Money & Finance

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that countries considered unfriendly must now pay for Russian natural gas exclusively in rubles. This move comes in response to Western sanctions and asset freezes, with Putin arguing that existing payment methods undermine trust in traditional currencies.

British inflation surged to 6.2% in February, the highest since 1992, driven by soaring energy bills and petrol prices. The Office for National Statistics reports widespread food price increases, intensifying financial pressure on households and creating challenges for the government's economic strategy.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has dramatically impacted global wheat markets, threatening food security in multiple regions. With wheat prices surging by a third since the invasion, farmers are cautiously considering expanding wheat production to capitalize on market conditions while navigating challenges like drought and increasing fuel costs.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautions that countries rushing to replace Russian energy supplies may undermine climate goals by defaulting to high-carbon alternatives, calling fossil fuel addiction a path to "mutually assured destruction"

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. - EXCERPT: Summarizes the key information concisely, includes key actors and main points

The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed mandatory climate risk disclosures for public companies. Companies would need to report greenhouse gas emissions, transition plans, climate goals, and how severe weather events impact their financial performance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Israeli lawmakers, urging them to take a stronger stance against Russia's invasion. In an emotional Zoom speech, he compared the conflict to Nazi actions and called on Israel to impose sanctions and provide weapons, challenging the country's current mediator role.

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.

High energy costs are sparking widespread protests across Europe, with Spain deploying over 23,000 police to control demonstrations. Truckers and farmers in France, Greece, and Spain are blocking highways and challenging authorities, driven by skyrocketing fuel prices and economic pressures from Russia's war in Ukraine.

Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has revoked the license of Russia-backed broadcaster RT, citing concerns over its impartial reporting of the Ukraine conflict. The decision follows 29 investigations into RT's coverage, with the regulator finding the broadcaster unfit to hold a UK broadcast license due to its Russian state funding and coverage of the invasion.