ALERT RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE - Consolidated Thread
- Thread starter danielboon
- Start date
northern watch
TB Fanatic
northern watch
TB Fanatic
jward
passin' thru
USAFE Watchful, But Operating Normally, as Tensions Build Between Russia, Ukraine
Dec. 13, 2021 | By John A. Tirpak
U.S. Air Forces in Europe hasn’t changed the way it operates even though Russia is massing forces on the Ukraine border, but U.S. and NATO allies are keeping a close watch on the tensions, USAFE commander Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian said Dec. 13.
Speaking at an AFA Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies virtual event, Harrigian said the NATO air arms are “working closely together to understand” what Russia’s activities, in all domains, are in order to have a “shared understanding” of what’s going on.
“We’re largely focused on … how we ensure our team is ready, our posture is where it needs to be, and we’re working that in cooperation” with allies and regional partners, Harrigian said, indicating no change in the posture of USAFE in light of Russia’s movements. If partners spot a change in Russian activities or status, they will alert the U.S., he said, and “we [will] all have a better understanding of what options would be available to us.”
He said his “Job 1” is to “offer my best military advice to General [Tod D.] Wolters, [Supreme Allied Commander, NATO], and … up through the Secretary” of Defense.
“Our focus internally is we’ve got to make sure we’re ready. And that readiness piece is across not just the airplanes but the people,” Harrigian said.
“We all want diplomacy to work,” but “as we work through the options we’re going to present, it’s going to all be about avoiding miscalculation” and anything that “takes decision space away from our superiors.”
He’s also communicating to the Airmen of USAFE the seriousness of the Ukraine tensions and emphasizing that Airmen remain resilient.
Harrigian said USAFE and Ukraine have not conducted any joint air exercises in the last couple of years and that non-flying joint drills have been about “force development activities” on which he did not elaborate.
Retired Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, talks with U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa boss Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian during a Dec. 13 Mitchell event.
The October 2018 Clear Sky Exercise was the last joint air drill between the two countries. It paired U.S. Air National Guard and Lakenheath, U.K.-based F-15s with Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrums, Su-27 Flankers, and Su-24 Fencers to “increase the level of interoperability” between the air arms, according to a USAFE release. U.S. C-130s and KC-135 tankers participated as well.
Harrigian has had conversations with the Ukrainian air chief, but not recently. “There’s a relationship there. We expect that to continue,” he added.
Relative to operating in proximity to Russia, Harrigian said, “We have, over the last 18 months, continued to execute operations in international waters,” and “that has not changed at this point.” USAFE has exercised with the U.S. Navy and partner navies in the Baltic and Black Seas, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures “and the way we do business,” he said. This practice will ensure an up-to-date shared understanding of TTPs in the event of a crisis, Harrigian added.
He said Bomber Task Forces dispatched to Europe by Air Force Global Strike Command have been a great success delivering the message that the U.S. is able to rapidly deploy heavy airpower to the continent. Harrigian said allies and partners are lining up to participate in future such deployments, either running intercepts or escorting American bombers.
The 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a six-week bomber task force mission Nov. 15 across the North Sea, Baltics, and Black Sea region, integrating coalition capabilities and practicing agile combat employment. The next such deployment will happen soon, Harrigian said. The deployments are also essential in familiarizing bomber pilots with operating in Europe so that if they need to conduct a real-world contingency, “it won’t be the first time” they’ve flown in the region.
www.airforcemag.com
Dec. 13, 2021 | By John A. Tirpak
U.S. Air Forces in Europe hasn’t changed the way it operates even though Russia is massing forces on the Ukraine border, but U.S. and NATO allies are keeping a close watch on the tensions, USAFE commander Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian said Dec. 13.
Speaking at an AFA Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies virtual event, Harrigian said the NATO air arms are “working closely together to understand” what Russia’s activities, in all domains, are in order to have a “shared understanding” of what’s going on.
“We’re largely focused on … how we ensure our team is ready, our posture is where it needs to be, and we’re working that in cooperation” with allies and regional partners, Harrigian said, indicating no change in the posture of USAFE in light of Russia’s movements. If partners spot a change in Russian activities or status, they will alert the U.S., he said, and “we [will] all have a better understanding of what options would be available to us.”
He said his “Job 1” is to “offer my best military advice to General [Tod D.] Wolters, [Supreme Allied Commander, NATO], and … up through the Secretary” of Defense.
“Our focus internally is we’ve got to make sure we’re ready. And that readiness piece is across not just the airplanes but the people,” Harrigian said.
“We all want diplomacy to work,” but “as we work through the options we’re going to present, it’s going to all be about avoiding miscalculation” and anything that “takes decision space away from our superiors.”
He’s also communicating to the Airmen of USAFE the seriousness of the Ukraine tensions and emphasizing that Airmen remain resilient.
Harrigian said USAFE and Ukraine have not conducted any joint air exercises in the last couple of years and that non-flying joint drills have been about “force development activities” on which he did not elaborate.
Retired Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, talks with U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa boss Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian during a Dec. 13 Mitchell event.
The October 2018 Clear Sky Exercise was the last joint air drill between the two countries. It paired U.S. Air National Guard and Lakenheath, U.K.-based F-15s with Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrums, Su-27 Flankers, and Su-24 Fencers to “increase the level of interoperability” between the air arms, according to a USAFE release. U.S. C-130s and KC-135 tankers participated as well.
Harrigian has had conversations with the Ukrainian air chief, but not recently. “There’s a relationship there. We expect that to continue,” he added.
Relative to operating in proximity to Russia, Harrigian said, “We have, over the last 18 months, continued to execute operations in international waters,” and “that has not changed at this point.” USAFE has exercised with the U.S. Navy and partner navies in the Baltic and Black Seas, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures “and the way we do business,” he said. This practice will ensure an up-to-date shared understanding of TTPs in the event of a crisis, Harrigian added.
He said Bomber Task Forces dispatched to Europe by Air Force Global Strike Command have been a great success delivering the message that the U.S. is able to rapidly deploy heavy airpower to the continent. Harrigian said allies and partners are lining up to participate in future such deployments, either running intercepts or escorting American bombers.
The 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a six-week bomber task force mission Nov. 15 across the North Sea, Baltics, and Black Sea region, integrating coalition capabilities and practicing agile combat employment. The next such deployment will happen soon, Harrigian said. The deployments are also essential in familiarizing bomber pilots with operating in Europe so that if they need to conduct a real-world contingency, “it won’t be the first time” they’ve flown in the region.
USAFE Watchful, But Operating Normally, as Tensions Build Between Russia, Ukraine | Air & Space Forces Magazine
The Air Force in Europe hasn’t changed how it operates despite tensions involving Russian troops massing on the border with Ukraine.
www.airforcemag.com
Marthanoir
TB Fanatic
Does Russia still have a 2 year basic service,
Somebody once said the best time for the Russians to jump is just before turnover, the 1st year conscripts have a years worth of training done almost, and the 2nd year conscripts are still in and have done nearly 2 years.
Somebody once said the best time for the Russians to jump is just before turnover, the 1st year conscripts have a years worth of training done almost, and the 2nd year conscripts are still in and have done nearly 2 years.
coalcracker
Veteran Member
USAFE Watchful, But Operating Normally, as Tensions Build Between Russia, Ukraine
Dec. 13, 2021 | By John A. Tirpak
U.S. Air Forces in Europe hasn’t changed the way it operates even though Russia is massing forces on the Ukraine border, but U.S. and NATO allies are keeping a close watch on the tensions, USAFE commander Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian said Dec. 13.
Speaking at an AFA Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies virtual event, Harrigian said the NATO air arms are “working closely together to understand” what Russia’s activities, in all domains, are in order to have a “shared understanding” of what’s going on.
“We’re largely focused on … how we ensure our team is ready, our posture is where it needs to be, and we’re working that in cooperation” with allies and regional partners, Harrigian said, indicating no change in the posture of USAFE in light of Russia’s movements. If partners spot a change in Russian activities or status, they will alert the U.S., he said, and “we [will] all have a better understanding of what options would be available to us.”
He said his “Job 1” is to “offer my best military advice to General [Tod D.] Wolters, [Supreme Allied Commander, NATO], and … up through the Secretary” of Defense.
“Our focus internally is we’ve got to make sure we’re ready. And that readiness piece is across not just the airplanes but the people,” Harrigian said.
“We all want diplomacy to work,” but “as we work through the options we’re going to present, it’s going to all be about avoiding miscalculation” and anything that “takes decision space away from our superiors.”
He’s also communicating to the Airmen of USAFE the seriousness of the Ukraine tensions and emphasizing that Airmen remain resilient.
Harrigian said USAFE and Ukraine have not conducted any joint air exercises in the last couple of years and that non-flying joint drills have been about “force development activities” on which he did not elaborate.
Retired Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, talks with U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa boss Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian during a Dec. 13 Mitchell event.
The October 2018 Clear Sky Exercise was the last joint air drill between the two countries. It paired U.S. Air National Guard and Lakenheath, U.K.-based F-15s with Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrums, Su-27 Flankers, and Su-24 Fencers to “increase the level of interoperability” between the air arms, according to a USAFE release. U.S. C-130s and KC-135 tankers participated as well.
Harrigian has had conversations with the Ukrainian air chief, but not recently. “There’s a relationship there. We expect that to continue,” he added.
Relative to operating in proximity to Russia, Harrigian said, “We have, over the last 18 months, continued to execute operations in international waters,” and “that has not changed at this point.” USAFE has exercised with the U.S. Navy and partner navies in the Baltic and Black Seas, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures “and the way we do business,” he said. This practice will ensure an up-to-date shared understanding of TTPs in the event of a crisis, Harrigian added.
He said Bomber Task Forces dispatched to Europe by Air Force Global Strike Command have been a great success delivering the message that the U.S. is able to rapidly deploy heavy airpower to the continent. Harrigian said allies and partners are lining up to participate in future such deployments, either running intercepts or escorting American bombers.
The 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a six-week bomber task force mission Nov. 15 across the North Sea, Baltics, and Black Sea region, integrating coalition capabilities and practicing agile combat employment. The next such deployment will happen soon, Harrigian said. The deployments are also essential in familiarizing bomber pilots with operating in Europe so that if they need to conduct a real-world contingency, “it won’t be the first time” they’ve flown in the region.
USAFE Watchful, But Operating Normally, as Tensions Build Between Russia, Ukraine | Air & Space Forces Magazine
The Air Force in Europe hasn’t changed how it operates despite tensions involving Russian troops massing on the border with Ukraine.
Worst acronym ever:
USAFE = United States Air Force Europe
Seriously? Which sophomore came up with that one? You safe, huh?
How about UBET instead? = Under Biden Expect Trouble? You bet.
I think it is down to a year or 18 months
Marthanoir
TB Fanatic
Thanks
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Not sure if this belongs here, but am thinking shutting down Nordstream 2 is a big part of this build up, since the nat. gas flows through Ukraine, which receives huge benefits/payments for the pipelines going through their country.
Cut off Nordstream 2 which goes through the Baltic Sea, and Russia cuts off the pipelines going through Ukraine. It's just a guess on my part, but am thinking DOT.
If y'all don't think it belongs here someone PM me and I'll start a thread on it's own. Thanks
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2
European gas futures surged to a record high on Tuesday after Germany blocked Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline from launch because it did not comply with European law.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said all three parties that make up the new government (Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats) agreed that the newly constructed Nord Stream 2 pipeline failed to meet European energy law requirements.
And it's very specific to Europe as the arbitrage to US natgas has never been wider...
While 'record high' is enough of a problem, for context, this is equivalent to a $232 price for a barrel of crude oil... strongly suggesting the pressure to switch must be building (and with it demand for crude, which could skupper Biden's cunning plan to lower US gasoline prices)...
Over the last month, a series of setbacks for the new Russian pipeline have been seen. German energy regulators suspended Nord Stream 2's certification process, and the US has also sanctioned companies affiliated with the pipeline's construction.
Baerbock also said geopolitical uncertainties in Ukraine were "also a factor" as Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border. "The last government discussed with the Americans that if there are further escalations, this pipeline can't come online," she added.
Baerbock's comments show Germany's new government aligns with Western imperialism, led by the US, is hellbent to keep Ukraine's gas transit running. Not allowing the new pipeline to open additional supplies to Europe amid a severe crunch in natgas stockpiles has sent electricity prices soaring.
Germany is shooting itself and the rest of Europe in the foot by not allowing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to open because they support Ukraine. With a series of cold spells hitting Europe and no signs of the energy crunch abating anytime soon -- it's only a matter of time before people become infuriated with politicians.
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2 | ZeroHedge
Cut off Nordstream 2 which goes through the Baltic Sea, and Russia cuts off the pipelines going through Ukraine. It's just a guess on my part, but am thinking DOT.
If y'all don't think it belongs here someone PM me and I'll start a thread on it's own. Thanks
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2
European gas futures surged to a record high on Tuesday after Germany blocked Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline from launch because it did not comply with European law.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said all three parties that make up the new government (Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats) agreed that the newly constructed Nord Stream 2 pipeline failed to meet European energy law requirements.
Berlin's block of Nord Stream 2 sent European natgas prices to the highest levels ever. Dutch month-ahead gas, the European benchmark, jumped more than 3% to 119.50 euros, surpassing the Oct. 5 high of 117.90 euros.
And it's very specific to Europe as the arbitrage to US natgas has never been wider...
While 'record high' is enough of a problem, for context, this is equivalent to a $232 price for a barrel of crude oil... strongly suggesting the pressure to switch must be building (and with it demand for crude, which could skupper Biden's cunning plan to lower US gasoline prices)...
Over the last month, a series of setbacks for the new Russian pipeline have been seen. German energy regulators suspended Nord Stream 2's certification process, and the US has also sanctioned companies affiliated with the pipeline's construction.
Baerbock also said geopolitical uncertainties in Ukraine were "also a factor" as Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border. "The last government discussed with the Americans that if there are further escalations, this pipeline can't come online," she added.
Baerbock's comments show Germany's new government aligns with Western imperialism, led by the US, is hellbent to keep Ukraine's gas transit running. Not allowing the new pipeline to open additional supplies to Europe amid a severe crunch in natgas stockpiles has sent electricity prices soaring.
Germany is shooting itself and the rest of Europe in the foot by not allowing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to open because they support Ukraine. With a series of cold spells hitting Europe and no signs of the energy crunch abating anytime soon -- it's only a matter of time before people become infuriated with politicians.
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2 | ZeroHedge
Imrik
Veteran Member
Not a speed bump. A trip wire. That would bring all of Europe into it.
Seeker22
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Not sure if this belongs here, but am thinking shutting down Nordstream 2 is a big part of this build up, since the nat. gas flows through Ukraine, which receives huge benefits/payments for the pipelines going through their country.
Cut off Nordstream 2 which goes through the Baltic Sea, and Russia cuts off the pipelines going through Ukraine. It's just a guess on my part, but am thinking DOT.
If y'all don't think it belongs here someone PM me and I'll start a thread on it's own. Thanks
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2
European gas futures surged to a record high on Tuesday after Germany blocked Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline from launch because it did not comply with European law.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said all three parties that make up the new government (Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats) agreed that the newly constructed Nord Stream 2 pipeline failed to meet European energy law requirements.
Berlin's block of Nord Stream 2 sent European natgas prices to the highest levels ever. Dutch month-ahead gas, the European benchmark, jumped more than 3% to 119.50 euros, surpassing the Oct. 5 high of 117.90 euros.
And it's very specific to Europe as the arbitrage to US natgas has never been wider...
While 'record high' is enough of a problem, for context, this is equivalent to a $232 price for a barrel of crude oil... strongly suggesting the pressure to switch must be building (and with it demand for crude, which could skupper Biden's cunning plan to lower US gasoline prices)...
Over the last month, a series of setbacks for the new Russian pipeline have been seen. German energy regulators suspended Nord Stream 2's certification process, and the US has also sanctioned companies affiliated with the pipeline's construction.
Baerbock also said geopolitical uncertainties in Ukraine were "also a factor" as Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border. "The last government discussed with the Americans that if there are further escalations, this pipeline can't come online," she added.
Baerbock's comments show Germany's new government aligns with Western imperialism, led by the US, is hellbent to keep Ukraine's gas transit running. Not allowing the new pipeline to open additional supplies to Europe amid a severe crunch in natgas stockpiles has sent electricity prices soaring.
Germany is shooting itself and the rest of Europe in the foot by not allowing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to open because they support Ukraine. With a series of cold spells hitting Europe and no signs of the energy crunch abating anytime soon -- it's only a matter of time before people become infuriated with politicians.
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2 | ZeroHedge
All of war is strategy and tactics. This was a strategic move and should remain here.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Ukraine allows foreign forces to join planned 2022 military drills
Reuters
1/5
Service members of the Ukrainian armed forces drive tanks towards a pontoon bridge before crossing the Aidar River during military drills near Novoaidar in the Luhansk region, Ukraine, December 14, 2021. REUTERS/Oleksandr Klymenko
KYIV, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament approved on Tuesday a draft law that allows foreign troops to take part in military exercises on the territory of the former Soviet republic in 2022, a move likely to infuriate Russia.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/UEORM4EQCBODRB3FIJACDR2O4A.jpg)
www.reuters.com
Reuters
1/5
Service members of the Ukrainian armed forces drive tanks towards a pontoon bridge before crossing the Aidar River during military drills near Novoaidar in the Luhansk region, Ukraine, December 14, 2021. REUTERS/Oleksandr Klymenko
KYIV, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament approved on Tuesday a draft law that allows foreign troops to take part in military exercises on the territory of the former Soviet republic in 2022, a move likely to infuriate Russia.
Ukraine allows foreign forces to join planned 2022 military drills
Ukraine's parliament approved on Tuesday a draft law that allows foreign troops to take part in military exercises on the territory of the former Soviet republic in 2022, a move likely to infuriate Russia.
www.reuters.com
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3 Retweeted
Liveuamap
@Liveuamap
·
3h
Russian State Duma passed a 2nd reading of a law granting authorities right to issue mandatory evacuation order for population in the areas of emergency situation https://russia.liveuamap.com/en/2021/14-december-russian-state-duma-passed-a-2nd-reading-of-a… #Russia
Liveuamap
@Liveuamap
·
3h
Russian State Duma passed a 2nd reading of a law granting authorities right to issue mandatory evacuation order for population in the areas of emergency situation https://russia.liveuamap.com/en/2021/14-december-russian-state-duma-passed-a-2nd-reading-of-a… #Russia
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Artyom Lukin
@ArtyomLukin
Announcing tomorrow's virtual summit of Putin and Xi, Kremlin's spokesman says the "very tense" security situation in Europe "certainly requires discussion between allies, Moscow and Beijing." His choice of the word "allies" is hardly accidental. /1
@ArtyomLukin
Announcing tomorrow's virtual summit of Putin and Xi, Kremlin's spokesman says the "very tense" security situation in Europe "certainly requires discussion between allies, Moscow and Beijing." His choice of the word "allies" is hardly accidental. /1
danielboon
TB Fanatic
@theragex
Compare WWII Axis/Allies to how you would think Nations would be allied today. US/Europe/West on one side. China/Russia certainly will be Allies on the other side. Everything going on right now is positioning for WWIII. Israel/Iran China/Taiwan Russia/Ukraine Think about it
6:57 AM · Dec 14, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
Compare WWII Axis/Allies to how you would think Nations would be allied today. US/Europe/West on one side. China/Russia certainly will be Allies on the other side. Everything going on right now is positioning for WWIII. Israel/Iran China/Taiwan Russia/Ukraine Think about it
6:57 AM · Dec 14, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
Grumphau
Veteran Member
Russia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, North Korea, Iran versus
US, Canada, UK, Germany, Poland, France, Rest of NATO, Ukraine, Australia, Japan, Phillipines, Taiwan, South Korea, India and maybe Israel and Vietnam.
Major theaters would be Europe (Eastern Europe and Baltics), Pacific and South Asia.
Fun times...
Good analysis, vis-a-vis probable adversaries and their allies.
The drumbeats of wars grow ever louder, and the brass section appears to be coming more strident. War IS inevitable. Baring something “cosmic” happening, the end of civilization, if not the world, seems to be a foregone conclusion.
Can one prepare to survive, and possibly be successful? That seems to be the question du jour. Secondly, would it be “worth it?” Back in the early Sixties, I spoke with a nuclear engineer, dad to one of my school chums, who said the consensus amongst his colleagues was, “those who survive a nuclear war, may well envy the dead.” For us, pre-teens, this was lots to think about. We’d all seen the recent (1959) movie, “On the Beach,” starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, and an all star cast. Most of us were Navy Juniors and Army Brats. We’d all talked with our Dads, and in some cases Moms, so we knew where the science was “off.” Anything to sell movie tickets, and people for some strange reason, have always wanted to get scared. The bullshit of “duck and cover” was something to laugh at, and infuriate the school teachers and administrators. They said we didn’t take things seriously enough. Their attempt at guilt trips was entirely wasted. Anyway, we, humanity, have long had the way to end society or civilization, as we know it. Thanks to the Communist Chinese, we have another, time “honored” way to end both. Can society and civilization be done away with? Yes. Could humanity be extinguished? Yes. Could some humans still survive, when the vast majority cease breathing? Yes- but the questions that need to be answered are: How long, and would the survivors be viable for eventually establishing a society, thence, a civilization? Who knows? But if you did survive, those are the things your progeny should strive to accomplish…
OA
Last edited:
northern watch
TB Fanatic
You forgot Serbia on the Russian side
Last edited:
Zagdid
Veteran Member
Enjoying windfall profits from the crazy price of gas, Russia is in no hurry to start it up.Not sure if this belongs here, but am thinking shutting down Nordstream 2 is a big part of this build up, since the nat. gas flows through Ukraine, which receives huge benefits/payments for the pipelines going through their country.
Cut off Nordstream 2 which goes through the Baltic Sea, and Russia cuts off the pipelines going through Ukraine. It's just a guess on my part, but am thinking DOT.
If y'all don't think it belongs here someone PM me and I'll start a thread on it's own. Thanks
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2
European gas futures surged to a record high on Tuesday after Germany blocked Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline from launch because it did not comply with European law.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said all three parties that make up the new government (Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats) agreed that the newly constructed Nord Stream 2 pipeline failed to meet European energy law requirements.
Berlin's block of Nord Stream 2 sent European natgas prices to the highest levels ever. Dutch month-ahead gas, the European benchmark, jumped more than 3% to 119.50 euros, surpassing the Oct. 5 high of 117.90 euros.
And it's very specific to Europe as the arbitrage to US natgas has never been wider...
While 'record high' is enough of a problem, for context, this is equivalent to a $232 price for a barrel of crude oil... strongly suggesting the pressure to switch must be building (and with it demand for crude, which could skupper Biden's cunning plan to lower US gasoline prices)...
Over the last month, a series of setbacks for the new Russian pipeline have been seen. German energy regulators suspended Nord Stream 2's certification process, and the US has also sanctioned companies affiliated with the pipeline's construction.
Baerbock also said geopolitical uncertainties in Ukraine were "also a factor" as Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border. "The last government discussed with the Americans that if there are further escalations, this pipeline can't come online," she added.
Baerbock's comments show Germany's new government aligns with Western imperialism, led by the US, is hellbent to keep Ukraine's gas transit running. Not allowing the new pipeline to open additional supplies to Europe amid a severe crunch in natgas stockpiles has sent electricity prices soaring.
Germany is shooting itself and the rest of Europe in the foot by not allowing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to open because they support Ukraine. With a series of cold spells hitting Europe and no signs of the energy crunch abating anytime soon -- it's only a matter of time before people become infuriated with politicians.
European Gas Prices Hit Record High As Germany Blocks Nord Stream 2 | ZeroHedge
Grumphau
Veteran Member
Serbia, I believe, may be sympathetic to Russia, it would be unwise for them to join the party initially. They are totally surrounded by NATO, so I think they would wait until the Russians made some progress moving west and are able to link up geographically.
Zagdid
Veteran Member
They just connected to the southern Russian gas pipeline, turkstream. Got the friends and family discount as well.
Vegas321
Live free and survive
Also forgot US soil. We will not be immune...
naegling62
Veteran Member
Doomer Doug
TB Fanatic
Well for what it is worth, he who shall not be named, has a link to he who shall not be quoted, indicating that Putin has given NATO, EU and biden a HARD LIMIT, as in an ULTIMATUM, related to when written guarantees MUST BE GIVEN to Russia or the "military option," comes into play.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm dreaming of a radioactive Christmas, just like the ones I never thought I would know.
Oh, yeah, China just gave a speech calling on the UN to investigate the USA for WAR CRIMES related to the murder of civilians etc.
I know things are getting strange when China, who kidnaps Falan Gong and then slices and dices them to sell the body parts, and enslaves the Muslims, calls the US a war criminal and asks the UN to indict us like the SS Holocaust crowd.
Projection, may just very well work too.
I never expected so much treason, or so much hatred, and I certainly never expected biden to essentially DESTROY THE USA in less than one year. It is hot time. Xi and Putin are like sharks smelling blood in the water.
I went into the Target today. They don't have ANY Christmas stuff: no cards, no music, but they did have Call of Duty PC game and plastic trees. We are so screwed. They didn't even have any EGGNOG for God's sake.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm dreaming of a radioactive Christmas, just like the ones I never thought I would know.
Oh, yeah, China just gave a speech calling on the UN to investigate the USA for WAR CRIMES related to the murder of civilians etc.
I know things are getting strange when China, who kidnaps Falan Gong and then slices and dices them to sell the body parts, and enslaves the Muslims, calls the US a war criminal and asks the UN to indict us like the SS Holocaust crowd.
Projection, may just very well work too.
I never expected so much treason, or so much hatred, and I certainly never expected biden to essentially DESTROY THE USA in less than one year. It is hot time. Xi and Putin are like sharks smelling blood in the water.
I went into the Target today. They don't have ANY Christmas stuff: no cards, no music, but they did have Call of Duty PC game and plastic trees. We are so screwed. They didn't even have any EGGNOG for God's sake.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Marthanoir
TB Fanatic
Poke, poke poke
Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia press for EU membership at summit.
www.breakingnews.ie
Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia press for EU membership at summit.
Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia press for EU membership at summit | BreakingNews.ie
The one-day 'Eastern Partnership' summit also highlights the limited success of the EU's approach to the six ex-Soviet republics it embraces.
www.breakingnews.ie
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3 Retweeted
MFA Russia
@mfa_russia
·
20m
Russia government organization
#Zakharova: The situation in #Ukraine is alarming, considering the country’s militarisation, human rights violations & the conflict in Donbass. We urge the West and international organisations to open their eyes to this & to convince Kiev to implement the #MinskAgreements.
MFA Russia
@mfa_russia
·
20m
Russia government organization
#Zakharova: The situation in #Ukraine is alarming, considering the country’s militarisation, human rights violations & the conflict in Donbass. We urge the West and international organisations to open their eyes to this & to convince Kiev to implement the #MinskAgreements.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
The Intel Crab Retweeted
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet
@USNavyEurope
·
8h
BREAKING: Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) began its scheduled southbound transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea after conducting maritime operations alongside
@NATO
allies and partners, Dec. 15, 2021
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet
@USNavyEurope
·
8h
BREAKING: Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) began its scheduled southbound transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea after conducting maritime operations alongside
@NATO
allies and partners, Dec. 15, 2021
jward
passin' thru
Russia hands proposals to U.S. on security guarantees, Kremlin says
December 15, 20216:41 AM CST
Last Updated 4 hours ago
3-4 minutes
A grenade launcher operator of the Russian armed forces takes part in combat drills at the Kadamovsky range in the Rostov region, Russia December 14, 2021. REUTERS/Sergey Pivovarov
MOSCOW, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Russia handed the United States concrete proposals for binding security guarantees that it wants from the West during a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried in Moscow on Wednesday, the Kremlin said.
The U.S. diplomat flew in for talks at a time of soaring East-West tensions over a build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine. Western countries have warned Russia may be poised to launch a new attack on Ukraine, something Moscow has denied.
Russia wants the United States and NATO to guarantee that the Western military alliance will not expand further eastwards or deploy certain weapons systems in Ukraine and other countries that border Russia.
"American representatives were literally today handed concrete proposals in our Foreign Ministry that are aimed at developing legal security guarantees for Russia," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.
"We are ready to start negotiations on this crucial issue immediately," Ushakov said after a video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in which he said Xi had voiced backing for Russia's position.
Donfried met Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov for talks in the ministry earlier on Wednesday and was expected later to meet Dmitry Koazk, Putin's point person on Ukraine.
The Kremlin says NATO's expansion threatens Russia and runs counter to assurances given to it as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. NATO says its activities are defensive in nature and designed to deter new Russia aggression, while Washington has repeatedly said that no country can veto Ukraine's NATO hopes.
Donfried travelled to Moscow after holding talks with top Ukrainian officials to offer support in the face of the Russian troop build-up. read more
Ukraine, long at odds with neighbouring Russia, has stepped up military cooperation with NATO, and the Group of Seven warned Russia last week it would face massive consequences and severe costs if it attacked Ukraine. read more
Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and has supported pro-Russian separatists who seized a swathe of eastern Ukraine that same year.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/TESQLUWWRZPRDDNFNYSRI7PRJA.jpg)
www.reuters.com
December 15, 20216:41 AM CST
Last Updated 4 hours ago
3-4 minutes
A grenade launcher operator of the Russian armed forces takes part in combat drills at the Kadamovsky range in the Rostov region, Russia December 14, 2021. REUTERS/Sergey Pivovarov
MOSCOW, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Russia handed the United States concrete proposals for binding security guarantees that it wants from the West during a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried in Moscow on Wednesday, the Kremlin said.
The U.S. diplomat flew in for talks at a time of soaring East-West tensions over a build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine. Western countries have warned Russia may be poised to launch a new attack on Ukraine, something Moscow has denied.
Russia wants the United States and NATO to guarantee that the Western military alliance will not expand further eastwards or deploy certain weapons systems in Ukraine and other countries that border Russia.
"American representatives were literally today handed concrete proposals in our Foreign Ministry that are aimed at developing legal security guarantees for Russia," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.
"We are ready to start negotiations on this crucial issue immediately," Ushakov said after a video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in which he said Xi had voiced backing for Russia's position.
Donfried met Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov for talks in the ministry earlier on Wednesday and was expected later to meet Dmitry Koazk, Putin's point person on Ukraine.
The Kremlin says NATO's expansion threatens Russia and runs counter to assurances given to it as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. NATO says its activities are defensive in nature and designed to deter new Russia aggression, while Washington has repeatedly said that no country can veto Ukraine's NATO hopes.
Donfried travelled to Moscow after holding talks with top Ukrainian officials to offer support in the face of the Russian troop build-up. read more
Ukraine, long at odds with neighbouring Russia, has stepped up military cooperation with NATO, and the Group of Seven warned Russia last week it would face massive consequences and severe costs if it attacked Ukraine. read more
Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and has supported pro-Russian separatists who seized a swathe of eastern Ukraine that same year.
U.S. to share Moscow's security proposals with allies amid standoff
The United States said it would share Russia's proposals for European security with its allies and partners after Moscow handed them over at talks with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried in the Russian capital on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
danielboon
TB Fanatic
EndGameWW3
@EndGameWW3
·
58m
Update: A Russian Il-96-300PU flew near the Ukrainian border. The Russian Il-96-300PU aircraft, which is used to control the armed forces in the event of a nuclear conflict or to control large units, unexpectedly appeared at the borders of Ukraine this afternoon.
@EndGameWW3
·
58m
Update: A Russian Il-96-300PU flew near the Ukrainian border. The Russian Il-96-300PU aircraft, which is used to control the armed forces in the event of a nuclear conflict or to control large units, unexpectedly appeared at the borders of Ukraine this afternoon.
jward
passin' thru
Insider Paper
@TheInsiderPaper
1m
JUST IN Russian Politician Calls for Kidnapping of U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego on Live TV - Daily Beast
danielboon
TB Fanatic
great
Insider Paper
@TheInsiderPaper
1m
JUST IN Russian Politician Calls for Kidnapping of U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego on Live TV - Daily Beast
