Jan 4, 2022·edited Jan 4, 2022Liked by Edward Slavsquat
When I heard Canadian patriot and others speak of Russia and China competing on a unipolar alliance, I used to believe it.
But recently what Vanessa Beeley said about Syria helped me see more. Russia is letting Israel destroy trade routes with Iran, so Russia gets left with their trade routes.
It's global capitalism, globocap, as cj Hopkins likes to call it, that has and continues to enslave humanity.
I think it's fairly clear that Russia won't defend or allow Syria to defend Iranian assets that are under attack in Syria. What a twisted game Russia is playing.
Jan 5, 2022·edited Jan 5, 2022Liked by Edward Slavsquat
London has a special place in the hearts, minds, pocket books, hopes, plans for children and other aspirations of Russian elites, so this connection between Russian Big Pharma business and the British one doesn't surprise me at all. Funny enough, among themselves they often call London - Londongrad, by analogy with Leningrad or Stalingrad, just to reflect the fact how at home they feel there. Some of the more popular songs in Russian pop music are about London, like "I'll move to live in London" by Timati and Grigory Leps, or "I dreamed of the skies of London" by Zemfira (links below).
With this cultural digression aside, here is an interesting article I have found on the "conspiratorial" theories why Astra Zeneca may not be the best partner for R-Pharm and other Russian companies. This link will do an automatic translation from Russian to English through Yandex service that is superior in accuracy when it comes to Russian - English translations as compared to Google.
With all the importance of the Sputnik V topic, there is something more urgent going on right now. Big protests broke out in multiple large cities in Kazakhstan. Protesters and police were engaged in violent exchanges last night. Kazakh president Toqaev accepted government resignation few hours ago. The claimed reason for protests is the sudden price hike for LNG fuel, but the patience of Kazakhs was also exhausted by the strict anti-COVID measures implemented by government. The chance of these protests springing to regions in Russia is remote, but it is not zero. Russian people's confidence in the economic recovery has dipped to lowest level in 15 years according to Gallup poll.
"London has a special place in the hearts, minds, pocket books, hopes, plans for children and other aspirations of Russian elites …"
Any idea why this so? What is the fascination with the inselaffen?
Thanks for clearing up my confusion re: Kazakhstan. I knew it had to be more than just fuel prices although an overnight doubling would be reason enough to riot. As for the non-zero risk of unrest spread to other regions I hope you are right. Last year Uzbekistan was just about the only place on earth with no “China flu” restrictions, but too few ethnic Russians for my taste so I chose not to go.
While appreciative that this blog provides a critical look at the Russian vaccine effort, a couple of things:
First the big picture away from the vaccines to Russian industry in general: for better or worse - and for many critics esp on the Left or Nationalist Right in Russia it is worse - the Kremlin has never eschewed working with Western corporations whether Big Oil, Big Tech, Big Pharma etc. Russia actively participated in Davos, invites foreign firms to collaborate through various international fora and so on. It is the Western Governments who have impeded cooperation between Western and Russian industries for geopolitical reasons not the Kremlin. So the notion that “Aha, see Russia is cooperating with Western industries” is not so much an “Aha”: not only has it never been a secret but openly desired by the Kremlin. It is Western Govts who have tried to cut industrial ties with Russia, not the other way around.
Only due to the threat of sanctions has Russia had to evolve a measure of self-sufficiency especially in critical areas, including Pharma. Achieving self-sufficiency in Pharma design to manufacture is tough for any country. China has many raw materials. India has large manufacturing capabilities for example.
Specifically on the vaccine: again there is no “Aha” in any of this. If there were no sanctions, the Kremlin would no doubt have worked even closer with Western manufacturers like AstraZeneca. Russia has had to adapt because of the now permanent sanctions which seek to strangle Russian industry both for production internally as well as externally.
There are two opposing forces in the West: geopolitically, certain planners want to strangle Russian economy to maintain hegemony. Other forces want to partner with Russia given its large population (relative to European countries) and raw materials and sell more product.
Sputnik V is a case where geopolitical planners want to limit Russia’s exports to both limit its reach and to preserve their own markets (this is why the EU or the WHO have been dragging their feet to approve Sputnik V: it is no worse than any of the other vaccines they approved and claims are it may be marginally less worse)
The RDIF - whose ties with the Davos crowd is not only NOT a secret but explicitly promoted as a means to encourage Russian exports - is trying to sell Sputnik V by explicitly marketing it in many markets as a complement to and not a competitor to Western vaccines, while also touting its differentiating factors (its heterologous adenovector vaccine).
So none of this is a secret or a Big Reveal.
The bigger picture you are trying to get at is that ALL these COVID vaccines - whether mRNA or Adenovirus (DNA) based - are dangerous and Russia shouldn’t get a pass by those in the alt-media because of geopolitical reasons. Fair enough. But it’s best to stick to data on Sputnik V’s effectiveness and safety both in absolute terms and relative to Western vaccines rather than breathless AHA’s about stuff that’s openly admitted as a goal (to have closer industrial ties with the West while striving for self-sufficiency).
"But it’s best to stick to data on Sputnik V’s effectiveness and safety both in absolute terms and relative to Western vaccines" -- no VAERS in Russia, doctors are harassed and threatened for pointing to adverse events, data from foreign countries suggests Sputnik V is not a safe alternative. Just because it's not the most dangerous doesn't make it ok. (https://edwardslavsquat.substack.com/p/sputnik-v-what-youre-not-being-told).
Your argument seems to be "I knew about all this stuff so it's not important." I am happy for you but I'm guessing many people don't know that Gamaleya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party, and that a government-tied pharma company is making both Sputnik V and AstraZeneca in Russia. In my experience, many of the people who criticize AstraZeneca and Pfizer heap praise on Sputnik V. This article aims to explain why that's not such a great idea.
Ultimately, the end goal here is the same--QR codes for everyone. Which, as I'm sure you know, have no public health benefit. Quite the opposite.
You write: “Just because it's not the most dangerous doesn't make it ok.”
I never said it was OK. I have been following your blog for a while to find out how safe Sputnik V is in Russia since -as you point out - much of the dangers of vaccines in the alt-media (which I also follow) focuses on the Western ones. So you’re doing a valuable job and thank you for that.
I am also am tracking the situation in India - a huge population - where the AstraZeneca based vaccine and Sputnik V are being given along with a attenuated virus vaccine (but no mRNA yet). AFAIK, not too many adverse events are being reported though that’s also a function of the reporting system. Hungary (a relatively small population) is an interesting case because it has Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson(?) and Sputnik V. And if I read the early data correctly, Sputnik V was reported to more or equally effective with lower adverse impacts.
You write:
“Your argument seems to be "I knew about all this stuff so it's not important." I am happy for you but I'm guessing many people don't know that Gamaleya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party, and that a government-tied pharma company is making both Sputnik V and AstraZeneca in Russia.”
My argument is simpler than that: if it is news to people that the Kremlin actively supports close cooperation with Western and Global industries than they are functionally illiterate because that’s what the Kremlin OPENLY says it strives for. What’s the purpose of the St Petersburg economic forum?
So is it news that Gamelaya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party: what’s so mysterious about that? India’s Pharma manufactures are supplying many drugs in general to the West to be white labeled (not generics which are also manufactured for use in India). RDIF when signing deals with Dr Reddy’s in India said a goal was not just to manufacture Sputnik V locally for Indian markets but potentially for exports including back to Russia (Indian manufacturing costs are lower).
"So is it news that Gamelaya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party: what’s so mysterious about that?" -- Gamaleya is supposed to be manufacturing its own doses. Instead it's buying them from an unnamed third party -- some of the contracts in USD. If you read the article I link to, it gets into some interesting conflicts of interest, etc. It's quite a rabbit hole.
"if it is news to people that the Kremlin actively supports close cooperation with Western and Global industries than they are functionally illiterate because that’s what the Kremlin OPENLY says it strives for" -- not only is it news to a lot of people, many "independent" analysts and website claim the exact opposite: that Sputnik V is some kind of anti-big pharma serum. Which of course is nonsense.
In this sense, the article simply invites people to return to reality.
If the Russian government openly advocates for mixing Sputnik V with Moderna/Pfizer/AstraZeneca, what is the pro-Sputnik argument? The fact that Sputnik V's own developers want to import Pfizer (etc) to Russia -- this is inconceivable.
With the Russian government now aggressively pushing compulsory vaccination, QR codes, etc, I see absolutely no reason why people would assume the Kremlin is playing a different game here. It's the same game. Whether they are collaborating with AstraZeneca to play this game in a more "self-sufficient" way is irrelevant to me (and, it seems, the majority of Russians who don't want Sputnik V/QR codes, etc)
“Gamaleya is supposed to be manufacturing its own doses. Instead it's buying them from an unnamed third party -- some of the contracts in USD”
I am not sure why Gamaleya should manufacture its own doses. Many pharmacy companies in the West outsource key components of their drug production (for example the intermediates, to third parties) and only mix and churn out the final batches. Some white label drugs manufactured in cheaper countries (the Western pharma quality processes apply). It’s like Apple doesn’t manufacture everything itself - it buys its screens from Samsung - a huge competitor for its phones and tablets - and assembly is done in China (and now India and even back in the US). And lots of international trade is done in USD (something Russia is trying to get away from by trying to settle in national currencies, a goal about 50%(?) achieved).
You write:
“many "independent" analysts and website claim the exact opposite: that Sputnik V is some kind of anti-big pharma serum.”
Sputnik V is definitely a competitor to Western drugs in terms of market share. For example in India, Sputnik V till recently was the only foreign drug (Moderna is being made available I believe). And just like Apple uses Samsung’s screen tech while competing with Samsung phones, it’s not contradictory for Sputnik V to be cooperating w Western Pharma to expand market share. It can do this by using its tech and/or acting as a complement in those markets where Western pharma already has a presence or outright establishing itself first (as it has done in India).
You write:
“If the Russian government openly advocates for mixing Sputnik V with Moderna/Pfizer/AstraZeneca, what is the pro-Sputnik argument?”
The pro-Sputnik V argument would be that it is (allegedly) more effective and more safe and more easily rolled out than mRNA drugs (which require much more stringent distribution infrastructure) especially in areas with poor medical infrastructure. The adenovirus platform has had a longer history (I am not talking Sputnik V but the platform in general) than the brand new mRNA one. What differentiates manufactures are also the adjuvants used (these are critical and in Pfizer’s case, one of the adjuvants is alleged by critics to be responsible for inflammation in critical parts of the human body like the brain, being able to cross the blood-brain barrier) and the quality of the mass manufacturing process (which is a huge hurdle in itself and one in which India has expertise in much like China has become a mass manufacturing hub for Western tech).
You write:
“With the Russian government now aggressively pushing compulsory vaccination, QR codes, etc, I see absolutely no reason why people would assume the Kremlin is playing a different game here. It's the same game. Whether they are collaborating with AstraZeneca to play this game in a more "self-sufficient" way is irrelevant to me (and, it seems, the majority of Russians who don't want Sputnik V/QR codes, etc)”
People assume that because Governments - which by nature are controlling - are all playing similar games there must be some grand controller directing them. That’s not necessarily the case. There’s something called Convergent Evolution where for example organs like the Eye have evolved multiple times independently.
Just because the Kremlin, Tehran, Beijing, Delhi are all seeing this crisis as an opportunity to increase surveillance is not then a sign that they are being controlled by the WEF. Each country has its own dynamic and every crisis is an opportunity for political opportunism. In Iran for example the IGRC - a paramilitary organization - is also a huge business making venture esp with severe sanctions in effect and I would not be surprised if they were making money out of this. This doesn’t then mean they are coordinating their moves with the WEF.
IMO there are a few separate things: Sputnik V is collaborating with AstraZeneca et al as a means of increasing market share. This is no different from Gazprom collaborating with TOTAL for some parts. Or NASA buying Russian rocket engines.
Secondarily there’s an issue of how each country’s govt/business elites are trying to take advantage of the crisis. This does not need to be coordinated at a central World Government level.
"I am not sure why Gamaleya should manufacture its own doses" -- ok, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still supposed to be doing it. Gamaleya manufactures its own "brand" (for lack of a better word) of Sputnik. It is buying its own "brand" from an unknown third party. The article I mentioned earlier is quite interesting -- and I don't think there has been any English language coverage of it.
"Sputnik V is definitely a competitor to Western drugs in terms of market share." -- that's the pro-Sputnik argument for the Russian government. but for ordinary people? Russians especially? Think of how the money used on this vaccine could have been better spent, to actually improve public health. Again, the idea that Sputnik V is a lesser evil because it (might) be more safe than Pfizer is not a very good one because Sputnik's own developers want to import mRNA vaccines.
"People assume that because Governments - which by nature are controlling - are all playing similar games there must be some grand controller directing them. That’s not necessarily the case." -- you misunderstand me. I don't care about any of that, at the end of the day. I'm simply demonstrating that Russia is doing exactly what all other governments are doing.
No doubt, much of it is for very selfish reasons and has nothing to do with conspiring with other nations. There are players involved that seem to be participating in a certain level of coordination though--this I am almost sure of.
We seem to be going around in circles now, so I will just restate my basic argument here: Russians do not want to be forced to take a vaccine with no obvious benefits and very clear safety concerns. They don't want QR codes--which have no purpose other than serving as a mechanism of control. The Russian government is blatantly ignoring these very basic and reasonable wishes of its own people.
And yet, there seems to be an endless sea of excuses and pragmatic rationales offered up in defense of the Russian government. (I'm not claiming you are doing this, by the way.) To me this is fascinating.
Ok I think we are converging on an agreement about your most important points, but before that a few niggling details:
You write:
“-- ok, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still supposed to be doing it. Gamaleya manufactures its own "brand" (for lack of a better word) of Sputnik. It is buying its own "brand" from an unknown third party.”
Drug manufactures white label products made elsewhere all the time. The core IP that the drug manufacturer owns is the design; the manufacturing process can happen elsewhere. Apple is made of many different manufacturers components and assembled in China. But the core design is Apple.
In terms of vaccines: take Novavax for example, a vaccine based on protein technology (different from the mRNA/DNA (adenovirus) platforms, for example. They filed for European and FDA approval with their manufacturing out of India (the Serum Institute of India - which incidentally also makes its *own* vaccine). Putting aside the efficacy/safety issues, there’s nothing nefarious or odd about this. In the pharma industry - as in the tech industry - supply chain outsourcing is very common. So I’m not sure why Gamelaya should be an exception.
You write:
“Sputnik V is definitely a competitor to Western drugs in terms of market share." -- that's the pro-Sputnik argument for the Russian government. but for ordinary people? Russians especially? Think of how the money used on this vaccine could have been better spent, to actually improve public health. Again, the idea that Sputnik V is a lesser evil because it (might) be more safe than Pfizer is not a very good one because Sputnik's own developers want to import mRNA vaccines.”
Western medicines are (a) very costly (b) subject to the whims of Western sanctions and supply chain issues. A locally controlled brand mitigates the risks. Furthermore it can also be potentially a money maker. And once Russia has drugs it can fall back on, importing drugs should be fine. (India for example followed the same strategy: ensure its own manufactured vaccines were available before opening up to foreign ones, the first being Sputnik V and I believe Moderna now. They refused Pfizer because of the onerous terms Pfizer demanded. )
What you seem to be saying is that all these vaccines are useless and should have never been made. Personally I fall in the middle: I think given the data we have so far, the risk/reward of these “vaccines” (and I’ll use quotes just for this time because there is a legitimate debate on whether they fit the classic definition), is that if you are at high risk of complications from COVID, the risk of the vaccine is less. But increasingly data shows that those at lower risk (healthy, younger individuals with no co-morbities the risk/reward is skewed towards no vaccinations and early treatments in case of catching COVID. And definitely not for kids. So I’m not for vaccine mandates or coercing people to get them. And for having unfettered data from doctors/nurses on the ground without suppression.
So from my POV, even if Russia were to follow my recommendations, a Russian vaccine (as well as treatments) would be necessary (for reasons given above). So a Sputnik V would have had to be made for the high risk Russian people (which given the poor health of older Russians would be needed). Now whether the data on the Sputnik that was made (or the other Russian vaccines) supports my assertions is a different story and which is why I read blogs like yours: to get info from someone on the ground. What does the anecdotal or data by other means (since Russia doesn’t have a VAERS) say?
You write:
“I'm simply demonstrating that Russia is doing exactly what all other governments are doing.”
Yes, that’s public information. Basically many Govts are pressuring people to get vaccinated and starting to introduce measures to track compliance. Russia has officially (so far) stopped at blanket mandates though they are necessary for various professions.
Here’s your main point we agree on:
“Russians do not want to be forced to take a vaccine with no obvious benefits and very clear safety concerns. They don't want QR codes--which have no purpose other than serving as a mechanism of control. The Russian government is blatantly ignoring these very basic and reasonable wishes of its own people.”
Apart from the niggling about no obvious benefit (I think there is to high risk groups), I agree with the sentiment. The Russian Gov should be responsive to this and not go down the rabbit hole of mass discrimination at this scale.
In terms of “defending the Russian Gov” - as I said I think it was very prudent for Russia to try and control as much of any critical drug and in this they acted correctly (even if they might have been forced to outsource certain parts). So I would defend this. What I would not defend is not following subsequently following the data or rewards/risks, suppressing adverse events and the wishes of its people.
Yes, you are absolutely right, I would rather be dead. What are our chances to win this is the question... This with Russia`s complicity killed me, always thought they will rescue the world from those monsters.
I have noo doubt in my mind, if Russia still was Soviet Union, that it would fiercely resist the globalists. I absolutely admire Lukashenko, not only now because of his brilliant response to the globalists, but also when he personally came to Serbia to show his support during the illegal NATO bombing of remains of Yugoslavia in 1999 ( Serbia&Montenegro). He also sent convois of trucks loaded with goods to help Serbian people. He is one giant of a MAN. This article made me cry almost the whole day. We do not have workers in a classic sense any more, to expect them to unite in this battle for survival, literally. I do see resistance all over Europe, but I also see brutal police answer to peaceful demonstrators. Maybe I am just down at the moment, hope my optimisam comes to light again.
It's about genocide, tatoos and slave stamps are just part of the control mechanisms which are needed when you are killing off 95% plus of the world's population.
Well, I don't read or write, speak or understand German, but Google translation says that you're saying that this was planned in 2010. They've been planning all of this - many interrelated agendas - longer than that. See my blog in order to get up to speed. Here's my index of covid 19 blog posts: https://arrby.wordpress.com/2021/02/01/the-covid-19-pandemic-hoax-index/
When I heard Canadian patriot and others speak of Russia and China competing on a unipolar alliance, I used to believe it.
But recently what Vanessa Beeley said about Syria helped me see more. Russia is letting Israel destroy trade routes with Iran, so Russia gets left with their trade routes.
It's global capitalism, globocap, as cj Hopkins likes to call it, that has and continues to enslave humanity.
Yes. Globocap, not Globocom.
Would you please post a link to what Vanessa Beeley said.
Ironically, I want it to show it to - a Canadian patriot.
I think it's fairly clear that Russia won't defend or allow Syria to defend Iranian assets that are under attack in Syria. What a twisted game Russia is playing.
London has a special place in the hearts, minds, pocket books, hopes, plans for children and other aspirations of Russian elites, so this connection between Russian Big Pharma business and the British one doesn't surprise me at all. Funny enough, among themselves they often call London - Londongrad, by analogy with Leningrad or Stalingrad, just to reflect the fact how at home they feel there. Some of the more popular songs in Russian pop music are about London, like "I'll move to live in London" by Timati and Grigory Leps, or "I dreamed of the skies of London" by Zemfira (links below).
https://youtu.be/djIAgcCnFmE
https://youtu.be/dFEYsvbSbdg
With this cultural digression aside, here is an interesting article I have found on the "conspiratorial" theories why Astra Zeneca may not be the best partner for R-Pharm and other Russian companies. This link will do an automatic translation from Russian to English through Yandex service that is superior in accuracy when it comes to Russian - English translations as compared to Google.
https://translate.yandex.com/?lang=ru-en&text=http%3A%2F%2Fkatyusha.org%2Fview%3Fid%3D16104
With all the importance of the Sputnik V topic, there is something more urgent going on right now. Big protests broke out in multiple large cities in Kazakhstan. Protesters and police were engaged in violent exchanges last night. Kazakh president Toqaev accepted government resignation few hours ago. The claimed reason for protests is the sudden price hike for LNG fuel, but the patience of Kazakhs was also exhausted by the strict anti-COVID measures implemented by government. The chance of these protests springing to regions in Russia is remote, but it is not zero. Russian people's confidence in the economic recovery has dipped to lowest level in 15 years according to Gallup poll.
https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-toqaev-unrest-protests-government-resignation/31639961.html
"London has a special place in the hearts, minds, pocket books, hopes, plans for children and other aspirations of Russian elites …"
Any idea why this so? What is the fascination with the inselaffen?
Thanks for clearing up my confusion re: Kazakhstan. I knew it had to be more than just fuel prices although an overnight doubling would be reason enough to riot. As for the non-zero risk of unrest spread to other regions I hope you are right. Last year Uzbekistan was just about the only place on earth with no “China flu” restrictions, but too few ethnic Russians for my taste so I chose not to go.
Great post! Just in time for my new single, Gigavaxxed, Triple Masked (BALLIN')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1aqy_VyndI
Strategic Culture Foundation is another progressive org that I used to have some use for. That's 'used to'.
https://doctorstrial.substack.com/
While appreciative that this blog provides a critical look at the Russian vaccine effort, a couple of things:
First the big picture away from the vaccines to Russian industry in general: for better or worse - and for many critics esp on the Left or Nationalist Right in Russia it is worse - the Kremlin has never eschewed working with Western corporations whether Big Oil, Big Tech, Big Pharma etc. Russia actively participated in Davos, invites foreign firms to collaborate through various international fora and so on. It is the Western Governments who have impeded cooperation between Western and Russian industries for geopolitical reasons not the Kremlin. So the notion that “Aha, see Russia is cooperating with Western industries” is not so much an “Aha”: not only has it never been a secret but openly desired by the Kremlin. It is Western Govts who have tried to cut industrial ties with Russia, not the other way around.
Only due to the threat of sanctions has Russia had to evolve a measure of self-sufficiency especially in critical areas, including Pharma. Achieving self-sufficiency in Pharma design to manufacture is tough for any country. China has many raw materials. India has large manufacturing capabilities for example.
Specifically on the vaccine: again there is no “Aha” in any of this. If there were no sanctions, the Kremlin would no doubt have worked even closer with Western manufacturers like AstraZeneca. Russia has had to adapt because of the now permanent sanctions which seek to strangle Russian industry both for production internally as well as externally.
There are two opposing forces in the West: geopolitically, certain planners want to strangle Russian economy to maintain hegemony. Other forces want to partner with Russia given its large population (relative to European countries) and raw materials and sell more product.
Sputnik V is a case where geopolitical planners want to limit Russia’s exports to both limit its reach and to preserve their own markets (this is why the EU or the WHO have been dragging their feet to approve Sputnik V: it is no worse than any of the other vaccines they approved and claims are it may be marginally less worse)
The RDIF - whose ties with the Davos crowd is not only NOT a secret but explicitly promoted as a means to encourage Russian exports - is trying to sell Sputnik V by explicitly marketing it in many markets as a complement to and not a competitor to Western vaccines, while also touting its differentiating factors (its heterologous adenovector vaccine).
So none of this is a secret or a Big Reveal.
The bigger picture you are trying to get at is that ALL these COVID vaccines - whether mRNA or Adenovirus (DNA) based - are dangerous and Russia shouldn’t get a pass by those in the alt-media because of geopolitical reasons. Fair enough. But it’s best to stick to data on Sputnik V’s effectiveness and safety both in absolute terms and relative to Western vaccines rather than breathless AHA’s about stuff that’s openly admitted as a goal (to have closer industrial ties with the West while striving for self-sufficiency).
"But it’s best to stick to data on Sputnik V’s effectiveness and safety both in absolute terms and relative to Western vaccines" -- no VAERS in Russia, doctors are harassed and threatened for pointing to adverse events, data from foreign countries suggests Sputnik V is not a safe alternative. Just because it's not the most dangerous doesn't make it ok. (https://edwardslavsquat.substack.com/p/sputnik-v-what-youre-not-being-told).
Your argument seems to be "I knew about all this stuff so it's not important." I am happy for you but I'm guessing many people don't know that Gamaleya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party, and that a government-tied pharma company is making both Sputnik V and AstraZeneca in Russia. In my experience, many of the people who criticize AstraZeneca and Pfizer heap praise on Sputnik V. This article aims to explain why that's not such a great idea.
Ultimately, the end goal here is the same--QR codes for everyone. Which, as I'm sure you know, have no public health benefit. Quite the opposite.
You write: “Just because it's not the most dangerous doesn't make it ok.”
I never said it was OK. I have been following your blog for a while to find out how safe Sputnik V is in Russia since -as you point out - much of the dangers of vaccines in the alt-media (which I also follow) focuses on the Western ones. So you’re doing a valuable job and thank you for that.
I am also am tracking the situation in India - a huge population - where the AstraZeneca based vaccine and Sputnik V are being given along with a attenuated virus vaccine (but no mRNA yet). AFAIK, not too many adverse events are being reported though that’s also a function of the reporting system. Hungary (a relatively small population) is an interesting case because it has Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson(?) and Sputnik V. And if I read the early data correctly, Sputnik V was reported to more or equally effective with lower adverse impacts.
You write:
“Your argument seems to be "I knew about all this stuff so it's not important." I am happy for you but I'm guessing many people don't know that Gamaleya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party, and that a government-tied pharma company is making both Sputnik V and AstraZeneca in Russia.”
My argument is simpler than that: if it is news to people that the Kremlin actively supports close cooperation with Western and Global industries than they are functionally illiterate because that’s what the Kremlin OPENLY says it strives for. What’s the purpose of the St Petersburg economic forum?
So is it news that Gamelaya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party: what’s so mysterious about that? India’s Pharma manufactures are supplying many drugs in general to the West to be white labeled (not generics which are also manufactured for use in India). RDIF when signing deals with Dr Reddy’s in India said a goal was not just to manufacture Sputnik V locally for Indian markets but potentially for exports including back to Russia (Indian manufacturing costs are lower).
"So is it news that Gamelaya is buying its own vaccine from an unidentified third party: what’s so mysterious about that?" -- Gamaleya is supposed to be manufacturing its own doses. Instead it's buying them from an unnamed third party -- some of the contracts in USD. If you read the article I link to, it gets into some interesting conflicts of interest, etc. It's quite a rabbit hole.
"if it is news to people that the Kremlin actively supports close cooperation with Western and Global industries than they are functionally illiterate because that’s what the Kremlin OPENLY says it strives for" -- not only is it news to a lot of people, many "independent" analysts and website claim the exact opposite: that Sputnik V is some kind of anti-big pharma serum. Which of course is nonsense.
In this sense, the article simply invites people to return to reality.
If the Russian government openly advocates for mixing Sputnik V with Moderna/Pfizer/AstraZeneca, what is the pro-Sputnik argument? The fact that Sputnik V's own developers want to import Pfizer (etc) to Russia -- this is inconceivable.
With the Russian government now aggressively pushing compulsory vaccination, QR codes, etc, I see absolutely no reason why people would assume the Kremlin is playing a different game here. It's the same game. Whether they are collaborating with AstraZeneca to play this game in a more "self-sufficient" way is irrelevant to me (and, it seems, the majority of Russians who don't want Sputnik V/QR codes, etc)
You write:
“Gamaleya is supposed to be manufacturing its own doses. Instead it's buying them from an unnamed third party -- some of the contracts in USD”
I am not sure why Gamaleya should manufacture its own doses. Many pharmacy companies in the West outsource key components of their drug production (for example the intermediates, to third parties) and only mix and churn out the final batches. Some white label drugs manufactured in cheaper countries (the Western pharma quality processes apply). It’s like Apple doesn’t manufacture everything itself - it buys its screens from Samsung - a huge competitor for its phones and tablets - and assembly is done in China (and now India and even back in the US). And lots of international trade is done in USD (something Russia is trying to get away from by trying to settle in national currencies, a goal about 50%(?) achieved).
You write:
“many "independent" analysts and website claim the exact opposite: that Sputnik V is some kind of anti-big pharma serum.”
Sputnik V is definitely a competitor to Western drugs in terms of market share. For example in India, Sputnik V till recently was the only foreign drug (Moderna is being made available I believe). And just like Apple uses Samsung’s screen tech while competing with Samsung phones, it’s not contradictory for Sputnik V to be cooperating w Western Pharma to expand market share. It can do this by using its tech and/or acting as a complement in those markets where Western pharma already has a presence or outright establishing itself first (as it has done in India).
You write:
“If the Russian government openly advocates for mixing Sputnik V with Moderna/Pfizer/AstraZeneca, what is the pro-Sputnik argument?”
The pro-Sputnik V argument would be that it is (allegedly) more effective and more safe and more easily rolled out than mRNA drugs (which require much more stringent distribution infrastructure) especially in areas with poor medical infrastructure. The adenovirus platform has had a longer history (I am not talking Sputnik V but the platform in general) than the brand new mRNA one. What differentiates manufactures are also the adjuvants used (these are critical and in Pfizer’s case, one of the adjuvants is alleged by critics to be responsible for inflammation in critical parts of the human body like the brain, being able to cross the blood-brain barrier) and the quality of the mass manufacturing process (which is a huge hurdle in itself and one in which India has expertise in much like China has become a mass manufacturing hub for Western tech).
You write:
“With the Russian government now aggressively pushing compulsory vaccination, QR codes, etc, I see absolutely no reason why people would assume the Kremlin is playing a different game here. It's the same game. Whether they are collaborating with AstraZeneca to play this game in a more "self-sufficient" way is irrelevant to me (and, it seems, the majority of Russians who don't want Sputnik V/QR codes, etc)”
People assume that because Governments - which by nature are controlling - are all playing similar games there must be some grand controller directing them. That’s not necessarily the case. There’s something called Convergent Evolution where for example organs like the Eye have evolved multiple times independently.
Just because the Kremlin, Tehran, Beijing, Delhi are all seeing this crisis as an opportunity to increase surveillance is not then a sign that they are being controlled by the WEF. Each country has its own dynamic and every crisis is an opportunity for political opportunism. In Iran for example the IGRC - a paramilitary organization - is also a huge business making venture esp with severe sanctions in effect and I would not be surprised if they were making money out of this. This doesn’t then mean they are coordinating their moves with the WEF.
IMO there are a few separate things: Sputnik V is collaborating with AstraZeneca et al as a means of increasing market share. This is no different from Gazprom collaborating with TOTAL for some parts. Or NASA buying Russian rocket engines.
Secondarily there’s an issue of how each country’s govt/business elites are trying to take advantage of the crisis. This does not need to be coordinated at a central World Government level.
"I am not sure why Gamaleya should manufacture its own doses" -- ok, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still supposed to be doing it. Gamaleya manufactures its own "brand" (for lack of a better word) of Sputnik. It is buying its own "brand" from an unknown third party. The article I mentioned earlier is quite interesting -- and I don't think there has been any English language coverage of it.
"Sputnik V is definitely a competitor to Western drugs in terms of market share." -- that's the pro-Sputnik argument for the Russian government. but for ordinary people? Russians especially? Think of how the money used on this vaccine could have been better spent, to actually improve public health. Again, the idea that Sputnik V is a lesser evil because it (might) be more safe than Pfizer is not a very good one because Sputnik's own developers want to import mRNA vaccines.
"People assume that because Governments - which by nature are controlling - are all playing similar games there must be some grand controller directing them. That’s not necessarily the case." -- you misunderstand me. I don't care about any of that, at the end of the day. I'm simply demonstrating that Russia is doing exactly what all other governments are doing.
No doubt, much of it is for very selfish reasons and has nothing to do with conspiring with other nations. There are players involved that seem to be participating in a certain level of coordination though--this I am almost sure of.
We seem to be going around in circles now, so I will just restate my basic argument here: Russians do not want to be forced to take a vaccine with no obvious benefits and very clear safety concerns. They don't want QR codes--which have no purpose other than serving as a mechanism of control. The Russian government is blatantly ignoring these very basic and reasonable wishes of its own people.
And yet, there seems to be an endless sea of excuses and pragmatic rationales offered up in defense of the Russian government. (I'm not claiming you are doing this, by the way.) To me this is fascinating.
Ok I think we are converging on an agreement about your most important points, but before that a few niggling details:
You write:
“-- ok, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still supposed to be doing it. Gamaleya manufactures its own "brand" (for lack of a better word) of Sputnik. It is buying its own "brand" from an unknown third party.”
Drug manufactures white label products made elsewhere all the time. The core IP that the drug manufacturer owns is the design; the manufacturing process can happen elsewhere. Apple is made of many different manufacturers components and assembled in China. But the core design is Apple.
In terms of vaccines: take Novavax for example, a vaccine based on protein technology (different from the mRNA/DNA (adenovirus) platforms, for example. They filed for European and FDA approval with their manufacturing out of India (the Serum Institute of India - which incidentally also makes its *own* vaccine). Putting aside the efficacy/safety issues, there’s nothing nefarious or odd about this. In the pharma industry - as in the tech industry - supply chain outsourcing is very common. So I’m not sure why Gamelaya should be an exception.
You write:
“Sputnik V is definitely a competitor to Western drugs in terms of market share." -- that's the pro-Sputnik argument for the Russian government. but for ordinary people? Russians especially? Think of how the money used on this vaccine could have been better spent, to actually improve public health. Again, the idea that Sputnik V is a lesser evil because it (might) be more safe than Pfizer is not a very good one because Sputnik's own developers want to import mRNA vaccines.”
Western medicines are (a) very costly (b) subject to the whims of Western sanctions and supply chain issues. A locally controlled brand mitigates the risks. Furthermore it can also be potentially a money maker. And once Russia has drugs it can fall back on, importing drugs should be fine. (India for example followed the same strategy: ensure its own manufactured vaccines were available before opening up to foreign ones, the first being Sputnik V and I believe Moderna now. They refused Pfizer because of the onerous terms Pfizer demanded. )
What you seem to be saying is that all these vaccines are useless and should have never been made. Personally I fall in the middle: I think given the data we have so far, the risk/reward of these “vaccines” (and I’ll use quotes just for this time because there is a legitimate debate on whether they fit the classic definition), is that if you are at high risk of complications from COVID, the risk of the vaccine is less. But increasingly data shows that those at lower risk (healthy, younger individuals with no co-morbities the risk/reward is skewed towards no vaccinations and early treatments in case of catching COVID. And definitely not for kids. So I’m not for vaccine mandates or coercing people to get them. And for having unfettered data from doctors/nurses on the ground without suppression.
So from my POV, even if Russia were to follow my recommendations, a Russian vaccine (as well as treatments) would be necessary (for reasons given above). So a Sputnik V would have had to be made for the high risk Russian people (which given the poor health of older Russians would be needed). Now whether the data on the Sputnik that was made (or the other Russian vaccines) supports my assertions is a different story and which is why I read blogs like yours: to get info from someone on the ground. What does the anecdotal or data by other means (since Russia doesn’t have a VAERS) say?
You write:
“I'm simply demonstrating that Russia is doing exactly what all other governments are doing.”
Yes, that’s public information. Basically many Govts are pressuring people to get vaccinated and starting to introduce measures to track compliance. Russia has officially (so far) stopped at blanket mandates though they are necessary for various professions.
Here’s your main point we agree on:
“Russians do not want to be forced to take a vaccine with no obvious benefits and very clear safety concerns. They don't want QR codes--which have no purpose other than serving as a mechanism of control. The Russian government is blatantly ignoring these very basic and reasonable wishes of its own people.”
Apart from the niggling about no obvious benefit (I think there is to high risk groups), I agree with the sentiment. The Russian Gov should be responsive to this and not go down the rabbit hole of mass discrimination at this scale.
In terms of “defending the Russian Gov” - as I said I think it was very prudent for Russia to try and control as much of any critical drug and in this they acted correctly (even if they might have been forced to outsource certain parts). So I would defend this. What I would not defend is not following subsequently following the data or rewards/risks, suppressing adverse events and the wishes of its people.
Glaubt hier wirklich jemand dass Russland nicht an der NWO mit macht, ebenso China???
Am Ende werden die Menschen den Herrschern zu Füßen liegen und sagen:
"Macht uns zu euren Sklaven, aber füttert uns"
Die Sklaven werden ihre Knechtschaft lieben.
A Double Poison Death Shot! Wow, what a combo! Die quicker and you won't feel it!
Yes, you are absolutely right, I would rather be dead. What are our chances to win this is the question... This with Russia`s complicity killed me, always thought they will rescue the world from those monsters.
I have noo doubt in my mind, if Russia still was Soviet Union, that it would fiercely resist the globalists. I absolutely admire Lukashenko, not only now because of his brilliant response to the globalists, but also when he personally came to Serbia to show his support during the illegal NATO bombing of remains of Yugoslavia in 1999 ( Serbia&Montenegro). He also sent convois of trucks loaded with goods to help Serbian people. He is one giant of a MAN. This article made me cry almost the whole day. We do not have workers in a classic sense any more, to expect them to unite in this battle for survival, literally. I do see resistance all over Europe, but I also see brutal police answer to peaceful demonstrators. Maybe I am just down at the moment, hope my optimisam comes to light again.
Yes indeed, where is Stalin when you need him.
It's about genocide, tatoos and slave stamps are just part of the control mechanisms which are needed when you are killing off 95% plus of the world's population.
James Corbett and his associate James Pilato have been saying it for some time; This pandemic hoax is WW III.
Die Plandemie wurde im Jahr 2010 von den größten Pharmakonzernen geplant, es ist ein Krieg gegen die BevölkerungQ!!!
Well, I don't read or write, speak or understand German, but Google translation says that you're saying that this was planned in 2010. They've been planning all of this - many interrelated agendas - longer than that. See my blog in order to get up to speed. Here's my index of covid 19 blog posts: https://arrby.wordpress.com/2021/02/01/the-covid-19-pandemic-hoax-index/