UKRAINE
President Joe Biden announced a new round of sanctions against Russia this afternoon. He put new restrictions on Russian banks and financial institutions. He banned the export of certain technologies to Russia. And Biden said the US will freeze assets belonging to Vladimir Putin’s friends.
Biden condemned what he called a quote "unprovoked and unjustified" attack,
And said that there would be more sanctions to come. He later spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pledge the United States’ support for Ukraine.
SOMALIA
The U.S. military announced today that a drone strike was carried out against Al Shabab militants in Somalia. The bombing took place earlier this week. The group is a suspected affiliate of Al-Qaeda, And the strikes mark the first American military action in East Africa since last August.
TAIWAN
Taiwan’s air force was called into action today when nine Chinese aircraft entered the country’s airspace. Some in Taiwan are concerned that China is using the global uproar over Ukraine as cover for invading the island nation.China claims Taiwan as its territory.
WHO
The World Health Organization announced a new distribution system for covid-19 vaccines in Africa. Instead of being sent vaccines, African countries can request the exact amount they need. The WHO hopes to reduce waste nand increase vaccination rates on the continent. Only 11 percent of Africans are vaccinated.
STOCKS
Stocks fell early today over concerns about potential cyberattacks from Russia. But tech stocks later rallied. The S&P 500 closed up one point four nine percent. Oil was up over 100 dollars a barrel.
Sarah Yokubaitis, Columbia Radio News
