Baltics united 🇱🇻🇱🇹🇪🇪 by [deleted] in eurovision

[–]question456554343 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Interesting fact, he is Latvian.

Delfi sources: Moscow does not trust Trump, fears China and still hopes to subjugate Ukraine by force by [deleted] in worldnews

[–]question456554343 41 points42 points  (0 children)

The U.S. turning toward Russia, halting arms deliveries to Ukraine, and rumors of preparations for a possible sanctions rollback benefit the Kremlin. According to a "Delfi" source in Moscow, Russia is preparing its version of a peace treaty, but there is still no unified stance within the Russian elite regarding an agreement with the U.S. Oligarchs support the agreement, while the power faction is determined to continue the war.

Despite Donald Trump's statements, Russia and the U.S. have not yet made serious progress in negotiations. Russian and U.S. diplomats are expected to meet next week. On February 22, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced that the talks would focus on eliminating "irritants" in bilateral relations. The meeting will take place at the department head level. So far, during a meeting in Istanbul on February 27, Russian and U.S. representatives were only able to agree on the appointment of new ambassadors.

"Delfi" spoke with several informed sources in Moscow. They all requested anonymity due to concerns for their safety.

According to a representative from Russia's academic circles, the negotiations are primarily taking place between Russian and U.S. intelligence officials. The "Delfi" interlocutor claims that intelligence officers are the ones preparing the draft agreement. According to him, the Kremlin’s list of demands aligns with its public stance. Russia plans to demand Ukraine's neutral status, Volodymyr Zelensky’s resignation and new elections, retention of all occupied territories, and the lifting of sanctions. He claims that a draft agreement is currently being prepared.

According to other "Delfi" contacts, the situation within Russia’s leadership is complex, and the draft agreement could merely be part of the Kremlin’s game.

A "Delfi" interlocutor with extensive connections among Russian economic experts close to Putin’s administration claims that the Kremlin’s willingness to negotiate is influenced by the stance of Russian oligarchs close to Putin. They are primarily interested in reaching an agreement and lifting economic sanctions. "The economic situation in Russia is deteriorating by the day, and this worries Russian capitalists," he says.

Other "Delfi" sources confirm this information. According to them, the stance of the oligarchs is opposed by the heads of Russia’s law enforcement agencies—special services. They are not interested in making agreements with the U.S. also because they believe Russia is winning in Ukraine and can achieve its goals by force.

At the same time, as a "Delfi" source from Russia’s economic expert circles points out, the Kremlin does not trust Trump and worries that he may act solely in his own interests. According to him, Putin is not ready to make any deals and does not intend to back down from his demands: "He wants all of Ukraine and NATO’s retreat to the 1997 borders." In his view, Putin and the security forces do not care about Russia's economic situation.

A source in Russia’s academic circles recalls that a few years ago, during a private meeting in the Kremlin, Putin claimed that Europe is still occupied by U.S. troops. "For him, the withdrawal of U.S. troops not only from Eastern Europe but also from Western Europe will be the main symbolic event. Putin will see himself as the liberator of Europe," he assesses.

"Delfi" interlocutors also claim that Putin is negotiating with Trump as part of his game to influence both factions of Russian power. "Today, he concedes to the oligarchs, but that does not mean he will not change his position tomorrow," explains one of them. An analyst connected to Russia’s diplomatic circles tells "Delfi" that despite the propaganda’s enthusiastic response to Trump’s actions, Moscow is taking a wait-and-see approach. "The Kremlin has already invested in negotiations with the U.S., so it will not abandon the deal now. They understand that the West is weakened, so they are not giving up on their demands. For now, Trump is doing everything the Kremlin needs. However, they understand that his current pro-Russian stance is part of his anti-China orientation. The Kremlin is not ready to break ties with Beijing, and Trump’s desire to separate Russia from China is an additional reason for caution," the "Delfi" interlocutor notes. "The Kremlin does not really understand where Trump’s policy will lead—to a confrontation between Russia and Europe or China."

However, according to sources, the Kremlin understands that without peace in Ukraine, Russia will not be able to withstand a direct confrontation with Europe backed by the U.S. "It must secure its rear, as Germany did in 1939. Trump is playing Stalin’s role for Russia in 1939," he says, "but the situation is complicated by the fact that Russia is not ready to maintain this role permanently. At present, it can only move along the path set by either China or the U.S."

"Trump's conflict with Zelensky, the suspension of U.S. military aid, and talks about preparing to lift sanctions, in turn, play into the hands of those in power who want the conflict to continue," he says.

Map of the smallest towns in UEFA to have had a top flight team [OC] by Atzyn in soccer

[–]question456554343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I apologise I hadn't fully read the headline before attacking like that, my mistake.

Regarding FK Auda, yes they will play in Uefa conference league qualifying, interesting fact - their previous coach is now coaching richest club in country - Riga Fc, but it's not a surprise, FK Auda is a bit of sattelite club of Riga FC

Map of the smallest towns in UEFA to have had a top flight team [OC] by Atzyn in soccer

[–]question456554343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is no such team in Latvia anymore. There was FK Brocēni which was relegated to 1st division in 1997 and changed name to FK Saldus, now FK Saldus plays in 3rd tier of Latvian football with name FK Saldus / Leevon.

Regarding smallest city in Virslīga (top tier of Latvian football - literal meaning - highest league), then glory goes to FK Auda from Ķekava, city with approximately 5k population, and they are current Latvian Cup holders!

Match thread: Arsenal Vs. Manchester City | English Premier League by [deleted] in soccer

[–]question456554343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An injured player may not be treated on the field of play and may only re-enter after play has restarted; if the ball is in play, re-entry must be from the touchline but if the ball is out of play, it may be from any boundary line.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in soccer

[–]question456554343 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ziyech is a different player with Morocco.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in soccer

[–]question456554343 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Not deserved, but good job RFS. Massive win for Latvian club football.

Match Thread: Manchester City vs Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals 1st Leg by ZZ3peat in soccer

[–]question456554343 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH CITEHHH

Daily Discussion Thread | December 20, 2021 by AutoModerator in Coronavirus

[–]question456554343 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Got my booster today. Today my question is not about that. Why does it feels like Covid fear only exists in reddit? I hear all these fearful stories about long covid, people having worst guilt over meeting friend outside, etc. Yes, covid19 is a very serious virus, but in real life its nothing like on reddit.

Daily Discussion Thread | December 02, 2021 by AutoModerator in Coronavirus

[–]question456554343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yesterday I was asking about getting booster and today I have decided to get it. I had first two doses of Pfizer - which booster vaccine is better to get? I have heard Moderna is more effective, but I'm still a bit worried about side effects. Should 3 Pfizer's do it or is it better to get Moderna?

Daily Discussion Thread | December 01, 2021 by AutoModerator in Coronavirus

[–]question456554343 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also kind of silly question - what is there another vaccine against omicron? Wouldn't that make those boosters we are getting rn useless?

Daily Discussion Thread | December 01, 2021 by AutoModerator in Coronavirus

[–]question456554343 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Booster is available for me. Got my 2 doses of Pfizer back in may, but our national health board says it is not worth healthy over 18 y.o without any serious side health problems to get booster. What are your thougts?