Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners point to systematic policy

At this time’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 conflict should not remoted incidents however doubtless a part of a broader sample that factors to a scientific coverage.

Execution footage: The investigation reveals the suspected identification 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 conflict crimes.

Rise in circumstances: Ukraine’s nationwide police have initiated greater than 125,000 conflict crimes proceedings for a variety of various offences because the begin of the full-scale invasion. Prosecutors mentioned execution circumstances rose dramatically final 12 months: in 2024, they launched investigations into 43 incidents involving 133 suspected deaths.

Read more on the investigation and watch the full documentary.

Right here’s what else we’re maintaining tabs on right this moment:

South Africa: International ministers from G20 nations 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 record in The Week Ahead e-newsletter.

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 here. 

5 extra prime tales

1. Donald Trump known as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and warned that he “higher transfer quick or he’s not going to have a Nation left”. The US president hit out at his Ukrainian counterpart hours after Zelenskyy accused Trump of living in a “disinformation bubble”.

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

• Postwar plans: France and Britain are drawing up a proposal to create a “reassurance power” to enforce any ceasefire deal.

• Navy 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 mentioned many individuals had “deliberately misunderstood” the deal with. The US vice-president surprised the viewers final week by claiming restrictions on freedom of expression in Europe have been a larger risk to the area than Russia or China. Read the FT’s interview with Axel Springer chief Mathias Döpfner.

3. Federal Reserve officers indicated final month that they wanted to see “additional 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 acceptable to maintain financial coverage at “restrictive” ranges. More from the Federal Open Market Committee’s January meeting minutes.

• Reining in regulators: Trump is to take larger management of impartial federal companies, together with important financial watchdogs, together with his newest government order.

4. Unique: UniCredit might speed up its exit from Russia if there’s a breakthrough on the Ukraine conflict, its chief government has mentioned, 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. Read the FT’s interview with the bank’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 “important safety considerations” for the UK monetary companies business. Beijing’s plans to construct its largest diplomatic complicated in Europe have met resistance from politicians who warn of potential for increased espionage.

The Huge Learn

Tariffs, commerce wars and plans for large tax cuts might stoke inflation, enhance US debt and rattle traders 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 forex 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 impartial regulation of the rail community will damage growth and innovation, writes John Gapper.

• London’s ‘right-wing Davos’: The three-day Arc convention has attracted conservative politicians, theologians and enterprise leaders from world wide with its mix of culture wars and religious urgency.

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

Chart of the day

A stand-off between airways and vitality teams over the manufacturing of sustainable air gas is stalling the transition to internet zero flying. Airways complain that sustainable aviation gas is just too costly and never sufficient is being made. However except vitality firms obtain extra long-term orders they continue to be reluctant to invest in more production.

Take a break from the information . . . 

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