US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia to talk to Russian representatives about ending the war in Ukraine after US President Trump ordered negotiations. Trump's security advisor and Middle East envoy are also present. It is unclear who will be attending from the Russian side. Rubio will also speak with Saudi Arabia's crown prince about Trump's controversial plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza. Saudi Arabia rejects this and is working on its own reconstruction concept.
The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to allow the dismissal of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel. A federal judge had temporarily blocked the dismissal on February 12, as it was carried out without giving reasons and could violate legal protection provisions. Dellinger, appointed by former President Biden, can only be dismissed by law for breach of duty. The Supreme Court is now to decide whether Trump can dismiss independent agency heads without giving reasons.
Taiwan is de facto independent with its own government, military, currency and passports, but is not recognized internationally as an independent state and is officially called the “Republic of China”. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and does not rule out reunification by force. Most countries, including the USA, do not officially recognize Taiwan, but maintain unofficial relations. In Taiwan, most want to maintain the current status, as formal independence could prompt China to take military action.
South Korea has stopped new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek because it violated data protection laws. The app remains accessible online, but downloads are blocked until data protection deficiencies are rectified. DeepSeek has acknowledged the violations and appointed legal representatives in South Korea. Previously, Italy had also restricted the use of the app due to data protection concerns.
Israel has received a shipment of MK-84 heavy bombs from the US after President Donald Trump lifted an export blockade imposed under his predecessor Joe Biden. Biden had stopped the delivery due to concerns about the impact on densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip. Trump justified his decision with “peace through strength”. The delivery was made despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and underlines the close alliance between the USA and Israel.
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized the decision of the US government under former President Joe Biden to block the takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel as “unjustified political interference”.
North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un visited the mausoleum of his father Kim Jong Il for the first time in four years on his birthday and vowed to continue the “sacred struggle” for prosperity and security. Accompanied by his sister Kim Yo Jong, he honored the deceased leaders at the Kumsusan Palace in Pyongyang. Kim also presided over the final construction phase of his housing project in Pyongyang, which is set to create 10,000 new homes a year from 2021, despite economic challenges and international sanctions.
Argentina's President Javier Milei is facing impeachment proceedings after he recommended the cryptocurrency $LIBRA, which crashed shortly afterwards. The value of the coin initially rose to almost 5 dollars, but quickly fell to below 1 dollar. There is a suspicion of a “rug pull”, in which developers artificially increase the value and then sell their shares. Milei deleted his post, explaining that he had no connection to cryptocurrency and stopped advertising as soon as he realized the circumstances.
Germany's economy is stagnating, especially in cities like Gelsenkirchen. High energy costs and a lack of investment are leading to dissatisfaction and growing support for the AfD. Many are calling for a reform of the debt brake to enable necessary investments. However, experts doubt that changes will be made quickly.
Prime Minister Starmer declared that the UK was prepared to send soldiers to Ukraine to support a peacekeeping force. He emphasized that this was necessary to ensure Europe's security in the face of the threat from Russia. European heads of state and government want to discuss a contribution to peace at the summit in Paris. Starmer is also planning a meeting with US President Trump to strengthen cooperation.
Chancellor candidates Scholz, Habeck, Merz and Weidel discussed topics such as the war in Ukraine, migration and the economy in a four-way TV debate shortly before the general election. Alice Weidel (AfD) called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, while Merz emphasized Russia's responsibility. Scholz spoke out against decisions on the fate of Ukraine without its consent. On migration, Merz and Scholz criticized the inadequate deportation practice, while Habeck and Weidel took different positions on taking in refugees from Afghanistan. The dispute over AfD statements by Gauland and the role of the party were also discussed. Merz ruled out a coalition with the AfD.
In his second term in office, Donald Trump is increasingly focusing on censorship and blocking scientific research in the USA, which has already led to funding cuts and distortions of results. Among other things, critical climate change research and health data have been affected. Experts fear that Trump will continue aggressive measures such as the dismissal of researchers. These developments could strengthen Germany as a science location, as researchers are increasingly looking for alternatives. At the same time, Germany could invest more in areas such as artificial intelligence in order to remain competitive.
We are ready for negotiations with the US and allies, and then, when we agree on a position, we will talk to Russia, - Zelensky
In light of the rising tensions between the two countries, Mostafa Bakry, a member of the Egyptian People's Assembly, said that the Egyptian army could conquer Tel Aviv within a day if Israel makes a strategic mistake.
The new White House press secretary, Caroline Leavitt, responded to Scholz's comments about the talks between Putin and Trump without German involvement (Scholz called the talks a “dictatorial peace”): “Scholz, you need to be careful with your words. The only place Germany deserves to be in these negotiations is in the dock.”
- DAX: Profit-taking interrupts rally for the time being (NTV)
- Poll: Voters have little hope of an economic turnaround (MM)
- Electric cars: Interest is growing despite sluggish sales (HB)
- Eurowings: Back in the black (HB)
- Vorwerk: Announces new Thermomix (NTV)
- World Wall Street: Trump's Ukraine proposal pushes US stock markets (TGS)
- US producer inflation: Rises by 3.5% year-on-year (CNBC)
- China money markets: Facing $411bn liquidity shortage (BBG)
- Libra: Cryptocurrency promoted by Argentina President Milei collapses (NTV)
- TikTok: Deadline for sale of US business could be extended again (RT)
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