Russia, Facebook, Skype and Credit Cards

[crazyforkate]

From the rumors milling about, it sounds like Facebook and Skype (and Twitter) might be next on the chopping block here in Russia. Furthermore, the government's throwing demands at Visa and Mastercard that will likely cause them to withdraw from the country by July 1. Leaving about a week beforehand so it should be okay (though there may be some financial issues if the credit cards do leave), but holy crap, am I glad I'm getting out. Things are getting more and more difficult these days...

[Chowder Head]

Thank goodness your getting out. Just remember, head down and walk quickly and do not pass go or collect $200 dollars :lol:

[Geechee Girl]

I can't imagine that news sitting well with the youth culture. They are so plugged in to social networks, and the ability to connect with the world. I fear a new revolution will commence. Safe travels to you, crazyforkate. My relatives recently returned from Ukraine, and it was rough going for a time.

[crazyforkate]

Honestly, most Russians are on vkontakte anyway, so they'll simply use it exclusively. It will definitely cut them off from people outside of Russia, though. And I'm sure proxy servers will pop up in three seconds flat. Still very strange though...I've said goodbye to a few coworkers this week, who will be on vacation until after I'm gone, and we have to say "We'll keep in touch...if there's Facebook."

[antares]

Kate how is regular day to day russian life going? Does the situation cause any noticeable changes?

[crazyforkate]

Food prices are up, salaries are down, the ruble's exchange rate is iffy (though getting much better lately). Everyone was pretty frightened in March, but now I think we're all pretty much used to it. I did have this conversation with a student:

Me: Where are you from?

Student: Oh, it's this city in Ukraine, you've never heard of it.

Me: Well, maybe I have, what is it?

Student: Uh, Donetsk?

Student was shocked to learn that I knew of that city, and that it's been in the news for weeks. Just goes to show how sheltered a lot of people are from current events.

[Anny Nym]

I remember, we had this Ukraine-related topic for discussion in Februar. Well, now Donezk did choose as predicted, and the next prediction is Russia will definitely have the upper hand in the long run. Russia just sealed the biggest gas deal in history with China, while our lemming-like idiots over here... oh, I won´t ghet started on that.

But don´t you think, you are exaggerating a bit here? :D I have yet to meet the russian who is "cut off from people outside" lol

[crazyforkate]

Well, I assume proxies would pop up quickly, but it's still going to be a major pain. Moreover, it's a symbol of something more far-reaching than just blocking a site, IMO.

[nonymouse]

Stay safe, please!

[OnceModestTwiceShy]

FUCK. I just got here a few days ago. It took me three tries to find an ATM that would let me withdraw cash on my Visa...makes sense now. :?

[crazyforkate]

Well, I'm not sure if that's just VISA or local ATMs being assholes in general. Are you in Moscow?

[Rescinded and Mended]

Good luck and stay safe, both of you. Sounds like the situation there is getting crazy and has the potential to get worse.

[crazyforkate]

Yup, and it's only sinking further. There are Russian tanks in Ukraine and apparently Russia's cutting off the gas - which could have implications not just for Ukraine, but for much of Europe, as a lot of the pipes go through Ukraine. We have not heard the end of this by a long shot :(

[Anny Nym]

To be fair (instead of unnecessary dramatic here) Russia is cutting off gas supplies to the Ukraine, BECAUSE THEY DON`T PAY THEIR DAMN BILLS!

It´s a big problem for Europe tough, because innovative and important projects like "South Stream pipeline", which would be a direct one rrrrrright to and through Austria, got laid off because of the marionettes in the EU Parliament :angry-banghead:

God, I´m happy we had decided to go for a air device heat pump instead of gas.

Also, people from Russia feel (rightfully) offended and don´t want to come to Vienna ot Tirol/Vorarlberg so often recently. That is a very sad trend.

The boycott of Russia is unnecessary,downright stupid, bad for the economy and UNGRATEFUL. If one talks with people and keeps a close eye at social media, nobody wants this boycott - except, the TTIP and fracking lobbyists in Brussels!