Russia, responding to Lithuania’s allegation that Moscow was behind the IKEA fire, says those making the accusation “need to see a doctor.”

Confession time with US Vice President JD Vance:

Globalization assumed rich countries could focus on design while poorer ones handled manufacturing.

But nations that produce also learn to design, closing the gap. It turns out that they got better at the lower to the chain.

They also started catching up on the higher we were squeezed from both ends.

The second misconception was reliance on cheap labor, which stifled innovation. It became a drug too many Americans got addicted to.

German FM Baerbock:

Syrians working in Germany are welcome to stay.

German FM Baerbock:

Criminal Syrians in Germany must return to Syria.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spox. Zakharova:

Russia is ready to cooperate with all parties on the issue of the Iranian nuclear deal, the fate of which cannot be decided without Moscow and Beijing.

Canada's PM Mark Carney is poised to call a snap federal election for April 28.

Source: Reuters

Britain Issues Travel Warning for US

The UK updates its U.S. travel advice, warning Brits of possible arrest or detention for failing to meet entry requirements amid Trump’s immigration crackdown.

NEW: The EU rules out confiscating Russia’s frozen assets.

The European Union has officially rejected seizing over €200 billion in Russian frozen assets, according to conclusions from the latest summit.

Several member states opposed the move, citing EU legal constraints, financial sector risks, and the need to use accrued interest from the assets to support Ukraine.

Source: DW

BIG: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is planning a crisis meeting to discuss security concerns related to U.S.-made weapons systems, including the F-35 fighter jets.

“Some in the federal government fear the worst.”

Source: Welt

Trump to Erdogan in a phone call:

We trust Türkiye in the region, especially in Syria.

Syria is entrusted to Türkiye. It is in your hands.

Source: TGRT

A senior Israeli delegation is expected to visit the White House next week for strategic consultations about Iran.

Source: Axios

The IDF announced that they have begun ground operations in the Rafah area.

Leaders of Germany, Italy, Poland, UK and Canada will meet in Paris next week to discuss Ukraine.

Source: Bloomberg

The EU intends to allocate €800 billion for defense in the next 4 years.

Source: DPA

The US intends to hold indirect talks in Saudi Arabia between representatives of Moscow and Kyiv to understand the conditions of each side, Trump's envoy for Ukraine Kellogg said.

Lockheed Martin has offered “to create more jobs in Canada” if the country commits to purchasing the full order of 88 F-35A fighter jets.

This proposal comes as Canada is reassessing its $19 billion deal for the jets.

Source: Globe and Mail

Unique footage from Russian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, capturing the moment they fly over the city and strike Ukrainian train convoy.

US State Department has approved the sale of advanced precision kill weapon systems to Saudi Arabia for $100 million.

Source: Reuters

Conor McGregor has announced his candidacy for President of Ireland.

Trump:

We will sign a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine shortly.