Russia
IMF: Global debt to exceed pandemic levels soon
Global public debt is set to rise to 95% of GDP this year and will continue to climb in the next years to top 100%, says the IMF.
Ukraine recalls ambassador to Brazil as tensions grow over Lula's Moscow visit
Ukraine has recalled its ambassador to Brazil without naming a successor, leaving its embassy in Brasília under a chargé d’affaires until at least 2026, the foreign ministry confirmed.
Rising CO2 and temperatures make rice more toxic – The Lancet
Rice, the most widely consumed grain in the world, is likely to become increasingly toxic as global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels rise, according to new research published in The Lancet on April 17.
_0_1745433740.jpg)
Equinor mulling appeal or legal action over Trump administration’s halting of massive wind farm off New York
Norwegian oil super major Equinor was just starting to construct an 818-MW wind farm off New York when the Trump administration unexpectedly halted the fully permitted $5bn endeavour.
Russia's expanding pull in Africa is pushing Western influence out
Moscow’s expanding presence in Africa has largely unfolded in silence, but the shift it represents is profound. Like in the game of Risk, Africa’s sheer size and its treasure trove of untapped raw materials is becoming increasingly important.
Ukraine rejects Trump's seven-point peace plan
A key meeting between the coalition of the willing European leaders, Ukraine and the US negotiating team in London was cancelled on April 23 after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected a seven-point plan.
London Ukraine ceasefire meeting with US cancelled after Zelenskiy refuses to cede sovereignty over Crimea to Russia
Talks in London involving US and European representatives on the conflict in Ukraine were cancelled at the last minute after parties reportedly failed to reach agreement on key issues, Vedomosti reports on April 23.
IMF: Global growth is expected to decline and downside risks to intensify as major policy shifts unfold – WEO
After enduring a prolonged and unprecedented series of shocks, the global economy appeared to have stabilized, with steady yet underwhelming growth rates, the International Monetary Fund said in its latest World Economic Outlook.
US to meet with EU, Ukrainian leaders to discuss crucial “final offer” deal
US Special Envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg will meet with leaders of the coalition of the willing in London on April 23 to present President Donald Trump’s “final offer” in a peace deal, or the US will "walk away."
BRICS labour meeting in Brasilia tackles AI impact, green transition
The 4th BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting concludes in Brasília today, following three days of discussions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and just transition in the world of work.
Russia reportedly revisited Trump Tower plan to entice US president to reset ties
Russian officials explored the possibility of reviving plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow as a means of persuading US President Donald Trump to reset relations with the Kremlin.
COMMENT: Five key trends in new global paradigm of narrow self-interest – Oxford Economics
A new global economic paradigm is taking shape as major economies pivot towards policies rooted in narrow national self-interest, a shift that political analysts at Oxford Economics believe will have lasting repercussions.
IMF: The global economy enters a new era
The global economic system under which most countries have operated for the last 80 years is being reset, ushering the world into a new era.
How Europe has weaned itself off Russian gas in the last three years
In 2021, Eastern European countries imported almost half of their gas from Russia. Only two countries in the region – Albania and Kosovo – were wholly independent of Russian gas.
Russian VTB Bank says will open branch in Iran next year
Russia's VTB Bank has announced plans to open its first branch in Iran in the coming year, marking a significant development in financial cooperation between the two countries, an official with the bank said.
Putin ratifies 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin ratifies 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran ahead of potential US deal over Ukraine.
HALLIGAN: Mike Calvey's "Odyssey Moscow" – the story of Russia's top fund manager who ended up in jail when his partners turned on him
“How did a nice boy from Oklahoma end up living in Russia?” bne IntelliNews editor at large Liam Halligan asked legendary Russia investor Michael Calvey, a legend in the Moscow investment world, in his “When the facts change” podcast.
Oil companies and governments bet on carbon capture and storage technology to solve the Climate Crisis. It’s not going to work.
As the Climate Crisis accelerates faster than scientists predicted and emissions continue to soar to beyond all-time record highs companies are betting on carbon capture and storage technologies to reverse global warming, but progress is slow.
Iran reaffirms ties with Russia despite warming relations with US
In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Moscow, irrespective of its ongoing diplomatic engagement with the US.
KYIV BLOG: Trump has done a deal with Putin. Now he’s trying to force Europe and Ukraine to accept the terms.
There seems to be some confusion over where the Russo-Ukraine ceasefire talks are. Bottom line: Trump has done a deal with Putin, but needs Europe to cooperate to make it work. Brussels is unwilling, so Trump is turning the screws to make it happen.