Russia

U.S. and Russia are about to face a nuclear stand-off that has the potential to lead to WW3. The two old super-power rivals are talking past each other when it comes to the deployment of the new U.S anti-missile system in eastern Europe aimed at allegedly stopping Iranian missiles. Russia understandably sees it as a direct threat by the fact of its proximity, likening it to Russia deploying anti-missile systems in Cuba and arguing that it is not directed at the U.S. but a rogue state beyond.

In a dramatic development for the global nuclear balance of power, yesterday we reported that starting today, the United States would launch its European missile defense system dubbed Aegis Ashore at a remote airbase in the town of Deveselu, Romania, almost a decade after Washington proposed protecting NATO from Iranian rockets and despite repeated Russian warnings that the West is threatening the peace in central Europe.

The United States is about to activate its missile systems across Europe, despite Russia warning against increasing US-led arms deployment near its borders. The missile defence shield that cost billions of dollars will go live tomorrow almost a decade after Washington proposed protecting NATO from Iranian rockets. American and NATO officials will declare the shield, which is located at a remote air base in Deveselu, Romania, is operational despite Russian warnings that the West is threatening the peace in central Europe.

Back in November 2008, then Russian president Dmitry Medvedev made a stark warning to NATO: "Russia will deploy Iskander missile systems in its enclave in Kaliningrad to neutralize, if necessary, the anti-ballistic missile system in Europe."

Russia is moving full steam ahead with its plan to kill the petro-dollar, and is burying OPEC's influence along with it. 

As we reported earlier, Russia has taken its next step toward de-dollarization by launching its own benchmark oil futures contract that will price oil in rubles instead of USD. Now, it appears as though Russia has deemed it is time to start chipping away at OPEC and its power within the oil space.

According to Reuters, Rosneft CEO and close Putin ally Igor Sechin had some harsh words to say about the oil cartel, and effectively announced its demise.