Russia says it's blocking Facebook in alarming new censorship push
Source: The Verge
Russia’s communications agency Roskomnadzor announced Friday that it is blocking access to Facebook in Russia. It cited 26 cases of “discrimination against Russian media and information resources by Facebook” since October 2020, in addition to the more-recent restrictions Facebook has placed on Russian state media outlets.
In response, Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg tweeted in response to the move, saying “Soon millions of ordinary Russians will find themselves cut off from reliable information, deprived of their everyday ways of connecting with family and friends and silenced from speaking out. We will continue to do everything we can to restore our services so they remain available to people to safely and securely express themselves and organize for action.”
The block comes after increasing domestic protests over the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Russians have taken to the streets in massive numbers to protest the ongoing invasion, provoking thousands of arrests. The regime has denied any plans to institute martial law, but has issued ongoing threats to outlets that publish information critical of the ongoing war effort, including Wikipedia.
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Many tech platforms have already begun restricting services in Russia. Google-owned YouTube has blocked Russian news channels RT and Sputnik in Europe, for example, while Facebook has blocked RT and Sputnik in the EU and stopped recommending Russian state media globally. Apple has also halted product sales in the country.
20,000 West Coast port workers refuse to handle Russian cargo
Source: Seattle Times
As the Russia invasion of Ukraine shows no sign of letting up, longshore workers on Thursday said they would refuse to load or unload any Russian vessel or handle any incoming or outgoing Russian cargo.
The announcement by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union covers some 20,000 workers at all 29 U.S. West Coast ports.
“With this action in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we send a strong message that we unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion,” said ILWU International President Willie Adams.
Throughout the past week, we have watched the news from Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis that is unfolding. Our company’s commitment is to help those impacted by this terrifying violence and to provide assistance in every way possible.
Today, we are announcing that Activision Blizzard will be suspending new sales of and in our games in Russia while this conflict continues. We will continue to look at ways to support the Ukrainian people. I want to reassure you that the safety of our employees is our leadership team’s top priority. We are doing everything possible to assist employees, and their families, who are being directly affected by this tragedy. If you or a colleague needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager or local HR leaders. I’d also like to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program is available to those who need emotional support during this difficult time.
I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our teams to support the Ukrainian people. The company is matching employee donations 2:1 to organizations providing immediate relief in the region. Together we have raised over $300,000 in this effort. Next week we plan to add additional charities to choose from for consideration and also will raise the company matching limit from $1,000 to $10,000.
I’d also like to applaud the tremendous contributions from our colleagues in Poland, where people have volunteered their time to assist Ukrainian refugees and others in need. We continue to work with them to find ways we can further assist this effort. We stand with the Ukrainian people and will provide updates on any new actions we take as this crisis continues to unfold.
Russian banks consider China UnionPay cards after sanctions
Source: AP
LONDON (AP) — Leading Russian banks are looking into issuing cards that operate on a Chinese payment system after Visa and Mastercard said they would cut their services in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
Sberbank and Tinkoff Bank said Sunday that they are considering the possibility of payment cards powered by China’s UnionPay system. Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, said it would announce the launch date later.
Sberbank and Tinkoff told users that they will be able to use Visa and Mastercard for transactions within Russia but they will stop working for payments outside of the country after Wednesday.
The Russian central bank warned Sunday that all cards using the Visa or Mastercard systems will stop working for both purchases on foreign websites and transactions abroad.
U.S. Again Tells Citizens to Leave Russia by Car as Airlines Halt Flights
Source: Newsweek
The U.S. government is urging all citizens to leave the country by car as tensions over the invasion of Ukraine continue to escalate.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Russia issued the Level 4 alert on Saturday, citing "the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials [and] the Embassy's limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia" is possible. The official website noted that commercial flight options for Americans leaving the country are limited and suggested that they consider "overland routes by car and bus."
"If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible," the embassy's statement read. "If you plan to stay in Russia, understand the U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options may change suddenly. U.S. citizens who are able to depart Russia for another country and are in need of emergency assistance upon arrival may contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country."
Extra caution was advised for Americans living near the Russian border with Ukraine or those planning to travel near that area, due to the "dangerous and unpredictable" circumstances.
Russia's credit rating slashed to second worst level of junk
Russia is considered more likely to default on its debts than Iraq, Ecuador or Ethiopia after Moody’s slashed the country’s credit rating to the second-lowest rung.
The ratings agency suggested that Moscow is on the brink of defaulting on its sovereign debt after cutting Russia’s rating deeper into “junk” territory.
It reduced Russia’s creditworthiness by four rungs from a “B3” grade to “Ca”. It is the second-lowest grade at Moody’s, and only collapsed economies Venezuela and Lebanon have a sovereign debt rating below “Ca”.
Biden is expected to ban Russian oil imports into the United States.
Source: New York Times
WASHINGTON — President Biden is expected on Tuesday morning to ban the importation of Russian oil into the United States, a senior administration official said, making the move after pressure from lawmakers in both parties to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Mr. Biden is scheduled to make the announcement at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday from the White House.
Shell won't buy any more Russian oil or gas
Source: CNN
Shell (RDSA) said Tuesday it was breaking completely with Russia's giant energy industry, halting all purchases of Russian crude oil immediately and shutting its service stations in the country.
The UK-based company, which last week announced it was dumping its investments in Russia, said its decision to abandon all trade in Russian fossils fuels was "aligned with new government guidance."
Russia's vast energy exports have so far been carved out of the unprecedented sanctions imposed by the West in response to President Vladimir Putin's decision to order his troops to invade Ukraine.
