"Russia's Central Bank Raises Interest Rates to 16% Amid Ukraine Conflict"

Russia's central bank raised interest rates for the fifth consecutive time, increasing its key rate to 16% as inflation remains high. Hungary blocked a critical financial aid package for Ukraine, while also abstaining from the European Union's decision to open membership talks with Ukraine. Fake TikTok accounts spread Russian war propaganda, and the whereabouts of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny are unknown. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for a prisoner swap with the U.S., and stated that conditions are not in place to rebuild relations with Washington.