PUNISHING PUTIN takes readers to the frontlines of the economic war to degrade Putin's war machine. But is it working? Here’s 90 seconds on one of the central questions in my new book 👇

Great to be on @BBC Ukrainecast with @vicderbyshire to talk about Trump’s tariff threat if Putin doesn’t agree a ceasefire. As I argue in my book, Punishing Putin, Russian oil was never effectively sanctioned. I doubt Trump will follow through on his threat.

Bessent clarifies Trump's messy statement on tariffs if Putin doesn't negotiate. “Any country who buys sanctioned Russian oil is going to be subject to up to 100% secondary tariffs,” Bessent said. So not Russian uranium, which the US still buys from Moscow.

Strong new EU sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, lowering the price cap on Russian oil, blacklisting more banks and an Indian oil refinery. But the US really needs to join to make this effective.

Top executives at least three of Russia's systematically important banks have privately discussed seeking a state bailout within the next year if the level of bad loans continues to worsen.

Great to be on @BBCNews @BBCWorld with @BBCMaryam this week to talk about Trump’s threat of tariffs to bring Putin to the negotiating table. More tariff political theater when there are sanctions he could impose right now.

I will be on @BBC news channel at 6pm UK time to talk about Trump’s tariff announcement on Russia.

Trump finally realising he’s been played: “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, [if] you want to know the truth,” Trump said. “He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”

Trump says he’ll send more defensive weapons to Ukraine — a reversal just after the Pentagon halted shipments. Still no new sanctions on Russia, even as he insists he’s “not happy” with Putin. Not even willing to talk tough.

The Dutch secret service warn that Russia is intensifying its use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.

The Pentagon is giving Putin what he wants by halting military aid to Ukraine. Putin is even more unlikely to negotiate.

RT @Charles_Hecker: What an engaging and lively night @frontlineclub, talking about US, China, Asia, and trade/Trump/tariffs and *a lot* mo….

Russia faces a credible risk of a systemic banking crisis in the next 12 months. Banks have estimated that their bad debts run to trillions of rubles and are taking steps to manage the increased risk leading to early signs of a credit crunch

RT @Charles_Hecker: Heads up: I'll be moderating this phenomenal panel on US-Asia rivalry @frontlineclub on 1 July w/ @isabelhilton @Stepha….

A Russian attack on NATO would cost the world $1.5 trillion. Not beyond the realm of possibility with Putin saying “wherever the Russian soldier treads is ours.” via @bbgvisualdata.

Doublespeak alert: Putin denounces “absolutely unprovoked aggression” against Iran, just after nine people were killed in Kyiv in a totally unprovoked drone and missile strike

Very disappointing and shows how much damage Trump is doing to the Russia sanctions coalition ➡️The EU shelved a plan for a stricter price cap on Russian oil exports over concerns that the US won’t back tougher sanctions due to rising crude prices

TACO Trump strikes again. 2 weeks to impose sanctions on Russia = nothing. 2 weeks to attack Iran, giving them time to move material, also likely means he'll do nothing.

Putin’s top economic officials openly argued over the state of Russia’s economy, with one government minister issuing his starkest warning yet that the country may be teetering on the edge of a recession

Russia warns Trump not to join the war against Iran, but looks unwilling and unable to help Tehran militarily, preferring to keep weapons stockpiles for its war against Ukraine.