Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans on Friday to call an early election amid impending US tariffs that threaten to impact Canada's largest province economically.

The move follows his claim that a robust political mandate is necessary to counter what he called an 'income attack' from the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Ford, who intends to dissolve the government and hold the election on February 27, 2024, is seeking a third term for his Progressive Conservative Party.

The Premier's decision comes at a time when the Trump administration is reportedly considering enforcing a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports starting February 1, 2024. Ontario, being the heart of Canada's manufacturing industry, stands to face significant repercussions from such tariffs.

Ford criticized the lack of federal leadership in the tariff negotiations, highlighting the political uncertainty following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent resignation.

Ford has actively opposed the proposed tariffs, even suggesting retaliatory measures such as halting power supplies to the US and banning US alcohol products.

Yet, Ford’s opponents, including Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and New Democratic Party Leader, have accused him of using the election to divert attention away from a criminal investigation involving his government’s land swap deal.

In October 2023, Ontario faced political upheaval as federal police initiated an investigation into the Ford administration’s plans to allow construction on greenbelt lands, a move that led to several government resignations.

Despite the controversy, Ford’s Progressive Conservatives currently lead in the polls.

In a parallel development, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office initiated a war crimes case against Russia following a video release allegedly showing Russian soldiers executing six Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk.

While Moscow denies such accusations, Ukraine's Ombudsman has submitted the footage to international bodies, citing a troubling rise in such incidents.

Both stories follow growing international tensions.

In Eastern Europe, tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high while in Africa, intelligence reports indicate that Rwanda may be preparing to further support M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Rwanda's suspected military involvement aims to capture Goma before a UN Security Council meeting on the conflict.

As global attention shifts to these regional disputes, the international community closely watches the unfolding consequences of these developments.