February 23, 2022

*) US sanctions Russia after its recognition of breakaway regions US President Joe Biden has announced tough new sanctions on Russia. They include steps to starve Russia of financing and target financial institutions and the country's so-called elites. The move came after the sanctions announced by Britain and the European Union. But Biden left the door open to a final effort at diplomacy to avert a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin's recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk rebel republics in Ukraine has sent tensions soaring. *) Germany halts Nord Stream 2 project German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said he is suspending the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia. Scholz said he ordered a halt to the review process by the German regulator for the pipeline. The move is seen by Western partners and Kiev as a bargaining chip in the stand-off with Russia. Nord Stream 2 was set to deliver Russian natural gas to Germany via the Baltic Sea. Berlin's allies argue that the project would give Moscow too much leverage by increasing Germany's energy dependence. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy had demanded an immediate halt to the project. *) Iran nuclear talks in Vienna about to cross finish line Talks on restoring a deal to curb Iran's nuclear programme and ease sanctions are nearing conclusion. Several Iranian officials said some minor technical issues were being discussed in Vienna. While a deal is expected before the end of the week, the officials said "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed". Sources close to the negotiations also said a prisoner swap between Iran and the United States is expected soon. *) India donates wheat to Afghanistan after deal with Pakistan India has dispatched wheat to Afghanistan to help alleviate food shortages. Officials have flagged off the first convoy of 50 trucks carrying 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat at Attari in the northern state of Punjab. The move came after Pakistan gave permission to allow the shipments acro