In a special edition, we're focusing on a significant global trend; the ongoing decline in birth rates. In 2017, research by the University of Washington found an ongoing decrease in fertility rates globally meant almost every country could have shrinking populations by the end of the century and that 23 nations – including Spain and Japan – could see their populations halve by the year 2100.

As myriad supply chain and logistics problems pose fresh challenges to the global recovery, the IMF has trimmed its 2021 growth outlook. Evan Quasney, Global Vice President Supply Chain Solutions, told DW the problem cannot be fixed quickly.

Shipments of Russian natural gas through the Yamal Pipeline have sharply declined, a week after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Gazprom insists it's fulfilling all of its European contracts, but the data has underscored the EU's dependence on Russian energy imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says ending that reliance is now a priority. Also in the show: the Russian rouble falls to a new record low, and Western companies continue to cut ties with Moscow.

Quickly cutting off energy revenues with oil and gas embargoes would hit Moscow where it hurts. But European leaders have argued for a phased approach, openly admitting their dependency on Russian energy supplies.

The US will stop importing oil and natural gas from Russia, US President Joe Biden has said as the West escalates sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine invasion.

Europe's first full-scale invasion of a sovereign state since World War II, a refugee crisis to match and an endgame sure to upend more than just the West's resolve: as the EU turns up the heat on Vladimir Putin, it's already asking citizens to turn down their thermostats. How will citizens react if on the one hand, Russia conquers Ukraine and on the other, the price of crude oil shoots past $200 a barrel? How to make do without Russian oil and gas?

Russian crude exports have declined substantially since the war began, fuelling global oil supply concerns. We also take a look at how sanctions against Russia are affecting tourism in Cuba, as well as a critical week ahead for Amazon, which faces two separate union elections in the US.

While the EU tries to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, others are cashing in. India is buying more oil from Russia, at a heavily discounted price. It's already ordered six million barrels of Russian crude oil – half of last year's imports. Also in the show: Ghana's lawmakers approve a controversial "e-levy", a 1.5 percent tax on electronic payments.

During a "warm" and "candid" virtual summit, the US asked India to not feed Russia's energy economy. Meanwhile, India's foreign minister said the US' primary concern should be weening Europe off Russian energy.

The EU turns to Nigeria as it looks for alternative suppliers of oil and gas. The bloc is trying to strengthen its ties to Africa's top petroleum producer as Europe tries to wean itself off Russian resources.

EU leaders are expected to present the proposed embargo later this week. Supporting the measure would be Germany's second turnaround in as many weeks with regards to Ukraine.

The oil embargo could be upheld for years, the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said. Her Green ally Robert Habeck said complete independence from Russian oil was possible by late summer.