Podcast Summary
End of Russian occupation in Kherson, Saldo's continued control of territory: The end of Russian occupation in Kherson led to Saldo's continued control of a significant portion of southern Ukraine, appealing to Ukrainians to join him on the Russian side despite the emotional scenes of liberation.
The liberation of Kherson, Ukraine, from Russian occupation marked the end of Vladimir Saldo's rule over the city but left him in control of a significant portion of southern Ukraine. Saldo and his collaborative government evacuated to the eastern side, and the withdrawal of Russian forces revealed a trail of destruction. In the chaos of the occupation's end, the Russians took anything they could. Despite the emotional scenes of liberation, not everyone was celebrating. Saldo continued to call on Ukrainians to join him on the Russian side, appealing to their fear of the "fascists in Kyiv and their warmongering western backers." With the western half of Kherson province lost, Saldo remained in control of a large swathe of territory that forms part of the land bridge between mainland Russia and Crimea.
Making Money through Corruption in Kherson: Russians in Kherson used occupation as cover for looting homes, businesses, and extorting money from detainees and their families, while also seizing profitable farms for personal gain.
The Russian occupation of Kherson City and the western region of Ukraine was not just about imposing Russianness on the people, but also about making money through corruption. Soldiers looted homes, businesses, and even took a raccoon from the zoo. Detained individuals were extorted for money, with their families receiving ransom demands. Even the ideology of the Russian world was used as a cover for financial gain. A farmer named Andrianne Kablenka, who owned a profitable 500-hectare grain farm, was visited by Russians who eventually took control of the land. The harsh regime, which included horrific surveillance, torture, and other atrocities, was in practice, a means for individuals to make money in corrupt ways, despite its grand military or expansionist pretenses.
Pressure on Ukrainian farmers to surrender land during occupation: Russian forces occupied Ukrainian farms, using threats, detention, and torture to force farmers to surrender their land. Those responsible for these crimes have evaded accountability.
During the occupation of Ukraine by Russian forces, farmers like Adrian were subjected to various forms of pressure, including forced registration, threats, detention, and torture, to surrender their land and farms. These actions were allegedly ordered by Vladimir Saldo and his regime. Despite the criminal allegations against Saldo, there seems to be a lack of justice for the victims. Adrian claims he was given a blank piece of paper to sign, which was later filled in to authorize the transfer of his farm to members of Saldo's regime. The prosecutor's notice suggests that Saldo gave orders for the farmer to be tortured to make him give up his business. The occupation not only resulted in the loss of land and livelihoods for farmers but also involved brutal methods to obtain control. Ultimately, those responsible for these crimes appear to have evaded accountability.
Man in power in occupied Kherson region accused of profiting from grain sales to Russia: Man Saldo, in control of Ukrainian grain in occupied Kherson region, sells large quantities to Russian company linked to Putin's circle, potentially profiting from high global demand for Ukrainian grain, details remain unclear but Saldo's role is significant.
Saldo, the man in power in the occupied Kherson region of Ukraine, is accused of profiting from the occupation through a complex scheme involving the sale of Ukrainian grain to Russian interests. This scheme, which is still murky and largely unproven due to lack of transparency, involves Saldo's new company, the Herson Grain Company, selling large quantities of grain to a private Russian company with ties to Putin's inner circle. This alleged looting of the grain industry in the occupied territory is significant because a huge chunk of Ukraine's agricultural output is located there, and the global demand for Ukrainian grain is high. The scale of this potential business is massive, with experts suggesting that some of Russia's reported record harvests may actually be Ukrainian grain being booked as Russian. Despite attempts to gather information, the details of this scheme remain elusive, but what is clear is that Saldo plays an important role in this secretive business arrangement.
Saldo, a grain industry figure, was prepared for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014: Saldo, a grain industry figure, had connections to the FSB and was providing information to the Russians during Ukraine's invasion in 2014, indicating he was prepared and possibly had collaborators ready.
Saldo, a grain industry figure, was prepared for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Evidence suggests he had connections to the FSB and was providing information to the Russians about the mood of the population and potential collaborators in Kherson. This recording, allegedly of Saldo, indicates he was ready to capitalize on the situation and may have even had a group of collaborators ready. Despite the invasion being a surprise to many, it seems Saldo was not caught off guard. Kherson remains a divided region, with the Western Bank under Ukrainian control and the Eastern Bank under Russian occupation. The war continues, with explosions a common occurrence in Kherson City on the Western Bank.
Life under Saldo's rule in Kherson, Ukraine: constant danger and terror: Despite evidence and Saldo's conviction, terror and corruption continue in Kherson, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty
Life in the Eastern Bank of Kherson, Ukraine, is marked by constant danger and terror, with daily explosions and the ever-present threat of death. The area is controlled by Vladimir Saldo, a former Ukrainian politician who is accused of establishing a Stalinist regime, complete with mass detentions, torture, and a culture of denunciation. The situation is difficult for investigators like Andre, the public prosecutor, to gather evidence due to the danger involved and the lack of communication with those living under Saldo's rule. Despite the accumulation of evidence and Saldo's conviction in absentia of treason, it remains unclear when or if he will face trial. The terror and corruption continue unabated, leaving the people of Kherson living in fear and uncertainty.
Story of Vladimir Saldo illustrates consequences of Russian rule: Handing over territories to Russian rule could lead to disregard for the rule of law and human rights abuses, as seen in Saldo's rise to power in occupied Ukraine.
Potential dire consequences of handing over territories to Russian rule, as exemplified by the story of Vladimir Saldo in occupied Ukraine. Saldo, a man once on the brink of a criminal investigation, now wields power over millions, embodying Putin's gangster state and its disregard for the rule of law. Millions of Ukrainians, living in areas under Russian control, have been moved from a young democracy with the beginnings of the rule of law to a regime where protection is non-existent. The potential for human rights abuses is significant, making negotiations with Putin and the potential surrender of Ukrainian territories a serious concern. This discussion underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of millions who could be affected by such decisions.
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