MNI POLITICAL RISK ANALYSIS – US Daily Brief 17-02-22

Executive Summary:

• The Ukraine crisis remains in a critical stage. President Joe Biden spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz yesterday, and according to the White House, the two leaders ‘reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity'. ’This continues a more coordinated NATO response to Russia after a period of multitrack diplomacy which many believe undermined the Western diplomatic process and appeared to offer too many concessions to Russia.
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: ‘US and European officials have said they have seen no signs of Russia de-escalating the situation, despite a statement by Russia on Tuesday that it was pulling back troops.’
• A continuing resolution is expected to pass the Senate today which will keep the government funded until March 11. No one would benefit from a shutdown but there is a fear that the Senate could inadvertently precipitate a government shutdown due to amendment votes.
• Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) has spoken on the reason for preventing a quorum on Sarah Bloom Raskin’s Federal Reserve confirmation vote: 'We have a lot of questions about her role, and the Fed’s role in fintech company Reserve Trust obtaining a Fed master account. The circumstances are very peculiar, and she was involved, and we want answers.’
• The US State Department has said that the JCPOA Iran nuclear talks in Vienna are ‘in the midst of the final stages.’

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MNI POLITICAL RISK ANALYSIS – US Daily Brief 17-02-22 .pdf