(2022-01-17). New move in Ukrainian clampdown on Russian language. rt.com 
New publishing law does not recognize Russian as native language in country | Russian-language media in Ukraine will now be forced to publish a secondary version in the country's official tongue under a new law that selectively bans "foreign" language publications that don't come with a translation. | According to the law, which was passed in 2019 but came into force on Sunday, all print media must publish a Ukrainian version on the same day, with the same name, content, and volume. | Despite Russian being a common mother tongue in much of Ukraine and predominant in many cities in both the east and south of th…
(2022-01-17). Kremlin on US Threats of 'Sharp Pain' Over Ukraine: Russia Considering Various Scenarios. sputniknews.com US Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland announced Saturday that the US had prepared 18 scenarios to respond to hypothetical Russian 'aggression' over Ukraine, saying the conversation between the US and its allies has been about "inflicting very sharp pain very fast if Russia makes this move in any form".
(2022-01-17). Who is Biden's unblinking chief negotiator on Russia & Ukraine? rt.com 
Wendy Sherman has helped Democratic presidents negotiate now-failed deals with North Korea and Iran | Veteran US diplomat Wendy Sherman is the woman conveying Washington's messages about NATO expansion in Europe to Moscow — but the 'hard-nosed' negotiator was previously involved in sealing security deals with Pyongyang and Tehran. | Neither the Clinton-era Framework Agreement with North Korea nor the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) acted as the enduring restraints on nuclear proliferation that they were meant to be. | Who is Wendy Sherman? | The 72-year-old diplomat heading the US de…
(2022-01-17). Mapping Faultlines: Despite talks, yawning gaps remain between Russia and West. peoplesdispatch.org NewsClick's Prabir Purkayastha talks about the situation in Europe after three rounds of discussions around Ukraine and the demands Russia has put to NATO and the US failed to produce any breakthroughs…
(2022-01-17). British foreign secretary blasts Russia for "waging disinformation campaign intended to destabilise, justify invasion Ukraine" antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Here's diplomacy and statesmanship at its most refined. Nothing in the least bit provocative and inflammatory about her accusation. As the greatest threat of war in Europe since the 1940s looms ever larger. British Foreign Secretary accuses Russia of disinformation aimed at justifying attack on Ukraine British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss believes that Russia launched …
(2022-01-17). British defense chief tells Putin to "Drop your Tsarist ambition to invade Ukraine" antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Maybe if Vladimir Putin and Sergei Lavrov would be a little nicer to the U.S. and NATO the West would become their friend. Surely it's only a slight misunderstanding. Drop your Tsarist ambition to invade Ukraine or face sanctions, Ben Wallace warns Vladimir Putin Ben Wallace has accused Vladimir Putin of Tsarist ambitions as he …
(2022-01-17). Denmark to provide ‚Ǩ22 million for Ukraine's showdown with Russia. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Denmark will allocate 22 million euros to strengthen security sector of Ukraine Denmark will allocate 22 million euros to strengthen the security sector of Ukraine. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba wrote about this on Twitter. "Thank you, dear friend Jeppe Kofod (Danish Foreign Minister — ed.), for your timely visit proving …
(2022-01-17). Poroshenko returns to Ukraine, faces prosecution for 'treason'. rt.com 
Ukraine's former president could be sent to jail after scheduled courtroom appearance | Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, declared wanted last month for a number of serious crimes, including high treason, has flown back to Kiev in time for a court hearing that could see him remanded in custody. | Poroshenko, who led Ukraine from 2014 to 2019, left the country last month around the same time a summons was issued for his interrogation. He is being investigated over his alleged involvement in the funding of separatist fighters in the Donbass, in eastern Ukraine, through the illegal sale of coal. This,…
(2022-01-17). The Turkic Military Alliance or Why has Ankara Accused Russia of Occupying Kazakhstan? journal-neo.org 
The January events in Kazakhstan and the CSTO's response proved to be a real litmus test of many countries' attitudes towards Russia and the regional balance of power in modern times. Turkey was no exception here, as it showed what was behind its active assurances to Russia and the Central Asian countries of "bona fide …
(2022-01-17). Management-union collaboration ends àáimsata≈ü wildcat strike in Turkey. wsws.org The wildcat strike of metalworkers at the àáimsata≈ü factory in Mersin has been ended as a result of management-union collaboration.
(2022-01-17). US and NATO escalation of conflict with Russia is leading to war. wsws.org The US and its European allies are on the precipice of plunging the world into a war with Russia of catastrophic proportions.
(2022-01-17). Omicron wave in Germany leads to massive increase in infections. wsws.org Despite a massive spread of the virus, the German government is continuing the "profits before lives" policy that has already led to more than 115,000 dead.
(2022-01-17). Germany shortens Covid natural immunity status. rt.com 
Immunity gained by infection will only be valid for 90 days | In new guidelines published by the Robert Koch Institute, Germans who have recovered from Covid-19 will only have immunity status for a period of 90 days, down from 180 days. | On Friday, the Robert Koch Institute, a federal agency responsible for disease control and prevention, published new guidance based on developments concerning the Covid-19 pandemic. | Under the new guidance, people previously infected with Covid-19 will only have immunity status for 90 days. The old rules stated that prior infection could be used as proof of immunity for 180…
(2022-01-17). Germany's health care workers' bonus—another insult to employees. wsws.org While companies have been handed tens of billions since the start of the pandemic, those in the medical wards who have risked their lives and health every day for more than two years get only pittances.
(2022-01-17). North Macedonia's Parliament Elects New Prime Minister, Approves New Coalition Government. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Members of North Macedonian Parliament late Sunday voted for a new coalition government, with Dimitar Kovacevski, leader of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), elected as a new prime minister, national media reported on Monday.
(2022-01-17). Amur Tiger Hit by Train in Russia's Khabarovsk Region, Local Authorities Say. sputniknews.com KHABAROVSK Russia (Sputnik) – An Amur tiger was killed by a train in the Khabarovsk Krai in Russia's Far East, the regional ministry of natural resources said on Monday.
(2022-01-17). Pakistani Prime Minister Thanks Putin for Empathy Toward Muslim Beliefs. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday that he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his understanding of the Muslims' sensitivity to offensive depictions of Prophet Muhammad in a phone conversation.
(2022-01-17). Russia's Envoy to OSCE Slams Blocking of Delegation's Facebook Page as 'Censorship'. sputniknews.com Earlier, the Facebook account of the Russian delegation at the talks in Vienna on military security and arms control was blocked following posts about security guarantees.
(2022-01-17). Sweden Investigates Drone Flights Over Nuclear Plants as 'National Incident'. sputniknews.com While no permit is required from the Swedish Transport Agency for lighter drones, they have to be flown within sight at a certain distance and not over protected objects, such as nuclear power plants.
(2022-01-17). Swiss snowboarders expect Beijing 2022 to be safe and great. ecns.cn Two of Switzerland's best snowboarders to compete in the Beijing Winter Olympics said they had high hopes for medals as well as faith in China's organization and COVID-19 safety measures during the Games.
(2022-01-17). Banker Brought in to Clean Up Credit Suisse's Image Resigns Over Breach of Covid Quarantine Rules. sputniknews.com Credit Suisse — the global investment bank and financial services giant headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has reeled from a series of scandals and poor investment decisions which put a major dent in its reputation and position on Wall Street's coveted bulge bracket listing of the world's largest and most profitable banks.
(2022-01-16). Kazakhstan Chaos: An Opportunity, But for Who? newatlas.report January 17, 2022 (Brian Berletic — NEO) — Kazakhstan has suffered severe nationwide violence allegedly prompted by fuel price concerns. However, it quickly became clear that it was instead actually foreign-sponsored destabilization which was, at best, using legitimate public concerns as cover for attempted regime change. A Russian-led deployment of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) …
(2022-01-16). Pres. Raeisi to meet Russian counterpart in Moscow next week. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (MNA) — A Russian source announced that the Iranian President is going to pay a visit to Russia next week to meet and hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
(2022-01-16). Iran-Russia trade value increases by 41% in first 9 months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (MNA) — Iranian customs administration said that Iran-Russia trade in the first nine months of the year 1400 in the Iranian calendar has increased by 12% in weight and 41% in value compared to the same period last year.
(2022-01-16). Parl. to support Iran-Russia strategic bilateral relations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (MNA) — Referring to President Raeisi's imminent visit to Russia, a member of the Iranian Parliament said that the Parliament will support strategic bilateral relations between Iran and Russia.
(2022-01-16). US official threatens Russia with 'sharp pain' inflicted 'very fast'. rt.com 
Top American diplomat promises swift response should Moscow 'invade' Ukraine in 'any form' | The US has some 18 "different scenarios" up its sleeve to react to any form of Russian attack on Ukraine, leading official Victoria Nuland has warned, promising to inflict "sharp pain" on Moscow should it make such a move. | Nuland, who currently serves as undersecretary of state for political affairs in President Joe Biden's government, made the thinly veiled threat in an interview with the Financial Times published on Saturday. | "I'm not going to preview 18 different scenarios … I would simply say that our…
(2022-01-16). Russia can't guarantee it will never deploy weapons to Ukraine — Kremlin. rt.com 
Moscow considers talks with the US and NATO "unsuccessful," but there is no talk of military action, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said | Russia has no plans attack Ukraine, but could not say it would never deploy any weapons in its large southern neighbor, the Kremlin has told CNN, adding that Moscow is willing to talk, but only if its concerns are addressed. | Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin's long-time spokesman, added that Russia is deeply concerned by a recent spiraling-up of tensions in Europe, in an interview scheduled for broadcast on Sunday. | "We have too much tension on the border [wit…
(2022-01-16). Peskov Says 'There's Too Much Tension' on Russia's Border With Ukraine. sputniknews.com Moscow has repeatedly rejected media reports in the West alleging that Russia was planning to "invade" Ukraine. The Kremlin underscores that it can relocate its troops within its own territory, while NATO's military activity near Russia's borders poses a threat to its security.
(2022-01-16). Tanks in European streets explained by Russia. rt.com 
Armored vehicles were pictured rolling through the streets of a Swedish town as the military cited 'tensions' between Russia and Ukraine | Sweden has moved to ramp up security on the largest Baltic Sea island of Gotland with a view to "adapting" its security strategy to the "tense situation" on the Russian-Ukrainian border, located some 1,700km southeast. | Residents of the sleepy town of Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland awoke to the sound of heavy military hardware roaring through the streets on Saturday. The Swedish Army's Stridsfordon 90 infantry fighting vehicles had arrived overnight to secure the t…
(2022-01-16). Official: Ukraine absolutely ready to join NATO. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Yermak: Ukraine absolutely ready to become NATO member Ukraine has proved its stance and principled approach…and is ready to join NATO. "I think now is the time to have a very honest, full-fledged, transparent conversation with Ukraine about our NATO prospects," Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said during an online conversation organized by …
(2022-01-16). What does it have to do with Black folks? mronline.org 
The worldview of liberals usually ends at the borders of the U.S. settler-state until they are mobilized by the oligarchy to provide ideological cover for the latest imperialist intrigue. This is as true for the liberal Black "misleadership" class as it is for Euro-American liberals.
(2022-01-16). Finland and Sweden are NATO's closest partners, could join overnight: former alliance chief. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Ex-Nato secretary general: "Finland and Sweden could become members overnight" In an interview with Yle published on Saturday, former Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed this past week's series of talks between Russian, European and US officials aimed at de-escalating tensions surrounding Ukraine "In practice, Russia is demanding a veto over Nato enlargement. The …
(2022-01-16). U.S., EU, NATO coordinate Ukraine war strategy. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Blinken, Borrell discuss NATO's respond to troop buildup near Ukraine US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had a telephone conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell regarding the situation with the Russian troops near the borders of Ukraine. This was announced by press secretary Ned Price, the press service …
(2022-01-16). Rentier capitalism and class warfare in Kazakhstan. zcomm.org Blame 'free' market reforms that benefit the rich and powerful at the expense of the working class for the country's recent protests…
(2022-01-16). Following historic strike by French educators, government comes to the negotiating table. peoplesdispatch.org Thousands of teachers and education sector staff struck work across France on January 13 against the French government's erratic rules regarding testing at schools. They also sought better safety measures and working conditions…
(2022-01-16). Turkey striving for rapid de-dollarization. rt.com 
The country's finance minister has pledged to accelerate ditching the greenback in the coming days | The process of de-dollarizing the Turkish economy will be accelerated in the coming weeks, according to Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati. | The government will step up the conversion of the nation's foreign currency holdings into Turkish lira, he said, adding that more than 131 billion lira ($9.69 billion) had been deposited in accounts under the plan. | The government program, unveiled last month, is intended to protect lira deposits from further forex depreciation, as well as to make citizens fee…
(2022-01-16). Sweden mobilizing for war? antibellum679354512.wordpress.com The first story is from Sputnik, though it reads as a NATO press release. The second is from Reuters. Tanks on European streets due to 'Russian threat' Sweden has moved to ramp up security on the largest Baltic Sea island of Gotland with a view to "adapting" its security strategy to the "tense situation" on …
(2022-01-16). Nuclear Power Causing Disagreements in the EU. journal-neo.org 
Amid the world's forced turn toward nuclear power and energy crisis, Europe had given serious thought to nuclear power's future on the continent. Currently, 31 countries operate nuclear power plants. The peak in nuclear power generation was recorded in 2006 (2,660 TWh), but overall, the share of nuclear power in global electrical power generation decreased from …
(2022-01-16). Those who benefit from Corona should pay too. indybay.org It's a dangerous trend for a society that is already tending to drift apart and where tensions could become ever greater: Corona has caused the differences between rich and poor to grow, even in Germany. Those who have anyway will become richer in the pandemic. For those who have to struggle, it will be even harder.
(2022-01-16). Seniors to be fined for violating vaccine mandate. rt.com 
Greeks over 60 warned about punishment for non-compliance with vaccination rules | The Greek prime minister has made a final appeal to the country's senior citizens to get inoculated before monthly punishments for violating the country's vaccination mandate kick in next week. | "Our fellow citizens who are over 60 and still unvaccinated — I encourage them today: take this step," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during a visit to a health center in Megara, near Athens, on Saturday. | "Protect your life and the lives of those you love, and understand that the vaccine is safe and saves lives." | Citiz…
(2022-01-16). Thousands rally for labour protections, public services in South Korea and other stories. peoplesdispatch.org Today we look at the 2022 People's Rally against inequality in South Korea, the killing of 23 year old Ashling Murphy in Ireland, and more…
(2022-01-16). Apple changes its 'monopolistic' payment policies. rt.com 
Dutch dating apps are the first to be allowed to use third-party payment services | Apple is to let Dutch developers of dating apps offer alternative payment options — the first time the tech giant is allowing outside service in its App Store. The move comes a month after its policies were ruled a monopoly. | Apple is releasing some new "entitlements" allowing developers to implement their own third-party payment services to pay for such apps in the Netherlands, the | California-based multinational
(2022-01-16). Lavrov commends Russia-China cooperation on bilateral, int'l issues. ecns.cn Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday spoke highly of the "unique architecture of Russia-China ties" and Russia's and China's joint efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and solve international problems.
(2022-01-16). Russia considers kicking out rowdy foreigners. rt.com 
Non-citizens found guilty of serious violations of Russian law could be booted out if the plan goes ahead | Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs is looking into the possibility of expelling foreigners from the country if they commit gross administrative breaches, the head of the national migration department has revealed. | Speaking as part of an interview with Interfax, published on Thursday, Valentina Kazakova said that the ministry "continues to work on improving the mechanisms of control over the stay of foreign nationals in Russia." | The official said consideration is underway for revising the rules to…
(2022-01-16). Mass Demonstrations in Support of Russia Held Across Mali, Youth Organisation Leader Says. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Thousands of people have participated in a demonstration in support of Russia in Mali's capital, Bamako, a youth organisation leader told Sputnik.
(2022-01-16). The Case for Neutrality to Defuse Crisis With Russia. zcomm.org Faced with the certainty of the destruction of their country, most Ukrainians would settle for peace through neutrality…
(2022-01-16). In Iran's diplomacy map, West is just "one" spot. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (MNA) — In line with the active diplomacy that Iran is pursuing in Vienna, President Ebrahim Raeisi is preparing to visit Moscow in the coming days to discuss various issues with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
(2022-01-16). Why Washington's Focus on "Credibility" is a Recipe for War. dissidentvoice.org The most pressing threat to global security right now isn't so-called "provocations" by either Russia or China. It is the United States' misplaced obsession with its own "credibility". This rallying cry by Washington officials — echoed by the media and allies in London and elsewhere — is code for allowing the US to act like …
(2022-01-16). UK Labour Leader Starmer on 'Partygate': 'I Think PM Johnson Broke the Law'. sputniknews.com UK PM Boris Johnson is currently under fire over what has already been named "partygate": a series of alleged parties that took place on Downing Street at a time when the United Kingdom was under strict coronavirus restrictions.