A Hit on Russia's Opposition

[mendeleyev]

(Mendeleyev Journal) Russians came to pay their homage to one of their heroes today, 3 March 2015. An almost never ending stream of friends and admirers solemnly filed past the casket of slain Russian opposition activist leader, Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov. Moscow's Sakharov Centre (Сахаровский цент) hosted the goodbye memorial to Boris Nemtsov today that began at 10am and lasted into the afternoon. A steady stream of mourners filed past his casket as friends and opposition leaders offered eulogies to the slain activist.



His final tribute was marked by several international well-wishers being denied entry into Russia. Former UK Prime Minister John Major was allowed to attend the memorial, but several others were turned away. Latvian representative to the European Parliament Sandra Kalniete was turned back upon her arrival at Sheremetyevo airport, and the Speaker of the Polish Senate, Bogdan Borusewicz, was denied a visa.

Russian opposition activist Aleksei Navalny, who is in jail for political activities, asked the court to all him to attend the funeral. The court scheduled a hearing to consider his request on Wednesday, a day after the funeral. Navalny's wife, Yulia, stood near members of the Nemtsov family. Nemtsov's associate Konstantin Yankauskas is under house arrest, but he was allowed to attend the service.


(Yulia Navalnaya, far left and Aleksei Kudrin, centre.)

Notably absent was anyone from the Putin administration. Mr. Putin sent Garry Minkh, his Duma (parliament) representative to extend condolences. There were several prominent former government officials in attendance, including Aleksei Kudrin, a Putin adviser and former Minister of the Treasury. Kudrin has moved toward the opposition in recent times.


(Mikhail Prokhorov at the funeral viewing of Boris Nemtsov.)

Russia's third richest man, and owner of the Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, spoke of Nemtsov's dedication to democracy. Prokhorov is an opposition moderate and a former Russian presidential candidate.  Another former prime minister of Russia, Mikhail Kasyanov, has joined the opposition and spoke at the memorial. Kasyanov told those gathered that Nemtsov had "become an enemy for many people. He became an enemy because he spoke the truth."





One sensed that many of those present were not only there to remember a friend, but were making a statement. Several of the speakers laid the blame for Nemtsov's death on the environment of intense nationalism encouraged by the government.

US Ambassador to Russia, John Tefft represented the United States.  The scene of the memorial viewing was the Sakharov Centre, named for famed dissident Andrei Sakharov. The Kremlin has named the centre as a "foreign agent" under new laws meant to silence opposition to the Putin government.

The circumstances surrounding Nemtsov's cold-blooded murder remain a mystery. He was gunned down while walking on a bridge near Red Square. Oddly, security cameras had been turned off "for repairs," and a street sweeping truck appeared to have stopped just long enough to block remaining cameras just as the shooting took place. Immediately following the murder, President Putin took over the investigation personally as police were raiding Nemtsov's home. Computers and boxes of documents were confiscated.

Following the viewing memorial, funeral services and Nemtsov's burial was conducted at Moscow's Novo-Kuntsevskoye (Troyekurovskoye) cemetery, the same resting place where murdered journalist Anna Politkovskayta was buried in 2006. The mother of former Russian president Boris Yeltsin is also buried there.

It was the birthday of Nemtsov's mother; She turned 88 on the day of her son's funeral.

[jone]

We live in interesting times.

[lordtiberius]

Strangelove's prophesy

[Brasscasing]

On the T-50 jet, Wiki estimates back in 2011 are in line with your article. Look at the date on your tank link. 2013. The 2300 T-14 tanks Russia is supposed to get according to the article was a peacetime estimate. Putin has since then increase the military budget by 30%. The math changes and you can be sure the production is going to speed up. Soviets churned out over 20,000 armored vehicles a year during WW2. The key is Putin's factories will be functioning and the West's factories are slowing down or closing.

Well then here is a tank link from last month...

The new T-14 tank on the Armata platform will be presented at a night-time parade rehearsal as soon as Friday, but it's likely that arms experts will not be able to learn much about it.

The tank will go through state trials in 2016, and it is expected that by 2020, over 2,300 tanks on the Armata platform will be supplied to the military

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/russia/20150225/1018747955.html#ixzz3TLPES7qq

As mentioned earlier (20) prototypes have been manufactured and delivered, that's it.

Yes, they might be able to go into a wartime production mode if they retooled every available factory, however, even the Russians aren't so stupid as to produce a tank thats prototypes haven't even gone through military trials yet, right?

As usual we see the magical 2020 time frame mentioned for a tank that hasn't even gone through any tests. At this point the tank is in effect  a concept vehicle similar to what you see at military equipment shows/expos, nothing more.

Panic is going to happen, not now but it's going to happen when Putin plays with his new toys and goes after a return for his investment surprising everybody he's much stronger than anticipated. Can we at least agree Russia is going to be much stronger militarily in two years than today?

We can agree that every day we (the west) lollygags about picking their noses Putin has more time to put together his modernized military machine. They will be more prepared and I also agree they have already switched to a war time economy.

Whether or not he will be "much stronger than anticipated" is debatable. It's no surprise that Russia is modernizing, they've been broadcasting their military programs for years.

Possible witness or accomplice allowed to leave a country days after a murder? Doesn't sound right. I think they know who pulled the trigger so it's safe to let her go.

Possibly. I look at it differently in that she's now a liability to the Putin regime; A possible celebrity for the anti Putin supporters. They can't afford to have her meet an unfortunate end while in FSB custody, that would stretch even Putin's credibility beyond the limit. It's easier to have her be in Ukraine or anywhere else but Russian custody when she's found after being the unfortunate victim of suicide, unfortunate accident, random murder, etc.

The young lady's life is in danger and I hope she understands that.

Brass

[jone]

Well then here is a tank link from last month...

The new T-14 tank on the Armata platform will be presented at a night-time parade rehearsal as soon as Friday, but it's likely that arms experts will not be able to learn much about it.

The tank will go through state trials in 2016, and it is expected that by 2020, over 2,300 tanks on the Armata platform will be supplied to the military

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/russia/20150225/1018747955.html#ixzz3TLPES7qq

As mentioned earlier (20) prototypes have been manufactured and delivered, that's it.

Yes, they might be able to go into a wartime production mode if they retooled every available factory, however, even the Russians aren't so stupid as to produce a tank thats prototypes haven't even gone through military trials yet, right?

As usual we see the magical 2020 time frame mentioned for a tank that hasn't even gone through any tests. At this point the tank is in effect  a concept vehicle similar to what you see at military equipment shows/expos, nothing more.

We can agree that every day we (the west) lollygags about picking their noses Putin has more time to put together his modernized military machine. They will be more prepared and I also agree they have already switched to a war time economy.

Whether or not he will be "much stronger than anticipated" is debatable. It's no surprise that Russia is modernizing, they've been broadcasting their military programs for years.


Possibly. I look at it differently in that she's now a liability to the Putin regime; A possible celebrity for the anti Putin supporters. They can't afford to have her meet an unfortunate end while in FSB custody, that would stretch even Putin's credibility beyond the limit. It's easier to have her be in Ukraine or anywhere else but Russian custody when she's found after being the unfortunate victim of suicide, unfortunate accident, random murder, etc.

The young lady's life is in danger and I hope she understands that.

Brass

Fortunately, my good buddy, Larry, has agreed to take her in and protect her.

[BillyB]

His final tribute was marked by several international well-wishers being denied entry into Russia. Former UK Prime Minister John Major was allowed to attend the memorial, but several others were turned away. Latvian representative to the European Parliament Sandra Kalniete was turned back upon her arrival at Sheremetyevo airport, and the Speaker of the Polish Senate, Bogdan Borusewicz, was denied a visa.

Sad state of affairs when Russia turns away people from attending a funeral simply because they are anti-Putin.

Yes, they might be able to go into a wartime production mode if they retooled every available factory, however, even the Russians aren't so stupid as to produce a tank thats prototypes haven't even gone through military trials yet, right?

Depends, Lots of prototypes get approved with little testing and thrown into combat. The number and speed of military equipment designed and approved with lighting speed during WW2 is mind boggling. Only Putin knows what his goals are and when his military equipment will play a role and how much he needs to accelerate the programs. 30% in increased military spending will help. I suspect Maiden forced him to make moves towards expanding Russia's borders earlier than he planned.

[mendeleyev]

Billy:

I suspect Maiden forced him to make moves towards expanding Russia's borders earlier than he planned.

You suspect accurately. First, Maiden did catch him by surprise and he made two rash moves (Crimea and the East).

Yes, sooner than already planned. He was plenty fed up with Yanukovich and would at some point likely have made a move in the East first. Crimea was put at the top of the list quickly due to his irrational fear of NATO warships finding a new home in Sevastopol.

[Boethius]

http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/people/agency-owner-nemtsovs-ukrainian-girlfriend-was-briefly-mail-order-bride-382497.html

Back in 2011 the woman, then a 19-year old economics student, joined a Kyiv bridal agency Bridge of Love to look for a husband abroad, according to the agency owner. . .

In her time at the agency, she never met any men. Whenever she would receive an offer to meet, she said she was too busy.

“The problem was, she looked for someone young. Even 37 or 39-year-olds were too old for her," Dokukina recalls, adding that Western men in their 20s almost never come looking for a bride in Ukraine.

[Larry1]

In her time at the agency, she never met any men...

“The problem was, she looked for someone young. Even 37 or 39-year-olds were too old for her," Dokukina recalls, adding that Western men in their 20s almost never come looking for a bride in Ukraine.

Interesting that she reconciled herself to dating Nemtsov, who at age 55 was 32 years older.

[Boethius]

I suppose the fact he was brilliant, spoke her language, had money, and was interesting were all factors.  I would hazard a guess there are not too many foreign "Nemtsov's" that come looking for FSUW.

[Brasscasing]

Depends, Lots of prototypes get approved with little testing and thrown into combat. The number and speed of military equipment designed and approved with lighting speed during WW2 is mind boggling. Only Putin knows what his goals are and when his military equipment will play a role and how much he needs to accelerate the programs. 30% in increased military spending will help. I suspect Maiden forced him to make moves towards expanding Russia's borders earlier than he planned.

Yes, during WW2. Times have changed though. The days of mass producing easy to build equipment like the T-34 are gone. Tanks are now as high tech as anything else on the field and require precision machining as well as sophisticated communications, weapons and anti aircraft defense mechanisms to be able to even function in a combat/operational environment.

Keep in mind that these t-95s/t-14s in design/prototype are Russia's effort to catch up with NATO armor currently in service like the Abrams, Leopards, Challengers and Leclerc's.

The T-50 fighter is Russia's attempt to acquire air superiority over the f-22, f-35, Tornado Eurofighter and Rafale (spelling?). The f-22 already in service of course would kill anything the Russians possess currently with the SU-35s being the possible exception, however, there are reported to be less than 50 of these Russian air superiority jets in service.

Brass

[AC]

I suppose the fact he was brilliant, spoke her language, had money, and was interesting were all factors.  I would hazard a guess there are not too many foreign "Nemtsov's" that come looking for FSUW.

He also had a wife who he was still married to and 4 children.  His GF was quite a few years younger then his eldest daughter.  Ew, Awkward.  Of course it doesn't matter if it's a Russian guy doing this, not with the old double-standard. 

Who knows the quality of the WM who may have been interested in her, she apparently did not give any of them a chance.  Not speaking the language and knowing the culture would of course make a huge difference.


http://dailyentertainmentnews.com/breaking-news/boris-nemtsovs-wife-raisa-girlfriends-children/

[AC]

Yes, during WW2. Times have changed though. The days of mass producing easy to build equipment like the T-34 are gone. Tanks are now as high tech as anything else on the field and require precision machining as well as sophisticated communications, weapons and anti aircraft defense mechanisms to be able to even function in a combat/operational environment.

Keep in mind that these t-95s/t-14s in design/prototype are Russia's effort to catch up with NATO armor currently in service like the Abrams, Leopards, Challengers and Leclerc's.

The T-50 fighter is Russia's attempt to acquire air superiority over the f-22, f-35, Tornado Eurofighter and Rafale (spelling?). The f-22 already in service of course would kill anything the Russians possess currently with the SU-35s being the possible exception, however, there are reported to be less than 50 of these Russian air superiority jets in service.

Brass

Great post.  While I agree with you that the West has been dragging it's feet in regards to Ukraine, I don't know why BB keeps going on and on about what Putin is planning.  If he manages to accomplish some of it by 2020, by then the West will just be that far ahead of him again.  The claim that the West (and more specifically the USA) is not developing new weapon systems is just a western version of propaganda.

[Boethius]

He also had a wife who he was still married to and 4 children.  His GF was quite a few years younger then his eldest daughter.  Ew, Awkward.  Of course it doesn't matter if it's a Russian guy doing this, not with the old double-standard. 

Who knows the quality of the WM who may have been interested in her, she apparently did not give any of them a chance.  Not speaking the language and knowing the culture would of course make a huge difference.

As Belvis pointed out, the children are with 3 different women, and the last one lead to the break up of his marriage.  He was legally married, but had not lived with his wife for years.
 
I make no comment on the age difference.

[AC]

I suppose the fact he was brilliant, spoke her language, had money, and was interesting were all factors.  I would hazard a guess there are not too many foreign "Nemtsov's" that come looking for FSUW.

While a WM most certainly would not be fluent in her language, he could have been brilliant, had money and been interesting but she never bothered to find out.  And I would hazard to guess he would also have been faithful to one woman.  So perhaps the WM had more to offer then Nemtsov.   

[AkMike]

Perhaps she changed her mind and decided to stay in the FSU. Many have no desire to move away for any reason.

 It is a huge life changing decision that all aren't ready to accept.

[Boethius]

While a WM most certainly would not be fluent in her language, he could have
been brilliant, had money and been interesting but she never bothered to find
out.  And I would hazard to guess he would also have been faithful to one woman.
 So perhaps the WM had more to offer then Nemtsov.   

Such WM aren't going to the FSU to look for women.     How many "Western" Nemtsovs do you believe are looking for women in the FSU?  Think the equivalent of a US congressman or senator, or a Canadian or Brit MP.
 
 

[Gator]

I suppose the fact he was brilliant, spoke her language, had money, and was interesting were all factors.  I would hazard a guess there are not too many foreign "Nemtsov's" that come looking for FSUW.

My Russian wife always admired Boris as a man, not just a politician.  The attraction had nothing to do with money.

[lordtiberius]

The US sent the Aegis without proper testing.  Wartime Russia will do the same.  NATO can be a formidable force.  But it's recent combat record in Libya as referenced by Billy B cast doubt on that prospect.  NATO members stand no chance against Russia force on force if Russia resorts to salami tactics, ie little green men.

[Brasscasing]

The US sent the Aegis without proper testing.  Wartime Russia will do the same.  NATO can be a formidable force.  But it's recent combat record in Libya as referenced by Billy B cast doubt on that prospect.  NATO members stand no chance against Russia force on force if Russia resorts to salami tactics, ie little green men.

Don't know where you got that Aegis was deployed without proper testing, LT. It has an extensive test history...

http://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/aegis_tests.pdf

Development...

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/aegis-ballistic-missile-defence-bmd-us/

If Russia starts producing and/or deploying untested weapons/platforms etc. in time of war? Let them. It's a sign of desperation.

Libya was a resounding success as far as the operation itself goes. It was the reason for and after action follow up to the operation that has been (rightly) questioned.  We basically bombed and bailed.

The little green men - They would be a challenge. However, the polite people are themselves based along the lines of Partisan fighters. Lightly armed, hit and run, disrupt, that kind of thing. They're not equipped to take on a standing army toe to toe but I agree, depending on how they were deployed could cause havoc if given the chance.

Brass

[Anotherkiwi]

He also had a wife who he was still married to and 4 children.  His GF was quite a few years younger then his eldest daughter.  Ew, Awkward.  Of course it doesn't matter if it's a Russian guy doing this, not with the old double-standard. 

Who knows the quality of the WM who may have been interested in her, she apparently did not give any of them a chance.  Not speaking the language and knowing the culture would of course make a huge difference.


http://dailyentertainmentnews.com/breaking-news/boris-nemtsovs-wife-raisa-girlfriends-children/

As Boethius has pointed out, the marriage broke up long ago.  What is more interesting to me is that this article (for want of a better term) has all these photos of various women, with and without Boris beside them - and doesn't identify any of them!  Don't they know which wife, daughter or girlfriend is which?  Very sloppy "journalism." 

[lordtiberius]

Don't know where you got that Aegis was deployed without proper testing, LT. It has an extensive test history...

http://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/aegis_tests.pdf

Development...

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/aegis-ballistic-missile-defence-bmd-us/

If Russia starts producing and/or deploying untested weapons/platforms etc. in time of war? Let them. It's a sign of desperation.

Libya was a resounding success as far as the operation itself goes. It was the reason for and after action follow up to the operation that has been (rightly) questioned.  We basically bombed and bailed.

The little green men - They would be a challenge. However, the polite people are themselves based along the lines of Partisan fighters. Lightly armed, hit and run, disrupt, that kind of thing. They're not equipped to take on a standing army toe to toe but I agree, depending on how they were deployed could cause havoc if given the chance.

Brass

Without US leadership, do we even have an alliance?

[AC]

Perhaps she changed her mind and decided to stay in the FSU. Many have no desire to move away for any reason.

It is a huge life changing decision that all aren't ready to accept.

This is likely the biggest part of it, but clearly she had "daddy" issues.

[AkMike]

OH YEAH THERE'S THAT TOO..

[lordtiberius]

Somebody's jealous