Trip reporting

[LAman]

I decided to write what I see and hear on ground. I get tired of reading internet reports copy and pasted with some facts, some drama, some bias or third hand reporting:

Putin Lets Consumers Feel Pain as Russian Slump Deepens

Crushed by a 44 percent slump in the ruble in the past year as prices soar, retail sales are set for what Otkritie Capital predicts will be their biggest decline since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, when savings were wiped out and households endured food shortages and hyperinflation. That’s unnerved consumers like Svetlana Korotkova, who’s stockpiling cereals and canned goods to build up what she calls her “safety cushion,” a lesson she learned from perestroika-era deprivation in the 1980s.

“Government resources are very limited now, so I don’t expect strong help,” said Korotkova, a 42-year-old accountant who spoke as she browsed through a shopping mall in Tula, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Moscow.

Read the rest here,

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-16/putin-lets-russian-consumers-feel-the-pain-as-economy-succumbs

Well Mike after you left Ukraine, all prices of transportation doubled,as well as the hryvnia going to 26.40, the price for petrol has increased 5 hryvnia per liter.....my filling my friends mid size car tank with 500 hryvnia made a slight dent in gas the gauge ( little more than half tank).....and now papers are being sent to men enlisting in the military!!! A friend of my friend was sent papers on Monday, sad, he has 3 year old and wife doesn't work.....I wonder what they will do for income??
The good news...there is always some....my US dollar is gold. A friend cashed in on Sunday in a market just outside Kiev at 29.40. A few days ago while recharging my sim I was asked if I wanted to sell my dollars, never heard that before. Makes you wonder..... Like Mike said in another thread,  its rosy here...for me it is!!!

[LAman]

Just gathering some posts to put in one spot for viewing:

Jay, I understand your passion but when will you open your eyes? You only write here what you want to acknowledge..... and think everything positive, well its not. Ukraine has lost 200 square miles of land since  ceasefire....what in that do you not understand???

Let me let you in a little secret you won't find on internet. The Ukraine army is so short on medical supplies that volunteers are scampering to find them. A friend of mine, which was helping to train in first aid care last summer( which included several americans on vacation  ), was speaking to a friend of her's on phone while we were having dinner. He could not say where he was(tappings) but was in urgent need of compression needles. My friend told me she has found someone in ...California to send her the needed supplies( a few other supplies also). The biggest trouble is to get the supplies to the frontline. I asked her what about the government? Her replay is What government??? anything that happens is because of volunteers!! If I hear anything in Dnipropetrovsk I will write, I only know many of the injured are taken to hospitals there.
Signin off
War correspondent ))

[LAman]

Two more cities fall.... Kras & Kat. ((

[Patagonie]

Two more cities fall.... Kras & Kat. ((

About wounded i confirm many land in Dnipropetrovsk

[Anotherkiwi]

Two more cities fall.... Kras & Kat. ((

That can't be true - there's a ceasefire now, remember? 

[LAman]

About wounded i confirm many land in Dnipropetrovsk

Since last year the military hospital has been busy. I couldn't bring myself to going inside, I was asked if......

As we drove by, a couple ambulances were leaving, with lights flashing..

[LAman]

While riding away from Kiev last week, on left bank, there were large 'boxes' pillars??? being erected with rectangular holes(for machine guns) and several military around stopping vehicles( arbritarily).

I saw same in Dnipro around city especially across river (east side). There pillars with many military around these casrrying weapons. As we drove I kept seeing signs on road.....Donestsk 210 km.....Lugansk 280km......Donetsk 190km.... I then asked my friend, Where are we going?? Into battle zone???
It was merely a restaurant away from the city.

On my last day there, there was much talk about overthrow of several cities in eastern areas ( I mentioned the 2 K's). While my time there it seemed everyone was about their business as usual, privately it always came to a discussion of war.
On a side note, me and my friend had a discussion that I have had with plenty of people for many years now. It is the amount of people at restaurants. How can they afford it? If you ask me, prices are close to what you spend at home(USA) ( now with rise in rates it has changed). How can locals afford eating out???? And as we spoke , she mentioned how the majority of people we saw were young( teens/twenties), my friend asked ME how/why. I have never had an answer to this question. And in Odessa, it is worse in regard to $$$ spent.

I was forced to take train route from Dnipro( with possible snow didn't like bus route), trains run in all weather.
Gosh, I think my ticket cost ~170 uah, only had 4 bed compartments on train. I will say that I was not comfortable taking train from my previous bad experience. No choice, only an overnighters available( no day trains). A quite attractive PYT in bed next to mine, she heard me speak English and she greeted me. The 2 men below spoke for several hours about the war. I asked girl I she lived in Odesa. She spoke of leaving her city with her home in ruins while not revealing her city...... now I knew why. She was meeting a classmate to see if she can start another life in a port city not far from Odesa. We spoke till we fell asleep. Boy did I sleep good, very surprisingly. On 11 hour ride I probably slept 7 hours and I am light sleeper.

On arrival at train station, I saw many military walking around with guns, all men in fatigues had their luggage checked.....secret police were also involved, kinda scary. I walked by seemingly invisible. I needed taxi to take me to my apt, first one I told where I needed to go and he told me 80 uah, which I knew was double price but I have new thinking now. No more haggling prices anymore. My dollar so strong, might as well share with locals. My tipping or handing some uah out to anyone who helps me was questioned by friends in cities I visited before. I figure, as using taxi ride for example, what is difference for me, what $3 instead of $2 1/2???? I am trying to figure what price change from last sept, since my exchange rate has doubled. I know my pizza price is same, instead of $5 it is $2.50. I guess same will be for the pivas!!!

Unless something eyecatching( please no explosions) happens in Odesa, it is mostly with friends and a few dates I will spend my time. This is my comfort zone in Odesa, know the area well and see the prettiest girls in Ukraine!!!!

[iceshaft07]

What is the situation like in Odessa? I've heard of British military vehicles being delivered, as well as several bomb attacks. The last one was three maybe four days ago. There have been I think 3 bomb attacks since November.

I also heard that the national guard was deployed in Odessa as well.

Have you seen or heard of any of this? Be careful.
I'll be there myself 2 weeks from now. I've been following Odessa via twitter. It's suprisingly great for a news sorce. Kyivpost.com hasn't been reporting the attacks.

[jone]

Great report LAman.  Keep 'em coming.  We will keep the lights on for you here in LA.

[Hammer2722]

Most of my 6 visits to Ukraine were to Odessa. One of my favorites. Have fun, good luck and take care. 

[LAman]

What is the situation like in Odessa? I've heard of British military vehicles being delivered, as well as several bomb attacks. The last one was three maybe four days ago. There have been I think 3 bomb attacks since November.

I also heard that the national guard was deployed in Odessa as well.

Have you seen or heard of any of this? Be careful.
I'll be there myself 2 weeks from now. I've been following Odessa via twitter. It's suprisingly great for a news sorce. Kyivpost.com hasn't been reporting the attacks.

I'll take them one at a time...

In city centre you don't see anything dealing with the war or even very many military.
Yes, the national guard is in Odesa, I don't know where vehicles are kept or where stationed. I went to see a couple of places where bombs exploded, most cleaned up but not yet restored, rail lines were not affected other than closed for a little over a day. From what I understand, the only casualty was somehow involved in a bomb explosion, don't know if this is just talk or not.
Now there you go 3-4 days ago...propaganda???? Last bomb exploded on Jan 10th. 4 in December and 2 in early January. Was that on twitter???
British vehicles were delivered but not sure where.......maybe Zhitymor(sp)

[LAman]

Most of my 6 visits to Ukraine were to Odessa. One of my favorites. Have fun, good luck and take care. 

Thanks Hammer!!!! Now if temp can get up a few degrees or 'grados'......I'll feel better!!!

The beer I drink at Irish Pub is still 27uah.....1 buck now. My waiter's tip was same as beer I paid for!!
It is very difficult to spend money here without getting just plain ole ridiculous!!!

[LAman]

Yesterday while walking around with my date and her child, near Opera House and park area above harbor, came lots of racket.....as we turned to look to look, it was a march with lots of Ukrainian flags and maybe ~80-90 people shouting slogans ( not sure if it was maidan based)......we quickly got out of their way, as they marched down Primorsky toward Potemkin stairs. I wouldn't doubt they would have circled toward Katerininskaya.

Later in evening, I heard a loud noises from my apt, I looked out ( on Rishelyevskaya)...another rally, only this time lots of redish-puple red flags in front( never seen before).....more loud slogans and a bigger crowd than before.....again marches by Opera house toward Primorsky. This one I would be scared to be near. Yet, I did see some (few) with Ukraine colors ( flag?) wrapped around them...maybe just cold???

And to answer another member, yes, there was a bomb blast(small) last week, I doubt it was reported much in media. These bombs are all targeting anything helping military for volunteers, yet these places refuse to have surveillance.

[BillyB]

Later in evening, I heard a loud noises from my apt, I looked out ( on Rishelyevskaya)...another rally, only this time lots of redish-puple red flags in front( never seen before).....more loud slogans and a bigger crowd than before.....again marches by Opera house toward Primorsky. This one I would be scared to be near. Yet, I did see some (few) with Ukraine colors ( flag?) wrapped around them...maybe just cold???

You may be looking at future separatists for that region. Wiki has Odessa state/Oblast flag pictured.  Got yellow, blue and red in there. Maybe separatists will go for something new. No doubt there's recruitment going on backed by Putin. Enjoy Odessa while it lasts.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odessa_Oblast

[mendeleyev]

Unfortunately, Odessa (along with Kharkiv) are just as much in the Putin plan as is Mariupol. Putin will not stop until Kyiv has no access at all to the Black Sea, plus in his view of history, this great ancient Greek port city belongs eternally to Russia. Trouble is coming to Odessa.

[LAman]

Unfortunately, Odessa (along with Kharkiv) are just as much in the Putin plan as is Mariupol. Putin will not stop until Kyiv has no access at all to the Black Sea, plus in his view of history, this great ancient Greek port city belongs eternally to Russia. Trouble is coming to Odessa.

Mendy...I think you are falling into the Chicken Little complex.........I DO understand the possibilities though!!!

I don't know any plans but I know the resolve in Odessa is strong. From what I gather, the underground in Kharkiv has been very strong for many months now so I am not surprised about the explosion.
I think Mariupol would be the last straw for uprisings in Ukraine. Anything after that would be a bloodbath with heavy losses, which Ukraine can stomach in a fight for their lands but Russia would really feel the sting.
All my opinions....my crystal ball still a little foggy.......

[calmissile]

Mendy...I think you are falling into the Chicken Little complex.........I DO understand the possibilities though!!!

I don't know any plans but I know the resolve in Odessa is strong. From what I gather, the underground in Kharkiv has been very strong for many months now so I am not surprised about the explosion.
I think Mariupol would be the last straw for uprisings in Ukraine. Anything after that would be a bloodbath with heavy losses, which Ukraine can stomach in a fight for their lands but Russia would really feel the sting.
All my opinions....my crystal ball still a little foggy.......

Not sure about the 'Chicken Little' comment.  What does the evidence point to?
I believe Russia has indicated it's desire for a land bridge to Crimea.
Mariupol is obviously an obstacle to this objective.
The attacks on Mariupol would suggest that the Russians are testing the defenses of this objective.

Seems to me that as long as the West is not going to provide military support for Ukraine, Putin will continue his aggression and land grabs until he either is stopped militarily or succeeds in accomplishing his goals.  Trying to negotiate with Putin has been a total waste of time and has only given him more incentive to continue his military advances.

[JayH]

Yesterday while walking around with my date and her child, near Opera House and park area above harbor, came lots of racket.....as we turned to look to look, it was a march with lots of Ukrainian flags and maybe ~80-90 people shouting slogans ( not sure if it was maidan based)......we quickly got out of their way, as they marched down Primorsky toward Potemkin stairs. I wouldn't doubt they would have circled toward Katerininskaya.

Later in evening, I heard a loud noises from my apt, I looked out ( on Rishelyevskaya)...another rally, only this time lots of redish-puple red flags in front( never seen before).....more loud slogans and a bigger crowd than before.....again marches by Opera house toward Primorsky. This one I would be scared to be near. Yet, I did see some (few) with Ukraine colors ( flag?) wrapped around them...maybe just cold???

And to answer another member, yes, there was a bomb blast(small) last week, I doubt it was reported much in media. These bombs are all targeting anything helping military for volunteers, yet these places refuse to have surveillance.

You have a way of putting some things that could create a wrong impression !
The flags you comment on I  think  is the red/black flag of Ukrainian Nationalists--look at the town hall to see it flying.They often appear at specific Ukrainian rally alongside the yellow & blue--so whatever inference you were making is misguided.
The bombings are reported widely--I guess you are not reading newspapers there--maybe you can look at the pictures to see? Even today here on forum-- LT has started a thread of bombing deaths in Kharkiv yesterday.

The area at the top pf the Potemkim stairs where the Duke de Richelieu monument is--the corner of Ekaterininskaya & Primorsky Boulevard,  is where many marches and demonstrations finish--and start.Last year  I attended numerous rallies and ceremonies there( & and at town hall) often with many thousands of people -- all very peaceful in intent.I was in fact- able to show live via Skype to some forum members here some of these rallies.

btw-   http://twitter.com/golubev_mikhail/status/569402827627466752

[LAman]

You have a way of putting some things that could create a wrong impression !
The flags you comment on I  think  is the red/black flag of Ukrainian Nationalists--look at the town hall to see it flying.They often appear at specific Ukrainian rally alongside the yellow & blue--so whatever inference you were making is misguided.
The bombings are reported widely--I guess you are not reading newspapers there--maybe you can look at the pictures to see? Even today here on forum-- LT has started a thread of bombing deaths in Kharkiv yesterday.

The area at the top pf the Potemkim stairs where the Duke de Richelieu monument is--the corner of Ekaterininskaya & Primorsky Boulevard,  is where many marches and demonstrations finish--and start.Last year  I attended numerous rallies and ceremonies there( & and at town hall) often with many thousands of people -- all very peaceful in intent.I was in fact- able to show live via Skype to some forum members here some of these rallies.

btw-   http://twitter.com/golubev_mikhail/status/569402827627466752

Jay, I only wrote what I saw and felt....... impressions are an individual thing. In rally I spoke of,  NO Ukrainian flags at front at all...maybe a dozen redish flags, you tell me why? I did speak that I saw a couple people toward the back that had the colors of flag on back.......
In first rally...ALL Ukrainian flags( no redish ones)

As far as bomb I mentioned...it was Odesa I spoke of. Can you send me link to info on bomb exploding from last week in Odesa, Jay?

[fathertime]

Mendy...I think you are falling into the Chicken Little complex.........I DO understand the possibilities though!!!

 

I agree that his predictions are wayyyyyyy to dire and are not going to come to pass, nor were they ever seriously considered..the Baltics are not joining Russia.   
Fathertime!

[JayH]

Jay, I only wrote what I saw and felt....... impressions are an individual thing. In rally I spoke of,  NO Ukrainian flags at front at all...maybe a dozen redish flags, you tell me why? I did speak that I saw a couple people toward the back that had the colors of flag on back.......
In first rally...ALL Ukrainian flags( no redish ones)

As far as bomb I mentioned...it was Odesa I spoke of. Can you send me link to info on bomb exploding from last week in Odesa, Jay?

This is useful resource--  http://ukrstream.tv/en/stream/ukraine_today

Many links there to up to date immediate info

I will send you info from last week--I have to find it!Was that the bomb opposite Privat Bank? There are so many incidents happening.
I think the flag is nationalist flag-- as I tried to explain-- welcome at rally alongside Ukrainian flag or colours.

[LAman]

Thanks for link Jay, I will bookmark

[Anotherkiwi]

I agree that his predictions are wayyyyyyy to dire and are not going to come to pass, nor were they ever seriously considered..

How about adding "In my opinion?"  As Doll is fond of saying - "provide the links" or "show the facts" to back up your OPINION.  As with most people here, I actually hope that you're right in this instance, but no way would I be so absolute as to say that these predictions have no chance of success.

the Baltics are not joining Russia.   

Again - "show the facts."  In any case, who said they were?  Mendeleyev has certainly not written that in the post you've referred to.

[JayH]

How about adding "In my opinion?"  As Doll is fond of saying - "provide the links" or "show the facts" to back up your OPINION.  As with most people here, I actually hope that you're right in this instance, but no way would I be so absolute as to say that these predictions have no chance of success.

Again - "show the facts."  In any case, who said they were?  Mendeleyev has certainly not written that in the post you've referred to.

Well he was right in this case-- the Baltics are not "joining" Russia -- now Russia forcing themselves on the Baltics is what others had commented on.

[fathertime]

How about adding "In my opinion?"  As Doll is fond of saying - "provide the links" or "show the facts" to back up your OPINION.  As with most people here, I actually hope that you're right in this instance, but no way would I be so absolute as to say that these predictions have no chance of success.

I think it goes without saying that this is opinion....there are no facts that can be provided to prove/disprove a future event like this with 100% certainty.


Fathertime!