FirstFT: Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners level to systematic coverage

In the present day’s agenda: Trump calls Zelenskyy a “dictator”; Politico proprietor praises Vance; UniCredit on Russia exit; China’s London embassy; and Huge Learn on US Treasuries

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

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

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

Learn extra on the investigation and watch the complete documentary.

Right here’s what else we’re maintaining tabs on as we speak:

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 listing in The Week Forward publication.

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

5 extra high tales

1. Donald Trump known as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and warned that he “better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left”. The US president hit out at his Ukrainian counterpart hours after Zelenskyy accused Trump of residing in a “disinformation bubble”.

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

• Postwar plans: France and Britain are drawing up a proposal to create a “reassurance force” to implement 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 stated many individuals had “intentionally misunderstood” the handle. The US vice-president shocked the viewers final week by claiming restrictions on freedom of expression in Europe had been a larger menace to the area than Russia or China. Learn the FT’s interview with Axel Springer chief Mathias Döpfner.

3. Federal Reserve officers indicated final month that they wanted to see “further 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 applicable to maintain financial coverage at “restrictive” ranges. Extra from the Federal Open Market Committee’s January assembly minutes.

• Reining in regulators: Trump is to take larger management of unbiased federal businesses, together with vital monetary 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 warfare, its chief government has stated, including that an finish to hostilities might permit UniCredit to safe higher phrases. The Italian financial institution is among the few giant western lenders to have remained within the nation. Learn the FT’s interview with the financial institution’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 mission raises “significant security concerns” for the UK monetary providers trade. Beijing’s plans to construct its largest diplomatic advanced in Europe have met resistance from politicians who warn of potential for elevated espionage.

The Huge Learn

Tariffs, commerce wars and plans for giant tax cuts might stoke inflation, enhance 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 foreign money 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 harm progress and innovation, writes John Gapper.

• London’s ‘right-wing Davos’: The three-day Arc convention has attracted conservative politicians, theologians and enterprise leaders from around the globe with its mix of tradition wars and non secular urgency.

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

Chart of the day

A stand-off between airways and power 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 power corporations obtain extra long-term orders they continue to be reluctant to spend money on extra manufacturing.

Take a break from the information . . . 

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