Ukraine Reinforces Embattled Bakhmut, but Mission Is Unclear
Amid persistent rumors of Ukrainian withdrawal from the war’s most prolonged battle, officials said nothing about the size or purpose of the reinforcement.
International Relations
U.S. Braces for G20 Clash Over Ukraine War
China is urging the start of peace talks and could raise that among the Group of 20 nations in India, but U.S. officials argue Russia would not negotiate in good faith.
Your Thursday Briefing: Nigeria’s New ‘Big Boss’
Also, a major tank battle in Ukraine and a deadly train wreck in Greece.
Blinken Finds Receptive Leaders in Central Asia, Where Russia Seeks Aid
The U.S. secretary of state’s diplomatic mission is part of a broader Biden administration effort to strengthen support for Ukraine, or at least push neutral nations to refrain from aiding Russia.
Your Wednesday Briefing: A U.S. Push to Isolate Russia
Also, China’s attempt to erase “zero Covid” and Nigeria’s contested election.
Chinese strategic interests in European ports
In 2021, the EU exported €223 billion of goods to China and imported goods worth €472 billion. China is thereby Europe’s foremost trading partner when it comes to imports of goods, of which a substantial part passes through EU ports, in particular maritime ports.
Sunak Hopes to Move Past Brexit, at Long Last, With E.U. Deal
In addition to removing an obstacle to London-Brussels relations, the Northern Ireland trade deal could remove Brexit from the center of British politics after seven divisive years.
Europe Struggles to Find Leopard 2 Tanks for Ukraine
The struggle to deliver on promises to provide Leopard 2 tanks for use against Russian forces has exposed just how unprepared European militaries are.
In Central Asia, Blinken Will Urge Distance From Russia, and Ukraine War
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is making the first trip by a Biden administration cabinet official to the former Soviet republics of Central Asia.
To Heal Brexit Wound, U.K. and E.U. Strike a Northern Ireland Trade Deal
A dispute left over from the Britain-European Union split has chilled relations, paralyzed Northern Ireland’s government, risked a trade war and even caused friction between London and Washington.