President Trump has threatened crippling new sanctions on Russia if Moscow doesn’t agree to end the war in Ukraine by Aug. 8. Photo: Kremlin pool/EPA/Shutterstock #wsj #putin #witkoff ...

JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇮🇳 President Trump signs executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for buying sanctioned Russian oil. https://t.co/JYS2tsiA6S ...

President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the Kremlin seeks to head off threats of new sanctions over its war in Ukraine https://t.co/mZVSW1YOzu ...

Economic Impact of War & Sanctions - Despite war and sanctions, Russia's economy has shown resilience, even outpacing some advanced nations in growth in 2024 [1][5] - Initial expectations of sanctions crippling the Russian economy, such as "turning the ruble to rubble," did not fully materialize [4] - Russia reoriented its economy by shifting export markets to China and India, primarily for fuel exports, mitigating the impact of sanctions [7] - The war has acted as a stimulus, with military spending increasing from approximately $50 billion to nearly $150 billion annually since 2022 [2][3] Financial Sustainability & Future Outlook - Russia is currently spending more than it earns, depleting its reserves to supplement its budget [9] - At the current rate of expenditure, Russia's reserves are projected to be depleted around 2030 [9] - Oil and gas sector contributes about 20% of Russia's GDP, but analysts warn that current spending levels are unsustainable [8] - Potential secondary sanctions, such as 100% tariffs on those buying Russian oil, could be catastrophic if major buyers like China and India cease purchases, as oil and gas revenues account for 1/3 to 1/2 of Russia's annual budget [10] Geopolitical & Economic Risks - Increased military spending has led to a decrease in unemployment, reaching a 30-year low [8] - While wage inflation has outpaced general inflation, improving the standard of living for Russians, this is considered unsustainable [12] - Experts anticipate Russia will maintain elevated defense spending even after a potential ceasefire, driven by perceived threats [13][14]

Watch: Russia’s economy has been thriving despite huge military expenses and waves of sanctions. But how long can it continue? https://t.co/IxWY2TUFMK ...

Financial Markets Overview - The Dow is up 12% [1] - The S&P is up almost 14% [1] - NASDAQ is surging 18% [1] - The Bloomberg MAG Seven Index is up 19% [1] - Spot gold is up eight dollars the ounce, 3371% [1] - West Texas Intermediate crude is down 15% to 6629% [1] US Economic Policy & BLS - President Trump intends to announce a new Fed Governor and BLS Commissioner soon [1] - The President alleges the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data was rigged, but no evidence has been provided [1][2] - The former BLS chief is out, and the President will nominate a replacement [1] - Congress has been starving the statistical agencies of cash for years [2] - The response rate for the first May survey, which was revised downward significantly by the third one in July, was 42%, The final number was 89% response rate [2] Federal Reserve Board - Adriana Googler's departure creates an opportunity to nominate a new Fed Governor [1] - Jay Powell could stay on as governor until 2028, even if his term as chair is over in 2026 [2] - The market would assume that whoever is chosen would be that [2] International Trade & Tariffs - President Trump said he would hike India's tariff rate for buying Russian oil [1] - India responded, saying the targeting of the country is unjustified and unreasonable and will take necessary measures to safeguard its interests [1] - The PURL is a financing mechanism worth about 500 million euros, 570 $8 million [10] US-NATO-Ukraine - The U S would be providing more weaponry to Ukraine, but that distribution would be handled by NATO, and that NATO countries would pay for it [8] - The announcement of 570 $8 million worth of American weapons, munitions going to the Netherlands and then provided to the Ukraine is a big step forward [11]

Tonight, President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff set to travel to Russia ahead of the president's Friday deadline for the Kremlin to halt its war against Ukraine. 6 months into office, Trump suggesting his patience with President Vladimir Putin has waned. >> We had numerous good conversations where we could have ended this thing >> and all of a sudden bombs start flying.A source familiar with the administration's plans tells NBC News that in addition to Wickoff's meetings in Russia, the White House's ...

Tightening sanctions from America have forced Iran to explore new ways to pay for the foreign goods it so desperately needs. Flooding the Gulf with fruits and vegetables is one of them https://t.co/0of2ncbrXS ...

Donald Trump has placed sanctions on a Brazilian Supreme Court Judge under the Magnitsky Act—legislation that has previously been used against genocidal Burmese generals and corrupt Russian officials https://t.co/QE1TwNjMY7 ...

The US imposed sanctions on members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority, a counter-action to moves from European countries toward recognizing a Palestinian state. https://t.co/Qm1CT5huQc ...