Third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine began in Geneva, as strikes continued to batter the country, while the UK saw its unemployment rate reach its highest level in nearly five years, according to official figures. Meanwhile, France released a suspected Russian oil tanker after a fine was paid, and dual nationals in the UK face new passport rules. These events unfolded alongside the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, where discussions on guiding the AI revolution took place.
The third round of Russia-Ukraine talks commenced in Geneva, brokered by the US, with expectations for a breakthrough remaining low. Moscow has not altered its demands for Ukrainian territory, and strikes on Ukraine continued nightly, damaging the power grid amidst subzero temperatures, according to BBC World. The talks began a week before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In the UK, unemployment rose to 5.2% in the three months to December, the highest rate in nearly five years, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Young people were particularly affected, with unemployment for those aged 16 to 24 rising to 16.1%, the highest in over a decade. While wages continued to rise faster than prices, the growth rate slowed. Many businesses have slowed hiring, citing measures in the Chancellor's recent Budgets, according to BBC Business.
France released an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia's "shadow fleet" after its owner paid a fine. The vessel, named Grinch, was seized in the Mediterranean in January and diverted to Marseille. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the tanker was "leaving French waters" after the fine of "several million euros" was paid. The tanker had sailed from Murmansk in northern Russia and was flying under a Comoros flag, according to BBC World.
The AI Impact Summit in Delhi brought together tech bosses, politicians, scientists, academics, and campaigners to discuss guiding the AI revolution. The event faced initial confusion, including conflicting reports about the attendance of keynote speaker Bill Gates. However, the Gates Foundation confirmed his attendance, stating he would deliver his keynote, according to BBC Technology.
Additionally, dual nationals in the UK are facing new passport rules, set to take effect on February 25th. Jelena, a British-Latvian dual national, expressed concern, stating she only learned of the changes recently. These changes are part of broader immigration system overhauls, aimed at streamlining the UK border, according to BBC Business.
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