Diplomatic efforts to find an off-ramp for tensions with Russia over Ukraine continued, with a series of European leaders speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow has sustained its military buildup near the border, and major exercises are due to start in Belarus in the coming week. Putin insists he has no plans to attack Ukraine.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a torrid week, first with the release of the findings of an investigation into allegations of pandemic lockdown-breaking parties at his official residence, then with a number of senior aides quitting. It comes as the government faces multiple challenges including rising energy costs, the Russia frictions and renewed drama around Brexit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is presiding over the Beijing Winter Olympics, a chance for him to burnish his standing at home in a crucial year where he is expected to seek an unprecedented third term.