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Germany’s Merz Says Global Rules-Based Order Has Broken Down

At the Munich security summit, the German chancellor cautioned that individual freedoms are not assured in a world dominated by major powers.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cautioned world leaders that the rules-based global order is no longer in effect, speaking at a prominent security summit.

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech during the 62nd Munich Security Conference. Photo: 13 February 2026

In his opening address at the Munich Security Conference, Merz emphasized that the freedom of Europeans is not guaranteed in the current era of major power politics, and that they must be prepared to make sacrifices.

Merz also acknowledged a significant rift between Europe and the United States, seemingly alluding to US President Donald Trump's controversial remarks about annexing Greenland and implementing tariffs on European nations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended Merz's speech and is scheduled to deliver his own address on Saturday, previously discussed the emergence of a new geopolitical era.

Approximately 50 global leaders are expected to attend this year's conference, where key topics such as European defense and the future of transatlantic relations will be discussed.

The conference takes place amidst uncertainty surrounding US commitments to the Nato military alliance, as well as concerns over Trump's aspirations to acquire Greenland, which have eroded trust between the US and its European allies.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions between the West and China, and potential developments in the Iran-US nuclear deal are also on the agenda at the annual gathering.

Merz warned the conference that the rules-based order has effectively ceased to exist, stating, "I fear we must be more direct: this order, despite its imperfections, no longer exists in its current form."

He also noted that a significant divide has emerged between Europe and the United States, referencing remarks made by Vice-President JD Vance at the Munich conference the previous year.

Merz emphasized that Europeans do not share the same cultural values as the US, particularly with regards to the MAGA movement, and that they prioritize human dignity, free trade, and the constitution over protectionism and tariffs.

Vance's speech last year sparked a year of unprecedented tension between the US and Europe, particularly with regards to policies on free speech and immigration.

Despite these challenges, Merz expressed his desire to revitalize and restore trust between the US and Europe, rather than abandoning their long-standing partnership.

The German leader also revealed that confidential discussions are underway with French President Macron to establish a joint European nuclear deterrent, although no further details were provided.

Currently, France and the UK are the only nuclear-armed nations in Europe, while other European countries, including Germany, have traditionally relied on the US nuclear umbrella within the Nato alliance for deterrence.

Prior to the Munich conference, Rubio cautioned that the world is undergoing rapid changes, and that this new era in geopolitics will require a re-examination of roles and relationships.

Rubio stated, "We are living in a new era of geopolitics, and it will necessitate a re-evaluation of our positions and the role we will play in this changing world."

Tensions have escalated in recent months due to Trump's repeated assertions that Greenland is crucial to US national security, claiming without evidence that the territory is frequented by Russian and Chinese ships.

On Friday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans to meet with Rubio to discuss the US threats to Denmark's semi-autonomous territory of Greenland, which is a Nato ally.

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Andrew Accused of Leaking Treasury Document to Banker

Allegations have surfaced that a sensitive Treasury document was shared by the ex-royal during his tenure as a trade envoy.

New allegations have surfaced against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, suggesting he shared confidential government information with a personal business associate, sparking further scrutiny of his actions during his time as a trade envoy.

Prince Andrew in a top hat at Ascot in 2011

According to emails obtained by the Telegraph, in 2010, Prince Andrew requested information from Treasury officials regarding Iceland's banking issues, which was then shared with his business contact, Jonathan Rowland.

The briefing, which included details on the UK's position on deposits and guarantee schemes in Iceland, was forwarded to Rowland, whose father, David, had taken over a portion of a struggling Icelandic bank.

This development has increased pressure on the former prince, who is already facing accusations of misusing his public position to share official information with private associates during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy.

In response to the allegations, Jonathan Rowland stated that he was unaware of the emails' reference to him and claimed the quoted emails were from an old legal proceeding.

A blurry photo of a newspaper website which shows a montage of an old black and white photo of David Rowland next to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. A caption is visible below.
A montage of David Rowland, Andrew and Epstein from a press cutting found in the Epstein files

The Cabinet Office has declined to comment on the matter but has not disputed the authenticity of the emails in question.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson referred to the current stance of Thames Valley Police, which is assessing whether to launch an investigation into potential misconduct in public office.

This latest revelation follows previous emails from the Epstein files, which suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor had shared official documents, including reports from overseas trade trips and a briefing on investment in Afghanistan, with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Treasury briefing requested by Mountbatten-Windsor, through his adviser, pertained to the UK's position on deposits and guarantee schemes in Iceland, as outlined in emails published by the Telegraph.

At the time, Iceland's banking sector was facing significant challenges, having nationalized three major banks after the 2008 financial crisis.

In 2010, a dispute arose between Iceland and the UK regarding Iceland's potential contribution to compensating UK depositors who had lost money in the failed Icelandic banks.

Shortly after receiving the briefing from the Treasury, Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded the information to Jonathan Rowland.

The former prince accompanied the briefing with a message, asking Rowland for his opinion and potential solutions, stating, "I pass this on to you for comment and a suggestion or solution?"

The message also included a note from Mountbatten-Windsor, saying, "The essence is that Amanda is getting signals that we should allow the democratic process [to] happen before you make your move. Interested in your opinion? A."

David Rowland, Jonathan's father, had acquired the Luxembourg operations of Kaupthing, a major Icelandic bank, which was later rebranded as Banque Havilland.

Jonathan Rowland served as the chief executive of Banque Havilland until his departure in 2013.

The Epstein files reveal a close relationship between Andrew and David Rowland, with the former prince referring to Rowland as his "trusted money man".

Prince Andrew on a trade visit to China in 2010
An image from the Epstein files of Mountbatten-Windsor on a trade visit to China in 2010

It appears that Mountbatten-Windsor was promoting Rowland's business ventures to Epstein.

In an email to Epstein, Mountbatten-Windsor wrote, "He is actively seeking high net worth individuals for his Private Bank. Perhaps this is an avenue for your undecided Chinese?" in reference to Rowland's Banque Havilland.

Epstein responded, expressing interest in learning more about the bank, saying, "His bank just might be the place.. I guess i should learn more."

The emails released by the US Department of Justice also suggest that Rowland's bank had provided loans to Sarah Ferguson, Mountbatten-Windsor's ex-wife, who was facing debt issues at the time.

Banque Havilland has faced regulatory issues in the UK and Europe, resulting in the loss of its banking license in 2024, a decision the bank is currently appealing.

The Rowlands, Jonathan and David, appeared to have a close relationship with Mountbatten-Windsor, often accompanying him on official trade trips to countries such as China and former Soviet states.

Mountbatten-Windsor had attended the opening of Banque Havilland, and David Rowland had been a guest at the former prince's birthday party and his daughter Princess Eugenie's wedding.

Jonathan Rowland denied to the BBC that he or his father had ever met or had contact with Jeffrey Epstein.

While Jonathan Rowland did not deny that he, his father, or Banque Havilland might have provided financial assistance to Mountbatten-Windsor or Ferguson, he denied that any such assistance was given in exchange for access to contacts.

There is no indication of any wrongdoing on the part of Jonathan and David Rowland.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been contacted regarding the allegations and has strongly denied any wrongdoing in his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

For the latest news and analysis on the royal family, sign up for our Royal Watch newsletter, available to subscribers worldwide.

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T20 World Cup Standings and Leading Players

According to BBC Sport, the top-performing batters and bowlers from the Men’s T20 World Cup, which took place in India and Sri Lanka, have been identified.

At the Men's T20 World Cup, the top performers in terms of wickets and runs are Shadley van Schalkwyk from the USA and Tim Seifert from New Zealand, respectively.

The T20 World Cup group stage is currently underway, with matches taking place in India and Sri Lanka.

As the tournament progresses, several players have emerged as leaders in run-scoring and wicket-taking.

A review of the latest statistics reveals the current standings in various categories.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8s, which will consist of two groups of four teams each.

Following the Super 8s, the top two teams from each group will proceed to the semi-finals, with the winner of one group facing the runner-up of the other.

The leading run-scorer is Tim Seifert of New Zealand, with 154 runs.

Shubham Ranjane of the USA is second in run-scoring, with 136 runs.

Bas de Leede of the Netherlands is third, having scored 125 runs.

Sahibzada Farhan of Pakistan is fourth, with 120 runs.

Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka is fifth, with 117 runs.

The highest individual score achieved so far is in the spotlight.

Tim Seifert of New Zealand holds the top spot, having scored 89 runs against the UAE.

Several players are tied for second place, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Afghanistan, George Munsey of Scotland, Suryakumar Yadav of India, and Finn Allen of New Zealand, each with 84 runs.

These players achieved their scores against South Africa, Italy, the USA, and the UAE, respectively.

The same group of players, including Finn Allen, also achieved notable scores.

The top run-scorers, with a minimum of 20 balls faced, are also being tracked.

Tim Seifert leads this category, with 154 runs.

Kusal Mendis is second, with 117 runs.

Sherfane Rutherford of the West Indies is third, having scored 102 runs.

Suryakumar Yadav of India is fourth, with 96 runs.

Finn Allen of New Zealand is fifth, with 85 runs.

The strike rates of players who have faced at least 20 balls are also being monitored.

Kamindu Mendis of Sri Lanka has the highest strike rate, at 242.3.

Dasun Shanaka, also of Sri Lanka, is second, with a strike rate of 238.09.

Josh Inglis of Australia is third, with a strike rate of 214.28.

Ishan Kishan of India is fourth, with a strike rate of 202.5.

Will Jacks of England is fifth, with a strike rate of 195.23.

Shadley van Schalkwyk of the USA is the leading wicket-taker, with 11 wickets.

Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe, Lungi Ngidi of South Africa, and Harmeet Singh of the USA are tied for second place, with 7 wickets each.

Brad Evans of Zimbabwe and Romario Shepherd of the West Indies are among those tied for fifth place, with 6 wickets each.

The top bowlers in terms of economy rate are also being tracked.

Muhammad Jawadullah of the UAE has the best economy rate, at 4.00.

Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe is second, with an economy rate of 4.12.

Maheesh Theekshana of Sri Lanka and Richard Ngarava of Zimbabwe are tied for third, with an economy rate of 4.25.

The best bowling figures achieved so far are notable.

Romario Shepherd of the West Indies achieved the top bowling figures, taking 5-20 against Scotland.

Junaid Siddique of the UAE took 5-35 against Canada.

Nathan Ellis of Australia and Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe are among those with notable bowling figures.

Romario Shepherd of the West Indies has the best average, at 4.5.

Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe has a rating of 4.71.

Richard Ngarava, also from Zimbabwe, has a rating of 5.66.

Australia's Cameron Green is rated at 6.00.

With a rating of 6.45, Shadley van Schalkwyk represents the United States.

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Vonn to Undergo Additional Surgery, Reports Improvement in Condition

Lindsey Vonn has reported a sense of gradual recovery, stating she is beginning to feel more like her usual self, although she still faces at least two additional surgeries to address the leg injury she suffered during a crash at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.

Following her crash on Sunday, Lindsey Vonn has undergone three surgical procedures to address her injuries.

In a recent update, Lindsey Vonn stated that she is gradually regaining her strength, but expects to undergo at least two additional operations to treat the leg fracture she sustained during the Winter Olympics.

The American skiing legend had returned to competition just nine days after suffering a left knee ligament rupture, only to crash into a gate 13 seconds into her downhill run in Cortina.

Vonn was airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, where medical staff diagnosed her with a complex fracture of the tibia in her left leg.

On Instagram, the 41-year-old athlete revealed that she is scheduled for a fourth surgery on Saturday, with another procedure to follow upon her return to the United States.

Vonn described her experience in the hospital as challenging, stating that it has been a difficult few days.

Although she is starting to feel more like herself, Vonn acknowledged that she still has a long recovery ahead, with another surgery scheduled for the following day, which could potentially allow her to leave the hospital and return home, where she will require further surgical intervention.

At present, Vonn remains hospitalized and largely immobile, awaiting further imaging to determine the extent of her injuries.

As the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, Vonn had been seeking a triumphant conclusion to her illustrious career.

Having retired in 2019 as the most decorated female skier at the time, with a history of severe leg injuries, Vonn's decision to return to the sport in 2024 was a surprise to many.

After undergoing a partial replacement of her right knee, Vonn announced her comeback to skiing in 2024.

Since her return, she has achieved eight World Cup podium finishes, including two gold medals, and was considered a strong contender for a medal at her fifth and final Olympics.

Despite suffering an ACL injury in the final World Cup race before the Olympics, Vonn was determined to compete in Cortina, a course where she had previously enjoyed significant success.

In addition to sharing her recovery progress, Vonn expressed gratitude to those who have sent her well-wishes and support since her injury.

She stated, "I am deeply thankful to everyone who has sent me flowers, letters, and gifts, which has been incredibly uplifting and helpful during this time."

Vonn feels fortunate to have a strong support network, which she believes will aid her in overcoming this challenging period.

She conveyed her appreciation, saying, "I want to extend my thanks and express my pride in Team USA, whose performances have been a great source of inspiration and motivation for me."

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Lindsey Vonn's Winter Olympics downhill run ended in a crash.

A day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics is available, featuring key events and schedules.

The full Winter Olympics schedule, including medal event timings, can be accessed.

The current Winter Olympics 2026 medal table is available for viewing.

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