Latest news with #Tsargrad
The Hill
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Why did these prominent Americans attend a festival of Russian supremacy?
What do Putin's most notorious warmongering propagandist, his foreign minister sanctioned by the U.S. and several other countries for his role in the Ukraine War, and a distinguished American economist have in common? Their names are Aleksandr Dugin, Sergei Lavrov and Jeffrey Sachs, and they all appeared as featured speakers at the Tsargrad Institute's June conference in Moscow, which was titled 'Forum of the Future 2050.' According to the Moscow Times, the event also featured 'conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, right-wing influencer Jackson Hinkle … British politician George Galloway and Elon Musk's father Errol Musk,' as well as the American journalist Max Blumenthal. Konstantin Malofeyev, a proponent of Russia's use of nuclear weapons and the deputy head of the World Russian People's Council, founded the Institute — named after the Russian equivalent of Constantinople — in 2023. Dugin is the institute's director. The meeting took place at the same time that Tsargrad issued its report, 'Russia 2050. A picture of the Future.' The following snippets, translated by Google, will give you a sense of what the Institute's aspirations are. 'The main reason for what is taking place in the world today is the fundamental crisis of liberalism,' the report reads. 'Liberalism has not only led humanity into a dead end of ideological, cultural, scientific, technological and economic development, but it has also created a threat to its very existence.' 'The symbol of the anti-liberal turn in the West is the Trump revolution and Trumpism,' it states. 'The final victory of the Trumpists will lead to the strengthening of presidential power and the transformation of the political regime of the USA into an autocracy.' Once 2050 rolls along, 'Russia is a sovereign power pursuing a truly independent domestic and foreign policy. All territories of the former Russian Empire and the Soviet Union are part of the zone of vital interests and exclusive influence of Russia. The existence of Russophobic political regimes hostile to Russia and its people in these territories is completely excluded. In addition to the countries of the former USSR, the macroregion created by Russia includes some countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, as well as individual countries in Africa and Latin America.' In short, by 2050, Russia will have been made great again, while the degenerate West will have been reduced to third-rate status. One could object by suggesting that so rosy a scenario could happen only if Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves office before fully succeeding in transporting his country into the Stone Age. But no matter: Tsargrad is entitled to dream. As may the Russian people. A recent poll conducted by the Levada Center asked Russians to rank the 'most outstanding people of all times.' The top 10 were all Russians: Stalin took first place with 42 percent, Putin was second with 31 percent and Lenin took third with 28 percent. Poor Albert Einstein managed 11th place with 8 percent. Isaac Newton came in 18th with just 5 percent. The numbers speak for themselves: Russians believe they are superior and they worship at the altar of autocracy. In that sense, the Tsargrad report is an accurate reflection of Russian political culture. So why did prominent Americans like Sachs and Blumenthal decide to give the event their imprimatur? It is doubtful that they would accept an invitation to a conference organized by the Ku Klux Klan or the Proud Boys. And yet, in speaking at such a questionable forum, they have done something quite similar. To be sure, they, like Galloway, are already tainted by their willingness to appear on Putin's propaganda television network, RT. But it's a big step up from going on TV to sit in the same room as Dugin and Lavrov and engage them in chitchat. No, let me take that back — this is far worse than attending a KKK or Proud Boys event. After all, the KKK is yesterday's news. The Proud Boys are too small to matter. The Tsargrad conference, in contrast, reflects the ideas of a regime which, as Sachs and Blumenthal know, invaded Ukraine and is systematically killing Ukrainians and destroying their culture. That's not just war. It's genocide. Sachs and Blumenthal should be ashamed. The West in general and liberals in particular should be prepared. The Russian assault on civilization has only just begun. Alexander J. Motyl is a professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark. A specialist on Ukraine, Russia and the USSR, and on nationalism, revolutions, empires and theory, he is the author of 10 books of nonfiction, as well as ' Imperial Ends: The Decay, Collapse, and Revival of Empires' and ' Why Empires Reemerge
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Russian soldiers are 'killed by poisoned bottled water' in 'suspected Ukrainian sabotage'
Russian troops on the war frontline have been 'fatally poisoned by bottled water' in a suspected Ukrainian 'sabotage operation'. The soldiers suffered 'seizures, loss of consciousness, and death', say reports. At least four soldiers died in agony after drinking the bottled water, according to Russian reports. Multiple others are reported to be in a serious condition. Distressing footage shows soldiers writhing in pain after drinking from 'spiked' bottles, as a military medic sought to assist the moaning victims. In one video, a voice is heard saying: 'He is so unwell.' The soldier is asked: 'Have you taken some water on the way?' But the man 'can't even say anything. He is really bad.' The alleged poisoning happened in the area of Panteleimonivka in Donetsk region, and the water was supposedly supplied to the troops in a humanitarian consignment. The drink, branded 'Our Water', reportedly came from Simferopol, the capital of Russia-annexed Crimea. An investigation is underway into the reported poisoning as war channels have flashed warnings to other troops not to touch the suspect water amid high temperatures. Pro-Kremlin Tsargrad media reported: 'The situation requires a thorough investigation - who supplied the water, how it got to the front line, and who could have poisoned it? 'One thing is clear – soldiers should be extremely careful with any drinks.' Military-linked channels suspected a 'Ukrainian sabotage operation' to poison the Russian troops, but there was no clear evidence of this. A Ukrainian source hit back: 'It's unclear whether this was actual poisoning or drug overdoses, with commanders possibly using the 'poisoned water' story to cover up drug-related incidents.' It came as Vladimir Putin staged a massive bombing of Ukraine overnight - but avoided major strikes on the capital Kyiv, where Donald Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellogg, is present all week. In a visit to a plant making unmanned planes, he praised Ukraine for 'incredible innovations'. He posted: 'In this new era/type of warfare, they are leading. Their speed of innovation and adaptability is astounding.'
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Putin's soldiers killed ‘in mass poisoning by laced bottles of WATER' in suspected Ukrainian sabotage operation
VLADIMIR Putin's men were reportedly killed by poisoned water bottles in a suspected Ukrainian sabotage operation. At least four soldiers were said to have died in excruciating pain after drinking from bottles labelled "Our Water", allegedly supplied to the front line in a humanitarian consignment. 8 8 8 8 Several others are said to be in critical condition in another major blow to Mad Vlad's invasion of Ukraine. The deadly incident, which unfolded in the Panteleimonivka area of Donetsk, has sparked horror and fury across pro-Kremlin military channels. Distressing footage seen by The Sun shows poisoned troops convulsing, moaning in agony, and slipping into unconsciousness as medics scramble to help. In one chilling clip, a soldier is heard asking a stricken comrade: 'Have you taken some water on the way?' — but the man is too far gone to respond. 'He is so unwell,' another voice says. The water reportedly came from Simferopol, the capital of Russian-annexed Crimea, and was distributed under the guise of aid. Now, it's feared to have been a Trojan horse of death. Investigators are combing through the supply chain, desperate to uncover who tampered with the water — and how it reached frontline troops. Pro-Kremlin outlet Tsargrad demanded answers: 'The situation requires a thorough investigation – who supplied the water, how it got to the front line, and who could have poisoned it?' They warned: 'One thing is clear – soldiers should be extremely careful with any drinks.' The poison panic has spread fast, with Putin's mouthpiece channels flashing urgent warnings to not drink the water amid soaring summer temperatures. While some Russian-linked media are already blaming a 'Ukrainian sabotage operation', hard evidence is yet to emerge. A Ukrainian source hit back, suggesting: 'It's unclear whether this was actual poisoning or drug overdoses, with commanders possibly using the 'poisoned water' story to cover up drug-related incidents.' Putin's firestorm As poisoned soldiers writhed on one front, Putin launched a merciless aerial onslaught across Ukraine — striking shopping centres, apartment blocks, and industrial targets in a scorched-earth campaign that continues to defy global warnings. In the town of Dobropillia, a 500kg glide bomb dropped by Russian forces ripped through a busy shopping centre, killing two and wounding at least 25. Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as 'horrendous, dumb Russian terror', accusing Moscow of trying to kill as many civilians as possible. At least 54 shops and 13 residential buildings were hit. 8 8 Officials fear more victims remain buried under the rubble as rescue teams battle fires and dig through twisted metal. This isn't the first time Dobropillia has been attacked — a March missile and drone strike killed 11, including five children. And the terror continues: from kamikaze drone attacks in Dnipro that left the city choking in smoke, to deadly barrages on Nikopol, Kharkiv and Sumy. In Nikopol, Russian forces pulled a grotesque double hit — striking a cargo truck, then targeting emergency responders when they arrived. Even as Russia unleashes devastation, Ukraine is punching back. Overnight, drones reportedly struck key military-linked manufacturing targets deep inside Russian territory, including a chemicals plant in Tula and an aircraft repair facility in Smolensk. In Belgorod, three civilians were reported killed and 17 wounded, while in Voronezh, drones slammed into a tower block — injuring at least three children. 8 8 Trump's ultimatum The poisonings and bombings are unfolding as geopolitical tensions spike — with Donald Trump firing a 50-day peace ultimatum at Putin, threatening to hit Russia with 100 per cent tariffs unless it agrees to a ceasefire deal. The US President, who has sent special envoy Keith Kellogg to Ukraine this week, expressed fury over Russia's continued targeting of civilians. He promised to back Kyiv with 'everything' in America's arsenal — including JASSM cruise missiles — to force Putin back to the negotiating table. But the Kremlin is snarling back. Russian sources scoffed at Trump's ultimatum, reportedly saying it might make Moscow demand more territory, not less. And Putin appears unfazed. Touring a drone factory, he bizarrely praised Ukraine's 'incredible innovations', even as his forces flattened civilian centres.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Putin hardliners call for Russia to 'take up arms' for Iran after US strikes
Vladimir Putin has been told Russia must send military support for Tehran following the US attacks on Iran nuclear sites overnight, with Russians urged to be ready for world war Hardliners close to Vladimir Putin have demanded Russians "take up arms" in a furious response to the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump sanctioned the bombings of three nuclear sites in Iran overnight, escalating the Middle East crisis further. Missiles were dropped from American B-2 stealth bombers, including on Iran's Fordow nuclear site, which has caused some Russian oligarchs to demand military support for Tehran. Oligarch Konstantin Malofeev, who runs propaganda empire Tsargrad, demanded: 'It's high time we helped Tehran with satellite intelligence, air defence, and missiles.' He accused Trump of mocking Putin by 'pretending to be peacekeepers' in the Ukraine conflict. Demanding military support for Iran, he declared: 'Two can play this game. Fate is giving us a historic chance. The Kremlin has yet to issue an immediate reaction to the attack by the US on Iran., with which Moscow has a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' signed by Putin in January. Despite no formal mutual defence clause, the treaty includes assurances regarding security cooperation and non-support for aggressors. Multiple Russian sources noted the date of the strike - the same day, June 22, 1941 - as Hitler attacked his former ally, the Soviet Union. Putin's former deputy premier and space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin, now a warmongering senator, said: 'Today is Sunday, June 22. America has struck Iranian nuclear facilities. 'The internationalisation of armed conflicts is evident. Their main provocateurs are two people - Zelensky and Netanyahu. Let's mark this for history.' He went on to claim Russians must be ready for a world war. 'Whether our grandchildren will be proud of their grandfathers depends on you and me, on our national instinct for self-preservation, on our readiness to take up arms, learn the high-tech rules of modern warfare and end it with a convincing victory,' he said. The one who is ready to go to the end always wins.' Former Putin speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov - now a critic - praised an alleged US misinformation campaign ahead of the strikes. 'Part of the work to prepare the American strike was the leak to Reuters of 'information' about disagreements between Israel and the United States,' he said. 'At the very moment when the ayatollahs were rubbing their hands with glee, reading the report that [vice president J D] Vance accused Israel of trying to drag America into war, the B-2s were taking off." Other Russian outlets played down the impact of the strikes, stressing Iranian denials that the three nuclear facilities were destroyed, as the Trump administration claimed. There was only 'minor damage' at the Fordow facility, several reports claimed. Pro-Kremlin pundit Sergey Mardan warned that Putin's nightmare of a US bid to assassinate Iran's supreme leader was clearly now on the agenda. 'Earlier this week, several US officials told CBS News that Trump opposes Israel's plans to assassinate Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,' he posted. The Iranians, of course, can believe this. But only if they really want to. Then they will face more strikes.' One Telegram channel - On The Frontline - warned the likely Iranian response was 'a retaliatory salvo at American bases". It added: "The targets could be – US air bases in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 'Yemeni forces have already announced that they will attack US ships in the Red Sea. Now they have a formal pretext. All logistics through Suez are at risk. The most severe scenario is blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Closing it even for 72 hours will lead to an increase in oil prices and potential disruptions in energy supplies to Europe and Asia and the likelihood of the US having to launch a naval operation to lift the blockade.'
LeMonde
10-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
Elon Musk's father, a guest of honor in Moscow, praises Vladimir Putin and blames his son for falling out with Donald Trump
In Moscow, Elon Musk's father made an appearance to talk about the future. As guest of honor at a forum organized by Russian figures known for Orthodox conservatism and patriotic education, 79-year-old Errol Musk spoke about the "future" on Tuesday, June 10, before a select audience. The broad topic allowed the South African businessman to share a few platitudes on various subjects. Along the way, he offered a real-or-imagined scoop about the unexpected origins of SpaceX and his son's space ventures. "[Elon] was in Russia, trying to buy a rocket in Russia, where, as we all know, the best rockets were made. They did not give him a rocket, they thought he was joking," Musk said with a laugh. This unusual conference aimed to be as grand as its title: "Future Forum 2050." It was organized and funded by conservative tycoon Konstantin Malofeev and ultranationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin. Malofeev owns Tsargrad, an Orthodox television channel promoting traditional Russian values in opposition to what it sees as Western decline. Dugin is the author of numerous essays celebrating Russian imperialism and military expansionism. Both men – known to wield influence within the Kremlin and under Western sanctions – also invited American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and British populist political figure George Galloway.
