Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Monday 14 December [Ukrainian sources]

MONDAY

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News -
Putin hits Ukraine 25 times last night with various weapons.
Update - two Ukrainian soldiers injured.

Weather -
Quite a strong wind last night. Possible some areas of western Ukraine without electricity this morning.
I can still hear the wind as I write. Temperature just above zero. Rain. Not snow. That is good, at least.
And the forecast looks very good. Quite warm by next weekend, compared to average temperatures.
Can Ukraine get through December again without any major snowfall? It looks possible for the next week, at least.

Footie -
I believe draw for the Champions League for Dynamo today. Also for Shakhtar in the Europa league.
Pity that Dynamo will have to play at home to an empty stadium again. I would have gone to watch them for sure.
Update - Dynamo Kiev v Manchester City // Shakhtar v Schalke (German team). But most controversial, in my opinion -
Fenerbahce (Turkey, Istanbul) v Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia) .

http://www.unian.ua/politics/1211033-sogodni-prezident-polschi-vpershe-vidvidae-ukrajinu-z-ofitsiynim-vizitom.html
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new guy. Don't know too much about him.


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http://censor.net.ua/news/365015/nochyu_izza_silnyh_poryvov_vetra_byli_obestocheny_147_naselennyh_punktov_v_9_oblastyah
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As I suggested, the wind has unfortunately hit west Ukraine, and is still blowing. Quite strong from the NNW.
Ривненская - 28 н.п., Волынская - 21 н.п., Львовская - 21 н.п., Тернопольская - 19 н.п., Житомирская - 18 н.п., Винницкая - 17 н.п., Хмельницкая - 14 н.п., Ивано-Франковская - 6 н.п., Киевская - 3 н.п.
Rivne, Volinsk, Lvov, Ternopil, Zhitomir, Vinnitsa, Hmelnitski, Iv-Frank, Kiev oblasts. Most lines down in the north west.
The good thing. Temperatures are above freezing. Just.

http://nnovosti.info/news/rosijskij_bojovik_podilivsja_vrazhajuchimi_vtratami_jogo_grupi_na_donbasi-2551.html
7:48
Russian soldier has shared his spectacular losses of the Donbas
Soldier of the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia), who fought on the side of terrorists in Donbas, admitted that in his 31 man group survived only four.
He said that in the group of militants fought 17 natives of Kalmykia.
Sokolov in the comments under photos of his slain commander call sign "Bai" he wrote that the greatest losses suffered during his team at Debaltseve.
From the photos it can be concluded that he participated in the battles in Debaltseve, Horlivka, Lugansk and Perevalsk (Luhansk region).
In addition, the mercenary said that he is now at home, but plans to return to the Donbass 28th December.
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Kalmykia, an area of Russia south of Volgograd, east of Rostov.
What does he think he is fighting for? The Russian empire? Probably no work, and needs the money from Putin.

http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/matt-gurney-in-ukraine-conflict-vladimir-putin-banks-on-a-distracted-west
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Ok article.

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http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2015/12/13/electric-transmission-lines-are-about-to-undercut-russias-influence-in-baltic-region/
....The future of energy politics in the Baltics will almost certainly be affected by the 700 megawatt (MW) transmission cable linking Lithuania and Sweden and a 500 MW cable linking Lithuania and Poland scheduled to come online officially tomorrow. The new transmission lines will provide Lithuania with enough power to meet internal demand for all but a few hours of the day when power demand peaks....
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Putin's methods of blackmail are diminishing every month.
I also read that Turkey is Gazprom's second largest market. I would expect that to change also now.
Turkey will begin to look to other sources for natural gas.
By constantly using Gazprom as a political weapon Putin is slowly destroying the company and the Russian economy, with his own hands.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/dec/13/battle-coal-mine-russian-billionaire-uk-lehram
...The company says Igor Rudyk, a 28-year-old British-educated director, was released after 24 days in detention and then brought into the office of a local bureaucrat which was lined by police officers. It is alleged Rudyk was told he was faced another five years in a Siberian prison unless he signed over the mine.
“I was handcuffed and had just spent 10 days behind bars. Siberian jails [are] not great places. I was not in the best frame of mind. Then I was offered a deal to get out if I signed over [the mine]. I took it because I wanted to get out,” Rudyk told the Guardian.
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Business Russian-style.

Interesting day for Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Dynamo - I expect them to get a really really tough draw. Maybe Barcelona, or Real Madrid, or Man City.
Shakhtar could face Napoli, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, to name just a few.
draw times -
Champions League last 16, 1300 hrs, and Europa League one hour later at 1400 hrs, last 32.

http://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2015/12/14/7042182/
"Following the working meeting is planned to sign the Joint Declaration on further cooperation in the defense sphere," - he said.
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Says on "Monday"- which I presume means today.

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http://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2015/12/14/7042183/
EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini sees no "significant problems" in the issue of the continuation of sanctions against Russia.
She stated before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
She noted that the EU Council on December 14 issue of sanctions will be discussed, "unless ministers did not express a desire."
"We have no Russian question on the agenda today. We are talking about our Eastern partners.
This question will decide this week's European Council, as it always has been when it comes to sanctions against Russia ", - said Mogherini.
"If we talk about a political solution, I do not see any significant problems in the continuation of sanctions in European capitals", - she said.
Earlier media reported that the EU can continue economic sanctions against Russia before the summit - the EU Council on 14-15 December.
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Remember that this issue should have been decided automatically, BUT Italy asked for the matter to be discussed.
Pressure from Putin? Offer of super-cheap gas to the fascist loving Italians? Mussolini - the sequel?

10:24
http://www.day.kiev.ua/uk/news/141215-v-ukrayini-cherez-negodu-znestrumleno-147-naselenyh-punktiv
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Looks the same as my earlier post. However -
where I am things are much better now. Still some wind, but much much less.
And the rain has stopped, the sky is lighter. So conditions are much improved.
As I said, there was a strong wind from the NNW.

http://www.akcent.org.ua/ukrayina/problemy-z-vodoyu-u-kry-mu-na-pivostrovi-ogolosy-ly-rezhy-m-voyennogo-chasu/
10:31
He also demanded to forcibly transfer to the administration Sudak wells owned by five local businesses. ..., in order to provide the population with drinking water, reports the Flash Crimea.
"As to who hinders. During wartime regime initiates criminal proceedings ...
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So it is "war time" in Crimea! They don't need water or electricity. They have Putin now! And 90% popular, I am sure.

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Remember this -
Journalists reporting on Ukraine - the good, the bad, and the ugly
https://ukraine-english-news.forumotion.com/t1118-journalists-reporting-on-ukraine-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
- our rundown on some of the journalists and "journalists" writing about Ukraine.

Slightly humorous aside, but now, on the bbc
American airports: The good, the bad and the ugly
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35011943
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I haven't been to many of these.
San Fran no. 3 on the good list. Made no impression on me.  
LAX - yes. Not good. The railroad station in LA, on the other hand, is amazing. Featured in Blade Runner, I understand.
http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140503/union-station-in-los-angeles-is-a-film-noir-star

www.bloomberg.com/energy/
Crude Oil & Natural Gas
INDEX UNITS PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE CONTRACT TIME ET 2 DAY
WTI Crude Oil (Nymex)
USD/bbl. 35.38 -0.24 -0.67% JAN 16 04:21:23
Brent Crude (ICE)
USD/bbl. 37.59 -0.34 -0.90% JAN 16 04:20:56
Crude Oil (Tokyo)
JPY/kl 28,850.00 -20.00 -0.07% MAY 16 04:20:37
Natural Gas (Nymex)
USD/MMBtu 1.91 -0.08 -4.17% JAN 16 04:20:57
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Everything in the red - falling.
Natural gas down a lot. 4%. Funding for Putin's war machine is further reduced.
Good news for Ukraine and all peace-loving countries on the Russian border.

observation.
For interest I looked at the main page - in English - of the Russian Tass news agency.
And the first five main stories are currently all military related.. Absolutely round the bend.
Compare this say the BBC, Le Monde, Die Welt, CNN, ... etc... Absolutely amazing.
The five - currently - at 1200 ukraine time -

Militia claim Kiev forces shelled their position
Russian general staff: Russian warplanes...
Russia will start building... [new]... submarine
Ship flying Turkish flag heads off...
Russia, India begin active phase of Naval drills

Can we expect Moscow resident journalist buddies Shaun Walker (Guardian) and Roland Oliphant (telegraph) to write about this madness?
Well - Walker works or worked for Russiaprofile, and Oliphant for RIA Novosti, so - mmm... no. !

http://tass.ru/en

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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/14/tales-from-ukraine-s-surreal-front-lines.html
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Basically a glimpse at a new book out -
In Wartime: Stories From Ukraine by Tim Judah

http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2015/12/14/7092445/
Monday, 14 December 2015 12:48
The last day in the area of anti-terrorist operation passed without loss, two soldiers injured.
This at a traditional briefing on Monday, spokesman of the Presidential Administration on ATO Andrey Lysenko.
"Because of the shelling by militants nobdy killed there, but two soldiers were wounded. In Zaitsev and Mayorsk" - he said.
Ukrainian Pravda
[Complete report]

I just watched the draw live on the Football channel. Today at 1300.
Dynamo Kiev were drawn against Manchester City.
Actually the draw got quite interesting, because the last four clubs to be drawn were -
Benfica, Dynamo, - against either Zenit or Man C.
Because of the war in Ukraine Zenit and Dynamo were kept apart. • Due to a decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, teams from Russia and Ukraine cannot meet.
http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2016/matches/draws/round=2000635/index.html
So there was no choice. Benfica play Zenit, and Dynamo play Manchester City.
Games are in mid-late February. Sadly, no tickets to the Dynamo home game. They play to an empty stadium.
Chances - not great, but Man City can very much blow hot or cold. And they may react badly playing to an empty stadium. And it will be cold in February. Also the Kiev team will be well-rested following their winter break, unlike their English opponents.
If Dynamo can hold them 0-0 , or maybe get a 1-0 win in the first leg in Kiev, then they stand a chance. As away goals count.
Other games that caught my eye -
Juventus v Bayern Munchen
Arsenal v Barcelona
Paris SG v Chelsea
Full draw here
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35091015
First legs are scheduled to take place on 16-17 and 23-24 February. Return legs are on 8-9 and 15-16 March.

Just watched the Europa League draw.
shakhtar - not the best of draws - against the German side Schalke 04.
That is difficult to pick a winner from. Not easy. I need to check where Shalke are currently in the Bundesliga.
But - more interesting -
Fenerbahce, the Turkish side, drawn against the Russian team, Locomotiv Moscow.
Fenerbahce are based in the Turkish capital, Istanbul.
Now - how will the Russian press react to that one?!!! Wow...
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http://www.bundesliga.de/de/
shows Schalke 04 in joint 6th in the Bundesliga. But currently 8th on goal difference. Chances for Shakhtar, but they are not in great form at the moment.
Fenerbahce are currently top of the Turkish league.
Lokomotiv Moskva are currently third in the Russian league. What a clash! Found this

Turkey's Fenerbahçe draws Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow in the UEFA Europa League
http://www.dailysabah.com/football/2015/12/14/turkeys-fenerbahce-draws-russias-lokomotiv-moscow-in-the-uefa-europa-league
Following the jet downing incident among the two countries on November 24 and ongoing economic and diplomatic disputes ever since, the matches between Fenerbahçe and Lokomotiv Moscow are highly anticipated.
That isn't quite how I'd put it!

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/12/14/us-mideast-crisis-russia-turkey-idUSKBN0TX0RM20151214
Mon Dec 14, 2015 7:23am EST

"Russia and Turkey certainly have to re-establish the relations of trust that we have always had, but our patience has a limit," Cavusoglu said.

The incident is likely to heighten tensions between the two nations who are at odds over Syria and Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane last month.....................

see also
Planned Putin-Erdogan summit in Russia canceled, says Kremlin [Engl]
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-turkey-summit-idUSKBN0TX15820151214?mod=related&channelName=worldNews
Mon Dec 14, 2015 5:50am EST

A bilateral summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan planned for Dec. 15 in St. Petersburg will not now happen, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

The summit was agreed upon during a meeting between the two men in Turkey on the sidelines of a G-20 summit last month which predated Ankara's shooting down of a Russian military jet near the Syrian-Turkish border.

"It won't happen, it's not planned," Peskov said of the summit when asked about it by reporters on Monday....................

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Can't see anybody commenting on the football draw! For me - this is going to be a policing nightmare.

http://ru.golos.ua/incident/v_aeroportu_kiev_proveli_evakuatsiyu_iza_soobscheniya_o_minirovanii_6005
15:09

Because of reports of mining airport terminal, "Kiev" evacuated the passengers, dangerous items were found.
This was reported in the press service of the airport.

As it turned out, to e-mail the airport received a message about mining terminal. From the international airport terminal was evacuated passengers. Investigative team review. It arrived two bus terminal.

Checking completed, suspicious objects were found. It is reported that the passengers and the staff returned to the terminal, the check-in began..........

Источник: http://ru.golos.ua/incident/v_aeroportu_kiev_proveli_evakuatsiyu_iza_soobscheniya_o_minirovanii_6005
Golos.ua © 2015
I assume this is Zhuliani. In the centre. Not Borispol.

A senior EU official has told RFE/RL that the European Union is set to officially extend economic sanctions against Russia by another six months when EU ambassadors meet on December 21.

The extension would keep sanctions in place against Russia’s financial, oil, and military sectors as well as against specific individuals until July 31, 2016.

A motion to extend the sanctions during a December 14 meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels was blocked last week when Italy called for debate at a higher political level.

It was thought that Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi could raise the issue when EU leaders meet later this week...............

To read further go to this link: [url=]  [/url]

NATO effort to boost defensive prescence in region not enough to repel Russian invasion

US military vehicles are arriving in Lithuania as part of a plan to pre-position tanks, artillery and other equipment in the Baltics.

The US announced the pre-positioning of equipment in central and eastern Europe in June, in a bid to reassure NATO allies unnerved by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Some 12,000 pieces of equipment from a facility in Germany will be distributed in countries on NATO's eastern flank for use by US forces training in Europe.

"We are finishing turning in the European activity set of equipment here in Mumaiciai, Lithuania, to include five Abrams tanks, nine Bradley fighting vehicles and additional tracked and wheeled supporting vehicles. They will be stored here for the next couple months until the rotational unit comes in the spring to conduct further training exercises," said Public Affairs Officer for the 1st Armoured Brigade Combat Team, Major Randy Ready.......................

To read further go to this link:   uatoday.tv

Today at a meeting of the National Council of the reforms in Kiev between Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and the governor of the Odessa region, Mikheil Saakashvili had a conflict.

"Saakashvili, in response to my question to him - why he spoke with IPF Russian oligarch with Uralhima..i how it is connected with the process of privatization of the SCR? .. - Lost control. Odessa Governor broke into hysterics and started yelling at me: "Nobody has the right to talk like Mikhail Saakashvili corrupt minister .. you .. I .. honest man" went on to direct insults. I refrained from getting hit him - splashed his face with water ", - says head of the Interior Ministry.

In addition, Avakov called Saakashvili a populist and a boor.

At the same time, we already know that things are not so simple. In particular, MP Serhiy Leshchenko sounded slightly different version of what happened: "After Saakashvili finished the report, the minister Avakov stated claim that he acted not as incendiary as on television. The beginning of strife, Avakov accused Saakashvili that he is a thief. What Saakashvili said that he has nothing but good name. Then the minister Avakov moved to cry and said, "Get out of my country." Coming out of balance, Avakov threw a glass of Saakashvili, "- he wrote on his page on Facebook.

Posted. The incident and said Saakashvili.

"I categorically demand from the press service of the Presidential Administration to make public the full video of the unworthy and provocative behavior of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs today Rada reforms. Video recording was conducted with three cameras, and the Ukrainian people have the full right to see and know who controls them. I am responsible for every word spoken there. It is time for actors who have brought the country to handle, responsible for his words and actions, "- he said.




dumskaya.net In Russian

Top officials from the Baltic states -- Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania -- as well as Polish and Swedish officials are inaugurating two electrical links binding Lithuania with the West.

The move at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, on December 14 is being lauded as a key to reducing the region's energy dependence on Russia.

Although EU and NATO members since 2004, the Baltic states are still part of a Russian-controlled power ring.

The future plan by EU and Baltic officials is to fully synchronize the three countries' energy systems with the continental European grid...................

To read further go to this link:   rferl.org