NATO Announces They Will Not Fight for Ukraine on the Ground or in the Air — Rejects No-Fly Zone

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Friday the alliance of Western nations will not fight for Ukraine. NATO will not send in ground troops and will not close the Ukrainian air space.

Whatever promises were made to Zelensky and the Ukrainians in the past were just tossed out a window.

Reuters reported:

NATO allies rejected Ukraine’s demand for no-fly zones on Friday, saying they were increasing support but that stepping in directly would lead to a broader, even more brutal European war so far limited to Russia’s assault on its neighbour.

Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, wants to join the European Union and Western military alliance NATO, whose members are bound in its founding treaty to defend each other from invasion.

“We are not part of this conflict,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference.

“We have a responsibility as NATO allies to prevent this war from escalating beyond Ukraine because that would be even more dangerous, more devastating and would cause even more human suffering.”

Here is video of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg:

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/03/nato-announces-will-not-fight-ukraine-ground-air-rejects-no-fly-zone-video/

FLASHBACK: Leaked Tape in 2014 Showed State Department’s Victoria Nuland Saying “F*** the EU” then Plotting Ukraine Coup Using Biden’s Help

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In 2014 the State Department’s Victoria Nuland reportedly was caught on tape planning a coup in Ukraine using Biden’s help.

Victoria Nuland is currently serving as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in the Biden – Obama Administration but she was with the State Department under Obama as well. She was instrumental in the affairs in Ukraine at that time. We’ve written about Nuland in the past, especially when it relates to Ukraine. Recently when Nuland was before the Senate no one asked her about her past actions with the Obama gang.

But back in 2014 Nuland was very busy in Ukraine. She was seen passing out cakes to protesters in Kiev, Ukraine at that time. A few weeks after this the protests in that country got violent and a number of individuals died during these riots.

At this time, Nuland made a call with another American, Jeffrey Pyatt, to discuss the events in Ukraine. She mentioned Jake Sullivan in the call as well as Joe Biden. In their phone conversation, Nuland and Pyatt discussed who should join a unity government. Nuland notified Pyatt that after the review of the three opposition candidates for the post of Prime Minister of Ukraine, the US State Department had selected Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

https://youtu.be/ROTwyP5no08

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/03/flashback-leaked-tape-2014-showed-state-departments-victoria-newland-saying-f-eu-plotting-ukraine-coup-using-bidens-help/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/03/flashback-leaked-tape-2014-showed-state-departments-victoria-newland-saying-f-eu-plotting-ukraine-coup-using-bidens-help/

Kremlin reacts to US senator’s call to assassinate Putin

Not everyone is able to remain cool-headed in a tense situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

US Senator Lindsey Graham has been driven crazy by the ongoing tensions between Moscow and the West, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov implied, following calls from the politician for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Not everyone can remain cool-headed these days, some [people] lose their senses,” Peskov told a press conference, commenting on Graham’s statements made on Thursday during an appearance on Fox News. Graham suggested during the show that “somebody in Russia” should kill Putin.

Peskov pointed to the “hysterical stirring-up” of anti-Russian sentiment in the US, calling it a “Russophobic meltdown” of sorts. Earlier on Friday, Russia’s ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, called the senator’s comments “unacceptable and outrageous.” Moscow has also demanded an official explanation from the US over what it called de-facto advocating an act of terrorism.

On Thursday, Graham claimed “the only way” to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has sparked widespread condemnation among western nations and seen unprecedented sanctions being imposed against Russia, was to kill Putin. He also wondered aloud if Russia has its own “Brutus” or “a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg” ready to do the world “a great service.”

The US has previously made attempts on the lives of foreign leaders. Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro was targeted in numerous plots orchestrated by the CIA, as revealed by the Church Committee in the 1970s. The US military has not shied away from openly hunting foreign leaders in more recent times, as was the case with Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, who was the target of NATO airstrikes in 2011.

Moscow maintains its military offensive in Ukraine is a “special operation” aimed at the “demilitarization” and “denazification” of the nation in the name of protecting the people of the two Donbass republics Russia has recently recognized.

https://www.rt.com/russia/551245-kremlin-putin-assassination-plot-graham/

BBC Pulls All Reporters From Russia After Moscow Criminalizes "Disinformation"

Update (1125ET): Following earlier news that Russia will criminalize "disinformation" about military in crackdown on "fake information", not that different from the wholesale "canceling" and deplatforming of any western media outlets that do not parrot the official narrative, moments ago the BBC announced that it would "temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation" while the news agency assesses the full implications of this unwelcome development.

Full Statement from Tim Davie, BBC Director-General:

“This legislation appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism. It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development.

“Our BBC News service in Russian will continue to operate from outside Russia.

“The safety of our staff is paramount and we are not prepared to expose them to the risk of criminal prosecution simply for doing their jobs. I’d like to pay tribute to all of them, for their bravery, determination and professionalism.

“We remain committed to making accurate, independent information available to audiences around the world, including the millions of Russians who use our news services. Our journalists in Ukraine and around the world will continue to report on the invasion of Ukraine.”

Is that an admission that The BBC produces 'fake news'?

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-criminalizes-disinformation-crackdown-fake-news

Former Austrian chancellor quits Russian oil giant over Ukraine

Wolfgang Schuessel says he left Lukoil because Russia’s invasion “crossed a red line”

Former Austrian chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel has become the latest Western figure to distance himself from Russia over the war in Ukraine. He announced on Friday that he had quit his post on the supervisory board of the energy giant Lukoil.

“For me, someone who always advocated constructive ties between the European Union and Russia, the warlike attack on Ukraine, the brutal attacks on and bombardment of the civilian population have crossed a red line,” Schuessel told the Austria Press Agency.

He said he had spent his final days at the company pushing it to adopt a resolution criticizing the current situation in Ukraine, and had assisted it to write a statement calling for an end to the conflict.

Earlier this week, Lukoil called for the cessation of military action and the resolution of the crisis through diplomatic channels.

“The board of directors of Lukoil expresses herewith its deepest concerns about the tragic events in Ukraine. Calling for the soonest termination of the armed conflict, we express our sincere empathy for all victims who are affected by this tragedy,” the company said in a press release.

https://www.rt.com/business/551228-austria-schuessel-resign-lukoil-ukraine/

Credit Suisse Asks Clients To Destroy Documents Related To Dealings With Russian Oligarchs

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody who has been following the Swiss criminal trial of a Bulgarian wrestler-turned-cocaine trafficker, but Credit Suisse has officially replaced Deutsche Bank as Europe's most unrepentant recidivist bank.

And although this isn't technically illegal (at least not in any obvious way), CS has found itself on the receiving end of more embarrassing headlines claiming that the Swiss bank has asked hedge funds and other clients to destroy documents pertaining to the yachts and jets of some of its wealthiest clients. According to the FT, the bank made the request because it was concerned about information about its private banking unit - which has made loans to oligarchs under US sanctions - leaking out.

To be sure, the CS has denied these reports - or rather, insisted that the requested document destruction was related to non-disclosure agreements tied to its business.

"Credit Suisse’s entitlement to request non-participating investors to destroy documents relating to this transaction was, as is market practice, stipulated under the Non-Disclosure Agreement," the company said in the release.

"Documents shared with investors did not contain any client names and/or asset identifiers by the blind pool nature of the transaction."

But that doesn't change the fact that the FT, citing three sources who had confirmed the details, confirmed that the deal in question involved offloading the risks from $2 billion in loans to a group of hedge funds post-securitization. The FT published more details about the original deal last month.

Investors this week received letters from the Swiss bank requesting that they destroy the documents relating to a securitisation of loans backed by “jets, yachts, real estate and/or financial assets”, according to three people whose firm received the request. The letters tell the investors to “destroy and permanently erase” any confidential information Credit Suisse previously provided in relation to the transaction, citing a “recent data leak to the media” that it said had been "verified by our investigators".

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/credit-suisse-asks-clients-destroy-documents-related-dealings-russian-oligarchs

As Ukrainians Get Killed and Displaced, Weapons Companies Reaping Record Profits Off Their Suffering

WAR is a racket. It always has been.

It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.

-Two-time Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Corps, Major General Smedley D. Butler

Butler knew he was being used as a pawn for the military and he pointed it out, often. It is important to remember that Butler was saying this about WWI and WWII which were arguably far more justifiable than the wars started over lies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, that premise is exceedingly more obvious.

I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle- man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers.

Since Butler preached these profound words, the problem has only gotten worse. In fact, two decades after Butler’s death, president Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his farewell speech, warning about this grave threat.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

Unfortunately, no one in government has been able to resist that unwarranted influence and, once again, we find ourselves on the precipice of a new world war.

Russia’s attack on the Ukraine is laying waste to the lives of innocent civilians, setting the stage for World War 3, and potentially kicking off a nuclear holocaust. But for those who profit from this suffering, they are doing great! They are doing so great, in fact, that their profits have reached historical levels.

In only the first week of fighting, investors have already posted $69 billion in stock gains on the 33 major defense and aerospace stocks in the largest Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) of its kind, the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA), says an Investor’s Business Daily analysis of data from S&P Global Market Intelligence and MarketSmith.

As Investors.com reports, Northrop Grumman (NOC) already pulled 9% past analysts’ 12-month price target on the stock. Shares are up a powerful 18% since the war began, putting $10.9 billion into investors’ portfolios. It’s a similar story with Lockheed Martin (LMT). Following a 27% run-up just this year, and 16% since the war, shares blasted past analysts’ price target by some 7%.

This is by design and the model has been in place for decades.

Below is a video from 2018 from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), who tracks arms transfers worldwide. There is no mistaking who is at the center of this spending, which is a massive chunk of the $30 trillion Americans owe to the Federal Reserve.

https://thefreethoughtproject.com/as-ukrainians-get-killed-and-displaced-weapons-companies-reaping-record-profits-off-their-suffering/

>>15781373

MSNBC Editorial Director Lobbied For Putin-Linked Investment Fund Sanctioned By U.S.

The left media has been lobbying for Putin behind the scenes.

A former New York Times journalist and Editorial Director for MSNBC lobbied on behalf of the same Russian government international investment fund recently sanctioned by the United States, The National Pulse can reveal.

Davidson Goldin provided the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) – a sovereign wealth fund established while Vladimir Putin was Prime Minister – with media outreach and public relations.

RDIF, the recent target of sanctions from the White House following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is run by a “known Putin ally,” according to the Treasury Department. The Russian President “and his inner circle of cronies have long relied on RDIF and Dmitriev to raise funds abroad, including in the United States,” continued the agency’s report.

Despite RDIF’s clear ties to the Russian government, Goldin, an alum of mainstream media outlets that continue to spread debunked “Russia Collusion” stories about President Donald Trump, lobbied on behalf of the fund, as Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) filings reveal.

Beginning in 2013, Goldin, through his firm Goldin Solutions, provided RDIF with “communications/public relations services focused on interactions with US media” for a monthly retainer of $30,000. Among the activities Goldin’s firm engaged in on behalf of the investment fund was “discussing RDIF with reporters/editors” and “answer[ing] questions from reporters.”

https://thenationalpulse.com/2022/03/04/msm-journalist-lobbied-for-russian-investment-fund/

Russia Claims Pentagon ‘Biological War Labs’ Developing ‘Pathogens’ in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia will continue its “military operation” in Ukraine even if a peace deal is made until the process of “demilitarization” and “de-Nazification” is completed to Moscow’s satisfaction and Ukraine is stripped of weapons of mass destruction – including chemical and biological weapons he accused the United States of developing on Ukrainian soil.

“Demilitarization, in the sense of destroying the military infrastructure that threatens us, will be brought to an end, even if we sign a peace agreement. It will necessarily have to include such a clause,” Lavrov said from Moscow in an internationally televised interview.

Lavrov began with a rambling speech about the U.S. supposedly using Ukraine in a bid to conquer Europe, similar to those of Napoleon and Hitler, and claimed Russia was invading Ukraine with murderous force to liberate Ukrainians from American and European Union domination so they could chart their own destiny.

Lavrov insisted Russia is acting with care and responsibility according to strict “protocols” regarding nuclear weapons, while “erratic” Ukrainian, NATO, and American officials make irresponsible nuclear threats.

“It is in the minds of the Western politicians that they keep returning to nuclear war,” he said. “It’s not in our minds, so we will not allow any provocations to take us out of equilibrium.”

“We have data that the Pentagon is preoccupied with chemical and biological installations in Ukraine. The Pentagon built two biological war labs, and they have been developing pathogens there, in Kyiv and in Odessa. Now they are concerned that they may lose control over these labs,” Lavrov charged.

“Americans declined, flatly and resolutely, to start an inspection mechanism as part of the prohibition of chemical weapons, and they build new chemical and biological facilities all across the Russian borders,” he said.

It should be noted that most of the foreign journalists asking questions in the interview were openly incredulous of Lavrov’s statements, and several of them flatly accused him of lying and covering up Russian war crimes. The notable exception was the much friendlier journalist from China.

Russia has been spreading wild claims of American biological warfare labs in Ukraine for several years. Those claims were eagerly boosted by Chinese state media, which mixed them with Beijing’s deranged conspiracy theory about the Wuhan coronavirus originating in a U.S. Army lab in Maryland.

On Thursday, the same day Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the attack on Ukraine, Russian propaganda outlets circulated a map purportedly showing dozens of secret American labs across Ukraine, with 11 of them already targeted and destroyed by Russian missiles.

https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2022/03/03/russia-claims-pentagon-biological-war-labs-developing-pathogens-in-ukraine/

South Texas Sheriff Arrested on Corruption Charges

CARRIZO SPRINGS, Texas — Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd was arrested on charges involving official oppression and evidence tampering, according to a law enforcement source familiar with a Texas Rangers investigation. The sheriff and an unidentified deputy were arrested Wednesday.

The source relayed to Breitbart Texas the charges stem from alleged actions that are not yet revealed to the public. The source indicates Boyd was allowed to surrender at the Dimmit County Jail, which he supervises, and was subsequently released on bond a short time later. The conditions of his release have not been made public as of press time.

The source says federal agencies are also participating in the case against Boyd and additional charges may be filed in the future. Charges of official oppression may involve the incarceration of individuals for longer than two days without a finding of probable cause.

The source told Breitbart Texas that a yet to be identified deputy was also arrested and faces similar charges. Boyd’s arrest was confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the umbrella organization for the Texas Rangers. No other details were released.

Boyd has occupied the position since 2013 and his current term expires in December 2024. Dimmit County experienced a surge in migrant smuggling activity in recent months. Vehicle pursuits involving human smugglers are now common, according to official social media posts. It is not clear if any of the charges Boyd faces stem from enforcement actions related to the current border crisis.

https://miamistandard.news/2022/03/03/exclusive-south-texas-sheriff-arrested-on-corruption-charges/

20 Members of a Violent Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico

https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/20-members-violent-gang-charged-drug-trafficking-and-firearms-violations-vega-alta-puerto

Youtube disabled the Auto-Translate Subtitles to English of the latest Russian Army Colonel-General Speech

– click subtitles – English not working, all the other languages working.

https://www.investmentwatchblog.com/youtube-disabled-the-auto-translate-subtitles-to-english-of-the-latest-russian-army-colonel-general-speech/

Zelensky Lies About Russia 'Shelling Nuclear Plant' And Triggering 'Radiation Leak' in Latest Bid to Con NATO Into War

International Atomic Energy Agency, White House fact-check Zelensky's claims and report there was no radiation leak

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky claimed in an "emotional" speech on Thursday night that Russia intentionally launched an attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the city of Energodar with tanks and warned that the entirety of Europe could be destroyed as a result.

"Right now, Russian tanks are firing upon nuclear units," Zelensky said. "These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers. That is, they know where they are shooting, they have been preparing for this!"

He continued: "I appeal to all Ukrainians, to all Europeans. To all people who know the word 'Chernobyl.' Who know how many grief and casualties the explosion at the nuclear power plant caused. It was a global catastrophe. Hundreds of thousands of people struggled with its consequences. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated. Russia wants to do it again. And already repeats. But six times more!"

"Europeans! Wake up, please! Speak to your politicians! Russian troops are firing upon the nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the city of Energodar. There are six power units. Six! One power unit exploded in Chernobyl," Zelensky said.

"The Russian military must be stopped immediately! Shout to your politicians. Ukraine has 15 nuclear units. If there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. The end of Europe. This is the evacuation of Europe. Only immediate European action can stop Russian troops. Do not allow the death of Europe from the catastrophe at the nuclear power plant!"

http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=62938

Biden asks Congress for $32.5 billion in Ukraine, COVID aid

The White House is asking Congress for $32.5 billion in emergency funding to boost its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and tackle the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.

President Joe Biden’s administration has requested $10 billion for Ukraine, money that will be used to address the mounting humanitarian crisis as well as assist its defense against Russia. Of that, $4.8 billion would go to the Pentagon and $5 billion to the State Department, with the remainder going to the departments of Treasury, Commerce, Justice and Energy.

For the fight against COVID-19, the administration asked for $22.5 billion for immediate new investment in testing, anti-viral treatments and improved vaccines in anticipation of a possible new variant and subsequent wave of infections. Funding would also flow to global vaccine efforts.

The request comes amid negotiations over how to fund the government. Without Congressional action, critical federal agencies will run out of money around March 11 and could struggle to respond adequately to either emergency. The White House is asking that the new funds be included in that effort.

The funding request is designated as “emergency,” meaning it would come above and beyond regular agency levels. That crucial distinction should resolve a dispute over whether to cut Pentagon funds to pay for the Ukraine response and help garner Republican support.

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2022/03/biden-asks-congress-for-32-5-billion-in-ukraine-covid-aid/

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2022/03/biden-asks-congress-for-32-5-billion-in-ukraine-covid-aid/

Global Weapons Pipeline into Ukraine Is Being Managed by US European Command

The military's U.S. European Command has become the organizer of a global coalition of nations sending weapons and security aid to Ukraine as it fends off Russia's efforts to conquer the country.

The command, based in Germany under Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, is coordinating shipments to the war zone from 14 countries. That includes the latest $350 million in aid from the U.S., as well as newly pledged support from Germany and Sweden, as outrage over Russian President Vladimir Putin's move on Ukraine intensifies.

Ukrainians, who so far had managed an effective resistance to the Russians, are already well-trained on equipment such as anti-tank weapons and had been able to distribute the aid where needed on the front lines as of Friday, a senior U.S. defense official said.

"I think all of us have been tremendously impressed by how effectively the Ukrainian armed forces have been using the equipment that we've provided them," the defense official said. "And I think Kremlin watchers have also been surprised by this, at how they have slowed the Russian advance and performed extremely well on the battlefield."

The aid from the U.S. and others has included Javelin guided anti-tank missiles, which could put Russian armor in jeopardy, and reportedly Stinger air defense missiles to take out Russian piloted aircraft or drones. Countries have also been sending small arms, body armor, helmets and food rations.

Ukraine managed to hold approaching Russian forces at bay north of the capital Kyiv this week. For days, Putin's military waged missile attacks on the country and attempted to push closer to key cities, but it was unable to capture many or take control of Ukraine's airspace due to the resistance of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's forces.

Amid the fighting, European Command tapped into a liaison officer network among allies and partner nations to coordinate support to Zelensky. The U.S. and NATO have bolstered forces along the alliance's eastern European flank, including Poland, Romania and the Baltic states, but have made clear that they will not intervene militarily in the conflict.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/03/04/global-weapons-pipeline-ukraine-being-managed-us-european-command.html

Saudi Arabia offers to mediate in Russia-Ukraine crisis

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has announced the Kingdom's readiness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported.

Bin Salman apparently spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and informed him of the mediation offer. The prince underlined the Kingdom's support for efforts that will lead to a political solution to end the crisis and achieve security and stability.

Moreover, Bin Salman reiterated his government's wish to maintain the stability of oil markets and stressed the OPEC+ role in keeping this balance. The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields.

There are fears that the Russia-Ukraine crisis will disrupt energy supply chains, given that Russia is the second largest producer of crude oil in the world after the United States. Russia produces 10.2 million barrels of crude oil per day, of which it exports an average of 4.5 million barrels. Moscow is also the largest gas exporter, with annual exports of more than 230 billion cubic metres.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220304-saudi-arabia-offers-to-mediate-in-russia-ukraine-crisis/

>>15781706

Putin reportedly blocks Russians’ access to Facebook, Twitter, app stores

Cyber Curtain comes down as Putin retaliates against Western outlets and platforms.

Russia is reportedly blocking Twitter, Facebook, various news sites, and major app stores, according to a German journalist.

The move comes after the Russian government announced last week that it was partially restricting access to Facebook in retaliation for the company applying fact-checking labels to posts from state-controlled media outlets. Earlier this week, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, and YouTube blocked access to Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik in the European Union.

The news of Russia’s blockade came from Mathieu von Rohr, head of the foreign desk at German newsmagazine Der Spiegel. He tweeted that “Twitter, Facebook, BBC, Deutsche Welle, App Stores” were all being blocked. (Deutsche Welle is the German public broadcaster.)

Putin has long sought to control the Internet inside Russia’s borders in much the same way that the Communist Party does within China. Yet, Russia’s attempts to censor the Internet aren’t as sophisticated and haven’t been as sweeping or effective as China’s Great Firewall, instead relying on regulatory harassment, occasional throttling, and government takeovers. For example, VK, the parent company of Russian social media network VKontakte, was recently taken over by Gazprom, the state-owned natural gas company.

Whether Russia’s attempts to censor the Internet will succeed remains to be seen. Compared with China, the country is late to the game, and it doesn’t have the market size to recreate the range of products and services offered by companies like Meta, Apple, or Google. Any efforts to start beefing up capabilities now will face stiff headwinds as Western sanctions begin to bite, with Russian companies unable to obtain advanced chips for computers, telecommunications, and more.

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/03/putin-reportedly-blocks-russians-access-to-facebook-twitter-app-stores/