U.S. military assistance to Ukraine temporarily suspended
President Trump yesterday suspended delivery of military aid to Ukraine, according to a senior U.S. official, said the suspension would be in effect until Trump determines that he has demonstrated a well-intentioned commitment to peace talks with Russia.
The order took effect immediately and affected over $1 billion in weapons and ammunition in pipelines and order.
Earlier in the day, President Voldymi Zelensky returned to Ukraine after a warm embrace from a whirlwind diplomatic envoy and European leaders, including Trump's humiliation, at a confrontational oval office meeting. Zelensky vowed to use all diplomatic paths to pursue an end to the war, but he said “it has a long way to go.”
Russia has given no indication that it will accept conditions other than Ukraine's surrender and the permanent conquest of Ukraine's massive belt. Trump appears to be standing in Moscow. Ukrainians say they will not abandon their arms unless they receive a US-backed security guarantee to prevent another Russian attack.
Support: The UK and France have promised that the “coalition of will” will secure an armistice. But given that Russia rejected such a coalition as part of the settlement, how many countries step up, and even that matters? (Read more about what the cost of defending Ukraine is for European investors.)
War: Drones currently do most of the killings in the war, causing about 70% of deaths and injuries, the commander says.
Trump is set to impose drastic tariffs
President Trump's threat to impose strict tariffs on goods imported from Canada, Mexico and China is expected to become a reality today. Trump said yesterday that last minute deals would not have an opportunity to avoid them, and company executives and foreign authorities prepared.
The tariffs add a 25% charge to all Mexican and Canadian exports that meet across these borders, and an additional 10% added to Chinese goods. Canada is poised to retaliate as it could potentially trigger a trade war, and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said, “Whatever the decision is, we will make a decision.”
Trump describes tariffs as an effort to put pressure on these countries to stop the flow of immigration and deadly drugs. But speaking yesterday, he appears to be changing conditions, saying Canada and Mexico need to move automotive factories and other manufacturing industries to the US Canada and Mexico.
Effect: The announcement has brought the stock market down, bringing the S&P 500 down 1.8%, the worst day drop this year to date.
Automobiles: Customs duties could raise prices for new cars and trucks. Nissan and Stellantis could be hit hardest.
Division: What is behind Trump's love-hate relationship with Canada, one of the US's biggest trading partners?
Israel and Hamas are planning a possible return to war
As ceasefire debates continue between Israel and Hamas, both sides are preparing for efforts to fail and for reopening the conflict.
According to members of Hamas' military division, Hamas is creating improvised explosive devices, recruiting new members, and collecting mis-blown bombs to replace commanders. Israel is preparing extensively for a new, more intense campaign in Gaza, Israeli officials said.
In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians feel the impact of Israel's halt on all goods and humanitarian invasions as prices for food and other essential goods rise.
For over a decade, Barry Jour has served as a friend, drinking partner and helper for artist Francis Bacon. Ten days before Bacon passed away, he says he gave him a chunk of paper and artwork.
Part of the art world believes these works are authentic. Others, including Bacon's own real estate, are less certain. Is Joule the Secret Keeper of Bacon? Or is he misplaced at best, or at worst a fantasy and trickster?
Lives Lived: Khalil Fong is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter who infuses soul and R&B sensibilities into Chinese pop songs, and passed away at the age of 41.
Don't abandon the movie
Screenwriter Sean Baker was the biggest winner of the Academy Awards on Sunday night.
For my colleague Manora Dalgis, the chief film critic of the New York Times, his success was satisfying. His film “Anora” wrote in this review:
Upon accepting the Best Director Award, Baker made a plea that seemed to aim for a culture where great films can be seen on mobile phones. “This is my cries of fighting,” he said. “Filmmakers, keep making movies for the big screen.”
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