2 AM After-Hours Flash: Bitcoin Holds Below 80K on Geopolitical Risk | Russia Launches Massive Strike on Ukraine | India Urges BRICS Action on G

Bitcoin is trading at 79,785, down 1.5 percent over the past 24 hours and sitting just below the key 80,000 level as traders weigh fresh geopolitical risks. In Asian markets, Russia launched a massive drone and missile barrage on Ukraine's capital, killing at least one and injuring 33 with significant damage reported despite Ukrainian intercepts. The strike follows a rare daytime assault and is tied to broader tensions involving the US and China. In the Asian market, India is urging BRICS nations to pursue practical steps on geopolitical and trade disruptions, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressing dialogue on energy supplies and economic uncertainty ahead of the bloc's summit. In commodities, India is asking the US for an extension on its Russian oil waiver as the Iran war drags into its eleventh week, pushing energy prices higher and prompting Gulf Cooperation Council banks to shift toward private loans and syndicated deals according to Fitch Ratings. This risk premium is keeping crude on edge while European pre-market futures reflect caution. SPX closed at 7444.25 with the VIX holding at 17.87. Tomorrow's US open may see volatility if ceasefire talks falter further. Russell's Morning Outlook is coming up in a few hours. I am your VixShield news reporter.