Topic: South Stream

A massive April blizzard struck the Midwest, dropping up to 24 inches of snow in South Dakota. Adam Curry suggests that the highly unusual weather patterns and "extraordinarily strange" jet stream behavior may be evidence of operational weather modification or HAARP activity.

The geopolitical struggle over gas pipelines continues as Russia shifts focus from the blocked South Stream to the "Turkish Stream" to bypass Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Ukraine may be "traded" in diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, a fear seemingly confirmed by President Poroshenko's insistence that John Kerry briefed him on Moscow meetings. Additionally, Ukraine faces a looming 2016 deadline for a $3 billion bond payment to Russia.

The episode wraps with news that Gazprom has taken full ownership of the South Stream Transport BV. The hosts also identify a coordinated media meme describing Vladimir Putin as "going medieval" following the sentencing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the arrest of his brother.

Vladimir Putin announced the cancellation of the South Stream pipeline through Bulgaria, opting instead to create an energy hub in Turkey. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted the project is not dead and pledged financial solidarity with Bulgaria. The cancellation follows reported pressure from Senator John McCain on the Bulgarian government to abandon the Russian-led project in favor of the Nabucco pipeline.

Russia announced the cancellation of the South Stream pipeline through Bulgaria, opting instead to build a gas hub in Turkey. This strategic shift by Gazprom and President Putin positions Turkey as a primary energy transit point for the European Union, potentially bypassing EU regulatory hurdles.

Konstantin Semenov discusses the South Stream pipeline and Russia's shifting energy priorities toward China via the Altai and Western routes. The segment explores the tension between the European Union's desire for centralized energy purchasing and the individual needs of countries like Hungary and Serbia.

Adam Curry explains the technicalities of gas storage in Ukraine and the history of the country siphoning off gas intended for Europe. They argue that EU sanctions against Russia are economically hurting Europe more than Russia, especially as energy prices are set to rise during the winter. They characterize the EU's blocking of the South Stream pipeline as "economic suicide."

Russia and the West are engaged in a strategic battle over the European energy market, with Vladimir Putin promoting the South Stream pipeline as a bypass through Bulgaria and Serbia. Recent developments include shale gas equipment installation in eastern Ukraine and oil exploration deals in Ethiopia and Iraq. The conflict is framed as a competition to secure the European Union as a primary natural gas customer.

The Netherlands is characterized as a "pass-through" country and a tax haven for global corporations and celebrities. The discussion covers the internal EU conflict over a proposed energy union, which is opposed by Germany and the Netherlands due to their existing direct energy arrangements with Russia.

Austria and Russia signed a major gas pipeline deal during a visit by Vladimir Putin to Vienna, drawing criticism from Washington. The South Stream project and the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline are discussed as competing interests for European energy independence. Observations are made regarding the close relationship between German and Russian leaders, noting that their ability to communicate in each other's native languages excludes American influence from regional energy negotiations.

Bulgaria experiences a sudden run on its banks and a series of cyber attacks, which the hosts link to the country's involvement in the Russian South Stream pipeline project. The instability is characterized as a form of economic terrorism intended to pressure Bulgaria into aligning with EU energy interests.

The South Stream pipeline project, intended to transport Russian gas to Europe while bypassing Ukraine, faces significant opposition from the European Union. The project has created tension within the EU, as countries like Bulgaria and Serbia remain interested in the energy security it provides despite pressure from Washington and Brussels to halt construction.

During an art gallery opening in Tokyo, Adam Curry met a financial energy reporter to discuss global infrastructure projects. The conversation covered the South Stream pipeline, the potential Nicaragua Canal, and the long-standing oil negotiations between Russia and China. The reporter noted that the primary hurdle in the Russia-China deal is China's demand for a 30% equity stake in the resources.

Adam Curry recaps an art gallery opening for Mickey Curry in Tokyo, attended by representatives from the Dutch Embassy. He recounts a conversation with a financial energy reporter regarding the South Stream pipeline, the Nicaragua Canal, and the long-negotiated Russia-China oil deal. The reporter provides insight into China's demand for 30% resource ownership in energy participation deals.

Secretary of State John Kerry is advocating for European energy independence to reduce reliance on Russian gas imports. The strategy involves building new energy infrastructure and storage capacity across the continent while exploring alternative routes through Turkey. However, Turkey's energy minister is currently in negotiations with Russia regarding the South Stream pipeline, complicating U.S. efforts to isolate Vladimir Putin.

Vladimir Putin marks the start of the South Stream gas pipeline construction, which will deliver Russian gas to Europe via the Black Sea and the Balkans. Adam Curry argues that Russia is backing away from Syria because the South Stream project makes the Syrian transit route less vital. They discuss Hillary Clinton's efforts to block Russian energy influence in favor of the Nabucco pipeline through Turkey.

Hillary Clinton's visit to Croatia is linked to the competition between the Russian South Stream pipeline and the Western-backed Nabucco pipeline. The hosts explain that Russia bypassed Croatia in favor of Hungary for the South Stream route due to political stalling. Clinton is accused of "cock-blocking" Russian energy interests by promoting Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in the Adriatic.