Crimea

[bryant.coleman]

Some good news from Crimea. When the republic reunified with Russia, one of the programs that was set into motion was revival of its health sector. 17 hospital buildings needed a major overhaul, as they never been revamp since they were built about 50 years ago. New X-Ray and tomography machines were installed, and the ambulance service was overhauled. The health sector of Crimea starts to get into a civilised state now.

The state of the Russian public healthcare system is still not very good (especially in the provinces). Outside the two major cities (Moscow & Sankt Peterburg) and the rich provinces (HMAO, YNAO, Krasnodar.etc), the medical facilities are in a state of ruin. Just compare the death rates (per 1,000 population) in Moscow to those in Pskov or Novgorod, and you will get the picture.

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[1715299401]

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[galdur]

"Naturally, we will never give up Crimea, despite all the threats and sanctions from the United States - said Dmitry Sablin. - In addition to patriotic rhetoric, which, of course, is not the last place, and you cannot throw away the words of the song about Sevastopol, which is considered the city of glory of Russian sailors, Crimea is a strategic location in military terms. If you take a historical analogy, it's like Stalingrad in 1942 — if the Soviet troops could not hold out on the Volga then, the Germans would break through to Baku, the Urals, India. And sanctions... Flies are annoying to a bear, but he just shrugs them off"

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/how-russia-ruined-american-plans-in.html

[Nemo1024]

@Bryant: yes, you are right, though progress is steadily made with new medical centres being opened in various regions. Yet compared to that rather weak state of affairs in Russian regions, Crimea anno 2014 was even worse off!


With Galdur's quote mentioning the anthem of Sevastopol, and given the occasion, the following repost is in order.

Just some educational information.
Sevastopol has its own anthem, and the words of the anthem should make any invader think twice.

Sung in full here (note that the video was uploaded in 2011. Spot the scenes that virtually say to Ukraine and the West, "don't push too hard, the citizens of Sevastopol are fed up and might take action"):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMKOgIEPD-c

Fly winged wind,
Over seas, over land.
Tell the whole world
About my beloved town.

Tell to the whole world
That on Crimean shores
Our grandfathers fought
And glorified in battle.

[Chorus:]
Legendary Sevastopol,
Impregnable to enemies
Sevastopol, Sevastopol,
The pride of Russian sailors

Here we went to the rightful and holy battles
For our Motherland
And your previous glory,
Have we multiplied

Having shrugged of black overcoats,
The Black Sea sailors during the days of War
Went against tanks with only handgrenades
Your sons went to their deaths

[Chorus]

If across the sea
enemies should come to us with swords,
We'll meet unwelcomed guests
with annihilating fire

The whole of beloved country knows
That the battleships do not sleep,
And are guarding surely
The shores of homeland

[Chorus]

Music: Vano Muradeli
Text: Petr Gragov
Written: 1954
Ratified as the official anthem of Sevastopol on 29.07.1994


Russian text here:
http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%93%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BD_%D0%A1%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8F

You can hear a rendition of it here, where a girl spontaneously performed it at an election locale:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MERVP8BhP00

Ukrainians tried to re-write the text in 2006, replacing "Russian sailors" with "Ukrainian sailors",  "Sevastopol" with "whitestone fortress", and "kozaks" were added. The reaction of the citizens was strongly negative, to say the least.

I prey that US/NATO warmongers are not stupid enough and that Western soldiers would not need to hear that song performed on the other side of the trenches, as the citizens of Sevastopol yet again rise to defend their city from an "invasion from across the sea".

Several videos from the yesterdays' celebrations and fireworks here:
https://futuristrendcast.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/2-years-of-crimeas-reunification-with-russia-results-and-celebrations/

[bryant.coleman]

@Bryant: yes, you are right, though progress is steadily made with new medical centres being opened in various regions. Yet compared to that rather weak state of affairs in Russian regions, Crimea anno 2014 was even worse off!

Hmm.... I am waiting for the latest vital stats data to see whether there is any real improvement on the ground. As per the 2015 data, the death rate in Crimea is 15.3 per 1,000 people, which is abnormally high (and even higher for the ethnic Slavs in Crimea). For comparison, the death rate in Moscow (Gorsovet) is 9.7 per 1,000 people.

[Nemo1024]

Two points from the reunification celebration program:

Putin’s address from the construction of the Kerch Crimean mega-bridge:
“Return of Crimea and Sevastopol is the restoration of historic justice.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uunaJcD24_c#t=1079

Performance of The Legendary Sevastopol at the Beautiful (Red) Square celebration event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uunaJcD24_c#t=4357

[Nemo1024]

Looks like a provocation. An old Turkish cargo ship rammed a support of the construction bridge, used in construction of the Kerch bridge. The Turkish ship tried to hide the deed by painting over the hull. It's now arrested for 72 hours according to the maritime law in Taganrog.

https://rns.online/transport/Povredivshii-Kerchenskii-most-turetskii-suhogruz-zaderzhan-v-Taganroge-2016-03-23/

[Nemo1024]

Damage from the Turkish ramming of the Kerch construction bridge support is calculated to 120 million roubles:
https://rns.online/transport/Uscherb-stroyaschemusya-mostu-cherez-Kerchenskii-proliv-otsenivaetsya-v-120-mln-rublei-2016-03-24/

[Vika NSFW]

Is the Turkish ship with a insurance coperture?

[Nemo1024]

Is the Turkish ship with a insurance coperture?

I have no idea. According to the article, the on-board documents indicate that the ship "Lira" belongs to the Turkish company "Turkuaz Shipping". However the company denies that it is their ship!

However:



https://www.vesselfinder.com/news/5664-Turkish-cargo-ship-LIRA-crashes-into-bridge-construction-in-Crimea

A Turkish registered dry cargo vessel crashed into the supporting legs of a bridge construction on the Azov Sea, causing major damage on a project aiming to link Crimea to mainland Russia through a railway and a highway.

The ship was taken to Russia’s Taganrog harbor as a safety measure after that one pole of the construction was completely destroyed and two other poles were severely damaged. It is reported that the company Krimskiy Most, which operates the bridge construction, is preparing a loss invoice.

That does not sound like accident, but rather like an intentional sabotage.

[Vika NSFW]

Who is responsable for not giving anti terroristic support to the bridge?
Anyone know, that this is a strategic object for Russian Federation.

[resources]

The majority of the Crimean population is ethnically Russian, and Russian-speaking. Most of the people in Crimea support Russia.
Poor comparison. What percentage of Iraq is made up of US citizens?

[galdur]

Sergey Alexandrovich Karjakin won the Chess Candidates Tournament and the right to challenge the reigning World Chess Champion, Norwegian Magnus Carlsen. The 12 game match is planned to take place between 11–30 November in New York City.

Karjakin, an extremely gifted player, was born in Simferopol January 12, 1990. He learned to play chess when he was five years old and became an IM at age 11 years and 11 months. In 2001, he won the World Chess U12 championship. He first attracted attention in January 2002, when he was the official second of fellow Ukrainian Ruslan Ponomariov during the final of the 2002 FIDE World championship, though Karjakin had only just turned 12 at the time. By scoring GM norms at the Aeroflot tournament in Moscow later that month, the Alushta tournament in May 2002 and the international tournament in Sudak in August 2002, he surpassed Bu Xiangzhi to become the youngest grandmaster in the history of chess at the age of 12 years and exactly 7 months—a record that still stands.

Here they are in 2006, rising stars, Karjakin (left) is older than Carlsen by 10 months.

[Nemo1024]

A warning about a high-probability provocation:

Kiev Junta is Preparing to Shoot Down Planes Over Crimea
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/kiev-junta-is-preparing-to-shoot-down.html

The Kiev junta is preparing to shoot down planes over Crimea. Two S-300 systems were installed in the Henichesk district, Kherson region. Residents, as well as the military, reported that these systems are on alert and are supplied with everything needed to ensure the smooth operation of these SAMs. Officially, the regime claims that the deployment of the systems is supposedly designed to protect the territory of Ukraine on the border with Crimea. However, this is not true, according to Kherson politician Aleksey Zhuravko.

Activist warned, with reference to its sources, that there is a high probability that the S-300 can be used for provocations similar to the downed Malaysian Boeing over Donbass. The politician wrote this on his social network, attaching a photo of the area where the SAM is deployed.

"From serious sources: SAM is not installed to protect the territory of Ukraine, but to commit provocations against the Russian Federation. The whole situation with the advent of SAM in the Kherson area reminds me of the preparation for the implementation of the scenario according to the example of the downed Boeing 777 flight MH-17 over Donbass. According to a high-ranking military source, these systems will not be operated by local Kherson troops, but by the Ukrainian military personnel brought here from another area.

I am extremely worried about the situation on the border with Crimea in connection with the arrival of SAM systems. I want to warn everyone that today's bloody Kiev government is ready for anything and will stop at nothing. If a plane is shot down in the skies over Crimea, you know that the responsibility for this will fall on the current leadership of Ukraine: the President, the government, and Parliament," said Zhuravko.

"I appeal to the entire European community, including europarliamentarians. Please work pro-actively and prevent new casualties," said the politician, summarizing his message.

[bryant.coleman]

Who is responsable for not giving anti terroristic support to the bridge?
Anyone know, that this is a strategic object for Russian Federation.

Kremlin should have taken the decision to ban all of the Ukrainian and Turkish vessels from the Russian territorial waters long back. But I understand why they haven't taken the decision. Large number of Russian ships do use the Bosphorus waterway, and the Turks are likely to ban Russians using this route as a retaliation. Still, I was surprised at the complete lack of security along the Kerch region.

[Nemo1024]

Who is responsable for not giving anti terroristic support to the bridge?
Anyone know, that this is a strategic object for Russian Federation.

Kremlin should have taken the decision to ban all of the Ukrainian and Turkish vessels from the Russian territorial waters long back. But I understand why they haven't taken the decision. Large number of Russian ships do use the Bosphorus waterway, and the Turks are likely to ban Russians using this route as a retaliation. Still, I was surprised at the complete lack of security along the Kerch region.

The incident concerned the supports of a construction bridge. My guess is that the finished bridge will have due security installed (on par with the bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden). The priority now is given to the speediest possible construction process.


I was going to write a summary of some news article regarding the coming tourist season, but it looks like Lada beat me to it

Crimean Tourism Infrastructure Flourishes Despite Geopolitical Threats
https://futuristrendcast.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/video-especially-for-ukrainians-crimean-tourism-infrastructure-flourishes/

The title of the video below in Russian is: ‘Dear Ukrainians, this video is especially for you: Crimean tourism infrastructure flourishes.’ Such title because Kiev MSM and politicians insist that Crimea is falling apart under ‘Russian rule.’ Of course, this is silly and reality cannot be further from the truth. But some people in Ukraine, completely zombified by propaganda, actually believe this. In fact, Crimea was falling apart and dying a slow death under Kiev. Presently, even despite excruciating water, food, transport and energy blockade, Crimea is being fixed up and rebuilt.

It is surfacing every day that those navy and army officers who believed Kiev and left Crimea in 2014 to continue serving in Ukraine army, are now little by little defecting and returning to Crimea. Sometimes whole units defect.

Crimean attractions are world-famous: Yalta’s beaches, gorgeous nature and imperial palaces (say, Levadia Palace where Stalin, Rosevelt and Churchill met in 1945); Swallow’s Nest; world’s largest children’s recreation resort/summer camp Artek,; Sevastopol’s Black Sea fleet base and underground Soviet mega-submarine base; various historic palaces, beaches, parks, rock climbing, natural caves and ethnic food.

On this short video: Crimea is being fixed up from the neglect and abuse it endured during 23 years of being looted by Kiev oligarchs/ nationalistic politicians, and re-styled as an all-year round sea resort with emphasis on rejuvenation spa, health tourism and all-inclusive tours that Russians prefer.

Some gorgeous Black Sea views on this video!

On video: Crimean Bridge projected look – the construction has begun, to be completed by the end of 2018. February off-season Crimean hiking and famous Marble Caves, where natural stalagmite castles and palaces have been built by nature itself.

Next on video: various hotel accommodations with off- and on-season all-inclusive pricing. Next: budget/ inexpensive private sector pricing. Simferopol Airport now receives 5 mln passengers a year, more than during Soviet times. After reconstruction scheduled for 2018 more flights from Russia and abroad will be received.

Kerch Strait option by car or by plane from mainland: you can leave the car in designated parking on mainland side and buy 1/2 price subsidized ticket to a city in Crimea: Yalta, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Feodosia, etc. The bus takes you to ferry and then to your destination. Tickets really do sound very cheap: from Krasnodar to Sevastopol/Yevpatoria/Yalta – about 810 rub.

In the end: Bakhchisarai (the capital of Crimean Tatars) has a park of minis: main architectural attractions of Crimea, with various historic palaces, etc. Crimean Tatar national cooking is shown. Crimean tourist expo in Yalta will choose the best all-inclusive tour route for Crimean season 2016. These are offered by various tour operators. Winner will be chosen by tourist vote.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHqRfj9w1Yw

...

More text after the video!

[Nemo1024]

As some here may know, Parliament (Duma) elections will be held in Russia this autumn. A lot of turbulence and badmouthing from the Western "partners" is expected, maybe even a stab at a colour revolution...

When it comes to Crimea, there is one historical curiosity: this will be the first Duma elections in Crimea in 100 years. Last elections to Russian State Duma, with Crimea's participation, happened in 1911. Then came the February colour revolution of 1917 (facilitated by the Duma, but which ultimately led to Duma's dispersion), then the October coup d'etat of 1917, then there was a war, then Crimea was illegally transferred to UkSSR, then USSR fell apart and Crimea was kept by Ukraine in a state, which resembled an occupation, and now Crimea returned to the home shores, the century-long detour is complete.

[Nemo1024]

Italy: The regional parliament of Veneto (with capital in Venice) will vote on May 18 whether to recognize Crimea as part of Russia: source.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV36UE7O4gc

It also plans to insist that EU removes anti-Russian sanctions. If everything goes to plan, Veneto parliamentarians plan to take their votes to Italian parliament and to EU. Once the regional vote has passed and regardless of how it goes in the country and EU votes, Veneto province plans to unfreeze economic relations with Russia and begin doing business with its big interest, Crimea.

Veneto, one of Italy’s richest regions, loses 1 bln euros annually due to Russian sanctions, while all of Italy loses 3.2 bln annually.

Business contacts between Veneto and Crimea have already begun at the Spring 2016 Crimean Business Forum, which attracted first investments (if memory serves me, something to the tune of 90 bln rubles, which is good, considering sanctions). Italian businesses are some of the most active. Their primary interests are (of course) Crimean wines and tourism. German investors are also quite active – you’d think there were no sanctions whatsoever. Japanese investors are right up there, as well.

I recently wrote that French parliament voted to lift anti-Russian sanctions: French parliament votes to lift anti-Russian sanctions imposed by EU.

The French vote was non-binding. But the Veneto vote, should it pass, will be.

https://futuristrendcast.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/venice-parliament-to-vote-whether-to-recognize-crimea-as-part-of-russia/

[Nemo1024]

Russian Minister of transportation reported that the most difficult phase of the construction of Kerch bridge is over and that construction is going at full speed. The car section of the bridge will be open for traffic in December 2018. Railway connection shortly thereafter.

https://rns.online/transport/Mintrans-zayavil-o-prohozhdenii-samoi-neprostoi-stadii-stroitelstva-Kerchenskogo-mosta-2016-05-22/

[Nemo1024]

Yesterday's newscast of Vesti had a feature on Artek summer camp, how it was resurrected and is now ready to take the kids for summer vacation:

https://youtu.be/8Vfk02Jjyik?t=2507

The video also feature footage of what it looked like in 2014 - decrepit and in ruins.

When I travelled in Crimea in about 2012, i stopped on the, which winds above Artek, and can say that I was by the state of what was once the pearl of Crimea. Good to see it rebuilt again to the purpose.

[bryant.coleman]

Russian Minister of transportation reported that the most difficult phase of the construction of Kerch bridge is over and that construction is going at full speed. The car section of the bridge will be open for traffic in December 2018. Railway connection shortly thereafter.

https://rns.online/transport/Mintrans-zayavil-o-prohozhdenii-samoi-neprostoi-stadii-stroitelstva-Kerchenskogo-mosta-2016-05-22/

December 2018 is still almost two and a half years away. I understand that the geology is the biggest impediment in completing the construction of the bridge on time. The mud in Kerch Strait is almost 100 meters deep, and this complicates everything. Constructing a tunnel would have been a better idea. But it will be much more expensive when compared to the bridge.