Congratulations, Putin of Russia, for the courage to follow your own star & take destiny into your hands! You have built a defensive wall of bullets, hearts & minds that They Shalt Not Pass! Only with the show of will & resolution to fight that Russia has held the wolf pack from advance. But it is the battle won, not the war. What Putin has gained is time, to consolidate his legacy for the future of Russian integrity. Reclaiming Crimea is the right first step. Putinists, rejoice!
Everybody listen to him, and see him as the Mozart of nowadays politics. Like “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, conducting a Sonata for two pianos”
The comparison is not mine, it has been dedicated today by Bhadrakumar to Rouhani, the president of Iran. See: “Don’t stop Iran now, it’s on a roll”, which also deserves a reading.
“I am still looking for a full transcript in English. If you find it somewhere, please post the link here”
The Kremlin web site posts small sections every hour or so – they are clearly taking great care with the translation. I am putting it up on wikispooks as it appears. Also the videos and some commentary.
I have no Russian ancestry (that I’m aware of) but I have to say that, watching and listening to a brave man and his audience, that damn dust gets in my eyes a bit too.
I sense that this really is a paradigm changing event and, God willing, the vicious, arrogant, Godless, warmongering US-NATO Leviathan may be checked at long last.
@Wikispooks:I have no Russian ancestry (that I’m aware of) but I have to say that, watching and listening to a brave man and his audience, that damn dust gets in my eyes a bit too.
That is because you feel, as everybody else here obviously does, that this is far FAR bigger than Russia. Just like the fall of the Berlin Wall was not about the urban planning of Berlin, the current situation is not about Crimea, Russia or the Ukraine. It is, exactly as you put it, about he vicious, arrogant, Godless, warmongering US-NATO Leviathan and, of course, by this we mean neither the US as a country or people, nor any country in Europe. It’s a fucking empire, run by a evil cabal of plutocrats who are nothing but vicious thugs on a planetary scale. Again, I would compare this with Lebanon 2006 where the victory of Hezbollah was not just a Lebanese victory,but a victory for all those worldwide who are determined to resist the Empire.
Obama and the lawyers who drafted his executive order did not notice that the way the order is drafted it applies to Obama, to the unelected coup government in Kiev, and to the Washington and EU regimes. The order says that any person “responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, directly or indirectly . . . actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Ukraine” is subject to having his assets frozen.
Washington and the EU are the only two governments whose personnel have undermined democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine by overthrowing the elected government and imposing an unelected one.
Obama worshippers–yes there are still people that stupid–object when I call Obama the White House Fool. Yet, here is Obama or his lawyers proving that he is a fool by issuing an executive order that requires the property of Obama, Victoria Nuland, Samantha Powers, Susan Rice, the UK prime minister, the German chancellor, the French president, the EU Commission and any number of associated persons to be frozen by the US government.
I am Canadian, with British, French and Norwegian ancestors. I have no Russian heritage, but I have been noticing and admiring Russia and her leaders since last year (regrettably I was not paying attention sooner).
Last night I poured a shot of vodka, sat in my living room chair, raised my glass and said, “To Russia”!
Today, along with all of you, I watched the two videos of the signing ceremony between Russia and Crimea and the speech from President Putin, with tears in my eyes.
Tonight I plan to have another shot of vodka and another toast to Russia! :)
BTW thank you Saker for the education I have received from your blog, which I have been reading daily since the Syrian crisis last summer. (I plan to thank you in a monetary way very soon when I can).
I also want to thank the other contributors to this blog. You provide valuable insight and great additional links and information. This feels like a community made up of citizens from all over the world coming together. At this time, my actual community of friends, family and colleagues still believe what the mainstream media tells them. They think I’m delusional when I try and tell them the truth about international events. (They think Russia invaded Ukraine, Crimeans voted at gunpoint, Putin is a dictator, etc.) I become frustrated and angry as a result so I often avoid these discussions with the people in my life. However then I think that I am not doing my part in waking people up. It’s a dilemma.
So I am grateful to the Saker, the commenters here and to the many other authors and resources online that are speaking the truth about world events. It is a comfort when you find others that share your views.
@ Saker we are certainly witnessing a turning point in world history. We went from Yalta to Yalta in 70 years, now a new global architecture will painfully take shape. From there the trajectory of the empire is clear… All men of goodwill must now do what they can to thwart the plans of those who will probably seek to plunge the world into chaos. The transatlantic elites have clearly shown that if they can’t rule alone they’d rather rule over the rubble. Sadly, the Elois of this world without the necessary tools of dissuasion will continue to suffer under the insatiable appetite of predatory (financial, military, political) forces that are now dealing with forces of entropy they no longer control. Obama and his minions are for the most part TITULAR figureheads, I doubt ”they” actually devise any meaningful strategy, this domain is now reserved to a specific faction where the interests of intelligence (deep state) and the pentagon intersects with those of wall street. If the informed were to look closely it would probably be outfits with their own private command control systems like Booz Allen Hamilton, Goldman Sachs and Dyncorp that are in control of the specialists and technicians that are now running the declining empire. Their goals is to build and maintain the arc of instability between Europe and Asia, to keep Eurasia from forming an integrated, independent economic unit of its own and keep them from extending it to Africa. BTW, Africa’s role will become even more important than during WW1… unknown to most all indicators show Africa is on the rise in another 30 years the west will have only it’s eyes to weep. You are a fair lad and I would’ve been glad to serve with you. Like Malcolm X, I’m for truth no matter who tells it.
The possibility of an economic system comprising the super continent Afrasia, is something that must be prevented at all cost from the point of view of the deep psychopathic anglo zone, because it is a natural consequence of geographical continuity.
For that to happen, Israel must be dissolved the political, social and economic map of the areas comprising Afrasia, must of necessity undergo great change.
Traditionally, wars and natural disasters, have been the easiest way of reorganizing society. Natural catastrophes tending to be seen by many as “acts of god” render societies more fluid, more amenable to change.
In an earlier thread, someone worried about Ukraine cutting off Crimea’s fresh water, gas, and food. I’ve just done some research and doubt there’s much to worry about.
Crimea has only 2 million people. If you assume each person needs ten liters of water a day (probably generous, but let’s go with it), then the place will need 20,000,000 liters of water, or 20,000 tonnes per day.
That may seem like a lot, but it isn’t. The deadweight capacity of an ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier) is 400,000 tonnes. So a tanker with a 20,000-tonne capacity is pretty tiny as tankers go.
One small tanker per day steaming over the Black Sea can supply Crimea with all the water, gas, and even food it needs. Russia can keep the supply going forever and maybe even make a profit while charging the Crimeans less than what the Ukraine has been charging them.
If Putin is performing the Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos, K448, I imagine it will be a performance like that of Britten and Richter, recorded in Aldeburgh in the mid-1960s. Putin can be Slava Richter, born in Ukraine, but self-described as a ‘Soviet citizen of German ancestry’. Obama can play the village idiot, the blow-hard creating noise, but no music.
If Putin is performing the Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos, K448, I imagine it will be a performance like that of Britten and Richter, recorded in Aldeburgh in the mid-1960s. Putin can be Slava Richter, born in Ukraine, but self-described as a ‘Soviet citizen of German ancestry’. Obama can play the village idiot, the blow-hard creating noise, but no music.
I salute you my friend! I’ll raise a glass of wine with you!
I am a Russian Canadian of 20+ years and several years in Israel prior to coming to Canada. I left Soviet Union and never looked back. I was busy raising kids, building career and learning history and culture of my adopted country. I hardly even thought about home I left behind and hadn’t been back until two years ago. In 2012 I visited my homeland first time in 22 years. I was astonished at the transformation. My hometown on the Black Sea coast has changed beyond recognition! Beautiful modern city, broad Promenade along the shoreline and most important, smiling and friendly faces. I met family and friends I haven’t seen for several decades and it felt like we never parted! And suddenly something changed in me… It’s like I finally allowed pain, nostalgia and love for my roots that I so carefully walled myself off back into my heart with vengeance.
I love Canada. It is my home now. There is no way back, my kids are Canadian, they hardly speak Russian. I am concerned with my government’s increasing willingness especially in the past decade to drag Canada into American imperialistic crusades around the world. We are not anymore a respected country we once were. We tied our destiny with the evil on the wrong side of history and we will go down with them.
The VAGWUN* says “Putin is crazy!” which sounds like impotent rage, but Putin says the western leaders have been unprofessional and irresponsible, which really packs a lot more punch.
Due to the dangers posed by the Kiev regime, it seems obvious (to me) that the western and southern areas of Ukraine will want to follow Crimea pretty soon. What do you think?
Did I hear Vlad reject that possibility or did I misinterpret it?
Wow. Not that Putin did not have my respect already, but he is the only statesman worthy of that label. Or when is the last time we had a politician who
* cares about his people * cares about other peoples * doesn’t waffle on every thing that happens in the world * when he does say something, he means it * what he says, makes sense * uses diplomacy effectively * is relevant on the world stage * does not (seem to) have ambitions beyond his legitimate national interests, and by legitimate, I include the protection of the well-being of his people, wherever national borders happened to have been placed around them
I know a handful who’d satisfy many of those points, but can you name a single one in the 20th century?
N.B. Too bad they don’t sell Krimsekt around this corner of the globe… In any event: Prost!
A tremendous outcome for not only the Crimean and Russian peoples but for citizens of the rest of the world whether they may understand it or not.
The US and NATO puppets are now in shambles as so eloquenty said by Mike Whitney (Counterpunch):
“Between Obama, Kerry and the irascible John McCain, who traipses from one media venue to the next spouting his cold war fulminations like an old man shooing kids off the front lawn, the US has made a spectacular hash of things leaving US foreign policy in a shambles. The Crimea fiasco shows that while Team Obama may be chock-full of fantasists, spin-doctors and crystal-gazing globalists it is sadly lacking in geopolitical pragmatists with a solid grasp of the way the world works. Obama has been no match for Putin who has tromped him at every turn.”
Russia must now await the reprisals.
In the meantime, the psychopathic empire has been wounded.
Indeed it is a historical speech. It starts where it should, the Baptism of Prince Vladimir in Herson. Crimea is a stone at the very foundation of Rus and its universal role. On this stone Rus received the indelible seal of Christianity and the indefectible marriage with the Christian Empire (perfected through the marriage of Prince Vladimir with Princess Anna, sister of the Roman Emperor Basil I) There is a legend that prior to the bride’s arrival to Hersones, Vladimir was inflicted by blindness. When the Princess arrived in Hersones, she advised Vladimir to get baptized as soon as possible. Vladimir was baptized in 988 and was named Vasilii. Upon coming out of the baptismal font he regained his physical and spiritual vision and exclaimed in rapture, “Now I have seen the true God!” The ancient city of Chersonesos(at the outskirts of Sevastopol) was the place of exile and martyrdom of Pope Clement I. Prince Vladimir took with him his relics to Kiev, where they presided to the baptism of the people. Later on SS Cyril and Methodius took them to Rome.
Good to hear about the one-month food reserve, the electricity from Russia, and the desalination plant in Crimea. That’s a pretty good safety margin to have if the Ukraine should ever try to cut off the Crimea.
One month should be plenty of time for Russia to set up the 20,000-tonne tanker system I was talking about, or something similar. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the tankers are ready to go even now, given how brilliantly the Polite Armed Men in Green were able to secure Crimea. That operation showed impressive foresight, and I doubt the foresight has gone away.
(In contrast, take the chaos in Baghdad after the American invasion of Iraq. Donald Rumsfeld’s version of foresight: “Stuff happens.”)
Yes it is good they are getting ready, just in case. My guess is they also have oreoared or are preparing alternative channels for communication (TV, internet, phone lines) provided that these would be the first targets to be bombed or jammed by the amer… ahem… by the banderistas.
However, I’m not sure that the West will leave it at the toothless sanctions. Of course, stepping it up would hurt Europe the most. (And I have a feeling Japan won’t participate really) But after all the saber rattling, despite what they must have known beforehand (after all, “The Saker” is open to all) would be Putin’s reaction.
So I fear this is “Project Hitlerization of Putin” commencing in earnest. Long-term prospects: Certain war.
That said, this war could be a rather quick, albeit horrible way to get rid off the superfluous population on the planet. We are way too many, and we’ll be hitting the limits rather soon. Just as an aside…
Wow! You were right Saker. This might be President Putin’s best speech. I just read the full transcript and I was thrilled to see how directly and completely he called the US on all their BS.
I had listened to the English live audio translation earlier, but frankly it does not do the speech justice.
In trying to pick out my favorite quotes, I found there were multiple full paragraphs I loved. But here are 3 short quotes:
“It’s a good thing that they at least remember that there exists such a thing as international law – better late than never.”
“But there is a limit to everything. And with Ukraine, our western partners have crossed the line, playing the bear and acting irresponsibly and unprofessionally.”
“They must have really lacked political instinct and common sense not to foresee all the consequences of their actions.”
Russia must attack england with massive topol nukes because england is the centre of plots of evil doing agianst Russia and against all non anglo world.
“Crimea is a unique blend of different peoples’ cultures and traditions. This makes it similar to Russia as a whole, where not a single ethnic group has been lost over the centuries. Russians and Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars and people of other ethnic groups have lived side by side in Crimea, retaining their own identity, traditions, languages and faith.”
And this is the beautiful reality of the difference between the Papacy and Orthodoxy.
The following is for me the most memorable part of Putin’s speech:
18 Mar 2014, Putin: “When Crimea was declaring its independence and decided to hold a referendum, the Supreme Council of Crimea referred to the United Nations Charter, which speaks of the right of nations to self-determination. I would like to remind you that when Ukraine seceded from the USSR it did exactly the same thing, almost word for word. Ukraine used this right, yet the residents of Crimea would be denied it. Why is that? Moreover, the Crimean authorities referred to the well-known Kosovo precedent, a precedent our Western colleagues created with their own hands in a very similar situation, when they agreed that the unilateral separation of Kosovo from Serbia, exactly what Crimea is doing now, was legitimate and did not require any permission from the country’s central authorities. Pursuant to Article 2, Chapter 1 of the United Nations Charter, the UN International Court agreed with this approach and made the following comment in its ruling of July 22, 2010, and I quote: “No general prohibition may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council with regard to declarations of independence,” and “General international law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence.” Crystal clear, as they say…. Now here is a quote from another official document: the Written Statement of the United States America of April 17, 2009, submitted to the same UN International Court in connection with the hearings on Kosovo. Again, I quote: “Declarations of independence may, and often do, violate domestic legislation. However, this does not make them violations of international law.” End of quote. They wrote this, disseminated it all over the world, had everyone agree. And now they are outraged [over Crimea]. Over what?” http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889.
I, as a proud American do truly believe in Human Rights, That is the right of any and all peoples to live free from the suppression of not only any government but any man on earth. I therefore do not find it becoming when “any man” steps over the rights of anyone, regardless of race, religion nor political persuasion. I am not saying that American Presidents and/or politicians haven’t stolen that beloved trust away from their citizenry, all I am saying is “to hell with any man that would pretend to be for the rights of a people when all that they are truly interested in is winning back the control that their forefathers once gave up on. I say to hell with all of these so called Modern Day Visionaries…Let the People decide for themselves!
The lauding of Putin in this blog is astonishingly blind. There have been many comments regarding his love of his people, freedom, etc. If this were the case how do several women who did not commit a violent act go to prison on charges of “hooliganism?” If he were so omnipotent, why is the opposition oppressed, where’s the independent press, and critical legislatures?
Ultimately, Putin is deathly afraid of a “Russian Spring.” Hence when he saw the unrest in Kiev with the associated departure of Yanukovych he acted. Russia’s grab of Crimea has nothing to do with protecting Russians or “western aggression.”
This act is based on weakness and illegitimacy, not strength and could potentially backfire against Putin’s desire of forming a Eurasian Union. Time will tell….
“For some reason, things that Kosovo Albanians (and we have full respect for them) were permitted to do, Russians, Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars in Crimea are not allowed. Again, one wonders why.” Putin what the fck ? respect for albanians,I’m disappointed!
Congratulations, Putin of Russia, for the courage to follow your own star & take destiny into your hands!
You have built a defensive wall of bullets, hearts & minds that They Shalt Not Pass!
Only with the show of will & resolution to fight that Russia has held the wolf pack from advance. But it is the battle won, not the war. What Putin has gained is time, to consolidate his legacy for the future of Russian integrity. Reclaiming Crimea is the right first step. Putinists, rejoice!
@EVERYBODY
I am still looking for a full transcript in English. If you find it somewhere, please post the link here.
Thanks in advance,
The Saker
here it is:
http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889
Everybody listen to him, and see him as the Mozart of nowadays politics. Like “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, conducting a Sonata for two pianos”
The comparison is not mine, it has been dedicated today by Bhadrakumar to Rouhani, the president of Iran. See: “Don’t stop Iran now, it’s on a roll”, which also deserves a reading.
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/03/18/dont-stop-iran-now-its-on-a-roll/
But I think it applies to Putin as well.
He is my hero. :)
Next comes Lavrob.
Thanks for your hard work Saker.
@anonymous: http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889
Thanks, but, alas, this is not the full text yet. It ends with “to be continued”. But I will keep an eye on that page, thanks!
Cheers,
The Saker
“I am still looking for a full transcript in English. If you find it somewhere, please post the link here”
The Kremlin web site posts small sections every hour or so – they are clearly taking great care with the translation. I am putting it up on wikispooks as it appears. Also the videos and some commentary.
I have no Russian ancestry (that I’m aware of) but I have to say that, watching and listening to a brave man and his audience, that damn dust gets in my eyes a bit too.
I sense that this really is a paradigm changing event and, God willing, the vicious, arrogant, Godless, warmongering US-NATO Leviathan may be checked at long last.
@Wikispooks:I have no Russian ancestry (that I’m aware of) but I have to say that, watching and listening to a brave man and his audience, that damn dust gets in my eyes a bit too.
That is because you feel, as everybody else here obviously does, that this is far FAR bigger than Russia. Just like the fall of the Berlin Wall was not about the urban planning of Berlin, the current situation is not about Crimea, Russia or the Ukraine. It is, exactly as you put it, about he vicious, arrogant, Godless, warmongering US-NATO Leviathan and, of course, by this we mean neither the US as a country or people, nor any country in Europe. It’s a fucking empire, run by a evil cabal of plutocrats who are nothing but vicious thugs on a planetary scale. Again, I would compare this with Lebanon 2006 where the victory of Hezbollah was not just a Lebanese victory,but a victory for all those worldwide who are determined to resist the Empire.
Kind regards and many thanks,
The Saker
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/06/executive-order-blocking-property-certain-persons-contributing-situation
Obama and the lawyers who drafted his executive order did not notice that the way the order is drafted it applies to Obama, to the unelected coup government in Kiev, and to the Washington and EU regimes. The order says that any person “responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, directly or indirectly . . . actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Ukraine” is subject to having his assets frozen.
Washington and the EU are the only two governments whose personnel have undermined democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine by overthrowing the elected government and imposing an unelected one.
Obama worshippers–yes there are still people that stupid–object when I call Obama the White House Fool. Yet, here is Obama or his lawyers proving that he is a fool by issuing an executive order that requires the property of Obama, Victoria Nuland, Samantha Powers, Susan Rice, the UK prime minister, the German chancellor, the French president, the EU Commission and any number of associated persons to be frozen by the US government.
http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889
From MoA
I am Canadian, with British, French and Norwegian ancestors. I have no Russian heritage, but I have been noticing and admiring Russia and her leaders since last year (regrettably I was not paying attention sooner).
Last night I poured a shot of vodka, sat in my living room chair, raised my glass and said, “To Russia”!
Today, along with all of you, I watched the two videos of the signing ceremony between Russia and Crimea and the speech from President Putin, with tears in my eyes.
Tonight I plan to have another shot of vodka and another toast to Russia! :)
BTW thank you Saker for the education I have received from your blog, which I have been reading daily since the Syrian crisis last summer. (I plan to thank you in a monetary way very soon when I can).
I also want to thank the other contributors to this blog. You provide valuable insight and great additional links and information. This feels like a community made up of citizens from all over the world coming together. At this time, my actual community of friends, family and colleagues still believe what the mainstream media tells them. They think I’m delusional when I try and tell them the truth about international events. (They think Russia invaded Ukraine, Crimeans voted at gunpoint, Putin is a dictator, etc.) I become frustrated and angry as a result so I often avoid these discussions with the people in my life. However then I think that I am not doing my part in waking people up. It’s a dilemma.
So I am grateful to the Saker, the commenters here and to the many other authors and resources online that are speaking the truth about world events. It is a comfort when you find others that share your views.
One Canadian
@ Saker we are certainly witnessing a turning point in world history. We went from Yalta to Yalta in 70 years, now a new global architecture will painfully take shape. From there the trajectory of the empire is clear… All men of goodwill must now do what they can to thwart the plans of those who will probably seek to plunge the world into chaos. The transatlantic elites have clearly shown that if they can’t rule alone they’d rather rule over the rubble. Sadly, the Elois of this world without the necessary tools of dissuasion will continue to suffer under the insatiable appetite of predatory (financial, military, political) forces that are now dealing with forces of entropy they no longer control. Obama and his minions are for the most part TITULAR figureheads, I doubt ”they” actually devise any meaningful strategy, this domain is now reserved to a specific faction where the interests of intelligence (deep state) and the pentagon intersects with those of wall street. If the informed were to look closely it would probably be outfits with their own private command control systems like Booz Allen Hamilton, Goldman Sachs and Dyncorp that are in control of the specialists and technicians that are now running the declining empire. Their goals is to build and maintain the arc of instability between Europe and Asia, to keep Eurasia from forming an integrated, independent economic unit of its own and keep them from extending it to Africa. BTW, Africa’s role will become even more important than during WW1… unknown to most all indicators show Africa is on the rise in another 30 years the west will have only it’s eyes to weep. You are a fair lad and I would’ve been glad to serve with you. Like Malcolm X, I’m for truth no matter who tells it.
Excellent post,
The possibility of an economic system comprising the super continent Afrasia, is something that must be prevented at all cost from the point of view of the deep psychopathic anglo zone, because it is a natural consequence of geographical continuity.
For that to happen, Israel must be dissolved the political, social and economic map of the areas comprising Afrasia, must of necessity undergo great change.
Traditionally, wars and natural disasters, have been the easiest way of reorganizing society. Natural catastrophes tending to be seen by many as “acts of god” render societies more fluid, more amenable to change.
“The world needs to understand that the neoconservative US government is the Third Reich on steroids.”
Paul Craig Roberts
full article here:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article37987.htm
In an earlier thread, someone worried about Ukraine cutting off Crimea’s fresh water, gas, and food. I’ve just done some research and doubt there’s much to worry about.
Crimea has only 2 million people. If you assume each person needs ten liters of water a day (probably generous, but let’s go with it), then the place will need 20,000,000 liters of water, or 20,000 tonnes per day.
That may seem like a lot, but it isn’t. The deadweight capacity of an ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier) is 400,000 tonnes. So a tanker with a 20,000-tonne capacity is pretty tiny as tankers go.
One small tanker per day steaming over the Black Sea can supply Crimea with all the water, gas, and even food it needs. Russia can keep the supply going forever and maybe even make a profit while charging the Crimeans less than what the Ukraine has been charging them.
So I’m not worrying about a cutoff.
If Putin is performing the Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos, K448, I imagine it will be a performance like that of Britten and Richter, recorded in Aldeburgh in the mid-1960s. Putin can be Slava Richter, born in Ukraine, but self-described as a ‘Soviet citizen of German ancestry’. Obama can play the village idiot, the blow-hard creating noise, but no music.
If Putin is performing the Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos, K448, I imagine it will be a performance like that of Britten and Richter, recorded in Aldeburgh in the mid-1960s. Putin can be Slava Richter, born in Ukraine, but self-described as a ‘Soviet citizen of German ancestry’. Obama can play the village idiot, the blow-hard creating noise, but no music.
@ One Canadian
I salute you my friend! I’ll raise a glass of wine with you!
I am a Russian Canadian of 20+ years and several years in Israel prior to coming to Canada. I left Soviet Union and never looked back. I was busy raising kids, building career and learning history and culture of my adopted country. I hardly even thought about home I left behind and hadn’t been back until two years ago. In 2012 I visited my homeland first time in 22 years. I was astonished at the transformation. My hometown on the Black Sea coast has changed beyond recognition! Beautiful modern city, broad Promenade along the shoreline and most important, smiling and friendly faces. I met family and friends I haven’t seen for several decades and it felt like we never parted! And suddenly something changed in me… It’s like I finally allowed pain, nostalgia and love for my roots that I so carefully walled myself off back into my heart with vengeance.
I love Canada. It is my home now. There is no way back, my kids are Canadian, they hardly speak Russian. I am concerned with my government’s increasing willingness especially in the past decade to drag Canada into American imperialistic crusades around the world. We are not anymore a respected country we once were. We tied our destiny with the evil on the wrong side of history and we will go down with them.
But today once again I am a proud Russian!
Cheers My Friends!
Я
anontnymous 20h09
Crimea has a desalinization plant, in case it needs additional potable water. As to food, they stated they are self-sufficient for at least one month.
Electricity: in case of being disconected by the banderastanis, the russian grid will provide, this has already been considered.
So, it seems they are getting ready for a worse scenario. I wish it doesn’t happen.
The VAGWUN* says “Putin is crazy!” which sounds like impotent rage, but Putin says the western leaders have been unprofessional and irresponsible, which really packs a lot more punch.
* Vicious, arrogant, Godless, warmongering US-NATO.
Saker,
Due to the dangers posed by the Kiev regime, it seems obvious (to me) that the western and southern areas of Ukraine will want to follow Crimea pretty soon. What do you think?
Did I hear Vlad reject that possibility or did I misinterpret it?
Thanks,
HM
Wow. Not that Putin did not have my respect already, but he is the only statesman worthy of that label. Or when is the last time we had a politician who
* cares about his people
* cares about other peoples
* doesn’t waffle on every thing that happens in the world
* when he does say something, he means it
* what he says, makes sense
* uses diplomacy effectively
* is relevant on the world stage
* does not (seem to) have ambitions beyond his legitimate national interests, and by legitimate, I include the protection of the well-being of his people, wherever national borders happened to have been placed around them
I know a handful who’d satisfy many of those points, but can you name a single one in the 20th century?
N.B. Too bad they don’t sell Krimsekt around this corner of the globe… In any event: Prost!
Honk
A tremendous outcome for not only the Crimean and Russian peoples but for citizens of the rest of the world whether they may understand it or not.
The US and NATO puppets are now in shambles as so eloquenty said by Mike Whitney (Counterpunch):
“Between Obama, Kerry and the irascible John McCain, who traipses from one media venue to the next spouting his cold war fulminations like an old man shooing kids off the front lawn, the US has made a spectacular hash of things leaving US foreign policy in a shambles. The Crimea fiasco shows that while Team Obama may be chock-full of fantasists, spin-doctors and crystal-gazing globalists it is sadly lacking in geopolitical pragmatists with a solid grasp of the way the world works. Obama has been no match for Putin who has tromped him at every turn.”
Russia must now await the reprisals.
In the meantime, the psychopathic empire has been wounded.
@”this is far FAR bigger than Russia”
Indeed it is a historical speech. It starts where it should, the Baptism of Prince Vladimir in Herson. Crimea is a stone at the very foundation of Rus and its universal role. On this stone Rus received the indelible seal of Christianity and the indefectible marriage with the Christian Empire (perfected through the marriage of Prince Vladimir with Princess Anna, sister of the Roman Emperor Basil I)
There is a legend that prior to the bride’s arrival to Hersones, Vladimir was inflicted by blindness. When the Princess arrived in Hersones, she advised Vladimir to get baptized as soon as possible. Vladimir was baptized in 988 and was named Vasilii. Upon coming out of the baptismal font he regained his physical and spiritual vision and exclaimed in rapture, “Now I have seen the true God!”
The ancient city of Chersonesos(at the outskirts of Sevastopol) was the place of exile and martyrdom of Pope Clement I. Prince Vladimir took with him his relics to Kiev, where they presided to the baptism of the people. Later on SS Cyril and Methodius took them to Rome.
WizOz
@Anonymous at 20:44
Good to hear about the one-month food reserve, the electricity from Russia, and the desalination plant in Crimea. That’s a pretty good safety margin to have if the Ukraine should ever try to cut off the Crimea.
One month should be plenty of time for Russia to set up the 20,000-tonne tanker system I was talking about, or something similar. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the tankers are ready to go even now, given how brilliantly the Polite Armed Men in Green were able to secure Crimea. That operation showed impressive foresight, and I doubt the foresight has gone away.
(In contrast, take the chaos in Baghdad after the American invasion of Iraq. Donald Rumsfeld’s version of foresight: “Stuff happens.”)
@Honk I would say Kemal Ataturk is to Turkey what Putin is hopefully/thankfully being for Russia
Both great countries stood at the edge of dissolution.. funny enough at the hands of Anglo-America.
@Saker Do you believe one day Turkey will free itsrlf of NATO?
@ a Russian Canadian of 20+ years
Me being a Russian, I am glad for you and for your emotions due to your visit to the homeland.
Best regards to you and all the friends here.
shed
Re: John McCain
Does anyone know who comes up for the travel expenses of this whacko-a-mole?
Honk
anon 20h44
Yes it is good they are getting ready, just in case. My guess is they also have oreoared or are preparing alternative channels for communication (TV, internet, phone lines) provided that these would be the first targets to be bombed or jammed by the amer… ahem… by the banderistas.
> So far, German business leaders are standing firm with Merkel. Ulrich Grillo, president of the powerful BDI industry federation, said on March 14 that he “fully” supports the chancellor in the Ukraine crisis. “Sanctions would certainly impact these relationships” with Russia, he said. “But international law, for me, stands above all.”
That final statement: How pathetic!
However, I’m not sure that the West will leave it at the toothless sanctions. Of course, stepping it up would hurt Europe the most. (And I have a feeling Japan won’t participate really) But after all the saber rattling, despite what they must have known beforehand (after all, “The Saker” is open to all) would be Putin’s reaction.
So I fear this is “Project Hitlerization of Putin” commencing in earnest. Long-term prospects: Certain war.
That said, this war could be a rather quick, albeit horrible way to get rid off the superfluous population on the planet. We are way too many, and we’ll be hitting the limits rather soon. Just as an aside…
Honk
@Anonymous 18 March, 2014 22:44
> I would say Kemal Ataturk is to Turkey what Putin is hopefully/thankfully being for Russia
Can you suggest any good resource to get the gist of Atatürk?
Honk
Thank you for posting this to your blog.
What happened to the sanctions that “old “Skull & Bones” Kerry was banging on about last week?
Naught!
Why?
Because they know the Russian hold the economic weapon of mass US dollar destruction.
How?
By accepting payment for oil/gas in anything BUT US dollars the Russians can destroy the US economy overnight.
Doesn’t even need to be payment in Rubles, just anything other than US dollars.
The Russians know this, it is their economic trump card.
The clowns in the US need to wake up and desist in their crazy plans for “full-spectrum dominance” and world hegemony.
Not for nothing, but isn’t a headline like this just proof positive that the purpose of the news is to manufacture consent not actually report news… “Russia’s Aggression in Crimea Brings NATO Into Renewed Focus”
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/world/europe/russias-aggression-in-crimea-brings-nato-into-renewed-focus.html?action=click&contentCollection=Space%20%26%20Cosmos®ion=Footer&module=TopNews&pgtype=article&_r=0
@Honk Kinross’ biography is a very good read
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1842125990
@Anonymous 19 March, 2014 01:17
> Kinross’ biography is a very good read
Looks good – ordered! Thanks.
Honk
The full transcript (in English) of President Putin’s speech has been completed now.
http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889
Wow! You were right Saker. This might be President Putin’s best speech. I just read the full transcript and I was thrilled to see how directly and completely he called the US on all their BS.
I had listened to the English live audio translation earlier, but frankly it does not do the speech justice.
In trying to pick out my favorite quotes, I found there were multiple full paragraphs I loved. But here are 3 short quotes:
“It’s a good thing that they at least remember that there exists such a thing as international law – better late than never.”
“But there is a limit to everything. And with Ukraine, our western partners have crossed the line, playing the bear and acting irresponsibly and unprofessionally.”
“They must have really lacked political instinct and common sense not to foresee all the consequences of their actions.”
Russia must attack england with massive topol nukes because england is the centre of plots of evil doing agianst Russia and against all non anglo world.
Putin:
“Crimea is a unique blend of different peoples’ cultures and traditions. This makes it similar to Russia as a whole, where not a single ethnic group has been lost over the centuries. Russians and Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars and people of other ethnic groups have lived side by side in Crimea, retaining their own identity, traditions, languages and faith.”
And this is the beautiful reality of the difference between the Papacy and Orthodoxy.
The following is for me the most memorable part of Putin’s speech:
18 Mar 2014, Putin: “When Crimea was declaring its independence and decided to hold a referendum, the Supreme Council of Crimea referred to the United Nations Charter, which speaks of the right of nations to self-determination. I would like to remind you that when Ukraine seceded from the USSR it did exactly the same thing, almost word for word. Ukraine used this right, yet the residents of Crimea would be denied it. Why is that? Moreover, the Crimean authorities referred to the well-known Kosovo precedent, a precedent our Western colleagues created with their own hands in a very similar situation, when they agreed that the unilateral separation of Kosovo from Serbia, exactly what Crimea is doing now, was legitimate and did not require any permission from the country’s central authorities. Pursuant to Article 2, Chapter 1 of the United Nations Charter, the UN International Court agreed with this approach and made the following comment in its ruling of July 22, 2010, and I quote: “No general prohibition may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council with regard to declarations of independence,” and “General international law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence.” Crystal clear, as they say…. Now here is a quote from another official document: the Written Statement of the United States America of April 17, 2009, submitted to the same UN International Court in connection with the hearings on Kosovo. Again, I quote: “Declarations of independence may, and often do, violate domestic legislation. However, this does not make them violations of international law.” End of quote. They wrote this, disseminated it all over the world, had everyone agree. And now they are outraged [over Crimea]. Over what?” http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889.
Little correction,
The Emperor was of course Basil II (The Bulgaroctonos). Lapsus calami.
WizOz
Counterpunch has posted the text of Putin’s speech:
Speech Before the Russian Parliament
On Crimea and Sevastopol
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/03/20/on-crimea-and-sevastopol/
They have a large readership of people of all political stripes.
вот так
I, as a proud American do truly believe in Human Rights, That is the right of any and all peoples to live free from the suppression of not only any government but any man on earth. I therefore do not find it becoming when “any man” steps over the rights of anyone, regardless of race, religion nor political persuasion. I am not saying that American Presidents and/or politicians haven’t stolen that beloved trust away from their citizenry, all I am saying is “to hell with any man that would pretend to be for the rights of a people when all that they are truly interested in is winning back the control that their forefathers once gave up on. I say to hell with all of these so called Modern Day Visionaries…Let the People decide for themselves!
i hope all is well,
i like peaces
“The Vineyard of the Saker”
“How the US dream of world supremacy was buried in Crimea”
http://vineyardsaker.blogspot.ru/2014/03/these-are-official-results-from.html
The lauding of Putin in this blog is astonishingly blind. There have been many comments regarding his love of his people, freedom, etc. If this were the case how do several women who did not commit a violent act go to prison on charges of “hooliganism?” If he were so omnipotent, why is the opposition oppressed, where’s the independent press, and critical legislatures?
Ultimately, Putin is deathly afraid of a “Russian Spring.” Hence when he saw the unrest in Kiev with the associated departure of Yanukovych he acted. Russia’s grab of Crimea has nothing to do with protecting Russians or “western aggression.”
This act is based on weakness and illegitimacy, not strength and could potentially backfire against Putin’s desire of forming a Eurasian Union. Time will tell….
One man,so big to oppose the west tyranny.Putin, have the support of the Serbs !
“For some reason, things that Kosovo Albanians (and we have full respect for them) were permitted to do, Russians, Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars in Crimea are not allowed. Again, one wonders why.”
Putin what the fck ? respect for albanians,I’m disappointed!