A quick catch up on today’s top stories…
1) Russian forces launch invasion of Ukraine with strikes on defences
Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.
Shortly after Putin spoke in a televised address on Russian state TV, explosions could be heard in the pre-dawn quiet of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Gunfire rattled near the capital’s main airport, the Interfax news agency said, and sirens were heard over the city.
“Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter.
2) [Abesim murder] Court adjourns case to April 17
The case in which one Richard Appiah has been held for an alleged ritual murder of two kids has been adjourned to April 17, 2022. This was because the accused person was not brought to the court.
The magistrate handling the case at the Kaneshie District Court, Her Worship Ama Adomako Kwakye who has been on leave for some time, has resumed. But, this adjournment makes it the seventh time, the case has been adjourned after twice on October 5 and 25, November 17, December 16, January 17, all, 2021, and January 31, February 18 and 23, 2022.
3) Cryptocurrencies suffer massive fall after Russia invaded Ukraine
Bitcoin slumped to its lowest in a month on Thursday after Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast, sparking a sell-off of riskier assets.
Bitcoin fell by as much as 7.9% to $34,324, its lowest since Jan. 24, and was last trading down 4.5%. Smaller coins that typically move in tandem with bitcoin also fell, with ether losing as much as 10.8%.
4) Filmstar Leonardo DiCaprio pumps investment into French champagne brand Telmont
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has bought an equity stake in French champagne house Telmont, its majority owner Remy Cointreau (RCOP.PA) said on Wednesday, as luxury brands strike partnership deals with celebrities to broaden their appeal.
“From protecting biodiversity on its land, to using 100% renewable electricity, Champagne Telmont is determined to radically lower its environmental footprint, making me proud to join as an investor,” DiCaprio said in a statement.
5) UEFA calls extraordinary meeting to discuss situation between Russia and Ukraine
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for Friday, Europe’s soccer governing body said on Thursday following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This season’s Champions League final is to be held in St Petersburg in May and the EU Parliament had asked UEFA to change the venue and to stop considering Russian cities for international football competitions.
