Russia
Former CFTC Chairman on Economic Impact of Russia-Ukraine War: Commodities, CBDCs, and More
Timothy Massad, former CFTC chairman and current research fellow at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, discusses the global economic implications of the Russia-Ukraine war and the repercussions that markets may face for isolating Russia’s economy. Massad discusses possible threats to the commodities markets, Putin’s ambitions to nationalize assets of western companies exiting Russia, and President Biden’s executive order on crypto oversight.

How Ukraine’s Tech Sector Is Helping Support the Defense Against Russia
Pavel Kravchenko, co-founder of Ukrainian crypto software firm Distributed Lab joins “First Mover” to explain the tech sector’s involvement in the war against Russia.

How Bitcoin Is Being Adopted Faster Than the Internet in the 2000s
In today’s Chart of the Day segment, Christine Lee pays homage to Bitcoin on-chain analyst Will Woo by presenting a chart he published last year illustrating bitcoin's adoption rate outpacing that of the internet in the early 2000s. Plus, a look into BTC’s short-term trading range amid negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Goldman Sachs to Exit Russia Amid War With Ukraine
As Vladimir Putin continues the invasion of Ukraine, Goldman Sachs plans to exit Russia and is the first Wall Street bank to take such actions. “The Hash” examines the impact this will have on everyday Russian consumers as other American businesses like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola also suspend operations in the Russian Federation.

Inflation Reaches 40-Year High of 7.9%, Can Bitcoin Help Consumers?
"The Hash" discusses what U.S. inflation rates at 7.9%, a level not seen in over 40 years, means for consumers in their necessary expenses and if bitcoin presents a solution to these concerns. Plus, a conversation on other assets like gold as an inflation hedge and rising oil prices following the Russia-Ukraine war.

Sanctions Expand for Belarus; Korea’s Crypto Promises
EU says crypto included in sanctions against Russia and Belarus. WazirX CEO warns crypto tax to incur losses for Indian government. What can the crypto sector expect from Yoon Suk-Yeol’s presidency in South Korea?

Gavin Wood Donated $5M in DOT to Aid Ukraine
Alex Siman, Subsocial Network founder, joins “First Mover” to discuss their partnership with Polkadot creator Gavin Wood to raise DOT token funds to support the Ukrainian military in their defensive efforts against Russia’s invasion.

How Are Russians and the Oligarchs Reacting to Sanctions Following Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine?
Uriel Epshtein, Renew Democracy Initiative executive director, joins “First Mover” to discuss the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed on Russia, specifically looking at the reactions from Russian oligarchs. Plus, a conversation on the impact of these sanctions on everyday Russians who oppose Putin’s actions in Ukraine and how Russian reformers are looking to create change within the country.

Ukraine Raised $100M in Crypto Donations
In today’s “Chart of the Day” segment, Christine Lee presents data illustrating the volume of crypto funds raised by Ukraine each day since the Russia invasion, amassing over $60 million through more than 120,000 donations. Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov says Ukraine has also received around tens of millions of dollars from several other smaller funds ... making the total amount of crypto donations "close to $100 million."
