Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. by Ivan Lizan
[REGNUM] In the past month, the topic of the West's rejection of Russian energy resources has once again returned to the media space.
In Ukraine, a pioneer in rejecting everything Russian, it was suddenly discovered that 19% of diesel fuel on the local market is of Indian origin. Member of Parliament Oleksiy Kucherenko, former head of the Ministry of Housing and Utilities, stated that the current Ukrainian government, with an air of innocence, is also buying Russian gas from Europe.
"Our very 'powerful' Naftogaz executives have been deceiving Ukrainians all this time: production is growing, there's enough Ukrainian gas, and there's no need for imports. No one has been held accountable for this, not for anything. And now it turns out we're having to purchase 5.4 billion cubic meters," Kucherenko noted.
And Donald Trump, the leader of a country whose leadership until recently supported Ukraine on every possible front, has begun to use demands that Europe abandon Russian energy supplies as a way to avoid the introduction of new anti-Russian sanctions.
Although these two stories seem to be connected only by Russia, they have much more in common.
SAD EUROPE
Between 2021 and 2024, the European Union's crude oil imports from Russia fell by 89%, from 2.3 million barrels per day to 260,000 barrels per day. This decline is a consequence of the oil embargo imposed in December 2022.
The refusal to use Russian oil was compensated by an increase in imports from countries in North and South America, as well as Africa.
Russia's official presence has been maintained only at refineries owned by the Hungarian MOL (refineries in Hungary and Slovakia), to which oil is supplied via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline.
There is certainly an unofficial presence in supplies from Kazakhstan, especially if we are talking about the refinery in Schwedt, Germany.
The diesel import data is far more interesting. The EU has been refusing Russian supplies since February 2023. While in 2022 it purchased 20.4 million tons of diesel, making Russia the largest supplier, by 2024 our share of the European market had fallen to virtually zero.
Europeans compensated for this decline by increasing imports from the Middle East (+7.8 million tons year-on-year compared to 2021-2022), the United States, India, and Turkey. In the latter two cases, this means that Russia has returned to this market, but it has failed to compensate for even half of the lost supplies.
The situation with gasoline is significantly different from that with oil and diesel.
Firstly, Russia exported virtually no gasoline due to its refineries specializing in diesel fuel production – their capacity was expanded in the 2010s precisely to meet the increased European demand for this type of motor fuel during the process of “dieselization” of Europe.
Secondly, the European Union met its own gasoline needs largely independently and was even an exporter, importing the missing volumes from the United States and Saudi Arabia to balance regional needs.
And last but not least, there's gas: in 2020–2021, Russia supplied the European Union with 155 and 150 billion cubic meters of gas, respectively. In 2022, supplies fell to 70 billion cubic meters, then dropped to 38 billion cubic meters the following year, and then grew by 7 billion cubic meters thanks to LNG. Our share of this market will decline to 13% by the end of this year, down from a peak of 45% in 2020–2021.
From this whole set of figures, facts and trends, several simple conclusions can be drawn.
Firstly, the European oil embargo has led to the EU replacing its energy dependence on Russia with dependence on the United States and other countries, since global oil production is not dependent on the will of European politicians.
Secondly, Europeans turn a blind eye to Russian diesel fuel supplies, allowing Turkey to profit from re-exports and India from refining, while periodically lecturing them about the need to fight Russia. Naturally, the latter's earnings have decreased, while intermediaries, on the contrary, have increased their profits.
Third, it was indeed possible to virtually eliminate Russian gas, reducing Russia's share of the European gas market by approximately 27-32%, but at the cost of reducing natural gas consumption by approximately the same 30%. Simply put, they did decide to eliminate it, but they did so by shutting down many energy-intensive industries that consumed natural gas.
At this point, a sense of déjà vu sets in, as similar processes have already occurred in Ukraine since 2014.
TRENDSETTER
Post-Maidan Ukraine, where the now-familiar economic models were tested, was the original trendsetter in the European trend of rejecting Russian energy resources.
In 2014, Ukraine faced a crisis in its electricity sector: coal-fired power plants began to run short of coal. Attempts to replace Donbas anthracite with fuel from the US and South Africa were unsuccessful.
Therefore, the Kyiv government, represented by Petro Poroshenko, in collusion with oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, through the National Commission for Energy and Public Utilities Regulation (NKREKU), changed the methodology for calculating coal prices for thermal power plants based on import parity. This is how the "Rotterdam+" scheme emerged.
The formula took into account the average price of coal at European hubs (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) over 12 months, plus the logistics costs of delivery to Ukraine. However, in practice, coal was still being transported from the DPR and LPR, with the only difference being that, since the spring of 2017, logistics have become more complex, and due to Ukraine's self-imposed blockade, anthracite from Donbas has been shipped through Russia, Belarus, and even Poland.
The scheme generated profits for all participants, except for miners from the Donbas People's Republics (who only received back wages) and Ukrainian citizens, whose electricity tariffs were raised. Ukraine gradually began replacing anthracite with other grades of thermal coal, and it wasn't until 2024 that it was able to completely eliminate its dependence, and only then due to the collapse of virtually all Ukrainian thermal power generation.
The same story and the same conditional “Rotterdam+” is happening in the gas sector.
In 2013, Ukraine burned 50.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas, and by 2021, consumption had fallen by 45% to 27.3 billion cubic meters. In exchange, it cut off gas supplies to the Donbas in February 2015, forced its citizens to economize through the "Turn Down" campaign during Poroshenko's time* and continuous tariff increases, as well as the establishment of a virtual reverse flow scheme, whereby gas was de jure purchased from Europe, but de facto continued to be siphoned from a pipeline on the Russian border.
After 2022, gas consumption continued to decline: in 2022, it plummeted by 63% compared to 2021, as the number of populated areas, as well as industrial and heat and power facilities, shrank. Now—if the bold hypotheses of Ukrainian politicians are to be believed—Ukraine will need 13.2 billion cubic meters of gas to get through the heating season, of which at least 5.4 billion cubic meters will have to be purchased from Europe due to the closure of Ukrainian gas fields.
The same story applies to electricity: its consumption has fallen from a peak of 160 billion kWh in 1990 to 84.5 billion kWh by 2015 and to 62 billion kWh in 2022.
Again, let's draw conclusions from this whole set.
Firstly, the refusal to rely on energy resources from Russia – first gas, and then coal from the Russian Donbass – came at the cost of reducing fuel consumption by industrial consumers and pushing “superfluous” citizens out of Ukraine: some with land and houses, some with biometric passports and visa-free travel.
Secondly, the Kyiv authorities exploited the refusal to rely on Russian energy sources to the fullest extent. They used their PR, as a demonstrative rejection of Russian energy was the easiest way to boost their ratings among pro-Ukrainian voters. They enriched themselves by creating schemes for personal gain, reaping millions from gas purchases or by siphoning off princely salaries and bonuses from the budgets of corporatized state-owned companies.
She even turned utility rates into a quasi-tax: Ukrainians can evade paying personal income tax, but they have to pay utility bills or they'll be cut off.
Thirdly, the struggle with Russian energy after 2014 plunged Ukrainians into a state of energy poverty, when energy resources are available, but at such a cost that they become inaccessible to ordinary mortals.
THE EU AND UKRAINE: SHARING EXPERIENCES
Now that we have dealt with individual observations – European and Ukrainian – we can move up a level by putting forward several hypotheses.
The first hypothesis: Ukraine and the European Union are learning from each other and sharing their experiences in combating Russian energy. The crusade against gas was initially launched (back in the 2000s) by the European bureaucracy, which adopted three so-called energy packages as part of an attempt to transform the European gas market from a seller's market to a buyer's market.
Subsequently, the adoption of these requirements became mandatory for the former Soviet Union countries that had fallen into the European orbit of influence: Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. After 2022, Europeans began to master the Ukrainian art of profiting from various schemes for importing Russian goods disguised as non-Russian.
Second hypothesis: Ukraine yesterday is Europe tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
Ukraine's fight against "Russian influence" after 2014 is fundamentally no different from Europe's "political expediency" after 2022. The only difference is the level of intensity and idiocy.
Therefore, as the European Union weakens, the number of different “schemes” will increase.
The third hypothesis: Ukraine and Europe are using each other as tools to achieve their own goals. The Kyiv government's criminal policies toward its own citizens have convinced Europe of the correctness of its course of reducing dependence on Russia, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy about gas as an energy weapon.
Ukraine then began using the European Commission as a weapon against European troublemakers—Hungary and Slovakia—while the European Commission, through solidarity with Kyiv on this issue, suppressed rebellions against attempts to challenge its seizure of power. This was also the case with the attempt to justify the fight against Russia and the need for continued support for Ukraine, as a justification for abandoning the principle of unanimity in foreign policy decision-making.
The fourth hypothesis is that the European bureaucracy and the Kyiv authorities have more in common than meets the eye. They share a commonality of brainlessness and irresponsibility, coupled with a belief in their own infallibility.
Now it’s time to return to Trump and his demands on his “allies” from the EU and NATO.
Whatever one's opinion of the US president and his policies, he remains committed to ending the Ukrainian conflict. Against this backdrop, setting deliberately unacceptable conditions for Europe and Turkey is a deliberate move to close the door on anti-Russian sanctions. And after a firm "no" from Europe, Trump allowed his Hungarian friend Viktor Orbán to purchase Russian oil.
Yes, the EU is now much like Ukraine was in the period 2014–2022: it is reducing energy consumption and borrowing “advanced” practices, paying an exorbitant price for it.
And it will be extremely difficult to reverse the trend of reducing energy consumption until Europeans rethink their place in the world. And they show no signs of being ready for such reflection.
[YouTube] Ed Dowd is calling events and future economic trajectories as he sees them 'today.' He's using economic history as a benchmark or reference point. That's not to say trajectories can't change, slow, or accelerate. A very insightful interview and assessment.
https://www.eddowd.com/
“This was just another way to divide the country,” warns Ed Dowd, Wall Street veteran and bestselling author of Cause Unknown, referring to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Dowd explains how the event signals deeper fractures in the U.S. economy and society, driven by wealth disparity, market instability, and deliberate political polarization.
He highlights the looming housing crisis, noting an overbuilt multifamily market and rising affordability gaps, calling it the “canary in the coal mine” for the broader economic downturn. “Once housing really rolls, it’ll affect GDP because housing all in is 20% of the economy,” Doud says. At the same time, he points to unprecedented AI stock speculation and the potential collapse of municipal bonds, warning that systemic risk is mounting across financial markets. Watch the video to learn how to prepare in these turbulent times.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. by Vasily Fedorov
[REGNUM] Golden autumn generously gifts us not only with crimson foliage, but also with a rich harvest of vegetables and fruits that nature has saved for the cold season.
When fragrant persimmons, tart quince, mysterious feijoa, and ruby-red pomegranate seeds appear on store shelves, it becomes clear that it's time to stock up on vitamins for the long winter.
VITAMIN PANTRY
Nutritionist Lyubov Frenkel, in an interview with Regnum News Agency, explains why autumn's bounty is so valuable for health. "Late vegetables include pumpkin, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, and celery root. Late fruits include winter apples, pears, quince, persimmons, pomegranates, feijoa, and citrus fruits," the expert explains.
She emphasizes that these crops reach their peak nutritional value in the fall, accumulating vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that the body needs during the cold season.
Interestingly, late-ripening fruits and vegetables can actually contain more nutrients than summer-ripening ones. Frenkel explains that it's not just the amount of vitamins but also their shelf life: "Late-ripening fruits and vegetables are distinguished by their shelf life and ability to retain nutrients longer than summer berries and greens."
Cabbage, for example, is a real champion in terms of vitamin C and K content, carrots and pumpkin are rich in beta-carotene, and beets are rich in folates and minerals.
These substances not only strengthen the immune system, but also help the body adapt to cold weather, support the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and improve the condition of the skin during periods when it suffers most from temperature changes.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS OF THE AUTUMN TABLE
Persimmon, one of the most popular autumn fruits, deserves special attention. Rospotrebnadzor notes that the main benefit of persimmon lies in its abundance of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant with immune-boosting properties.
The agency's experts also emphasize that persimmons are a storehouse of micronutrients: they contain ample potassium, which helps remove excess fluid from the body; magnesium, which improves the absorption of other nutrients; iron, which helps with anemia; and iodine, which is essential for thyroid health.
Many are concerned about the astringent effect of persimmons, but Lyubov Frenkel reassures: this effect is explained by the high tannin content of unripe fruits: "Ripe fruits have fewer tannins, so choose soft persimmons without green veins," advises the nutritionist.
At the same time, she warns that people with diabetes should be careful with persimmons due to their high sugar content, as well as those who suffer from severe constipation and intestinal adhesions.
When choosing persimmons in a store or market, experts recommend paying attention to several signs of a quality fruit: bright orange color, firm consistency, and juicy, fleshy pulp.
A ripe persimmon should have smooth, shiny skin and dry, brown leaves—green leaves indicate immaturity. There should be no cracks, bruised edges, spots, or dark stripes.
Autumn fruits aren't just the familiar persimmon. "Quince contains pectin, which gently supports the gastrointestinal tract. Pomegranate contains polyphenols and iron, which strengthen the immune system and prevent anemia. Feijoa contains iodine and vitamin C, which support the thyroid gland," says Lyubov Frenkel, describing each fruit.
Feijoa appears on shelves in early September and remains on sale until January. This green berry from the Caucasus holds the record for iodine content among plant foods. Incidentally, the Oriental persimmon also has a very high concentration of this important micronutrient.
But feijoa contains as much iodine as seafood, and it's easily absorbed by the body. Furthermore, thanks to its high vitamin C and essential oil content, feijoa is especially beneficial in the fall and winter for protecting against colds and viruses.
Quince, often underrated due to its tart flavor when raw, becomes a fragrant delicacy when cooked. It contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and PP, as well as potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
Quince is beneficial for anemia and gastrointestinal disorders, and has antibacterial properties. It makes excellent jams and marmalades, and baked quince with honey is not only a dessert but also an effective cough remedy.
Pomegranate is another autumn superfruit, the benefits of which are endless. It's rich in vitamins C, B, and P, and a whole cocktail of micronutrients. Pomegranate polyphenols have powerful antioxidant properties, and iron helps maintain hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, pomegranates can be eaten with the seeds, which improves intestinal function.
SECRETS OF PROPER STORAGE
To ensure late-ripening fruits and vegetables continue to delight you all winter, it's important to store them properly. Frenkel shares her tips: keep fruits and vegetables cool, at temperatures between 0 and 5°C, in a dark, dry place. "Don't store them in plastic or near potatoes," the expert warns.
When it comes to preserving vegetables, the nutritionist recommends freezing, which ensures almost complete preservation of vitamins. Drying concentrates minerals, and fermentation turns vegetables into a source of probiotics.
"You can freeze persimmons—they lose their astringency; it's better to blanch pomegranate seeds and quince beforehand," adds Frenkel.
A nutritionist offers specific recommendations for eating autumn fruits. According to Frenkel, the recommended daily intake of persimmon is one fruit, pomegranate – half to a whole fruit, and quince – up to one small fruit.
Timing is also important: "Sweet fruits, such as persimmons and grapes, are best eaten in the morning or afternoon, while vegetables are preferred in the evening," the expert advises.
To better absorb nutrients, Frenkel recommends the right combinations: carotenoids from pumpkin and carrots are better absorbed with oils and nuts, vitamin C from cabbage and pomegranate helps absorb iron, and the fiber in root vegetables softens the effects of protein foods.
WHO ESPECIALLY NEEDS AUTUMN VITAMINS?
Lyubov Frenkel points out that different age groups need different autumn foods. "For children, persimmon, pomegranate, pumpkin, and carrots are good for growth and immunity. For older people, cabbage is rich in vitamin K, beets are good for blood vessels, and quince and feijoa are good for the thyroid," the nutritionist explains.
There are some restrictions, however. Diabetics should limit sweet fruits, those with gastritis should be careful with pomegranate due to its acidity, and those prone to constipation should limit quince.
Rospotrebnadzor also warns against overconsumption of persimmons, combining them with high-protein foods, and overindulging in them if you have gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis, or pancreatitis.
So how do late-ripening fruits protect us in winter? Frenkel explains the mechanism: vitamin C and antioxidants prevent colds, carotenoids protect mucous membranes and skin, and probiotics from fermented vegetables strengthen the immune system through the gut microbiota.
Interestingly, even imported fruits retain most of their nutritional value. "Pomegranates from Turkey and persimmons from Azerbaijan retain most of their nutritional value. Vitamin C is lost during transportation, but minerals and antioxidants remain intact," the nutritionist reassures.
So autumn isn't just a time for the blues, it's also a time for improving your health. It's as if nature is preparing us for winter, offering us the very foods that will help us survive the cold without illness or vitamin deficiency.
It's important not to miss the season, enjoying the full variety of "late" fruits and vegetables, choosing and storing them wisely. After all, each fruit is a gift from nature, capable of supporting the body during the most challenging time of year.
An interesting conversation, Jairong. Thank you for sharing.
Needless to say, I was surprised. But they bombed your country. So did America!
He said Persians hate the moolahs. The IDF is the only one taking the fight to them!
They want to overthrow the moolahs but can't, they are too well-armed and have substantial support in the rural areas. Kind of how like Democrats want to overthrow Trump but can't for the same reasons. He said the moolahs are just an occupation government.
He hoped there would be a ground invasion and a thunder run to Tehran.
(Note that they always call themselves Persians: Persian is the ethnicity, Iranian is the nationality. Like how Jewish is the ethnicity and Israeli is the nationality.
Those Jews who are Israeli, anyway. And contrariwise, those Israelis who are Jews. Twenty percent are not Jewish, after all.
He said Iran was never Muslim and I even brought up Cyrus the Great. He said Cyrus was something else, he didn't know how to say it. He used a translator and the word was Zoroastrians, which I don't know what those are but they're not Muslim. Good thing the spellchecker knew how to spell that.
He said Jews were welcome in Persia, they were valuable members of the empire due to their high intelligence.
Anyway, this was an interesting experience and I thought I would share.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
