ZUM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the first talks between the two countries' top diplomats since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Defending the move, Wadephul said: "You have to negotiate with adversaries." The meeting marks a notable shift in Germany's diplomatic stance toward Moscow and is drawing wide attention and debate about whether dialogue with Russia is appropriate now.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul defended his meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, saying in comments reported by Tagesschau that 'you have to negotiate with opponents.' The remarks, circulating on German-language social media, touch a sensitive nerve in the Ukraine debate, where any high-level contact with Moscow is closely watched for signals of a shift in Germany's stance on talks with Russia.

A draft proposal for an EU Kids Act sets out a multi-stage age model for digital media, including the long-demanded ban on social media use by children, but the rules would go considerably further than that. German tech outlet heise has published an analysis highlighting the critical points of the plan, which is now drawing attention in discussions about EU youth protection policy.

A group of Europe's leading mobile payment providers has formed a new alliance aimed at countering the dominance of American players in digital payments. The founders include Bancomat, Bizum, EPI Company/Wero, SIBS MB WAY and Vipps MobilePay, which together serve around 130 million users across 13 European countries, covering more than 70% of the EU population. The move signals a push for a unified European alternative in the payments market.

The podcast series Crime Daheim has released the second episode of its mini-series on the Klaus-Peter Beer case. The episode examines extreme right-wing activity in the Upper Palatinate region from 1990 to the present and the role the perpetrators played in that environment. It is published by Onetz, the media outlet covering the Amberg area, where the case occurred.

Niners Chemnitz have claimed their first victory, though it was a nervy affair that went down to the wire, with German reports describing the team as 'zittern sich zum ersten Sieg' - trembling their way to the win. The result gives the Saxony side their opening points in the Basketball Bundesliga and lifts early-season pressure after a difficult start.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has again called for an open national debate on nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines, saying Japan should discuss such issues "without taboos." He expressed frustration that an atmosphere of reluctance still discourages serious public discussion of nuclear options, a sensitive topic given Japan's postwar pacifist identity and history as the only nation attacked with atomic bombs.

German tech magazine c't has released its issue 21/2026, featuring a test of monitors priced from 65 euros upwards. The review highlights that monitors suitable for both gaming and office work are already available for under 200 euros, and includes a myths check intended to help readers avoid buying the wrong display.

Seitan Limania Beach on the Greek island of Crete is proving a popular swimming spot, but reaching it is not easy. Visitors must first navigate a steep winding road down to a car park, then descend a poorly secured slope to the water, a route that has raised safety concerns among travellers sharing their experiences.

Alec Zumwalt is out with the Kansas City Royals, according to a Yahoo Sports report on team news. Zumwalt had been part of the club's baseball operations leadership, and his departure adds to the changes around the franchise. Further details about the circumstances of his exit have not been made public.

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is calling for an open national debate on nuclear issues, including the possibility of nuclear-powered submarines. Any move to discuss nuclear options marks a highly sensitive shift in Japan, the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, where postwar policy has long adhered to the three non-nuclear principles. The proposal is drawing attention to how far Tokyo's security debate may go amid regional tensions.