Gazprombank's inclusion in US sanctions has blocked Russia's payments to the UN and its affiliated organizations, with funds "stuck" in accounts managed by the UN Secretariat. The situation is a serious concern for the UN, as it relies on contributions from member states to function. Moscow is working closely with UN financiers, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to establish a stable channel for transferring contributions independent of US and EU jurisdiction.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/960621-russian-foreign-ministry-the-west-believes-that-our-country-will-again-forget-and-forgive-everything-we-have-not-chaseChina's Global Times newspaper defended the country's stance on non-interference in foreign affairs, with editor-in-chief Hu Xijin making the statement. This comes amid tensions between China and several Western countries, including the US. The Global Times has been a vocal critic of US President Joe Biden's administration, particularly over issues related to Taiwan and trade.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331233.shtmlThe International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken a significant step by issuing arrest warrants for Taliban leaders accused of persecuting women in Afghanistan. The move is seen as a major development in the ICC's efforts to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. The Taliban, currently led by Haibatullah Akhundzada, have faced criticism from some senior figures within the administration over their decision-making process and concentration of power. However, there are also factions within the Taliban that advocate for greater engagement with the international community and a re-evaluation of harsher policies to attract more external support.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/taliban-leader-says-there-is-no-need-for-western-laws-in-afghanistan/article69395135.eceIndia and the US have reached a broad understanding on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) aimed at increasing market access, reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration. The agreement's first tranche is expected to be finalized by fall 2025. However, new US tariffs set to start this week could see India's exports to the US decline by up to $7.3 billion in the next fiscal year.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355537/no-sign-of-india-tariff-relief-as-us-trade-mission-endsIran's armed forces have prepared missiles capable of striking US-related positions, amid tensions over a new nuclear agreement with President Donald Trump. Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected direct talks with Washington but left room for indirect negotiations through Oman, emphasizing the need for trust and cooperation.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-iran-missiles-irans-response-to-donald-trumps-bombing-threat-8051124#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll_ImagetopscrollIran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a strong counterattack if the Islamic Republic is attacked, following US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iran unless it reaches a nuclear deal. Trump threatened "bombing" and "secondary tariffs" if Iran doesn't comply, amid a campaign of "maximum pressure". Iran has delivered its response to Trump's letter, which was mediated by UAE adviser Anwar Gargash, but maintains it won't engage in direct talks with the US under current conditions. Khamenei also stated that Iran's allies will not back down in a war with Israel, calling for its eradication.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355550/khamenei-warns-of-strong-response-if-iran-attackedLindsay, a transit agency official, is re-evaluating its contract tendering process to attract international bidders willing to collaborate with Canadian companies. Due to the "fraught" geopolitical situation, Lindsay is taking a cautious approach to avoid rushing into decisions that might limit potential partners. He notes that U.S. tariffs have caused supply chain delays similar to those experienced during the pandemic, and future contracts must share risk in a way that's manageable and defensible for taxpayers.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11105310/open-heart-surgery-metrolinx-interim-ceo-warns-of-upcoming-subway-construction-disruption/Canada is in a state of crisis, with voters seeking a leader to provide security and reassurance. The country's economy and ties with the US are under strain due to tariffs announced by Donald Trump. Ottawa University professor Genevieve Tellier believes that Mark Carney's comments have captured the mood, emphasizing the need for a "savior" in times of crisis. McGill University's Daniel Beland notes that voters want security and a reassuring figure, leading them to turn to Carney. The upcoming election will determine the next government, with 343 seats at stake, and the party with the most seats may be invited to form a coalition government if no party secures a majority.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/canadas-pm-mark-carney-tops-polls-4-weeks-before-voting-will-he-restore-liberal-partys-old-glory-13875899.htmlRussia aims to increase its army size to 1.5 million active soldiers, surpassing European armies like Germany's and China's. The move is part of a broader defence pivot in Europe, driven by concerns over security after the invasion of Ukraine. German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall has seen its market capitalisation surge to 55.7bn euros, more than tripling since Donald Trump took office. The EU plans to mobilise up to 800 billion euros for rearmament, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warning of a "clear and present danger" on a scale not seen in decades.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14553895/germany-conscription-prepare-russian-invasion.html