Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day

Nuclear threats, nickel drops (again) and triple witching day for markets.

The U.S. warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to brandish threats to use nuclear weapons if stiff Ukrainian resistance continues. China’s muted response to Russia’s invasion is said to have hardened U.S. views that President Xi Jinping is moving closer to supporting Moscow. President Joe Biden will tell Xi in a call today that the U.S. will “impose costs” if Beijing backs Russia. Russian bonds rose and the risk of default tumbled after a bond payment was sent to Citigroup.