Year: 2009

What is Russia Up To This March 10th, 2009?

Hello,

Russia is up to her normal as always. Lets start with Putin today, Putin is expressing Windows to Russia!himself about Ukraine again:

“The recent raid by Ukraine’s security service on the gas company Naftogaz could damage trust in the country and force Russia to consider alternative routes, Russia’s prime minister said on Tuesday.”

OK, I would say that since Putin has put Ukraine in the dog house so to speak. This news falls in line with the next information from Putin:

“Russia’s prime minister said on Tuesday that the South Stream gas pipeline would be commissioned in 2015, and that construction costs were estimated at 10 billion euros ($12.7 billion).”

That is enough of Putin now lets go touch on the military side of life:

“A missile battalion equipped with mobile Topol-M (SS-27 Stalin) ICBMs has been put on combat duty in central Russia, a spokesman for the Russian Missile Forces (SMF) said on Tuesday.”

That is a cool missile and while we are thinking about military still, lets go to:

“Belarus and Russia will stage a large-scale strategic military exercise in the fall, the Belarusian defense minister said on Tuesday.”

So military is always in the news all over the world.Now lets leave the military and look at a sore spot in the past few months:

“The official dollar rate set by the Russian Central Bank for March 11 is 35.4534 rubles, down 28.40 kopeks from Tuesday, the Central Bank said.”

The Ruble has stabilized and so has the stock market. It seems that Russia allowed everything to go down and now it seems to be searching bottom. Lets hope so. Now lets travel to a more pleasant news item:

“On March 7, the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall hosted the finals of the Miss Russia 2009 beauty pageant. Sofia Rydyeva, an 18-year-old model from St. Petersburg, won the title.”

I would say that she would be much better to look at than the man in the next news:

“Nine Georgian opposition parties have begun collecting signatures across the country to demand the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili, the Novosti-Georgia news agency said on Tuesday.”

It seems that Mister Tie Chewer from Georgia has his hands full and lets hope he has plenty of ties. Now lets go to:

“The Director of the Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) Anatoly Perminov has pledged that soon there will be women in the Russian cosmonauts’ regular staff.”

Cool women in space is always a good thing – I think! Now Gorbachev is expressing himself again also. It is always good when he gives out information:

“If it were not for Russia, the USSR would still exist, and Vladimir Putin has also definitely confirmed that Russia doesn’t want to create a new empire, former president of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev said to RT.”

That is all today and maybe later in the week I can see what Russia is up to again.

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Russia: Lets Beat The Financial Crises With Mushrooms!

Hello,Windows to Russia!

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and thinking about the financial crises. Then came across this information on how a governor is trying to motivate people to help the region.

It seems that the Sverdlovsk Region in Russia’s Urals has got a plan to beat the financial crises. Eduard Rossel the Governor of the Region has called on residents to pick mushrooms and berries to get through the financial crisis.

Eduard Rossel said, “One businessman picked 180 tons of mushrooms, processed them and sold them abroad.” Then he said, “We can gather mushrooms and feed ourselves and others.”

Eduard Rossel also brought up the status of unemployment relief. He made it clear that people who have not worked for five or 10 years. Now are swelling the numbers of work less people. They have shown up after getting by for years with out and now line up deep at the employment bureaus. They are being given government assistance that they never had before and have no incentive to get a job now. Rossel said that the average monthly wage in regional villages was 8,000 rubles ($228), and the unemployment relief 4,900 rubles ($140).

“That’s why they go to get unemployment payments, and also sell (products from private gardens) to earn extra money,” Eduard Rossel said.

He is correct in that – most people have made a living for years in Russia selling anything and everything on the roadside.It is also very common in Russia to see people selling home-grown produce by the roadside or on the fringes of regular markets.

Interesting, pick mushrooms and save the day!

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Russian News From Russia: March 10th, 2009!

Windows to Russia!RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 16:41:45.Naftogaz of Ukraine has confirmed its commitment to pay Windows to Russia!for Russian gas supplies in a timely manner, Valentin Zemlyansky, the company’s press secretary, announced during a live link-up today. He stressed that Naftogaz of Ukraine had proven its financial soundness by paying for January and February supplies on time. “We have abided by this schedule and will continue to do so from now on,” he said.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 16:38:05.Gazprom and Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) have signed a basis agreement on cooperation in the construction of a gas pipeline and natural gas transit through the territory of Hungary as part of the South Stream pipeline project. The document was signed by Gazprom’s Chairman Alexei Miller and MFB’s President Janos Eros in Moscow. The agreement sets forth the principles for cooperation during the initial investment stage, as well as other stages. It also provides for the creation of a joint venture to develop the construction draft for Hungary’s stretch of the pipeline.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 15:47:28.The first meeting between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama will take place in London on April 1, the Russian leader said during today’s meeting with members of an independent commission on studying the U.S. policy towards Russia. According to Medvedev, he will discuss the key points of U.S.-Russia relations, including the matter regarding the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Russian leader believes that the two countries can move forward in their bilateral relations and get a fresh start. “The signals I have been getting from President Barack Obama are quite positive,” the Echo of Moscow cited Medvedev as saying.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 15:28:01.Some 73 percent of Russians say that they completely trust or somewhat trust President Dmitry Medvedev this year, a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) showed. Last year, only 56 percent of respondents claimed to trust the Russian leader. At the same time, 16 percent of Russians distrust Medvedev (up from 11 percent last year) and another 11 percent could not make up their minds on the matter.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 14:51:55.According to the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus outstripped Russia in terms of inflation in January 2009, with prices there rising 2.6, 2.9 and 4.1 percent, respectively, compared to the 2.4-percent showing in Russia. Lithuania experienced the highest jump in prices in the European Union, followed closely by Latvia (2.1 percent), the Czech Republic (1.4 percent) and Romania (1.2 percent). Meanwhile, the average EU drop in consumer prices was at just 0.6 percent in January.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 13:38:36.Auchan plans to open six new hypermarkets in Russia in 2009, thus increasing its chain to a total of 39 stores, Auchan Russia’s member of the Board of Directors and Management Control Director, Ludovic Holinier, told journalists today. The stores will be opened in Omsk, Samara, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. Documents for two more facilities are awaiting signatures. According to Holinier, the hypermarket in Moscow will be opened in the city’s Southern District. Each new facility’s area will average 13,000 square meters. Holinier stressed that investment targets had not changed for 2009. However, the company has not yet disclosed its financials. The company’s development plans for the next three years have also remained unchanged from the pre-crisis period, Holinier stated.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 12:23:04.Russian stocks opened on an upbeat note, with the Micex index rising 2.38 percent to 705.25 points, and the RTS index inching up 1.77 percent to 586.6 points above last week’s closing. On Micex, Polyus Gold slid 1.78 percent, and Polymetal 0.85 percent, with nearly all blue chips rising. VTB added 4.52 percent, Rosneft 4.62 percent, Surgutneftegas 4.07 percent, Lukoil 3.76 percent, Gazprom Neft 3.23 percent, and Gazprom 2.4 percent. On the RTS, Surgutneftegas went up 3.03 percent.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 10:49:15.As one of the anti-crisis measures, the Moscow government is expected to provide additional funds to organizations participating in the realization of programs for wholesale food supplies in 2009. Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov signed a decree to this effect, the government’s press office told RBC. Before receiving the funds, each company’s financial standing will be closely examined.

RBC, 10.03.2009, Moscow 09:45:32.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will hold a meeting of the anti-corruption council in the Kremlin today. Earlier, in late 2008, the Russian leader signed a federal law on countering corruption that was passed by the State Duma on December 19 and the Federation Council on December 22.

RBC, 06.03.2009, St. Petersburg 18:55:40.The government will allot RUB 10.5bn (approx. USD 292.56m) to support the shipbuilding industry in 2009, Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Khristenko stated at a meeting on civil marine engineering development. According to the minister, the figure already factors in budget optimization, and includes amounts allotted for all projects. In 2010, RUB 17.5bn (approx. USD 487.6m) more will be spent to this end. Some of the projects to be financed with the money are aimed to improve Russia’s defensive capacity.

From Russia: Yuri Gagarin – The First Human in Space!


Hello,Windows to Russia!

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and thing about this weekend. This weekend is still going strong. Russia has a long weekend because of the importance of the events around this time of the year.

Another major Holiday in Russia that falls with the International Womens Day is the recognition of a Soviet Hero “Yuri Gagarin”. He was lucky that his birthday fell on March 9, and not a day earlier as most likely the Soviets would never allow a man born on International Women’s Day to become their hero. As luck was with him, he was the first man to go into space and orbit Earth.

A very good article on Yuri:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri_Gagarin

So this has been a busy weekend that is still going strong here in Russia!

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.


From Russia: International Women’s Day! (8th of March)

The text on the first poster reads: “8th of March is the day of the rebellion of the working women against the kitchen slavery” and “Down with the oppression and narrow-mindedness of the household work!”. Then life mellowed out later and became an apolitical celebration of women with an emphasis on their beauty and motherhood.

Hello,
Windows to Russia!
In Russia the 8th of March is “International Women’s Day!”

(Link to the history of the holiday for women.)

It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women in Russia.

On this side of the world this is one very important holiday and a guy better not forget this holiday! (Oy)

Women in Russia expect flowers, presents, chocolates and to have their meals cooked for them on this day.

So today give your sweetie a hug and kiss and tell her you love her. (you could also cook her breakfast)

I did… 🙂

Windows to Russia!
Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.


Lev Voronkov from Russia’s Moscow State University of International Relations!

Hello,

A good video that gives some information on how Russia and America need to proceed with their relationship.

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

America: We Flubbed The Reset Button / Russia: No, You Just Can’t Say Medvedev’s Name!

Video – Learn to say Medvedev!

Hello,Windows to Russia!

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and thinking about how far apart the thinking’s of Russia and America are.

The Western Press is alight with articles about the reset button given to Lavrov by Clinton. They have acted like it was a terrible thing. It was not a terrible thing because Lavrov was partly wrong and just being Lavrov. The word was correct to a point and Svet my wife says that Lavrov should have been more considerate and said the word is fine. Svet says that the word used is a word for restart or reset on a computer.

So while America was worrying about a reset button, they forgot about this tiny issue.

What Russia cared about is the fact, that again: Hillary Clinton can not say Medvedev’s name.

She was embarrassed last year at a presidential debate when she struggled to name the favorite to follow Putin as Russian President and in the end said: “Medvedveda, whatever”.

And it looked like déjà vu at the media conference after her first official meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, in Geneva on Friday. The U.S. Secretary of State said Barack Obama is looking forward to discussing a range of important issues with “President Meddev… Medevev”.

She didn’t say “whatever” this time, however, instead laughing and continuing her speech without trying to pronounce the Russian head of state’s name correctly. (Link)

Now my thoughts are, I would not get caught with that mistake again. I would practice until I had it correct. Seems like an important issue to know the name of the President of the country that you need help from.

So the reset button was a non issue in Russia but what was important was given no airtime in America…

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

Russia: The Kremlin Smiled at Obama’s Snubs to England!

Hello,
Windows to Russia!
I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and thinking about the visit that Gordon Brown just made to America. There is nothing I like better than when the Russian press wakes up and catches a story about Europe being slighted by America. In this case the treatment of Gordon Brown by Obama Incorporated.

This link will take you to an article that explains the snubs or oops things that Obama did. (Link) The original version in all its glory! (Link)

Seems that Obama has snubbed the Prime Minister Gordon Brown from England and Russia has taken it to town. (So to speak.) The snubs were issues of common courtesy or etiquette and even a backwoods redneck like me knows better than the actions that became predominate at the meeting between Brown and Obama.

A quote from a Russian news source: “It is unfortunate, the Obama administration was sleepwalking through Brown’s visit. Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come.”

Good Job Obama – You have definitely started Changing things.

Now I would suggest getting a book on Russian etiquette because other cultures have expectations from you. Whether you visit or have a visitor you must know the correct things to do and say.

Here have a link to 17 articles on Culture awareness from an expert in the field.
http://intercultural-training.blogspot.com/search/label/cultural%20awareness

Lets hope that you have better sense when meeting Medvedev…

Windows to Russia
Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

PS: The American press finally started to print some articles about the snubs. A day late and a dollar short. They let the British press in the Oval Office and they all got eye and ear full of the happenings. It was said 40 reporters in all squeezed into the Oval Office. They also say that the DVD’s are a bad gift because as Obama should have known (homework) is that Gordon Brown has very bad eyesight.

Moscow, Russia – Average Monthly Wage – 2008!

The average monthly wages in Moscow according to government figures stands at RUB 30,109 (approx. USA $839) from January-December 2008. RBC

We get asked for this information all the time. This is not a figure for Russia but for Moscow only.

People who live in rural Russia are making closer to $100 to $200 a month…

Windows to Russia!
Kyle & Svet

Russian News From Russia: March 6th, 2009!

Windows to Russia!RBC, 06.03.2009, Moscow 13:35:53. Economic growth has slowed in the Russian capital, Windows to Russia!the Moscow government told RBC today. GDP grew only 6 percent in 2008 against 7.7 percent a year earlier, while industrial production growth amounted to a mere 0.5 percent in 2008 compared to 11.5 percent in 2007. Similarly, fixed investment edged up 0.6 percent in 2008 against 6 percent in the previous year, while the average wages grew 28.6 percent in 2007 and 25.6 percent in 2008. The average monthly accrued wages stood at RUB 30,109 (approx. USD 839) in January-December 2008, while the price rise on the consumer market reached 11.9 percent. The purchasing power of working Muscovites grew 1.12 times, and retail trade increased 5.3 percent in 2008 against 5.1 percent in 2007.

RBC, 06.03.2009, Moscow 11:14:40.Russia’s trade balance surplus has allowed the Central Bank to sustain the ruble exchange rate against the basket of two currencies, the euro and the dollar, within the specified band and even purchase the U.S. currency on the market. The regulator’s net purchases of dollars exceeded $860m in February. According to expert estimates, if the global oil prices remain at their current levels, Russia’s trade balance surplus is likely to go up $50bn. If these forecasts are true, the RBC Daily newspaper reports, the ruble is not projected to see any further devaluation.

RBC, 05.03.2009, Moscow 19:07:40.The net foreign currency amount purchased by the Bank of Russia as currency interventions stood at USD 861.8m and EUR 98.97m in February 2009, with all he purchases made on a regular basis, the bank indicated in its documents.

RBC, 05.03.2009, Moscow 18:48:52.Gazprom has confirmed that Naftogaz of Ukraine has paid off the entire amount it owed Gazprom for gas supplies in February 2009, the Russian gas giant said in a statement. Earlier, Naftogaz of Ukraine reported that it had transferred the $50m for the gas shipments still due after it remitted the first payment of $360m yesterday. In February 2009, Naftogaz of Ukraine used around 1bn cubic meters of gas.

RBC, 05.03.2009, Moscow 17:46:22.Russia has not yet received official explanations for security agencies’ actions at Naftogaz of Ukraine on Wednesday, and the government is currently receiving all the information from the mass media, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin told a government meeting today. “We are receiving information mostly from the mass media, while Gazprom’s attempts to obtain an official explanation about the operations by security agencies at Naftogaz of Ukraine have failed,” the deputy PM was quoted as saying.

RBC, 05.03.2009, Moscow 15:49:45.Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced at a government presidium meeting today that he had signed a governmental decree extending a $500m loan to Belarus. He commissioned the Finance Ministry to carry out the decree with no delays.

RBC, 05.03.2009, Moscow 14:39:15.Inflation ran up to 1.7 percent in Russia in February 2009, and 4.1 percent for the year to date. A year ago, similar figures were at 1.2 and 3.5 percent, respectively, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) reported.