Tensions between the West and Russia continue to rise. NATO is on alert, said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and announced that allied troops’ presence in Eastern Europe will be increased. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine. The EU again showed its determination to respond quickly with sanctions in the event of a Russian attack. But Russia’s complete exclusion from the Swift international banking system is apparently no longer part of the discussion. Eric Bonse has details on the current situation.