Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners point to systematic policy

Right this moment’s agenda: Trump calls Zelenskyy a “dictator”; Politico proprietor praises Vance; UniCredit on Russia exit; China’s London embassy; and Massive Learn on US Treasuries

We start with a Monetary Occasions investigative documentary which has discovered proof that Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of conflict aren’t remoted incidents however seemingly a part of a broader sample that factors to a scientific coverage.

Execution footage: The investigation reveals the suspected identification of 1 Russian soldier who’s filmed collaborating within the mass execution of surrendered Ukrainian troopers. It additionally raises questions on chain of command and the Kremlin’s function in these conflict crimes.

Rise in instances: Ukraine’s nationwide police have initiated greater than 125,000 conflict crimes proceedings for a spread of various offences for the reason that begin of the full-scale invasion. Prosecutors mentioned execution instances rose dramatically final yr: in 2024, they launched investigations into 43 incidents involving 133 suspected deaths.

Read more on the investigation and watch the full documentary.

Right here’s what else we’re conserving tabs on at this time:

South Africa: International ministers from G20 international locations minus the US start a two-day assembly in Johannesburg.

Outcomes: Accor, Aegon, Airbus, Anglo American, Lloyds Banking Group, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Repsol, Walmart and Zurich Insurance coverage Group report. Full checklist in The Week Ahead e-newsletter.

Europe faces an era-defining second. How ought to policymakers and enterprise leaders put together? Hear from the FT’s specialists on what lies forward on this unique webinar on February 27. Save your spot here. 

5 extra high tales

1. Donald Trump referred to as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and warned that he “higher transfer quick or he’s not going to have a Nation left”. The US president hit out at his Ukrainian counterpart hours after Zelenskyy accused Trump of living in a “disinformation bubble”.

• UK help: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pushed again towards Trump’s suggestion that elections should be held in Ukraine.

• Postwar plans: France and Britain are drawing up a proposal to create a “reassurance power” to enforce any ceasefire deal.

• Army spending: Politicians must persuade voters to give up a few of their advantages to pay for defence, writes Chatham Home’s Bronwen Maddox.

2. Politico’s proprietor has praised the “inspiring message” of JD Vance’s speech on the Munich Safety Convention and mentioned many individuals had “deliberately misunderstood” the tackle. The US vice-president shocked the viewers final week by claiming restrictions on freedom of expression in Europe had been a better risk to the area than Russia or China. Read the FT’s interview with Axel Springer chief Mathias Döpfner.

3. Federal Reserve officers indicated final month that they wanted to see “additional progress on inflation” earlier than any new rate of interest cuts. The US central financial institution held charges regular within the face of excessive uncertainty over the outlook, with officers judging it was nonetheless acceptable to maintain financial coverage at “restrictive” ranges. More from the Federal Open Market Committee’s January meeting minutes.

• Reining in regulators: Trump is to take better management of unbiased federal companies, together with important financial watchdogs, along with his newest government order.

4. Unique: UniCredit might speed up its exit from Russia if there’s a breakthrough on the Ukraine conflict, its chief government has mentioned, including that an finish to hostilities might enable UniCredit to safe higher phrases. The Italian financial institution is likely one of the few giant western lenders to have remained within the nation. Read the FT’s interview with the bank’s head Andrea Orcel.

5. A US congressional committee has sounded the alarm over China’s plan to construct an enormous embassy in London, saying the venture raises “vital safety considerations” for the UK monetary providers business. Beijing’s plans to construct its largest diplomatic advanced in Europe have met resistance from politicians who warn of potential for increased espionage.

The Massive Learn

Tariffs, commerce wars and plans for large tax cuts might stoke inflation, improve US debt and rattle buyers in Treasuries. However the market is resilient, cushioned by intrinsic benefits together with the bonds’ huge liquidity, the standing of the greenback because the world’s reserve forex and the shortage of any apparent alternate options. Might the bond market rein in Donald Trump?

We’re additionally studying . . . 

• Nice British Railways: Labour’s plan to curb unbiased regulation of the rail community will damage growth and innovation, writes John Gapper.

• London’s ‘right-wing Davos’: The three-day Arc convention has attracted conservative politicians, theologians and enterprise leaders from all over the world with its mix of culture wars and religious urgency.

• Hong Kong funds: A property stoop and funds deficits are weighing on the federal government’s fiscal well being, forcing it to search for new sources of revenue.

Chart of the day

A stand-off between airways and vitality teams over the manufacturing of sustainable air gasoline is stalling the transition to internet zero flying. Airways complain that sustainable aviation gasoline is just too costly and never sufficient is being made. However until vitality corporations obtain extra long-term orders they continue to be reluctant to invest in more production.

Take a break from the information . . . 

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