US President Donald Trump said he had "great talks" with Russia and Ukraine and sees a "good possibility" of ending the war. His remarks come as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth insists Trump's peace efforts are not a betrayal of Ukraine. Some Ukrainians fear Trump might make a deal that favours Russia. Others believe his words may not lead to action. Meanwhile, Nato leaders met in Brussels to discuss defence spending and support for Ukraine. The war began in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, eight years after taking Crimea. The world watches as talks continue.

A car drove into a crowd near Munich’s central train station, injuring 28 people. Police launched a large operation to investigate the incident. The driver was arrested and is not seen as a further threat. The crash happened near a protest linked to a Verdi union strike, reports said. The incident comes just before the Munich Security Conference, where US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are expected. Authorities are still verifying details. Last year, a similar attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg killed six people and injured 200.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a 100,000 to 150,000-strong multinational force to secure Ukraine after a ceasefire, despite over 600,000 Russian troops occupying the country. European diplomats acknowledge the continent’s current inability to assemble such a force without U.S. involvement, which remains uncertain. One diplomat criticized the U.S. stance as premature, arguing it could embolden Russia to demand more in future negotiations. As the ceasefire talks approach, concerns grow over Europe’s readiness and Russia’s potential to exploit perceived diplomatic concessions.  

Elon Musk’s social media platform X will pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle a lawsuit over Trump’s 2021 ban following the January 6 Capitol attack. The lawsuit, initially filed against X under Jack Dorsey’s leadership, persisted despite Trump’s account being reinstated after Musk’s acquisition. This is the second such settlement, following Meta’s $25 million payout earlier this year. Trump’s legal team is now pursuing a similar settlement with Google. The settlement comes as Trump and Musk strengthen ties, with Musk recently appointed to lead a new government efficiency department.  

China's AI chatbot, DeepSeek, has rapidly gained prominence, rivaling platforms like ChatGPT. However, Uyghur communities express deep concern, alleging that the Chinese government is utilizing such technology to obscure and deny the reported genocide against the 12 million Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Rahima Mahmut, a Uyghur activist who fled China in 2000, stated, "The Chinese government is trying to erase the Uyghur people by employing AI to mislead the public." This development underscores fears that AI tools like DeepSeek could be manipulated to distort historical narratives and suppress information about human rights abuses.  

Donald Trump's repeated threats of tariffs and his proposal for Canada to become the "51st state" have stirred nationalistic sentiment in Canada. While his threats target Canada's trade, they have united Canadians in defending their sovereignty. As Trump pushes for harsher measures, the mood in Canada ranges from anxiety to defiance, influencing the political landscape ahead of federal elections. Leaders across Canada, including provincial premiers, are responding to Trump’s rhetoric with fierce patriotism, aiming to protect national interests and strengthen Canadian identity.  

European nations like the UK, France, and Germany are standing by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. They emphasize Ukraine's right to decide its own path forward. This united front contrasts with the approach of the former president, who calls for immediate peace talks and promises a quick end to the war. The European allies' commitment underscores the global need for a peaceful resolution and diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term stability in the region.  

Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks US President Donald Trump tweeted a "productive" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which they agreed to begin talks to end the war in Ukraine. Trump emphasized the importance of quick talks and potential meetings in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed lasting peace with Trump and emphasized Ukraine's reliance on the US for security guarantees. Both laid out positions regarding Ukraine joining NATO, with Zelensky meeting with US officials at a Munich defense summit to discuss next steps.        

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has slashed over $900 million in contracts and grants from the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The move entails the cancellation of 89 contracts and 29 grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion training. The IES, which is responsible for tracking student progress and conducting educational research, is faced with significant operational challenges as a result of the cuts. Critics argue that the move has the potential to roll back gains in improving educational outcomes, especially after recent data indicating historic lows in reading achievement among American students.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the United States after a 90-minute phone call about ending the Ukraine war. Trump also confirmed he will visit Russia soon as part of ongoing negotiations. He spoke separately with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope for peace. A key meeting is scheduled for Friday in Munich, where U.S. officials will lead discussions. Trump called the war "massive and unnecessary destruction" and urged a resolution. Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out sending American troops as peacekeepers.