Scientists believe that an invasive insect species called emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) can kill 1.26 million trees in the United States by 2050.

The beetle could wipe out ash trees in more than 6,000 urban areas, according to a new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

"These results can hopefully provide a cautionary tale against planting a single species of tree throughout entire cities, as has been done with ash trees in North America," says computational ecologist Emma Hudgins, from McGill University in Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-love-of-trees-or-a-display-of-power-the-odd-park-of-an-oligarch-445654">Also read |&nbsp;A love of trees or a display of power? The odd park of an oligarch.&nbsp;</a>

Researchers believe that the cost of replacing the trees and the associated damage could run up to $30 million a year on average.&nbsp;

However, these estimates hide substantial variation: 23 per cent of urban centres will experience 95 per cent of all insect-induced mortality.&nbsp;

"Many urban areas are dominated by a single tree species or genus, which means that a newly arrived insect for which those trees are a host can spread easily," says ecologist Frank Koch from the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station.

"On top of this, there are usually fewer natural predators and warmer temperatures compared to nearby natural forests, which can benefit invasive insect development."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-americas-cicada-plague-finally-winding-down-393942">Also read |&nbsp;Why is America's cicada plague finally winding down?</a>

In the US, 82 per cent of the population live in urban settings and this number is growing, making urban tree mortality a matter of concern for most of its population.

"Because a number of European countries are already dealing with ash dieback, preventing further spread of the emerald ash borer in Europe is critically important," says Koch. "Hopefully lessons learned from North America will be helpful in Europe."

Scientists have identified Asian wood borers of maple and oak trees as the highest risk future invaders, where a new establishment could cost almost $5 billion over 30 years.

The results of the study highlight the need for emerald ash borer (EAB) early-detection efforts.&nbsp;

Furthermore, these findings produce a list of biotic and spatiotemporal risk factors for future high-impact US urban forest insect pests.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists believe that an invasive insect species called emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) can kill 1.26 million trees in the United States by 2050. The beetle could wipe out ash trees in more than 6,000 urban areas, according to a new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Scientists believe that an invasive insect species called emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) can kill 1.26 million trees in the United States by 2050. The beetle could wipe out ash trees in more than 6,000 urban areas, according to a new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. "These results can hopefully provide a cautionary tale against planting a single species of tree throughout entire cities, as has been done with ash trees in North America," says computational ecologist Emma Hudgins, from McGill University in Canada. Also read | A love of trees or a display of power? The odd park of an oligarch. Researchers believe that the cost of replacing the trees and the associated damage could run up to $30 million a year on average. However, these estimates hide substantial variation: 23 per cent of urban centres will experience 95 per cent of all insect-induced mortality. "Many urban areas are dominated by a single tree species or genus, which means that a newly arrived insect for which those trees are a host can spread easily," says ecologist Frank Koch from the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station. "On top of this, there are usually fewer natural predators and warmer temperatures compared to nearby natural forests, which can benefit invasive insect development." Also read | Why is America's cicada plague finally winding down? In the US, 82 per cent of the population live in urban settings and this number is growing, making urban tree mortality a matter of concern for most of its population. "Because a number of European countries are already dealing with ash dieback, preventing further spread of the emerald ash borer in Europe is critically important," says Koch. "Hopefully lessons learned from North America will be helpful in Europe." Scientists have identified Asian wood borers of maple and oak trees as the highest risk future invaders, where a new establishment could cost almost $5 billion over 30 years. The results of the study highlight the need for emerald ash borer (EAB) early-detection efforts. Furthermore, these findings produce a list of biotic and spatiotemporal risk factors for future high-impact US urban forest insect pests. (With inputs from agencies)

This invasive insect species could kill 1.26 million trees in the US by 2050

A Honduran judge has ruled that former President of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez should be extradited to the United States where he will face weapons charges and charges of drug trafficking.<o:p></o:p>

The supreme court of Honduras gave their ruling on Wednesday and it was announced on their official Twitter page that it has decided to allow the US request for extradition.<o:p></o:p>

Hernandez was accused by prosecutors for the southern district of New York in the recent years for funding his political career with money that he earned from drug trafficking and in exchange for protecting various shipments. However, Hernandez has denied all charges till now.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-we-know-about-the-new-covid-19-variant-found-in-israel-463112">Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel</a>

According to The Guardian, the former first lady of Honduras Ana García Carías told journalists that she is confident that the truth would eventually come out and her husband be exonerated.<o:p></o:p>

“I regret that this happens to someone who has been an ally [of the US],” she said. “I ask myself, from this point on who else will want to work to combat drug trafficking in any country of the region or Honduras. If today they do this to the one who put himself out there, what can we expect?”<o:p></o:p>

Before the decision was announced, a court spokesman, Melvin Duarte, briefed the press about the activities inside the court. “In general terms he argued about the motives that have led to this extradition process against him, which he and his wife have said publicly,” Duarte said.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-to-get-us-stingers-javelin-anti-armour-systems-is-it-a-gamechanger-463142" hreflang="en">Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger?</a>

Hernandez will have an opportunity to appeal against the extradition decision.<o:p></o:p>

“We still have an appeal that must be examined,” said Iván Martínez, one of Hernández’s lawyers. “We have three days to analyse the decision taken today and make our case in line with law.”<o:p></o:p>

A Honduran judge has ruled that former President of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez should be extradited to the United States where he will face weapons charges and charges of drug trafficking.

A Honduran judge has ruled that former President of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez should be extradited to the United States where he will face weapons charges and charges of drug trafficking. The supreme court of Honduras gave their ruling on Wednesday and it was announced on their official Twitter page that it has decided to allow the US request for extradition. Hernandez was accused by prosecutors for the southern district of New York in the recent years for funding his political career with money that he earned from drug trafficking and in exchange for protecting various shipments. However, Hernandez has denied all charges till now. Also read | Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel According to The Guardian, the former first lady of Honduras Ana García Carías told journalists that she is confident that the truth would eventually come out and her husband be exonerated. “I regret that this happens to someone who has been an ally [of the US],” she said. “I ask myself, from this point on who else will want to work to combat drug trafficking in any country of the region or Honduras. If today they do this to the one who put himself out there, what can we expect?” Before the decision was announced, a court spokesman, Melvin Duarte, briefed the press about the activities inside the court. “In general terms he argued about the motives that have led to this extradition process against him, which he and his wife have said publicly,” Duarte said. Also read | Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger? Hernandez will have an opportunity to appeal against the extradition decision. “We still have an appeal that must be examined,” said Iván Martínez, one of Hernández’s lawyers. “We have three days to analyse the decision taken today and make our case in line with law.”

Judge grants US extradition request for former Honduras president

US Vice President Kamala Harris’s office is facing another high-profile departure as Sabrina Singh is all set to step down from her role as the deputy press secretary. Singh will be moving to the defence department for a new role, according to an internal email obtained by multiple US media outlets.<o:p></o:p>

Jamal Simmons, the communications director for Kamala Harris, wrote in the internal memo about the ‘sad news’ of Singh’s departure from her role. "We will miss her institutional knowledge, strategic counsel and rapid-fire e-mail fingers," Simmons wrote in the memo.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/targeting-civilians-is-a-war-crime-antony-blinken-believes-russia-guilty-of-committing-war-crimes-463292">Antony Blinken believes Russia guilty of committing war crimes</a>

Singh has served as deputy press secretary since the beginning of the administration. She was one of the longest serving aides in a team which has employed a number of newcomers in the recent past. <o:p></o:p>

Singh was hired in March 2020 to manage the communications for political operations, and she became a key advisor during the general elections.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-seeks-bidens-support-to-join-nato-report-463258">Kosovo seeks Biden's support to join NATO: Report</a>

A source told CBS News that Harris has decided to "reconfigure" her communications department after the recent departure that followed former press secretary Symone Sanders and communications director Ashley Etienne.<o:p></o:p>

The new press secretary will be Ernesto "Ernie" Apreza. Apreza, which is part of the White House at the moment in the Office of Public Engagement, was a part of the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign as well as Harris’ own campaign back in 2019.<o:p></o:p>

Simmons also told the staff in the email that a new press secretary has been hired — "she will be a fantastic leader" of the communications team, he wrote. <o:p></o:p>

There were also a couple of more changes to Harris’ office – Herbie Ziskend joined as a senior communications adviser while Rachel Palermo was appointed the new deputy communications director.

<o:p></o:p>

Watch | Polish Prez, US VP Kamala Harris hold joint presser on ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/polish-prez-us-vp-kamala-harris-hold-joint-presser-on-ongoing-russia-ukraine-crisis-460996/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris’s office is facing another high-profile departure as Sabrina Singh is all set to step down from her role as the deputy press secretary.

US Vice President Kamala Harris’s office is facing another high-profile departure as Sabrina Singh is all set to step down from her role as the deputy press secretary. Singh will be moving to the defence department for a new role, according to an internal email obtained by multiple US media outlets. Jamal Simmons, the communications director for Kamala Harris, wrote in the internal memo about the ‘sad news’ of Singh’s departure from her role. "We will miss her institutional knowledge, strategic counsel and rapid-fire e-mail fingers," Simmons wrote in the memo. Also read | Antony Blinken believes Russia guilty of committing war crimes Singh has served as deputy press secretary since the beginning of the administration. She was one of the longest serving aides in a team which has employed a number of newcomers in the recent past. Singh was hired in March 2020 to manage the communications for political operations, and she became a key advisor during the general elections. Also read | Kosovo seeks Biden's support to join NATO: Report A source told CBS News that Harris has decided to "reconfigure" her communications department after the recent departure that followed former press secretary Symone Sanders and communications director Ashley Etienne. The new press secretary will be Ernesto "Ernie" Apreza. Apreza, which is part of the White House at the moment in the Office of Public Engagement, was a part of the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign as well as Harris’ own campaign back in 2019. Simmons also told the staff in the email that a new press secretary has been hired — "she will be a fantastic leader" of the communications team, he wrote. There were also a couple of more changes to Harris’ office – Herbie Ziskend joined as a senior communications adviser while Rachel Palermo was appointed the new deputy communications director. Watch | Polish Prez, US VP Kamala Harris hold joint presser on ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris's deputy press secretary is leaving her office, in latest high-profile departure

When President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared to reporters, almost off the cuff, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “war criminal,” he was speaking from the heart, his aides said, reacting to the wrenching images of civilians — including children — being dragged, dead or disfigured, from ruins of buildings shelled by Russian forces.

But he was also personalizing the conflict, in a way past presidents have avoided at moments of crisis with the United States’ leading nuclear-armed adversary. And his remark underscored how personal condemnation has become policy, as Biden and his top aides frame Putin as a pariah, an indiscriminate killer who should be standing trial at The Hague.

Biden amplified his attacks Thursday, calling Putin “a murderous dictator, a pure thug who is waging an immoral war against the people of Ukraine.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken chimed in, saying: “Personally, I agree. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime.”

But what began as a visceral reaction appears to reflect a strategic decision. Branding Putin as a war criminal supports the administration’s case as it simultaneously tries to keep the Western alliance unified and attempts to pressure China not to bail Putin out of his economic crisis and military mistakes. That effort will face a new test Friday, when Biden is scheduled to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since the invasion, and warn him against supplying weapons to Putin.

And Biden’s comments came after three weeks in which the United States and its allies piled sanctions on Russia that the administration said were designed to force Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine. But diplomats and intelligence officials from several countries say those sanctions are seen by Putin as an effort to stoke Russian unrest, turning both wealthy oligarchs and ordinary Russians against his rule.

The White House says that “regime change” in Russia is not on Washington’s strategic agenda. But in past cases when presidents have called national leaders war criminals — Iraq's Saddam Hussein or Syria's Bashar Assad — it has frequently been linked to an effort, covert or overt, to drive them from office.

When promised anonymity, many American officials say that they cannot imagine that Ukraine could be safe from Russian military action while Putin, stewing in grievances and now angry at his own military’s performance, is still in office.

Last week, CIA Director William Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow who knew Putin as he tightened his control over Russia, told the House Intelligence Committee that Putin’s moves have been “premeditated and savage.” He predicted that Putin was “likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties.”

“He has no sustainable political endgame in the face of what is going to continue to be fierce resistance from Ukrainians,” Burns said.

Other U.S. intelligence officials have said that Putin views the conflict not only as a war to reclaim Ukraine but to push back on American power. They said he increasingly sees himself wrapped in a struggle with Biden, whom he views as the last of a generation of Washington Cold Warriors.

Biden and Putin have not talked since Feb. 12, when the American president made one last attempt to warn the Russian leader that an attack would lead to crushing sanctions, more arms to the Ukrainians and a major buildup of troops and arms on NATO’s eastern front. That buildup was exactly the result Putin was trying to forestall.

It is almost unimaginable that the two men will be dealing with each other directly anytime soon. Hours after Biden’s “war criminal” comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov called the characterization “unacceptable and unforgivable rhetoric.”

Putin has not said much about Biden, but he vowed this week to cleanse Russia of “scum and traitors” who he said were being organized by the West as a “fifth column” to destroy the country.

The enmity between the two men has been barely disguised for years, since the day when Biden, as vice president, by his account told Putin that he had looked in his eyes and had seen no soul. “We understand one another,” Putin is said to have replied.

But it comes at a moment when Washington’s biggest concern is that Putin will escalate the war — and reach for weapons of mass destruction.

Just hours before Biden’s declaration, his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told Nikolai Patrushev, Putin’s main national security adviser, that “any possible Russian decision to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine” would result in an even harsher Western response. Several of Biden's aides have been concerned that if the Russian leader feels cornered or believes the United States is trying to foment opposition, the chances that he will reach for such weapons could be heightened.

So, the debate underway in Washington now is what, exactly, might trigger Putin. Some believe he could lash out if dissent in Russia, already visible in street demonstrations, poses a real threat. Others believe that his trigger point might be a more direct entry into the war by NATO countries. They are already providing anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons that have contributed to what the Pentagon now estimates is a Russian death toll of at least 7,000 troops.

One former intelligence official noted that it was Hillary Rodham Clinton’s support for anti-Putin street demonstrations in Russia that prompted him to order the hacking of the Democratic National Committee when Clinton was running for president in 2016. Putin is a believer, the official said, in retribution.

Putin would have good reason to think the Biden administration is looking forward to his exit, although U.S. officials choose their words carefully to avoid the implication that Washington’s policy is to speed the process. Blinken, speaking to reporters Thursday, said that “when all is said and done, an independent Ukraine will be there, and at some point Vladimir Putin will not.”

The last time an American president went head to head with a Russian or Soviet leader with so much at stake was 60 years ago, during the Cuban missile crisis, widely regarded as the closest the world came to Armageddon. And yet at that moment, in October 1962, President John F. Kennedy’s instinct was to avoid personalizing the conflict — and to help his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, find a way out of direct confrontation.

“I think it is the most natural comparison to this moment,” said Fredrik Logevall, a Harvard historian and Kennedy biographer.

“He kept warning the members of X-COMM that they had to see things from Khrushchev’s perspective,” he said, referring to the committee Kennedy established to guide through the 13 days of the crisis. “He said we had to give him something here to step away. And he was careful in his public comments not to personalize his criticisms of Khrushchev himself. It’s a direct contrast to what Biden did.”

Putin is not the first foreign adversary Biden has called a war criminal, as he himself recounted in “Promises to Keep,” a 2007 memoir. He recalled meeting Slobodan Milosevic, president of Serbia and then of Yugoslavia, who ultimately became the first sitting head of a government to be charged with war crimes.

“He could tell I had just about had it with his lies, and at one point he looked up from the maps and said, without any emotion, ‘What do you think of me?’” Biden wrote.

“‘I think you’re a damn war criminal and you should be tried as one,’” Biden wrote. “I was looking right in Milosevic’s eyes, and his expression didn’t change. There was not the slightest twitch in his face. It was like I’d just told him he was a wonderful guy.”

Blinken said the president was now willing to go further with Putin, and begin collecting evidence of war crimes. “So when I tell you that there will be accountability and consequences for any war crimes that have been committed,” Blinken said Thursday, “I hope you’ll take me at my word, but actions always speak louder than words.”

When President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared to reporters, almost off the cuff, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “war criminal,” he was speaking from the heart, his aides said, reacting to the wrenching images of civilians — including children — being dragged, dead or disfigured, from ruins of buildings shelled by Russian forces.

When President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared to reporters, almost off the cuff, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “war criminal,” he was speaking from the heart, his aides said, reacting to the wrenching images of civilians — including children — being dragged, dead or disfigured, from ruins of buildings shelled by Russian forces. But he was also personalizing the conflict, in a way past presidents have avoided at moments of crisis with the United States’ leading nuclear-armed adversary. And his remark underscored how personal condemnation has become policy, as Biden and his top aides frame Putin as a pariah, an indiscriminate killer who should be standing trial at The Hague. Biden amplified his attacks Thursday, calling Putin “a murderous dictator, a pure thug who is waging an immoral war against the people of Ukraine.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken chimed in, saying: “Personally, I agree. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime.” But what began as a visceral reaction appears to reflect a strategic decision. Branding Putin as a war criminal supports the administration’s case as it simultaneously tries to keep the Western alliance unified and attempts to pressure China not to bail Putin out of his economic crisis and military mistakes. That effort will face a new test Friday, when Biden is scheduled to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since the invasion, and warn him against supplying weapons to Putin. And Biden’s comments came after three weeks in which the United States and its allies piled sanctions on Russia that the administration said were designed to force Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine. But diplomats and intelligence officials from several countries say those sanctions are seen by Putin as an effort to stoke Russian unrest, turning both wealthy oligarchs and ordinary Russians against his rule. The White House says that “regime change” in Russia is not on Washington’s strategic agenda. But in past cases when presidents have called national leaders war criminals — Iraq's Saddam Hussein or Syria's Bashar Assad — it has frequently been linked to an effort, covert or overt, to drive them from office. When promised anonymity, many American officials say that they cannot imagine that Ukraine could be safe from Russian military action while Putin, stewing in grievances and now angry at his own military’s performance, is still in office. Last week, CIA Director William Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow who knew Putin as he tightened his control over Russia, told the House Intelligence Committee that Putin’s moves have been “premeditated and savage.” He predicted that Putin was “likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties.” “He has no sustainable political endgame in the face of what is going to continue to be fierce resistance from Ukrainians,” Burns said. Other U.S. intelligence officials have said that Putin views the conflict not only as a war to reclaim Ukraine but to push back on American power. They said he increasingly sees himself wrapped in a struggle with Biden, whom he views as the last of a generation of Washington Cold Warriors. Biden and Putin have not talked since Feb. 12, when the American president made one last attempt to warn the Russian leader that an attack would lead to crushing sanctions, more arms to the Ukrainians and a major buildup of troops and arms on NATO’s eastern front. That buildup was exactly the result Putin was trying to forestall. It is almost unimaginable that the two men will be dealing with each other directly anytime soon. Hours after Biden’s “war criminal” comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov called the characterization “unacceptable and unforgivable rhetoric.” Putin has not said much about Biden, but he vowed this week to cleanse Russia of “scum and traitors” who he said were being organized by the West as a “fifth column” to destroy the country. The enmity between the two men has been barely disguised for years, since the day when Biden, as vice president, by his account told Putin that he had looked in his eyes and had seen no soul. “We understand one another,” Putin is said to have replied. But it comes at a moment when Washington’s biggest concern is that Putin will escalate the war — and reach for weapons of mass destruction. Just hours before Biden’s declaration, his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told Nikolai Patrushev, Putin’s main national security adviser, that “any possible Russian decision to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine” would result in an even harsher Western response. Several of Biden's aides have been concerned that if the Russian leader feels cornered or believes the United States is trying to foment opposition, the chances that he will reach for such weapons could be heightened. So, the debate underway in Washington now is what, exactly, might trigger Putin. Some believe he could lash out if dissent in Russia, already visible in street demonstrations, poses a real threat. Others believe that his trigger point might be a more direct entry into the war by NATO countries. They are already providing anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons that have contributed to what the Pentagon now estimates is a Russian death toll of at least 7,000 troops. One former intelligence official noted that it was Hillary Rodham Clinton’s support for anti-Putin street demonstrations in Russia that prompted him to order the hacking of the Democratic National Committee when Clinton was running for president in 2016. Putin is a believer, the official said, in retribution. Putin would have good reason to think the Biden administration is looking forward to his exit, although U.S. officials choose their words carefully to avoid the implication that Washington’s policy is to speed the process. Blinken, speaking to reporters Thursday, said that “when all is said and done, an independent Ukraine will be there, and at some point Vladimir Putin will not.” The last time an American president went head to head with a Russian or Soviet leader with so much at stake was 60 years ago, during the Cuban missile crisis, widely regarded as the closest the world came to Armageddon. And yet at that moment, in October 1962, President John F. Kennedy’s instinct was to avoid personalizing the conflict — and to help his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, find a way out of direct confrontation. “I think it is the most natural comparison to this moment,” said Fredrik Logevall, a Harvard historian and Kennedy biographer. “He kept warning the members of X-COMM that they had to see things from Khrushchev’s perspective,” he said, referring to the committee Kennedy established to guide through the 13 days of the crisis. “He said we had to give him something here to step away. And he was careful in his public comments not to personalize his criticisms of Khrushchev himself. It’s a direct contrast to what Biden did.” Putin is not the first foreign adversary Biden has called a war criminal, as he himself recounted in “Promises to Keep,” a 2007 memoir. He recalled meeting Slobodan Milosevic, president of Serbia and then of Yugoslavia, who ultimately became the first sitting head of a government to be charged with war crimes. “He could tell I had just about had it with his lies, and at one point he looked up from the maps and said, without any emotion, ‘What do you think of me?’” Biden wrote. “‘I think you’re a damn war criminal and you should be tried as one,’” Biden wrote. “I was looking right in Milosevic’s eyes, and his expression didn’t change. There was not the slightest twitch in his face. It was like I’d just told him he was a wonderful guy.” Blinken said the president was now willing to go further with Putin, and begin collecting evidence of war crimes. “So when I tell you that there will be accountability and consequences for any war crimes that have been committed,” Blinken said Thursday, “I hope you’ll take me at my word, but actions always speak louder than words.”

By labeling Putin a 'war criminal,' Biden personalizes the conflict

Critics question US govt policy as the country has only admitted several hundred Ukrainian refugees so far

President Joe Biden said that the US has offered Ukraine $1bn in security aid, adding America will continue to give Ukraine weapons to fight and defend themselves. WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani brings you more on this.

United States announces $1 billion arms aid to Ukraine

US president Joe Biden has announced more security assistance to Ukraine to help it fight and defend itself against Russia; this after President Zelensky's address in US congress.

United States to provide military assistance to Kyiv

The US second gentleman,&nbsp;Doug&nbsp;Emhoff, has tested positive for Covid-19, but his wife Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative, the White House said Tuesday.

The news was the latest sign that the coronavirus continues to spread, even among some of the most carefully shielded members of the Washington elite.

Harris' deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, said that the "vice president tested negative for Covid-19 and will continue to test."

However after&nbsp;Emhoff&nbsp;-- an attorney who is the first to hold the second gentleman title after his wife became the first woman ever to win the US vice presidency -- tested positive, Harris canceled a planned appearance at a White House event celebrating Women's History Month.

President Joe Biden told the audience at the event that Harris "chose not to take a chance" and "out of an abundance of caution she chose not to join us today."

However, he said that&nbsp;Emhoff&nbsp;"is fine."

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Earlier today, the <a href="https://twitter.com/SecondGentleman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecondGentleman</a> tested positive for COVID-19. Doug is doing fine and we are grateful to be vaccinated and boosted. I have tested negative and will continue to test. 
 
Please get vaccinated and boosted if you haven't already.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1503892552856084481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The US second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, has tested positive for Covid-19, but his wife Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative, the White House said Tuesday. The news was the latest sign that the coronavirus continues to spread, even among some of the most carefully shielded members of the Washington elite.

The US second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, has tested positive for Covid-19, but his wife Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative, the White House said Tuesday. The news was the latest sign that the coronavirus continues to spread, even among some of the most carefully shielded members of the Washington elite. Harris' deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, said that the "vice president tested negative for Covid-19 and will continue to test." However after Emhoff -- an attorney who is the first to hold the second gentleman title after his wife became the first woman ever to win the US vice presidency -- tested positive, Harris canceled a planned appearance at a White House event celebrating Women's History Month. President Joe Biden told the audience at the event that Harris "chose not to take a chance" and "out of an abundance of caution she chose not to join us today." However, he said that Emhoff "is fine." Earlier today, the @SecondGentleman tested positive for COVID-19. Doug is doing fine and we are grateful to be vaccinated and boosted. I have tested negative and will continue to test. Please get vaccinated and boosted if you haven't already. — Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 16, 2022 ×

US second gentleman Doug Emhoff tests positive for COVID-19

In the last 5 years, global arms trade shrank 5%. But Europe's weapons imports surged 19%. Is America laying the groundwork for an insurgency in Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US turning Ukraine into the next Afghanistan?

US media reports say Russia is seeking military support from China. Beijing has rejected the claims as American disinformation. Does Putin really need Chinese weapons to beat Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US warns China against helping Russia

The United States has issued a stern warning to China saying that it will face harsh consequences if it helps Moscow evade west imposed sanctions. Beijing meanwhile has accused Washington of spreading disinformation over China's role in the Ukraine war.

'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning

On Thursday, the US Department of Justice announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic fraud, which is estimated to have cost the government more than $8 billion.

President Joe Biden has welcomed the appointment of a chief pandemic prosecutor and promised to "escalate our efforts to crack down on bad actors."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-sees-a-surge-in-cases-for-people-aged-55-and-above-460980" hreflang="en">COVID-19: UK sees a surge in cases for people aged 55 and above</a>

Justice Department officials said they have already initiated criminal and civil enforcement actions involving more than $8 billion in alleged pandemic relief fraud in a statement announcing the new position.

More than 1,000 defendants have been charged with crimes over alleged losses exceeding $1.1 billion, according to the Justice Department.

Additionally, more than 240 civil investigations have been opened into more than 1,800 individuals and entities for alleged misconduct with pandemic relief loans, totalling over $6 billion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-xenotransplantation-is-animal-to-human-organ-transplant-likely-to-succeed-in-the-near-future-461144" hreflang="en">Explainer: Xenotransplantation; Is animal to human organ transplant likely to succeed in the near future?</a>

More than $1 billion in illegally obtained Economic Injury Disaster Loans have also been seized, according to the federal law enforcement agency.

Kevin Chambers will fill the new position as associate deputy attorney general.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US officials knew about China's Wuhan cover-up?

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"The Justice Department remains committed to using every available federal tool -- including criminal, civil, and administrative actions -- to combat and prevent Covid-19 related fraud," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

For Americans affected by the pandemic's economic effects, the US Congress has allotted trillions of dollars in emergency financial assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, the US Department of Justice announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic fraud, which is estimated to have cost the government more than $8 billion.

On Thursday, the US Department of Justice announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic fraud, which is estimated to have cost the government more than $8 billion. President Joe Biden has welcomed the appointment of a chief pandemic prosecutor and promised to "escalate our efforts to crack down on bad actors." Also read | COVID-19: UK sees a surge in cases for people aged 55 and above Justice Department officials said they have already initiated criminal and civil enforcement actions involving more than $8 billion in alleged pandemic relief fraud in a statement announcing the new position. More than 1,000 defendants have been charged with crimes over alleged losses exceeding $1.1 billion, according to the Justice Department. Additionally, more than 240 civil investigations have been opened into more than 1,800 individuals and entities for alleged misconduct with pandemic relief loans, totalling over $6 billion. Also read | Explainer: Xenotransplantation; Is animal to human organ transplant likely to succeed in the near future? More than $1 billion in illegally obtained Economic Injury Disaster Loans have also been seized, according to the federal law enforcement agency. Kevin Chambers will fill the new position as associate deputy attorney general. Watch | Gravitas: US officials knew about China's Wuhan cover-up? "The Justice Department remains committed to using every available federal tool -- including criminal, civil, and administrative actions -- to combat and prevent Covid-19 related fraud," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. For Americans affected by the pandemic's economic effects, the US Congress has allotted trillions of dollars in emergency financial assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

As Covid fraud exceeds $8 million in US, justice department names chief prosecutor to investigate

Global oil prices soared Tuesday as President Joe Biden announced that the United States will ban imports of Russian energy — a move that could have a dramatic impact in punishing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime for its invasion of Ukraine. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.

US bans Russian energy imports | WION-VOA CO-Production

The issue of bio weapons being used in the war in Ukraine has now reached the United Nations Security Council. An emergency meeting of the council has been called today at the request of Russia as Moscow alleges that the United States is funding research into creating bio weapons in Ukraine.

Russia: United States is funding bioweapons in Ukraine

US lawmakers are seeking sanctions against Pakistan a bill was tabled this week by the Republican Congressman Scott Perry, it calls for the designation of Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

US Bill: Designate Pakistan as terror sponsor

North Korea will launch a number of reconnaissance satellites in coming years to provide real-time information on military actions by the United States and its allies.

North Korea to launch satellites to monitor US and its allies

A plane carrying former United States President Donald Trump had made an emergency landing in New Orleans on March 5, Reuters reported on March 9 citing a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump&nbsp;has urged his supporters to fund a new plane for him after the emergency landing incident, Independent reported quoting an e-mail.&nbsp;

The snap of the mail went viral on social media as it was written, "Do you remember Trump Force One?"

"Before becoming the greatest President of all time, I traveled the Country in my plane, known as Trump Force One. I have a very important update on my plane, but I need to trust that you won’t share it with anyone: my team is building a BRAND NEW Trump Force One."&nbsp;

It was then added that the construction of this plane has been "under wraps-not even the fake news media knows about it-and I can't wait to unveil it for everyone else."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-helping-russia-to-counter-wests-information-war-on-ukraine-report-460899">China helping Russia to counter West’s information war on Ukraine: Report</a>

Regarding emergency landing, Trump was returning to his home in Palm Beach, Florida, after his speech at a Republican National Committee-hosted donor retreat in New Orleans.&nbsp;

The report added that the emergency landing of the private plane was made when it experienced engine failure over the Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp;

The aircraft was in the air for between 20 and 30 minutes but as soon as the issue was identified, the pilot decided to turn around and return to the New Orleans airport.&nbsp;

In terms of distance, the plane, a Dassault Falcon 900, had gone about 75 miles before turning back to the city, the person said, adding that other passengers included Secret Service agents, support staff and some of Trump's advisers.

The plane belonged to a donor who loaned it to the former president for the evening, the source said, and Trump advisers secured another donor's plane to take him back to Florida.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Decoding US President Joe Biden's oil embargo on Russia: Will it cripple Putin's war machine?

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(With inputs from agencies)

A plane carrying former United States President Donald Trump had made an emergency landing in New Orleans on March 5, Reuters reported on March 9 citing a source familiar with the matter.

A plane carrying former United States President Donald Trump had made an emergency landing in New Orleans on March 5, Reuters reported on March 9 citing a source familiar with the matter. Meanwhile, Trump has urged his supporters to fund a new plane for him after the emergency landing incident, Independent reported quoting an e-mail. The snap of the mail went viral on social media as it was written, "Do you remember Trump Force One?" "Before becoming the greatest President of all time, I traveled the Country in my plane, known as Trump Force One. I have a very important update on my plane, but I need to trust that you won’t share it with anyone: my team is building a BRAND NEW Trump Force One." It was then added that the construction of this plane has been "under wraps-not even the fake news media knows about it-and I can't wait to unveil it for everyone else." ALSO READ | China helping Russia to counter West’s information war on Ukraine: Report Regarding emergency landing, Trump was returning to his home in Palm Beach, Florida, after his speech at a Republican National Committee-hosted donor retreat in New Orleans. The report added that the emergency landing of the private plane was made when it experienced engine failure over the Gulf of Mexico. The aircraft was in the air for between 20 and 30 minutes but as soon as the issue was identified, the pilot decided to turn around and return to the New Orleans airport. In terms of distance, the plane, a Dassault Falcon 900, had gone about 75 miles before turning back to the city, the person said, adding that other passengers included Secret Service agents, support staff and some of Trump's advisers. The plane belonged to a donor who loaned it to the former president for the evening, the source said, and Trump advisers secured another donor's plane to take him back to Florida. WATCH | Decoding US President Joe Biden's oil embargo on Russia: Will it cripple Putin's war machine? × (With inputs from agencies)

Plane of former US President Donald Trump made emergency landing over weekend

The United States has rejected Poland's offer to send mig-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via its air base. The US says that the proposal raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance here's what the proposal entails.

US rejects Poland's offer on MIG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

Dealing a crippling blow to Russia's economy the United States announced a ban on all imports of Russian oil as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues with civilian death toll mounting and refugees fleeing the war-torn country.

United States announces ban on imports of oil, big blow to Russian economy

Indian Wells organisers said on Tuesday that world number two Novak Djokovic had been placed in the tournament's draw but it was unclear if the Serbian would be permitted to enter the United States.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner has refused to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine and previously said he was prepared to miss tournaments as a consequence.

"Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team," Indian Wells organisers wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-bowlers-shine-as-west-indies-beat-england-by-7-runs-in-a-thriller-460471">Women's World Cup: Bowlers shine as West Indies beat England by 7 runs in a thriller</a>

"However, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approval to enter the country."

The Indian Wells men's draw on Tuesday showed he had a first-round bye.

The CDC website as of March 3 indicated non-U.S. citizens who are not immigrants must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to travel by air to the United States.

Djokovic was unable to compete at the Australian Open after immigration authorities detained him on Jan. 6, prompting a legal rollercoaster ride over the country's COVID-19 entry rules that led to the cancellation of his visa later that month.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-paralympic-winter-games-ukraine-ranks-second-in-medal-tally-amid-war-crisis-460460">Beijing Paralympic Winter Games: Ukraine ranks second in medal tally amid war crisis</a>

The California tournament, often referred to as tennis'&nbsp;"fifth major," is expected to welcome a full house after it was cancelled in 2020 and moved to October last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The women's first-round begins Wednesday while the men's starts Thursday.

With former world number one Roger Federer out of the tournament as he recovers from knee surgery and Djokovic previously presumed absent, Spaniard Rafa Nadal was widely favoured to pick up his fourth Indian Wells title and a men's record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open after winning the Australian Open in January.

Djokovic most recently competed in Dubai in February, where Czech Jiri Vesely stunned him in the quarter-finals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-turns-back-the-clock-goes-bonkers-and-slams-big-sixes-in-csk-nets-before-ipl-2022-460458">Watch: MS Dhoni turns back the clock, goes bonkers and slams big sixes in CSK nets before IPL 2022</a>

The loss meant that he would lose his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his maiden major title in Flushing Meadows in September and is the top seed at Indian Wells.

France loosened COVID-19 restrictions earlier this month, with vaccine passports no longer mandatory as of March 14, opening the door for the 34-year-old to mount a title defence at Roland Garros beginning May.

Indian Wells organisers said on Tuesday that world number two Novak Djokovic had been placed in the tournament's draw but it was unclear if the Serbian would be permitted to enter the United States.

Indian Wells organisers said on Tuesday that world number two Novak Djokovic had been placed in the tournament's draw but it was unclear if the Serbian would be permitted to enter the United States. The 20-time Grand Slam winner has refused to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine and previously said he was prepared to miss tournaments as a consequence. "Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team," Indian Wells organisers wrote on Twitter. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: Bowlers shine as West Indies beat England by 7 runs in a thriller "However, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approval to enter the country." The Indian Wells men's draw on Tuesday showed he had a first-round bye. The CDC website as of March 3 indicated non-U.S. citizens who are not immigrants must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to travel by air to the United States. Djokovic was unable to compete at the Australian Open after immigration authorities detained him on Jan. 6, prompting a legal rollercoaster ride over the country's COVID-19 entry rules that led to the cancellation of his visa later that month. ALSO READ: Beijing Paralympic Winter Games: Ukraine ranks second in medal tally amid war crisis The California tournament, often referred to as tennis' "fifth major," is expected to welcome a full house after it was cancelled in 2020 and moved to October last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The women's first-round begins Wednesday while the men's starts Thursday. With former world number one Roger Federer out of the tournament as he recovers from knee surgery and Djokovic previously presumed absent, Spaniard Rafa Nadal was widely favoured to pick up his fourth Indian Wells title and a men's record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open after winning the Australian Open in January. Djokovic most recently competed in Dubai in February, where Czech Jiri Vesely stunned him in the quarter-finals. ALSO READ: Watch: MS Dhoni turns back the clock, goes bonkers and slams big sixes in CSK nets before IPL 2022 The loss meant that he would lose his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his maiden major title in Flushing Meadows in September and is the top seed at Indian Wells. France loosened COVID-19 restrictions earlier this month, with vaccine passports no longer mandatory as of March 14, opening the door for the 34-year-old to mount a title defence at Roland Garros beginning May.

Indian Wells: World No. 2 Novak Djokovic placed in tournament's draw, unclear he can enter United States

The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would make lynching a federal hate crime, explicitly criminalizing a heinous act that has become a symbol of the nation’s history of racial violence.

It was a remarkable moment after more than a century of failed attempts. The historic bill carries the name of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black boy tortured and murdered in Mississippi in 1955. Under the measure, the crime is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

“Hallelujah — it is long overdue,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the Senate majority leader, who oversaw the legislation’s passage in a sparsely filled chamber Monday evening. He added: “That it took so long is a stain, a bitter stain on America.”

Without any senators showing up to object, the bill cleared the Senate without a formal vote. The measure now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature, having passed the House in late February with only three lawmakers opposed.

“Although no legislation will reverse the pain and fear felt by those victims, their loved ones and Black communities, this legislation is a necessary step America must take to heal from the racialized violence that has permeated its history,” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., a sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement Monday.

Failure to pass such a measure before this year had become a glaring example of the nation’s inadequate response to a crime that has long terrorized Black Americans. The NAACP estimated, based on its records, that Black victims accounted for 72% of 4,743 lynchings that occurred between 1882 and 1968.

“This is the year, now is the time, that we do the right thing,” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., a longtime champion of the legislation, said in an impassioned speech on the Senate floor on Thursday. “Not for Republicans or Democrats, but for Americans who’ve watched, with bewildered eyes and confused hearts, their government fall short on issues of importance to them again and again and again. Let this year be the year we put politics to the side and we get it done.”

In 1900, Rep. George Henry White of North Carolina first introduced legislation to make lynching a hate crime; he was the only Black lawmaker in Congress at the time. The bill never made it to the House floor for a vote. In the years since, more than 200 similar bills have been filed, lawmakers estimated.

In 2005, the Senate formally apologized for its failure to act on the issue, including when Southern senators blocked similar legislation during the Jim Crow era. More than a decade later, three Black senators — Scott, Booker and Kamala Harris of California — began a renewed effort to see an anti-lynching measure signed into law.

As racial justice protests swept through the country in the summer of 2020 after the killings of Black men and women by white police and civilians, the three senators renewed their efforts to pass the measure.

But Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., objected to expedited passage at the time, saying the legislation was overly broad, and it failed to pass the Senate. In an opinion piece published this month, he described negotiating a revised version of the legislation, which notably specifies “death or serious bodily injury” resulting from the offense.

“Our partnership worked because of a profound mutual respect for one another and a shared goal to right historic wrongs without inadvertently creating new victims,” Paul wrote, singling out Booker.

The bipartisan passage, said Rep. Bobby L. Rush, D-Ill., a champion of the measure in the House, “sends a clear and emphatic message that our nation will no longer ignore this shameful chapter of our history.”

The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would make lynching a federal hate crime, explicitly criminalizing a heinous act that has become a symbol of the nation’s history of racial violence.

The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would make lynching a federal hate crime, explicitly criminalizing a heinous act that has become a symbol of the nation’s history of racial violence. It was a remarkable moment after more than a century of failed attempts. The historic bill carries the name of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black boy tortured and murdered in Mississippi in 1955. Under the measure, the crime is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. “Hallelujah — it is long overdue,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the Senate majority leader, who oversaw the legislation’s passage in a sparsely filled chamber Monday evening. He added: “That it took so long is a stain, a bitter stain on America.” Without any senators showing up to object, the bill cleared the Senate without a formal vote. The measure now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature, having passed the House in late February with only three lawmakers opposed. “Although no legislation will reverse the pain and fear felt by those victims, their loved ones and Black communities, this legislation is a necessary step America must take to heal from the racialized violence that has permeated its history,” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., a sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement Monday. Failure to pass such a measure before this year had become a glaring example of the nation’s inadequate response to a crime that has long terrorized Black Americans. The NAACP estimated, based on its records, that Black victims accounted for 72% of 4,743 lynchings that occurred between 1882 and 1968. “This is the year, now is the time, that we do the right thing,” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., a longtime champion of the legislation, said in an impassioned speech on the Senate floor on Thursday. “Not for Republicans or Democrats, but for Americans who’ve watched, with bewildered eyes and confused hearts, their government fall short on issues of importance to them again and again and again. Let this year be the year we put politics to the side and we get it done.” In 1900, Rep. George Henry White of North Carolina first introduced legislation to make lynching a hate crime; he was the only Black lawmaker in Congress at the time. The bill never made it to the House floor for a vote. In the years since, more than 200 similar bills have been filed, lawmakers estimated. In 2005, the Senate formally apologized for its failure to act on the issue, including when Southern senators blocked similar legislation during the Jim Crow era. More than a decade later, three Black senators — Scott, Booker and Kamala Harris of California — began a renewed effort to see an anti-lynching measure signed into law. As racial justice protests swept through the country in the summer of 2020 after the killings of Black men and women by white police and civilians, the three senators renewed their efforts to pass the measure. But Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., objected to expedited passage at the time, saying the legislation was overly broad, and it failed to pass the Senate. In an opinion piece published this month, he described negotiating a revised version of the legislation, which notably specifies “death or serious bodily injury” resulting from the offense. “Our partnership worked because of a profound mutual respect for one another and a shared goal to right historic wrongs without inadvertently creating new victims,” Paul wrote, singling out Booker. The bipartisan passage, said Rep. Bobby L. Rush, D-Ill., a champion of the measure in the House, “sends a clear and emphatic message that our nation will no longer ignore this shameful chapter of our history.”

US Congress gives final approval to make lynching a hate crime

Indian shares tumbled over 2% on Monday, with investors dumping risky assets as oil prices soared after the United States and European allies were said to be mulling a Russian oil import ban.

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index was down 2.39% at 15,857 by 0349 GMT and the S&amp;P BSE Sensex dropped 2.52% to 52,963.78. Both the indexes extended losses to a fourth straight session. Last week, they also posted their fourth consecutive weekly loss.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-6-steps-the-west-must-take-to-help-ukraine-right-now-459725">Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now</a>

Oil prices surged on Monday after the United States and European allies explored a Russian oil import ban, while delays in the potential return of Iranian crude to global markets sped up supply fears.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-conflict-indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-speak-with-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-459732">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Indian PM Narendra Modi to speak with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy</a>

India is the world's third-largest importer of crude oil, and rising prices push up the country's trade and current account deficit while also hurting the rupee and fuelling imported inflation.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia enlists help of Syrian fighters in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-enlists-help-of-syrian-fighters-in-ukraine-459772/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Nifty's bank index, financial services index, private sector bank index, auto index and IT index were among the top losers, dropping between 2% and 4%.

Indian shares tumbled over 2% on Monday, with investors dumping risky assets as oil prices soared after the United States and European allies were said to be mulling a Russian oil import ban.

Indian shares tumbled over 2% on Monday, with investors dumping risky assets as oil prices soared after the United States and European allies were said to be mulling a Russian oil import ban. The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index was down 2.39% at 15,857 by 0349 GMT and the S&P BSE Sensex dropped 2.52% to 52,963.78. Both the indexes extended losses to a fourth straight session. Last week, they also posted their fourth consecutive weekly loss. Also read | Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now Oil prices surged on Monday after the United States and European allies explored a Russian oil import ban, while delays in the potential return of Iranian crude to global markets sped up supply fears. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Indian PM Narendra Modi to speak with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy India is the world's third-largest importer of crude oil, and rising prices push up the country's trade and current account deficit while also hurting the rupee and fuelling imported inflation. Watch | Russia enlists help of Syrian fighters in Ukraine The Nifty's bank index, financial services index, private sector bank index, auto index and IT index were among the top losers, dropping between 2% and 4%.

Indian shares plummet over 2% as oil prices soar on Ukraine crisis

The US State Department says India is reducing its dependence on Russian weapons and cancelling recent orders for fighter jets and anti-tank artillery. How has India reacted to these claims? How does Washington see India's non-alignment? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US debates India's non-alignment on Ukraine

Russian Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula One this season after his U.S.-owned Haas squad on Saturday severed ties with the 23-year-old and title sponsor Uralkali over his country's invasion of Ukraine.

The outfit did not immediately announce a replacement to race alongside German Mick Schumacher, but team boss Guenther Steiner said last week Brazilian reserve Pietro Fittipaldi would get the "first call".

Fittipaldi stood in for Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the Frenchman’s fiery crash.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravindra-jadeja-breaks-kapil-devs-record-with-unbeaten-175-in-1st-test-against-sri-lanka-459221">Ravindra Jadeja breaks Kapil Dev's record with unbeaten 175 in 1st Test against Sri Lanka</a>

“Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin," the team said in a statement.

"As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”

Mazepin’s future was already looking uncertain after Haas removed branding for Uralkali, a Russian potash producer, from their car on the last day of the Barcelona test last week in the wake of Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.&nbsp;

Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s Oligarch father, Dmitry, with the 23-year-old’s place at the team guaranteed by the sponsorship deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-wc-2022-pakistan-have-come-prepared-cant-take-them-lightly-says-indian-skipper-mithali-raj-459222">Women's WC 2022: Pakistan have come prepared, can't take them lightly, says Indian skipper Mithali Raj</a>

Mazepin made his debut last season in an all-rookie line-up with Schumacher.

The only Russian on the grid, he would have been allowed to race in a neutral capacity, according to a decision by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.

But his participation in individual races would have been in doubt, especially after Motorsport UK banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from competing in the country, raising the prospect of other national motorsport federations doing the same. &nbsp;

Haas finished at the bottom of the constructors’ standings last year and were the only team not to score a point after choosing to forgo the development of their car to focus on their 2022 challenger designed to this year's drastically overhauled rules.&nbsp;

But Mazepin’s performances were also underwhelming, with the Russian outperformed by teammate Schumacher.

His ousting from Haas could mark the end of his career.

Formula One on Thursday said it will no longer race in Russia after terminating its Russian Grand Prix contract, originally set to expire in 2025.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-southern-stand-at-mcg-to-be-renamed-after-legendary-spinner-shane-warne-459210">Great Southern Stand at MCG to be renamed after legendary spinner Shane Warne</a>

The sport had already called off its 2022 race in the country.

Formula One will hold its final pre-season test in Bahrain from March 10 to 12. The season gets underway in the island kingdom on March 20.

Russian Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula One this season after his U.S.-owned Haas squad on Saturday severed ties with the 23-year-old and title sponsor Uralkali over his country's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian Nikita Mazepin will not race in Formula One this season after his U.S.-owned Haas squad on Saturday severed ties with the 23-year-old and title sponsor Uralkali over his country's invasion of Ukraine. The outfit did not immediately announce a replacement to race alongside German Mick Schumacher, but team boss Guenther Steiner said last week Brazilian reserve Pietro Fittipaldi would get the "first call". Fittipaldi stood in for Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the Frenchman’s fiery crash. ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja breaks Kapil Dev's record with unbeaten 175 in 1st Test against Sri Lanka “Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin," the team said in a statement. "As with the rest of the Formula One community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.” Mazepin’s future was already looking uncertain after Haas removed branding for Uralkali, a Russian potash producer, from their car on the last day of the Barcelona test last week in the wake of Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Uralkali is owned by Mazepin’s Oligarch father, Dmitry, with the 23-year-old’s place at the team guaranteed by the sponsorship deal. ALSO READ: Women's WC 2022: Pakistan have come prepared, can't take them lightly, says Indian skipper Mithali Raj Mazepin made his debut last season in an all-rookie line-up with Schumacher. The only Russian on the grid, he would have been allowed to race in a neutral capacity, according to a decision by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council. But his participation in individual races would have been in doubt, especially after Motorsport UK banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from competing in the country, raising the prospect of other national motorsport federations doing the same. Haas finished at the bottom of the constructors’ standings last year and were the only team not to score a point after choosing to forgo the development of their car to focus on their 2022 challenger designed to this year's drastically overhauled rules. But Mazepin’s performances were also underwhelming, with the Russian outperformed by teammate Schumacher. His ousting from Haas could mark the end of his career. Formula One on Thursday said it will no longer race in Russia after terminating its Russian Grand Prix contract, originally set to expire in 2025. ALSO READ: Great Southern Stand at MCG to be renamed after legendary spinner Shane Warne The sport had already called off its 2022 race in the country. Formula One will hold its final pre-season test in Bahrain from March 10 to 12. The season gets underway in the island kingdom on March 20.

Formula One: US-owned Haas squad break ties with Russian racer Nikita Mazepin

Senior White House officials designing the strategy to confront Russia have begun quietly debating a new concern: that the avalanche of sanctions directed at Moscow, which has gained speed faster than they imagined, is cornering President Vladimir Putin and may prompt him to lash out, perhaps expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine.

In Situation Room meetings in recent days, the issue has come up repeatedly, according to three officials. Putin’s tendency, U.S. intelligence officials have told the White House and Congress, is to double down when he feels trapped by his own overreach. So they have described a series of possible reactions, ranging from indiscriminate shelling of Ukrainian cities to compensate for the early mistakes made by his invading force, to cyberattacks directed at the U.S. financial system, to more nuclear threats and perhaps moves to take the war beyond Ukraine’s borders.

The debate over Putin’s next moves is linked to an urgent reexamination by intelligence agencies of the Russian leader’s mental state, and whether his ambitions and appetite for risk have been altered by two years of COVID-19 isolation.

Those concerns accelerated after Putin’s order Sunday to place the country’s strategic nuclear weapons on a “combat ready” alert to respond to the West’s “aggressive comments.” (In the ensuing days, however, national security officials say they have seen little evidence on the ground that Russia’s nuclear forces have actually moved to a different state of readiness.)

It was a sign of the depth of U.S. concern that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday that he was canceling a previously scheduled Minuteman nuclear missile test to avoid escalating direct challenges to Moscow or giving Putin an excuse to once again invoke the power of the country’s nuclear arsenal.

“We did not take this decision lightly, but instead, to demonstrate that we are a responsible nuclear power,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Wednesday. “We recognize at this moment of tension how critical it is that both the United States and Russia bear in mind the risk of miscalculation, and take steps to reduce those risks.”

Nonetheless, Putin’s reaction to the initial wave of sanctions has provoked a range of concerns that one senior official called the “Cornered Putin Problem.” Those concerns center on a series of recent announcements: the pullout of oil companies like Exxon and Shell from developing Russia’s oil fields, the moves against Russia’s central bank that sent the ruble plunging, and Germany’s surprise announcement that it would drop its ban on sending lethal weapons to Ukrainian forces and ramp up its military spending.

But beyond canceling the missile test, there is no evidence that the United States is considering steps to reduce tensions, and a senior official said there was no interest in backing off sanctions.

“Quite the contrary,’’ said the official, who, like other U.S. officials interviewed for this story, asked for anonymity to discuss the internal debates among Biden’s advisers.

In fact, President Joe Biden announced expanded sanctions Thursday, aimed at Russia’s oligarch class. Many of those named — including Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson and one of his close advisers — rank among his most influential defenders and the beneficiaries of the system he has created.

Biden, reading a statement and taking no questions, said the sanctions have had “a profound impact already.”

A few hours after he spoke, S&amp;P dropped Russia’s credit rating to CCC-, the credit rating agency said in a statement. That is far below the junk bond levels Russia was ranked at a few days after the invasion and just two notches above a warning that the country was going into default.

It suggested that Putin’s effort to “sanctions-proof” his economy had largely failed. And at least for now, there is no discernible off-ramp for the Russian leader short of declaring a cease-fire or pulling back his forces — steps he has so far shown no interest in taking.

At a news briefing at the White House on Thursday afternoon, press secretary Jen Psaki said that she knew of no efforts to show Putin a way out. “I think right in this moment, they are marching toward Kyiv with a convoy and continuing to take reportedly barbaric steps against the people of Ukraine. So now is not the moment where we are offering options for reducing sanctions.”

Yet a senior State Department official, asked about the debates inside the administration on the risks ahead, said there were nuances in the administration’s approach that point to possible outs for the Russian leader.

Biden’s policy, the official said, was not one of seeking regime change in Russia. The idea, he said, was to influence Putin’s actions, not his grip on power. And the sanctions, the official noted, were designed not as a punishment, but as leverage to end the war. They will escalate if Putin escalates, the official said. But the administration would calibrate its sanctions, and perhaps reduce them, if Putin begins to de-escalate.

And the official said that because Putin has now exerted such control over Russian media, closing down the last vestiges of independent news organizations, he could spin some kind of de-escalation into a victory.

Yet that hope collides with the assessments of Putin’s instincts, many of which are based on open, unclassified observations.

CIA Director William Burns was an early advocate of the view that the Russian leader planned to invade and was not massing troops around Ukraine simply to gain leverage in some kind of bargaining game.

“I would never underestimate President Putin’s risk appetite on Ukraine,” Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, who has dealt with Putin for more than two decades, said in December.

Putin’s views on Ukraine are fiercely held. He seems unlikely to accept any result that does not achieve his goal of bringing Ukraine closer to the Russian fold. And, especially after the Russian military’s poor performance in the first week of the war, he may be concerned that any whiff of failure could weaken his hold on power.

Putin’s strategy in coming weeks, some other U.S. officials have warned in closed meetings since the crisis accelerated, could be to redirect the conflict toward Washington, hoping to distract from the Russian forces’ attacks on civilians in Ukraine and rouse a nationalistic response to the actions of a longtime adversary.

If Putin wants to strike at the U.S. financial system, as Biden has struck at his, he has only one significant pathway in: his well-trained army of hackers and an adjacent group of criminal ransomware operators, some of whom have publicly pledged to help him in his battle.

Tatyana Bolton, the policy director for cybersecurity and emerging threats at the R Street Institute, expressed confidence Thursday that the financial industry was ready.

“The JPMorgans of the world spend more on cybersecurity than many government agencies,’’ said Bolton, a former senior official in the Department of Homeland Security whose family emigrated from Russia.

But she was concerned about the possibility that Putin would finally activate “pre-positioned malware in the energy sector as a means of getting back at the United States.”

Members of Congress have also raised concerns that Putin could unleash Moscow’s network of criminal hackers, who have conducted ransomware attacks that have shut down hospitals, meat processing plants and the Colonial Pipeline network that carried nearly half of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel on the East Coast.

“If the situation escalates further, I think we are going to see Russian cyberattacks against our critical infrastructure,” said Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., a member of the House Intelligence Committee who was co-chair of an influential cyberspace commission.

Another possibility is that Putin will threaten to push farther into Moldova or Georgia, which, like Ukraine, are not members of NATO — and thus territory that the U.S. and NATO forces would not enter. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making Moldova one of his stops on a reassurance tour that began Thursday.

There are larger worries, involving potential nuclear threats. On Sunday, as the fighting accelerated, Belarus passed a referendum that amended its constitution to allow for nuclear weapons to be based, once again, on its territory. U.S. officials are expecting that President Alexander Lukashenko may well ask Putin to place tactical weapons in his country, where they would be closer to European capitals. And Putin has shown, twice this week, that he is ready to remind the world of the powers of his arsenal.

But the next move for Putin is likely to further intensify his operations in Ukraine, which would almost certainly result in more civilian casualties and destruction.

“It wasn’t a cakewalk for Putin, and now he has no choice but to double down,” said Beth Sanner, a former top intelligence official. “This is what autocrats do. You cannot walk away or you look weak.”

Senior White House officials designing the strategy to confront Russia have begun quietly debating a new concern: that the avalanche of sanctions directed at Moscow, which has gained speed faster than they imagined, is cornering President Vladimir Putin and may prompt him to lash out, perhaps expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine.

Senior White House officials designing the strategy to confront Russia have begun quietly debating a new concern: that the avalanche of sanctions directed at Moscow, which has gained speed faster than they imagined, is cornering President Vladimir Putin and may prompt him to lash out, perhaps expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine. In Situation Room meetings in recent days, the issue has come up repeatedly, according to three officials. Putin’s tendency, U.S. intelligence officials have told the White House and Congress, is to double down when he feels trapped by his own overreach. So they have described a series of possible reactions, ranging from indiscriminate shelling of Ukrainian cities to compensate for the early mistakes made by his invading force, to cyberattacks directed at the U.S. financial system, to more nuclear threats and perhaps moves to take the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. The debate over Putin’s next moves is linked to an urgent reexamination by intelligence agencies of the Russian leader’s mental state, and whether his ambitions and appetite for risk have been altered by two years of COVID-19 isolation. Those concerns accelerated after Putin’s order Sunday to place the country’s strategic nuclear weapons on a “combat ready” alert to respond to the West’s “aggressive comments.” (In the ensuing days, however, national security officials say they have seen little evidence on the ground that Russia’s nuclear forces have actually moved to a different state of readiness.) It was a sign of the depth of U.S. concern that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday that he was canceling a previously scheduled Minuteman nuclear missile test to avoid escalating direct challenges to Moscow or giving Putin an excuse to once again invoke the power of the country’s nuclear arsenal. “We did not take this decision lightly, but instead, to demonstrate that we are a responsible nuclear power,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Wednesday. “We recognize at this moment of tension how critical it is that both the United States and Russia bear in mind the risk of miscalculation, and take steps to reduce those risks.” Nonetheless, Putin’s reaction to the initial wave of sanctions has provoked a range of concerns that one senior official called the “Cornered Putin Problem.” Those concerns center on a series of recent announcements: the pullout of oil companies like Exxon and Shell from developing Russia’s oil fields, the moves against Russia’s central bank that sent the ruble plunging, and Germany’s surprise announcement that it would drop its ban on sending lethal weapons to Ukrainian forces and ramp up its military spending. But beyond canceling the missile test, there is no evidence that the United States is considering steps to reduce tensions, and a senior official said there was no interest in backing off sanctions. “Quite the contrary,’’ said the official, who, like other U.S. officials interviewed for this story, asked for anonymity to discuss the internal debates among Biden’s advisers. In fact, President Joe Biden announced expanded sanctions Thursday, aimed at Russia’s oligarch class. Many of those named — including Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson and one of his close advisers — rank among his most influential defenders and the beneficiaries of the system he has created. Biden, reading a statement and taking no questions, said the sanctions have had “a profound impact already.” A few hours after he spoke, S&P dropped Russia’s credit rating to CCC-, the credit rating agency said in a statement. That is far below the junk bond levels Russia was ranked at a few days after the invasion and just two notches above a warning that the country was going into default. It suggested that Putin’s effort to “sanctions-proof” his economy had largely failed. And at least for now, there is no discernible off-ramp for the Russian leader short of declaring a cease-fire or pulling back his forces — steps he has so far shown no interest in taking. At a news briefing at the White House on Thursday afternoon, press secretary Jen Psaki said that she knew of no efforts to show Putin a way out. “I think right in this moment, they are marching toward Kyiv with a convoy and continuing to take reportedly barbaric steps against the people of Ukraine. So now is not the moment where we are offering options for reducing sanctions.” Yet a senior State Department official, asked about the debates inside the administration on the risks ahead, said there were nuances in the administration’s approach that point to possible outs for the Russian leader. Biden’s policy, the official said, was not one of seeking regime change in Russia. The idea, he said, was to influence Putin’s actions, not his grip on power. And the sanctions, the official noted, were designed not as a punishment, but as leverage to end the war. They will escalate if Putin escalates, the official said. But the administration would calibrate its sanctions, and perhaps reduce them, if Putin begins to de-escalate. And the official said that because Putin has now exerted such control over Russian media, closing down the last vestiges of independent news organizations, he could spin some kind of de-escalation into a victory. Yet that hope collides with the assessments of Putin’s instincts, many of which are based on open, unclassified observations. CIA Director William Burns was an early advocate of the view that the Russian leader planned to invade and was not massing troops around Ukraine simply to gain leverage in some kind of bargaining game. “I would never underestimate President Putin’s risk appetite on Ukraine,” Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, who has dealt with Putin for more than two decades, said in December. Putin’s views on Ukraine are fiercely held. He seems unlikely to accept any result that does not achieve his goal of bringing Ukraine closer to the Russian fold. And, especially after the Russian military’s poor performance in the first week of the war, he may be concerned that any whiff of failure could weaken his hold on power. Putin’s strategy in coming weeks, some other U.S. officials have warned in closed meetings since the crisis accelerated, could be to redirect the conflict toward Washington, hoping to distract from the Russian forces’ attacks on civilians in Ukraine and rouse a nationalistic response to the actions of a longtime adversary. If Putin wants to strike at the U.S. financial system, as Biden has struck at his, he has only one significant pathway in: his well-trained army of hackers and an adjacent group of criminal ransomware operators, some of whom have publicly pledged to help him in his battle. Tatyana Bolton, the policy director for cybersecurity and emerging threats at the R Street Institute, expressed confidence Thursday that the financial industry was ready. “The JPMorgans of the world spend more on cybersecurity than many government agencies,’’ said Bolton, a former senior official in the Department of Homeland Security whose family emigrated from Russia. But she was concerned about the possibility that Putin would finally activate “pre-positioned malware in the energy sector as a means of getting back at the United States.” Members of Congress have also raised concerns that Putin could unleash Moscow’s network of criminal hackers, who have conducted ransomware attacks that have shut down hospitals, meat processing plants and the Colonial Pipeline network that carried nearly half of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel on the East Coast. “If the situation escalates further, I think we are going to see Russian cyberattacks against our critical infrastructure,” said Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., a member of the House Intelligence Committee who was co-chair of an influential cyberspace commission. Another possibility is that Putin will threaten to push farther into Moldova or Georgia, which, like Ukraine, are not members of NATO — and thus territory that the U.S. and NATO forces would not enter. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making Moldova one of his stops on a reassurance tour that began Thursday. There are larger worries, involving potential nuclear threats. On Sunday, as the fighting accelerated, Belarus passed a referendum that amended its constitution to allow for nuclear weapons to be based, once again, on its territory. U.S. officials are expecting that President Alexander Lukashenko may well ask Putin to place tactical weapons in his country, where they would be closer to European capitals. And Putin has shown, twice this week, that he is ready to remind the world of the powers of his arsenal. But the next move for Putin is likely to further intensify his operations in Ukraine, which would almost certainly result in more civilian casualties and destruction. “It wasn’t a cakewalk for Putin, and now he has no choice but to double down,” said Beth Sanner, a former top intelligence official. “This is what autocrats do. You cannot walk away or you look weak.”

Washington’s newest worry: The dangers of cornering Putin

The US has received enough petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2022, a federal agency has announced.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The H-1B visa programme is the most sought-after work visa among foreign professionals, including Indians.

As mandated by the US Congress, the US can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and another 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption categories every year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shelling-in-ukraine-kills-indian-student-who-was-out-to-buy-grocery-457786">Indian student dies in Ukraine, caught in shelling while out for grocery</a>

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which screens all such applications every year on Monday announced that it has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2022.&nbsp;

"We have completed sending non-selection notifications to registrants' online accounts. The status for registrations properly submitted for the FY 2022 H-1B numerical allocations, but that were not selected, will now show: Not Selected: Not selected ? not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration,"&nbsp;it said.&nbsp;

The USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap, it said.

"Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2022 H-1B cap,"&nbsp;said the federal agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-exit-zero-covid-strategy-top-scientist-says-it-cannot-remain-unchanged-forever-457858">China to exit zero-Covid strategy? Top scientist says it cannot 'remain unchanged forever'</a>

Meanwhile, the USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the US; change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; allow current H-1B workers to change employers, and allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in additional H-1B positions.

While the Congressional cap is 65,000; not all H-1B nonimmigrant visas (or status grants) are subject to this annual cap.

Notably, up to 6,800 visas are set aside from the 65,000 each fiscal year for the H-1B1 programme under the terms of the legislation implementing the US-Chile and U.S.-Singapore free trade agreements.

Unused visas in this group become available for H-1B use for the next fiscal year's regular H-1B cap.

The US has received enough petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2022, a federal agency has announced. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The US has received enough petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2022, a federal agency has announced. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The H-1B visa programme is the most sought-after work visa among foreign professionals, including Indians. As mandated by the US Congress, the US can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and another 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption categories every year. ALSO READ | Indian student dies in Ukraine, caught in shelling while out for grocery US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which screens all such applications every year on Monday announced that it has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2022. "We have completed sending non-selection notifications to registrants' online accounts. The status for registrations properly submitted for the FY 2022 H-1B numerical allocations, but that were not selected, will now show: Not Selected: Not selected ? not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration," it said. The USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap, it said. "Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2022 H-1B cap," said the federal agency. ALSO READ | China to exit zero-Covid strategy? Top scientist says it cannot 'remain unchanged forever' Meanwhile, the USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the US; change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; allow current H-1B workers to change employers, and allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in additional H-1B positions. While the Congressional cap is 65,000; not all H-1B nonimmigrant visas (or status grants) are subject to this annual cap. Notably, up to 6,800 visas are set aside from the 65,000 each fiscal year for the H-1B1 programme under the terms of the legislation implementing the US-Chile and U.S.-Singapore free trade agreements. Unused visas in this group become available for H-1B use for the next fiscal year's regular H-1B cap.

United States reaches 65,000 H-1B visa cap for 2022: USCIS

The United States has a delegation comprising of former top US defense officials to Taiwan amid a looming threat from China.

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen is leading the five-person delegation that is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials during the two-day visit.

Mullen, a retired Navy admiral who served as the top US military officer under former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, is being accompanied by Meghan O'Sullivan, a former deputy national security adviser under Bush, and Michele Flournoy, a former undersecretary of defense under Obama.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-is-waging-an-offensive-on-taiwan-418243/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two former National Security Council senior directors for Asia, Mike Green and Evan Medeiros, are also on the trip, which is intended to "demonstrate our continued robust support for Taiwan."

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn fresh attention to China’s threat to use force to annex self-governing democratic Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.

Democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely as it lives under constant threat of a Chinese invasion, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over the island and vowing to seize it one day,&nbsp;by force, if necessary.

Washington diplomatically recognizes Beijing over Taipei but it is also bound by Congress to sell Taiwan weapons to defend itself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-scenario-taiwan-conducts-air-drills-urban-warfare-simulation-amid-china-tensions-442589">Also see |&nbsp;War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions</a>

Tsai’s office said the delegation had been appointed by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and the visit would permit “an in-depth exchange of views on Taiwan-US&nbsp;cooperation issues in various fields.”

Taiwan hopes the sides will “continue to deepen the steady development of Taiwan-US&nbsp;relations, continue to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and continue to jointly contribute to global peace and prosperity,” it said in a statement.

The visit comes at a time when Taiwan has stepped up its alert level, wary of China taking advantage of a distracted West to move against it.

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the trip showed "the importance both of the Taiwan-US&nbsp;relationship and Taiwan's position" as well as the staunch US&nbsp;support for the island. "It's a very good thing," he added.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the US delegation’s visit, saying it was “futile for the US&nbsp;to send anyone to demonstrate its so-called support for Taiwan.”

Wang told a daily briefing that China urges the US to honor past communiques signed with China, “stop all forms of official exchange with Taiwan, and handle Taiwan-related issues with caution so as to avoid further serious damage to the overall situation of China-US relations.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States has a delegation comprising of former top US defense officials to Taiwan amid a looming threat from China. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen is leading the five-person delegation that is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials during the two-day visit.

The United States has a delegation comprising of former top US defense officials to Taiwan amid a looming threat from China. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen is leading the five-person delegation that is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials during the two-day visit. Mullen, a retired Navy admiral who served as the top US military officer under former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, is being accompanied by Meghan O'Sullivan, a former deputy national security adviser under Bush, and Michele Flournoy, a former undersecretary of defense under Obama. Two former National Security Council senior directors for Asia, Mike Green and Evan Medeiros, are also on the trip, which is intended to "demonstrate our continued robust support for Taiwan." Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn fresh attention to China’s threat to use force to annex self-governing democratic Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely as it lives under constant threat of a Chinese invasion, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over the island and vowing to seize it one day, by force, if necessary. Washington diplomatically recognizes Beijing over Taipei but it is also bound by Congress to sell Taiwan weapons to defend itself. Also see | War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions Tsai’s office said the delegation had been appointed by US President Joe Biden and the visit would permit “an in-depth exchange of views on Taiwan-US cooperation issues in various fields.” Taiwan hopes the sides will “continue to deepen the steady development of Taiwan-US relations, continue to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and continue to jointly contribute to global peace and prosperity,” it said in a statement. The visit comes at a time when Taiwan has stepped up its alert level, wary of China taking advantage of a distracted West to move against it. Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the trip showed "the importance both of the Taiwan-US relationship and Taiwan's position" as well as the staunch US support for the island. "It's a very good thing," he added. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the US delegation’s visit, saying it was “futile for the US to send anyone to demonstrate its so-called support for Taiwan.” Wang told a daily briefing that China urges the US to honor past communiques signed with China, “stop all forms of official exchange with Taiwan, and handle Taiwan-related issues with caution so as to avoid further serious damage to the overall situation of China-US relations.” (With inputs from agencies)

United States sends delegation to Taiwan amid ‘invasion’ fears

The United States has banned all US transactions with Russia's central banks, this come into effect immediately. The treasury department has said that it has imposed this sanction to further punish Moscow for invading Ukraine.

US bans all transactions with Central Bank of Russia

From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security.

Washington has pursued "military supremacy in disregard of the legitimate demand of Russia for its security" according to the commentary, attributed to Ri Ji Song, a researcher at the North's Society for International Politics Study.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-eu-aims-new-sanctions-to-cripple-putin-amid-ukraine-invasion-457037/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis also lies in the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the US," said the post uploaded on the North's foreign ministry website.

Ri slammed the US for holding a "double standard," saying it meddled in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of "peace and stability" but "but it denounces for no good reason self-defensive measures taken by other countries to ensure their own national security."

"Gone are the days when the U.S. used to reign supreme," the post said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896" hreflang="en">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The response is a "low-key" official reaction as it was published under an individual name, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Woman's University.

"Putin’s War shapes almost all geopolitics right now, and should factor somewhere in Kim’s calculus — but even 'taking advantage of distraction' seems to presume too much, since (North Korea) was already testing aggressively before the war," John Delury, a professor at South Korea's Yonsei University, said on Twitter.

To aid Ukraine’s ability to hold out, the US pledged an additional $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, body armor, and small arms. Germany said it would send missiles and anti-tank weapons to the besieged country and that it would close its airspace to Russian planes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-eu-to-put-crippling-sanctions-on-russian-central-bank-block-swift-456943">US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a>

The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. They also agreed to impose ”restrictive measures” on Russia’s central bank.

As Russia pushes ahead with its offensive, the West is working to equip the outnumbered Ukrainian forces with weapons and ammunition while punishing Russia with far-reaching sanctions intended to further isolate Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence.

Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded during Europe’s largest land war since World War II.

(With inputs from agencies)

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security.

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security. Washington has pursued "military supremacy in disregard of the legitimate demand of Russia for its security" according to the commentary, attributed to Ri Ji Song, a researcher at the North's Society for International Politics Study. "The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis also lies in the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the US," said the post uploaded on the North's foreign ministry website. Ri slammed the US for holding a "double standard," saying it meddled in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of "peace and stability" but "but it denounces for no good reason self-defensive measures taken by other countries to ensure their own national security." "Gone are the days when the U.S. used to reign supreme," the post said. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The response is a "low-key" official reaction as it was published under an individual name, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Woman's University. "Putin’s War shapes almost all geopolitics right now, and should factor somewhere in Kim’s calculus — but even 'taking advantage of distraction' seems to presume too much, since (North Korea) was already testing aggressively before the war," John Delury, a professor at South Korea's Yonsei University, said on Twitter. To aid Ukraine’s ability to hold out, the US pledged an additional $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, body armor, and small arms. Germany said it would send missiles and anti-tank weapons to the besieged country and that it would close its airspace to Russian planes. Also read | US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. They also agreed to impose ”restrictive measures” on Russia’s central bank. As Russia pushes ahead with its offensive, the West is working to equip the outnumbered Ukrainian forces with weapons and ammunition while punishing Russia with far-reaching sanctions intended to further isolate Moscow. President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence. Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded during Europe’s largest land war since World War II. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea says United States is ‘root cause’ of Ukraine invasion

The Biden administration said Friday that Russia was never serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Ukraine and that weeks of back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow amounted to a sham as the Kremlin prepared for war.

“Moscow engaged in the pretense of diplomacy,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at a daily news conference. “It now appears quite clear that Russia was not, and has not been, interested in genuine diplomacy.”

Price’s words were the most definitive statement yet by the Biden administration that President Vladimir Putin of Russia had not dealt in good faith, even as Russian diplomats repeatedly met face to face with their U.S. and European counterparts. Washington and Moscow also exchanged multiple rounds of formal documents on European security.

The assessment was a departure from assertions made by U.S. officials in recent months that, despite the Russian forces amassing along Ukraine’s border, Putin remained undecided on whether to order an invasion.

Price did not specify whether the Biden administration believes Russia's diplomats knew their efforts were for show.

As the threat of invasion grew more apparent this year, Biden officials met with Russian emissaries across Europe to test Moscow’s intentions, warning all along that they were unsure whether Russia was earnestly seeking a diplomatic solution.

In mid-January, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Switzerland, Belgium and Austria to meet with Russians and Europeans in varying configurations. At one session, she appealed to her Russian counterparts by recalling how her father had been a Marine in World War II, when the United States and Russia shared a common enemy in Nazi Germany.

In late January, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva. Days later, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John J. Sullivan, delivered a document to the Russian foreign ministry outlining broad U.S. negotiating principles in response to earlier Russian demands.

On Friday, Price declared that those interactions had amounted to a charade. The Russians, he said, used the illusion of diplomacy “to buy time to continue their preparations for what it seems clear that Vladimir Putin had intended all along.”

While conservative critics have said Blinken and others put too much effort into futile diplomacy with an untrustworthy Russian leader, Price’s assertion also served as an implicit response to some analysts who say the United States might have done more to avoid war.

In particular, some have said that explicit assurances from the United States that Ukraine would not become a member of NATO might have been enough to satisfy Putin.

In the run-up to his attack, Putin repeatedly said the prospect of Ukrainian membership in NATO was an unacceptable threat to his country, although he also issued other, far more sweeping demands about the alliance’s posture in Europe that Western officials called non-starters. The United States and Europe offered Putin little in return for his implied threat — he publicly denied any intention to invade Ukraine — proposing talks on relatively narrow subjects like arms control and military exercises in Europe.

“My sense is that Putin was negotiating in good faith and that he would not have invaded Ukraine if the Biden administration had given a written guarantee not to expand NATO into Ukraine” and pledged to stop arming and training Ukraine’s military, said John Mearsheimer, an international relations scholar at the University of Chicago and a prominent critic of NATO expansion.

Samuel Charap, a former State Department official who is a Russia analyst at the RAND Corp., was more skeptical but said it seemed at least possible that assurances about Ukraine’s future NATO membership might have been enough to defang Putin.

“Was there a deal to be had? It’s unclear to me whether we fully tested that proposition down to the core issue,” he said, adding that the blame for the invasion falls entirely on Putin.

As war seemed to grow nearer, several European and at least one Ukrainian official appeared to float the possibility that Ukraine would forswear its NATO ambitions.

President Joe Biden noted in public remarks last month that the widely accepted truth was that Ukraine was “not very likely” to join NATO anytime soon. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Cold War neutrality model known as “Finlandization” was an idea “on the table.” And Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, told the BBC that his country could be “flexible” about NATO membership (although he quickly backtracked).

But such talk was never presented to Russia as a formal diplomatic offer.

Charles Kupchan, who was Europe director of the National Security Council in the Obama White House, said Putin’s muted response to such talk suggested that more explicit proposals to keep Ukraine out of NATO would have been futile.

“Was the body language coming out of Washington, Kyiv and every European capital enough to provide some trade space if he wanted it? Yes. But he did not seem to pick it up,” Kupchan said.

“I think going back to the early 1990s, the American foreign policy establishment has too easily dismissed Russian objections to NATO enlargement,” he added. “That having been said, when I step back from the events of the last couple of months, the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO looks more like a smoke screen to me than the nub of the issue” for Putin.

Andrew S. Weiss, head of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Russia had made impossible demands from the start, but that the illusion of diplomacy set off a political debate in the West that served Putin’s purposes. Moscow, he said, focused “rather cleverly on age-old complaints about Ukraine’s theoretical eligibility for NATO membership, knowing full well that this issue triggers a lot of people in the West.”

The United States engaged in a “stale and predictable academic debate with ourselves about whether past administrations’ policies were needlessly provocative toward the Kremlin,” Weiss said. That discussion, he added, played into the hands of “isolationists like former President Trump who maintain that U.S. alliances are a needless burden and the Americans would be better off defending the border with Mexico.”

“In Europe, where anti-Americanism and Ukraine fatigue are just below the surface, the Kremlin’s Potemkin diplomacy gambit also paid off,” Weiss said.

Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, said it was hard to know whether Putin ever took diplomacy seriously. But she said he might have expected the extreme pressure of an invasion to fracture the West and win him some concessions. “Having underestimated Western unity, he may have felt trapped and couldn’t retreat with nothing to show for it,” she said.

Schake said it was also possible that Putin was rattled by the quality of the Biden administration’s intelligence, which included access to his war plans, “and in a rage pulled the trigger.”

Whatever the case, U.S. officials now see Putin’s diplomatic overtures with the most jaded of eyes.

The U.S. added Lavrov, the foreign minister, to its list of sanctioned Russians on Friday. And Price was wholly dismissive of an offer that day from the Kremlin to meet Ukrainian officials in Belarus for negotiations. He said that Moscow was “suggesting that diplomacy take place at the barrel of a gun.”

Declaring that Russia’s invasion has “fundamentally changed” its relationship with the rest of the world, Price added that the Biden administration had no plans to continue the arms control talks with Russia it began last year, and which U.S. officials had offered to invigorate in recent weeks. He said that some crucial subjects would still warrant diplomatic contacts with Moscow, citing as an example the talks to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.

As Russian forces closed in on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, this week, the issue of Ukraine’s neutrality was raised once again — this time by the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a televised address. Looking depleted and wearing a simple T-shirt, Zelenskyy rallied his fellow Ukrainians against the Russian attack.

But he also had an offer for Putin, hinting that his country might at last drop its ambitions to join NATO.

“We are not afraid to talk about neutral status,” Zelenskyy said.

Putin had no reply.

The Biden administration said Friday that Russia was never serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Ukraine and that weeks of back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow amounted to a sham as the Kremlin prepared for war.

The Biden administration said Friday that Russia was never serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Ukraine and that weeks of back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow amounted to a sham as the Kremlin prepared for war. “Moscow engaged in the pretense of diplomacy,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at a daily news conference. “It now appears quite clear that Russia was not, and has not been, interested in genuine diplomacy.” Price’s words were the most definitive statement yet by the Biden administration that President Vladimir Putin of Russia had not dealt in good faith, even as Russian diplomats repeatedly met face to face with their U.S. and European counterparts. Washington and Moscow also exchanged multiple rounds of formal documents on European security. The assessment was a departure from assertions made by U.S. officials in recent months that, despite the Russian forces amassing along Ukraine’s border, Putin remained undecided on whether to order an invasion. Price did not specify whether the Biden administration believes Russia's diplomats knew their efforts were for show. As the threat of invasion grew more apparent this year, Biden officials met with Russian emissaries across Europe to test Moscow’s intentions, warning all along that they were unsure whether Russia was earnestly seeking a diplomatic solution. In mid-January, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Switzerland, Belgium and Austria to meet with Russians and Europeans in varying configurations. At one session, she appealed to her Russian counterparts by recalling how her father had been a Marine in World War II, when the United States and Russia shared a common enemy in Nazi Germany. In late January, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva. Days later, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John J. Sullivan, delivered a document to the Russian foreign ministry outlining broad U.S. negotiating principles in response to earlier Russian demands. On Friday, Price declared that those interactions had amounted to a charade. The Russians, he said, used the illusion of diplomacy “to buy time to continue their preparations for what it seems clear that Vladimir Putin had intended all along.” While conservative critics have said Blinken and others put too much effort into futile diplomacy with an untrustworthy Russian leader, Price’s assertion also served as an implicit response to some analysts who say the United States might have done more to avoid war. In particular, some have said that explicit assurances from the United States that Ukraine would not become a member of NATO might have been enough to satisfy Putin. In the run-up to his attack, Putin repeatedly said the prospect of Ukrainian membership in NATO was an unacceptable threat to his country, although he also issued other, far more sweeping demands about the alliance’s posture in Europe that Western officials called non-starters. The United States and Europe offered Putin little in return for his implied threat — he publicly denied any intention to invade Ukraine — proposing talks on relatively narrow subjects like arms control and military exercises in Europe. “My sense is that Putin was negotiating in good faith and that he would not have invaded Ukraine if the Biden administration had given a written guarantee not to expand NATO into Ukraine” and pledged to stop arming and training Ukraine’s military, said John Mearsheimer, an international relations scholar at the University of Chicago and a prominent critic of NATO expansion. Samuel Charap, a former State Department official who is a Russia analyst at the RAND Corp., was more skeptical but said it seemed at least possible that assurances about Ukraine’s future NATO membership might have been enough to defang Putin. “Was there a deal to be had? It’s unclear to me whether we fully tested that proposition down to the core issue,” he said, adding that the blame for the invasion falls entirely on Putin. As war seemed to grow nearer, several European and at least one Ukrainian official appeared to float the possibility that Ukraine would forswear its NATO ambitions. President Joe Biden noted in public remarks last month that the widely accepted truth was that Ukraine was “not very likely” to join NATO anytime soon. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Cold War neutrality model known as “Finlandization” was an idea “on the table.” And Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, told the BBC that his country could be “flexible” about NATO membership (although he quickly backtracked). But such talk was never presented to Russia as a formal diplomatic offer. Charles Kupchan, who was Europe director of the National Security Council in the Obama White House, said Putin’s muted response to such talk suggested that more explicit proposals to keep Ukraine out of NATO would have been futile. “Was the body language coming out of Washington, Kyiv and every European capital enough to provide some trade space if he wanted it? Yes. But he did not seem to pick it up,” Kupchan said. “I think going back to the early 1990s, the American foreign policy establishment has too easily dismissed Russian objections to NATO enlargement,” he added. “That having been said, when I step back from the events of the last couple of months, the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO looks more like a smoke screen to me than the nub of the issue” for Putin. Andrew S. Weiss, head of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Russia had made impossible demands from the start, but that the illusion of diplomacy set off a political debate in the West that served Putin’s purposes. Moscow, he said, focused “rather cleverly on age-old complaints about Ukraine’s theoretical eligibility for NATO membership, knowing full well that this issue triggers a lot of people in the West.” The United States engaged in a “stale and predictable academic debate with ourselves about whether past administrations’ policies were needlessly provocative toward the Kremlin,” Weiss said. That discussion, he added, played into the hands of “isolationists like former President Trump who maintain that U.S. alliances are a needless burden and the Americans would be better off defending the border with Mexico.” “In Europe, where anti-Americanism and Ukraine fatigue are just below the surface, the Kremlin’s Potemkin diplomacy gambit also paid off,” Weiss said. Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, said it was hard to know whether Putin ever took diplomacy seriously. But she said he might have expected the extreme pressure of an invasion to fracture the West and win him some concessions. “Having underestimated Western unity, he may have felt trapped and couldn’t retreat with nothing to show for it,” she said. Schake said it was also possible that Putin was rattled by the quality of the Biden administration’s intelligence, which included access to his war plans, “and in a rage pulled the trigger.” Whatever the case, U.S. officials now see Putin’s diplomatic overtures with the most jaded of eyes. The U.S. added Lavrov, the foreign minister, to its list of sanctioned Russians on Friday. And Price was wholly dismissive of an offer that day from the Kremlin to meet Ukrainian officials in Belarus for negotiations. He said that Moscow was “suggesting that diplomacy take place at the barrel of a gun.” Declaring that Russia’s invasion has “fundamentally changed” its relationship with the rest of the world, Price added that the Biden administration had no plans to continue the arms control talks with Russia it began last year, and which U.S. officials had offered to invigorate in recent weeks. He said that some crucial subjects would still warrant diplomatic contacts with Moscow, citing as an example the talks to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. As Russian forces closed in on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, this week, the issue of Ukraine’s neutrality was raised once again — this time by the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a televised address. Looking depleted and wearing a simple T-shirt, Zelenskyy rallied his fellow Ukrainians against the Russian attack. But he also had an offer for Putin, hinting that his country might at last drop its ambitions to join NATO. “We are not afraid to talk about neutral status,” Zelenskyy said. Putin had no reply.

US State Department says Moscow's Ukraine diplomacy was a ‘pretense’

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