Ukraine's former finance minister has told FRANCE 24 that any company doing business with Russia is indirectly financing the war in Ukraine. Natalie Jaresko was in office from 2014 to 2016, when Russia annexed Crimea and conflict was raging in the eastern Donbas region. She described the current situation facing Ukraine as an "economic strangulation of the country" and called on global firms to stop any operations in Russia.

Russia's war in Ukraine has sent shockwaves around the world and hit the global economy hard. In economically depressed Sri Lanka it's exacerbating an already existing economic crisis.

Two months ago, the West African regional bloc Ecowas imposed sanctions on Mali after its military leaders announced they would remain in power for another five years before holding any elections. DW found out that civilians are hit the hardest.

Two months ago, the West African regional bloc Ecowas imposed sanctions on Mali after its military leaders announced they would remain in power for another five years before holding any elections.

Following days of protests over soaring prices and fuel shortages, Sri Lanka's cabinet ministers have resigned en masse. The head of the central bank has also stepped down. We take a look at how the heavily indebted country got to this stage. Plus, our correspondents report on how Niger could be facing its worst food crisis in a decade, amid global food and energy shortages worsened by the war in Ukraine.

Lebanon plunges into darkness as fuel shortage prompts shutdown of two power stations. Lebanon's two biggest power stations shut down due to fuel shortage, leaving the country in complete darkness on Saturday, a government official told Reuters.

As pressure mounts for a ban on Russian gas and oil imports, the DIW think tank suggests that alternative suppliers and lower consumption could free Germany from its dependence on the Kremlin to cover its energy needs.

Beijing reported a 4.8% growth for the first quarter, a modest increase over the previous quarter's 4%. The country's economy has been stalling amid coronavirus outbreaks.

With Emmanuel Macron having secured a second term in office, we take a closer look at the French president's economic proposals for the next five years. From inflation to the energy crisis to the cost of living, Macron has laid out specific measures in a bid to fix the many challenges facing the French economy. We also find out how pension reform could be central to his plans to finance his economic vision.

After years of political and financial crises, Lebanese people are now also in danger of going hungry. Germany has promised more food aid as imports from Ukraine and Russia dwindle.

Colombo has seen clashes between government supporters and protesters outside the offices of the president and prime minister. Hours later, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offered to step down.

Lebanon is electing a new parliament soon. Even though many people harbour hope for change, it won't be a walk in the park for the opposition. Traditional power structures remain deeply embedded.