Half-Brick McCurdy
@halfbrickmccurdy.bsky.social
A Scot in awe of Ukraine's courage
Sweet, the pro-Brexit gang are having a reunion.
The Russian Embassy in London has called the BBC, Britain’s public service broadcaster, a “propaganda and disinformation tool” that was full of “ideological dogma.”
Russia joins Trump’s BBC pile-on
Moscow’s Embassy in London said “ideological dogma has replaced journalistic ethics” at the corporation.
www.politico.eu
November 11, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Sweet, the pro-Brexit gang are having a reunion.
More than that, "Trumponomics" depends in part on Russia's invasion. Compare/contrast the EU response to American tariffs this time with 2018 to see the effect concerns about the US withdrawing from NATO/Europe, freezing Ukraine support etc. have had on the EU's negotiating position.
Trump said the U.S. is no longer spending money on Ukraine, but earning from it, saying NATO allies are now footing the bill for weapons sent to Kyiv.
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
More than that, "Trumponomics" depends in part on Russia's invasion. Compare/contrast the EU response to American tariffs this time with 2018 to see the effect concerns about the US withdrawing from NATO/Europe, freezing Ukraine support etc. have had on the EU's negotiating position.
One for the Juggalos
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
One for the Juggalos
1/2 Folk forget Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been good for the American economy. America replaced Russia as Europe’s largest supplier of oil and became the world’s leading LNG exporter in 2022*, with Europe its biggest market. By exempting Hungary from it’s Rosneft/Lukoil sanctions,
November 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
1/2 Folk forget Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been good for the American economy. America replaced Russia as Europe’s largest supplier of oil and became the world’s leading LNG exporter in 2022*, with Europe its biggest market. By exempting Hungary from it’s Rosneft/Lukoil sanctions,
Good short term insights (but not so much medium term and gives way to a diatribe against state control over the long-term) *
Ukraine's strike campaign v Russian oil. "Refineries are still running, but with deferred maintenance, rushed emergency repairs, and a mounting backlog of safety and efficiency issues. The result is not collapse, but quiet degradation." www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/slow-...
The Slow Death of Russian Oil
Why Ukraine’s campaign against Moscow’s energy sector is working.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Good short term insights (but not so much medium term and gives way to a diatribe against state control over the long-term) *
November 6, 2025 at 10:18 AM
1/3 New Russian new mortgage lending remains subdued and, with subsidised loans accounting for 83% of the YTD total, continues to be driven by government policy, at a remove from broader market conditions.
November 4, 2025 at 11:58 AM
1/3 New Russian new mortgage lending remains subdued and, with subsidised loans accounting for 83% of the YTD total, continues to be driven by government policy, at a remove from broader market conditions.
Park the pearl clutching, replacing some old bloke with a 33 year old McKinsey partner is BAU in every other large organisation. The actual story here is a (presumably) ridiculously competent, educated technocrat already marked out for great things is willing to be a part of America's fascist turn.
November 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Park the pearl clutching, replacing some old bloke with a 33 year old McKinsey partner is BAU in every other large organisation. The actual story here is a (presumably) ridiculously competent, educated technocrat already marked out for great things is willing to be a part of America's fascist turn.
Nanjing Automobile Group bought the dregs of MG in 2005 because they wanted the old plant BMW had installed to update there own (BMW having bought Rover in 1994, then sold it to the Phoenix chancers in 2000).
Just two decades ago, China had little capacity to manufacture cars — and owning one was considered a novelty.
Today, China produces and exports more cars than any other country in the world.
Meanwhile we in Europe still pretend we can somehow stop EVs from taking off by holding on to old tech.
Today, China produces and exports more cars than any other country in the world.
Meanwhile we in Europe still pretend we can somehow stop EVs from taking off by holding on to old tech.
October 30, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Nanjing Automobile Group bought the dregs of MG in 2005 because they wanted the old plant BMW had installed to update there own (BMW having bought Rover in 1994, then sold it to the Phoenix chancers in 2000).
On the one hand, Russian nuclear sabre rattling doesn't influence the Trump Whitehouse the way it did Biden's. On the other, it doesn't need to.
⚡️Trump orders nuclear tests after lambasting Russia over nuclear-powered missile.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Oct. 30 that he had instructed the Department of War to resume testing nuclear weapons for the first time since 1992.
kyivindependent.com/trump-orders...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Oct. 30 that he had instructed the Department of War to resume testing nuclear weapons for the first time since 1992.
kyivindependent.com/trump-orders...
Trump orders nuclear tests after lambasting Russia over nuclear-powered missile
"Because of the tremendous destructive power, I hated to do it, but had no choice!" Trump said. "Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within five years. Because of other co...
kyivindependent.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:09 AM
On the one hand, Russian nuclear sabre rattling doesn't influence the Trump Whitehouse the way it did Biden's. On the other, it doesn't need to.
1/3 The fun thing about Libor rigging is there were 2 phases, the "at it" phase, then the 2nd Bank of England stepping in and asking bosses of "at it" folk to rig things to avoid a financial meltdown during the credit crunch phase.
The hallmark of the 2nd phase was then Barclays CEO and COO telling
The hallmark of the 2nd phase was then Barclays CEO and COO telling
Tom Hayes sues former employer UBS for $400mn on.ft.com/4oaLUL3
Tom Hayes sues former employer UBS for $400mn
Trader claims bank wrongly cast him as ‘evil mastermind’ behind Libor rate rigging
on.ft.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
1/3 The fun thing about Libor rigging is there were 2 phases, the "at it" phase, then the 2nd Bank of England stepping in and asking bosses of "at it" folk to rig things to avoid a financial meltdown during the credit crunch phase.
The hallmark of the 2nd phase was then Barclays CEO and COO telling
The hallmark of the 2nd phase was then Barclays CEO and COO telling
A key function of the previous arrangement was to legitimise the actions of the Pentagon. By replacing the insipid questions and access journalism piffle of legacy media with Right wing loons and goons, the department has deligitimised itself.
The Pentagon goes dark. www.mediamatters.org/pete-hegseth...
Pete Hegseth is replacing the Pentagon press corps with MAGA propagandists
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is stifling the Pentagon’s channels for public information and cutting off avenues for accountability as U.S. forces deploy on missions of dubious legality that are frau...
www.mediamatters.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:20 PM
A key function of the previous arrangement was to legitimise the actions of the Pentagon. By replacing the insipid questions and access journalism piffle of legacy media with Right wing loons and goons, the department has deligitimised itself.
Neat reminder Ukraine's long range strikes do damage directly and see Russia reallocate a lot of resources away from the "front" line.
A crazy number of air defense systems detected around Moscow.
🟢 — “Pantsir”
🟡 — S-300
🔴 — S-400
They even rotate their SAMs between positions now.
Conclusion: the Kremlin isn’t confident and “strong”
It’s terrified.
🟢 — “Pantsir”
🟡 — S-300
🔴 — S-400
They even rotate their SAMs between positions now.
Conclusion: the Kremlin isn’t confident and “strong”
It’s terrified.
October 26, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Neat reminder Ukraine's long range strikes do damage directly and see Russia reallocate a lot of resources away from the "front" line.
The US is the world's largest oil and gas exporter, Trump sanctioning Rosneft and Lukoil is like Coca-Cola sanctioning Pepsi.
October 23, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The US is the world's largest oil and gas exporter, Trump sanctioning Rosneft and Lukoil is like Coca-Cola sanctioning Pepsi.
And sanctions the same day Russia did some old timey sabre rattling of the sort that shaped the volume, timing, type and usage of Biden aid for Ukraine and prompt serious discussions thereof. Instead, the US folk quoted in this story appear utterly oblivious to anything other than Trump's meetings.
Putin supervises nuclear readiness drills for Russian nuclear forces | CNN
Russia’s strategic nuclear forces carried out a readiness test supervised by the country’s President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, the Kremlin said.
edition.cnn.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:02 PM
And sanctions the same day Russia did some old timey sabre rattling of the sort that shaped the volume, timing, type and usage of Biden aid for Ukraine and prompt serious discussions thereof. Instead, the US folk quoted in this story appear utterly oblivious to anything other than Trump's meetings.
1/2 I reckon hot takes about Putin pulling Trump's strings lose sight of Trump, a vindictive PoS, who happily withholds emergency funding from Americans, hands $40bn lifelines to presidents he likes and 50% tariffs to those he doesn't, hating President Zelenskyy.
And for all Putin is the supposed
And for all Putin is the supposed
"Whatever lies behind Trump’s cupidity towards Putin, we should be long past caring why. The reality is settled fact. Putin has fewer cards in his hand than Trump supposes. One of those cards is Trump." My column. www.ft.com/content/7deb...
Putin’s mesmeric sway on Trump
Russia bets it can gain in US negotiations what it cannot win on the battlefield
www.ft.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:02 AM
1/2 I reckon hot takes about Putin pulling Trump's strings lose sight of Trump, a vindictive PoS, who happily withholds emergency funding from Americans, hands $40bn lifelines to presidents he likes and 50% tariffs to those he doesn't, hating President Zelenskyy.
And for all Putin is the supposed
And for all Putin is the supposed
You can approach the peace talks as per the attached. Alternatively, they've already handed the US the latest excuse to not move forward with sanctions and - with Bulgaria now offering Putin an air corridor - dented European unity and international law.
From the start of the invasion in 2022, Russia has been clear that it's goal in Ukraine is conquest and permanent domination, and the only peace the Kremlin is open to is one in which Ukraine surrenders its freedom.
Until Russia is forced to change that stance, peace talks require make believe.
Until Russia is forced to change that stance, peace talks require make believe.
Both Lavrov and Peskov have now rejected any ceasefire deal or talks. The media needs to report this clearly and widely. Russia rejects peace. Front-page. Straightforward headlines.
October 21, 2025 at 4:56 PM
You can approach the peace talks as per the attached. Alternatively, they've already handed the US the latest excuse to not move forward with sanctions and - with Bulgaria now offering Putin an air corridor - dented European unity and international law.
Its not a real heist if there's no glamourous insurance investigators.
Stolen Louvre treasures are uninsured, France says on.ft.com/4him7xU
Stolen Louvre treasures are uninsured, France says
Government confirms country will not be reimbursed for loss of jewels from Paris museum heist
on.ft.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Its not a real heist if there's no glamourous insurance investigators.
Reposted by Half-Brick McCurdy
Reposted by Half-Brick McCurdy
Growth spurt financed by the government is now over, and Russia's growth this year and the next will be roughly 1%, i.e. at Russia's long-term growth potential.
October 20, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Growth spurt financed by the government is now over, and Russia's growth this year and the next will be roughly 1%, i.e. at Russia's long-term growth potential.
1/2 That the Fox interview with Trump was recorded before the Zelensky meeting, but aired last night screams another organised mugging/orchestrated press campaign to put pressure on Ukraine. Instead, with support for Ukraine continuing to grow amongst GOP voters (including MAGA), there'll be another
⚡️Updated: Trump suggested offering both Kyiv, Moscow security guarantees during White House meeting, Reuters reports.
'He's going to take something' — Trump says Putin has 'won' territory in Ukraine
"He's won certain property," Trump told Fox News, indicating that Putin would lay claim to Ukrainian lands as part of a U.S.-brokered peace deal.
kyivindependent.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:51 AM
1/2 That the Fox interview with Trump was recorded before the Zelensky meeting, but aired last night screams another organised mugging/orchestrated press campaign to put pressure on Ukraine. Instead, with support for Ukraine continuing to grow amongst GOP voters (including MAGA), there'll be another
Reposted by Half-Brick McCurdy
Russians started a human safari in Pokrovsk too. Videos are just civilians getting slaughtered under the surveillance of a drone. This will obviously not make it to headlines but please don’t let russians kill in silence
October 19, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Russians started a human safari in Pokrovsk too. Videos are just civilians getting slaughtered under the surveillance of a drone. This will obviously not make it to headlines but please don’t let russians kill in silence
1/2 This and the Financial Times article linked below constitute an unwitting homage to Baudrillard. Both spurn much/any consideration of America's actual Ukraine position, instead they take at face value the narratives we can now reasonably say were shat out by the world's most famous bullshitter.
Tomahawk diplomacy: how Putin outmanoeuvred Zelensky
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
My latest for @thetimes.com (£)
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
My latest for @thetimes.com (£)
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Tomahawk diplomacy: how Putin outmanoeuvred Zelensky
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
www.thetimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:15 PM
1/2 This and the Financial Times article linked below constitute an unwitting homage to Baudrillard. Both spurn much/any consideration of America's actual Ukraine position, instead they take at face value the narratives we can now reasonably say were shat out by the world's most famous bullshitter.
US defence/Whitehouse correspondents: 2 think tank experts and a State department official tell us what Trump's latest tweet means for the future of US/Russia relations.
No US defence/Whitehouse correspondent: (former) allies are now withholding info after the US chose to share it with Russia.
No US defence/Whitehouse correspondent: (former) allies are now withholding info after the US chose to share it with Russia.
Dutch intelligence suspends sharing arrangements with the US after concluding that high level intel was routinely being shared by the White House with their friends in the Kremlin. www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/n...
Nederlandse diensten delen minder informatie met de VS: ‘Soms vertellen we dingen niet meer’
Het aantal dreigingen dat op Nederland afkomt is groot, zien de hoofden van de AIVD en de MIVD elke dag: niet alleen Russische agressie, maar ook de opmars van China als digitale macht en binnenlands ...
www.volkskrant.nl
October 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
US defence/Whitehouse correspondents: 2 think tank experts and a State department official tell us what Trump's latest tweet means for the future of US/Russia relations.
No US defence/Whitehouse correspondent: (former) allies are now withholding info after the US chose to share it with Russia.
No US defence/Whitehouse correspondent: (former) allies are now withholding info after the US chose to share it with Russia.
American expert on the Russian military in Foreign Affairs: "Moscow changed its logistics system to make it more survivable. It introduced new technologies or new ways of using old technology to improve both its precision targeting and its electronic warfare capabilities"
Russia: War donkeys
Russia: War donkeys
October 18, 2025 at 10:41 AM
American expert on the Russian military in Foreign Affairs: "Moscow changed its logistics system to make it more survivable. It introduced new technologies or new ways of using old technology to improve both its precision targeting and its electronic warfare capabilities"
Russia: War donkeys
Russia: War donkeys