🌐 MORNING WATCH | OCTOBER 17
Armed Conflict · · place, but
🌐 MORNING WATCH | OCTOBER 17
Washington is holding back new sanctions on Moscow as Russia launches another major assault on Ukraine’s energy grid. Meanwhile, a reported Saudi–UAE agreement could reshape the war in Yemen.
Three things to watch:
🇺🇸 US / RUSSIA — Trump waives new sanctions.
Trump signed an executive order suspending the application of major provisions of the Graham Act, including proposed 500% tariffs on Russian goods and 100% tariffs targeting major buyers of Russian energy.
The White House cites US national interests. Existing sanctions remain in place, but much of the new pressure approved by Congress is now on hold.
🇾🇪 YEMEN — A Saudi–UAE rapprochement?
The Guardian reports that the UAE has agreed to resume financing some anti-Houthi forces, particularly the Giants Brigades, in exchange for Saudi air cover.
Neither government has officially confirmed the arrangement. If implemented, it could improve coordination among anti-Houthi forces, although southern separatist demands remain unresolved.
🇺🇦 UKRAINE — Russia intensifies energy strikes.
Zelensky says Russia launched more than 320 drones alongside missiles overnight, targeting over 15 major power generation and transmission facilities.
The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but the latest barrage further undermines hopes for the energy ceasefire announced by Washington.
Source: @GeoInsider
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