Donald Trump has drastically changed US-Russia policy by entering into negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and NATO partners. His administration, which consists of inexperienced advisors, has already made concessions to Moscow before talks, such as rejecting NATO membership for Ukraine. This raises concerns that Trump could conclude a peace agreement with Putin that is detrimental to Kiev and Europe. The talks in Saudi Arabia signaled a rapprochement between the USA and Russia, while European politicians accuse Trump of appeasing Putin. Critics warn that Russia has made no concessions and continues to pursue territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine.
Donald Trump plans to introduce tariffs of around 25% on imported cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals - measures that could further disrupt international trade. The tariffs, which are set to come into force as early as April, are part of his strategy to reshape global trade policy, strengthen US companies and change import conditions. Trump has also criticized the lower EU tariffs on US cars and is calling for more US exports, while he wants to offer companies incentives to relocate their production to the US.
The AfD remains excluded from government coalitions, but is gaining influence in the polls with around 21%. It is mobilizing dissatisfied voters with provocative slogans and populist positions, particularly in the areas of migration and the economy.
A US judge in New York initially did not block the request by several states to prevent Elon Musk's DOGE from firing federal employees and accessing government data. Although the judge criticized Musk's unchecked power, she did not see sufficient grounds for an immediate blocking order.
British inflation rose to 3.0% in January (previously 2.5%), although economists had expected 2.8%. The Bank of England expects a further rise to 3.7% in the third quarter - driven by higher energy prices and regulated tariffs - but anticipates subdued inflationary pressure as a weaker labor market is likely to limit higher wage demands.
Johnson & Johnson must decide in court whether to approve a $10 billion proposal to settle lawsuits over contaminated talc in baby powder. The case is over the insolvency of subsidiary Red River Talc, while opponents criticize election rigging and low compensation.
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been charged with leading a conspiracy to seize power - a charge that includes plans to poison President Lula. The charges, based on a two-year investigation, accuse Bolsonaro and his deputy of running a “criminal organization”. The charges complicate his chances of a political comeback, while Bolsonaro rejects the accusations as a politically motivated witch hunt.
Israel and Hamas start indirect negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip this week. The hostage-taking operation is to be taken further: The bodies of four hostages - including children - are to be handed over on Thursday and six live hostages on Saturday. The first phase of the 42-day ceasefire, in which 33 hostages were exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, remains in place. However, Israel emphasizes that it does not accept the continued presence of Hamas in Gaza. The talks will also address issues relating to the administration of the post-war Gaza Strip.
US President Trump sees the first talks between the USA and Russia as a success and holds Ukraine partly responsible for the duration of the war. He rejects criticism that Ukraine was not involved and attacks President Zelensky. Trump is open to European peacekeeping troops, but emphasizes that the USA does not need to send any. Foreign Minister Rubio emphasizes a more diplomatic stance and sees Europe as a negotiating partner. Democrats and experts warn that a solution without Ukraine could strengthen Russia. Republicans defend Trump and assure that Ukraine will be involved later.
The EU imposes new sanctions on Russia, while the Russian state fund expects the return of US companies. Trump plans a meeting with Putin and blames Ukraine for the duration of the war. Odessa suffers from Russian attacks and a US special envoy travels to Kiev. A peace researcher considers the US-Russia talks “pointless”, while the US halts Ukrainian immigration applications. Russia reports drone launches.
Yesterday, EU Commission President von der Leyen met with US Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg in Brussels. She highlighted the EU's EUR 135 billion commitment to Ukraine's financial stability and defense, which also includes USD 52 billion in military aid from the US. The EU will expand the production of defense equipment and strengthen European and Ukrainian capabilities.
Putin still wants to occupy the whole of Ukraine: Now he's just simulating a willingness to negotiate, NBC reports. “He's confident of victory and expects he can wear down Ukraine and Europe. Putin believes he is winning. His army's losses on the front lines are not putting pressure on him to stop fighting,” writes the American news portal.
An egg crisis has broken out in the USA. The shortage is already leading to hoarding, scuffles and fights over the coveted commodity. This is somehow reminiscent of the hoarding of toilet paper not so long ago.
“The Russian Federation considers Ukraine's accession to the European Union to be Kiev's sovereign right, as it is an economic and not a military union.” -Dmitry Peskov, according to TASS.
Ugandan special forces have reportedly entered the province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the recession, Germany has defended its position as the world's third largest economy. However, according to analyses by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, another country is waiting in the wings to possibly overtake Germany in this ranking in the near future. (MM)
Following the failed negotiations between the Japanese car manufacturers, Honda has signaled its willingness to resume talks - on one condition. According to the Financial Times, CEO Toshihiro Mibe is demanding the departure of Nissan boss Makoto Uchida. (FT)
- DAX: Remains on record course (TAG)
- GenZ: Not as work-shy as often claimed (NTV)
- Continental: Cuts a further 3,000 jobs by 2026 (MM)
- Deutsche Bahn: Experiencing a devastating drop in productivity (HB)
- Commerzbank: Leases new skyscraper (MM)
- China 1: January lending at record high thanks to government stimulus (RT)
- China 2: President Xi Jingping publicly supports Alibaba founder Jack Ma and other private sector leaders (BBG)
- Australia: Cuts key interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.1% - first rate cut since Covid (FT)
- Meta: Plans to invest in AI-controlled humanoid robots (RT)
- DOGE: Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia becomes part of Musk's savings authority DOGE (NYT)
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