Politics

In a sealed NATO archive, a 1997 document once symbolized hope for peaceful relations between Russia and the West. Now, with Ukraine under attack, that vision has dramatically unraveled, prompting a fundamental reassessment of NATO's strategic approach to European security.

The Council of Europe has expelled Russia from its human rights body in an unprecedented move, symbolically removing the Russian flag from its Strasbourg headquarters. The 47-nation organization cited Moscow's invasion of Ukraine as the reason for terminating Russia's membership after over two decades.

Asian stock markets rose moderately on Wednesday as investors await the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate increase. Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped 1.7%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 2.1%. The Fed is expected to raise rates by 0.25 percentage points, marking the first increase since 2018 and potentially signaling a series of future hikes to combat high inflation.

President Joe Biden will visit Europe next week to meet with NATO and European leaders, focusing on discussing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, assessing the current conflict status, and coordinating international sanctions and humanitarian efforts.

The European Union and United Kingdom have expanded sanctions against Russia, focusing on blocking oligarchs' access to luxury items like pure-bred horses and truffles. The measures also aim to limit Russia's global market engagement by preventing EU rating agencies from working with Russian clients and restricting steel export revenues.

Asian stocks fell on Tuesday as COVID-19 cases in China and ongoing Ukraine war concerns weighed on markets. MSCI's Asia-Pacific index dropped 1.97%, with Chinese stocks leading losses, reflecting broader economic uncertainties and potential demand disruptions.

Russian strikes hit western Ukraine, expanding military offensive. Armored columns move near Kyiv, while bombardment intensifies in Mariupol. U.S. and allies consider revoking Russia's trading status as invasion enters 16th day, with Putin claiming "positive developments" in negotiations.

A World Bank official highlights how persistent high oil prices triggered by the Ukraine conflict could reduce growth by a full percentage point for countries like China, Indonesia, South Africa, and Turkey, compounding existing economic challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FBI has released a declassified document about the 9/11 attacks, showing contacts between hijackers and Saudi officials. Ordered by President Biden, the 16-page report provides new insights while maintaining some redactions about potential Saudi government involvement.

In a significant diplomatic move, US President Joe Biden spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since his inauguration. The call raises hopes for de-escalating the ongoing economic and trade war that intensified during the Trump administration.