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Here’s what you need to know
The US, NATO, and Russia meet about Ukraine. Following a dinner yesterday, a US-Russia meeting in Geneva kicks off this week’s discussions about Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s intentions toward Ukraine. Read more below.
At least 164 people died in protest crackdowns in Kazakhstan. The anti-government demonstrations were triggered by rising fuel prices and have led to the arrest of nearly 6,000.
The Netherlands swears in a climate-focused government. The coalition, which took nine months to form, will set up a $40 billion climate fund and include a climate cabinet minister.
The EU wants stricter child sexual abuse laws for tech firms. Legislation would require internet providers and social media companies to detect, report, and remove content depicting abuse instead of only doing so voluntarily.
Tianjin is testing 14 million residents for covid-19. The Chinese city’s 48-hour testing blitz comes after cases of the omicron variant were found, just weeks ahead of the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing, 110 km (70 miles) away.
Citigroup has plans to fire unvaccinated workers. US employees have until Jan. 14 to get jabbed or be exempted, according to a memo viewed by Reuters.
What to watch for
US and Russian diplomats meet today for talks that could shape the next phases of war and peace in Europe and central Asia. Or, they could fall apart as soon as they begin. Russia’s massing of troops on Ukraine’s border will likely dominate the summit; other items include NATO exercises and bases in the region, cybersecurity, and the deadly crackdown on protestors in Kazakhstan.
The Ukrainian conflict dates back decades—here’s some reading to help you quickly catch up.
- Ukraine is being left out of talks about its future (The New York Times)
- Crisis between Russia and Ukraine has been brewing for 30 years (The Conversation)
- Why Russia sent troops into Kazahkstan (Foreign Policy)
And here are some items from Quartz’s archive:
- There’s one surefire way to get tough with Putin (2014)
- How to fight Russian propaganda, from a Ukrainian who’s been battling it for years (2017)
The last fossil fuel gold rush
A deterrent strategy the US could use against Russia is oil and gas sanctions. But that would mean finding alternative fuel sources for the EU and other allies that depend on supplies from Russia.
The US is increasingly dominating the international liquified natural gas market. Newly-built US terminals and record-high prices in Europe have made the US the world’s top exporter of the fuel for the first time, in what is likely the last growth market for global trade in fossil fuels.
The US is expected to maintain its leading position into 2022 as still more export facilities begin operating. But the growth is forcing more domestic coal use, complicating the country’s goal to cut carbon emissions.
Best companies for remote workers
The US is adapting to ever-changing geo-political tensions and your company is adapting to the pandemic’s forced shift to remote work. Submit your company for Quartz’s 2022 ranking of the Best Companies for Remote Workers.
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Surprising discoveries
A Broadway actor broke a seven-year hiatus to save Wicked. Covid-19 cases had caused a cast shortage.
Nearly 30 people were rescued from an ice chunk in Wisconsin. After the ice broke off from the shore, it floated a mile into Lake Michigan before everyone was rescued.
That USB stick in the mail probably isn’t a gift. Hackers are using Amazon and government branded packages to trick people into using malware-filled flash drives.
A UK grocery chain is ditching expiration dates on milk. The retailer said sniff tests are sufficient and could cut back on waste.
Leonardo DiCaprio is the namesake of a newly discovered tree. Uvariopsis dicaprio is found in Cameroon’s Ebo Forest, where the celebrity has opposed logging.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Send any news, comments, a giant piece of ice to float away on, and supermarket sniffs to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Tim McDonnell, Tripti Lahiri, Morgan Haefner, and David Yanofsky.