Trump and Putin agree to talks aimed at ending Ukraine war, signalling potential improvement in US-Russia relations.

In Short

Trump and Putin agreed to start talks to end the Ukraine war, following a phone call that raised hopes for improved relations. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Hegseth indicated a shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine’s territorial claims and its NATO membership.

The two leaders communicated by phone on Wednesday. Trump expressed optimism about the potential results of this engagement, describing it as a necessary step towards peace.

This phone call followed a recent prisoner exchange, which Trump suggested might signal improving U.S.-Russia relations.

In his remarks on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing deaths resulting from the conflict. He noted Putin’s reference to his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.”

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statements indicated a shift in U.S. policy, dismissing Ukraine’s restoration to pre-2014 borders as unrealistic and stating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not a viable goal.

Hegseth, during his first European visit as Pentagon chief, emphasised that security guarantees for Ukraine would require contributions from both European and non-European troops, requiring a collaborative international effort.

While Ukraine expresses a desire to reclaim its territory, Hegseth acknowledged the difficulty it might face in obtaining areas currently occupied by Russia.

He did not clarify the level of military support the U.S. would provide moving forward, nor did he suggest an imminent increase in arms supplies.

Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that they have a significant chance to end the war, with strong support from allies anticipated at the upcoming Munich Security Conference.

World leaders and CEOs converge at Paris AI summit to discuss advancements and the future of technology.

In Short

World leaders and CEOs met in Paris to discuss the rapid advancements and implications of artificial intelligence. The summit focused on collaboration, ethical guidelines, and strategies to prepare for an AI-driven future.

World leaders and CEOs convened in Paris at an AI summit to discuss the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

The event brought together key figures from various sectors to explore the implications of AI technology.

Topics of discussion included the potential benefits of AI, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations around its deployment.

Participants highlighted the need for collaboration between governments and the private sector to harness AI responsibly.

The summit aimed to foster dialogue on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI advancements.

OpenAI’s Sam Altman rejects Musk’s $97.4 billion bid, calling it competitive, as tensions rise with conflicting interests.

In Short

OpenAI has rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion takeover bid, viewing it as a competitive strategy. The company’s CEO, Sam Altman, and its board members, including Bret Taylor, have ongoing rivalries with Musk amid broader industry dynamics.

OpenAI has officially rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion takeover bid.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, described Musk’s offer as a competitive strategy rather than a genuine acquisition attempt.

The board of OpenAI, which manages both its nonprofit and for-profit sectors, has not received any formal communication regarding the bid from Musk.

Currently, OpenAI is in the process of raising a funding round that could elevate its valuation to $300 billion, nearly double its previous worth.

A notable point of contention arises from Bret Taylor, former chairman of Twitter, who now oversees OpenAI’s board and has previously had disagreements with Musk over the Twitter acquisition.

In response to the takeover bid, Altman light-heartedly remarked on social media: “No thank you, but we’ll buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.”

This exchange highlights ongoing rivalries in the tech sector and the strategic manoeuvres of influential figures like Musk and Altman.

As the landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact both OpenAI and Musk’s future endeavours.