America has doubt Russia is scaling back its military ambitions in Ukraine, despite the Kremlin’s claims that it is reducing operations around Kyiv and making progress in peace talks with Ukrainian negotiators.

The Russian Defense Ministry insisted yesterday that it was withdrawing from population centers in northern and western Ukraine. U.S. officials said there was growing evidence that Vladimir Putin believed his military commanders were “misguided” about the progress of the war.

A U.S. official said declassified intelligence showed Putin was unaware of the Russian military’s use of conscripts in Ukraine, suggesting a “clear break” in accurate information being provided to the Kremlin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also warned his country not to ”lose vigilance“After Russia announced it was withdrawing its troops near Kyiv.

Meanwhile, U.S. and European officials are unanimously opposed to linking progress in peace talks lift sanctions against Moscow.

More about Ukraine:

• International response: Joe Biden $500 million pledged In a phone call with Zelensky yesterday, China expressed its desire to enhance bilateral relations with Russia”Take it to the next level”. Europe will take advantage of tomorrow’s potentially tense virtual summit pressure beijing Relations with Moscow.

• vitality: Germany and Austria take formal steps natural gas distribution Because a standoff over payments could threaten Russian deliveries.

• Sanctions: Britain has sanctioned eight oligarchs “Golden Visa”. Antigua has asked the UK government to determine whether two yachts Owned by sanctions-targeted oligarchs. Holland & Barrett in trouble Debt repayment withheld by HSBC Concerns about sanctions

• View: War is an opportunity for Europe to reinvent itself and uphold the rule of law, Tony Barber wrote. The FT’s view is that Moscow has historically viewed ceasefires as a military tactics, not towards peace.Helen Thomas believes recent volatility presents an opportunity Forcing businesses to invest in decarbonization.

Thank you to those who voted yesterday. More than half agreed with Gideon Rahman that NATO should not intervene directly in the Ukraine war.Follow the latest intrusions our live blog. Here’s the rest of the news today – Jennifer

Five more stories in the news

1. SoftBank slows investment The Japanese group’s billionaire founder Masayoshi Son warns executives slow down investment The world’s largest tech investor is scrambling to raise capital amid a slump in tech stocks and a crackdown by Chinese regulation.

2. Sorrell’s S4 Latency Results S4 Capital The market value has shrunk by more than one-third It comes after Sir Martin Sorrell’s advertising business issued a notice saying its auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers had failed to sign off on its results hours before they were announced.

3. Australian group pledges £28.5bn in UK spending Australian investors focus UK clean energy, technology and infrastructure projects Downing Street said spending over the next decade would reach £28.5bn.

4. Shapps fails to win industry support for plan for P&O Ferries UK government plans to force ferry operators to raise seafarers’ wages by empowering ports prevent access to ships From a company that doesn’t pay the minimum wage. But the initiative, aimed at forcing P&O Ferries to rehire 800 workers, was opposed by the port.

5. U.S. regulator outlines Spac reforms U.S. securities regulators have propose comprehensive reforms Special purpose acquisitions of companies include stripping them of the legal safeguards that allow promoters to offer upbeat projections to potential investors.

coronavirus digest

• Biotechnology plan to return Nearly 2 billion euros paid to shareholders After the commercial success of the Covid-19 vaccine, through share buybacks and special dividends.

• As infection rates hit record highs, experts warn British plan Reduce free testing A few days may be too early.Brits are bracing for a tough month – Darren Dodd explains why interrupted timesour newsletter on business and economic changes between Covid and conflict. register here.

• Boris Johnson and his deputy prime minister Dominic Raab There is disagreement over whether officials are partying during lockdown violated the law.

• senior consultant Hong Kong’s leaders say the city don’t give up on promises China’s zero outbreak policy, despite easing some restrictions.

the day ahead

NATO Annual Report Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg presents the military alliance’s annual report in Brussels. (NATO)

• British military: The head of the armed forces, Admiral Tony Radakin, and the government’s civil defence adviser, David Williams, will discuss the country’s Defense Priorities.

Ukraine update Gazprom, government and central bank officials to report to Vladimir Putin clear mechanism To facilitate payments for Russian gas in rubles.A sort of Russia ceasefire According to Moscow’s military TV channel Zvezda, it will begin at 10 a.m. in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol, with the arrival of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov India talks.

• In the oil market: All eyes will be on OPEC ministerial meeting That comes after G7 leaders called on the group to boost output to make up for disruption caused by the invasion of Ukraine. Crude oil falls around 4% on expectations of Joe Biden announcement release oil again From today’s emergency stock.

FIFA Congress The leaders will meet in Qatar, where the draw for the World Cup final will be held this year.This Biennial World Cup ProspectsHowever, it has fallen off the agenda. (AFP)

Economic data it is Big day for economic indicators. The EU released its employment rate for February, while Germany released retail trade data for the same month. The franc’s February producer price index and early March consumer price index data are out. Germany and Italy have labor market data for March.Economists expect U.S. consumer spending to rise The second month in a row was in February. (Financial Times, Wall Street Journal)

Join us in person or online on Thursday 5 May to discuss the power of the individual investor with Merryn Somerset Webb and the Financial Times’ Claer Barrett. register here.

What are we still reading and listening to

Emmanuel Macron struggles to regain his winning spirit Five years ago, Macron rushed to the French presidency after a frenetic campaign. Now, as he seeks re-election, his team worries that he is spending too much time on the Ukraine war, Become a distant institutional figure to voters.

“Cryptocurrency Caucus” A bipartisan mix of libertarians, business advocates and techno-utopians are joining forces to legislate to help the industry grow.The eclectic group could become one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill as U.S. lawmakers rush to action Setting the rules for a fast-growing industry.

Should you take your dog to the office? This week’s Working It podcast might delve deeper The most divisive issue in the workplace. Host Isabel (cat lover) talks to Lindsay Bumps (dog lover) of ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s, which allows dogs to work.

Health and Wellness

Need a boost for a tired, distracted brain? As it turns out, the traditional way of getting help — coffee — is pre-pandemic. Enter the latest nootropics – Cognitive enhancers to cheer up users.