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Russia Strikes Kyiv and Kharkiv, One Dead

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Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine’s two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, early Saturday, resulting in one confirmed death and at least 15 injuries. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fires in multiple districts along the Dnipro River, as power, heating, and water supplies were disrupted. Both drones and missiles were used in the assault, damaging a medical facility among other buildings.

In Kharkiv, approximately 30 km from the Russian border, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 25 drones struck several districts over a two-and-a-half-hour period, hitting a dormitory for displaced persons, a hospital, and a maternity ward. At least 11 people were injured during the attacks. Emergency services continued working to restore essential utilities in freezing overnight temperatures.

The strikes came shortly after Ukraine, Russia, and US negotiators concluded the first day of talks in the UAE aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the attacks underscore the continuing volatility and human toll in the conflict zones.

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Danish PM Visits Greenland After Trump Backs Down on Threats

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen travelled to Greenland’s capital Nuuk to show support for the Greenlandic people after a turbulent week marked by US President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the island, followed by a sudden diplomatic climbdown. Trump ruled out military action and tariffs, claiming a vague “framework of a future deal” on Greenland after talks with Nato chief Mark Rutte, though details remain unclear. Frederiksen said the situation remains serious and that Denmark would now pursue a diplomatic and political path.

The visit comes amid continued uncertainty over US intentions. While Trump has spoken of “total access” to Greenland for security purposes and hinted at deploying missile defence infrastructure, he has stopped short of explicitly calling for ownership. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stressed that sovereignty is a red line, even as they signal openness to cooperation on Arctic security within Nato. Frederiksen also held talks with Rutte in Brussels, where both sides agreed to strengthen deterrence and defence in the Arctic.

Despite the softened rhetoric from Washington, Greenlandic leaders remain cautious. Lawmakers say trust has been damaged by Trump’s remarks and insist that decisions over minerals and land rest solely with Greenland. Former Danish officials note a shift toward de-escalation but warn the situation remains fragile, with negotiations likely to focus narrowly on security. Danish officials have underlined that any future arrangements must stay within Nato frameworks, with no transfer of territory or mineral rights on the table.

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Rail Fracture Likely Preceded Deadly High-Speed Train Crash in Spain, Investigators Say

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Spanish rail investigators said a fracture in the track likely occurred before a high-speed train derailed in southern Spain, leading to a fatal collision that killed 45 people. In a preliminary report released on Friday, the rail accident investigation body CIAF said available evidence suggests the rail break happened prior to the passage of the Iryo train and before the derailment itself.

The crash occurred on Sunday near Adamuz in the Cordoba province, when a derailed Iryo high-speed train collided with an oncoming Renfe train, marking one of Europe’s deadliest rail accidents in recent years. While the cause of the rail fracture has not yet been determined, investigators stressed that no possibilities have been ruled out and further analysis is required.

CIAF said it found distinctive damage on the wheels of the Iryo train consistent with striking a broken rail, with markings closely matching defects observed on the fractured track section. Similar wheel damage was also identified on other trains that passed through the same area before the accident, though investigators cautioned that the findings remain preliminary and must be confirmed through detailed technical studies.

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ECB Should Avoid Rushing Policy Moves Amid Uncertainty, Says Austria’s Kocher

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The European Central Bank (ECB) should be careful about taking preemptive policy action in response to rising uncertainty, Austrian central bank chief Martin Kocher said in an interview with German outlet Platow. Kocher noted that while geopolitical risks have intensified recently, central banks should avoid committing to policy moves before risks clearly materialise.

Kocher pointed to heightened global uncertainty driven partly by fresh geopolitical tensions, including threats of new U.S. trade measures. However, he cautioned that acting too early—especially when inflation risks are not clearly tilted in one direction—could lock policymakers into a difficult position and complicate communication. “Some risks can be addressed in advance, but many cannot,” he said.

He added that over the past six months, risks had shifted “slightly to the positive,” with modestly improved euro zone growth expectations and stable financial markets. While acknowledging recent developments, Kocher said it was too soon to reassess the broader outlook. Financial markets currently expect the ECB to keep interest rates unchanged through 2026.

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France Seizes Suspected Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker in Mediterranean

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The French navy, with support from allied forces including the United Kingdom, has seized an oil tanker in the western Mediterranean Sea suspected of being part of Russia’s sanction-busting “shadow fleet”, officials announced on Thursday. The vessel, named Grinch, was intercepted between Spain and Morocco while sailing from Russia’s northern port of Murmansk under what authorities say was a false or irregular flag.

President Emmanuel Macron said the operation was carried out in accordance with international law and aimed at enforcing sanctions intended to curb revenue that helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. The tanker was boarded and diverted for further inspection after French maritime authorities confirmed doubts over its documentation. France’s maritime prosecutor in Marseille has launched a judicial investigation into the incident.

The UK provided key tracking and monitoring support through its naval assets as part of a broader effort to disrupt “shadow fleet” operations, which involve ageing tankers used to evade Western sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action and urged further measures to ensure sanctioned oil no longer funds Russia’s military operations. This marks another high-profile enforcement against vessels linked to sanctions evasion following similar actions by Western countries.

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Volkswagen Shares Surge After Strong Automotive Cash Flow Surprise

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Volkswagen shares climbed to the top of Germany’s DAX index on Thursday after the carmaker reported stronger-than-expected automotive cash flow for 2025. Europe’s largest automaker said its automotive division generated net cash flow of about 6 billion euros, well above its own forecast of around zero, boosting investor confidence and driving the stock up 4.6% in morning trading.

The result marked a 1 billion-euro improvement from the previous year and exceeded market expectations, with analysts noting that while management had hinted at possible upside, the scale of the beat was a surprise. Broader sentiment toward the sector was also supported by easing trade concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped back from threats of tariffs against European allies, reducing near-term risks for exporters.

Despite the upbeat performance, Volkswagen cautioned that challenges remain. The company expects pricing conditions to stay tight and profits from its China joint venture to decline in 2026 before recovering in 2027. Shares across the European auto sector rose in sympathy, while Volkswagen is set to publish its full-year 2025 results and 2026 outlook on March 10.

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EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Set for Provisional Start Despite Legal Challenge

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The European Union’s long-awaited free trade agreement with Mercosur countries is likely to be applied provisionally from as early as March, according to an EU diplomat. The move could go ahead once the first Mercosur nation ratifies the pact, with Paraguay expected to do so in the coming weeks, allowing parts of the deal to take effect despite ongoing political and legal hurdles within the EU.

Momentum behind the agreement has been complicated by EU lawmakers referring the deal to the European Court of Justice, a step that could delay full implementation by up to two years. The referral has disappointed several EU governments and businesses, particularly in Germany, where the deal is strongly supported as a driver of growth. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the move, stressing that the agreement remains essential for Europe’s economic future.

Signed after 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur pact is the bloc’s largest trade deal to date and is seen by supporters as a way to offset losses from U.S. tariffs and reduce dependence on China. However, opposition remains strong, led by France and farming groups, who warn that increased imports of South American agricultural products could undermine European farmers and disrupt local markets.

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EU Leaders Reassess U.S. Relationship After Trump’s Greenland U-Turn

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European Union leaders are reassessing their relationship with the United States after former President Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs and remarks about acquiring Greenland unsettled transatlantic trust. Although Trump later reversed his stance—ruling out military action and stepping back from proposed tariffs—EU diplomats say the episode has highlighted the unpredictability of U.S. policy and prompted calls for a more independent European strategy, particularly in defence and trade.

At an emergency summit in Brussels, EU leaders are expected to discuss reducing their reliance on the United States, especially within NATO, where Europe still depends heavily on U.S. intelligence, defence systems and logistics. The bloc is also economically exposed, as the U.S. remains its largest trading partner, leaving Europe vulnerable to sudden tariff threats. Diplomats stressed the need to define clear “red lines” and prepare responses should Washington again shift course.

Uncertainty also remains over the details of a proposed Greenland framework agreement discussed by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, including plans to increase Western presence in the Arctic. While Trump’s reversal eased immediate tensions, EU officials say the broader challenge persists: balancing efforts to keep the U.S. engaged while strengthening Europe’s own resilience, unity and long-term strategic autonomy.

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Telenor Sells $3.9 Billion Stake in Thailand’s True Corporation

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Norway’s Telenor has agreed to sell its 30.3% stake in Thailand’s True Corporation for 39 billion Norwegian crowns ($3.9 billion), marking its second major divestment from Asian markets in recent months. The telecom group said it signed a deal with Arise Digital Technology Company, owned by Khun Suphachai Chearavanont, to sell an initial 24.95% stake, with the remaining 5.35% to be sold two years after the first transaction closes.

True Corporation is one of Thailand’s largest telecom operators, serving around 60 million customers. Telenor said it expects to book an accounting gain of 14.7 billion Norwegian crowns from the initial sale and will provide more details on how it plans to use the proceeds in the coming month. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close within a few months.

The sale reflects Telenor’s broader strategy shift as the Asian telecom industry matures. Having invested across Asia since the 1990s, including in Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Pakistan, the company has recently moved to streamline its portfolio. CEO Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer said the divestment supports Telenor’s aim to improve returns and sharpen its focus on core markets, particularly in the Nordic region.

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Prince Harry Tells Court Daily Mail Made Meghan’s Life “A Misery”

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Prince Harry became emotional in London’s High Court as he testified that coverage by the Daily Mail had made his wife Meghan Markle’s life “an absolute misery.” Giving evidence in a privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the Duke of Sussex said the treatment by the publisher had worsened since he and other claimants launched legal action in 2022, adding that the experience of returning to court was deeply distressing.

Harry, who is among seven claimants including singer Elton John and actor Elizabeth Hurley, accused Associated of unlawful information-gathering practices such as phone hacking, bugging and deception. The publisher has rejected the claims as “preposterous,” insisting its journalists relied on legitimate sources and social contacts. Under cross-examination, Harry firmly denied that reporters were part of his social circle, saying he had never been friends with the journalists involved.

Describing Associated’s legal defence as “disgusting,” Harry said the case had reopened old trauma linked to years of intense media scrutiny, which he has long blamed for harming his family. He argued that the lawsuit was not only personal but a matter of public accountability, warning that if powerful media organisations evade justice, the right to privacy is undermined for everyone.

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