Politics
Putin raises nuclear alert level to 'special combat readiness'
According to widespread news reports, the Kremlin has raised Russia’s alert level of nuclear status getting the attention of U.S. and NATO allies
Politics
Putin recruits Syrian mercenaries as Russian ground forces falter
These war-hardened soldiers are expected to support the Russian armed forces as the Kremlin prepares to attempt to take Kyiv, where Ukrainian armed forces and civilian fighters are expected to fall back on guerrilla-style urban warfare to push back the invading force
Politics
Putin breaks 7-year-old cease fire, recognizes Ukrainian separatist regions
Although the Kremlin still denies any plan to attack its neighbor, the recognition of the rebel-held areas could pave the way for Moscow to send military forces into the two separatist regions
Business
Putin demands gas payments be made in rubles by April 1
"If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped"
Business
Putin's political party suggests nationalizing Western companies
A high ranking official of the United Russia party said Moscow should nationalize the operations of Western companies withdrawing from the country in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The official said the move would prevent job losses and help retain the domestic production of goods
Politics
Pope Francis blames 'barking of NATO at Russia's door' for Putin's invasion of Ukraine
"An anger that I don’t know if you can say was provoked, but maybe facilitated," the Pope told the newspaper Corriere della Sera
Politics
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg: Trump should negotiate with Putin over Ukraine
Kellogg said former president "understands negotiations, because you want somebody in there who's willing to walk away"
Politics
In a nod to Putin, Venezuelan dictatorship prepares to recognize separatist Ukrainian regions
Nicolas Maduro’s regime will likely announce the move by Wednesday at the latest, although “some details are still being finalized"
Human Rights
Brazil's president elect Lula said Zelensky "just as responsible" for war as Putin
He argued Zelensky should have “should have negotiated a little more” if he didn’t want war.