- Stocks recovered some of their losses as investors wagered that markets will rebound from the latest spat between the West and Russia over Ukraine, while a flight to safe havens slowed.
- After plunging as much as 2% earlier, the Stoxx 600 index wavered. The s&p 500's futures remained stable, but the Nasdaq 100's hinted to a drop on Wall Street when trading resumed following the holiday. Gold fell as benchmark government rates reduced their losses to trade at 1.92%.
- President Vladimir Putin of Russia has recognized two self-proclaimed separatist republics in eastern Ukraine and ordered the defense ministry to send "peacekeeping forces" to the breakaway territories.
- The recent steps have been denounced by western politicians, and the US is preparing to announce more penalties against Russia. The United States has warned of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, something the Kremlin has consistently denied. Meanwhile, the UK has already implemented sanctions, with the EU seemingly not far behind.
- The Russian representative to the nuclear talks with Iran claims on Twitter that they are nearing the finish line.
- Germany’s Chancellor Scholz claims that certification of Nord Stream 2 cant happen right now due to Russia's recent moves.
- The EU is debating a ban on trading in Russian state bonds, according to an EU official.
- Russia's upper house of parliament votes to approve the friendship treaty with self-proclaimed Luhansk, and Donetsk republics in Eastern Ukraine.
- EU's Foreign Min. Borrell: The EU is expected to make a decision on Russian sanctions on Tuesday, sometime in the PM.
