Paulo Figueiredo, a Brazilian right-wing influencer, and Eduardo Bolsonaro have been spearheading a campaign in the US to sanction Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, alleging censorship of conservative voices. This lobbying effort appears to have yielded results, including the revocation of US visas for Moraes and his allies, and eventually formal sanctions. However, Figueiredo’s influence is under scrutiny as a company of his is named in a bankruptcy case related to a fraud scheme. Figueiredo, who is also allegedly involved in the launch of the social network Gettr, views these actions as a way to strengthen the pro-Bolsonaro movement in Brazil.
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Russia’s oil and gas revenues experienced a significant decline in July, marking the third consecutive month of decreased income, falling by almost 30% year-on-year. This decline is attributed to decreased mineral extraction tax (NDPI) revenue, with Gazprom’s exports to Europe reaching historic lows. The EU’s sanctions, including a lowered price cap on Russian oil, are contributing to this downturn, forcing the Kremlin to revise its revenue projections. To offset these losses, Russia is reportedly drawing from its National Wealth Fund.
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Putin still has no intention of stopping the Ukraine war, and frankly, that’s hardly surprising. It’s become painfully obvious to everyone, except perhaps a few people who seem to live in an alternate reality. From a purely strategic viewpoint, the whole thing seems incredibly counterproductive. It’s hurting his own demographics, depleting his military’s resources, and providing the West with invaluable insights into how the Russian military actually functions. It’s even prompted large countries to rearm, increasing the very threat he supposedly wants to eliminate.
It’s hard to understand the logic behind this, beyond the obvious. It feels like a terrible waste of life, a pointless bloodshed.… Continue reading
Revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia, says India on Trump’s tariff remarks. This situation is, to put it mildly, complicated, and it’s easy to see why the comments on tariffs and trade with Russia are raising eyebrows. The core of the issue is this: India is facing criticism, particularly from Western nations, for its continued trade with Russia, yet these very same critics are, in various ways, also involved in economic exchanges with Moscow. It’s a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do,” and it’s understandable why India is pointing this out.… Continue reading
In response to US actions, Russia has criticized the imposition of sanctions and tariffs, labeling them a “neocolonial agenda” driven by Washington’s inability to accept a multipolar world. Maria Zakharova, a Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, stated that these measures constitute “politically motivated economic pressure” against nations pursuing an independent path. Russia asserts that these actions contravene free trade principles and are supported by BRICS nations, vowing to deepen cooperation to resist these sanctions. The Russian response followed Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on India, accusing them of selling Russian oil for profit and supporting the war in Ukraine.
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India Will Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump’s Threats, Officials Say, and honestly, it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone with a grasp of global economics. The simple fact is, a dollar bill, or in this case a barrel of oil, doesn’t just sit around gathering dust. The underlying reality of the situation is that India is able to secure much needed oil at a lower market price, which essentially removes some demand from the overall global supply of oil.
The narrative around Russian oil has been pretty consistent. It’s always been available for sale, though sometimes at a lower price point.… Continue reading
The US Treasury Department, under the direction of Donald Trump, imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of human rights abuses and a political “witch-hunt”. Simultaneously, the US announced 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing the government’s persecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters. These actions, viewed as a direct attack on Brazilian democracy, were celebrated by Bolsonaro’s allies and condemned by members of President Lula da Silva’s government, who saw them as foreign interference in their justice system. Legal experts and human rights activists have expressed outrage and astonishment at the use of Magnitsky sanctions, typically reserved for severe human rights violators, against a judge in Brazil.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal urged an expedited vote on the sanctions bill, asserting that Vladimir Putin should not be given additional time. He highlighted the need for stronger sanctions, suggesting a 500% increase. Blumenthal expressed confidence in securing the necessary votes in the Senate to demonstrate unity and fulfill commitments to Ukraine. He believes the sanctions bill is crucial to ending the war, emphasizing the importance of immediate legislative action.
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In December, India sent $1.4 million worth of the high-explosive HMX to Russia, with the shipments received by Russian defense companies such as Promsintez. These transactions occurred despite US warnings about potential sanctions for engaging with Russia’s military-industrial complex, as India has maintained trade relations with Russia despite Western sanctions. The shipments, which mark the first reported sale of HMX to Russia, were conducted by Ideal Detonators Private Limited, and included consignments to Promsintez and High Technology Initiation Systems. While the US has expressed concern and cautioned allies, it has yet to impose sanctions, due to its strategic partnership with India.
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President Zelenskyy urged for increased pressure on Russia, citing significant economic losses for the Kremlin. Intelligence reports detailed the effectiveness of sanctions, highlighting a critical moment to end the war before the next year. The primary objective is to compel the Russian regime to negotiate peace, demonstrating they cannot outlast Ukraine and Europe. Economic indicators, such as declining profits for major industries and the predicted collapse of passenger air transportation, underscore Russia’s vulnerability and the urgent need for pressure.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood