Axios

President Biden authorized on Friday $725 million in aid to Ukraine as part of the U.S.'s latest defense package for Ukrainian forces fighting Russia's unprovoked invasion.

Driving the news: The memorandum comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered deadly missile strikes across Ukraine this week, leading to explosions that killed at least 19 people. Even China and India, Russia's two biggest allies, have since called for de-escalation.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng was fired on Friday as the government backed off of the tax-cutting plans he championed. The plan sent bond and currency markets reeling in recent weeks.

Why it matters: Britain's economic problems are unique in many ways. But recent events indicate that the world economy is entering a new phase, where deficits matter more and high inflation acts as a constraint on governments.

North Korea tested yet another ballistic missile on Friday, launched a barrage of rockets near the border with South Korea, and flew warplanes so close to South Korean territory that Seoul scrambled jets of its own in response, South Korea's military says.

Why it matters: North Korea is testing missiles at an unprecedented rate this year. U.S. and South Korean officials are still awaiting a seventh nuclear test, which they believe could take place at any time.

A pair of climate activists threw tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh's famous "Sunflowers" painting at the National Gallery in London on Friday, leading to arrests and minor damage to the frame of the painting.

Why it matters: Climate protesters in Europe have been attaching themselves to works of art, including famous paintings, for months to grab attention and raise questions about the value of life and art, according to the New York Times.

U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss ousted finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday before scrapping a key part of a controversial economic package that roiled markets.

Why it matters: Truss and Kwarteng, who was the chancellor of the Exchequer, spent an immense amount of political capital attempting to implement their tax cut plan. She is now attempting to "reassure the markets of our fiscal discipline" and salvage her premiership.

Elon Musk said Friday that his company SpaceX can't "indefinitely" fund critical internet service in Ukraine through Starlink terminals.

Why it matters: The terminals have provided internet service for Ukraine's military and government officials, even as Russia's invasion has ravaged the country's infrastructure.

A different red, white and blue striped flag has appeared during recent demonstrations in francophone West African capitals: Russia's.

Driving the news: That scene played out most recently during Burkina Faso’s Sept. 30 coup. Protesters attacked the French embassy and a French cultural center amid rumors that France was harboring the ousted president or planning to intervene militarily. That was all disinformation, French officials say. They point the finger at Russia.

A resolution to condemn Russia’s annexations in Ukraine passed Wednesday by a whopping 143 to 5 margin, though 45 countries including China, India and Iran abstained or declined to vote.

Flashback: 141 countries backed the resolution seven months earlier condemning the invasion. Very few countries have shifted their positions since then.

The Jan. 6 committee confirmed in its hearing Thursday that then-President Trump signed a memo on Nov. 11, 2020, ordering the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Somalia and Afghanistan — days after the election was called for Joe Biden.

Why it matters: The committee pointed to the existence of the memo — which was first reported in Axios' "Off the Rails" series in May 2021 — as evidence that Trump knew he had lost the election and was scrambling to cement his foreign-policy legacy before leaving office.

The Iraqi parliament on Thursday elected Kurdish former minister Abdul Latif Rashid to be the country's next president, AP reported.

Why it matters: The vote was a sign of progress after a year of deep political deadlock that prevented the formation of a new government, AP reported. It took place shortly after rockets rained down on Baghdad's Green Zone and injured at least five people.

The explosion of the Kerch bridge linking Crimea to mainland Russia earlier this week has caused a significant backup in cargo trucks waiting to be transported across the strait, newly released satellite photos show.

Driving the news: In the aftermath of the explosion, Russian authorities rushed to reestablish supply lines to Crimea. A day after the explosion they said all freight trains were running according to schedule.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is attempting a dramatic shift in how his country fights drug trafficking after calling for an end to the so-called war on drugs.

Why it matters: Counter-narcotics operations are a cornerstone of the U.S. relationship with Colombia, long one of its closest partners in Latin America.

The Los Angeles Latino council members who used racist language in a leaked recording have exposed the conflicts — but also the solidarity — between Black and Latino residents.

Why it matters: As the country, especially major cities, becomes more diverse, how Latinos and Black Americans work together today may define the nation's future around civil rights and equality.

Black Puerto Rican communities have been among the hardest hit by hurricanes Fiona and Maria, but advocates say they often struggle most to get aid,

The big picture: Gentrification and discriminatory housing policies have driven many Black Puerto Ricans from urban to rural coastal areas, which struggle with erosion, are prone to flooding and are hardest hit by hurricanes, experts say.

The long-awaited Biden administration national security strategy puts climate change at the center of policymaking toward China, the Arctic, and many other parts of the globe.

Why it matters: The strategy released Wednesday by the White House integrates global warming into national security policy to an unprecedented extent, making clear the administration views the issue as “the existential challenge of our time.”

Russian forces used Iranian drones to target critical infrastructure in Kyiv on Thursday, while Russian missiles simultaneously bombarded dozens of other cities across Ukraine.

Driving the news: In the days since a blast blew up a critical bridge connecting Russia to Crimea — an incident Russia blames Ukraine for — Russia has stepped up its attacks.

Heavy rains in southeastern Australia left thousands of homes without power and emergency services conducted multiple flood-related rescues across the region on Thursday.

Threat level: Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Jonathan How warned more heavy rainfall that could lead to "life-threatening flash-flooding" was "on the way" as evacuations orders and warnings were issued across Victoria, New South Wales and the island state of Tasmania.

The United Nations General Assembly voted Wednesday to condemn Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian territories.

Driving the news: A total of 143 countries voted in favor of a UN resolution after lobbying by the U.S., Britain and the European Union, per AP.