Volkswagen's plans to close at least three factories in Germany and lay off tens of thousands of workers dominated the news. The announcement, revealed by the works council, sparked immediate controversy. Chancellor Scholz demanded job preservation, while unions warned of potential strikes. The impact extended beyond VW, with discussions about the future of the German auto industry in light of the transition to electric vehicles. In political developments, the SPD and BSW in Brandenburg recommended coalition negotiations, while in Thüringen, CDU, SPD, and BSW agreed to start talks. Internationally, reports emerged of North Korean soldiers potentially fighting in Ukraine, and Iran executed a German-Iranian national despite diplomatic efforts to prevent it. The day concluded with concerns about Putin's escalation in Ukraine and its implications for NATO.