Brian McDonald
@27khv • 21,570 subscribers
Irish. Long time Russia-based journalist. Interested in facts and objectivity. Not interested in ideology or wishful thinking.
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![Putin recalls staying overnight at Tony Blair’s home in England: “In the morning we sat in our pajamas drinking coffee.” He confirms the coffee was good. Then adds: "Blair is not known [as a man of] peace, but he’s a man with his own views. An experienced politician.”](https://image.24vids.com/tw-1974033990936826324/amplify_video_thumb/1974033769322418176/img/jtPB69DfrvYmpj_m.jpg)
Putin recalls staying overnight at Tony Blair’s home in England: “In the morning we sat in our pajamas drinking coffee.” He confirms the coffee was good. Then adds: "Blair is not known [as a man of] peace, but he’s a man with his own views. An experienced politician.”
Brian McDonald1,283,129 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
A story that sounds too insane to be true: a dog in Novosibirsk blew up an entire apartment after turning on a stove with his teeth. The bug spray can on top detonated, blasting out windows and doors. Fido survived by hiding on the balcony like a tiny action hero.
Brian McDonald369,761 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад
An elderly Siberian lady showed everyone how to stop a tram with sheer force of will in Novosibirsk. She stepped onto the tracks, argued with the driver, demanded the doors be opened (things escalated to shoving) and in the end she won. A few others jumped on too.
Brian McDonald288,464 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад
Russian PM Mishustin has announced that Putin has approved what will be Europe’s largest ever high-speed rail project: over 4,500 km of new lines, linking Moscow to St Petersburg (construction starts this month), Minsk, Yekaterinburg, Rostov, Krasnodar, Sochi, Nizhny Novgorod & Kazan The domestically produced trains will run at up to 400 km/h. It also hints at what kind of employment Russia will lean on once the guns fall silent...
Brian McDonald315,705 просмотров • 10 месяцев назад
With Iran back on the boil, here's another Vladimir Zhirinovsky “prophecy” from beyond the grave (my translation): "So what’s their plan? Occupy nine more countries, smash Syria, then hit Iran with a military strike. But what’s the spark that sets it all off? Or more like… what’s the fuse? "Where is this pressure on Iran even coming from? The Arab states talk about “democratizing by force”, but let’s be honest: it’s really about getting control of energy resources. And this “future crisis” isn’t future at all. It’s already happening. "The US wants to weaken China if Iran gets hit. Oil prices would go through the roof. China’s economy wouldn’t take it. The EU wouldn’t take it either. One strike on Iran and you hit both China and Europe. But then Russia is still standing. So how do you weaken Russia? "From Iran, there’s only one direction to push: north. South is Syria, they’ll install a pro-American regime there. South is Iraq, they fought there for years and they’re still at it. So the only route is north, especially with that Azerbaijani corridor."
Brian McDonald149,600 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov claims correspondence in all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal etc) is fully visible to spy agencies: "Any messengers are absolutely transparent systems. People who use them should understand they are transparent... for the security services, of course."
Brian McDonald221,278 просмотров • 10 месяцев назад
Putin, closing out his China trip, says gas through Power of Siberia 2 will be sold at market rates... with no “friendship discounts” for Beijing, despite what Western media keeps claiming. Of course, “market rates” in Beijing’s lexicon are a different animal and the Chinese will try to drive them down toward their own domestic benchmarks. Other main points from the presser: Putin remarks that the pipeline talks have dragged on for years and that Russia expects to send over 100 bcm of gas a year to China in the future. That's still short of previous supplies to the EU, but getting closer. He says that while Eurozone economies are stuck in recession, the global economy still moving; calls the visit’s results “positive;” says the idea of global governance is timely and remarks that SCO unity shows “confidence” the bloc can meet its goals.
Brian McDonald222,592 просмотров • 10 месяцев назад
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin sounded the alarm on Wednesday about a major labor shortage in the Russian capital (my translation): "We’re short about 400 to 500 thousand workers, and even with the economy 'cooling off,' as people like to put it, that number isn’t really going down. And chances are the shortage is only going to get worse in the coming years because of the demographics we’re dealing with."
Brian McDonald124,540 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on EU complaints over exclusion from talks: "They already had their chances, and they blew them. Now they’re saying: don’t you dare do anything without us. Well, guys, you had your chances. You didn’t use them, you simply wasted them."
Brian McDonald120,024 просмотров • 8 месяцев назад
Trump: “I set up a meeting for Steve Whitkoff with President Putin, thinking it’d be a 15–20 minute meeting. Steve had no idea about Russia, or Putin too much, or politics. “After 30 minutes I called. Still with Putin. An hour later: still with Putin. Three hours: still with Putin... after five hours he finally came out. Trump: “I said what the hell were you talking about for five hours?”
Brian McDonald92,854 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
Ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has been accused of cynically rebranding himself as a conservative. He says he was never a "pure liberal," just an economic one, and that today's liberalism is far removed from what he knew in the past: “I was never some kind of pure, textbook liberal, and never an absolute conservative either. People are a mix of things. You called me an economic liberal: sure, if we’re talking strictly about economic policy, that’s one thing. But these days the word liberal means something else entirely, a whole set of values that frankly aren’t close to me at all. "If you ask whether I support a modern market economy? Yes, absolutely. I remember the Soviet economy, and it clearly couldn’t compete with a strong market system. But if we’re talking about ideology, then my views are now very far from those who see themselves as part of today’s liberal camp. And honestly, I never really was one of them anyway."
Brian McDonald58,877 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад
Speaking in Moscow earlier today, Putin argued that Russia’s relations with Western Europe did not collapse suddenly, but eroded steadily over decades (my translation): "We were never truly accepted into that so-called 'family.' Do you see the point? We were never treated as an equal member. Not for a second. "On the contrary, Russia was constantly being squeezed from all sides. Harder and harder every year. Almost everything concerning Russia was decided from a position of strength. "They’d pat us on the back, invite us to summits and ceremonies, smile for the cameras. But when it came to real interests, the West pushed its agenda on Russia through pressure and force."
Brian McDonald62,396 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад
Putin takes a swipe at both the USSR and the US: “A nation that respects its own tradition, as a rule, does not encroach on the traditions of others. The Soviet Union once erred by imposing its system. Today, the United States has taken up that baton.”
Brian McDonald77,877 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
![Putin speaking earlier today on the current state of Russia's economy, at a VTB Bank event in Moscow [my translation]: "Growth has definitely slowed down. In the first nine months of the year, Russia’s GDP went up by just 1%, [and it was] only 0.6% in the third quarter. The full-year number will probably land somewhere between 0.5% and 1%. But honestly, this is more or less what we expected. Back when the Central Bank hiked rates and the government rolled out its measures [to prevent the economy over-heating and stabilize the ruble], we said straight away that the goal was a soft landing."](https://image.24vids.com/tw-1995947398925791483/amplify_video_thumb/1995946554897657857/img/Ye_lcftfJO5ajEmb.jpg)
Putin speaking earlier today on the current state of Russia's economy, at a VTB Bank event in Moscow [my translation]: "Growth has definitely slowed down. In the first nine months of the year, Russia’s GDP went up by just 1%, [and it was] only 0.6% in the third quarter. The full-year number will probably land somewhere between 0.5% and 1%. But honestly, this is more or less what we expected. Back when the Central Bank hiked rates and the government rolled out its measures [to prevent the economy over-heating and stabilize the ruble], we said straight away that the goal was a soft landing."
Brian McDonald54,495 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад
Russia has just successfully launched a Proton-M rocket carrying the Elektro-L satellite from Baikonur. Officially, it’s for 24/7 weather monitoring from geostationary orbit. That makes four Russian weather satellites now watching the planet nonstop. Purely meteorological, of course. Just clouds, storms… and absolutely nothing else to see up there.
Brian McDonald37,623 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад
![Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov gave a *very upbeat* late-night readout of Vladimir Putin’s talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff's delegation. A meeting that ended after 3am Moscow time. It's usual to hear this kind of tone from Putin's team (my translation): "A meeting took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with [Trump's son-in-law] Jared Kushner and Joshua Greenbaum. Greenbaum is a senior White House adviser focused on economic issues, and this was the first time he joined the American team. "The talks lasted about four hours, and the atmosphere was very positive. [It was] constructive, open, and unusually frank. I’d even say it was a very trusting conversation. "As you know, the Americans came straight from Davos. Right up until boarding the plane for Moscow they were attending events alongside President Donald Trump, including meetings connected to the Ukraine settlement. "They shared their fresh impressions first-hand, especially about Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Zelensky in Davos. Which both Witkoff and Kushner attended personally. We also discussed other contacts they had in December and January. including in Mar-a-Lago in Florida and in several European capitals. "In general, the main purpose of today’s Kremlin meeting was to get a clear picture of what the Americans learned from their talks with the Ukrainians and the [Western] Europeans. And then, together, to agree the parameters for what happens next. "That next step has now been agreed. "It was decided that already today, Friday, 23 January [he said November, but meant January], the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security will take place in Abu Dhabi. "Trilateral" means Russia, the US, and Ukraine. "At the same time, also in Abu Dhabi, the heads of a separate bilateral economic group will meet, that’s Russia and the US only. [Kremlin aide Kirill] Dmitriev will take part, and so will Steve Witkoff. "Our security delegation is already formed and will fly to the UAE in the next few hours. It includes senior Defence Ministry figures and is headed by Admiral [Igor] Kostyukov, the chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff [the GRU]. "And I can tell you: the delegation has just received direct instructions from President Putin, based on the details of today’s talks. "The key point reaffirmed today is this: without resolving the territorial issue, on the basis of the Anchorage formula [where Putin and Trump met in August], there is no point expecting a lasting settlement. "President Putin again stressed that Russia is genuinely interested in resolving the Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic means. "But until that happens, Russia will continue to pursue the goals of the "special military operation" on the battlefield. Where, as he put it, the Russian armed forces currently hold the strategic initiative. "They also discussed Trump’s idea of creating a "Board of Peace," a number of regional issues, and the Greenland situation. "On the Board of Peace specifically, Russia again said it would be ready to direct $1 billion into the structure. [To be taken] from Russian assets that were frozen under the previous US administration. "The remaining frozen funds, Russia suggested, could later be used to rebuild territories affected by the fighting. After a peace treaty is signed between Russia and Ukraine. "That topic will continue to be discussed in the bilateral economic working group. "I want to stress as well: future Russia–US relations were discussed in a constructive spirit. The assumption on both sides is that there’s huge potential for cooperation across many areas. "The Americans are already thinking about projects that could be launched once the Ukraine settlement is reached. "They also put major effort into preparing today’s trilateral security format, and they hope the Abu Dhabi meeting will go well. And will open a path toward progress on the entire package of issues tied to ending the conflict and achieving a negotiated peace. "To sum it up: the Kremlin meeting that just ended was useful in every sense, for both Russia and the US. "And both sides agreed to stay in close contact going forward. Not only on Ukraine, but on other issues as well."](https://image.24vids.com/tw-2014629879065838042/amplify_video_thumb/2014626541855244288/img/B3AubddCabRubiG0.jpg)
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov gave a *very upbeat* late-night readout of Vladimir Putin’s talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff's delegation. A meeting that ended after 3am Moscow time. It's usual to hear this kind of tone from Putin's team (my translation): "A meeting took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with [Trump's son-in-law] Jared Kushner and Joshua Greenbaum. Greenbaum is a senior White House adviser focused on economic issues, and this was the first time he joined the American team. "The talks lasted about four hours, and the atmosphere was very positive. [It was] constructive, open, and unusually frank. I’d even say it was a very trusting conversation. "As you know, the Americans came straight from Davos. Right up until boarding the plane for Moscow they were attending events alongside President Donald Trump, including meetings connected to the Ukraine settlement. "They shared their fresh impressions first-hand, especially about Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Zelensky in Davos. Which both Witkoff and Kushner attended personally. We also discussed other contacts they had in December and January. including in Mar-a-Lago in Florida and in several European capitals. "In general, the main purpose of today’s Kremlin meeting was to get a clear picture of what the Americans learned from their talks with the Ukrainians and the [Western] Europeans. And then, together, to agree the parameters for what happens next. "That next step has now been agreed. "It was decided that already today, Friday, 23 January [he said November, but meant January], the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security will take place in Abu Dhabi. "Trilateral" means Russia, the US, and Ukraine. "At the same time, also in Abu Dhabi, the heads of a separate bilateral economic group will meet, that’s Russia and the US only. [Kremlin aide Kirill] Dmitriev will take part, and so will Steve Witkoff. "Our security delegation is already formed and will fly to the UAE in the next few hours. It includes senior Defence Ministry figures and is headed by Admiral [Igor] Kostyukov, the chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff [the GRU]. "And I can tell you: the delegation has just received direct instructions from President Putin, based on the details of today’s talks. "The key point reaffirmed today is this: without resolving the territorial issue, on the basis of the Anchorage formula [where Putin and Trump met in August], there is no point expecting a lasting settlement. "President Putin again stressed that Russia is genuinely interested in resolving the Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic means. "But until that happens, Russia will continue to pursue the goals of the "special military operation" on the battlefield. Where, as he put it, the Russian armed forces currently hold the strategic initiative. "They also discussed Trump’s idea of creating a "Board of Peace," a number of regional issues, and the Greenland situation. "On the Board of Peace specifically, Russia again said it would be ready to direct $1 billion into the structure. [To be taken] from Russian assets that were frozen under the previous US administration. "The remaining frozen funds, Russia suggested, could later be used to rebuild territories affected by the fighting. After a peace treaty is signed between Russia and Ukraine. "That topic will continue to be discussed in the bilateral economic working group. "I want to stress as well: future Russia–US relations were discussed in a constructive spirit. The assumption on both sides is that there’s huge potential for cooperation across many areas. "The Americans are already thinking about projects that could be launched once the Ukraine settlement is reached. "They also put major effort into preparing today’s trilateral security format, and they hope the Abu Dhabi meeting will go well. And will open a path toward progress on the entire package of issues tied to ending the conflict and achieving a negotiated peace. "To sum it up: the Kremlin meeting that just ended was useful in every sense, for both Russia and the US. "And both sides agreed to stay in close contact going forward. Not only on Ukraine, but on other issues as well."
Brian McDonald40,613 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад