Thursday, October 8

Author: Patti Mohr

Patti Mohr is a U.S.-based journalist. She writes about global diplomacy, economics, and infringements on individual freedom. Patti is the founder of the Global Economic Report. Her goal is to elevate journalistic principles and share the pursuit of truth in concert with others.
‘We Were Told They Would Welcome Us,’ Russian Soldier Says
Eastern Europe, Types of News: Brief, WAR: Dispatches & Dialogue

‘We Were Told They Would Welcome Us,’ Russian Soldier Says

February 28, 2022--In an extraordinary special session by the UN General Assembly, Ukraine's representative read out a text conversation between a Russian soldier and his mom. "Mom, I'm in Ukraine, there's a real war. I'm scared, we shoot at everything in a row, even at peaceful ones. We were told that they would welcome us, but they throw themselves under our military equipment and do not let us pass. They call us fascists. It's very hard for me." Photo of text messageFeb. 28 Special GA assembly Reportedly, the Russian soldier was killed in battle. While the GER cannot independently verify the texts, the message fits with what the Russian president has been saying in his recent speeches. Increduoulsy, Vladimir Putin urged the Ukranian military to "lay down your weapons and immedi...
United Nations Holds An Emergency Special Session
Diplomacy and International Law, Legal Battles, International Law, Justice, Organizations, IMF, WTO, G7, UN Security Council, Sanctions, Types of News: Brief, Types of News: Videos

United Nations Holds An Emergency Special Session

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CdY7t5VKIY February 28, 2022--In only the 11th time in its history, the United Nations is holding an emergency special session in its 193-member General Assembly today. It comes on the fifth day of Russia's war on Ukraine. Members are not only discussing Ukraine's territorial integrity and Russia's breach of that, they are meeting to uphold the UN Charter. As a result of the emergency session, 141 countries voted to condemn Russia’s military assault on Ukraine, uphold the UN charter and call for an immediate end to the bloodshed. Read more: In An Emergency Session, 141 Nations Condemn Russia's Military Actions in Ukraine.
As Ukraine Gains Strong Global Support, India, China & UAE Sit It Out
Diplomacy and International Law, Legal Battles, International Law, Justice, Organizations, IMF, WTO, G7, UN Security Council, Types of News: Analysis, Types of News: Videos

As Ukraine Gains Strong Global Support, India, China & UAE Sit It Out

Security Council meeting Feb. 25, 2022 February 26, 2022—Even as much of the world rallies moral and financial support for Ukraine in the wake of Russia's unprovoked invasion, a few countries refused to condemn the attacks and the violation of international law. India, China and the UAE Abstain From Resolution The United Nations Security Council--the primary international body for settling disputes—has been holding multiple meetings on the situation in Ukraine. On Friday, the Security Council considered a resolution sponsored by 52 countries. The resolution's intent was to hold Russia accountable for its military actions and to uphold the value of protecting civilians. As a permanent member of the council, Russia has veto power, and it exercised that on Friday. However, the re...
Turkey: NATO Should Have Stopped Russia’s Invasion
Diplomacy and International Law, Geopolitics, Legal Battles, International Law, Justice, Organizations, IMF, WTO, G7, UN Security Council, Types of News: Brief

Turkey: NATO Should Have Stopped Russia’s Invasion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an joins a virtual NATO meeting on Feb. 25, 2022. Source: Turkey's Government February 25, 2022--As Russia closed in on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv, the NATO alliance held an emergency virtual meeting today. Just hours before the meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an suggested that NATO and the European Union should have stopped the invasion. "NATO should have taken a more decisive step," Erdogan said to reporters, according to Reuters and other press reports. "The EU and all the rest of the West have failed to display a decisive and serious stance. They give plenty of advice to Ukraine. It’s not possible to get a result through this advice," Erdo?an said. Turkey is a NATO member and a neighbor of Russia. In a press release on Thur...
South Korea Joins G7 Countries In Condemning Russian Invasion
Diplomacy and International Law, Sanctions, Types of News: Brief

South Korea Joins G7 Countries In Condemning Russian Invasion

February 25, 2022--South Korea's Foreign Ministry today condemned Russia's armed invasion of Ukraine and promised to respond with economic sanctions against Russia. Up until today, the country stopped short of outright condemning the actions even while voicing support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. "As a responsible member of the international community, the Korean government will support and join the international community’s efforts, including economic sanctions, to curb armed invasion and resolve the situation peacefully," the South Korean Foreign Ministry said today in a press release. Previously, South Korean Spokesperson Choi Youngsam had expressed "serious concern" and directed people to a Feb. 22 statement in which the ministry urged the parties "to continue to seek a p...
Key Takeaways From PM Boris Johnson’s Address To Parliament on Ukraine
Corruption, Bribes, Illicit Finance & Money Laundering, Diplomacy and International Law, Globalization, Disintegration, Nationalism, Populism, Types of News: Analysis

Key Takeaways From PM Boris Johnson’s Address To Parliament on Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses his parliament on Feb. 24, 2022. February 24, 2022--The United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the House of Commons today, rallying the British people in what is likely to be a long battle against the Russian government in the aftermath of its assault on Ukraine. Here are some key points from the question and answers: Tougher Finance in London. Britain is likely to crack down on financial transactions. London has long been the home of financial transactions and attracts some of the world's big money players. With that, it's earned a reputation as a tax haven, a safe haven for hiding and even laundering cash. That's all about to change as U.K. politicians hone in Russian banks, oligarchs and business transactions. "We mu...
G7 Countries Coordinate Actions Against Russian War
Diplomacy and International Law, Sanctions, Types of News: Brief

G7 Countries Coordinate Actions Against Russian War

UK, US Intensify Sanctions Against Russian Entities Feb. 24, 2022--Leaders of the G7 countries held an emergency meeting today in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine. The members include the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France and Italy. They along with the European Union coordinated plans to accelerate financial penalties and restrictions against Russia. In no uncertain terms in their statement, the leaders condemned Russia's war on Ukraine as well as participation by Belarus: "We the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) are appalled by and condemn the large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, directed partly from Belarusian soil," the leaders said. "This...
Amid Russian War, IEA Closely Watching Oil & Gas Markets
Energy Policy, Oil & Gas, Types of News: Brief

Amid Russian War, IEA Closely Watching Oil & Gas Markets

Photo: IEA February 24, 2022--As Russia intensified its war against Ukraine and G7 countries accelerated sanctions against Russia, the International Energy Agency announced it is closely monitoring the world's supply of oil and gas. Russia is the world's second-largest oil producer. Only the United States produces more oil at this time. According to the IEA, "Russian oil exports transiting Ukraine via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline to supply Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic" are most likely to be impacted by the conflict. "While the specific impact on world oil markets is yet to be determined, IEA Member Countries stand ready to act collectively to ensure that global oil markets are adequately supplied," the agency said on Tuesday. The United States: 12.1 m...
U.S. Justice Dept Sets Up Crypto Crime Office
Corruption, Bribes, Illicit Finance & Money Laundering, Finance, Banks, Cryptocurrency, Metals

U.S. Justice Dept Sets Up Crypto Crime Office

February 24, 2022--The U.S. Justice Department established a department to investigate the criminal use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets and named its first director. The department tapped Eun Young Choi to serve as the first director of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. Choi has previously served the Justice Department as a senior counsel, an assistant U.S. Attorney and a lead prosecutor. "The NCET will play a pivotal role in ensuring that as the technology surrounding digital assets grows and evolves, the department in turn accelerates and expands its efforts to combat their illicit abuse by criminals of all kinds," Choi said.
International Community Responds to Russia’s Breach of Ukraine’s Borders
Diplomacy and International Law, Legal Battles, International Law, Justice, Sanctions, Types of News: Brief

International Community Responds to Russia’s Breach of Ukraine’s Borders

February 23, 2022—The international community rallied support for Ukraine and joined the United States in issuing new sanctions against Russia. It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine after recognizing them as independent states. Today, leaders from Poland and Lithuania stood by the side of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a news conference as he asked for an "immediate and harsh" response by the international community. And respond, they did. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and Canada announced new sanctions against Russia. This follows yesterday's announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden about the "first tranche of sanctions." In some cases, like those in the United Kingdo...