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Trump Administration Pays $1.2 Billion to Halt RWE US Wind Projects

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German energy company RWE will abandon its offshore wind projects in the United States after reaching a $1.2 billion payout agreement with President Donald Trump’s Department of the Interior. The company will relinquish leases off the coasts of California, Louisiana and the New York Bight, saying there was no foreseeable path to securing permits for the projects.

RWE plans to redirect the investment toward conventional energy projects, including about $900 million for a liquefied natural gas export terminal in Louisiana. Despite ending the wind projects, the company said it expects to invest around €17 billion in the US over the next six years to expand its generation capacity.

The deal is the latest move by the Trump administration to curb offshore wind development and encourage fossil fuel investment. Similar agreements have been reached with TotalEnergies and Duke Energy this year, with the companies redirecting planned offshore wind investments toward LNG and conventional oil and gas projects.

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US Ski Resort Giants Face Price-Fixing Lawsuit

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Major U.S. ski resort operators, including Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, have been sued in a federal court in Colorado over allegations of price-fixing. The proposed class-action lawsuit claims the companies worked with a ski industry association and a research firm to coordinate prices for lift tickets and multi-mountain season passes, affecting thousands of customers.

The lawsuit alleges the resort operators shared confidential pricing, revenue, and cost data with research firm RRC Associates, which then produced reports that helped guide pricing strategies across the industry. Plaintiffs also claim the widespread use of a shared dynamic-pricing platform contributed to coordinated pricing and reduced competition.

The defendants have not yet responded to the latest lawsuit. This is the second major antitrust case filed against Vail and Alterra in recent months, following an earlier lawsuit accusing the companies of unfairly bundling access to multiple ski resorts through season pass programmes.

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Russia Awaits New U.S. Peace Proposal on Ukraine

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Russia said it will wait for new proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, while continuing its military campaign. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believes the Trump administration is sincere in seeking a peaceful settlement, but added that Russia will pursue its objectives on the battlefield until a viable agreement is reached.

Peskov claimed that previous U.S. peace proposals were accepted by Russia but rejected by Ukraine, accusing European allies of encouraging Kyiv to continue the conflict. He said the Kremlin remains interested in diplomacy and hopes U.S.-led mediation efforts will resume after disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis.

Although Russia welcomed Washington’s willingness to negotiate, Peskov noted that the United States continues supplying weapons to Ukraine, calling its position contradictory. He said Moscow would continue engaging with any peace initiatives that align with its interests while awaiting fresh diplomatic proposals from the U.S.

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Netherlands Joins US-Led AI Alliance Despite ASML Export Dispute

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The Netherlands has agreed to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and coordinating artificial intelligence supply chains among allied nations. The move marks a significant boost for Washington’s technology diplomacy efforts, even as the two countries continue to disagree over certain chip equipment exports to China.

The announcement comes as Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma visits Washington to discuss trade issues, including concerns over the proposed U.S. Match Act. While both countries support restrictions on exporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools used for AI chip production, they remain divided on whether Dutch company ASML should be allowed to sell and maintain some less-advanced equipment in China.

Pax Silica seeks to enhance economic security and cooperation in critical technology sectors. Besides the Netherlands, members include Japan and South Korea, while Taiwan has endorsed the initiative without formally joining. The European Union is also expected to participate in the future, further expanding the alliance’s influence over global AI and semiconductor supply chains.

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Switzerland Confirms Ongoing US-Iran Talks at Bürgenstock Amid Diplomatic Efforts

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Switzerland has confirmed that discussions related to the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran are continuing at Bürgenstock. The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it is providing a discreet and reliable venue to facilitate the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

In a statement, Swiss authorities emphasized their role as a neutral host and declined to reveal any information about the participants involved in the talks. The ministry also refrained from disclosing details regarding the agenda or progress of the discussions, citing confidentiality requirements.

The continued talks highlight Switzerland’s longstanding role in supporting diplomatic dialogue during sensitive international negotiations. While officials have remained tight-lipped about the content of the meetings, the discussions are seen as part of broader efforts to maintain communication and address key issues between Washington and Tehran.

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Kremlin Says No Putin-Trump Call Planned as Ukraine Mediation Remains on Hold

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The Kremlin said there are currently no plans for a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while direct mediation efforts on the Ukraine conflict remain paused, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continue to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv.

According to Peskov, discussions between Russia and American negotiators are ongoing through existing channels, although no dates have been set for a possible visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Russia. Their earlier mediation efforts had stalled in February amid broader geopolitical tensions linked to military action against Iran.

The comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a recent conversation with Witkoff and Kushner as positive and expressed optimism about renewed peace efforts. Peskov also dismissed the prospect of European mediation, arguing that European leaders are more focused on supporting the continuation of the conflict rather than advancing peace negotiations.

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US Liquor Maker Shifts Production to Canada Amid Ongoing Trade Dispute

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Minnesota-based Phillips Distilling Company has moved part of its production to Canada after a widespread boycott of American-made alcohol by Canadian provinces severely impacted its business. The company lost around 70% of its Canadian sales following restrictions introduced in response to U.S. tariffs, with its popular Sour Puss liqueur being among the hardest-hit products.

To restore access to the Canadian market, Phillips Distilling partnered with a Montreal-based manufacturer and began producing Sour Puss in Canada. The move allowed the brand to return to store shelves across several provinces, helping the company recover from the significant decline in sales. Company executives said the decision marked a major shift in their long-standing business model.

The trade dispute between Canada and the United States remains unresolved, with most Canadian provinces continuing to limit sales of American alcohol. Analysts note that Phillips Distilling was able to relocate production more easily than producers of region-specific products such as Kentucky bourbon or California wine. Despite uncertainty surrounding future trade negotiations, the company says the experience has reshaped its long-term business strategy.

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AUKUS Unveils Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Programme, Deliveries to Begin in 2027

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The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have announced a joint programme to develop advanced unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) under the AUKUS security partnership, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. The announcement was made during a defence ministers’ meeting in Singapore, where officials highlighted the project as a major step in strengthening maritime security and military cooperation.

According to a joint statement, the new undersea drones will enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities while supporting anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and operations in contested maritime environments. The initiative falls under AUKUS Pillar Two, which focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber systems, quantum computing, hypersonics, and advanced undersea capabilities.

Defence leaders from all three nations said the programme will help protect critical underwater infrastructure, including communication cables and pipelines, while improving their ability to respond to emerging threats. Formed in 2021, AUKUS is widely seen as part of efforts to counter growing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. China has repeatedly criticised the pact, warning that it could increase regional tensions and fuel an arms race.

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Russia and China Criticize U.S. ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Plan

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Russia and China have jointly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over plans for the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, warning that it threatens global strategic stability. The statement came during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The project aims to expand missile interception capabilities through ground-based systems and space-based defense technologies designed to detect and potentially destroy incoming missile threats.

Moscow and Beijing argued that the proposed shield undermines the balance between offensive and defensive nuclear systems, which they say is essential for maintaining global security. The two countries also criticized Washington for allowing the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty to expire without negotiating a replacement. Russia backed China’s stance against joining future U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control talks, while both nations accused the U.S. of pursuing destabilizing military strategies.

The joint statement also warned against the deployment of intermediate-range missiles and the use of preventive missile strikes aimed at disabling enemy forces before conflict begins. Adding to tensions, Russia released footage of military exercises involving the movement and deployment of nuclear warheads for Iskander-M missile systems across Russia and Belarus. The developments highlight growing geopolitical strains between major global powers over missile defense and nuclear security.

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Germany’s Merz Says He Would Not Advise His Children to Live in the US

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would currently discourage his children from studying or working in the United States, pointing to what he described as a worsening social climate and shrinking opportunities even for highly educated professionals. Speaking at a Catholic convention in Wuerzburg, Merz said Germany now offers stronger prospects for young people.

His remarks come amid growing tensions between the United States and its European allies under President Donald Trump. Disagreements over trade, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and NATO relations have strained ties between Washington and Berlin. Merz recently criticized the United States over the Iran conflict, while Washington responded with plans for partial troop withdrawals from Germany and increased tariffs on European Union car imports.

Although Merz described himself as a longtime admirer of America, he admitted that his opinion was changing. He said many highly educated Americans are struggling to find jobs and suggested the country’s environment has shifted rapidly. Trump has also criticized Germany under Merz, saying the chancellor should focus on fixing his own country before commenting on the United States.

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