Bloomberg - Evening Briefing - Putin speaks

In his first public remarks in a month on the crisis that’s emerged from his decision to mass Russia’s military on Ukraine’s border, Vladimir Putin repeated his claim that it is the U.S. and NATO who are stoking tensions, in part because they aren’t acceding to his demands. Though he offered some hope of dialogue, Putin said America “ignored” Moscow’s requirement that Ukraine be barred from future NATO membership and that NATO forces retreat from its member states in Eastern Europe. Putin also accused the U.S. of using Ukraine to “contain” Russia, and said Kyiv may seek western help to retake Crimea, which is Ukrainian territory that Russia occupies, having invaded and annexed it in 2014. Moscow has since played a main role in fueling a conflict in eastern Ukraine that’s killed at least 14,000 people. For their part, the U.S. and Europe reiterated they were open to diplomacy and reviving security agreements involving missiles and troop movements on the continent. —Margaret Sutherlin

Bloomberg is tracking the coronavirus pandemic and the progress of global vaccination efforts.

Ford is going all in on the EV future. Led by a former Apple and Tesla executive, the carmaker is launching a $20 billion reorganization over the next five to 10 years to speed up its shift to electric. On the list of things to do: hire more engineers that specialize in things like batteries, artificial intelligence and software. Shares bounced higher on the news.

A Potomac Electric Power Co. (Pepco) Ford Mustang during the Washington Auto Show in Washington on Jan. 21. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

The “Great Resignation” continued in December with 10.9 million Americans quitting their jobs—exceeding estimates. The report comes ahead of the Feb. 4 jobs numbers, which the White House is already trying to temper expectations for given the Covid-19 omicron surge. Bitcoin hit $39,000, its highest in nearly two weeks. Here’s your markets wrap. 

Meanwhile, the fewest number of U.S. workers were dismissed in December going back to 2001, highlighting businesses’ desperation to retain talent. Just 1.2 million Americans were fired that month.

New studies support initial data showing the new omicron subvariant is transmitting even faster than the original.  Pfizer-BioNTech took another step toward seeking authorization for their vaccine in kids under 5, and though hospitalizations are falling across the U.S., health officials are still warning to not ease restrictions too quickly. Here’s the latest on the pandemic. 

Italy is mandating that the so-called green pass, which is proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test, be required to enter banks, public offices and shops. Above, an employee checks a customer’s pass at a bar in Rome on Feb. 1. Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg

If you’re a renter and you moved last year, you’re probably already paying more for shelter. If you didn’t, you may soon find yourself in a similar position when your lease comes up for renewal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to hang on by a thread over allegations tied to parties held during the height of the Covid-19 lockdowns. Today, the embattled Tory promised to release the full investigation, including if he is personally fined for his involvement. A criminal investigation however is ongoing.

If you invested in Bitcoin or NFT’s last year, a very big surprise could be waiting on your tax bill, warns one industry CEO. 

• More artists are ditching Spotify over Covid-19 misinformation.
• Another opioid lawsuit was settled, this time with Native Americans.
• The Big Take: Europe ditched nuclear power just when it was needed.
• Rare federal hate crime trial may await the killers of Ahmaud Arbery.
• Bloomberg Opinion: Future volatility could be Black Monday-bad. 
• NFL’s Tom Brady is officially retiring—and pursuing NFTs.
• But one big celebrity said he’s not jumping on the NFT bandwagon.

New York City has never been the cheapest option when it comes to places to live, but one thing has become increasingly clear as home prices around the country surge: the property tax system in the city is crushing homeowners. 

Kathryn Donnelly and her son David Donnelly at their home in the Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood of Queens, in New York City. The taxes on Donnelly’s 1939 Cape Cod-style house have tripled. Photographer: Christopher Occhicone/Bloomberg

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