Inflation hits record 8.6% for 19 countries using the euro
Inflation in countries using the euro set another eye-watering record, pushed higher by a huge increase in energy costs fueled partly by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Russia
U.S. to boost military presence in Europe for Russia threat
President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the U.S. will significantly increase its military presence in Europe for the long haul, including by establishing its first permanent presence in Poland, to bolster regional security after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
NATO Says Russia Is ‘Most Direct Threat,’ Offers Finland, Sweden Membership
The world moved back to the Cold War on Wednesday, with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg saying Moscow’s war in Ukraine presents the “biggest challenge” in the alliance’s history.
Russia Facing Expanded NATO As Finland, Sweden Join (Worthy News Analysis)
Russian President Vladimir Putin woke up Wednesday with a nearly expanded NATO at Russia’s borders after Turkey lifted its objections for Finland and Sweden to join the defense bloc.
NATO to dramatically increase forces on high alert to over 300,000 from 40,000 amid Russia threat
NATO will significantly increase the number of forces on high alert to over 300,000 from 40,000 as part of the biggest overhaul of the alliance’s defenses since the Cold War.
Russia defaults on foreign debt for first time since 1918 following sanctions
Russia defaulted on its foreign-currency sovereign debt for the first time in more than a century after failing to make two payments by the Sunday night deadline.
‘Russian Missile Strike Hits Ukraine Shopping Mall With 1,000 Inside’
A Russian missile strike hit a crowded shopping center in Ukraine’s central city of Kremenchuk, with over 1,000 civilians inside, Ukraine’s president said Monday.
Russia Hit Ukraine’s Capital, Cities As G7 Gathers
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky was to address the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations on Monday after Russian missile strikes on the capital Kyiv and other areas killed at least one person and injured many more.
Syrian, Russian paratroopers carry out drill in second joint exercise this month
Hundreds of Syrian paratroopers took part in a joint drill with their Russian counterparts in the war-torn country in the second joint maneuver this month, state media reported.
US, G7 Ban Russian Gold Despite Sanctions Fatigue
U.S. President Joe Biden says the United States and other Group of Seven (G7) countries will ban imports of gold from Russia to undercut its financing of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Russia Sending Nuclear Missiles To Belarus
In a clear warning to the West, Russia‘s president announced Saturday he would send nuclear-capable short-range missile systems to ally Belarus.
Russia Threatening Dollar With Alternative Global Currency
Russia says it wants to develop a new global reserve currency with China and “other BRICS nations,” in a significant challenge to the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
‘Ukraine Troops To Withdraw From Strategic City’
Ukraine’s outgunned troops began withdrawing Friday from Severodonetsk, the embattled eastern city that is a focus of Russia’s war effort, a local leader said. Moscow shelled the city heavily and continuously for four months, regional governor Serhiy Haidai confirmed Friday.
Russian Official Who Carried Putin’s Nuclear Codes Found in ‘Pool of Blood’
A retired Russian security officer who was once tasked with carrying President Vladimir Putin’s briefcase containing nuclear codes was found shot in his home on Monday, according to reports.
Russia FM in Iran for talks on boosting cooperation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Iran on Wednesday for talks on boosting trade and energy cooperation as the two countries grapple with Western economic sanctions.
Egypt, Lebanon and Syria sign gas import agreement
Lebanon, Syria and Egypt signed an agreement on Tuesday to transfer 650 million cubic meters of gas per year from Egypt to Lebanon through Syria.
Ukraine bans primary opposition party, seizing all its assets and money
Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice has announced an official ban on the country’s main opposition party and seized all its assets.
Lithuania Halting Russian Goods As War Escalates
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appeared close to escalating into a broader military conflict Tuesday after nearby Lithuania blocked shipments of Russian goods subject to European Union sanctions.
Journalist Sells Nobel Medal For $103 Million To Help Ukraine
The Russian editor-in-chief of independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has auctioned off his Nobel Peace Prize medal for $103.5 million to help Ukraine’s child refugees.
Ukraine President Visits Injured As Russia Captures More Territory
Ukraine’s war-time President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited his nation’s southern city of Mykolaiv as concerns rise that his forces may suffer from fatigue while they lose territories due to the ongoing Russian invasion.