As the war in Ukraine enters week eight, many political analysts and politicians around the world are speculating how it may end (if it ends at all)
The war in Ukraine is entering week eight and the aggression by Russia only seems to be intensifying, despite the massive amounts of troops lost in battle.
Word on the street is that the Kremlin is no longer just wanting to take the country, but “eliminate” all of its people, with civilians caught in the attacks and the number of innocent lives lost entering their thousands.
Russia wants to “Eliminate all Ukrainians” – Zlata Kolesnyk says
"We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against someone who is ready to exterminate my nation, Ukraine" @ZKolesnyk speaks of the horrific aggression from Russia, revealing Vladimir Putin wants to "exterminate" all Ukrainians. pic.twitter.com/CJJI7lyFiE
Last week, a mass casualty event on a Ukrainian train station was one of the biggest attacks on civilians by Russian forces yet. Over 50 people, including young children, died.
Despite news that Kremlin forces are withdrawing from key parts of Ukraine, they seem to be moving towards other parts of the country, to amass their destruction.
FILE PHOTO: Servicemen are seen near the village of Zolote, disengagement area of government and Russian-backed rebel troops, in the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, Ukraine November 2, 2019. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich/File Photo
So when will it end, and more importantly, how?
It’s the question that many have been asking and wanting answers to. When will Vladimir Putin back down?
Professor Yanis Varoufakis, a professor in politics and the Former Greek Minister of Finance, says the answers to a resolution may sit with the United States and Joe Biden’s administration.
Speaking exclusively to Ticker News, Varoufakis says what just might be needed amongst all of this aggression is a summit, hosted by the U.S, which may provide some kind of opportunity for a ceasefire and “bring Ukraine back to where it was before Feb 24”
Varoufakis revealed if the conflict is not resolved soon, then a “permanent Afghanistan-like situation” is likely. Meaning Ukraine will be a war zone for the greater future, a battleground between a Democracy and Soviet Union.
Makariv hit by air attacks.
Russia’s war crimes
The Kremlin continues to be investigated for its war crimes. Germany’s foreign minister has stated that there are “massive indications of war crimes” committed within Ukraine, by Kremlin forces.
“In the end, the courts will have to decide, but for us, it is central to secure all evidence,” Annalena Baerbock told reporters before a meeting with fellow European Union ministers in Luxembourg.
Despite nine evacuation corridors agreed to between Ukraine and Russia, there continues to be a high level of risk for those trying to flee the war-torn nation.
Ukraine’s deputy prime minister says that Kyiv is aiming to evacuate civilians from several regions in and around the country’s south and east via these humanitarian corridors. Despite any risks, the deputy PM stated that such corridors had been agreed to by the two countries and it is up to Russia to keep their word and allow the evacuation of the innocent.
In Short:
– Jerome Powell stated further interest rate cuts are uncertain after recent decreases, aiming to manage market expectations.
– The Fed ended its balance sheet reduction due to lending market disruptions and mixed views on future rate cuts among officials.
Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell indicated that further interest rate cuts are not guaranteed following the recent decrease. In a press conference, he stated that a further reduction in December is “far from” certain. His comments aimed to temper market expectations, where the likelihood of another cut was previously estimated at over 90 per cent.In response to Powell’s remarks, yields on the two-year treasury rose, and traders adjusted their expectations, now estimating a 60 per cent chance of a December reduction. Recently, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2 to lower the federal funds rate target range to 3.75-4 per cent, in response to concerns about the labour market.
The Fed has also announced an end to its balance sheet reduction efforts due to disruptions in short-term lending markets. Since 2022, the bank has reduced its asset holdings by over $US2 trillion following aggressive purchases aimed at stabilising the economy after the pandemic.
Policy Divisions
Recent post-meeting statements highlighted mixed views among Fed officials about the pace of future rate cuts. Powell remarked that uncertainty surrounding economic conditions necessitates a cautious approach. Ongoing government shutdowns have limited policymakers’ access to crucial economic data, complicating decision-making.
Recent labour market developments show slowed job gains, raising concerns about employment. The Fed is also cautious about reducing rates too quickly due to inflation remaining above their 2 per cent target, reflecting a complex economic landscape. Policymakers have struggled with decisions amid data limitations from the government shutdown, impacting their assessments of inflation and economic indicators.
In Short:
– Trump and South Korea’s Lee finalised a trade deal requiring $350 billion in U.S. investments.
– Trump anticipates favourable talks with China to reduce tariffs and improve relations.
Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung finalised a contentious trade deal at a summit in South Korea on Wednesday. The U.S. President expressed optimism about an upcoming summit with China’s Xi Jinping.The agreement, unveiled in late July, stipulated that South Korea would make $350 billion in new investments in the U.S. to avoid significant tariffs on imports. However, negotiations on the investment structure had stalled.
Trump and Lee reached a compromise allowing Seoul to divide its $350 billion investment into $200 billion in cash, paid in $20 billion instalments. The remaining $150 billion will be allocated to shipbuilding investments.
Upon arrival from Tokyo, following a North Korea missile test, President Trump received an extravagant welcome in the historic city of Gyeongju, the venue for this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
His discussions with Xi are scheduled for Thursday in Busan. Trump downplayed the North Korea missile test and focused on his meeting with Xi, the leader of the world’s second-largest economy.
“I think we’re going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world,” Trump stated. He anticipates reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports in exchange for China agreeing to control the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The Wall Street Journal reported that tariffs could be halved from the current 20%.
China’s foreign ministry indicated that the upcoming meeting would foster positive developments in U.S.-China relations.
Australia’s economy struggles; rate cut impending but signals deeper issues, not recovery. #RBA #InterestRates #FinanceNews
Australia’s economy is losing steam, with weak consumer confidence, falling job ads, and a struggling construction sector, a December rate cut now seems inevitable. But it won’t be a win, it’ll be a warning.