The recent verbal altercation between US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on the one side and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the other will linger in the minds of world leaders visiting Washington in the near future.
Some might worry that a public humiliation awaits them if they either don’t toe the US administration’s line on a particular issue or fail to lavish praise, gratitude and admiration on its leadership, or both. Indeed, to some observers Mr Zelenskyy paid the price for refusing to flatter Mr Trump or agree to his plan to end the war in Eastern Europe, with the Ukrainian President getting scolded in front of the media before being expelled from the White House.
Reports suggest that Mr Trump’s team had advised Mr Zelenskyy against wearing military fatigues to the meeting on Friday, which was supposed to conclude with both leaders signing a rare earth minerals deal. But he did so anyway. Further, the Ukrainian President insisted that the war wouldn’t end as long as Kyiv didn’t receive sufficient security guarantees against Russia.
Regardless of his missteps, however, the verbal blowback from Mr Trump and Mr Vance was seen in many quarters to be an undiplomatic response. It could even undermine America’s own interests.
First, in the eyes of several European leaders, Mr Trump appeared to be deliberately weakening Ukraine’s position in its resistance against Moscow. This prompted many of them to swiftly reaffirm their support for Kyiv, further straining relations within Nato.
Second, Mr Trump’s stance on Ukraine, along with his threats to impose tariffs on the EU, could push European nations towards leveraging their ties with China to assert their independence from an increasingly antagonistic Washington.
Third, the indefinite suspension of the rare earth minerals agreement – until Mr Zelenskyy submits to US demands and its peace plan – means that the Trump administration has effectively shot itself in the foot.
The deal was seen to be beneficial to both countries, and if it collapses, the EU could step in as an alternative partner to Ukraine. Further, the deal was strategically advantageous for Mr Trump’s policy towards China, as it gave American companies access to critical minerals needed in Washington's economic competition with Beijing.
One cannot rule out the possibility of Mr Trump de-escalating tensions with America’s western partners in the interest of suing for peace in Ukraine
For what it’s worth, Mr Zelenskyy walked into the embrace of unified domestic support and global, particularly European, acclaim after he seemingly endured provocation and humiliation without backing down. As a result, he has solidified his own political position, making him more likely to win elections whenever they are held.
Meanwhile, any delay in ending the war, which has just entered its fourth year, will also add to the enormous pressure on Russia’s economy. The leadership in Moscow knows that merely improving relations with Washington won’t stop the drain on its resources. As for Ukraine, it will almost certainly withstand possible cutbacks in US aid, if European nations compensate any shortfall.
Still, the Europeans are keeping their options open.
Despite his warm interaction with Mr Trump at the White House last week, French President Emmanuel Macron called on fellow EU leaders to resist being subservient to Washington. Speaking in Portugal, he stressed the need to keep Washington “on our side” but also warned against any divisions on the continent amid a period of global uncertainty.
Mr Macron’s remarks on the necessity of defending Europe’s interests, as well as upholding its principles and history with determination and decisiveness, were striking. He attempted to walk a fine line in his dealings with Mr Trump, ensuring that Europe’s response to the American President’s provocative policies was calculated rather than arbitrary.
Given all this, one cannot rule out the possibility of Mr Trump de-escalating tensions with America’s western partners in the interest of suing for peace in Ukraine. He may also reassess the potential loss of the rare earth minerals deal with Kyiv and rethink his approach. After all, he is first and foremost a dealmaker.
This is exactly why it doesn’t seem as if the world is witnessing the unravelling of Nato or a fateful rupture in relations among its member states. At least not yet. Rather than a dramatic upheaval that will permanently redefine transatlantic ties, what is at play here is a temporary realignment.
But there is a larger point to contend with here.
Mr Trump’s political arsenal includes tools of reprimand, humiliation and disdain – even towards America’s allies and partners – highlighting the ruthlessness of certain methods now synonymous with “Trumpism”. Thus, the US President’s emergence as an indispensable figure in both American and global decision-making has left its mark on policymaking in capitals worldwide.
Like Mr Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was careful not to provoke or offend Mr Trump. Yet both European leaders appeared uneasy as they struggled to engage with him in a manner that accounted for his mercurial nature.
This means that foreign policy is no longer shaped solely by traditional state-to-state relations. It has, instead, morphed to the tune of one man who deliberately cultivates his unpredictability. Ultimately, Mr Trump seeks to be perceived as larger than the American presidency, as the one who shapes it rather than the other way around. That is why the world is unsettled by his improvisations.
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Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The Dictionary of Animal Languages
Heidi Sopinka
Scribe
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The biog
Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito
Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa
Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".
Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".
Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
The biog
Name: Mohammed Imtiaz
From: Gujranwala, Pakistan
Arrived in the UAE: 1976
Favourite clothes to make: Suit
Cost of a hand-made suit: From Dh550
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Copa del Rey
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
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Results
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The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Fines for littering
In Dubai:
Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro
Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle.
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle
In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches
How green is the expo nursery?
Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery
An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo
Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery
Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape
The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides
All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality
Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country
Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow
Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site
Green waste is recycled as compost
Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs
Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers
About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer
Main themes of expo is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.
Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months
