Diplomacy
Russia said that ceasefire negotiations “are not continuing,” while Ukraine said they are “paused.” French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the phone, and they discussed, among other things, security guarantees that have been the subject of Ukraine-Russia negotiations. Zelenskyy also spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
President Joe Biden will meet with the Prime Minister of Sweden and President of Finland at the White House on Thursday. Switzerland is weighing closer ties to NATO. The U.S. says that Russia has barred its embassy from visiting WNBA superstar Brittney Griner.
The U.S. is weighing an arms deal with India to wean it off Russian weapons.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister visited The Hague.
Sanctions
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged the EU to step up Ukraine aid but is also urging the EU to “consider pricing mechanisms such as a price cap or tariff that would eat away at much of Russia’s oil profits.” The EU said that opening a ruble account would constitute a breach of sanctions, but some European energy companies are moving ahead anyway.
The Senate cleared a procedural hurdle on the latest Ukraine aid package.
Consequences
April trade data shows a sharp drop in exports to Russia from China (down 26%), Taiwan (down 67%), Vietnam (down 77%), and South Korea (down 71%).
Egypt says that 300,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat slated for delivery in February and March has not shipped.
AerCap Holdings, the largest aircraft leasing company in the world, said Russia seized 113 of its planes and 11 jet engines.
Ukraine Sitrep
The AP and PBS Frontline have verified 57 Ukrainian schools that have been damaged or destroyed in a manner indicative of potential war crimes.
Ukraine said 52 severely wounded soldiers at the Mariupol steel factory will be exchanged for Russian POWs, though Russia hasn’t committed to an exchange. Russian Members of Parliament are pushing for no prisoner exchange.
Moldova Sitrep
No news of note