Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

America's inflation numbers were predictably high yesterday.

The calculation compares with a year ago when prices and economies were plunging.

But how to set a sensible inflation target, given all the growth and the uncertainty that's

around.

And flying cars are coming soon.

I know, I know, they've been just around the corner for decades.

But investment and prototypes are multiplying, not for passenger cars, but for taxis.

Talk about getting a lift. First up, though. First up, though,

For weeks now, Russia has been amassing tanks, missiles, and troops near its border with Ukraine.

Russia's defense minister characterized the moves yesterday as part of a sudden check of combat readiness

and said that the troops had proven their ability.

But that combat readiness has caused concern in Ukraine and among its allies.

Yesterday, the Secretary-General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, met with the Ukrainian foreign minister.

Russia's considerable military buildup is unjustified, unexplained, and deeply concerning.

And President Joe Biden phoned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

White House press secretary Jen Saki said he'd called for a summit on a range of issues,

including the escalation with Ukraine.

The president voiced our concerns over the sudden aggression

military buildup and increasing aggression on the border of Ukraine

and called on Russia to de-escalate tensions.

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