Russian rouble crashes as the west's sanctions make their mark | First Thing
Central bank more than doubles interest rates in effort to protect currency and economy. Plus, Patrisse Cullors on co-founding Black Lives Matter
Good morning.
The rouble crashed more than 40% after trading began today amid unprecedented international sanctions against Russia's financial system over Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Is the US doing anything more to help? Yes. The US stepped up the flow of weapons to Ukraine, announcing yesterday it would send Stinger missiles as part of a package approved by the White House.
What about the UN? A rare emergency special session of the UN general assembly is due to be held today in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, marking the first time in 40 years the security council has made such a request.
Is there any chance of a ceasefire? Ukraine has agreed to send a delegation to meet Russian representatives on the border with Belarus, which would be the two sides' first public contact since war erupted. Zelenskiy said he was not confident that any progress would be made, but that he would try.
Why would it be such a big deal with Jackson gets approved? Of 115 supreme court justices, 108 have been white men. Two have been Black men, five women.
But is she qualified? She definitely seems to be. In fact, Steve Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas, has pointed out that Jackson has more trial experience than four current justices combined - including the chief, John Roberts.
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