Intergovernmental relations theme
Which pro-Ukrainian Westerner will be the first to suggest holding off on the peace agreement until Japan has given the green light for the use of Russian ports and territory in order to stop continued communist aggression?
Putin positive about Trump's peace agreement. Russia's President Vladimir Putin comments for the first time on Donald Trump's peace agreement for Ukraine. He says it could be a “basis” for a final agreement. – I believe it can be used as a basis for a final peaceful solution, Putin says in a televised statement, Reuters reports. See the article on SVT News.
Higher taxes for Russian small businesses are meant to save Putin's war economy. The expenses for the offensive war in Ukraine have pushed Russia's inflation up to 8 percent and growth is slowing down. At the same time, the country's oil revenues have decreased by 20 percent. To manage keeping the war machine running, the Kremlin must find money in new places. This time, it is small business owners who are in the line of fire.
The Russian daily newspaper Moskovskij Komsomolets reports that half of all clothing and shoe stores in Russia have already shut down and predicts that more small businesses will close due to the tax increases. Watch the segment on SVT News.
Von der Leyen: “The sanctions against Russia are working” During a press conference in connection with the G20, EU President Ursula von der Leyen once again expressed the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine.
This came after questions about Russia and Ukraine arose – for example, why not all sanctions against Russia had an immediate effect.
– Slowly but surely, the figures show that the sanctions are effective. And why not immediately? Because sanctions are often also a response to attempts to circumvent loopholes in the regulations.
Von der Leyen also plans to discuss the leaked peace plan with European leaders during the G20. – I will also contact President Zelensky to discuss the matter, she said. Watch the segment on SVT Nyheter.