Russia/Ukraine?

[catherine]

Doing a little work recalibrating some old instruments today in the lab.

Are you really feeling that this is an Archduke Ferdinand / 1939 Invasion of Poland event?

[Tradd]

I don’t like Trudeau, but I just heard on the BBC that Canada is the first country banning all Russian oil and gas imports.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Ha, that's a good one. I've been very impressed with Mr Zelensky. I've grown accustomed to politicians such as Mr Trudeau going into hiding in the US when truckers peacefully protest so it was refreshing to see Mr Zelensky's response to our offer to get him out of the country. He said "I don't need a ride, I need ammunition." That's a real leader!

Don't drop dead of shock here, Alan. On this one I could not agree with you more. Rob

[jp1]

I don’t like Trudeau, but I just heard on the BBC that Canada is the first country banning all Russian oil and gas imports.

The thing about that is that because oil is an international commodity Canada will just buy from somewhere else (assuming they were even importing russian oil in the first place) and the oil that Canada was buying from Russia will get bought by someone else like China. In the big picture it won't actually make any difference.

[LDAHL]

Unable to organize a successful lightning shock and awe campaign, they appear to be defaulting to the brutal tactics they used against hostile cities in Chechnya and Syria.

This does not appear to be a high quality military, which doesn’t mean they won’t eventually win.

[LDAHL]

I just read that Ukrainians who sell captured military equipment for scrap don’t have to report it on their taxes.

[dado potato]

Among the "economic sanctions" against Russia, some states, and the management of various bars and liquor stores have banned the sale of Russian-made vodka.

Liquor Control Boards in Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Ohio, Utah, and the Province of Ontario have made the news with their actions.

For example, Oregon ordered 5,000 bottles of Russian-made vodka to be pulled from the shelves in 281 stores. Other brands of vodka with Russian names, but not supplied by distilleries located in Russia, continue to be sold. "Stolichnaya", a brand of the Stoli Group, is a product of Latvia. The founder of Stoli Group was born in Russia, but was exiled. The website of Stoli Group opens with a blue and yellow graphic of a dove, and states: Stoli Group stands for peace in Europe and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown stated: "The actions of the Russian Government are not the actions of the Russian People. We value our Russian community here in Oregon, and many Russian families are being impacted by this conflict."

[ToomuchStuff]

Among the "economic sanctions" against Russia, some states, and the management of various bars and liquor stores have banned the sale of Russian-made vodka.

Liquor Control Boards in Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Ohio, Utah, and the Province of Ontario have made the news with their actions.

For example, Oregon ordered 5,000 bottles of Russian-made vodka to be pulled from the shelves in 281 stores. Other brands of vodka with Russian names, but not supplied by distilleries located in Russia, continue to be sold. "Stolichnaya", a brand of the Stoli Group, is a product of Latvia. The founder of Stoli Group was born in Russia, but was exiled. The website of Stoli Group opens with a blue and yellow graphic of a dove, and states: Stoli Group stands for peace in Europe and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown stated: "The actions of the Russian Government are not the actions of the Russian People. We value our Russian community here in Oregon, and many Russian families are being impacted by this conflict."

Stupid, as it was bought and paid for.
If they are to ban the sale of it, they should be reimbursing the companies selling it for the cost of it, so that money isn't tied up in non usable product and can still generate sales tax revenue.

[Rogar]

I would estimate that the Vodka issue has very little economic detriment or impact in the big scheme of things, but it does make a statement. I wonder how the oligarchs have distributed their wealth and if they are invested in the vodka companies. It's probably big business based on Russian vodka thirst.

[catherine]

Stupid, as it was bought and paid for.

Not as stupid as the boycott of French fries after the start of the Iraq War when France said they would not participate in any invasion.

And I do feel bad for Stoli getting caught in the crossfire. I agree with Ezra Klein in the NYT today that if we are going to put our money where are mouth is, we should forget about the vodka and think about boycotting Russian energy.