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Ukraine Faces Deepening Power Shortages After Russian Strikes

A resident shows a journalist where a Russian drone struck the roof of an apartment building, depriving its residents of water, heat and electricity, in Kyiv. Ukraine is confronting one of its most severe energy shortfalls since the start of the full‑scale invasion, with the country currently able to supply only about 60% of its electricity needs. A new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has heavily damaged power plants and transmission infrastructure across multiple regions, pushing the grid to the brink. Officials report that nearly every major power‑generating facility has been hit in recent weeks. Cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro have experienced rolling blackouts, leaving millions of residents coping with limited heating, lighting, and communications during the winter season. Ukraine’s government has warned that the situation remains extremely challenging. Engineers are working around the clock to repair damaged facilities, but repeated strikes have slowed...

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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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