London 30 October (20).

In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula. That same year, Russian special operation forces captured Donetsk and Luhansk, two of the main cities in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine and created puppet pro-Russian regimes there to further destabilize Ukraine.

Media, academic and general coverage of the War on the Doorsteps of Europe received shock, disbelief and a bizarre debate on the greatness of the Russian Federation. In particularly a German article received my attention which ought to be considered. The Russian Federation is morally bankrupt.

Regardless of the BRICS meetings and the self-flagellation of its political leadership and worlds hope to finally get even with the evil western powers Russia is not seven feet tall, leaps over tall building or other self-proclamation. The Russia that I know has broken lifts, streets with potholes, near third world poverty, alcoholism, brute violence and regardless how we view the Russian Federation a dictatorship.

That is the Russia that I know. In some verbal diarrhea a well written German author compares Russia with Prussia, recalls the history of Czar Kathrine, the vastness and wealth of the Russian Federation. In good old German traditions, he drives on the wealth of the Russian Federation. He speaks of roams of Gold, and Diamonds, and richness beyond anybody imaginations.

Let me educate the public on all these nonsensical narratives. Because they are false. Like the United States who beaten the English, Russia was bankrupt in the 1990s. The states broke away as fast as they could. They wanted nothing from the Russians. The Russian core, so often praised, was stuck in the mining towns of the Soviet Union with no jobs, and a few options available, drunkenness was rampant.

The Russian needed American, English, South African mining technology and engineers. The town was a secret city. Not on any one map. The local Gulag provided workers for a couple of dollars that without doubt went to the pocket of the local police. We had murderers, thieves and the rest of the outcasts of society. Russians laughed about the technology from the west because they could not imagine a bunch of cowboys as we were called, could make gold out of the dust which the Russians thrown away. But we did, and the money went to the private bank accounts of the regime in London. It’s an open secret but it is.

The Russian wealth the German author so euphorically quotes went to the coffers of the regime with accounts in the West. The average Russian saw zero of the wealth.

Fun fact. And since Catherine the Great, which was a German by her Pomeranian origins, Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, came to power by overthrowing her husband, Peter III who was born in Kiel, Germany. The increasing demands of the state and of private landowners intensified the exploitation of serf labor which resulted in riots and uprisings. She had him overthrown and a legitimate successor murdered. So much for democracy in Russia.

In the German psyche the cleavages to compare Russia with Prussia is as far fetched as claiming the United States as part of England. The English lost, and like Russia it has little consequence for Russia today.

The fact that Russia was once a superpower has no bearing to the ambitions of today. The geographical relations with Moscow are for history books. And BRICS being a society of like-minded countries, we’ll see.

It is more like a military with competing interests. For example, the South China Sea is in the hinterlands of the Russian Federation and competing interests of China and Russia. Will Malaysia, now proud member of BRICS surrenders its claims since it joined BRICS?

Neither has the claims on the Ukraine. The Russian unison is rather a mysterious animal. The Russian Federation of today is as un-unified as ever can be. The German explanation of not having achieved the war strategy for NATO and the EU is so typically wrapped in some wishful make belief of CNN quick and dirty Gulf war victory. Germany must learn to defend itself and win wars. This is an uncomfortable truth. Defeat of Russia is the only option. Get on with it.

The debate about winning and forecasting wars has entered the academic debate. A Ukrainian academic completed a detailed analysis on the causes of the war and how it will end. Its noteworthy to read, even if you are German.

A substantial percentage of the local population of the Donbas region, predominantly Russian speaking Ukrainians and ethnic Russians, wanted to join Russia, as the government promised them higher pensions. The average monthly pension in Russia in 2013 was about $285 per month, while the average pension in Ukraine was $160.

The Russian government used its bluffing techniques to threaten the West with the use of a nuclear weapon. The West responded to Russian aggression by expressing their numerous concerns and introducing mild sanctions against Russia, Crimea, and occupied Donbas.

The continued influx of money from the West to Russia, approximately $1 billion per day for mostly gas and oil, encouraged the Russian government to start a full-scale war against Ukraine on 24 February 2022. This money flow has to change.

The goal was to occupy Ukraine, exterminate pockets of resistance, and add Ukraine to the Russian-led union like the USSR. The Russian army attacked Ukraine from the north, east, and south, and used the blitzkrieg method of a massive attack. The Russian government was counting on the fast collapse of the Ukrainian army and the rapid capture of the Ukrainian capital. This did not happen. 

Western military experts have grossly overestimated the quality of the Russian army. They predicted the collapse of Ukraine in seventy-two hours, repeating the Russian propaganda mantra that Kyiv will be taken in three days. The Western experts and leadership were wrong again, in part due to their limited understanding of the Ukrainian culture with deep-rooted military history, ingenuity, and passionate desire to end centuries-long Russian oppression and genocide of the Ukrainian people. The death of the experts. The Russian army is as broken as it was in 1991. Poor barracks, old kit, non-existing combat casualty treatment centers, abusive command, drunkenness, corruption and abuse.

This could be explained by the large number of ethnic Russians and saboteurs among the local governments of southern Ukraine. In contrast, predominantly Ukrainian speaking people of the Kherson region started mass protests within the first days of the Russian invasion. The map shows otherwise.

The Russian government is using its resources to soften, fracture, and destabilize Ukraine. The Russian army attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure to cut off electricity, heat, and water, and increase the scale of the humanitarian disaster in Ukraine during the winter. The Russian ‘Blitz’ will come with long teeth. Killing kids, attacks against hospitals, and the elderly will not be forgotten. It hardened the Ukrainian resolve.

The Russian government is expecting that the Ukrainian people will not want to suffer any longer and will demand the Ukrainian government to enter peace negotiations. This is the same tactic with the same verbiage used by Nazi Germany in 1940, trying to force Great Britain to surrender.

Rapid defeat of the Russian forces could reduce the number of Ukrainian casualties, especially among the Ukrainian civilians, as well as the overall damage to the Ukrainian infrastructure and the total costs of the war to Ukraine and NATO partners. The decision makers in NATO and the EU need to recognize this. Experts err.

Ukraine wants to join NATO or another powerful military block, to make sure that in the future, Russia will be afraid to attack Ukraine again. This is the war for the survival of the Ukrainian people who remember the twentieth century as the century of the systematic Ukrainian genocide by Soviet Russia, including three famines and forced labor and death in the Russian concentration camps.

However, the West underestimated the ability of the Russian Federation to survive economic hardship. As of today, there are no significant instabilities in the Russian Federation. The Russian government was able to stabilize its internal processes. Most likely, the West is uncomfortable with the unknown outcomes of possible collapse of the Russian Federation.

Based on my observations, Ukrainian people desire the collapse of the Russian Federation as soon as possible. There is a reasonable and rather predictable time window for their collapse.

In a simplified war duration model, the time window for the war end can be estimated from the duration of the first successful for the adversary phase, that is, the time interval between the start of the war and the time when the adversary became exhausted.

The End of Russia (as we know it)

Regional separations and collapse of the Russian Federation should occur between 10 June 2024 and 4 February 2025. According to the model accounting for possible delays due to the weapon supplies, bad weather, peace talks, etc., the collapse of the Russian Federation will likely occur on or around 28 May 2026.

I believe that the collapse of the USSR in 1991 was incomplete, because it did not split its main member— the Russian Federation into several states. The same flat plate model with the same coefficients was used to estimate the earliest date for the collapse of the USSR.

Subsequent recovery peaks of different amplitude should occur every four to eight years.

One can reasonably expect that Russia’s recovery peaks should lead to new territorial expansion wars initiated by Russia every four to eight years. According to the simplified models with no damping (no delaying factors), the largest peaks for the Russian aggression should develop in December 2002, July 2013, and January 2021.

The flat plate model with moderate damping predicted the collapse of the USSR around 17 June 2001, and periodic attempts of the Moscow government to rebuild the USSR, with its peak efforts around July 2013, August 2025, and September 2043.

The plate model with relatively strong damping representing stronger effort of the West to stabilize the collapsing USSR, produced rather soft collapse of the USSR around 1 July 2007, with subsequent recovery and attempts to rebuild the USSR.

However, in the case of strong damping (meaning strong Western efforts to support the collapsing USSR), the USSR should experience a relatively soft collapse, after which Moscow would start its rather successful restoration of the Soviet Union.

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Kenes Rakishev, star investor, international entrepreneur, philanthropist and former special envoy of the Kazakhstan government, meets star chef, Gordon Ramsay and star manufacturer, Borealis Foods to change the international food market.

When Kenes Rakishev embarked on the establishment of Oxus SPAC, a specialized entity aimed at acquiring and subsequently taking companies public on the American stock market, experts were filled with anticipation and conjecture regarding his targeted investments. Renowned for his diverse interests spanning robotics, battery technologies, communications, and groundbreaking concepts, Kenes Rakishev’s decision left everyone startled, as he delved into an exceedingly unforeseen realm: the food sector.

Kenes Rakishev, star investor, international entrepreneur, philanthropist and former special envoy of the Kazakhstan government, meets star chef, Gordon Ramsay and star manufacturer, Borealis Foods to change the international food market.

Kenes Rakishev executed a remarkable manoeuvrer by orchestrating the public offering of Borealis Foods. This particular enterprise had earned acclaim for its unwavering dedication to crafting ecologically responsible and pioneering merchandise. However, Rakishev’s aspirational strategies for continued expansion did not conclude there. To propel Borealis Foods towards uncharted pinnacles, he actively pursued an alliance with none other than the globally esteemed culinary virtuoso, Gordon Ramsay.

This unforeseen partnership serves as a testament to Kenes Rakishev’s strategic foresight and his readiness to navigate unexplored domains. The integration of Gordon Ramsay’s culinary mastery into the realm of Borealis Foods holds the potential to fuse innovation, sustainability, and epicurean brilliance in manners that could potentially redefine the landscape of the food industry.

Borealis Foods, a pioneering force in food technology innovations and the creative force behind beloved brands such as Chef Woo and Ramen Express, has made waves with its latest announcement: the enlistment of Gordon Ramsay, a world-renowned Michelin-starred chef and global business titan, as a consultant and esteemed brand ambassador.

The resonance of this partnership reverberates through the industry, as Reza Soltandez, the visionary founder and CEO of Borealis, expressed his excitement, stating: “With open arms, we welcome Gordon Ramsay as a strategic collaborator and advisor, infusing his culinary mastery, strategic acumen, and worldwide renown to propel us toward our ambitions.”

Soltandez underlines how Ramsay’s involvement is set to fortify their mission of tackling the intricate challenge of ensuring accessible, wholesome, protein-enriched meals for the many individuals navigating this issue in the United States and beyond.

Amidst this culinary excitement, Kenes Rakishev, a distinguished Kazakhstani entrepreneur with a remarkable track record of investing in high-tech startups, emerges as a pivotal figure. His establishment of Oxus Acquisition Corp. marks a new epoch for Borealis Foods. By the culmination of February, the strides made by Oxus Acquisition Corp. culminated in a transformative business consolidation accord. The aftermath of this deal will see the combined entity retaining the revered title of Borealis Foods Inc. Leading the company post-transaction, a dynamic duo will emerge—Reza Soltandez, the CEO and co-founder of Borealis, along with the astute Barthélémy Helg, Chairman and co-founder.

The strategic significance of this agreement, valued at an impressive $150 million, was endorsed by both the governing bodies of Borealis and Oxus. As this conglomerate embarks on a new trajectory, the industry waits in anticipation to witness the confluence of culinary innovation, cutting-edge technology, and astute business acumen that this union is poised to deliver.

Gordon Ramsay shared his thoughts on the collaboration, remarking, “Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by escalating living costs and the global surge in food prices, the matter of food security takes on greater urgency. My conversations with Reza illuminated our shared perspective on the significance of furnishing accessible, nourishing, and delectable offerings. With a tapestry of exciting concepts already brewing, I’m eagerly anticipating the collaboration with Borealis Foods’ team, especially in enhancing their Chef Woo range in the forthcoming months.”

Chef Woo Ramen: A Journey of Nutritional Accessibility

Chef Woo Ramen, a brainchild of Borealis Foods’ subsidiary Palmetto Gourmet Foods, was conceived with the noble mission of rendering wholesome, budget-friendly, and convenient meals to those who grapple with limited nutritional access. Boasting the distinction of being the world’s inaugural plant-based ramen noodles, Chef Woo Ramen delivers a substantial 20 grams of complete protein per portion.

Borealis Foods Inc. remains steadfastly devoted to the development of exceptionally nutritious and pragmatic culinary innovations that are economically viable and ecologically responsible. This steadfast commitment resonates harmoniously with Borealis Foods’ overarching objectives, which are poised to leave a positive imprint on both human lives and the ecosystem.

This strategic alliance with Gordon Ramsay is set to empower Borealis Foods Inc. to scale unparalleled heights and amplify its production capacities, all the while retaining its position as a trailblazing purveyor of premium-grade food products.

Borealis Foods and the trailblazing Oxus Acquisition Corp. are charting their course towards becoming publicly-listed entities on Nasdaq, a milestone they anticipate achieving by the close of 2023.

Kenes Rakishev’s Involvement in Social Initiatives and Philanthropy

During the World Rapid Chess Championship in Astana back in 2012, Kenes Rakishev assumed a leadership role, and SAT & Company, under his guidance, took on the significant mantle of being the primary sponsor of the event. This endeavour marked a key moment in his commitment to community involvement.

In December 2014, he extended his influence by becoming the head of the development council for youth entrepreneurship at the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. This strategic position allowed him to contribute to fostering the growth of young entrepreneurs in the country.

Beyond his business endeavours, Kenes Rakishev is a fervent advocate of the philanthropic foundation “Saby.” Co-founded by his spouse, Aselle Tasmagambetova, the foundation has undertaken a multifaceted approach to social betterment. Among its achievements are the provision of scholarships to gifted students within Kazakhstan, aiding over 300,000 individuals in accessing medical treatments, facilitating specially-equipped taxis for those with disabilities, and financing the construction of sports facilities, playgrounds, and gymnasiums.

Starting in 2013, the “Saby” foundation, with support from Kenes Rakishev and Vyacheslav Kim, has annually organized the “Build Your Business” competition for aspiring young entrepreneurs. The competition has proved transformative, granting financial assistance in the form of business development grants to winners. Over the initial five-year period, a total of 41 projects were awarded grants amounting to more than $1 million.

In 2017, the foundation achieved another milestone by financing the establishment of a private school named after Chokan Valikhanov in Almaty. This endeavour attracted investments surpassing 6 billion tenge, highlighting the substantial impact of Rakishev’s philanthropic vision.

In December 2018, Kenes Rakishev took on a pivotal role by assuming the position of Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation, overseeing international relations. Since 2019, he has held the position of President within the federation. In a remarkable achievement in 2021, the Kazakhstan women’s boxing team secured an impressive 8 out of 10 gold medals at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship. In recognition of this triumph, Kenes Rakishev established an additional prize fund equivalent to the awards offered by AIBA, further enhancing the recognition and rewards for the champions and top performers of the championship. This move exemplified his commitment to uplifting sports and recognizing outstanding accomplishments within his country.

Source

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Canadian flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius will face American Tracy Cortez on a UFC Fight Night card in September in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., who trains in Niagara Falls, Ont., has won her last two outings, earning decisions over American Miranda (Fear The) Maverick last month at UFC 289 in Vancouver, and Brazil’s Gabrielle (Gabi) Fernandes in February in Las Vegas.

Jasudavicius (9-2-0) is 3-01-0 in the UFC since earning her contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021. She won her UFC debut in January 2022 with a decision over American Kay Hansen at UFC 270 before losing a decision to Brazil’s Natalia Silva in June 2022.

Cortez (10-1-0) has won all four UFC outings and is on a 10-fight win streak.

The main event on the Sept. 18 card at T-Mobile Arena is a flyweight title rematch between Mexico’s Alexa Grasso and Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina (Bullet) Shevchenko.

Grasso dethroned Shevchenko in March at UFC 285, submitting the longtime champion in the fourth round. Shevchenko had defended the 125-pound title seven times since winning it at UFC 231 in Toronto in December 2018 via unanimous decision over Poland’s Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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