be so smart for the US to sell seized Russian assets.

Putin Signs Executive Order to Begin “Special Economic Measures” aka Sanctions

Russia will soon launch economic sanctions, as directed in a Putin executive order.

Michael Hudson Talks with Katie Halper and Aaron Maté About the Broader Ramifications of the US/NATO Conflict with Russia

Michael Hudson expliains how the US hopes to benefit from its proxy war with Russia.

The Coming EU Embargo of Russian Oil, Russia’s Economic Challenges, and the Question of Operational Capacity

The EU is planning to punch Russia hard with yet another embargo, this of its oil. But will this wind up being more rope a dope?

Ilargi: Ukraine Warheads

A prescient piece on the trajectory of Ukraine-Russia tensions.

Gas Flares: Europe Has a Hissy, Flails About as Russia Imposes Gas Payment Countersanctions and Economies Already Feel Blowback Bite

Russia implements its gas for roubles scheme as promised, cutting off supplies to non-adherents. Howling ensues.

Jaishankar Calls Out Europe’s Selective Concern on Rules-Based Order

Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar shared views on rules-based order with world diplomats at a conference Tuesday in Delhi.

How to End the War in Ukraine

“Once the world’s courts establish such a precedent in Ukraine v. Russia (X), would-be strongmen might have to think twice before invading another country, knowing that wars of choice now come with a prohibitive price tag.?

Beyond Macro: Firm-Level Effects of Cutting off Russian Energy

What are the potential costs of cutting Russian energy imports as a further tightening of the sanction regime?