EU renews Russian sanctions after deal with Hungary
Four sanctioned Russians will see their restrictions relaxed as part of a compromise.
diplomats
The head of NATO is struggling for relevance
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will try to prove to Donald Trump in their Thursday meeting that he โand the nearly eight-decade partnership โ still matter.
UK accuses Russia of driving its Moscow embassy towards closure
Foreign Office issues strongly worded statement as it responds to expulsion of two diplomats with tit-for-tat moveRussia is attempting to push the UK embassy in Moscow towards closing and has no regard for the escalatory impact of such a move, the Fore…
How Starmer saved Ukraineโs ceasefire as Trump and Zelenskyy ragedย
The U.K. prime minister and his top security adviser worked intensively to rescue the broken relationship between Kyiv and Washington, drafting a truce plan that might one day pave the way for peace.
EU readies โsledgehammerโ against Trump tariffs
Brussels is set to strike back against the U.S. presidentโs 25 percent levies on steel and aluminum.
Live: Russia says it downed 337 Ukrainian drones in ‘massive’ overnight attack
Russian air defences on Tuesday repelled the largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow in the 3-year war, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said, while Russia’s defence ministry said it shot down 337 Ukrainian drones across the country. The attack came as a Ukrain…
Ukraine set to propose limited ceasefire with Russia at Saudi talks with US
A Ukrainian delegation meeting top US diplomats in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday is set to propose a ceasefire plan involving the release of prisoners and the return of children from Russia, according to senior Ukrainian officials.
Russia expels two British diplomats over alleged espionage
The move follows a series of expulsions between the UK and Russia, escalating diplomatic tensions amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russia expels two British diplomats on suspicion of espionage
Russia’s FSB security service said on Monday that it was expelling two alleged British spies who it said had provided false information to get diplomatic accreditation to enter the country. The move comes as Russia shifts the focus of its blame for th…
Putin boots out more British diplomats in spying row
Russia’s FSB accuses pair of “intelligence and subversive work” โ as Britain brands the claims “baseless.”
Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi as Ukraine expected to push for air and sea ceasefire during US talks โ as it happened
This live blog is now closed. You can read the latest in our full report:US and Ukraine officials arrive in Saudi Arabia for talks to repair tiesThe UK rejected Russian allegations that two British diplomats were suspected of carrying out espionage act…
EU braces for Hungarian move against Russia sanctions
EU leaders managed to parry Hungaryโs attempt to derail their Ukraine summit last week, but diplomats are now bracing for a bare-knuckled brawl over Russia sanctions this week.
โThey brought it on themselvesโ: a new low in US-Ukraine relations
Diplomats gasp as Keith Kellogg claims Zelenskyy to blame for soured relations with AmericaThere was an audible gasp in the room at the Council on Foreign Relations as Keith Kellogg, the White Houseโs special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, characterised…
The Observer view: Europe must now come of age as a global player | Observer editorial
As Trump upends old alliances, Keir Starmerโs collaboration with EU leaders is welcome and should extend beyond defenceBritain and Europe are together facing a watershed moment, a turning point, a second Zeitenwende, a paradigm shift, a new world order…
US support to maintain UKโs nuclear arsenal is in doubt, experts say
Malcolm Rifkind joins diplomats and analysts urging focus on European cooperation to replace TridentBritainโs ability to rely on the US to maintain the UKโs nuclear arsenal is now in doubt, experts have warned, but working with European states to repla…
EU makes big defense pledges โ but risks leaving Ukraine disappointed
Plans to announce a large package of military aid for Ukraine fizzled ahead of the gathering.
Germany splits with former frugal allies in push to boost EU military spending
Northern European countries traditionally unenthusiastic about higher spending are wary of Germany’s new-found desire to splash the cash.
Romania foils โrevolutionโ of pro-Russia group featuring a 101-year-old man
The group wanted to change country’s name, anthem and flag.
Trump united Europe. Donโt tell Orbรกn
EU diplomats are willing to work around Hungary in favour of a strong summit text on Ukraine to send a message to Trump.
Macron: France must face โRussian threatโ with or without US
The French president also wants to open a debate on expanding France’s nuclear deterrent.
Trump wants to destroy the EU โ and rebuild it in his image
Donald Trump won’t deal with the EU. The EU can’t deal with Trump.ย
Germany wants looser fiscal rules to meet Europeโs defense challenge
Once Europe’s most influential fiscal hawk, Berlin is now leading the charge for greater fiscal flexibility.
European leaders brace for their โfive-minutes-to-midnightโ nightmare summit
Diplomats are already worried pro-Russian EU governments could derail the attempt to regain the initiative from Trump โ and save Ukraine.
EU to propose keeping mandatory gas-filling goals despite pushback from countries
Countries like Germany have pushed for a more flexible approach, complaining the targets could raise gas prices.
We need to keep a closer eye on saboteurs in our midst
We’ve seen an uptick in geopolitically motivated harm within our borders, and it’s in all our interest to help stop it.
Can Ukraine-US relations be repaired?
After the surreal Oval Office brawl, strenuous efforts are under way to try to repair some of the damage.
Russian and US diplomats meet in Istanbul for second round of talks
Valentina Matvienko, speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper house, said during a visit to Turkey on Thursday that US-Russia talks should help restore the ‘full-fledged work of our diplomatic missions.’
US and Russian diplomats meet in Istanbul for second round of talks
US and Russian diplomats meet in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations, with Ukraine off the agenda. This is a second round following talks in Saudi Arabia that signalled a shift in US policy under Trump.
5 awkward encounters between UK prime ministers and US presidentsย
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump will likely be all smiles during their meeting Thursday โ but a frosty encounter between the two nations’ leaders isn’t unusual.
โScheduling issuesโ scupper Rubio-Kallas meeting in Washington
Sit-down between top diplomats is off.
Why is USAIDโs death being met with silence?
The impact of cutting international assistance is incredibly harmful, and it hurts America too. It’s time for our former leaders to speak up.
FirstFT: Europe and US diplomats clash over Ukraine on warโs anniversary
Also in todayโs newsletter, Starbucks announces 1,100 job cuts, and Spain calls for EU to forge China policy without US
German election results tilt EU back toward nuclear energy
Pro-atomic countries are optimistic that center-right winner Friedrich Merz can help ease the EU’s never-ending nuclear spat.
Macron meets Trump, Europeans head to Kyiv in two-pronged effort to save Ukraine
European leaders hope to reverse Trumpโs retreat from Europe and Ukraineโs dire prospects.
Ukraine war briefing: Volodymyr Zelenskyy praises Keir Starmer for pledge of โironclad supportโ
British prime minister insists Ukraine must be โat the heart of any negotiationsโ on a peace deal. What we know on day 1,096Europe live: latest news on the Ukraine warVolodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday praised the UK for showing โleadershipโ on the war wi…
The Observer view of US foreign policy: A dangerous new international order is unfolding | Observer editorial
Thanks to Donald Trump, a new era of great power imperialism fuelled by authoritarianism and hyper-nationalism is unfoldingA torrent of abrupt US policy reversals, resets and revisions since Donald Trump returned to the White House last month has left …
Preparations under way for meeting between Trump and Putin, Russia says
Russian and US leaders will meet face to face in move towards normalising relations, deputy foreign minister saysPreparations for a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are under way, Russiaโs deputy foreign minister has said.Th…
EU leaders plan โฌ20B Ukraine aid package as Trump turns against Zelenskyy
As the U.S. turns its back, Europe is scrambling to step up.
Westโs โcrisisโ coalition grows as Trump rails against Zelenskyy
Forget about NATO and the EU. Western leaders are building a new diplomatic framework to deal with the White House’s alignment with Moscow.
Trumpโs America is Putinโs ally now
Europe and Ukraine are learning how little the U.S. cares, as the new president aligns himself with their greatest enemy.ย
EU envoys approve new Russia sanctions package
Agreement reached to curb aluminum imports ahead of the three-year mark of Russiaโs full-scale invasion.
Rubio: Russia, US need to normalize embassy staffing
American negotiators met with their Russian counterparts Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to kick off negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war.
EU targets โฌ6B Ukraine military aid packageย
Countries aim to shore up Kyiv’s strategic position amid ongoing talks between Russia and the United States.
Sadiq Khan says โBrexit was a mistakeโ and closer EU ties could counter Trump tariffs
London mayor tells meeting of ambassadors that mobility scheme would benefit young people and economySadiq Khan has told EU diplomats Brexit was a mistake and called on the UK government to be bold as it looks to strengthen ties with the bloc, arguing …
US and Russia hold bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia
Top US and Russian diplomats met in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks on resetting their fractured relations, the first such discussions since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
โWe havenโt heard anythingโ: Von der Leyenโs defence spending scheme bewilders diplomats
The Commission chief’s proposal to trigger “the escape clause” in the bloc’s fiscal rules has created confusion โ given the rules include two different such clauses.
Zelensky meets Erdogan for talks: โTurkey has long played an intermediatory roleโ
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday in Ankara as top US and Russian diplomats hold talks in Riyadh. โTurkey has long played an intermediatory roleโ between Russia and Ukraine, FRA…
US and Russia agree to work on ending Ukraine conflict and improving ties
After meeting on Tuesday without Ukraine, top US and Russian diplomats agreed to form negotiation teams to work toward ending the Ukraine war, but key details remain unclear.
โEurope challenges Trump-Putin axisโ: what the papers say about Paris summit on Ukraine
European headlines reflect the response to the diplomatic shockwaves sent by the US and splits among leaders on defence spending and how the war in Ukraine should endSee all our Ukraine war coverageHeadlines in European newspapers were on Tuesday domin…
US, Russia to discuss Ukraine in Saudi Arabia with Zelensky sidelined
Senior US and Russian diplomats meet in Riyahdh on Tuesday for preliminary talks on trying to end the Ukraine war and resetting their countries’ fractured relations. The talks have sparked concern in Europe and Ukraine in the wake of the new US admini…
European leaders race to respond after US policy shift on Ukraine
European leaders sought to find a unified response at an emergency summit in Paris Monday following a shock policy shift on the war in Ukraine by US President Donald Trump. The talks were held as Washington and Moscow’s top diplomats were due Tuesday …
Postcard from Munich: American carnage
European diplomats drank Munich dry of camomille tea as they sought respite from a harrowing weekend.
How von der Leyen blindsided Brussels with her deregulation drive
The Commission president is pushing a sweeping, rapid and centralized agenda to โsimplifyโ EU rules โ and not everyone in Brussels is thrilled.
The Guardian view on JD Vance in Munich: Europe must stand up for its values | Editorial
The vice-presidentโs speech on Friday was another wake-up call for European leaders. On defence and in other areas, they need to chart their own courseIn 2007, Vladimir Putin delivered a speech to the Munich security conference that stunned western dip…
As US recedes, NATO scrambles to find a new leader
The Brits, French, and Germans all have their own ideas about how to defend the continent with Americaโs plans in flux.ย
Trump team to start Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia
Negotiators from Kyiv will be joining the talks that launch in the coming days.
Vance brings a wrecking ball to diplomatic gathering in Munich
The U.S. vice president roasted the continent’s way of governing itself.
Ukraine war briefing: Stray Russian drones โhit Moldova and Romaniaโ
Ukrainian neighbours summon Russian ambassadors citing crashes and explosions on their soil; Europe โwould help Ukraine resist without US helpโ. What we know on day 1,087See all our Ukraine war coverageMoldova and Nato member Romania announced they had…
Trumpโs Ukraine bombshell puts British support to the test
Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to be a โsteadfastโ backer of Ukraine. But Britain is cash-strapped and struggling to build links.
Von der Leyen aide held secret talks with Trump team amid trade war
Bjoern Seibert visited Washington ahead of high-level contacts between the Commission president and J.D. Vance.
Trumpโs uphill battle to make NATO allies hit his mega defense spending target
There is broad agreement to boost defense spending โ but the U.S. president’s call for 5 percent of GDP is too much for most European countries.
Trump and Putin stun Europe with peace plan for Ukraineย
U.S. president announces that talks with Russia’s leader on ending the war will start โimmediately,โ after his defense chief warns that Ukraineโs peace goals wonโt be met.
Trump-Putin Ukraine peace talks mustnโt exclude Kyiv, EU allies warn
U.S. and Russian leaders spoke on the phone Wednesday about ending the war โ and agreed to start negotiations โimmediately.โ
Britain to โwait and seeโ on Trumpโs tariff threat
Announcements on steel and reciprocal tariffs contradict the U.S. president’s suggestion the U.K. could be spared from his trade war.
EU considers giving countries wiggle room to boost defense spending
The move would allow governments with overstretched budgets more flexibility under the bloc’s debt and deficit rules.
Inside the new plan to seize Russiaโs shadow fleet
European countries are pushing for new powers to squeeze Moscowโs shadow fleet after a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea.
What does Trump really want from Canada?
โThe current game is maximum chaos,โ one industry leader says of the current state of Canada-U.S. relations
How to be a UK Ambassador to the US
POLITICOโs weekly podcast lifting the curtain on how Westminster really works. By PATRICK BAKER Send ideas here | View in your browser Peter Mandelson, the new British ambassador to the United States, has finally taken up the daunting challenge of being the U.K.โs Trump whisperer. And itโs clear the man dubbed the prince of darkness [โฆ]
How to be a UK Ambassador to the US
Peter Mandelson, the new British ambassador to the United States, has finally taken up the daunting challenge of being the U.K.โs Trump whisperer. And itโs clear the man dubbed the prince of darkness will need to use every trick in his book to ensure the U.K. emerges unscathed โ or even, perhaps, benefits โ from [โฆ]
Lithuania hopes to woo Trump with its anti-China stance
The country aims to curry favor and keep the U.S. president committed to transatlantic defense by being the first to catch the mood in Washington.
EU hires Trump-linked lobbying firm to survive trade war
DCI Group has worked with sanctioned organizations, the Azeri government and oil companies.
Trumpโs Gaza fantasy is a recipe for a forever war
U.S. president is pressing countries to take in Palestinians by threatening to cut aid, but it’s too dangerous for Arab leaders to accept that blackmail.
Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmerโs Brexit reset
EU officials and diplomats believe improvements to the cross-channel relationship are possible, and still happening โ but slowly.
Ukraine peace talks without Kyiv would send โvery dangerousโ signal: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian president’s remarks came after Trump said U.S. and Russian officials wereย โalready talkingโ bilaterally about the war in Ukraine.ย
Trump is wreaking havoc at USAID. Is the goal to shut it down?
The presidentโs failure to name a USAID administrator and other steps seem to suggest that, at the very least, heโll fold USAID into the State Department.
Ukraine war briefing: Russian missile attack on world heritage site in Odesa damages historic buildings and wounds seven
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Norwegian diplomats among those in epicentre of โdeliberate strikeโ on Unesco-listed district. What we know on day 1,074See all our Ukraine war coverage Continue reading…
Slovakiaโs Fico again accuses Czech diplomats and media of interference
Fico made the comments directly to the Czech ambassador, which Czechia’s prime minister described as “absurd”.
The post Slovakia’s Fico again accuses Czech diplomats and media of interference appeared first on Euractiv.
Your guide to Trumpโs Europe envoys
Presented by REAL DEAL.
Chasing the Don: How EU politicians are jockeying for position with Trump
From Nigel Farage to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, EU politicians are competing for the privilege of being Europe’s Trump whisperer.
EU lets Russian LNG slip in new sanctions package
The proposal will not include a blanket prohibition of LNG imports, as scores of EU hawks have been urging.
Europeโs leaders plot to stop Trump from taking Greenlandย
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warns Trump not to take territory by force as EU leaders prepare to discuss Greenland tensions at a Feb. 3 summit.ย
Hungary lifts blockade on EU Russia sanctions renewal
But EU diplomats warn that this is unlikely to be Hungary’s last veto.
The post Hungary lifts blockade on EU Russia sanctions renewal appeared first on Euractiv.
Hungary backs down in EU Russia sanctions standoff
Before relenting, Budapest had threatened to allow billions of dollars to flow back to the Kremlin in a row over energy imports.
EUโs Russia sanctions roll-over explained
Should EU foreign ministers fail to renew the sanctions by January, diplomats say there is still enough time to call an had-hoc emergency EU summit
The post EU’s Russia sanctions roll-over explained appeared first on Euractiv.
Ukraine can bring Azeri gas to Europe, Zelenskyy says
Comments came after angry complaints from Slovakia and Hungary over Kyiv’s refusal to renew transit of Russian gas.
Orbรกnโs new threat: Iโll end Russia sanctions unless Ukraine pumps Putinโs gas
But diplomats still expect the Hungarian prime minister to ultimately back down, perhaps as soon as Monday.
Germanyโs Trump problem
The country’s perennial yearning for reassurance is still dominating discourse โ but this time around, itโs likely to be in vain.
Hungary wobbles on sanctions threat after Trump calls out Putin
Viktor Orbรกn has flirted with killing the EU’s Russia sanctions. But he didn’t get the ally he might have expected in Donald Trump.
What Britain desperately wants from Trump 2.0
PM Keir Starmer’s center-left government is holding its breath as Trump’s second term gets going.
Global leaders join the show as Trump promises US domination
Historians say this is the first time foreign heads of state or government attended a US presidential swearing-in ceremony.
What Trumpโs exit from the climate deal really means
Quitting the Paris Agreement triggers a cascade of real-world impacts and signals the beginning of an aggressive agenda to undo U.S. climate policy.
Hungary wins EU approval for its four-year fiscal plan
Country is expected to leave the European Commission’s over-spending surveillance regime in 2026.
Franceโs Bayrou gets spending plan approved by EU
Endorsement in Brussels is major boost to new prime minister after 2025 budget toppled his predecessor.
Worldโs far-right populists pack guest list for Trumpโs inauguration
While itโs not usual to invite foreign dignitaries, Trump is laying down a clear ideological marker with his invitees from across the world.
EU goes easy on Franceโs Bayrou as he tries to plug โฌ53B black hole
The fledgling Paris government is “trying their best” to get a budget through parliament after a previous version sunk its predecessor.
Venezuela restricts diplomats from โhostileโ European countries
The foreign ministry in Caracas announced it would limit the number of accredited diplomats from France, Italy and the Netherlands to three.
The post Venezuela restricts diplomats from ‘hostile’ European countries appeared first on Euractiv.
Austriaโs Kickl brings Europeโs anti-populist firewall crashing down
Herbert Kickl’s rise ends a firewall that has kept populist politicians out of power in EU countries for decades.
Venezuela restricts French, Italian and Dutch diplomats
Venezuela’s foreign ministry statement limits the number of accredited diplomats to 3 per country and imposes travel restrictions, citing their governments’ outcry over President Nicolas Maduro’s inauguration.
Ukraine offers to send 150 firefighters to help California battle wildfires
Kyivโs offer comes after Donald Trump Jr. last week took a swipe at Ukraine over the fires.
Germanyโs Baerbock cautions on Syria as EU signals sanctions relief
Syria’s transitional government โsounds good so far,” Germany’s foreign minister told POLITICO โ but actions speak louder than words.