Tag Archives: Vladimir Putin

Previews: The Guardian Weekly – February 18

The spectre of war loomed over Europe this week as western allies began evacuating diplomats and citizens from Ukraine in the face of the massed Russian troops on its borders. Andrew RothSimon Tisdall and Julian Borger report for our big story this week, as the world waited anxiously to find out how far Vladimir Putin is prepared to go to achieve his goals.

When the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year, many feared the worst for the educational prospects of girls and women under an ultra-hardline Islamist regime. Yet remarkably, as Emma Graham-Harrison and Jordan Bryon report, some brave women have fought successfully for their right to continue to study.

In Opinion, the Observer’s Will Hutton argues against the decision to lift all Covid restrictions in England (and find out what scientists around the world think in Spotlight). Guardian Australia columnist Van Badham exposes the fakery of the global “freedom movement”, while Arthur Turrell celebrates what could be a breakthrough moment for nuclear fusion and energy production.

Morning News: Beijing Olympics Begins, Russia-Ukraine, Peru Politics

We discuss the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping as Russian troops continue to surround Ukraine. Plus: the political scandal engulfing Peru’s government and a Winter Olympics preview.

Morning News: Russia’s NATO Demands, Future Of Work, Garlic In Cuba

This week’s flurry of diplomacy aims to address what Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, says he wants. He cannot get it. Does an invasion of Ukraine hang in the balance? 

At an annual jamboree of economists our correspondent finds an unusual focus on the future—in particular the future of home working. And why Cuba has an enormous trade in grey-market garlic.

News Analysis: Putin’s Russia, Performative Work, Soccer’s Elite

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, how to talk to Mr Putinthe rise of performative work (9:45) and the lingering effects of covid-19 on elite footballers (15:00).

Morning News: Omicron Infections Soar, Maxwell Guilty, Russia-Ukraine

The Omicron variant is behind the new record for daily infections in the United States, but there are scientists who say it isn’t as bad as some may think.

A jury found British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of facilitating the abuse of underage girls at the hands of wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein. And, President Vladimir Putin has requested a phone call with President Joe Biden amid heightened tension on the Russian border with Ukraine.

Morning News: Covid Pill Approved, Capitol Hill Riot, Putin Conference

The FDA has approved the emergency use of Pfizer’s antiviral COVID pill. The House Select Committee investigating the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol wants to question Representative Jim Jordan. 

 And, the world is watching President Vladimir Putin’s annual year-end press conference a little closer this year as tensions rise on the border with Ukraine.

Analysis: Russia’s New Era Of Repression, Assisted Dying, Bananas In Turkey

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, the consequences of Russia’s new era of repression, why too many are still denied the right to die assisted dying (09:19) and why Turkey is deporting refugees for eating bananas (17:09).

Watch The Economist’s new documentary film, “Fearless: the women fighting Putin”

News: Top 5 Stories For June 17, 2021 (Reuters)

Five stories to know for June 17, 2021:

1. The Biden-Putin summit in Geneva highlighted huge differences but also small gains. Russia said arms control talks agreed with the U.S. should start within weeks.

2. U.S. Senate Democrats are scrambling to unite around a sweeping election reform bill that they aim to bring to a vote next week, in the face of Republican opposition and state moves to pass laws placing new restrictions on voting.

3. Biden is set to sign a bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday commemorating the end of legal enslavement of Black Americans.

4. Chinese state media quoted a disease expert saying the COVID-19 origins probe should shift to the United States after a study showed the disease could have been circulating there as early as December 2019. China’s top diplomat, said the idea that coronavirus escaped from a Wuhan laboratory is an “absurd story.”

5. Five hundred Hong Kong police officers sifted through reporters’ computers and notebooks at pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, alleging that Apple Daily articles violate the national security law

News: Top 5 Stories For June 16, 2021 (Reuters)

Five stories to know for June 16, 2021:

1. U.S. President Joe Biden meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva for their first face to face since he took office. Disagreements remain between the U.S. and Russia. Expectations for any breakthroughs are low.

2. Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza after Hamas launched fire balloons at Israel earlier in the day, which sparked fires. Tensions are high after an Israeli nationalist march in Jerusalem

3. The U.S. Senate voted to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

4. Taiwan reported a record incursion of Chinese aircraft after the G7 scolded Beijing and called for peace in the Taiwan Strait.

5. Fireworks lit up New York state as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. NY reported that 70% of adults have received at least one vaccine dose.

News Analysis: Putin’s Next Move, India’s Pandemic & The Rise Of Robot Critics

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, Putin’s next movethe pandemic in India (10:20) and the rise of the robot critic (18:35).