Expedition Earth
(Part VII)

Washington has temporarily reopened the door to Russian diesel as high fuel prices threaten American consumers and industry. The decision has exposed tensions with European allies and Ukraine, raising a larger question about whether economic realities are beginning to override geopolitical commitments INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, with additional reporting from Reuters, Associated Press and the International Energy Agency. · President…

Washington's reported threats to restrict intelligence, weapons support and satellite communications have exposed Ukraine's dependence on American technology and political decisions. As Trump pursues energy cooperation with Moscow, the confrontation raises questions about who controls Ukraine's military capabilities, who finances the war and how much independence Kyiv retains. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 16 October 2026, HERE. · The…

New Zealand's agricultural economy depends on an industrial raw material that rarely makes headlines: sulphur. With international supply routes under pressure, questions are emerging about whether the country has sufficient reserves, alternative suppliers and domestic production capacity to withstand a prolonged disruption Report by eLocal | 17 October 2026 · A Warning That Deserves Examination · New Zealand has spent years debating energy…

Andrew Korybko examines a reported four-part US peace proposal involving Ukraine's reconstruction, security guarantees, European energy integration and a ceasefire. He argues that Moscow might accept a negotiated settlement, particularly if an energy agreement offers economic incentives, while questioning whether Kyiv would agree. It represents a pragmatic balance of interests between all sides. · The Washington Post reported that Trump’s…

New Zealand's aged care system faces growing pressure as its population ages. Dr Oliver Hartwich examines why underfunding residential care may ultimately cost taxpayers more through hospital admissions, delayed treatment and shortages of rest home beds. Opinion by Dr Oliver Hartwich | Executive Director, The New Zealand Initiative · Last week, we co-hosted a dinner with the Selwyn Foundation. Its chair, former Labour health minister David…