Billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Pyotr Aven were hit by the latest expansion of anti-Russia penalties The US government has extended its Russia-related sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, adding four prominent individuals and a business association to the list.

Around $450 million worth of foreign currency was converted into rubles last month, data shows The drop in the ruble exchange rate against major foreign currencies has prompted many Russians to sell off their dollar and euro holdings, the Bank of Russia said in its monthly financial risks review published this week.

Beijing says it will take steps to protect its sovereignty after the trip by “troublemaker” William Lai China’s Foreign Ministry has condemned a visit to the United States on Saturday by Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai, and vowed that it will retaliate.