(2022-02-28). US, Allies Ban Russian Banks From SWIFT, Crypto Maybe Next Target. news.antiwar.com The US has joined Canada, the EU and UK in barring some Russians from the international money transfer system, SWIFT. The move is the most serious round of sanctions yet from Western nations over Russia's actions in Ukraine, with Ross Delston, a U.S. lawyer and former banking regulator, calling it "the closest thing to a …
(2022-02-28). Looters to be shot on the spot, Ukrainian mayors warn. rt.com 
Harsh warnings amid rising number of incidents across several locations | Law enforcement officers in two Ukrainian towns have been authorized to shoot looters "on the spot," the mayors have announced. | A significant number of looting incidents have been reported across the country since the beginning of Russia's military operation. Zhytomyr's mayor Sergey Sukhomlyn in a Facebook video address mentioned an attempted robbery of a store in one area of the city. | "I am warning everyone: the police, the National Guard, the territorial defense units – they all received orders not to detain, they can just shoot on…
(2022-02-28). Russia out of Swift, The "Nuclear" Financial Option That Risks Collapsing The World Economy. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | Written by Piero Messina | There is the war that is fought on the ground and there is the war that is fought with international finance weapons. Financially, Europe and the United States have a nuclear option. They used it: to oust the Russian Central Bank from Swift transactions. | But what is the Swift? It is an acronym that stands for "Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications": it is a Belgian messaging platform that connects thousands of financial institutions fro…
(2022-02-28). Spain proposes closing ports to 'Russian oligarchs' over Ukraine. rt.com 
Russian millionaires should not enjoy prosperity brought by democracy and peace, Spanish FM says | The Spanish Foreign Minister has proposed closing European ports to Russian ships as part of sanctions punishing Moscow for its attack on Ukraine. This would make "Russian oligarchs" pay their share of the prices of Russian foreign policy, Jose Manuel Albares told Radio Nacional de Espana on Monday. | The minister was explaining the EU's use of individual sanctions against Russian citizens. The minister said he proposed to his EU counterparts "to close the ports of Europe to those yachts of millionaire oligarchs"
(2022-02-28). Putin Puts Russian Nuclear Forces on High Alert as Resistance to Ukraine Invasion Grows. democracynow.org 
Following a wave of peace rallies held across the globe this weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to diplomatic talks with Russia. This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin placed Russia's nuclear forces on high alert on Sunday, citing increasingly tightened international sanctions. We speak with Anatol Lieven, senior fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, who says it's not clear whether Putin is using a nuclear threat to topple the Ukrainian government or pressure them into a deal. Lieven also speaks about Belarus's support of the Russian invasion…
(2022-02-28). Report from Kyiv: LGBTQ Activist Says Ukrainians Are United in Resisting Russian Invasion. democracynow.org 
Ukraine is demanding an immediate ceasefire and for all Russian troops to leave the country as they report more than 350 Ukrainian civilians have so far been killed in President Putin's invasion, which entered its fifth day Monday. The United Nations is also reporting more than 500,000 people have fled Ukraine and another 100,000 are internally displaced. This all comes as the Russian military has so far failed in its attempts to seize Kyiv and other large Ukrainian cites despite the capital remaining surrounded by Russian troops. We go to Kyiv to speak with Olena Shevchenko, a Ukrainian human rights and LG…
(2022-02-28). The ICJ and the Issue of Lawful Representation in The Gambia v Myanmar. transcend.org 18 Feb 2022 – Ahead of the scheduled public hearings in The Gambia v Myanmar (the Rohingya genocide case) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the University of Ottawa Human Rights Research and Education Centre, Canada, the Genocide Watch of USA and FORSEA release a comprehensive legal analysis. It focuses on the crucial question of who should lawfully speak for Myanmar before the ICJ as Myanmar's coup resulted in an unprecedented situation with no recognized government or even regime with effective control of the state.
(2022-02-28). Whistleblower Exposes Credit Suisse's Bankrolling of Spy Chiefs Involved in CIA Torture. transcend.org 22 Feb 2022 – A major global journalism project called "Suisse Secrets" revealed the names of criminals and corrupt government officials who had Credit Suisse accounts, including spy agency chiefs implicated in the CIA's torture program.
(2022-02-28). Nils Melzer: The Political Persecution of Julian Assange. transcend.org 12 Feb 2022 – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is being made an example of by the US government to deter investigative journalists from exposing state abuses, the current UN Special Rapporteur on torture says.
(2022-02-28). Friday 3/4: Lessons from Selma Bridge Crossing & Civil Rights Movement for Moral Action Today w/ PPC. indybay.org Online via livestream…
(2022-02-28). In the Footsteps of Constance Motley Brown, Supreme Court Pick Ketanji Brown Jackson Makes History. democracynow.org 
President Biden on Friday nominated federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill Justice Stephen Breyer's pending vacancy. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice. We speak with Harvard constitutional law professor Tomiko Brown-Nagin about the nomination of the 51-year-old federal judge and the parallels between her and the first Black woman federal judge and civil rights legal icon Constance Baker Motley, who was at one point eyed for a Supreme Court nomination.
(2022-02-28). EU includes carve-out in ban on dealing with Russia's Central Bank. rt.com 
The restrictions were imposed in response to the military operation in Ukraine | The 27-member European Union officially banned operations involving reserves and assets of the Central Bank of Russia on Monday, with the exception of deals that are absolutely vital for individual member states or the bloc as a whole. The ban is part of the sanctions slapped on Moscow in response to its military operation in Ukraine launched last week. | "The competent authorities may authorize a transaction provided that it is strictly necessary to ensure the financial stability of the union as a whole or of the member state con…
(2022-02-28). Russian Central Bank steps up ruble support. rt.com 
Sanctions over Ukraine conflict have sent the currency plummeting to historic lows | The Central Bank of Russia spent over $1 billion in foreign currency reserves to support the ruble on February 24, during the first round of anti-Russia sanctions related to the start of military operations in Ukraine, the regulator revealed on Monday. | An equivalent of $1.057 billion (nearly 85 billion rubles) in foreign reserves were sold last Thursday, according to the regulator's data, which is usually disclosed with a delay. The amount in dollars is calculated based on the exchange rate for that day. | The Bank of Russia…
(2022-02-28). Headlines for February 28, 2022. democracynow.org Ukraine Demands Ceasefire as Casualties Mount, Ukrainian and Russian Delegations Meet in Belarus, Belarus Could Join Russian Invasion as Putin Puts Nuclear Forces on High Alert in Latest Escalation, 500,000+ Ukrainians Become Refugees as Families Torn Apart by War, International Community Send Military Assistance, Up Sanctions on Russia
| , Protests Around the World Condemn Invasion of Ukraine; Russian Police Arrest Thousands, U.S. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Accepts Historic Supreme Court Nomination, U.N. Report Warns Climate Crisis Is Driving Hunger, Poverty, Disease and Species Loss, El Salvador Ex-Presid…
(2022-02-28). Gas prices in Europe jump 35% amid Russia supply worries. rt.com 
April futures exceeded $1,450 per 1,000 cubic meters on Monday | The price of natural gas in Europe had risen by 35% at the opening of trading on Monday, data from the London Stock Exchange ICE shows. Higher energy costs are being propelled by supply worries due to sanctions against Moscow related to the conflict in Ukraine. | Russia provides around 40% of the continent's gas supplies. | April futures at the TTF hub in the Netherlands jumped to $1,454 per 1,000 cubic meters. | The spike in prices comes amid sweeping anti-Russia sanctions introduced last week by the USA, EU, Great Britain, and a number of other…
(2022-02-28). BP dumps stake in Russian oil giant. rt.com 
The divestment will cost the UK-based firm $25 billion | Oil and gas supermajor BP (formerly British Petroleum) is divesting itself from Russian oil giant Rosneft amid sanctions over Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, the company announced on Sunday. The move will reportedly cost the firm $25 billion. | "I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the situation unfolding in Ukraine and my heart goes out to everyone affected. It has caused us to fundamentally rethink BP's position with Rosneft," BP Chief Executive Bernard Looney said, as cited by Reuters. | Rosneft accounts for nearly a half of BP's oil and…
(2022-02-28). Chechen Leader Mocks EU With Mirror Sanctions, Including One Acknowledging There Is 'No English Tea'. sputniknews.com This week, due to the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, Western nations have imposed sanctions on its banking and defense sectors, as well as on some industries. Individual sanctions were imposed against Russian officials and businessmen, including President Putin.
(2022-02-28). Major chipmakers halt sales to Russia — media. rt.com 
Intel, TSMC, and AMD reportedly suspended semiconductor deliveries amid sanctions | Global chipmakers have begun suspending semiconductor chip sales to Russia in the wake of Western sanctions introduced against Moscow following the launch of a military operation in Ukraine. | Last week, the US announced a package of measures aiming to undermine Russia's military capability, which include a ban on chip sales to the country. According to Washington, the ban aims to stop Russia from receiving technology for military purposes or dual-use chips that could be used for both civilian and military equipment. This means…
(2022-02-28). Russian exporters ordered to convert most foreign currency to rubles. rt.com 
The measure is meant to support the domestic currency, which has weakened under the pressure of Ukraine-related sanctions | Russian businesses that trade abroad must sell 80% of their foreign currency earnings and convert them to rubles, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Monday. The decision comes in response to sanctions targeting Russia's financial system over the crisis in Ukraine. It is expected to stabilize the ruble and encourage more investments in Russia instead of moving foreign currency abroad. | "Today, a decision will be made to introduce a mandatory sale of foreign currency in the amo…
(2022-02-28). China comments on Western sanctions against Russia. rt.com 
Beijing claims that restrictions will not solve problems in Ukraine | The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it opposes the use of unilateral sanctions to resolve the crisis in Ukraine after Russia's decision to launch an attack on the country with the stated goal to "demilitarize" it. Western powers have announced a raft of punitive measures, including on the Russian economy and its banking sector. | Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular news briefing that sanctions will not solve problems but will create new ones. He claimed that sanctions will interfere with the process of…
(2022-02-28). Australia blacklists Putin. rt.com 
A number of Moscow's high-ranking officials will also be hit with personal sanctions | Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials will not be welcome to visit Australia, Canberra has declared, in the wake of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine. | Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the measures in a statement on Sunday, arguing that "it is exceedingly rare to designate a head of state, and [that] reflects the depth of our concerns." | He added that the personal sanctions, which include a full asset freeze and a ban on entry, will also be imposed on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Mi…
(2022-02-28). Europeans to 'pay a price' for Russia sanctions — top EU official. rt.com 
European commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said Brussels will stand behind Ukraine nevertheless | The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has acknowledged that the sweeping sanctions the bloc has imposed on Russia in recent days over Moscow's military operation in Ukraine will have a negative impact on Europeans, too. | Responding to a Euronews correspondent's remark on Sunday that "of course Europeans and Europe will have to pay a price for these measures," von der Leyen replied in the affirmative, saying that "every war comes at a cost." | However, according to the officia…
(2022-02-28). UK Treasury Imposes Sanctions Against Central Bank of Russia. sputniknews.com Earlier, the UK announced sanctions measures aimed at "imposing severe consequences on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy" over Moscow's special operation in Donbass to defend the Donetsk and Lugansk People's republics (DPR and LPR).
(2022-02-28). Ukrainian athletes demand total Russia and Belarus ban. rt.com 
Russia and Belarus must be punished, according to a letter sent to Olympic bosses | A group of Ukrainian athletes have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to "immediately suspend" all Russian and Belarusian competitors from international sporting events. | In a letter published by sporting movement Global Athlete and addressed to IOC president Thomas Bach and IPC counterpart Andrew Parsons, a host of Ukrainian athletes and federations demanded that both organizations sanction Russia and Belarus. | "Any suspension must include the banning of all [Russ…
(2022-02-27). Donetsk and Lugansk: The Role of NATO and the US Strategy. orinocotribune.com By Rubén Ramos — Feb 23, 2022 | The attack on Donetsk and Lugansk is part of a US plan to apply heavy sanctions, together with its European vassals, on Russia, by accusing it of wanting to annex Ukraine. This would hamper Russia's current economic plan, its ground and space technology development, and its self-defense strategy. | While the United States and its European "vassal states" have denied the geopolitical validity of the "Security Guarantees" peace proposal presented by Russia in December 2021, those very same countries have sent mercenaries and illegal armament to the Donbas region to attack the i…
(2022-02-27). Boxing chiefs will not sanction fights in Russia. rt.com 
The decision has been made in light of Russia's military operation in Ukraine | Boxing's leading governing bodies have announced they will no longer arrange title fights in Russia following the start of the military operation in Ukraine. | A joint statement by the World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) said the organizations would "not sanction any boxing championships in Russia" until further assessment of the situation". | The statement, titled 'The World of Boxing United for Immediate Peace', added that the milita…
(2022-02-27). Putin orders Russian nuclear deterrent forces to be on highest alert. rt.com 
The move comes in response to 'hostile' rhetoric by top NATO officials, Russia's president has explained | President Vladimir Putin placed the country's strategic deterrence forces on "special" alert on Sunday, announcing the move during a meeting with Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. | "Western countries are not only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic area. I'm speaking about the illegitimate sanctions that everyone is well aware of. However, the top officials of the leading NATO countries also make aggressive statements against our countr…
(2022-02-27). China lifts all restrictions on wheat imports from Russia. rt.com 
The move could ease the impact of western sanctions against Moscow | China is now fully open to Russian wheat deliveries, as all import restrictions have been lifted, the South China Morning Post has reported, citing the country's General Administration of Customs. | The announcement was made public on Thursday, hours after Russia began its military operation in Ukraine, the paper says, adding that the deal could provide a lifeline to the Russian economy as it faces tough economic sanctions from the EU and the US, and at the same time addresses China's need to enhance food security. | China previously restrict…
(2022-02-27). China speaks out against sanctions over Ukraine. rt.com 
Beijing believes the West should address Moscow's "legitimate security demands" | China said on Saturday that Western sanctions slapped on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine will not solve the crisis. Many countries have imposed sweeping restrictions on Moscow, hitting its banks, trade, and largest airline, among other things. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made his comments during a phone call with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. | According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang said "China doesn't support the use of sanctions to solve problems, and even more so opposes unilateral sanctions th…
(2022-02-27). Russia's vast offshore reserves could roil international money markets. rt.com 
Moscow holds $300 billion abroad, a Credit Suisse strategist estimates | The world's money markets will suffer if Ukraine-related sanctions target Russia's huge offshore reserves, according to Credit Suisse as reported by Bloomberg on Thursday. | The Swiss banking giant says Moscow has about $300 billion of foreign currency held abroad — enough to disrupt money markets if the reserves are frozen or if Moscow is forced to suddenly move them due to sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine, the business outlet quotes Credit Suisse Group AG strategist Zoltan Pozsar as saying. | "When flows change, spreads can gap…
(2022-02-27). Why is the West Silent about the Aggressive Actions of the US Armed Forces in Syria? journal-neo.org 
On February 24, the Syrian Arab news agency SANA reported that the United States was sending another military escort to Syria, which again acknowledged Washington's ongoing occupation policy in this Middle Eastern country. It has been continued since 2014 without any UN sanctions and without any permission from official Damascus authorities. The US military convoy …
(2022-02-27). US sanctions on Russia over Ukraine also target Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba. multipolarista.com 
President Joe Biden's top Latin America advisor, Juan S. Gonzalez, admitted that US sanctions against Russia aim to hurt Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba as well. The three socialist governments condemned NATO aggression for creating the crisis in Ukraine.
(2022-02-27). Putin Orders Nuclear Forces on High Alert, Cites Western Sanctions. news.antiwar.com Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday ordered Russia's nuclear forces to be put on "special" alert in response to Western sanctions and what he said were "aggressive statements" made by NATO countries. "Top officials in NATO's leading countries have been making aggressive statements against our country. For this reason, I give orders to the defense …
(2022-02-27). No moral high ground while Europe pursues a policy of death at its borders. peoplesdispatch.org 
Europe's treatment of migrants and refugees at its border is in clear contradiction to its alleged defense of human rights and against international law…
(2022-02-27). Hours After Getting Bail Jammu and Kashmir Journalist Fahad Shah Arrested Again. sputniknews.com The 33-year-old Fawad Shah, the editor of The Kashmir Walla news website, was first arrested on 4 February in Kashmir. His arrest was criticised by at least 50 media agencies and human rights groups.
(2022-02-27). øPor qué Venezuela recuerda el Día por el Respeto a los DD.HH?>. telesurtv.net A 33 años del "Caracazo", la sublevación popular ante las políticas neoliberales de Carlos Andrés Pérez, te contamos por qué Venezuela recuerda hoy el Día Nacional por el Respeto a los Derechos Humanos.
(2022-02-27). 'Massachusetts Is Not For Sale' Campaign. popularresistance.org Massachusetts – As the organized opposition to the "Big Tech loophole law" ballot initiative grows in Massachusetts, a number of key consumer, community, and civil rights groups have joined with workers' rights advocates to announce their commitment of activating and growing the coalition opposing that initiative under a new name: Massachusetts is not for Sale. | The new Massachusetts is not for Sale name also reflects the concerns shared by coalition members regarding the record-shattering infusions of cash that Big Tech employers are pumping into the coffers of the corporate-funded committee advocating for the…
(2022-02-27). Thursday 3/3: Women Who Are Powering Voting Rights & Democracy w/ LWV. indybay.org Online event…
(2022-02-27). Richmond Educators Win Precedent-Setting Fight for Collective Bargaining Rights. truthout.org 
This story was first published at Teachers and other public school employees in Richmond, Virginia, won a major victory in December when the city's school board, in an 8 to 1 vote, approved a resolution granting them collective bargaining rights. | The victory sets a precedent for other districts and public sector employees throughout the state. Richmond is the first sch…
(2022-02-27). White House: Venezuela Will Feel the Pressure of Sanctions Against Russia (+Missile Crisis). orinocotribune.com Caracas, February 26, 2022 ( "The sanctions on Russia are so robust that they will have an impact on those governments with economic links with Russia," stated González. "And that is by design, so Venez…
(2022-02-27). Belarus' Lukashenko warns of WWIII. rt.com 
The Belarusian leader called on the West to show "restraint" when it comes to sanctions against Moscow | Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned the West against imposing tough sanctions on Moscow, saying that such measures could push Russia into a "third world war." | "Now there is a lot of talk against the banking sector. Gas, oil, SWIFT. It's worse than war. This is pushing Russia into a third world war," Lukashenko said on Sunday, as quoted by local media. He added that a nuclear conflict could be the final outcome. | Russia's military attack against Ukraine, ordered by President Vladimir Puti…
(2022-02-27). UK to pitch 'hit list' of Russian oligarchs. rt.com 
The wealthiest in the country face sanctions from Britain amid the situation in Ukraine, the Foreign Office warns | The UK has compiled a list of 'Russian oligarchs' who will face sanctions in the coming weeks, the head of the British Foreign Office told Sky News on Sunday. | "This week we will be introducing the Economic Crime Bill which will create a lot more transparency around the structure of these companies and make it much clearer what is going on," UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said, referring to companies owned by Russian citizens. | "There are over 100 billionaires in Russia. We have compiled a hit…
(2022-02-27). EU closes skies to Russian aircraft. rt.com 
The European Union is closing its airspace to Russian-owned, registered or controlled aircraft | European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU will close its airspace to Russian planes as part of the next wave of sanctions on Moscow over its military offensive in Ukraine. | Speaking on Sunday, von der Leyen said Europe was "shutting down the EU airspace" for all Russian aircraft, declaring "they won't be able to land in, take off or overfly the territory of the EU. Including the private jets of oligarchs." | The ban will apply to Russian-owned, controlled and registered planes. | The closu…
(2022-02-27). As West Slaps Another Package of Sanctions on Russia, Analyst Mulls Over Their Effectiveness. sputniknews.com Although Western sanctions did harm the Iranian economy, they failed to curb Tehran's nuclear drive. They also failed to result in the overthrow of the current Iranian leadership. Will the same scenario unfold in Russia?
(2022-02-27). Bank of Russia responds to Western threats. rt.com 
The regulator pledges to protect the nation's economy | The Bank of Russia (the Central Bank) will provide domestic banks with cash and non-cash liquidity in rubles in order to maintain financial stability and protect the economy from the impact of the latest Ukraine-related Western sanctions, the regulator said in a statement on Sunday. | "The Bank of Russia will continuously provide banks with cash and non-cash liquidity in rubles. The REPO (repurchase agreement) auction on Monday will be held on an unlimited basis, with full satisfaction of all applications received from banks," the statement released by th…
(2022-02-27). LIVE: Russia – Ukraine Negotiations Have Started in Belarus. telesurenglish.net Russian Central Bank announces easing on loans to borrowers due to sanctions – Biden to discuss common response to Russian military operation in Ukraine with allies – European Union formalizes closure of its airspace to Russian airlines – Ukraine-Russia Talks To Begin on Monday Morning | Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun in Belarus…
(2022-02-27). EU to 'paralyze' assets of Russian Central Bank. rt.com 
Washington expects the ruble to plunge after it loses the regulator's support | The EU is planning to freeze the assets of Russia's Central Bank, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, announcing a new round of sanctions against Moscow amid the ongoing military operation in Ukraine. | "We will paralyze the assets of Russia's Central Bank. This will freeze its transactions. It will make it impossible for the Central Bank to liquidate assets," she tweeted. | The head of the EC will offer the measure along with a number of other restrictions on Russia for consideration to the leaders of E…