More Bad News for Russia

[AC]

How about Iraq and Iran? You are not sick of it?

Do you mean Iraq and Syria?  No I am not sick of it, in fact the sooner we kill more of ISIS the happier I am; as is the rest of the sane world.

[AC]

Pretty sure they were on their knees when the Mongols invaded and conquered them in the 13th century.
Probably on their knees as well when they were forced to sign that humiliating peace treaty to end the war with Germany in 1917.

Russia was also on their knees in 1942-1943.  In fact Stalin offered a negotiated settlement to Hitler which would have ceded borders back to what they were in 1914 but Hitler foolishly refused.  Russia is on the brink of serious recession and it's only going to get worse.  1998?  On their knees. 

[sleepycat]

Knee pads and wheelbarrows to carry Roubles would be popular Christmas presents over there this year...

[AC]

Knee pads and wheelbarrows to carry Roubles would be popular Christmas presents over there this year...

 

[AC]

You really can't make this stuff up! 

Russia Wants Bulgarians to Stop Vandalizing Soviet Monuments To Look Like American Superheroes

The Moscow Times is reporting that Bulgarian pranksters are repainting Soviet-era monuments so that the Soviet military heroes depicted are recast as American Superheroes (h/t to trans-atlantyk posting at reddit’s /r/worldnews):


Russia is demanding that Bulgaria try harder to prevent vandalism of Soviet monuments, after yet another monument to Soviet troops in Sofia was spray-painted, ITAR-Tass reported.

The Russian Embassy in Bulgaria has issued a note demanding that its former Soviet-era ally clean up the monument in Sofia’s Lozenets district, identify and punish those responsible, and take “exhaustive measures” to prevent similar attacks in the future, the news agency reported Monday.

The monument was sprayed with red paint on the eve of the Bulgarian Socialist Party’s celebration of its 123rd anniversary, the Sofia-based Novinite news agency reported.

The vandalism was the latest in a series of similar recent incidents in Bulgaria — each drawing angry criticism from Moscow…
- See more at: http://disinfo.com/2014/08/russia-wants-bulgarians-stop-vandalizing-soviet-monuments-look-like-american-superheroes/#sthash.31hQs5bW.j2x91a1Y.dpuf

It just keeps getting better and better.  As much as the Russians hate America, this must really infuriate the poor bastards.   

[AkMike]

It's getting much better!

50/1 will seem like a very good deal in a couple of months!
80/1 or 90/1 will be the go to numbers.

Putler is ruining Russia very quickly. Time for another Maidan but in Moscow!

[AC]

It's getting much better!

50/1 will seem like a very good deal in a couple of months!
80/1 or 90/1 will be the go to numbers.

Putler is ruining Russia very quickly. Time for another Maidan but in Moscow!

I'm sure you already know it Mike, but that was part of his rationale for invading Ukraine.  Because as Ukraine gets closer to the EU, he was deathly afraid that Russians would also rise up and demand to have a better country modeled more closer to the European model. 

[AnonMod]

The next time I am forced to remove posts, the thread will be closed and warnings issued.

[JayH]

This attack is believed to have been bt Russian Special Forces-- they suffered significant losses.
The report--
The enemy again tried to attack the military airport in Donetsk. Reuters Militants again suffered losses in the unsuccessful assault airport During the last days militants in Donbas 41 times with artillery, mortars and multiple rocket launchers tried to attack the forces ATO position in Lugansk, Donetsk and Mariupol Debal'tsevo and directions. This was as of Monday morning, December 1, reports the press center ATO on his page on Facebook. Read more: Near the Donetsk airport is the third time leader wounded fighters "Motorola" - media In particular, according to security officials, volleys of artillery and mortar rounds were heard in the vicinity of settlements Sokolniki, Kryakivka, Crimea, Artem Nyzhnoteple, villages Lugansk, Makarov, Trohizbenka, Happiness, Heyivka, Sands, Donetsk, Avdiyivka, thin, questionnaire, Bohdanivka, Nikishin, Maloorlovka, Debal'tsevo, Novolaspa, Mykolaivka, Pavlopil. In addition, the militants continue to attack Donetsk airport. "For the assault involved a fight Russian detachment of special purpose. Our guys again repulsed the enemy attack. The attackers retreated, taking heavy losses," - stressed the headquarters of ATO.   
Більше читайте тут: http://tsn.ua/ukrayina/rosiyski-specpriznachenci-zaznali-velikih-vtrat-pid-chas-nevdalogo-shturmu-kiborgiv-394723.html

[JayH]

Putin Russians losing confidence
Більше читайте тут: http://tsn.ua/svit/u-rosiyi-raptovo-vpav-reyting-putina-394759.html

The Russian leader for a month lost six points trust of citizens. Reuters Putin Russians losing confidence In electoral President Vladimir Putin's rating dropped 6 points - from 88% to 82%. Overall, the number of those willing to presidential election to vote for Putin declined again from the beginning of hostilities in eastern Ukraine. Last fall was recorded in September. See also: Putin wants Ukraine, Russia and the world promuchylysya with him for 10 years - Nemtsov If the presidential election were held next to the RF survey day Sunday, Putin would have voted for 53%, according to the "Levada Center". Among those who have already decided on the choice, prefer the current leader of the Russian Federation expressed 82%. Earlier in October, Putin's electoral rating reached a record high of 88%, the previous peak was reached in August (87%), says RBC .  Deputy Director "Levada Center" Alexei Grazhdankin says that the October increase Putin's rating has been linked to the achievement of formal truce in the Donbas. The survey was conducted November 21-24 among 1,600 people in 134 locations. The statistical error does not exceed 3.4%.
Більше читайте тут: http://tsn.ua/svit/u-rosiyi-raptovo-vpav-reyting-putina-394759.html

[JayH]

And more==  some time ago I quoted a figure of 10.000 plus( in response to a forum question)-- piece by piece  information is being confirmed.The figure below on injured would be very conservative--certainly all the hospitals close are full-- and troops were being sent to Saint Petersburg -- I cant see Putin cabable of continueing to sell this to the Russian people for too much longer--the truth has a way of appearing--even to those to thick to interpret!!--Report below--
Score dead Russian soldiers allegedly goes to thousands. Reuters Russia has suffered serious losses during the war in the East "Cyborg" with the call sign "Marshal" , which along with other security forces heroically defends Donetsk airport from enemy forces, described the frantic loss of the Russian army in battles in eastern Ukraine. On his page "Marshall" posted a link to the blog of Oleg Yarchuk , in which he is counting losses of Russian soldiers during the fighting on the territory of Ukraine. The blogger, in particular, wrote about 4672 dead Russian soldiers and 970 wounded. Missing as of December 2, 2014 2560 alleged Russian soldiers.  See also: "Soldiers' Mothers of Russia" showed the mysterious death notification soldier killed in Ukraine "I advise you to read, which is the loss of on the planet! One hundred percent not tell, but judging from the information I know about the attacks on our" adversary "for the war on all fronts, which are not discussed in the news. The colossal loss in them, and that's a fact. I am proud that I am a fighter Ukraine! dill! "- wrote" Cyborg "on his page in the social network Facebook. 
Більше читайте тут: http://tsn.ua/politika/kiborg-marshal-rozpoviv-pro-kolosalni-vtrati-rosiyskoyi-armiyi-na-donbasi-395026.html

[sleepycat]

It appears bad news comes in threes...

Even the regime is forced to admit the likelihood of a recession next year.
http://news.yahoo.com/russia-warns-recession-next-102222822--finance.html

Rouble collapsed to almost 53 to a dollar.
http://news.yahoo.com/russian-ruble-takes-nosedive-low-oil-prices-080027202--finance.html

South Stream pipeline now scrapped.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gazprom-ceo-says-south-stream-183525486.html

Can the midget president cock things up anymore than what he already has?

[Misha]

Putin signed a very telling law, one that specifies that the salaries of civil servants would not be indexed to inflation in 2015. This seems to be and indirect way to deal with the possibility of major budget shortfalls: devalue the currency so you effectively make major cuts to the expenses without having to directly cut salaries or eliminate civil servants (that would include your always growing police force...).


Prices are going up. My sister-in-law was mentioning that grechka went up from 40-or-roubles per kilogram to 70+ roubles...

[jone]

Gator,

You watch the oil industry?  Any predictions for a $60 / per barrel market (or lower)?  If so, that should create some very interesting economic situations - an opportunity to make some real money.

[calmissile]

Gator,

You watch the oil industry?  Any predictions for a $60 / per barrel market (or lower)?  If so, that should create some very interesting economic situations - an opportunity to make some real money.

I assume you mean only on the rebound?  If and when.

[JayH]

More in reference to post above--#735
fwiw-- in any translaation the numbers are clear enough!!
Biryukov: up to 27 Russian SOF & 25-30 militants were killed yesterday in Donetsk airport

Юрий Бирюков
Yesterday at 06:13 ·
Оперативная по Донецкому аэропорту, 20:56 понедельника: в общем, слухи про некий спецназ из России - не слухи. Прибыло несколько десятков каких-то специфических "космонавтов", которые повели массу организмов на штурм.
В общем, если потом россияне будут говорить о нас, как о негостеприимной нации - не удивляйтесь. По данным перехвата СепарРадио - 27 спецназовцев отправились сегодня утром домой, в уютных гробиках. Порядка 25-30 местных организмов тоже закончили свой жизненный путь. Ранены 2 полевых командира - если про эту шваль можно так говорить.
Стоит ли лезть на нашу землю? Нет не стоит, это опасно. Мы гостеприимная нация, но только к друзьям.
Инфо рекомендуется к расшариванию - пусть побольше ваты будет предупреждено о тщетности потуг. Донецкий аэропорт под контролем ВСУ.
Operating in Donetsk airport, 20:56 Monday: in General, the rumors some special forces from Russia, not rumors. Several dozen have any specific "astronauts" who led the mass of organisms in an assault.

In General, if the Russians will then speak about us as about the inhospitable nation-don't be surprised. According to catch SeparRadio-27 special forces went home this morning, the cosy grobikah. Approximately 25-30 local organisms also finished their life path. Field commander-2 injured when about this called so to speak.

Is it worth to go to our land? It's not worth it, it's dangerous. We are a welcoming nation, but only to friends.

Info is sharing their-let more cotton will be informed about the futility of powers. Donetsk airport under the control of the SUPREME COURT.Translated by Bing

[lordtiberius]

closed $ 66.80
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102229304#.

$ 50 a barrel possible

$ 40 possible
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/energy/can-oil-prices-drop-40-barrel-some-say-its-possible-n258946

[JayH]

Donetsk guerrillas continue underground struggle with the Russian-terrorist invaders. VIDEO
Donetsk guerrillas continue underground struggle with the Russian-terrorist invaders. Partizan from Donetsk with the nickname Johan Karlsen has published a progress report on the achievements of Donetsk underground in the fight against pro-Russian gangs occupied the city. "Lord bandits and Russian terrorists. You were warned that night - it is dangerous for your Health? warned. Meanwhile, the guerrilla movement continues to drive it kicks Brownian motion, "- said the report. Horlovks # # Yasinovataya Night continues to take the lives of local bandits, standing alone at checkpoints. Picks up only with a knife in the neck. # MAKEEVKA In the neighborhood green garnet was destroyed by terrorists minibus, which was carrying ammunition. Stupid terrorists, this is clearly not waiting for a long time because shastali throughout the area and were very evil (video - below) # Debaltseve . Well-planned ambush actions and proper planning, making heavy and unsightly life of Russians is much darker. Panic - a great thing, especially if the opponent is well-read in zaparke fun to shoot each other. Under the guise of deprived 2 APCs. Unfortunately, in itself Debaltseve as locality, had ceased to exist. Russian terrorists to the ground destroyed all the buildings. # Partizan http://sprotyv.info/ru/news/9086-doneckie-partizany-p ..
http://sprotyv.info/ru/news/9086-doneckie-partizany-prodolzhayut-podpolnuyu-borbu-s-rossiysko-terroristicheskimi

Partizan from Donetsk with the nickname  Johan Karlsen  posted on Facebook the next report on the achievements of Donetsk underground in the fight against the occupied city of pro-Russian gangs.

"Lord bandits and Russian terrorists. You were warned that night - it is dangerous to your health? Warned. Meanwhile, the guerrilla movement continues to drive it kicks Brownian motion," - said the report.

Horlovks #  # Yasinovataya
Night continues to take the lives of local bandits, standing alone at checkpoints. Picks up only with a knife in the neck.

# MAKEEVKA
In the neighborhood green garnet was destroyed by terrorists minibus, which was carrying ammunition. Stupid terrorists, this is clearly not waiting for a long time because shastali throughout the area and were very evil (video - below)

# Debaltseve .
Well-planned ambush actions and proper planning, making heavy and unsightly life of Russians is much darker. Panic - a great thing, especially if the opponent is well-read in zaparke fun to shoot each other. Under the guise of deprived 2 APCs. Unfortunately, in itself Debaltseve as locality, had ceased to exist. Russian terrorists to the ground destroyed all the buildings.



Published on 29 Nov 2014
As it became known, in Makeyevka, in the neighborhood of Green minibus killed by unknown gunmen. Details are unknown, or threw a grenade, or set on fire, but burned notably, and explosions carried ammunition to unroll the entire area.
Once the machine had burned down Brava militia DNR shakedown at the beginning of a real neighborhood, interrogated local residents and cordoned off the surrounding streets.
On the causes of fire talk is meaningless, in the realities of the occupied territories to know that either it will be extremely difficult, and whether the investigation of the incident? But, we can say with some confidence that the militants nix arranged after the fire was not casual, but because - someone apparently tried.

[Gator]

Gator,

You watch the oil industry? 

I watch the business news, so it would be impossible to miss the large downward move in oil prices.   

Any predictions for a $60 / per barrel market (or lower)?

As I explained here before, the price is a lesson from Natural Resource Economics 101.  Namely, if you own a valuable natural resource in limited supply, discourage competitive supplies from being developed.   

The Saudi goal is to curtail fracking.  Fracking has been successful in the US in reducing our need for imported oil.  Fracking was gaining much momentum,  and in 10 years or so we could be self-sufficient.  Europe is only in the beginning stages of implementing fracking and perhaps eventually could be another huge supply of new sources of oil. 

If OPEC had curtailed production to keep prices high, the fracking and conventional drilling would have continued and produced more supply.  That in turn would drive oil prices down, and in a few years the oil price would be as low as it is today, and OPEC then would have a smaller share of the market (and less revenue than today).

Fracking is expensive, and if the price of oil drops, fracking will not be fully implemented, and Saudi keeps it share of the market.   

How low can oil prices drop?  Fracking costs about $60 to produce a barrel of oil.  So the Saudis need to oversupply the market to get the prices to $50-55/bbl.   I doubt it would go lower than that.  Also, I do not expect dramatic increases for a long time.   

Although the $60/bbl price is hurting the Russian economy, Russia too will benefit over the long term as it is in the same boat as the Saudis.  Russians have the stamina to weather a storm, i. e. a recession.      Also, the conflict in eastern Ukraine surely has delayed fracking of the shale there.   IMO a drop in the price of oil is unwelcome yet will not deter Russia Putin.



 

If so, that should create some very interesting economic situations - an opportunity to make some real money.

I do not trade oil futures. I consider them a zero sum game, and people much smarter than me would eat my lunch.  I am not a day trader either  as I do not stay glued to my computer screen. 

Shorting is a possibility.  But most of the decline has taken place.  For example, SDRL (a $15 Billion company who drills in the North Sea) was $40 in the summer and is now $13.  Airlines OTOH have jumped, yet there may still be room upwards in the least hedged companies.  They are volatile, and not being a stock jockey I avoid them.

Good luck.  I hope you catch a wave. 

[AC]

Intervention by the Bank of Russia has no effect on falling Ruble:


http://online.wsj.com/articles/bank-of-russia-spent-700-million-dec-1-trying-to-ease-ruble-pressure-1417592893

[Misha]

And when it rains, it pours...


Sadly, there are reports that somewhere between 100 and 200 terrorists are now holed up in schools and daycare centres in Grozny. However, that hasn't dampened the mood of Putin's speech, which can be summed up thus: Americans are the source of all evil and we are a great power.

[sleepycat]

It seems even the hookers in Russia are forced to up their prices  due to the collapsing Rouble...

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30311546

[jone]

I watch the business news, so it would be impossible to miss the large downward move in oil prices.   


As I explained here before, the price is a lesson from Natural Resource Economics 101.  Namely, if you own a valuable natural resource in limited supply, discourage competitive supplies from being developed.   

The Saudi goal is to curtail fracking.  Fracking has been successful in the US in reducing our need for imported oil.  Fracking was gaining much momentum,  and in 10 years or so we could be self-sufficient.  Europe is only in the beginning stages of implementing fracking and perhaps eventually could be another huge supply of new sources of oil. 

If OPEC had curtailed production to keep prices high, the fracking and conventional drilling would have continued and produced more supply.  That in turn would drive oil prices down, and in a few years the oil price would be as low as it is today, and OPEC then would have a smaller share of the market (and less revenue than today).

Fracking is expensive, and if the price of oil drops, fracking will not be fully implemented, and Saudi keeps it share of the market.   

How low can oil prices drop?  Fracking costs about $60 to produce a barrel of oil.  So the Saudis need to oversupply the market to get the prices to $50-55/bbl.   I doubt it would go lower than that.  Also, I do not expect dramatic increases for a long time.   

Although the $60/bbl price is hurting the Russian economy, Russia too will benefit over the long term as it is in the same boat as the Saudis.  Russians have the stamina to weather a storm, i. e. a recession.      Also, the conflict in eastern Ukraine surely has delayed fracking of the shale there.   IMO a drop in the price of oil is unwelcome yet will not deter Russia Putin.



 


I do not trade oil futures. I consider them a zero sum game, and people much smarter than me would eat my lunch.  I am not a day trader either  as I do not stay glued to my computer screen. 

Shorting is a possibility.  But most of the decline has taken place.  For example, SDRL (a $15 Billion company who drills in the North Sea) was $40 in the summer and is now $13.  Airlines OTOH have jumped, yet there may still be room upwards in the least hedged companies.  They are volatile, and not being a stock jockey I avoid them.

Good luck.  I hope you catch a wave.

Thanks, Gator.

I am neither a day trader or someone who sells short.  But other opportunities present themselves.  My opinions on oil futures mirror your own.  I believe fracking will probably keep the prices down for the next three years, as more and more fields come online.  I also believe that Obama will veto the Keystone Pipeline (yielding some of the purple states to the Republicans in the next cycle).

Investments, for me, are specific investments, not industry investments.  More along the lines of small business activities.  My Russian investments centered around a single individual and his (proven) ability to produce.  A low price per barrel will result in some very sexy and similar (but non-Russian) offerings.

Thanks again, for your response.  I value your business acumen.

[AC]

It seems even the hookers in Russia are forced to up their prices  due to the collapsing Rouble...

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30311546

excerpt
Russian social media commentators are having a field day over the news, with some getting in digs at the authorities. "Putin - learn about the economy from the Murmansk prostitutes", tweets Andrei Negotov. Others, including Alexander Sitnikov on the NTV website, think the prostitutes should show some patriotism and "raise their rates for foreigners, in reply to sanctions".

[Photo Guy]

I don't like seeing the Russian economy weaken, because that hurts all of their citizens, except for the rich. All of the pain comes from Putin's dumb decision to fuel the war in the Donbas region of Ukraine. Fear and hatred do not help Ukrainians or Russians....  And I'm sick of Putin blaming the USA. Ukrainians are the ones who choose Poroshenko and movement towards the EU, democracy, etc.