Firebarns to Expand to 1,000 US Stores Despite Tariffs; NATO Chief Urges Zelensky to Respect Trump; EU Seeks Security Guarantees for Ukraine Amid US Shift

Quebec-based Firebarns will distribute its hot sauces in over 1,000 US grocery stores starting next week, despite tariffs announced by Donald Trump. The company has a strategic plan to absorb the tariffs, expecting them to be temporary. Initial deliveries will target states including Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The move required a $500,000 investment and a revamp of the brand's image. Spain is seeing a growing interrelation between politics and business. The Saudi STC's investment in Telefónica led to government intervention to protect the company. Similarly, the government's decision will influence BBVA's takeover of Sabadell. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "respect what Trump has done" for Ukraine. This comes as Zelensky met with European leaders in London to discuss security guarantees amid concerns over shifting US support. The EU is considering strengthening European defense and providing additional aid to Ukraine, but faces potential opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.