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Russia's main stock exchange, MOEX, halting dollar and euro trades following new U.S. sanctions takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
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Profit loss
It is reported that wildfires have burned around 32,000 hectares (79,000 acres) of tropical wetland in Brazil's Pantanal so far this year, a 935% increase in the number of fires that occurred in the same period last year.
Monday, 10 June, 2024
Ukraine is set to receive €1.5 billion in revenue from frozen Russian assets in July and an additional €1.9 billion this month under the Ukraine Facility, announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 11. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, von der Leyen emphasized accountability for Russia's actions. The EU Council decided on May 21 to use profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets to aid Ukraine, potentially providing €2.5-3 billion annually, primarily for military needs. Western allies froze around $300 billion in Russian assets at the start of the 2022 invasion.
Tuesday, 11 June, 2024
Russia's main stock exchange, MOEX, halted dollar and euro trades following new U.S. sanctions over its military actions in Ukraine. Announced on June 12, the sanctions target MOEX, which runs Russia's largest markets for various financial products and acts as the central securities depository and the largest clearing house for foreign currency transactions. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed these measures after President Putin introduced policies to attract capital through MOEX, enabling investments in Russian sovereign debt and defense entities, thus benefiting from the Kremlin's war efforts.
Wednesday, 12 June, 2024
Armenia became the 43rd signatory to the Artemis Accords in a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington, joining a framework established in 2020 to guide outer space exploration and use. Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan signed on behalf of Armenia, alongside Armenian officials and U.S. representatives, including NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The U.S. values expanded cooperation with Armenia and supports its efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The Accords now include 43 nations, affirming principles for sustainable civil space activity, with the U.S. State Department and NASA leading implementation.
Thursday, 13 June, 2024
Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term as South Africa’s president, calling his broad coalition government the "beginning of a new era." The inauguration took place on Wednesday in Pretoria. Ramaphosa now faces the challenge of forming a cabinet with his weakened African National Congress (ANC) and coalition partners. After May elections produced no outright winner, the ANC, which received 40% of the vote, formed a unity government with five other parties, including the centre-right Democratic Alliance. “The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance," Ramaphosa said.
Friday, 14 June, 2024
New China Coast Guard regulations effective Saturday permit officers to detain foreigners in disputed South China Sea areas for up to 60 days without trial. Beijing, which claims nearly the entire body of water, disregards competing claims from Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, and an international ruling against its stance. Recent confrontations have occurred around the Second Thomas Shoal. The new rules allow detention of foreigners suspected of violating border entry and exit regulations, and foreign ships illegally entering China's territorial waters may be detained with proper approval.
Saturday, 15 June, 2024
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced a pledge of 1.1 billion kroner ($103 million) to help Ukraine repair its energy infrastructure and ensure stable electricity before winter. Speaking at the Peace Summit, Støre emphasized Norway's support for Ukraine's self-defense and civilian aid. The funds will focus on restoring the power grid, including supplying electricity to hospitals in Kharkiv. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is also considering increased support. Ukrainian energy officials, including Volodymyr Kudrytsky of Ukrenergo, have warned of potential power outages and blackouts due to maintenance and recent Russian attacks.
Sunday, 16 June, 2024