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Ukraine Acting President Calls Emergncy Meeting Of Security Chiefs; Russia Threatens To Cut Off The Gas

Tyler Durden's picture




 

All the dominoes are tumbling now. Moments after the Russian upper house of parliament approved the decision to use Russian troops in the Ukraine as expected, Ukraine's acting president called an emergency meeting of security chiefs according to his spokeswoman. Oleksander Turchinov summoned his Security Council after Russian President Vladimir Putin sought parliamentary approval to deploy Russian forces in the Ukrainian region of Crimea. At this point the biggest and perhaps final wildcard is whether NATO does or does not get involved. If it does, and if Russia does not back off - which it has clearly telegraphed it won't - futures may be looking at a limit down open on Sunday.

And while military escalation is now an official reality instead of merely YouTube clips of unidentified crap troops , Russia just sent another major warning shot across the bow when it issued several warnings on Saturday that Ukraine may lose a discount to the gas price it now pays to Gazprom due to Kiev's outstanding gas debt. Russia's state gas company Gazprom estimates Ukraine's outstanding gas debt at $1.55 billion for 2013 and gas deliveries so far this year. This of course, was Russia's trump card from the very beginning. Via Reuters:

"It seems that with such gas payments and fulfilment of its obligations Ukraine may not keep its current gas discount. The gas discount agreement assumed full and timely payment," Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov told Reuters.

 

A price increase would deepen Ukraine's already dire cash situation and could lead to a new "gas war" between Kiev and Moscow as well as interrupt gas shipments to Europe, which gets around third of its gas from Russia.

 

In December, Russia agreed to reduce gas prices for Kiev by about a third, to $268.50 per 1,000 cubic metres from around $400 which Ukraine had paid since 2009, after ousted President Viktor Yanukovich spurned an EU trade deal in favour of closer ties to Moscow.

 

The deal allowed for the price to be revised quarterly between the 5th and 10th day of the first month every quarter.

 

The news agency Interfax cited a representative of the Russian energy ministry as saying on Saturday that Moscow sees no reason to extend the discount to Ukraine for the second quarter - because of the outstanding debt.

 

"If this continues to happen, is there any point in continuing the existing agreement on gas supplies at discount prices? No," the agency cited an unnamed ministry representative as saying.

 

"It is important that the proposal for a reduced gas price is confirmed quarterly. It would be stupid and wrong to extend it to the second quarter."

 

Ukraine's newly appointed Energy Minister Yuri Prodan told reporters on Saturday that the price for Russian gas would stay unchanged in March but it could jump to around $400 per 1,000 cubic metres in the second quarter if the two sides fail to sign an agreement.

 

Ukraine, which has seen its currency spiralling down and cash and gold reserves falling significantly as a result of the political protests that led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovich last weekend, is in dire need of cash.

 

It faces a further $6 billion in foreign debt payments this year and has asked the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance of at least $15 billion. Ukraine's newly appointed leaders estimated Kiev's needs at around $35 billion.

 

Prodan told journalists that the Ukrainian energy firm Naftogas is in "active talks" with Gazprom over pricing. Ukraine consumes about 55 billion cubic meters of gas each year, and more than half of this amount is imported from Russia.

But far more important than Ukraine, which is merely a sacrificial lamb in the latest proxy war between east and west, is the Russian hint that what is likely to happen to Ukraine's gas may soon hit Europe too if it also gets involved.

Apart from through Ukraine, Russian gas flows to Europe via Belarus and two subsea pipelines - under the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. Gazprom plans to build another subsea pipeline - the South Stream - to bypass Ukraine by 2016.

So check to you NATO: will you defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine even as NATO actively pushed for a split in Yugoslavia some 15 years ago, or will it do the "right" thing... in the dark?

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Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:38 | 4493320 hookah
hookah's picture

Childrens on all sides trying to prove that they are grown up. When they clearly have no understand what is to be grown up...

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:48 | 4493349 Divided States ...
Divided States of America's picture

Tyler, u mean limit up on the futures right? Not limit down

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:50 | 4493366 Newsboy
Newsboy's picture

Where's my smell of natural gas in the morning?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:23 | 4493733 mjcOH1
mjcOH1's picture

"At this point the biggest and perhaps final wildcard is whether NATO does or does not get involved."

So let's think this through....the US is led by a simpering idiot whose top priority is distributing the largest $ value possible to his unemployed entitled voter base. And the baton is therefore in the hands of the remaining NATO members, in name only, who have counted on the US paying the bills and carrying the water for the last 60 years. Yes...I see a a strongly worded statement (with appropriate apologies) coming in the near future.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:04 | 4493422 Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day's picture

 

- futures may be looking at a limit down open on Sunday

 

That right their should have have been stated as "Saturday Humor"

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:11 | 4493450 johngaltfla
johngaltfla's picture

Good luck to the Ukes on this one. They are losing cities and bases even faster than the French surrendered in 1940...

 

03.01 BREAKING NEWS 0815 ET: Crimean city of Kerch now Under Russian Military Control
Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:17 | 4493464 johngaltfla
johngaltfla's picture

1m

Ukrainian presidential candidate Vitaly Klitschko calls for "general mobilisation" after Russia approves troop use

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:33 | 4493529 Proofreder
Proofreder's picture

Putin - This response is to protect the safety of Russian citizens in Ukraine and Crimea.

Obummer - Our response is to protect the safety of 'mericans everywhere.  We will bla bla blah.  United Nations, blah.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:54 | 4493606 max2205
max2205's picture

Down limit....what a joke....JYellen will use all of March's POMO to get a green open Monday....55 billion at 10x leverage....fuck she will own 50% of equities through PD when this is all over

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:52 | 4493993 s-logic
s-logic's picture

Guys, guys - you all are missing the point. Our tank drivers are polite because it's not invasion, instead, it's bringing freedom to our brothers in Ukrain after 20 years of occupation. Both peoples, are, in fact, happy that we're one people again.

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 02:02 | 4496137 Isotope
Isotope's picture

That kinda looks like a British Challenger 2.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 18:41 | 4494904 silvermail
silvermail's picture

"Ukraine's Acting President(!?) blah-blah-blah"

Who is the "Ukraine's Acting President"? In Ukraine today there is no "acting president." In Ukraine today there is only one legitimate, democratically elected President - Yanukovych. And also there is an illegitimate Pretender, who came to power through unconstitutional and undemocratic way - with weapons and through bloodshed. Surname of the criminal and impostor - Turchinov. Eventually he and his whole gang will be arrested and prosecuted.

Criminals, who seized power in Kiev undemocratic, unconstitutional, with arms in their hands, through bloodshed, have no right to make any statement on behalf of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Criminal rebels illegitimate.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:32 | 4493777 USA USA
USA USA's picture

You mean General "MOB-Ilisation" I am sure!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:35 | 4493535 Joe A
Joe A's picture

The French surrended in 1940 after 6 weeks of intense fighting, after losing 100,000 men and after securing the safe exit of the Brits via Dunkerque.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:39 | 4493553 johngaltfla
johngaltfla's picture

Yes but the wine was not wasted in the Maginot Line. Nor will it be spoiled at NATO HQ in Brussels.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:54 | 4493610 WTFx10
WTFx10's picture

"after securing the safe exit of the Brits via Dunkerque."

Hitler let them leave, you have to get both sides of the story not just the winners version.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:15 | 4493681 MythicalFish
MythicalFish's picture

5% cooling-off limit at 1764.50 - grab it before the NY Fed get jiggy!

 

http://www.cmegroup.com/trading/equity-index/price-limit-guide.html

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:52 | 4493361 Renewable Life
Renewable Life's picture

Can't wait for Bammer and the Boyz to spin this one!!

You know in poker when you bluff and get called holding shit time after time, you lose all your money right???

Oh and Vlad says, the price of heating Europe just doubled next year, too! Your welcome!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:58 | 4493398 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

I think you are spinning more than enough for everyone...

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:00 | 4493407 ektor
ektor's picture

"We’ll regain our status as a nuclear power and that’ll change the conversation. Ukraine has all the technological means needed to create a nuclear arsenal – which would take us about three to six months,” Svoboda party MP Mikhail Golovko said.

Winter is coming, nuclear winter

 

if you had one nuclear bomb to launch, which target would you pick ?

* Russia to say : at least we will wipe some russians ass

* Israel : we want to stay in history close to Hitler

* Any UE capital : the biggest false flag ever seen

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:19 | 4493472 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

you really wanted to fuck some shit up with a nuke, you need to think outside the box

nuke the south pole

think about it and you will understand

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:32 | 4493524 ektor
ektor's picture

sounds like a greenpeace move, not really nazy's one

but they would like to nuke the south Poland, yes it's better

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:37 | 4493543 Joe A
Joe A's picture

How? They are going to blow up Chernobyl again when the wind direction is right?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:40 | 4493804 Crash Overide
Crash Overide's picture

Putin - 5

Everyone else - 0

 

Like him or hate him he's got game.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:01 | 4493412 Vampyroteuthis ...
Vampyroteuthis infernalis's picture

When the stakes are high, people die!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:38 | 4493322 VD
VD's picture

security chiefs = LOL!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:00 | 4493409 the phantom
the phantom's picture

Yeah...I'm picturing 3 bald bouncers from the local strip club.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:05 | 4493423 VD
VD's picture

3 bald neo-nazi bouncers...

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:25 | 4493490 Renewable Life
Renewable Life's picture

So the American military has their finger in the dike in the Middle East, North Africa, the South China Sea, and NOW we think we are going to face down the Russians in their own backyard!!!!

This will turn out great, I'm sure of it!

Yellen get to work!!! We are gonna need 10 trillion more toilet paper dollars, soon!!

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 16:01 | 4498106 Kobe Beef
Kobe Beef's picture

This is the real deal for Russia. Allowing NATO forces into Ukraine means that all the Joint Chiefs' planning for a "winnable" nuclear war could be operational.

The USA has pursued a First Strike capability since the 60's. Russia simply cannot allow Ukraine to be EU/NATO-fied.

Kennedy couldn't allow Russian nukes in Cuba. Now you know how Putin thinks.  They will go to war over this.

It would be wise for the USA to cease and desist provocations in this area. I know the economic hitmen and the continental Banksta Boyz be salivating over scarfing up some cheap Ukrainian assets, but this is a bridge too far.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:39 | 4493324 mofreedom
mofreedom's picture

I've got gas!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:43 | 4493339 Bunders
Bunders's picture

"unidentified crap troops" ??

 

Whoops Apocalypse - SAS

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:08 | 4493663 GooseShtepping Moron
GooseShtepping Moron's picture

I was wondering about that, too.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:41 | 4493340 RetiredSilverBug
RetiredSilverBug's picture

Russsians should paint tanks in pink and attach some roses. Revolution of roses.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:46 | 4493351 mofreedom
mofreedom's picture

I'm suprised Nato's colors weren't pink, though baby blue is kinda gay too.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:42 | 4493344 Herodotus
Herodotus's picture

Ukraine is not a member of the NATO treaty.  Therefore, NATO will not get involved. 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:48 | 4493357 Schmuck Raker
Schmuck Raker's picture

OK, so that's kinda stupid.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:49 | 4493363 agent default
agent default's picture

In 1994 Ukraine signed an agreement with NATO to hand in their nuclear weapons in exchange for protection from NATO.  Predictably not worth the paper it was printed on.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:52 | 4493372 Newsboy
Newsboy's picture

Limited time offer...

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 09:34 | 4496637 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

The fine print: Offer expires upon threat of war.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:58 | 4493403 Schmuck Raker
Schmuck Raker's picture

Did their nukes get handed to NATO, or Russia? IDK, just curious.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:46 | 4493828 Lost Word
Lost Word's picture

Those Ukrainian nukes must have been originally Soviet nukes given to Ukraine.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:59 | 4493406 123dobryden
123dobryden's picture

few minutes ago, ukrainian official said they have to get the nukes back ASAP and it seams he is right...

 

let your gun be confiscated and you end up like a sorry son

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:45 | 4493568 11b40
11b40's picture

Yep. As posted several times, nations with nukes DO NOT get attacked. Proof? North Korea & Pakistan. You can add Iran to the list soon.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:08 | 4493433 Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day's picture

I wonder if thy were naive enough to hand in all their Nukes or just 50% of them like the russians and the end of the cold war

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:05 | 4493648 SilverIsKing
SilverIsKing's picture

They probably kept some. We may find out real soon.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:09 | 4493435 Frank N. Beans
Frank N. Beans's picture

if they liked their nukes, they should've kept them.

 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:11 | 4493445 rtalcott
rtalcott's picture

"In comparison with such momentous consequences, was the treaty not a scrap of paper?"

Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg  to  Sir Edward Goschen  4 August 1914
http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/scrapofpaper2.htm

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:26 | 4493496 post turtle saver
post turtle saver's picture

Relations between Ukraine and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started in 1995. Ukraine is as of January 2008 a candidate to join the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP).[1][2] On December 3, 2008 NATO decided it will work out an Annual National Programme of providing assistance to Ukraine to implement reforms required to accede the alliance without referring to MAP.[3] Plans for Ukrainian membership to NATO were shelved by Ukraine following the 2010 Ukrainian presidential election in which Viktor Yanukovych was elected President.[4] President Yanukovych opted to keep Ukraine a non-aligned state.[5] This materialized on June 3, 2010 when the Ukrainian parliament excluded, with 226 votes, the goal of "integration into Euro-Atlantic security and NATO membership" from the country's national security strategy.[6] "European integration" is still part of Ukraine's national security strategy and co-operation with NATO was not excluded.[6] Ukraine considers its relations with NATO as a partnership.[7][8] Ukraine and NATO still hold joint seminars and joint tactical and strategical exercises and operations.[9][10]

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine%E2%80%93NATO_relations

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:51 | 4493591 WTFx10
WTFx10's picture

Libya was not a NATO member either.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:52 | 4493368 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

the usa uses weapons to get energy, putin uses energy AS a weapon. i just laugh my ass off that finally someone who has a huge amount of petroleum resources finally has the nukes to defend them. fuck usa energy policy.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:21 | 4493728 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

It's even worse than that.

Russia exports about 6 million bpd TO EUROPE.  Oil, not gas.  Oil puts food on shelves, not nat gas.

There is nowhere else to get that amount of oil.  There is nowhere near 6 million bpd of slack anywhere else.

Guess where NATO gets its fuel.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:44 | 4493820 beaglebog
beaglebog's picture

Nat gas is the feedstock for much fertiliser ... so, it's pretty important.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:52 | 4493374 Aknownymouse
Aknownymouse's picture

futures may be looking at a limit down open on Sunday

Yellen got it all under control

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:56 | 4493386 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

Advise our clients interested in bellies to buy at 64. Mr Valentine has set the price. [/ trading places]

Advise our clients interested in natty to buy at 64. Mr Putin has set the price. [/ reality]

USA markets are a JOKE. They are IRRELEVANT for price setting now and in the future.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:58 | 4493394 agent default
agent default's picture

Are you kidding? Today's news are worth at least +100 points on the S&P.  +1000 if we go to total war by Sunday.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 11:56 | 4493389 Itch
Itch's picture

brrrrrrrr

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:11 | 4493448 dontknowcrapabo...
Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:00 | 4493411 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Wake me up when NordStream is shut off...

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:19 | 4493466 agent default
agent default's picture

It is conceivable that after that little incident in Ukraine, the Russians will stir some shit with Finland in the near future, just for the lulz.  Since Northstream passes near the Finish border, supply might be disrupted ;).  Old habits die hard.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:01 | 4493413 Schmuck Raker
Schmuck Raker's picture

Is it worth mentioning that a couple hundred years ago natural gas wasn't a primary source of heating, and maybe peeps could again survive without it?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:03 | 4493420 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

europe should just kiss pootie's pinky ring and get it over with

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:49 | 4493585 11b40
11b40's picture

When was the last time an apartment building in Europe was built with fireplaces in the units?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 20:12 | 4495144 U4 eee aaa
U4 eee aaa's picture

They are going to need to burn US propaganda rags just to keep warm

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 15:50 | 4498123 Kobe Beef
Kobe Beef's picture

Da 'Frikan French will just burn cars.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:24 | 4493737 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

A couple a hundred years ago there were no electric plants powered by nat gas.  Those electric plants power food processing.

So ya, a couple a hundred years ago 400 million did just fine.  7 billion  . . . didn't exist.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:02 | 4493416 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

Can you imagine going into a World War with Obama as you leader....that must suck. 

 

....Oh wait !!!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:11 | 4493449 agent default
agent default's picture

We will not go to war and even if the US government decides to go to war, I doubt they will find many willing to fight yet another another war, and especially this kind of war.  It is mostly empty posturing trying to look relevant against all evidence to the contrary.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:26 | 4493749 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

You know, I hear that the Chinese want to grab some islands from Japan that have oil under them.  The Japanese object.

The only thing holding the Chinese back is concern about US response.

What is their concern now?  And hell, after they have the islands, no reason not to take about 1/2 of Japan, too.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:12 | 4493892 Lost Word
Lost Word's picture

The Domino theory in reverse.

Instead of a strong US preventing falling Dominoes,

the US is too weak to prevent falling dominoes.

All the US allies must have grave doubts.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 19:18 | 4494998 SDShack
SDShack's picture

Taiwan is the prize China is after. They use NKorea as the ultimate pawn, and will again and again with ever more intensity until 0zer0 caves on Taiwan. Taiwan is like another Hong Kong to China. Lots of world wide business contacts to expand their trade with.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:14 | 4493440 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

I think a picture of a bare chested Putin riding the gas pipeline bareback is in order.

 

Mr Banzai, you do it so well....

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:10 | 4493441 Dewey Cheatum Howe
Dewey Cheatum Howe's picture

If Russia really means business they will shut off the tap on the Nord Stream to send a message.

The other pipelines through the Ukraine shutting them off really hurt the EU frontier territories the most. No use in pissing off the rest of the Slavs squeezing on the arms and legs when you can go right for the heart and head.

Just sayin'

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:26 | 4493468 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

Actually that is exactly why the game will be played at the side.  The Slav's pain will be enough to get the message across. 

The last thing Putin wants is change or strengthening of western regimes.  These regimes serve Putin just fine. 

And we are nowhere near the end game.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:32 | 4493525 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

that's why I don't understand any of this. He just had the Olympics...and "the world is still watching."

Europe isn't a threat...although I guess you can make it into one.
"You're going the wrong way" comes to mind here.

I mean Yanukovich has more claim than "Mother Russia."

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:11 | 4493675 SilverIsKing
SilverIsKing's picture

The world is still watching?

Did a bobsled team not finish a race yet?

The US public isn't watching much of this.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:20 | 4493904 Urban Redneck
Urban Redneck's picture

The media was in a mad in rush GTFO of Russia after bitching about their accommodations. I can't see them desiring to go back and have to deal with both real bullets and their petty pet peeves.

"Live from the green screen..."

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:46 | 4493830 11b40
11b40's picture

Please take minute to read SgtShafftoe's post a few notches below this one.  Then just maybe you will get it.  

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:47 | 4493832 11b40
11b40's picture

Please take minute to read the post from YenCross a few notches below this one.  Then, just maybe you will get it.  

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:36 | 4493527 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

Strange as well that the West has not warned Moscow against "precipitous acts" as well.

These are events where one thing can lead to another and, well...no one is in control actually.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:02 | 4493632 licutis
licutis's picture

I think the ukraine should cut off the gas running through them as soon as they are mobilized, its pain for everyone including russia. their economy is not as strong as they let on, squeeze them for cash. 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:28 | 4493760 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

You do realize that nat gas powers electricity in the Ukraine, which powers the water pumps that put water in pipes in cities?

Which do you think hurts first?  Dying of thirst in two days or creating cash pressure over some months.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:11 | 4493446 virgilcaine
virgilcaine's picture

Oil and Gas as weapons No? I feel it here in friged NE. $$

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:19 | 4493454 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

     None of this debacle would be happening in the first place, if the U.S. and Europe weren't fomenting Ukraine into division in the first place. This is exactly how the MIC distract and obfuscate to deepen their hold, and deflect blame.

    NATO isn't going to do "Jack-All" and they would be wise to stay clear of the situation. That is, unless they want to create a situation that causes global chaos and an equity selloff, which in turn they(u.s. e.u.) will blame on anyone but themselves.

   People are wising up to what's really going on. We've got a bunch of brain dead sissys running western countries right now. They lack any sort of insight,forsight or negotiating skills, and are completely inept at anything more then dressing themselves in the morning.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:41 | 4493560 bh2
bh2's picture

The US has no strategic interest in Crimea (specifically) or Ukraine (in general). NATO also has no charter obligation to act in "defense" of Ukraine or its national interests. The West should firmly stay out and quit trying to catch every sparrow that falls, world-wide. Europe should stay out simply in its own economic interest to maintain critical supplies of energy pipelined from Russia through Ukraine.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:46 | 4493574 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Perspective matters.  Your perspective if reflected above.  On the other hand, if you are running an empire in a global competition with other empires, the Crimea matters a lot.

Split the country.  Let the western Ukes do what they want.  Let the eastern Russian/Ukes do what they want.  If Russia and the US/EU want a war let them fight it out in Russia.  The west has more transport so it just makes sense to do it that way.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:30 | 4493936 TungstenBars
TungstenBars's picture

Russia isn't Iraq. Any EU/US aggression against Russia would be the end of the world as we know it, even for us living 7,000 miles away. 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:29 | 4493934 Angus McHugepenis
Angus McHugepenis's picture

Yen: You gave them far too much credit for being able to dress themselves. Otherwise you are spot-on.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:16 | 4493463 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

The pain in Ukraine is sustained by the sprain in the gas lane......

Shit is getting real. I remember hearing somewhere that March 4th was the beginning of the meltdown of derivatives via Volcker.

 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:14 | 4493689 SilverIsKing
SilverIsKing's picture

Funny that I've had that date in the back of mind for some meltdown although I don't recall the specifics or where I read it.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:53 | 4493852 11b40
11b40's picture

Here you go....enjoy.  Only a few days left.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58O-pN0ebcQ

 

 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:20 | 4493473 just-my-opinion
just-my-opinion's picture

Only 2 things matter

#1....Money

#2....War

#1....We have been playing that game

#2....On a global scale....we haven't played this game in a while

Time for #2

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:30 | 4493767 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

 

That's the old normal.

The new normal is

#1 Oil

#2 Oil

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:24 | 4493479 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

Turning the gas off to just Western Ukraine?

Why not turn it off to the rest of Western Europe?!!!

Let the Chinese and Kazakhstan have it!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:27 | 4493505 just-my-opinion
just-my-opinion's picture

Just Be-Cause

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:43 | 4493567 Wile-E-Coyote
Wile-E-Coyote's picture

Any gas flowing through Ukraine could be tapped into. In fact Ukraine has been accused in the past of stealing gas. Cutting off gas to western Ukraine may have knock on effects in Western Europe. It would be interesting to see the political wind change if the West was cut off.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:24 | 4493484 Proofreder
Proofreder's picture

Breaking ...

Gunshots fired as Crimea Government Buildings and Prime Minister is unsuccessfully attacked - Source RT News

Balkans, 1914, 2014 - 100 years or so.   Hmmmmm   Same dates for the Federal Reserve System.

Deeper Shit Coming Soon

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:25 | 4493488 blindman
blindman's picture

http://thenewsdoctors.com/did-ukraines-regime-change-go-according-to-wes...
Did Ukraine’s Regime Change Go According To Western Plan?
(so insane you have to hear it twice!)
also under the category of so insane you have to hear it twice
there is this ...
.
is it true that v. nuland, the assistant US secretary of
state, who is jewish, is promoting and
supporting the neo-nazis in ukraine? that exemplifies
the chaotic depth of the us foreign policy pretty well.
(and explains why it will surly fail by design).
.
Is the U.S. Backing Neo-Nazis in Ukraine?
Exposing troubling ties in the U.S. to overt Nazi and fascist protesters in Ukraine.
http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/us-backing-neo-nazis-ukraine
.
in other news .....
JIM WILLIE BOMBSHELL: SAUDI ROYAL GOLD RANSACKED IN LONDON TO PREVENT DEFAULT!
.
http://www.silverdoctors.com/jim-willie-bombshell-saudi-royal-gold-ransa...
.
"..The American people have been systematically converted to asset bubble participants, then to debt vassals after lost home equity, finally to cannon fodder with sleek armored uniforms that all too often result in a prosthesis. Notice the compulsory repeated tours of duty imposed on soldiers, more betrayal. The incredibly weak USEconomy feeds the USMilitary with an endless stream of men and women seeking to lift their economic station in life. They seek a college experience, but instead win a post traumatic stress disorder to take home." j.w.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:36 | 4493536 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

Good writeup 'blindman'

But why would you be surprised in any way that Mossad and the U.S. Government were behind funding organization like Svoboda's Yuriy Mykhalchyshyn, when you know and understand the West's complete involvement and financing of the Nazi war machine prior to WWII?

Their are no flags waving over sovereign Countries controlled by the Europe and the U.S.... Only Western banks.

This is why Russia must win!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:39 | 4493555 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

It's an absurdism, wrapped in a ridiculum...surrounded by a modicum.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:59 | 4493625 blindman
blindman's picture

a bluster become condensed cluster
of insane stupidity. the usa's foreign policy
is / represents nothing more than the
wet brain fantasies of some dry drunk
bankster owner's fears and whims.
the more they screw up the moar "money"
they make and power they seize.
it is a feature, not a flaw, of fascism.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:40 | 4493557 blindman
blindman's picture

war is about private and personal profit and loss,
"nations" and banks just provide the leverage and fraudulent
narrative required to grind the meat and grizzle.
.
no surprise at this point.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:54 | 4493608 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Da comrade!  Because Russian empire, tyranny, and corruption is better! 

Why are there so many people on this site cheering for one dictator to win against another?  If you all had any credibility you would wish a pox on both houses and be long ropes for politicians, criminals and traitors.  But no.  You want your tyrant to win.

Good For You.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:13 | 4493686 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

Call it picking the lesser of two evils...

Considering who orchestrated this mess I'll stick with the one who didn't create it in the first place.

"The one" who lost it's borders and who peacefully negotiated deals and stuck to the language and letter of those treatise before foreign "inter-governmental organizations" that "promote cooperation" under the "rule of law", with a "double standard" that applies only to those "inter-governmental organizations"...

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:29 | 4493762 blindman
blindman's picture

Everybody loves their chosen billionaire
Posted on March 1, 2014 by Stacy Herbert
.
Stacy Summary: Such neo-feudal times we have that almost every nation, almost every conflict comes down to rival billionaires backed by their street fighting peasants. Just as in feudal Europe, we choose the Lord/billionaire/oligarch for whom we wish to fight and to war we go. And just as back then, only rival oligarchs are uniquely evil, while the one we serve is uniquely pure. Here is Pando on Pierre. Experts can comment below.

Pierre Omidyar co-funded Ukraine revolution groups with US government, documents show ...
.
http://www.maxkeiser.com/2014/03/everybody-loves-their-chosen-billionaire/

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:39 | 4493554 indigoboy
indigoboy's picture

Putin should give the killer blow to the dollar, and ask that the due Ukraine gas bill or any future gas supply, to be paid in gold

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:32 | 4493778 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

Gold has no importance to civilization.

The correct form of payment is aircraft carriers and fighter jets.  Not built for delivery.  Delivered from current inventory.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:26 | 4493927 Lost Word
Lost Word's picture

After World War One,

Germany had to pay heavy reparations both in gold and in physical property.

One of the reasons leading to World War Two.

 

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:39 | 4493556 falga
falga's picture

Putin will take all the cities welcoming Russian troops as he did in Crimea already without a gunshot, causing a political nightmare for the new Ukraine government and essentially the end of independent Ukraine. He will shut out the gaz to western Ukraine then negotiate a political settlement with whomever is left to govern a failed and beaten state. Europe will complain and write nasty communique and so will the US. Obama will not go to Sochi but Vladimir knew this already judging by his absence during the Olympics. Ukraine will then slowly but surely be absorbed into greater Russia at great costs for both countries. There will be very few direct effect on EU and US, just a better understanding of how Russia will behave in the future when it thinks it's national interests are at stake. Of course investments in Russia will suffer in the short term but the renewed confidence of an old superpower will rebalance the map of Europe.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:47 | 4493577 Wile-E-Coyote
Wile-E-Coyote's picture

Couldn't agree more the West will do nothing but send a stiff letter. Putin will wipe his own arse with it.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:58 | 4493624 ShrNfr
ShrNfr's picture

Nah, he wouldn't bother. Besides, who wants ink from Obama's pen on their ass anyway?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:57 | 4493622 fxrxexexdxoxmx
fxrxexexdxoxmx's picture

Very good post. Have you read "Wheel of Fortune: The Battle for Oil and Power in Russia" by Thane Gustafson? If not, it is excellent review of hydrocarbon extraction and the geopolitics facing Russia.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:29 | 4493933 Lost Word
Lost Word's picture

Except that surrender to Russia is contrary to the whole NeoCon plan to defeat Russia and rule the whole world.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:39 | 4493960 PontifexMaximus
PontifexMaximus's picture

Compliments! Tanto di capello for ur analysis, well done!

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 19:26 | 4495021 SDShack
SDShack's picture

Putin will probably let the west keep Chernobyl. 0zer0 is so dumb he probably will try to spin it as how he forced Putin into a concession. LOL

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 12:59 | 4493620 ShrNfr
ShrNfr's picture

Don't worry, be happy, take selfie. Obama brought his pen and his telephone to a gun fight.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:04 | 4493639 virgilcaine
virgilcaine's picture

Pipe lines begin blowing up in 3..2.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:06 | 4493654 williambanzai7
williambanzai7's picture

Hm, I wonder if China and Japan whould like to buy the gas?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:11 | 4493678 sangell
sangell's picture

Hard to believe our Nobel Peace Prize winning president has official Chinese news agencies hurling crude racial taunts at our departing Ambassador, poor African states ignoring the demands of the First Homosexual and criminalizing the agenda of the LGBT alliance, Syrian all over every line Obama had made and Russia perparing to reincorporate a sovereign nation of 45 million people into a new USSR as if the world's only Superpower was, to use Nixon's phrase " a pitiful helpless giant' but here we are.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:32 | 4493945 Lost Word
Lost Word's picture

Banksters plan to rule the world requires the destruction of the United States.

Seems to be going according to plan.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:31 | 4493736 sangell
sangell's picture

With apologies to James Brown

Got your camo jacket on and your dancing combat boots

Got you camo jacket on dog of war is on the loose

The world is aflame got no one but Obama to blame!

 

Crazy little dictators marching thru the neighborhood

There goes Putin here come Kim Jong Un

There not just sightseeing they are up to no good

The world is uptight and Obama's talking gay rights

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 13:24 | 4493740 TrustWho
TrustWho's picture

And the great forecaster of all future events, the stock market, never forecasted any risk of Putin securing the Crimea. 

You see how The Fed protects us from ALL risk. They must be the all powerful Waheguru, God, Yaweh, Allah and etc. of the universe. 

Some call (you) Ram, Some Khuda

Some serve (you) as the Gosain, some Allah

You alone are the cause of everything

Shower your mercy and Compassion (on all)

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 06:29 | 4496446 hootowl
hootowl's picture

Common sense shuld have protected you from "any risk of Putin securing the Crimea".  What else would anyone expect from a KGB operative. 

The stupid Eurpean greenies should have known they were being suckered into a position of being extorted by Russia/Gazprom when they signed on to allowing Gazprom to be their primary supplier of natural gas.......Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind.  What could have been more simple than to excploit/utilize their own resources......Note to Ovomit.....Get out of the way.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:35 | 4493949 blindman
blindman's picture

guns and butter.
Friday February 28 9:00am
http://archive.wbai.org/#ankor22
.
Ukraine and the “Politics of Anti-Semitism”: The West Upholds Neo-Nazi Repression of Ukraine’s Jewish Community

By Prof Michel Chossudovsky
Global Research, February 26, 2014
.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/ukraine-and-the-politics-of-anti-semitism-w...

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:45 | 4493974 arnoldsimage
arnoldsimage's picture

limit down futures? think not. the new name of the dow is honey badger and honey badger doesn't give a shit about anything.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 14:53 | 4493995 gdpetti
gdpetti's picture

NATO won't do anything. Basic power dynamics apply. It's all a game of Al CIAda type manipulation using 'radicals' at the most. Real troops don't get involved if there is a real threat. This is the same gameplan the West has used for over a century... same pattern every time. Same 'lesson' every time.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 15:18 | 4494074 americanspirit
americanspirit's picture

Anyone else noticing how silent the French are on all this?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 15:25 | 4494105 Remnant_Army
Sat, 03/01/2014 - 16:10 | 4494242 Dollarmedes
Dollarmedes's picture

I bet the Europeans are really glad they crippled their own energy infrastructure to go green now. We're about to see just how much load the green grid can hold.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 16:14 | 4494259 Dollarmedes
Dollarmedes's picture

Another thing: didn't Ukraine downgrade their consumption from Gazprom by 80% recently? So Russia is trying to leverage them with the remaining 20%?

Seems to me that just removes any incentive for Ukraine to respect the pipelines.

Boom! goes the dynamite.

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 16:49 | 4494383 blindman
blindman's picture

http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/Broadcast/Entries/2014/3/1_Dr._Pa...
.
king world news & p.c.r.
.
pcr describing the incredible stupidity and
hubris coming out of the occupied by bankster
washington d.c. complex of lying and incompetent
half wits pretending at being leaders, representatives
and legislators; and all for the love of debt slavery.
go figure?

Sat, 03/01/2014 - 17:46 | 4494651 jonjon831983
jonjon831983's picture

Well... hopefully the Cyprus/Palestine/Israeli offshore gas motherload comes online soon...

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 02:54 | 4496226 gann1212
gann1212's picture

we can settle this. have klitscho fight putin for all the marbles. that will do it. me my money is on klitscho. better jab than putin

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