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Ukraine and Russia Conclude Talks With Agreement on Prisoner Exchange

Members of the US, Russian and Ukrainian delegations, including United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Rustem Umerov and head of Russian military intelligence (GRU) and head of Russian’s team in security talk Admiral Igor Kostyukov, attend the second round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ukraine and Russia ended their second day of peace negotiations with a notable breakthrough: an agreement to carry out a new prisoner swap. Delegations from both countries described the discussions as constructive, marking one of the few tangible steps forward in a conflict where diplomatic progress has been rare. The agreement centers on exchanging captured soldiers, a humanitarian measure both sides have intermittently supported despite ongoing hostilities. Officials involved in the talks suggested that the deal could help build momentum for future negotiations, though major political and ter...

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Bank of Canada Poised to Cut Interest Rates Amid Trade Uncertainty

                                                

The Bank of Canada is expected to cut interest rates next week as the looming threat of tariffs from the United States continues to cast a shadow over the Canadian economy. With newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada, the central bank is considering a 25-basis-point rate cut to mitigate potential economic damage.

Despite recent positive economic indicators, such as a 2% growth in the fourth quarter and the addition of 91,000 jobs in December, the uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the U.S. has prompted the Bank to take a cautious approach. The inflation rate, which slowed to 1.8% in December, is also a factor in the decision-making process, although core inflation measures remain high.

Economists are divided on the necessity of the rate cut, with some arguing that the central bank should hold off to maintain flexibility in the face of ongoing economic challenges. However, the prevailing sentiment is that the potential impact of tariffs outweighs other considerations, and a rate cut is the most prudent course of action.

The Bank of Canada's decision will be closely watched by markets and businesses alike, as it will have significant implications for borrowing costs and economic growth in the coming months.



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