What does Vladimir Putin really want in Ukraine?
Confusion, confusion, confusion! This is how Russian President Vladimir Putin, increasingly isolated from Western conversations, keeps the world on its toes. Because only he has any answers.
Kiev
Obama reconsiders supplying “lethal arms” to Ukraine
Though President Barack Obama has not yet decided whether to send “lethal assistance,” his administration is reviewing the issue after a surge in fighting between Kiev and Kremlin-backed rebels, the Times reported.
Rand flat as investors wait for U.S. jobs data
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s rand barely moved against the dollar early on Friday, taking direction from the euro, which took a breather following a plunge the previous session. The rand will likely trade within its recent ranges until later in the afternoon when the United States releases non-farm payrolls data. Investors are also watching … Read more
South Africa to supply Ukraine with one million tonnes of coal
Ukraine has announced that due to military conflict and disruptions to its coal production plants South Africa will be providing it with one million tonnes of coal. The relevant agreements have been signed and the vessel is loading for delivery. Interestingly this comes after Zuma’s visit to Russia amid rumors that Russian companies are in … Read more
Euro hits fresh lows, Asia shares at highs on ECB buzz
By Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) – The euro was cracking under pressure on Wednesday as feverish speculation of further policy stimulus in the euro zone drove bond yields to all-time lows and lifted Asian stocks to peaks not seen in almost seven years. The groundbreaking call by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi for more action on both the … Read more
Gold cuts losses on Ukraine tensions; holds near $1,300
By A. Ananthalakshmi SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Gold recovered modestly on Monday to trade just above $1,300 an ounce as escalating tensions in Ukraine sapped risk appetite, hurting stocks and bidding up safe-haven assets. Spot gold fell as much as 0.6 percent to $1,297 early in Asian trading but had settled down 0.2 percent at $1,301.20 by 0632 … Read more
Asian stocks stall as Ukraine sours mood, dollar sags
By Shinichi Saoshiro TOKYO (Reuters) – Asian stocks stalled and the dollar sagged against the safe-haven yen on Monday, as another bout of tensions in the Ukrainian conflict sapped investor confidence. Spreadbetters are picking European shares, which already had a chance on Friday to absorb renewed tensions in the Ukraine, to fare better. They forecast Britain’s FTSE … Read more
Asian shares edge up, poised for weekly rise
By Lisa Twaronite TOKYO (Reuters) – Asian shares pulled higher on Friday, on track for a winning week, while the euro remained close to nine-month lows after downbeat data raised expectations of more European Central Bank easing steps. Conciliatory comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday soothed some fears, although investors warily monitored the situation onUkraine border. Dozens of … Read more
Ukraine wants Russia punished for admitting Crimean clubs
Kiev, Ukraine | AFP | Ukrainian Football Federation boss Anatoly Konkov has called upon the world and European football ruling bodies to punish the Russian Football Union for admitting clubs from Crimea, which Russia annexed. A letter by Konkov posted at the official Football Federation of Ukraine site stated that “the Russian Football Union executive … Read more
Israel and Ukraine stripped of Davis Cup home ties
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Ongoing “political unrest” in Israel and Ukraine means neither country will be allowed to stage their respective Davis Cup World Group ties next month, world tennis’ governing body ruled on Tuesday. “It is always a very difficult decision for the ITF to take away choice of ground in Davis … Read more