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Europe Rejects U.S. Peace Framework Demanding Ukrainian Concessions

Ukraine suffered one of the worst Russian attacks in months when drones and missiles hit Ternopil.  European leaders have firmly rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and scale back its military capabilities. The plan, reportedly drafted by Washington and discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been described by European officials as tantamount to forcing Kyiv into capitulation. According to reports, the framework envisions Ukraine giving up land to Russia and partially disarming its armed forces. This approach has sparked alarm across Europe, where officials insist that any peace plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve both Kyiv and European partners in negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” underscoring the bloc’s position that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without its direct involvement. German...
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US Inflation Surges in January, Raising Concerns for Fed and Markets

 

The US consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.5% in January from the previous month, exceeding economists’ expectations of a 0.2% increase, according to data released on Tuesday. The annual inflation rate jumped to 3.1%, the highest level since March 2021, and above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

The surge in inflation was driven by higher costs of energy, food, shelter, and transportation, reflecting the impact of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and rising demand amid the economic recovery from the pandemic. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also rose 0.4% in January, the largest monthly gain since July 2021.

The higher-than-expected inflation report rattled the financial markets, as investors feared that the Fed might have to tighten its monetary policy sooner than anticipated to prevent the economy from overheating. US stock futures fell after the release of the data, while the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.09%, the highest level since January 2020.

The Fed has maintained that the current inflation spike is transitory and largely reflects the base effects of low prices a year ago, as well as the temporary factors related to the reopening of the economy. The central bank has signaled that it will keep its benchmark interest rate near zero and continue its bond-buying program until the labor market and inflation reach its goals.

However, some analysts and policymakers have warned that the inflation pressures could persist and become more widespread, posing a threat to the economic outlook and the Fed’s credibility. They have urged the Fed to act more aggressively to rein in inflation and prevent a loss of confidence in its ability to maintain price stability.

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