Remeslo is now reportedly undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment, as in Soviet times. But smart Western leaders might think this was a good time to turn up the heat under Putin, rather than making life easier for him. The system is showing signs of strain; so increase the pressure on it. 2/2
Interesting news from Russia. Like Prigozhin, Remeslo seems to have had a revelation. He hasn't turned into a pro-Western liberal (as his comments on how much better Russia would be doing in Ukraine if Putin listened to criticism shows). But he can see the damage from Putin's current policies. 1/2
Nobody would bemore delighted to see more EU-UK rapprochement than me, but I am simply exhausted by the way in which such a major decision is entirely framed in terms of what is politically expedient in Westminster. How about pursuing goals because you think they are right?
This exactly supports @martinsandbu.ft.com's latest point on energy subsidies:
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How (not) to help with high energy prices - www.ft.com/content/b94e... via @FT
@martinsandbu.ft.com
Or temporarily on the Lydian throne.
Those who don't learn from history etc.
Spain's renewables build-out has structurally decoupled its electricity prices from gas markets. Gas now sets the price in only 15% of hours, compared to 90% in Italy.
Countries that invested early in clean power are far less exposed to fossil fuel price shocks. Those that didn't now pay the price.
Glad advice was heeded. Here is what I wrote on 11 January.
as.ft.com/r/65d6828b-e...
Warnings heeded then. as.ft.com/r/65d6828b-e...
1/ Denmark was reportedly preparing for full-scale war with the US over Greenland in January, with military support from France, Germany, and Nordic nations. Elite troops and F-35 jets with live ammunition were sent, and runways were to be blown up to prevent an invasion. ⬇️
Line of the year in the new edition of The Economist:
"Although President Donald Trump says he has “destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military Capability”, the 0% that remains is playing havoc with the global economy..."
Doing better or shooting our feet?
🇪🇺
Of course, we choose prosperous and fair Europe!!
You'll never guess how Kemi 'Defending British values from domination by prayer' Badenoch voted on buffer zones outside of abortion clinics:
In the week since this @martinsandbu.ft.com piece, lobbying by challenged incumbents has (mostly) stalled. Two industry associations can't speak for "industry" when claiming that "competitiveness" requires turning back the clock to their glory days #EUSky 🔌💡 giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Electric vehicles helped to avoid the consumption of 2.3 million barrels of oil per day last year
• Iran war-fuelled rise in oil prices is reigniting interest in EVs
• Drop in oil consumption could reach 5.3 million barrels/day by 2030, roughly Canada's output
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
We’re begging China now. That’s where we’re at. bsky.app/profile/atru...
"De ukrainska styrkorna gör framryckningar i flera riktningar vid fronten. Nu tycks Ryssland tvingas kalla in fler reservister och ställa om till att försvara sina positioner.
– Så här mycket terräng har inte Ukraina tagit på tre år, säger militärexperten Johan Huovinen."
This is a big deal. It won’t make the politics easier, but will empower the coalitions that have been gated from information about land so far. Information is power.
Nobody describes Norwegian smugness more hilariously than @youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com. youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/continenta...
So bad in so many ways. Good article @robinwigglesworth.ft.com.
EU impotence extends to decarbonisation
If you read one thing about Iran & geopolitics & economic fallout & climate, make it this @martinsandbu.ft.com column
1/US unprepared for key Iranian strategy -- target key hubs of the global economy. Put pressure on allies and markets to turn interdependence into a weapon. Rather than an alternative to war, economic nodes are being used as a key tactic to degrade political support.
www.euronews.com/business/202...
2/ Maybe the lead is that the war goals DO NOT involve destroying Iran's nuclear weapons program. This is, uh...surprising...since Trump says over and over this is a key goal.
But then of course we already know air strikes can't wipe out their nuclear material.
"This is natural: creative destruction has few champions. But it is not wise. Europe is clearly capable of speeding up its transition to energy independence via renewables." Excellent piece by @martinsandbu.ft.com www.ft.com/content/a6be...
Even allowing for large profit margins that's not bad at all.
An utterly brilliant article on a revolting spectacle. Do Read. @questingvole.bsky.social
spectator.com/article/trum...
Thanks, very encouraging. What's the rough selling price of these modular storage units?
