There’s growing tension in the Ukraine region, spurred on by some particularly worrying displays of Russian military aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn’t exactly hidden his overall distaste for the Ukraine, with many threats levelled at the nation – a nation which has the backing of Western leaders.
It turns out citizens in Russia are extremely keen to let everyone know who’s side they’re on, and are doing everything they can (including the really little things) in order to help keep the Western devil out.
So if Prime Minister Tony Abbott, or any other western leader for that matter, decides they want to go on holiday to Vladivostok and pick up some cheap vodka on the way out, then they can FORGET IT.
A sign, mysteriously erected – and very professionally made – in the International Departures terminal of Vladivostok area has proudly declared that Abbott is not welcome in their Duty Free stores, and will not be served.
The list of troublemakers no longer allowed in the store also includes US President Barack Obama, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and a venerable who’s who of Ukrainian politics including President Petro Poroshenko.
So there it is, Tone. IF you were thinking about travelling to Russia, and IF you’d decided to dodge Moscow, and IF you decided to go to Vladivostok instead – waaaaaaay the hell on the other side of the country, bordering the north-eastern corner of China and practically a continent away from anything in Russia remotely useful to diplomatic efforts, and IF you had to be processed through the civilian terminal rather than being afford the safety and security of a fast-tracked VIP customs clearance, and IF you were jonesing for some cheap(er than usual) vodka on your way out, then boy oh boy! Are you ever shit out of luck!
Russia 1. Western leaders 0.
via SMH.
