The Russian ruble continues to weaken, despite the support from tax payments and stable oil quotes. On the Moscow Exchange, the yuan has exceeded the mark of 14.5 rubles, and the dollar is approaching the level of 106 rubles. The decline in the Russian currency is due to several factors: the aggravation of the geopolitical situation, new sanctions complicating foreign trade calculations, increased demand for imports and rising budget expenditures, as well as the strengthening of the dollar on world markets. Biden secretly requested an additional $24 billion from Congress to help Ukraine. Of this amount, $16 billion is supposed to be spent on replenishing American weapons stocks, and the remaining funds will be sent directly to Ukraine. Republicans opposed it, accusing Biden of trying to disrupt Donald Trump's possible peace initiatives to resolve the conflict. Walmart has abandoned the policy of inclusivity, the company's shares are growing. Walmart announced the termination of its support for diversity and inclusivity policies, including severing ties with the Center for Racial Equality and withdrawing from the LGBT rights index (the organization is recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation). Against the background of this decision, the company's shares have been showing growth over the past two days. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has entered into force. Israel and Hezbollah have officially stopped fighting in accordance with the new peace agreement. The agreement provides for the gradual control of the Lebanese army over the border territories with the support of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. Israel, in turn, has pledged to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within two months. The Trump team is evaluating the possibility of direct talks with Kim Jong Un as part of a «new diplomatic push.» Trump's main goal is to restore communication channels between Washington and Pyongyang, but further political contacts and their schedule have not yet been established. It is also noted that these efforts can reduce the risk of armed conflict.
