JAMES ROBERTO
EU slams ‘war crimes’ in Ukraine but new sanctions unlikely
European Union foreign ministers accuse Russian forces of committing war crimes in Ukraine, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stating that attacks on civilian infrastructure could be considered war crimes, while new sanctions remain uncertain.
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Boris Johnson: Russian win would bring ‘age of intimidation’
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson characterized Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a critical turning point, arguing that Vladimir Putin aims to suppress democratic aspirations and that a Russian victory would signal a dangerous new era of global intimidation.
Amazon closes $8.5B deal to acquire Hollywood studio MGM.
Amazon has completed its $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios, strategically positioning itself to strengthen its streaming service. The deal follows European regulatory approval and aims to boost Amazon's content library and competitiveness in the entertainment streaming market.
Council of Europe expels Russia from human rights body.
The Council of Europe voted to expel Russia from its human rights body, citing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. In a symbolic gesture, staff removed the Russian flag from headquarters in Strasbourg, marking an unprecedented end to Russia's 26-year membership in the continental organization.
War censorship exposes Putin’s leaky internet controls
Vladimir Putin's attempts to control Russia's internet are exposed by the Ukraine war, with tech company exits threatening to isolate Russians from global information while potentially strengthening state propaganda narratives.
Russian airstrike hits base in western Ukraine kills 35
In a devastating attack, Russian cruise missiles targeted a Ukrainian military training base near the Polish border, killing 35 people. The strike follows Russian threats to intercept foreign weapon deliveries supporting Ukraine's defense against the ongoing invasion.
Biden bans Russian oil, warns of higher prices at US pumps.
President Biden announces complete ban on Russian oil imports as a response to Ukraine invasion, emphasizing solidarity with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and potential economic consequences for American consumers.
Bank Negara, Bank of Thailand launch cross-border QR payment linkage
Bank Negara Malaysia and The Bank of Thailand have launched a groundbreaking cross-border QR payment linkage, allowing seamless instant payments between Malaysian and Thai shoppers and traders. The project, initiated in June 2020, connects real-time retail payment platforms RPP/DuitNow and PromptPay, facilitating quick and efficient cross-border transactions.
Export bans on medical supplies leave many countries vulnerable to COVID-19
As the coronavirus spreads globally, countries implementing export bans on essential medical equipment like face masks and protective gear risk compromising international pandemic response efforts and leaving vulnerable populations without critical healthcare resources.

















