Tag: Sanctions
The US doubts the new Russian war chief can end Moscow’s floundering
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.
Food prices soar to record levels on Ukraine war disruptions
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.
Europe agrees to ban Russian coal but struggles with oil, gas
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.
UN assembly suspends Russia from top human rights body
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 votes to suspend Russia’s trade status, enact an oil ban
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.
Germany seeks to boost renewable energy and cut Russian imports.
Germany's government unveiled a comprehensive 600-page "Easter package" to dramatically increase renewable energy production, targeting almost 100% renewable electricity by 2035. The reforms simplify bureaucratic processes and declare renewable energy installations as a matter of "overriding public interest," addressing previous barriers to wind and solar expansion.
UN to vote on suspending Russia from the rights council.
The United Nations will vote on suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council following discovery of civilian bodies in Bucha, near Kyiv. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for Russia's removal, citing evidence of potential war crimes after troops withdrew from towns surrounding the Ukrainian capital.
Mariupol’s dead put at 5,000 as Ukraine braces in the east.
Ukrainian authorities document civilian casualties in Mariupol and around Kyiv, revealing extensive Russian military violence. Western allies prepare sanctions in response to mounting evidence of war crimes, while Russian troops withdraw from northern Ukraine, suggesting a strategic redeployment to the industrial eastern regions.
The US hits Russia with ‘war crimes’ sanctions, Europe following.
The United States has rolled out fresh financial sanctions against Russia, focusing on President Vladimir Putin's family and blocking two major Russian banks. The UK and EU are following suit, escalating economic pressure in response to alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Asia’s US$350bil gas projects intensify the clean energy debate.
Asia is investing over US$350 billion in gas projects to reduce coal dependency, but experts warn this could potentially slow renewable energy adoption and lock in fossil fuel use for decades.
