Former Yukos leader Mikhail Khodorkovsky released a video announcing his intention to open new media in Russia after having to close Open Media and MBH Media.
Open Media previously announced that it would cease to function due to the blocking of their website at the request of the Attorney General due to the connection of the media with organizations recognized as undesirable. The same statement was made by the online edition of “MBH Media”.
“Life is getting harder, but it's not over. Closing some projects does not mean the end of the fight, but it means that I will start my new projects, so it was more difficult for the regime to fight them, “Khodorkovsky said.
New media are expected to open after the planned elections to the State Duma in Russia on September 19
To the State Duma of Russia The federation has submitted a bill for consideration on the inclusion of periods of service in the armed forces in the insurance record. The document was published in the database of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
The initiators of the bill were deputies from the faction of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) and Senator Sergei Leonov. An earlier proposal was made by the United Russia.
According to the bill, the insurance period will include a conscription service in the armed forces and citizens who have served in the army will be able to retire early. This option will eliminate the existing inequality between conscripts and conscripts.
Ministry of Justice contributed The list of banned organizations includes the Foundation for the Fight against Corruption, the Navalny Headquarters and the Foundation for the Protection of Citizens' Rights (recognized in the Russian Federation by foreign agents and extremist organizations). This was reported in the department itself.
The department has updated the list of banned organizations. Alexei Navalny's structures are numbered 86-88 there.
At the beginning of June, at the request of the prosecutor's office, the Moscow City Court recognized the FBK and related organizations as extremist. By a court decision, they were to terminate their activities immediately.
If they continue to operate, employees of the organization can be prosecuted under the article on extremism, which provides for up to 10 years in prison. In addition, it is forbidden to fund the activities of organizations recognized as extremist.
By Daily Beast , National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan (NIID), three days before the start of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the transmission of data to the international GISAID database that the lambda coronavirus strain was first identified in the country during the tests. At the same time, they decided not to inform the general public.
The publication emphasizes that earlier South American and Japanese scientists have reported that the lamba variant is highly infectious and may have increased resistance to vaccines. When the lamba variant was discovered in Japan, coronavirus disease had already increased in that country. And it was clear that the arrival of the “lambda” could further complicate the situation.
NIID reported that this option was found during an airport check. It was planned to announce the detection of this variant at the end of the Olympic Games at the earliest.
In Peru, where the lambda strain was first detected, more than 90 percent of infections are currently associated with this variant. coronavirus. The University of Tokyo research group believes that this option “has the potential to pose a threat to human society.”
“The United States is doing everything possible to ensure that there are no more concessions and that” gifts “to the Russian Federation”
Russia-US diplomatic relations are in serious strain. The US State Department responded to the words of Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov about restrictions on Russian diplomatic personnel and recalled the possibility of extending visas. At the same time, a Russian diplomat said earlier that Moscow had received a list of 24 diplomats who must leave the United States by September 3. The expert outlined the prospects for this situation for the Ministry of Culture.
Photo: Still from video
On Monday, August 2, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ned Price said that Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov's statements were “inaccurate,” the media reported. In addition, he noted that staff of the Russian diplomatic mission in the United States may request an extension of their visas, which will be assessed individually.
Earlier, Russia's ambassador to Washington told The National Interest that at the end of 2020, the United States had imposed a three-year work restriction on Russian diplomatic mission staff. Anatoly Antonov also stressed that Moscow even received a list of 24 diplomats who were ordered to leave the United States before September 3.
According to the Chief Researcher of the US-Canada Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Vasiliev , the latest information from the diplomatic front does not raise much optimism about the implementation of the agreements reached at the Russian-US summit in Geneva just a month and a half ago.
“These agreements can be conditionally divided into easy to implement and problematic, which in some cases are not in sight,” comments the expert. – The latter include in particular the situation in Afghanistan and the fight against international terrorism. Neither Russia nor the United States has full leverage and control over them.
As for the diplomatic sphere, it is precisely the one that the parties completely control. In addition, all diplomatic frictions can be lifted very easily. And you don't have to wait for any legislative action to do that.
Even the US Congress, which is poking its nose everywhere, in this case does not focus its attention on the work of diplomatic units. Senators and congressmen are wondering why there are so few African Americans abroad at US embassies abroad, at least in leadership positions.
Agreement on the form of work of consular departments, recruitment, number of diplomatic staff and their movement can therefore be reached in an operational state at the level of interaction between the foreign agencies of the two countries.
Unfortunately, recent events once again prove that the problem, which can be easily solved, is intentionally even more complicated. This is due to the fact that it is in the diplomatic sphere that the “donkey ears” of the US State Department are most pronounced.
The point is that there are serious differences in the positions of the White House, the State Department or those responsible for foreign policy.
For example, the State Department believes that this is all a political situation that is necessary for US leader Joe Biden and his administration to pursue their own long-term or medium-term interests. But from the point of view of American diplomacy, this is not so important and necessary.
In this situation, it is not the American side as a whole that is working, but the sabotage role of the State Department, and that is very clearly traceable.
It is no coincidence that even the latest Russian-American diplomatic scandal is commented on by representatives of this particular ministry. Yes, some points were, of course, agreed with the White House, but the decision itself, as I understand it, was made at the level of the US State Department. “
According to the expert, the Americans may be sending certain signals in this way, related to the fact that the United States is still on the list of “states hostile to the Russian Federation.”
This, most probably it worries and insults Washington. Especially against the background of the fact that the Russian side has not yet taken steps to exclude the US from this list.
“Thus, a background is being created against which it is relatively difficult to imagine that Russian-American diplomatic relations will face rapid positive changes,” Vladimir Vasiliev continues. – Most likely, the parties will simply try to keep them at least as they are.
Moreover, in the United States, especially after the Nord Stream 2 agreements, there is indeed a view that Russian-American diplomatic relations are waiting for some improvement. At the same time, it must be understood that the success of this agreement is only thanks to German diplomacy. Of course, the weakness of President Biden's administration also played a significant role in this process.
The fact that the decision to further implement the project today caused such a resonance is the main factor why diplomatic relations between the United States and the Russian Federation cannot be viewed positively in the future. When Americans see that improvements bring unilateral benefits to Russia, they are doing everything they can to ensure that these concessions and “gifts” no longer exist. “
Recall that in the spring, the ambassadors of Russia and the United States Anatoly Antonov and John Sullivan returned to their capitals. Washington has introduced another package of anti-Russian sanctions, which means the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats from the US embassy, as well as a ban on the participation of US financial institutions in the initial placement of Russian government debt, denominated in rubles.
The Russian authorities introduced the United States.
In mid-June, Joe Biden's first meeting as head of the White House and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place in Geneva. The leaders agreed to return the ambassadors to their posts and launched consultations on strategic issues. However, the summit did not lead to a significant improvement in Russian-American diplomatic relations, and as of August 1, the number of personnel of the US diplomatic mission in Russia has decreased by another 10 times. The US Embassy in Moscow will therefore have 120 employees. This is the minimum number of diplomats in the last 5 years.
The ability of the Russian Federation to build a “storm” questioned
US military experts analyzed and criticized Russian aircraft carrier projects. In addition, they noticed the shortcomings of the only Russian heavy aircraft cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov. The publication appeared in the National Interest.
Photo: Ministry of Defense RF
The Russian Navy has only one heavy aircraft cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov, while the US Navy has 13. In addition, China has three aircraft carriers, two each Indian, Italian and British navies, as well as one aircraft carrier & mdash; from France and Thailand. & nbsp;
During the Soviet era, when the TAVKR “ Admiral Kuznetsov 'was built & # 39; & # 39 ;, the USSR Navy had other ships of this series. For example, Moscow, Leningrad and “ Kiev & # 39; & # 39 ;. After the collapse of the USSR, some were sold to other states, such as & nbsp; India and China, others were disassembled into pins and needles.
Remains in the ranks of “Admiral Kuznetsov” has a displacement of about 60 thousand tons, can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (55 km/h). National interest & nbsp; was & nbsp; forced & nbsp; admit that the Russian aircraft cruiser has heavier missile armament than Western aircraft carriers.
Yet & nbsp; US edition draws attention to numerous damages to “ Admiral Kuznetsov & # 39; & # 39; and the loss of aircraft-based aircraft during combat missions: “ Admiral Kuznetsov largely participated in the ceremonies, and the first participation of this aircraft carrier in hostilities took place in Syria in 2016, & ndash; notes the release. & ndash; After the sending of Kuznetsov, which was widely reported in the media, the aircraft carrier aircraft carried out two months of combat missions to the Mediterranean. This operation was organized to increase the prestige of the Russian fleet, because the real effect of Kuznetsov virtually none. In addition, the aircraft carrier lost two aircraft (MiG-29K and Su-33) and Kuznetsov himself is still under repair.
At the same time, the publication “ forgot & # 39; & # 39; to mention that, in general, Admiral Kuznetsov's aircraft carrier on board during this voyage; flew 420 combat flights and hit 1250 terrorist targets.
The National Interest & nbsp; he writes that the aircraft cruiser serves as a political tool rather than a military one: “ Russia has a unique position. It has four navies on four banks and all four are unable to provide any support to each other. In the Soviet period, nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles were next to aircraft carriers … Now the Russian Navy uses Admiral Kuznetsov. just to increase their prestige and influence. Together with the atomic heavy cruiser Peter the Great, Kuznetsov is a visible manifestation of Russia's naval power, forcing other nations to take Russian interests into account. “
The US publication believes that Russia will not be able to build more aircraft carriers than it currently has: “ The Russian Navy is more concerned with strengthening its global authority than building something really important. Earlier, President Dmitry Medvedev (former President of the Russian Federation, 2008-2012) said that Russia could build 6 aircraft carriers by 2025; obviously no one can think of fulfilling this promise now. Yet & nbsp; still have a plan to build a “ project 23000 & # 39; & # 39; called “ Storm & # 39; & # 39 ;, which is a heavy aircraft cruiser with a displacement of 100,000 tons using the latest military technology. However, Russia's ability to build this ship in the current situation in the world is debatable. The aircraft carrier is designed to carry 28 aircraft (MiG-29K, MiG-29KUB and Su-33), as well as 24 helicopters (anti-submarine Ka-27, attack landing Ka-29 and Ka-52K). In addition, Admiral Kuznetsov armed with long-range anti-aircraft missiles P-700 “ Granit & # 39; & # 39 ;, anti-aircraft missile systems “ Dagger & # 39; & # 39; and “ Dagger & # 39; & # 39 ;, rocket launcher RBU-12000.
The ship is currently undergoing repairs and upgrades. He plans to return to the Navy at the end of 2023.
The Afghan Ministry of Defense said that the last On this day, 406 militants of the Taliban terrorist movement, banned in Russia, were killed in the republic. Another 209 terrorists were injured.
Government forces are launching an offensive in 17 provinces, including Kandahar, Herat and Helmand. Earlier, militants said they controlled almost the entire territory of Afghanistan, but in reality, terrorists managed to capture no more than a third of the region in two months. At the same time, they controlled some of them before their offensive.
The Taliban became active after NATO troops left Afghanistan. So they wanted to intimidate the country's authorities and force them to make concessions.
Minsk refuses to help Europe with illegal immigrants
The Belarusian border service has been accused of facilitating illegal migration in Europe. European border guards Frontex, who provide assistance to Lithuanian border guards, said Belarusian security forces were helping illegal immigrants reach the border with Lithuania.
Photo: Lilia Sharlovskaya
According to Delphi specialists at patrol in Shalchininki District. It is stated that on the other side of the border, a group of migrants was seen accompanied by a departmental vehicle. The Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior said that such vehicles are used by Belarusian border guards.
Migrants are escorted to the Lithuanian border: @Frontex records actions of Belarusian border guards https: //t.co/UuLfDKME2R
— Eitvydas Bajarūnas ( @EitvydasB) August 3, 2021
Since the beginning of the year, more than four thousand illegal migrants have arrived in Lithuania from Belarus. According to reports, Lithuanian border guards “ returned & # 39; & # 39; There are several groups of illegal immigrants in Belarus.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has previously said that Minsk is unable to deter illegal migrants from the Middle East who use Belarus as a transit point on the road. to the European Union.
“ They strangle us and demand of us … we protect them & # 39; & # 39 ;, & ndash; the next day he was indignant.
Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in Lithuania has denied allegations of facilitating illegal migration at the same level as in Minsk. The Baltic Foreign Ministry therefore said that not only Belarus but also Russia could contribute to illegal border crossings.
Washington is concerned about China's growing military power. The White House directly identifies China as one of the global challenges for the United States, along with Russia, international terrorism and other external threats. In this regard, the Pentagon has strengthened its forces in the Pacific, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. According to Western media, the war between China and the United States may begin in the next ten years, and it is far from certain that the conflict will end in victory for the Americans.
Photo: mnd.gov.tw
Relationships between Washington and Beijing remain cold. Despite the fact that the Chinese authorities strictly adhere to the policy of non-intervention in military conflicts, the White House is inclined to perceive Chinese military power as a threat to global security. The US government condemns Chinese military activity off the coast of Taiwan, on Japan's maritime border.
Chinese and US Navy warships meet regularly in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and other troubled areas of the World Ocean. A latent global confrontation between the two countries over the next ten years could result in large-scale military action. The American edition of The National Interest informs about it.
The publication predicts that the essence of the conflict remains the same: China and the United States may fall into the “trap of Thucydida” – a situation where a country increasing its military strength begins to displace the existing power. China's international influence is constantly growing, although the United States continues to dictate the rules of the global international order. But as the National Interest noted, this is not enough to start a war: a serious pretext is needed.
The authors of the material suggest that the beginning of the intra-Asian conflict may be a turning point in relations between the United States and China. For example, between China and India or between China and Japan. There is also the possibility of a new conflict on the Korean Peninsula, in which the neighboring powers and the United States will gradually become involved.
The publication therefore continues, the probable conflict will take place in the East China or South China Sea, as a result of which the parties will rely on the fleet and aviation. National interest experts point out that the US Marines have developed strategies for such wars in recent years.
At the same time, the economic and industrial factor works in China's favor. The Chinese navy is modernizing faster than the US navy. The situation is similar in the Air Force. Therefore, Beijing will be able to achieve military parity with the United States in the coming years.
Another strong point of China is logistics. Unlike the Pentagon, the Chinese military command will be able to quickly concentrate ships and submarines in the conflict zone. The United States will have to push the strike force out of the Indian Ocean or the Atlantic.
As the authors of the article summarize, by 2030, unmanned technology and methods of cyber warfare will play a special role in conducting military operations. And although it's hard to imagine who will get their hands on this in the years to come.
However, national interest continues, China will not survive the war “long distance”. The country is highly dependent on energy imports. Any economic blockade of China will lead to a lack of energy resources in the country and also to the collapse of the economy.
Beijing may therefore take the initiative in the initial stages of the conflict, but then will be forced to give up due to the internal situation. China's victory in the conflict is therefore possible if US troops are destroyed at the site of the operation as a result of one strong blow. Otherwise, the United States has a better chance of winning.
For some reason, the forecast of national interest does not take into account the nuclear factor. Although China is several times worse than the United States in terms of nuclear charges and carriers, it is capable of causing unacceptable damage to the United States and destroying several million cities. And such a prospect can well stop any military conflict in its infancy.
Former High Representative Yevgeny Muraev gladly spoke on the air of the NASH television channel about the role of the USA in the rule of Ukraine.
According to politicians, if there is a conflict between the two presidents, Joe Biden can take serious retaliation because America has agents of influence in the parliament and government of Ukraine.
“They have SAP, NABU, an anti-corruption court. They now generally select all specialists for the judicial system. In fact, he manages Ukraine with the help of his “foreign experts” who are involved in shaping our power institutions, “Muraev said.
He added that Kiev depends on the IMF, even if investors leave government bonds, the country expects an immediate failure.
