As Zelensky Visits Kherson, World Bank Says Ukraine Needs $411 Billion to Rebuild

The bank released a significantly higher figure as European Union leaders approved plans to provide Kyiv with one million artillery shells over the next 12 months.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #finland, #firearms, #foreign-aid, #infrastructure-public-works, #international-monetary-fund, #international-relations, #kherson-ukraine, #poland, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #slovakia, #spain, #ukraine, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations, #world-bank, #zelensky-volodymyr

Xi and Putin Bind China and Russia’s Economies Further, Despite War in Ukraine

On the second day of the Chinese leader’s state visit in Moscow, Xi Jinping and Vladimir V. Putin declared an enduring economic partnership, in an effort to insulate their countries from punitive Western measures.

#china, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #international-relations, #japan, #kishida-fumio, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #war-crimes-genocide-and-crimes-against-humanity, #xi-jinping

Why China and Russia Are Closer Than Ever

This week’s meeting between the leaders of China and Russia marks another key moment in the deepening relationship between the two powers.

#china, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #international-relations, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-international-relations, #xi-jinping

To Combat Food Shortages, North Korea Deploys the Military

Kim Jong-un, the country’s leader, has called for soldiers to be “a driving force” in increasing food production, a reflection of the North’s economic and geopolitical challenges.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #food, #food-insecurity, #international-relations, #kim-jong-un, #north-korea, #shortages

Banned From Russian Airspace, U.S. Airlines Look to Restrict Competitors

Because of the war in Ukraine, U.S. carriers have to take the long way on flights to and from Asia, giving an advantage to foreign rivals flying the same routes.

#air-traffic-control, #airlines-and-airplanes, #airlines-for-america, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #federal-aviation-administration, #lobbying-and-lobbyists, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #transportation-department-us, #united-states-international-relations, #united-states-politics-and-government

War in Ukraine Puts Centuries of Swiss Neutrality to the Test

The Alpine state makes arms that Western allies want to send to Kyiv. Swiss law bans this, driving a national debate about whether its concept of neutrality should change.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #germany, #international-relations, #international-trade-and-world-market, #law-and-legislation, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #rheinmetall-ag, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #switzerland

China’s Leader, With Rare Bluntness, Blames Troubles on U.S. Containment

Xi Jinping criticized what he called a U.S.-led campaign of “encirclement and suppression.” His new foreign minister said it was impossible for China not to fight back.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #china, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #united-states, #washington-dc, #xi-jinping

U.S. Sanctions Relief for Syria Troubles Assad Regime Opponents

Washington has temporarily eased sanctions on the authoritarian government of President Bashar al-Assad to allow humanitarian aid to flow freely after a disastrous earthquake struck Syria.

#assad-bashar-al, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #humanitarian-aid, #middle-east, #politics-and-government, #syria, #turkey, #turkey-earthquake-feb-6-2023, #united-states-international-relations, #united-states-politics-and-government

Blinken Confronts Lavrov in First Meeting Since Ukraine War

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said he told Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, that Moscow must end its war against Ukraine and return to a nuclear arms control treaty.

#arms-control-and-limitation-and-disarmament, #blinken-antony-j, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #grain, #group-of-twenty, #lavrov-sergey-v, #modi-narendra, #new-delhi-india, #nuclear-weapons, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #state-department, #strategic-arms-reduction-treaty, #united-states-international-relations

Biden Dispatches Yellen and Blinken to Bolster Support for Ukraine

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen traveled to Kyiv the day before Secretary of State Antony Blinken was to visit Central Asia in a show of American solidarity with Ukraine in its battle with Russia.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #blinken-antony-j, #defense-and-military-forces, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #foreign-aid, #politics-and-government, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #yellen-janet-l

Janet Yellen in Kyiv: Economic Aid to Ukraine Is Vital

Our commitment to support a brave people defending their country is unwavering.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-commission, #european-union, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-economy, #united-states-international-relations

War in Ukraine Has Changed Europe for Good

No event has transformed the continent more profoundly since the end of the Cold War, and there is no going back now.

#andersson-magdalena-1967, #baerbock-annalena, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #cold-war-era, #defense-and-military-forces, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #marin-sanna, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

Biden Reaffirms Support for Ukraine Amid Concerns About Russia-Iran Ties

The Biden administration announced new measures targeting Moscow and supporters of President Vladimir V. Putin’s war.

#arms-trade, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #defense-department, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #foreign-aid, #group-of-seven, #international-relations, #national-security-council, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #state-department, #treasury-department, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

A Year of Russia’s War on Ukraine Is Marked by Protests and Defiance

On the anniversary of the invasion, Volodymyr Zelensky held a marathon news conference and vowed victory if Ukraine’s allies remained united “like a fist.”

#blinken-antony-j, #brussels-belgium, #buenos-aires-argentina, #demonstrations-protests-and-riots, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #international-relations, #kyiv-ukraine, #news-and-news-media, #peace-process, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #security-council-un, #zelensky-volodymyr

The U.S. Intelligence Playbook to Expose Russia’s Ukraine War Plans

Bolder disclosures are part of a larger effort to stymie the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine and align support for Kyiv’s war effort in allied countries.

#arms-trade, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #blinken-antony-j, #central-intelligence-agency, #china, #classified-information-and-state-secrets, #crimea-ukraine, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #europe, #iran, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #state-department, #sullivan-jacob-j-1976, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #united-states-politics-and-government

China’s Economic Support for Russia Could Elicit More Sanctions

U.S. officials pledged to crack down on shipments to Russia that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, but that has proved hard to police.

#adeyemo-adewale, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #blinken-antony-j, #china, #computer-chips, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #international-relations, #international-trade-and-world-market, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #state-department, #treasury-department, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #united-states-politics-and-government

China’s Courtship of European Powers Hits a Russian Wall

Beijing, in urgent need of reviving its economy, wants to mend ties with Europe but is struggling to create distance between itself and Moscow.

#blinken-antony-j, #borrell-fontelles-josep, #china, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #european-union, #international-relations, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-international-relations, #von-der-leyen-ursula, #xi-jinping, #zelensky-volodymyr

On Blinken Visit, Quake Relief Soothes U.S.-Turkey Tensions

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken pledged to keep helping Turkey recover from a devastating earthquake, but there were few hints of progress on disputes over F-16 sales and NATO.

#ankara-turkey, #antakya-turkey, #biden-joseph-r-jr, #blinken-antony-j, #earthquakes, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #erdogan-recep-tayyip, #humanitarian-aid, #incirlik-air-base-turkey, #kurdistan-workersparty, #kurds, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #turkey, #turkey-earthquake-feb-6-2023, #united-states-international-relations

One Year Into War, Putin Is Crafting the Russia He Craves

In Ukraine, President Vladimir V. Putin’s invasion has met setback after setback. But its effect at home has been very different.

#defense-and-military-forces, #education-k-12, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #freedom-of-speech-and-expression, #homosexuality-and-bisexuality, #international-relations, #news-and-news-media, #politics-and-government, #propaganda, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine

China Says U.S. Flew Balloons Over Xinjiang and Tibet

The accusation came days after Beijing claimed that the United States had sent airships over China multiple times, ramping up tensions between the two superpowers.

#balloons-aeronautics, #beijing-china, #china, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #international-relations, #taiwan, #tibet, #united-states-international-relations, #xinjiang-china

Oil Prices Rise on Talk of Russian Output Cut

Russia’s deputy prime minister said the country would reduce its oil production by about 5 percent to counter Western sanctions.

#embargoes-and-sanctions, #novak-alexander, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #prices-fares-fees-and-rates, #production, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022

Turkey Quake: U.N. Aid Chief to Visit Affected Areas

Martin Griffiths, the United Nations humanitarian chief, said he was on his way to visit parts of Turkey and Syria affected by an earthquake that has killed more than 20,000 people.

#aleppo-syria, #antakya-turkey, #assad-bashar-al, #damascus-va, #earthquakes, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #gaziantep-turkey, #griffiths-martin, #guterres-antonio, #humanitarian-aid, #syria, #turkey, #turkey-earthquake-feb-6-2023

As Aid Trickles Into Syria, Residents Say Too Little, Too Late

“Some people under ruins are sharing their wills with the team,” said one rescue worker. “They share names of their loved ones, then they die.”

#assad-bashar-al, #earthquakes, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #humanitarian-aid, #idlib-syria, #syria

Russia Pays a Bloody Price for Small Gains in Eastern Ukraine

Russia is relying on masses of troops to overrun Ukrainian positions, producing heavy casualties and incremental gains.

#bakhmut-ukraine, #brussels-belgium, #defense-and-military-forces, #donetsk-ukraine, #draft-and-recruitment-military, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-council, #european-parliament, #european-union, #international-relations, #kyiv-ukraine, #moscow-russia, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

How Russia Is Surviving the Tightening Grip on Its Oil Revenue

Europe’s and America’s gradual restrictions on Russian oil trade are raising the stakes in a protracted economic standoff that is reshaping the global energy market.

#embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #european-union, #international-energy-agency, #international-relations, #international-trade-and-world-market, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022

Russian Attacks Intensify in Eastern Ukraine Ahead of Expected Offensive

Russia is deploying hundreds of thousands of newly mobilized soldiers, in small groups, to probe for vulnerabilities in Ukrainian defensive lines.

#bakhmut-ukraine, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #international-atomic-energy-agency, #kyiv-ukraine, #lavrov-sergey-v, #mali, #mercenaries-and-private-military-contractors, #nuclear-energy, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-nations, #wagner-group, #zelensky-volodymyr

The Costs of a Long War in Ukraine

Why the Biden White House needs to push for peace in 2023.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #international-relations, #kyiv-ukraine, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ukraine, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

U.S. Presses Turkey and U.A.E. to Weed Out Illicit Trade With Russia

American officials worry that commercial activities in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates could be fueling Russia’s war machine and have threatened to punish those involved.

#embargoes-and-sanctions, #erdogan-recep-tayyip, #international-relations, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #treasury-department, #turkey, #ukraine, #united-arab-emirates, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations

When It Comes to Building Its Own Defense, Europe Has Blinked

Despite expectations that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would force Europe to bolster its military strength, it has instead reinforced dependency on U.S. leadership, intelligence and might.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #european-union, #foreign-aid, #international-relations, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #missiles-and-missile-defense-systems, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #rheinmetall-ag, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #scholz-olaf-1958, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations, #zelensky-volodymyr

Russian Diesel Is Europe’s New Embargo Target

The coming ban on Russian exports of refined oil products could strain energy markets and crimp Russia’s output.

#birol-fatih, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #energy-and-power, #europe, #international-trade-and-world-market, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022

Russia Sidesteps Western Punishments, With Help From Friends

A surge in trade by Russia’s neighbors and allies hints at one reason its economy remains so resilient after sweeping sanctions.

#armenia, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #group-of-seven, #international-relations, #international-trade-and-world-market, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ships-and-shipping, #supply-chain, #turkey, #united-states

How a Russian Oligarch May Have Recruited the F.B.I. Agent Who Investigated Him

The bureau tried to court Oleg Deripaska, a Russian aluminum magnate, as an informant. Instead, one of its own top agents may have ended up working for him.

#deripaska-oleg-v, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #federal-bureau-of-investigation, #manhattan-nyc, #mcgonigal-charles, #russian-interference-in-2016-us-elections-and-ties-to-trump-associates

Former Top FBI Official in New York Charged in Money Laundering

Prosecutors say Charles McGonigal, who was chief of counterintelligence in the city, took payments from Oleg Deripaska to investigate a rival Russian oligarch.

#charles-mcgonigal, #deripaska-oleg-v, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #federal-bureau-of-investigation, #money-laundering

How Western Goods Reach Russia: A Long Line of Trucks Through Georgia

With Western sanctions barring many imports, a lot of what Russia needs now travels a slow, crowded truck route through the Caucasus Mountains from Georgia.

#economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #georgia-georgian-republic, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #turkey

Putin’s Efforts to Divide the West Over Ukraine Fall Flat

A cease-fire proposal seemingly aimed at splintering Western unity has instead been met with Western escalation, underscoring Moscow’s diplomatic struggles.

#defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #international-relations, #kuleba-dmytro, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #north-atlantic-treaty-organization, #peace-process, #propaganda, #putin-vladimir-v, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #russian-orthodox-church, #ukraine, #zelensky-volodymyr

Dark Christmas Signals Tough Times for a Prosperous City in Hungary

Dimmed festive lighting at an annual market in the city of Gyor underscores the economic pain being felt across Hungary as energy costs and inflation soar.

#christmas, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #fidesz-party, #hungary, #lighting, #orban-viktor, #politics-and-government

Chechen Leader Has More Interactions With UFC Fighters Amid US Sanctions

The U.S. State Department says it knows of apparent ties between Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen strongman, and mixed martial arts fighters.

#chechnya-russia, #chimaev-khamzat, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #gaethje-justin-1988, #international-relations, #kadyrov-ramzan, #mixed-martial-arts, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #state-department, #treasury-department, #ultimate-fighting-championship, #united-states-international-relations

In a Wary Arctic, Norway Starts to See Russian Spies Everywhere

Other European countries are too, blurring the line between vigilance and paranoia.

#airport-security, #defense-and-military-forces, #drones-pilotless-planes, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #europe, #international-relations, #norway, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #sabotage-crime, #surveillance-of-citizens-by-government, #troms-norway, #yakunin-vladimir-i

Cuba’s Declining Economy Prompts ‘Historic’ Migration to US

The pandemic and tougher U.S. sanctions have decimated Cuba’s economy, prompting the biggest migration since Fidel Castro rose to power.

#american-university, #baruch-college, #cuba, #cuban-americans, #economic-conditions-and-trends, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #florida-international-university, #illegal-immigration, #international-relations, #politics-and-government, #rhodes-benjamin-j, #united-states-international-relations

Oil Prices Drop, Despite Heightened Sanctions on Russian Crude

The price of oil fell by about 10 percent this week, easing (for now) supply worries about the E.U. embargo and a price cap.

#black-sea, #bosporus-turkey, #chevron-corporation, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #exxon-mobil-corp, #international-trade-and-world-market, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #prices-fares-fees-and-rates, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ships-and-shipping, #turkey

Qatar Extends Its Natural Gas Dominance at Russia’s Expense

As its influence grows, the country is poised to become a big energy supplier to Europe, which has turned away from Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

#embargoes-and-sanctions, #energy-and-power, #greenhouse-gas-emissions, #international-relations, #international-trade-and-world-market, #natural-gas, #prices-fares-fees-and-rates, #qatar, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #thani-tamim-bin-hamad-al

Who Is Viktor Bout, Arms Dealer in Swap for Brittney Griner?

Viktor Bout has been accused of supplying arms to Al Qaeda, the Taliban and rebels in Rwanda. His exploits helped inspire a 2005 film, “Lord of War,” that starred Nicolas Cage.

#airlines-and-airplanes, #arms-trade, #bout-viktor, #defense-and-military-forces, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #freight-cargo, #griner-brittney, #gru-russia, #political-prisoners, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #terrorism, #united-states, #united-states-international-relations

Despite Sanctions, Russian Cruise Missiles Were Made Recently

Weapons investigators in Kyiv found that at least one Russian Kh-101 cruise missile used in widespread attacks there on Nov. 23 had been made no earlier than October.

#conflict-armament-research, #defense-and-military-forces, #defense-department, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #factories-and-manufacturing, #kyiv-ukraine, #missiles-and-missile-defense-systems, #moscow-russia, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #stockpiling, #ukraine

EU Embargo of Russian Oil and G7’s Price Cap Take Effect

An immediate impact on oil supplies in Europe was not expected, partly because the embargo has been in the works for months.

#embargoes-and-sanctions, #group-of-seven, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #organization-of-the-petroleum-exporting-countries, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #ships-and-shipping

Advice for Europeans: Bundle Up and Get Ready for Outages

As temperatures drop amid an energy crisis, governments say power blackouts may be necessary to conserve electricity.

#electric-light-and-power, #electricite-de-france-edf, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #europe, #finland, #france, #germany, #macron-emmanuel-1977, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #power-failures-and-blackouts, #rationing-and-allocation-of-resources, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #switzerland

Ukraine’s Allies Agree on Russian Oil Price Cap

The plan to impose a top price of $60 a barrel on Russian crude will most likely make a small dent in the Kremlin’s revenue, but the White House hopes it will help avert an oil shock.

#embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #group-of-seven, #international-trade-and-world-market, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022

OPEC and Russia to Meet as Global Forces Weigh on Oil Market

As the West moves to intercede in oil trading, OPEC Plus, led by Saudi Arabia, is expected to protect its own interests.

#abdulaziz-bin-salman-prince-of-saudi-arabia, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #energy-and-power, #middle-east, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #organization-of-the-petroleum-exporting-countries, #prices-fares-fees-and-rates, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #saudi-arabia

How a German State Helped Russia Complete Nord Stream 2

The threat of U.S. sanctions jeopardized completion of a second direct gas pipeline from Russia. So Gazprom and German officials concocted a phony climate foundation to get the job done.

#cotton-tom, #cruz-ted, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #espionage-and-intelligence-services, #europe, #gazprom, #germany, #governors-us, #international-relations, #legislatures-and-parliaments, #lubmin-germany, #merkel-angela, #natural-gas, #nord-stream-ag, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #pipelines, #politics-and-government, #putin-vladimir-v, #rostock-germany, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #sabotage-crime, #sassnitz-germany, #scholz-olaf-1958, #schroder-gerhard, #ships-and-shipping, #stasi-east-germany, #ukraine, #united-states-international-relations

US Eyes $156 Million Yacht in Dubai Linked to a Russian Oligarch

The U.S. Justice Department is taking steps to seize the Madame Gu, a 324-foot luxury yacht, but it will be diplomatically thorny.

#dubai-ports-world, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #justice-department, #russia, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #search-and-seizure, #treasury-department, #ukraine, #united-arab-emirates, #united-states-international-relations

Ukraine Is Biden’s Defining Issue, and His Biggest Economic Challenge

The shape of the war, and its effects on global markets, in the months and years to come could determine the president’s political fate.

#biden-joseph-r-jr, #embargoes-and-sanctions, #european-union, #group-of-twenty, #international-trade-and-world-market, #oil-petroleum-and-gasoline, #russian-invasion-of-ukraine-2022, #united-states-international-relations