War with Russia

[Bazzer]

In Russia, purchasing a blue check on Instagram, Facebook and the like is going to be an offence as it's deemed to be financing extremism with penalties up to 8 years in prison.

I understand access to Telegram and Whatsapp is being restricted, or where possible blocked by Russia, with it being replaced by a home grown app, that records everything you do with your phone.
Aside from the apps displaying video of Ukrainian attacks on Russian men and material, there is a specific "I want to surrender" hotline, which Russian commanders are not too keen on. I have also seen reports of Russian soldiers using the apps to disclose to Ukraine the locations of material and commanders.

 

[Pinno718]

Ukraine attacks pipeline that sends Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia​

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...hat-sends-russian-oil-to-hungary-and-slovakia

Orban sends letter to Trump, Trump say's he's 'very angry'.
So, you can tell exactly who's side Trump is on.

https://thehill.com/homenews/5466542-trump-told-orban-hes-very-angry-at-ukraine-over-pipeline-attack

 

[Pblakeney]

So, you can tell exactly who's side Trump is on.

Nothing new, just additional confirmation.
PS - It is nuts that any* EU/European state is buying Russian oil or gas.

*I include the UK if any of our supplies are of Russian origin. Directly, or indirectly.

 

[Bazzer]

Nothing new, just additional confirmation.
PS - It is nuts that any* EU/European state is buying Russian oil or gas.

*I include the UK if any of our supplies are of Russian origin. Directly, or indirectly.

This report made near the end of 2024 cast doubts upon Germany's claim not to be receiving Russian gas. Presumably some other other EU states are/were also doing the same, despite the Russian invasion?

 

[Pblakeney]

This report made near the end of 2024 cast doubts upon Germany's claim not to be receiving Russian gas. Presumably some other other EU states are/were also doing the same, despite the Russian invasion?

I suspect that it is rife, especially if a blind eye is turned to origin of supply.
"We support Ukraine 100%, as long as our lives are not materially affected." An imaginary quote which I doubt is far from the truth.

https://www.reuters.com/world/three...e-keep-billions-trade-with-russia-2025-08-05/

 

[All uphill]

I suspect that it is rife, especially if a blind eye is turned to origin of supply.
"We support Ukraine 100%, as long as our lives are not materially affected." An imaginary quote which I doubt is far from the truth.

I'm reliably told Norway's sales of gas are higher than its stated production.

 

[C R]

I'm reliably told Norway's sales of gas are higher than its stated production.

At some point sanctions on Iran meant that Spain was exporting more than double its stated pistachio production.

 

[Psamathe]

Ukraine attacks pipeline that sends Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia​

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...hat-sends-russian-oil-to-hungary-and-slovakia

Orban sends letter to Trump, Trump say's he's 'very angry'.
So, you can tell exactly who's side Trump is on.

https://thehill.com/homenews/5466542-trump-told-orban-hes-very-angry-at-ukraine-over-pipeline-attack

Yet he's massively tariffing India for buying Russian oil.

Maybe more applicable to the Trumpton thread but to me an obvious answer to why Trump is so concerned about civilian deaths in Ukraine but totally fine with massive innocent civilian deaths in Gaza, says and does nothing about innocent civilians being starved to death, even provides the means (weapons & political cover) to carry it out. To me obvious reason for his different positions.

Same reason he's fine with Hungary & Slovakia buying Russian oil but India he thinks shouldn't.

 

[Pinno718]

Yet he's massively tariffing India for buying Russian oil.

Maybe more applicable to the Trumpton thread but to me an obvious answer to why Trump is so concerned about civilian deaths in Ukraine but totally fine with massive innocent civilian deaths in Gaza, says and does nothing about innocent civilians being starved to death, even provides the means (weapons & political cover) to carry it out. To me obvious reason for his different positions.

Same reason he's fine with Hungary & Slovakia buying Russian oil but India he thinks shouldn't.

He seems conflicted between some semblance (perhaps token) of concern, his own narcissism plus his own ideas of what power means and the strings attached to him. It's his bed and he has to lie in it.

 

[Pinno718]

The European Union, alongside the G7 and the UK, has lowered the price cap on seaborne Russian crude oil to $47.60 per barrel, effectively implementing a dynamic cap set at 15% below the average market price of Russian Urals crude oil. This measure, which became effective on September 3, 2025, aims to reduce Russia's oil revenues, which fund its war in Ukraine, while keeping global energy markets stable. G7 countries will not provide shipping or insurance services for Russian oil sold above this new price cap, forcing Russia to seek alternatives.
Also in the Grauniad:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-on-russian-oil-in-bid-to-curb-war-on-ukraine

 

[Pinno718]

Chinese banks are becoming increasingly reluctant to handle Russian transactions due to fears of additional secondary sanctions. Even back in late 2024, an estimated 98%of Chinese banks rejected direct Yuan payments from Russia, forcing Russian traders into expensive alternative methods that add to each transaction.