In a significant diplomatic move, Russia released American teacher Marc Fogel from detention, negotiated by Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, as a goodwill gesture to aid talks to end the war in Ukraine. Fogel, detained since 2021 on drug charges, was returned to the US after a secret deal brokered by Witkoff, prompting praise from the White House and Fogel’s family for Trump’s leadership in securing his release. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed readiness for meetings with US representatives, as Trump announced plans to send his Treasury secretary to Ukraine to discuss natural resources and ending the conflict, emphasizing the urgency of ending the war.
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Trade-promoting UK departments face ‘up to 40%’ staff cuts, warn insiders
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects favorite stories in this free weekly newsletter highlighting potential job cuts in UK government departments focused on attracting investment and promoting exports, despite promises to boost economic growth. Plans for headcount reductions and restructuring are underway, including merging the Office for Investment with the business department's investment directorate, aiming to strengthen regional investment propositions and improve trade performance post-Brexit. The British Chambers of Commerce expresses concerns about potential...
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