Recent content by Spitfire9

Just to discredit Russian propaganda that some on this forum may still believe: there is a fuel crisis in Russia. Several refineries have not shut down production because they need 'repairs'. They have shut down production because they have been damaged by Ukrainian military action. Seala, a...

I can see it is useful for ROK to continue a relationship with Indonesia. It has suffered considerable financial losses from partnering on KF-X. If Indonesia does end up buying some KF-21 that would help recoup some or all of those losses.

I think there are a number of factors involved in an excess of supply over demand appearing soon if it has not already appeared. A couple of possibilities for this I have heard (no guarantee they are right) - Saudi Arabia wants to increase production to increase its share of the market for...

Defense cooperation? Important milestone? I do not remember ever coming across a partner in a fighter development project that was less co-operative than Indonesia.

Good news in 2 ways for me today - the price of fuel I put in my car is likely to fall in the next few months - the price that Russia gets for each barrel of crude it sells is likely to fall in the next few months Urals to sell for less than 50 USD per barrel next year...

My bold at the end. It does sound like Medvedev is worried if he is not threatening terrible consequences to countries left, right and centre if Ukraine receives Tomahawk with no limits on where Ukraine can target it. PS The range, survivability and warhead of Tomahawk would present a serious...

In a video message on the Kremlin's website, Mr Putin said: "Our fighters and commanders go on the attack, and the entire country, all of Russia, is waging this righteous battle and working hard. "We are fighting and we are prevailing."...

I t's annoying for Putin that Ukraine lies between Russia and Moldova. Moldova's armed forces are tiny. After an election result showing strong support for an EU-leaning candidate, Moldova needs to be brought back to its senses by Russia moving in, toppling the government in a few days and...

The reported suspension of GE F110 engines - could this be connected with Turkiye buying large amounts of Russian crude? China and India buy the most, followed by Turkiye. Indian exports to the US suffer a 25% penalty tariff due to buying crude from Russia.

For those with short memories... https://www.factcheck.org/2022/02/russian-rhetoric-ahead-of-attack-against-ukraine-deny-deflect-mislead/ Why should observers believe there is any truth in what Russia says?

It may have made sense at the time for Turkiye and India to use American engines for the first phase of their 5G fighters but things have changed. Now the reliability of the US as a supplier puts phase 1 of KAAN and AMCA into question. Both countries need a reliable supplier. By the sound of...

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/24/russia-moves-to-raise-vat-by-2-as-budget-deficit-swells-a90609 Make of this what you will. I see Russia's economy and government finances sliding further in 2026. How much longer can it afford to finance a now senseless war? To me it became senseless...

I defer to your better knowledge but do not agree to Russian deposits in foreign banks being sequestered. About Russia 'winning' this war: this writer and I are in agreement over the irrelevance of small territorial gains or losses by either Russia or Ukraine...

It is not normal for banks to convert deposits into IOU's without the depositors' agreement. This move sets a precedent threatening confidence in the western banking system. Is it worth doing just to save finding $300 Billion USD? I don't think that is a good idea. Better for 'the West' to fund...

No I'm not. If you read my analysis of the value of the ruble I was arguing that it was to the Russian government's financial advantage for the ruble to fall in value. I have explained my view once. Not spending time repeating myself.