Feeling the pressure Vladimir? Putin shows his stress over Ukraine war by wringing his hands in meeting with shame-faced officials after Zelensky's troops invaded Russian soil

Daily Mail ^ | 8/17/2024 | Will Stewart and Jon Brady

[marcusmaximus]

Vladimir Putin is feeling the stress from Russia's invasion of Ukraine - as he is seen wringing his hands in a meeting with his top officials after Volodymyr Zelenskyy's troops bit back and made a counter-incursion into the country.

The dictator, 71, was in a security council session on the crisis he faces due to Ukraine's dramatic invasion of the border areas of Kursk region.

His very public hand-wringing and fidgeting came as he was told earlier this week about how Russia had lost territory to Kyiv troops and - at the time - more than two dozen settlements, a figure far higher now.

-snip-

As he was told the news, Putin was seen with a solemn expression on his face, fidgeting with a pen and absent-mindedly rubbing his wrists. He occasionally appeared to grimace as he was told the worst information.

Such non-verbal gestures are seen by experts as reflecting anxiety, stress, or indecision.

They may show the dictator is facing an internal conflict and a lack of confidence, or feels fear, or insecurity. He may be seeking to calm himself in an act of self-soothing.

Putin is more often seen strongly gripping a table with one hand, which could also be a reflection of tension and anxiety. As such, the hand-wringing is unusual for the Russian leader.

During the meeting Putin showed some strange facial movements, at several points appearing to bite his lip, appearing exasperated at what he was being told by his officials.

[BroJoeK]

ransomnote: "Welp, today’s Ukrainian propaganda is stupider than yesterday’s."

Facts are neither stupid nor intelligent, they are just facts, and can be very stubborn, even for those dedicated to ignoring or distorting them.

ransomnote: "Russia redeployed troops to Kursk in the days before the Ukrainians crossed the border because it had been warned of the Ukrainian operation."

There's no evidence presented to show that Russians were even expecting Ukraine's counter-offensive, much less were prepared to meet & defeat it.

ransomnote: "The Ukrainians then walked eagerly into the trap.
Russia didn’t close the border, another 3000 men joined the initial 12,000 of Ukraine’s best troops in this trap."

The original estimates after August 6 were that around 2,000 Ukrainian troops invaded Kursk.
This number soon increased to 10,000, then 30,000 and I even saw an estimate of 75,000 Ukrainian troops at one point.
But none of those numbers were confirmed and must all be considered as mere speculations.

Ukrainian advances into Kursk were reported as quite rapid at first, soon crossing two Russian defensive lines and capturing the strategic town of Sudzha.
Today Ukrainians are said to control around 1,200 square kilometers (~460 square miles) and are advancing into another 600 square kilometers (~230 square miles) south of the river Seym (or Seim).

Independent and Pro-Russian sites dispute some of the details, but not the overall picture.

ransomnote: "Ukraine will have lost around 3000 by now.
With fewer men and hardware, the pace of Ukrainian losses will accelerate. "

There are no public numbers purporting to show Ukrainian losses of either men or equipment in Kursk, though there are Russian videos claiming to show significant attacks on Ukrainian columns.

ransomnote: "The international community is disgusted; Germany won’t be sending any more money down this black hole the Ukraine has dug in Kursk."

Naw... Germans are perfectly happy with Ukraine's actions, and have been Ukraine's biggest supporters, after the US.
That has led to significant German budget problems which forced them the shift aid onto frozen Russian assets:

"Ukraine has prepared its military operation in the Kursk region very secretly and without feedback, which is certainly due to the situation," Scholz said. "This is a very limited operation in terms of space and probably also in terms of time."
Separately Scholz said Germany would continue to be what he said was Ukraine's biggest supporter in Europe after controversy in recent days over what some have called wavering German support for Kyiv over domestic politicking.

Scholz's awkward three-way coalition, which has struggled to reach a deal on its budget, plans to halve its aid next year, betting the shortfall will be made up by a G7 plan to loan Ukraine $50 billion.

Scholz said the G7 plan to use proceeds from frozen Russian assets to give the loans was "technically demanding, but politically clarified" and would give Ukraine a considerable increase in support."

IOW, Germans intend to increase their support for Ukraine, not reduce it.

ransomnote: "The Ukrainians have lost so many that they are pulling soldiers from the Donbas to reinforce them.
In Donbas, their soldiers are complaining that since the Kursk operation, they are receiving fewer shells and armored vehicles."

It does appear that the Donbas for Ukraine may be returning to the desperate days before the April 2024 US House approval of $61 billion in new aid for Ukraine.
Some reports suggest Russians may be gaining as much as two or three square miles per day now.

Since August 6, Ukraine has taken around 460 square miles in Kursk and is now moving into another 230 square miles south of the Seym River.

ransomnote: "The only reason Zelensky keeps his troops in Kursk, now that they are low on vehicles, fuel, and losing men, is either his narcissism (prestige seeking propaganda) and/or the rumors that the Ukrainians have a dirty bomb, or are awaiting delivery of a dirty bomb.
They are still trying to reach or damage the nuclear power plant, but they don’t have the mobility anymore."

All of that is 100% pure nonsense reflecting nothing more than Russian vodka induced fever-dreams projected out into the real world.
In fact, there's nothing nuclear about Ukraine's operations or goals in Kursk.
How far Ukraine can go into Kursk and how long they may decide to stay there is anybody's guess right now.

ransomnote: "Zelensky say’s he’s advancing in several directions in Kursk; he is lying.
He’s been sending reconnaissance teams which are being ambushed by Chechen forces Russia deployed to this forested region because they excel at such ambushes."

All of the Kursk invasion maps -- including pro-Russian maps -- show Ukrainian forces advancing along several axes, including east through Sudzha, northeast towards Kursk City, North towards L'gov, northwest towards Koreveno and west towards Glushkovo.
These are reported as advancing further, or less, depending on the day and which side reports it.

ransomnote: "Putin has declared Ukrainians in Kursk as ‘terrorists’ because the incursion team brought teams of foreign mercenaries who have been shooting at citizens, fire trucks, ambulances etc. "

All of that is also pure lies & nonsense, Russian propaganda supported by zero evidence from reports on the ground.
Actual reports from Kursk show a very different story, one of friendly receptions to and aid from Ukraine military for Kursk civilians.

So, who are we to believe -- Solovyov and Skabeyeva, or our own lying eyes?

ransomnote: "It’s stunning that Zelensky made such a massive stupid error (kurks) but I do think he wants to double down.
This does seem like his Battle of The Bulge."

Yes, Battle of the Bulge is a seemingly obvious analogy, but perhaps a better one is the opening of a Second Front in Europe on June 6, 1944, to take some of the pressure off Germany's Eastern Front and give the Old Soviets a better chance for success.
Or, perhaps its just a diversion, to take attention away from important events happening elsewhere... ?

June 6, 1944, opening of the "Second Front" in Europe to take pressure off the Soviets on Germany's Eastern Front.

[BroJoeK]

Openurmind: "As Zelenskyy is busted for hiding pipeline sabotage and Germany is cutting him off.
Putin ringing hands is definitely a huge win for Zelenskyy..."

None of the reports by the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post or the German Der Spiegel, accusing various Ukrainian officials of responsibility for blowing up the NordStream pipeline, none have been verified.
One report said Ukraine Pres. Zelensky -- acting at the CIA's request -- ordered the operation stopped, but was disobeyed by his Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhniy.

Tucker Carlson, speaking for the Kremlin, has long said it was Joe Biden who blew up Nordstream, and his main evidence is previous quotes from Biden saying that's what he would do.

"He [Carlson] pointed to remarks, by President Joe Biden from February, where he opposed activation of the pipeline.
Biden had said if Putin invades, "there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2, we will bring an end to it."

Now, Biden blowing up NordStream and the CIA telling Zelensky to shut down the operation to do it, doesn't make a lot of sense.

Finally, according to German chancellor Schulz, German support for Ukraine will increase, not decrease, but funding will change to loans backed by frozen Russian assets.

[bimboeruption]

>>>>Governor Dinwiddie: "Actually Vlad Putin is a nice guy. He's known as Russia's Mr. Rogers. Won't you be my neighbor?"

BroJoek: ROFLOL!!<<<<

________________________________________________

Do you think Putin took showers with his little daughter?

Yes, zeepers, your Fearless Leader Biden, is known as America's Mr. Perv.

[BroJoeK]

USA-FRANCE: "Putin reacts to Ukraine invading Russia"

LOL!

JoSixChip #142: "You do know that there are Ukrainians that are actual nazis, right?"

No more ever than in Russia or any other country, arguably fewer now than most countries.

JoSixChip #142: "Russians defeated the nazis.
France on the other hand, surrendered to the nazis and practically welcomed them in."

Hitler and Stalin were allies when Hitler invaded France in 1940!
Without the Hitler/Stalin alliance, Hitler could not dare to invade Poland, much less France.

French suffered a million casualties in WWII, which is 50% more than the Brits as a percent of their population and four times more than Americans suffered, percentage-wise.

So, there's no doubt that the French mind-set had been fried into First World War thinking behind their Maginot Line defenses, however French contributions were still significant and by war's end Free French forces totaled 1,300,000 making them the 4th largest Allied army.

JoSixChip #142: "Until The Americans got there, facilitated by the Russians keeping the nazis occupied in Russia.
So I think You should be thanking the Russians."

The Allies were a highly effective partnership where everyone played a role and deserved a fair share of the credit for victory.
Arguably, the Russians could never have defeated the Germans alone -- without massive aid from the US and UK, and without multiple 2nd, 3rd and 4th fronts keeping Axis forces away from dealing with the Soviets.

Hopefully, Western Allies can be as effective today as we were in WWII and Cold War I.

[BroJoeK]

bimboeruption: "Do you think Putin took showers with his little daughter?
Yes, zeepers, your Fearless Leader Biden, is known as America's Mr. Perv."

Your response is both a non sequitur and red herring, so congratulations for combining two logical fallacies in the same argument.

It's also factually false in several respects.

1. Biden is only "fearless" to the degree his dementia renders him effectively brain-dead.
   In fact, Biden's fearful self-deterrence has prevented him from providing Ukraine what's needed to win against Russia.

2. Biden is not my "leader", even remotely, since I've never voted for a Democrat in my life.
   Sadly, he still is considered our president.

3. We had this discussion already, where you tried to defend Putin's inappropriate public behavior with children, and I pointed out our own "leader" has his moments:

   

4. And there's Putin's reported third daughter, Elizaveta Krivonogikh, mother is Svetlana Krivonogikh:

   

5. Finally, there is the matter of Alina Kabaeva, alleged mother of Putin's sons:

What's most curious is how eagerly our allegedly "pro-Americans" jump to defend Russkiy Mirkovich against any and all disparagements.

[bimboeruption]

You provided plenty of meaningless pix and words (as usual), but you didn't answer my question, mommy's boy.

"Do you think Putin took showers with his little daughter?"

The lengths you zeepers go to protect the Zelensky/Biden Money Laundering Operation are indicative of where your political loyalties lie.

[BroJoeK]

bimboeruption: "Do you think Putin took showers with his little daughter?"

I have no idea who bimboeruption showers with, much less Putin or Biden.
Why is this a problem for you?

I do see where your boy Putin has five children by three different women, only one of them his wife.
Is that a major concern?
Maybe not, but it certainly does not make Putin a paragon of moral virtue, does it?

bimboeruption: "The lengths you zeepers go to protect the Zelensky/Biden Money Laundering Operation are indicative of where your political loyalties lie."

It's true that our pro-Russians are forever howling at the moon about alleged "Money Laundering", but not one of y'all has ever presented a single fact in evidence to support your ululations.

So, there's no need to defend something when no serious accusation is being made, is there?

[bimboeruption]

BroJoeK aka Wall O'Text aka Ball-less Wonder's posts are a cry for help. He's attempting to overcome his feelings of inadequacy. Please lend him a helping hand.

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

PUTIN: THE REAL MOMMY'S BOY! LOL

[bimboeruption]

Oh look who came running to her mommy boy’s defense!

MOMMY!

[bimboeruption]

>>>>PUTIN: THE REAL MOMMY’S BOY! LOL<<<<

Your verbal and pictorial assessments of Putin are pretty judgemental, especially coming from a reverend, aren’t they “REVEREND”?

[Allegra]

Your verbal and pictorial assessments of Putin are pretty judgemental, especially coming from a reverend, aren’t they “REVEREND”?

They’re making him look more like Zelensky.

I’m beginning to wonder about these Slavs.

[bimboeruption]

>>>>They’re making him look more like Zelensky.<<<<

Yep, next they’ll say Putin danced in his birthday suit through a crowded grocery store (kids included), and played a duet on the piano with another perv, both of them using their schwantzes...just like their freak of a hero, Zelensky.

If zeepers had any comprising pix of Putin, we can be downright certain, they’d be posting them around the clock.

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

No judgements.

Putin’s dictatorial as well as pedophilia behavior has been established.

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

ARTICLE

Russia to Gear Up Crypto Payment Trials – The Nation’s Key to Economic Stability?
Leah Alger Senior Crypto Journalist Author expertise
August 27, 2024 | 9:57 AM

Nation’s Key to Economic Stability?
Leah Alger Senior Crypto Journalist Author expertise
Updated:
August 27, 2024 | 9:57 AM
https://techreport.com/crypto-news/russia-to-gear-up-crypto-payment-trials-key-to-economic-stability/

• Russia will start crypto payment trials on September 1 to bypass international sanctions and boost its financial health.

• The trials will use the National Payment Card System to test conversions against rubles and crypto.

• If successful, Russia is poised to launch at least two crypto exchanges and a stablecoin pegged to BRICS nations.

• Prosperity depends on Russia’s ability to navigate the crypto market and integrate digital assets into its traditional financial systems.

Russia is commencing trials for cryptocurrency payments on September 1.

The trial’s main objective is to bypass the nation’s payment difficulties caused by international sanctions imposed following the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Let’s explore the country’s efforts to incorporate crypto into its financial strategy for economic stability.
Russia’s Rubles-Crypto Conversion Plan

Russia aims to conduct international payments by leveraging the National Payment Card System to facilitate rubles-crypto conversions and assess its efficiency with crypto exchanges and payment platforms.

Initiated by the nation’s central bank in 2014, The National Payment Card System facilitates domestic interbank payments and Mir cards (Moscow’s Visa and Mastercard alternative).

The initiative follows the Russian parliament’s legalization of cryptocurrency mining and the creation of a regulatory framework for digital assets in cross-border transactions in July. President Vladimir Putin approved these bills on August 8.

Though cryptocurrency exchanges have yet to be legalized, Russia’s finance minister, Anton Siluanov, reportedly announced the country is actively working toward their acceptance.
Crypto Exchanges to Join Moscow & St Petersburg

If the trials succeed, Russia is said to launch at least two crypto trading platforms – one in Moscow and the other in St. Petersburg.

According to Kommersant, Russia plans to create at least two cryptocurrency exchanges, one focused on foreign economic and trade activities; the other is planned to be established in Moscow. In addition, a stable currency linked to the RMB and the BRICS currency basket will be…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 23, 2024

Details surrounding the Moscow exchange remain tightly sealed. However, the St. Petersburg Exchange will reportedly leverage infrastructure similar to that of the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange.

If all goes to plan, these exchanges will first be available to businesses vital to the nation’s economy before expanding to individuals and smaller entities worldwide.
Unified BRICS Stablecoin Faces Backlash from Russia’s Ex-PM

Russia’s crypto exchanges are said to center around stablecoins pegged to China’s yuan and possibly other BRICS nations (India, Brazil, and South Africa).

However, Russia’s former prime minister, Sergey Stepashin, has cited issues in developing a common currency between tremendous economies like China and India.

It is difficult to imagine that India and China have a common currency. These are too large countries, large economies. The first step we should follow is to make payments in national currencies. It is necessary to ensure smooth operation of the Eurasian Bank and the BRICS Bank and execute transactions there.​Sergey Stepashin
Our Verdict – Russia’s Financial Sovereignty Remains Uncertain

Success surrounding Russia’s crypto stance to boost its financial sovereignty remains uncertain.

These trials will likely be fruitful if the nation can navigate the volatility of cryptocurrencies with ease and effectively integrate digital assets into its traditional financial systems.

However, the trial and potential exchanges using a BRICS-pegged stablecoin are dramatic adjustments in the country’s financial strategy.

Only time can judge if the Russia crypto payment trials will override international sanctions and support the country’s economic health.

[bimboeruption]

>>>>No judgements.

Putin’s dictatorial as well as pedophilia behavior has been established.<<<<

“Established”? Providing credible sources should be easy since they’re, as you say, “established.”

Whip your mommy’s boy into research mode and let me know what he comes up with.

And don’t include the pic of Putin kissing the little kid’s tummy. In the twisted minds of zeepers it provides proof that Putin is a pedo, but to the rest of the world, the part that has more than 2 grey cells, it doesn’t.

PONDER

Judging people without proof isn’t Christian, is it “REVEREND”?

[bimboeruption]

Hope you're thirsty zeepers!

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

VIDEO

1. Putin fooled again, Ukraine launches second invasion of Russia | Philip Ingram
Times Radio
935K subscribers
Aug 27, 2024 10:15 a.m. EDT
Minutes 9:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4WPevBa8hc

“The Ukrainians are going to try and take over a ‘buffer zone’ inside Russia along its northern boarder. That will probably equate in size to the amount of territory that the Russian’s are holding in Ukraine.’

Ukraine has launched a new attack on Russia’s border in the Belgorod region. Former British military intelligence officer Philip Ingram brings us the latest on this breaking story.”

2. Putin’s Moscow ‘at risk’ as new Ukrainian weapons could strike Kremlin
Times Radio
935K subscribers
Aug 27, 2024 2:15 pm. EDT
Minutes 19:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCTPMq-yi_w

“Ukraine is celebrating a new weapon which could strike key symbolic and military targets inside Russia like the Kremlin, military bases, and Putin’s own homes.”

• 00:00 Zach Anders reports from Sumy, Ukraine.

• 12:00 Catherine Philp

• 16:00 Charles Bremner