EU announces new megafund for Ukraine reconstruction
“It will, together with the private sector, kickstart investment in energy, transport, critical raw materials, dual-use industries,โ said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Russian aggression
Russia hires migrants to wreak havoc, Czech intel report says
Most of them are hired through Telegram, says Czech intelligence service.
Why Europe doesnโt trust Trumpโs latest Ukraine reversal
U.S. allies in Europe are worried that American support for Ukraine is fickle, and that the Trump administration will cut its troop posture on the continent.
Macron will enjoy his royal welcome. But the Franco-British relationship remains a love-hate affair | Paul Taylor
The French leader will never agree to special EU concessions for the UK despite its strategic importance to EuropeBritain and France are so close that thereโs a saying in Wimereux, a seafront resort on the north French coast, that if you can see Englan…
Ukraine fears increased Russian aggression after US halt of weapons supply
On Tuesday the White House said that it had cut off some weapons deliveries to Ukraine in order “to put America’s interests first”.
Ukraine fears increased Russian aggression after US halt of weapons supply
On Tuesday the White House said that it had cut off some weapons deliveries to Ukraine in order “to put America’s interests first”.
Brussels and Kyiv mend trade ties after farmer fury over imports
Deal promises greater EU market access for Ukraine in return for aligning farm standards โ and political calm at the border.
Ukraine to withdraw from treaty banning anti-personnel mines
The government said that the move is motivated by the right to self-defence in the face of Russian aggression.
Trumpโs revolution comes to Europe
The U.S. president’s reelection has changed the nature of Europeโs domestic politics as well as its geopolitical standing.
Germany breaks taboo with first celebration of veterans since second world war
Russian aggression in Ukraine has helped drive a historic shift in attitudes towards military
The enigma of Andriy Yermak
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff is accused of being a ruthless political operator. What are his ambitions?
Britain prepares for war (just donโt ask about the cost)
A report noting that “state conflict has returned to Europe” has been somewhat undermined by equivocation from the Starmer government on the appropriate response.
EU science advisers slam Brusselsโ weakened 2040 climate plans
Using international carbon credits in place of domestic action undermines climate efforts, scientific advisory board says.
UK has fingers in its ears over Trumpโs defense threat
Britainโs political leaders are refusing to engage with suggestions that the countryโs security calculation might be changing.
China slams Macron over โunacceptableโ comments on Taiwan and Ukraine
French president warned that unchecked Russian aggression in Ukraine could set a precedent in Asia.
Europe should avoid โangry divorceโ with US as it retreats from NATO: Kubilius
Less complaining and more preparation will help avoid an angry divorce between Europe and America, the defense commissioner said.
If Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian, he risks blowing a hole in war crimes cases
Legalizing Moscow’s occupation would also send a dangerous message to other aggressive powers.
Slovakia rejects special tribunal on Russia without explanation
Slovakiaโs silence on rejecting an EU tribunal for Russian aggression, despite championing international law, draws criticism from experts and opposition.
EU Parliament backs higher tariffs on Russian fertilisers
Parliament has endorsed a proposal to raise tariffs on Russian fertilisers, rejecting efforts to weaken the measure and clearing the way for final adoption by July.
Vance: US โmore than open to walking awayโ from Ukraine-Russia talks
With peace talks stuck, Trump will speak with Putin and Zelenskyy.
Fast-tracking Ukraineโs EU accession helps no one โ least of all Ukraine
The path forward requires neither knee-jerk reactions nor naive optimism but steady, conditional support for Kyiv’s war effort.
Macron, Tusk slam leaders attending Putinโs Victory Day parade
The two leaders were in Nancy to sign a bilateral treaty, aimed at strengthening defense ties in the wake of Russia aggression against Ukraine.
Fico shakes Putinโs hand as Russiaโs war victory parade kicks off
Slovak PM is the only EU leader to attend Red Square festivities.
What Ukraine’s mineral deal with the US means for the war against Russia
The US and Ukraine signed on Wednesday a resource-sharing deal granting Washington access to critical minerals. Kyiv hopes the pact will lock in military support, establish a reconstruction fund and counter Russian aggression, while keeping full Ukrai…
Friedrich Merz picks pro-Kyiv foreign minister and promises German support for Ukraine
Chancellor-designate vows to tackle Russian aggression and appoints Johann Wadephul, an ex-soldier, to key roleGermanyโs chancellor-designate, Friedrich Merz, has promised to put staunch support of Ukraine at the heart of his government after announcin…
Zelenskyy under pressure at home over peace talks and mineral deal with US
Ukrainian president is desperately trying to talk Russia and the U.S. into a ceasefire deal, but will need to convince MPs to sign off on it as well.
Russian attacks on Europe included bid to sway EU election, Dutch spies warn
“The potential effect on our security is unprecedented,โ says military intelligence chief about Moscow’s intensifying hybrid warfare.
We want French nukes, Polish president says
โI believe we can accept both solutions,โ Andrzej Duda says about hosting both U.S. and French warheads on Polish soil.
EU channels inner โBuddhaโ as it reels from White House shocks
Finance ministers gathering in Warsaw will discuss tariffs and rearmament.
Germany decides to leave history in the past and prepare for war
Russian aggression and US isolationism push a once hesitant Germany to invest heavily in defence.
EU calls for households to stockpile 72 hours of food amid war risks
Commission issues 30-step plan for dealing with increased threats including Russian aggression
Ignored by Trump and menaced by Putin, the UK turns to the EU for defensive ties
As Trump seeks to withdraw the US from European defence, Keir Starmer is trying to develop closer ties with the UKโs neighboursDonald Trumpโs isolationism and Vladimir Putinโs menace leaves post-Brexit Britain in a delicate position. While the combinat…
EU launches push to boost defence as Trump pivots away from Europe
The EU on Wednesday will look to launch plans to help member states bolster their defences as Europe grapples with Russian aggression and the potential loss of the US security umbrella.ย
Ukraine war briefing: Russian drone strikes immediately follow Trump-Putin talks
Hospital in Sumy hit as Zelenskyy says Putin has rejected full ceasefire; Ukrainian troops go on attack at Belgorod border. What we know on day 1,1120A hospital in Sumy was bombed in a wave of attacks on Ukraine that led Volodymyr Zelenskyy to declare …
Polandโs president urges US to move nuclear warheads to Polishย territory
Call from Andrzej Duda aimed at deterring future Russian aggression likely to be viewed as highly provocative in Moscow
European defence: Could ‘inherent political tensions within EU’ be obstacle to forming united front?
Military chiefs from 30 countries are in the French capital at the Paris Forum on Defence and Strategy with a focus on creating an international military force to deter Russian aggression once a ceasefire in Ukraine has been implemented. For an in-dep…
Zelenskyyโs chief of staff urges Europe to keep financial pressure on Russia
As truce talks begin in Jeddah, Andriy Yermak writes for the Guardian that continent must โremain unitedโWith US leadership and European support we Ukrainians may at last have peace. But donโt let Russia off the hookEurope live โ latest updatesEurope m…
With US leadership and European support we Ukrainians may at last have peace. But donโt let Russia off the hook | Andriy Yermak
Todayโs Jeddah summit will be crucial. But so too is the need for European unity to counter Russian aggression now, and deter it in the futureAndriy Yermak is head of the Ukrainian presidential officeAs I arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a ceasefire in …
Starmer presses Trump to reverse Ukraine intelligence cut-off
The U.K. prime minister hopes for a “positive outcome” of U.S.-Ukraine talks โ and is readying a Saturday meeting of allies willing to police a cease-fire deal.
Ukraine โcommittedโ to dialogue with US, Zelenskyy says ahead of Saudi talks
“The key is to move quickly and effectively,” Ukraine’s president said.
Poland says it plans to give every adult male military training
In a statement to parliament on Friday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared his plan as part of a wider effort to create a 500,000-strong army to deter Russian aggression.
Trump suspending US intelligence sharing is โsuffocatingโ Ukraineโs hope, says Ben Wallace
Former UK defence secretary suggests Ukraine can still win the war if it continues holding off Russian forcesUkraine war live: latest updatesBen Wallace, the former UK defence secretary, has said Donald Trumpโs decision to suspend US intelligence shari…
EU leaders gather at ‘historical, unprecedented juncture’ for the bloc
European Union leaders from 27 countries gathered in Brussels on Thursday at a ” historical, unprecedented juncture” for the bloc, said FRANCE 24’s Europe Editor Armen Georgian. The leaders are set to rapidly bolster Europe’s defence capability amid f…
Europeโs powerful tool against Russia? Seizing its frozen assets
If European leaders want to truly support Ukraine they must seize the moment by seizing $220bn in assetsIt is now clear that Donald Trumpโs administration will betray Ukraine in its fight to resist Russian aggression. Trump himself is either a victim o…
Macron open to extending Franceโs nuclear umbrella to European allies as US reconsiders Ukraine funding โ as it happened
This live blog is now closed. You can read our latest full report here:Macron warns Russian aggression โknows no bordersโRussia takes a positive view of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyyโs statement last night that he is willing to negotiate over…
Why this is no time for Zelenskyy to grovel to Trump | Paul Taylor
Washington wants the Ukraine presidentโs scalp โ so Kyiv has no choice but to ignore Keir Starmerโs bad adviceFor Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this is no time to grovel.After last Fridayโs ambush in the Oval Office โ where the Ukrainian president, who has led …
JD Vance trashes Starmer and Macronโs Ukraine peacekeeping plan
U.S. vice president mocks idea of โsome random country that hasnโt fought a war in 30 yearsโ helping Ukraine, though after backlash denies he was referring to France or U.K.
Starmer says ‘coalition of the willing’ to present Ukraine peace plan to Trump
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders, showing strong support for Ukraine at a London summit, agreed to draft a peace plan for Ukraine to present to the US. The initiative aims to secure essential security guara…
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.
EU must ‘urgently’ rearm and turn Ukraine into ‘steel porcupine,’ says von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen has called for “comprehensive” security guarantees for Ukraine that can deter future Russian aggression.
Unlike Trump, Europe canโt afford to take Putin at his word
Vastly differing views of the Russian leader’s geopolitical ambitions are fueling the transatlantic divide.
After week of criticism, Trump plays nice โ for now โ with Zelenskyy
His comments praising his relationship with the Ukranian president come one day before the wartime leader is set to visit the White House
NATO’s European air forces need reform to boost deterrence against Russia – report
Air superiority is critical as a deterrent to potential Russian aggression – and European NATO air forces are likely to struggle to achieve this without reform towards mission specialisation, a new RUSI report said.
UN Security Council adopts US-drafted resolution on Ukraine war
FRANCE 24 correspondent Jessica Le Masurier reports from the UN’s New York headquarters, where the Security Council passed a US-drafted resolution on Monday which refuses to condemn Russia’s role as the sole instigator of the Ukraine war. Ten member s…
UN rejects US resolution that urges an end to the war in Ukraine without noting Russian aggression
The United Nations General Assembly has rejected a US resolution that urges an end to the war in Ukraine due to its failure to note Russian aggression.
UK targets Russian oligarchs ahead of Trump-Starmer meeting
UK says Russian oligarchs with links to the Kremlin will be banned from entering the country.
FirstFT: US opposesย language on โRussian aggressionโ in G7 statement on Ukraine
Also in todayโs newsletter, Alibaba to โaggressivelyโ invest in AI, and Hong Kongโs low-tax appeal threatened by property slowdown
Latviaโs president: โNever stop panickingโ
Keep calm and carry on? Nah โ everybody panic, Edgars Rinkฤviฤs advises.
Angry farmers push Poland away from Ukraine
After nearly three years of war in Ukraine, protests by Polish farmers are opening up social and political fractures in a once-unshakeable alliance.
Ukraine’s president rejects deal with US over rare minerals
President Zelenskyy said any mineral exploitation by the US would need to be tied to security guarantees for Ukraine that would deter future Russian aggression.
Trumpโs betrayal of Ukraine has emboldened Putin and pulled the rug from under Nato allies | Simon Tisdall
The ramifications of the presidentโs appeasement of Russia will be felt widely, not least in the alliance he recklessly underminedIn Graham Greeneโs 1955 novel, The Quiet American, Alden Pyle, a CIA agent, reckons he has all the answers to conflict in …
Meloni: Russia โoffended the entire Italian nationโ by rejecting Third Reich comparison
The Italian prime minister stood by her presidentโs comparison of Russia to Nazi Germany.
The Guardian view on Trump and Putin: Ukraineโs future must not be decided without it | Editorial
The US president wants to end this war โ and is happy to do so on Russian termsUkraine and its European allies braced for the worst when Donald Trump won a second term. But the scale of his surrender to Russian aggression has still shocked them. On Wed…
Trumpโs plan for Ukraine a great deal โ โfor the Kremlin,โ Kyivโs backers say
“Letโs not mince words about what this represents: a surrender of Ukraineโs interests and our own, even before negotiations begin,โ says U.S. Senator Adam Schiff.
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
The menace of deindustrialization in the EU โ and what we can do about it
Policymaking is not accountancy: in the medium and long term, the EU will be better off keeping factories within its borders.
EU leaders talk the talk on defence. But where will they find the billions to pay for it? | Paul Taylor
Europe may have as little as three to five years to prepare for a potential Russian attack โ it must get real about borrowing to protect peaceEU leaders agreed at their summit with Keir Starmer in Brussels this week that much more spending is urgently …
Ukraine freaks out as US and Russia push for elections
Ukrainian officials fear an alignment between Washington and Moscow could shut them out of the discussion about their country’s future.
The Observer view on the Russian aggression: Trump should heed Ukraineโs call for peace through strength
The conversation is no longer just about the present conflict, there is already an undeclared covert war under wayDonald Trumpโs characteristically vociferous attempt last week to pressure Vladimir Putin into ending the war in Ukraine, which Russiaโs l…
Will Europe put โboots on the groundโ in Ukraine?
Trump presidency revives Macronโs idea of sending western soldiers as deterrent against future Russian aggression
Defiant Starmer declares he wants 10 years as UK PM
After Elon Musk’s call for him to be ousted, Britainโs prime minister reveals his thinking on the next election date and vows to complete a full second term in No. 10.
Europe needs to step up to defend Ukraine now Trump is back, Starmer saysย
British PM looks ahead to Donald Trumpโs second term, telling POLITICO the U.K. will โplay a full partโ in any future peacekeeping initiative in Ukraine.ย
Germany aims to allow military to shoot down suspected spy drones
Germany’s rulers are facing mounting security risks as suspicious drone activity intensifies over military and industrial sites.
Ukraine can join NATO โ if allies are willing to be bold
Right now, Russia knows all it needs to do to prevent a country from joining is to invade and partially occupy it โ and that needs to change.
Ukraine war briefing: Trump sympathises with Russian stance against Ukraine joining Nato
President-elect says he understands Moscowโs feelings about having โsomebody right on their doorstepโ; Biden to announce weapons package. What we know on day 1,049See all our Ukraine coverageDonald Trump has said he sympathises with the Russian positio…
Post-Brexit Britain has a new best friend: Brazil
The love-in between Keir Starmer and Lula centers on climate and trade. Just don’t mention Ukraine.
A string of assassinations, a faltering economy, a shortage of workers: the pressure on Putin is ratcheting up | Olga Chyzh
A vacuum among his generals is the last thing the president needs. He will be holding his breath for Trumpโs inaugurationThe assassination on Tuesday of the Russian general and conspiracy theorist Igor Kirillov in downtown Moscow is yet another operati…
Britainโs Starmer tells Trump to stand with Ukraine
U.K. prime minister and U.S. president-elect spoke by phone Wednesday.
Kyiv reveals total Ukraine casualties in Putinโs war for first time
Zelenskyy said 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 370,000 wounded. That compares with 600,000 dead and wounded reported for Russia.
McConnell takes indirect swipe at Trump on Americaโs role in the world
โAmerica will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline,โ he said.
Bracing for a Russian attack: EU defense chief wants โฌ100B for weapons
Andrius Kubilius is the EU’s first defense and space commissioner.
New defence commissioner teases much-expected future White Paper
โTimeโs running out,โ said the new defence commissioner before outlining his ambitious plan to make the EU ready for possible Russian aggression.
Kyiv issues ultimatum on NATO membership
Ukraine is losing hope that the alliance will invite it to join anytime soon.
Top Ukrainian MP to Merkel: Enough already
Former German chancellor’s justification of her Russia policy in a new book angers senior figures in Kyiv.
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says massive attack by Russia is โdespicable escalationโ
Barrage leaves 1 million without power; Putin threatens to use hypersonic missile against Kyiv. What we know on day 1,010See all our Ukraine war coverageUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called Russiaโs massive attack on energy infrastructure…
Trump appoints Keith Kellogg asย Ukraine peace envoy
The retired general has a major task ahead given that Trump has pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day.
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says war will โend soonerโ once Trump enters White House
US president-elect says the war has โgot to stopโ as German chancellor urges Putin to start talks with Kyiv in rare phone call. What we know on day 997Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russiaโs war against his country will โend soonerโ than it otherwise wou…
PMQs: Keir Starmer wins by clobbering Tories on investment
Kemi Badenoch failed to land big blows, although she put the PM on the rack over the real-world impact of his national insurance hike.
Ukraine loses fight to trademark โRussian warship, go f**k yourselfโ slogan
The phrase has become a symbol of Kyiv’s resilience against Moscow โ but that didn’t clear the bar for EU intellectual property enforcers or judges in Luxembourg.
Kyiv strains to see Trumpโs true plan for Ukraine
Ukraine’s new strategy to win over the U.S. president-elect will likely emphasize how it has much to offer in return for aid.
Macron to Europe: We need to become โomnivoresโ after Trumpโs victory
Europe needs to grow some teeth or risk being eaten by the world’s “carnivores,” says French president.
Trumpโs in. Hereโs what it means for Europe.
From energy and trade to finance and defense, hereโs how Donald Trumpโs second presidency will impact EU policy.
World leaders race to congratulate Trump on expected win
Leaders praised the Republican’s “comeback.”
Zelenskyy to West: Let us hit North Korean troops in Russia
โEveryone is just waiting for the North Korean military to start attacking Ukrainians,โ Ukraine’s president says.
US demands premium for supporting โฌ45B loan to Ukraine
The move addresses the risk Russian assets could be unfrozen early.
Europe or Russia? For Georgians, the choice isnโt so simple
The Georgian government has been effectively exploiting the country’s war trauma, and it could give them a lead in the election.
North Korean troops in Ukraine war called โhugeโ escalation risk
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said on Friday that North Korea had already deployed 1,500 special forces troops to Russia.
Claims of North Korean military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘very worrying’, France says
South Koreaโs intelligence service on Friday released satellite images it said showed the first deployment of 1,500 elite North Korean special forces soldiers to the port city of Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East. Ukraine responded by asking its allies…
Zelenskyy heads for talks with UKโs Starmer after Biden summit axed
London trip comes just after key meeting at which Ukraine was set to present a โvictory planโ was postponed.