Tag: RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR

- President Biden visits Iowa to announce waiving ethanol blending restrictions, aiming to reduce gasoline prices by around 10 cents per gallon. This move is part of his strategy to combat inflation, which reached 8.5% in March, the highest rate since 1981.- EXCERPT: Condensed 100-word summary providing context and key information

Massive crowds of Imran Khan supporters took to the streets in cities across Pakistan, with youth playing a prominent role. Protesters waved party flags and voiced opposition to Khan's removal, demonstrating widespread support for the ex-premier and challenging the political transition.

A provocative vandalism incident in Krakow reveals Russia's alleged attempt to sow discord between Poland and Ukraine. By deliberately painting Ukrainian flag colors incorrectly and using mixed-language messaging, unknown actors sought to trigger ethnic tensions, highlighting ongoing Russian disinformation strategies near Ukraine's border.

President Biden is set to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid growing pressure on India's neutral position in the Russia-Ukraine war. India's abstention from UN votes and diplomatic approach have drawn both criticism from the US and praise from Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Standard & Poor's has downgraded Russia's credit rating to "selective default" after Russia attempted to pay foreign bond payments in rubles instead of dollars. The agency believes sanctions will further impede Russia's ability to meet its international debt obligations, increasing the likelihood of a historic default on external loans.

Russia appoints experienced General Alexander Dvornikov to centralize Ukraine war command, but US officials skeptical of strategic impact after costly initial campaign and civilian casualties.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports significant food price increases, with grains and vegetable oils reaching unprecedented levels. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has disrupted global food supply chains, potentially causing widespread hunger in Africa and the Middle East.

The European Union has banned Russian coal, marking a significant step in energy sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. The ban, estimated to cost Russia 4 billion euros annually, demonstrates the EU's commitment to economic pressure, though challenges remain in restricting oil and natural gas imports.

The United Nations General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from its top human rights council, citing alleged atrocities committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called it a "historic moment" of accountability.

Congress overwhelmingly approved suspending normal trade relations with Russia and banning oil imports. The Senate unanimously passed two bills that will now go to President Biden for signing, following his previous executive actions against Russian energy imports.