Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump warns Zelensky ‘won’t be around very long’ if he does not end war

US president Donald Trump warned Volodymyr Zelensky he “won’t be around very long” in a fresh tirade against the Ukrainian leader on Monday night.

Mr Trump’s attack came after Mr Zelensky, who was sent away from the White House on Friday, had said a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia was still “very, very far away”.

First reacting on his social media platform, the US president described the remarks as the “worst statement that could have been made”, adding: “America will not put up with it much longer!”

Later, at a press conference at The White House, Mr Trump told reporters a peace deal “should not be that hard to make”.

He added: "Now, maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long. That person will not be listened to very long because I believe that Russia wants to make a deal.”

The deepening rift between the leaders followed Sir Keir Starmer updating MPs on progress toward a peace deal in The Commons.

The prime minister, who hosted a summit of European leaders on Sunday, said Europe “must do the heavy lifting” in securing peace but insisted a deal must have “strong US backing” to succeed.

Key Points

• Trump hits out over calls from Starmer for US guarantees on Ukraine peace

• Trump says US 'will not put up with it for much longer' in response to Zelensky

• 'We must strengthen our relationship with America,' Starmer says

• Trump calls for Zelensky to be 'more appreciative' to the US

• Starmer reminds Farage to support Zelensky and not 'fawn' over Putin

• Air strikes must stop for peace talks to prevail, says Zelensky

PM hails defence sector as offering ‘next generation of secure, well-paid jobs’

Monday 3 March 2025 23:25 , Holly Evans

Sir Keir Starmer has hailed the defence sector as offering “the next generation of good, secure, well-paid jobs”, after it was announced that defence ministers will set a target for spending money with small businesses.

Officials are looking to boost the access of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to Armed Forces supply chains, following the Prime Minister’s announcement that defence spending would be increased to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027.

Sir Keir and Defence Secretary John Healey met SMEs in the defence sector, apprentices and students at a careers fair hosted in Downing Street on Monday.

Read the full article here:

PM hails defence sector as offering ‘next generation of secure, well-paid jobs’

Oil pipeline on fire in southern Russia after Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

Monday 3 March 2025 22:41 , Holly Evans

The acting governor of Russia's southern Rostov region reported a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on different industrial sites, including one area near the border where an oil pipeline was on fire.

Rostov Acting Governor Yuri Slyusar also reported falling debris from a downed drone had hit an industrial site near the border.

Slyusar reported a third attack had been repelled near Novoshakhtinsk, where previous drone attacks had put an oil refinery out of action. Ukraine's military said the refinery was again ablaze.

"As a result of a mass drone attack in Chertovsky district, a fire has broken out on an oil pipeline," Slyusar wrote on Telegram.

He said workers had been evacuated from the area, just over the border from Ukraine, and no casualties had occurred. Emergency crews had been dispatched to the scene.

Allies of Trump suggest the relationship with Zelensky is becoming 'untenable'

Monday 3 March 2025 22:14 , Holly Evans

Trump's national security adviser said Zelenskyy's posture during Friday's Oval Office talks "put up in the air" whether he's someone the U.S. administration will be able to deal with going forward.

"Is he ready, personally, politically, to move his country towards an end to the fighting?" Mike Waltz said on Fox News' "America's Newsroom" earlier Monday.

"And can he and will he make the compromises necessary?" Waltz added another layer of doubt about U.S. support as other high-profile Trump allies have suggested that the relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy is becoming untenable.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday that Zelenskyy "needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude or someone else needs to lead the country" for Ukraine to continue pursuing a peace deal negotiated by the United States.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally who has been a vociferous supporter of Ukraine, said soon after the Oval Office meeting that Zelenskyy "either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change."

Russian drone attack causes power cuts in Ukraine's Odesa, governor says

Monday 3 March 2025 21:45 , Holly Evans

A Russian drone attack damaged energy infrastructure in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday, triggering power cuts in the city and knocking out heating systems, local officials said.

"A strike has damaged energy infrastructure," regional Governor Oleh Kiper wrote on Telegram. "There are power cuts now in parts of the city."

Odesa Mayor Hennady Trukhanov said the attack had knocked out three boiler plants, prompting officials to scramble to find alternative power sources to restore heating to city residents.

Trump suggests Zelensky 'won't be around very long' without a deal

Monday 3 March 2025 21:44 , Holly Evans

In a press conference that remained critical of Zelensky, Mr Trump suggested that the Ukrainian president could struggle to lead his country towards a deal, as he continued to insist an agreement with Russia “should not be that hard”.

“The deal could be made very fast. It should not be that hard a deal to make," Mr Trump said at the White House.

"Now, maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long."Trump continued: "That person will not be listened to very long because I believe that Russia wants to make a deal. I believe, certainly, the people of Ukraine want to make a deal.”

A special moment where the House of Commons stood united against a common enemy... Nigel Farage

Monday 3 March 2025 21:30 , Holly Evans

There are special moments when the House of Commons truly unites against a common enemy despised on all sides of the chamber. But before we get on to the bit where MPs suddenly all turned on Nigel Farage, we should also record the remarkable and moving show of unity in support of President Zelensky of Ukraine.

If Donald Trump was tuned in to the BBC Parliament channel, which admittedly is unlikely, he would have had no doubt that the man he rudely kicked out of the White House last week is viewed as nothing less than a hero in the mother of parliaments.

Trump, if he kept watching, would have been confused to see old-school Tories queueing up to praise the “pitch-perfect leadership” of the Labour prime minister. He would have been annoyed to discover that not one MP blamed Zelensky for last week’s car crash in the Oval Office.

Read the full article here:

The House of Commons stands united against a common enemy – Nigel Farage

Farage accused of ‘licking Trump’s boots’ after calling Zelensky ‘rude’ over White House clash

Monday 3 March 2025 21:15 , Holly Evans

Nigel Farage has been accused of acting as “Donald Trump’s spokesman in Britain” for refusing to criticise his ally after the US president bullied and belittled Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last Friday.

The Reform UK leader blamed the Ukrainian president for having played the White House meeting “very badly”, as well as accusing Mr Zelensky of “bowling in and showing no respect” for his American counterpart.

And, asked whether he thinks Mr Trump and vice president JD Vance had bullied Mr Zelensky, Mr Farage deflected to accuse the Ukrainian of having been “rude” to his US counterpart “in his own house”. He was condemned by opponents from across the political spectrum for the intervention.

Read the full article here:

Farage accused of ‘licking Trump’s boots’ for calling Zelensky ‘rude’ in Trump clash

Zelensky rejects calls from certain US officials for his resignation

Monday 3 March 2025 21:00 , Holly Evans

Zelensky has rebuffed resignation calls from some U.S. officials, saying only the Ukrainian people can decide who leads them.

Amid the criticism, there are no signs in Ukraine of public discussion about Zelenskyy stepping down.

"If Zelensky had behaved differently or if there had been an interpreter, of course, it would have been a slightly different story," said Oleksandr Khara, director of the Center for Defence Strategies.

But David Novak, a 23-year-old Ukrainian cook, said what most Ukrainians were thinking. He said he was "shocked" by the Oval Office exchange and said he understood that Zelenskyy "is doing his best, and that he is holding on."

In Ukraine, the White House blowup sparked yet another surge of unity, as many in the country interpreted the remarks from Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as a personal affront while Zelenskyy expressed an opinion widely shared among Ukrainians — that Russia cannot be trusted to keep ceasefire promises.

What really lies behind Trump’s fury with Zelensky – and what it means for Ukraine

Monday 3 March 2025 20:45 , Holly Evans

Puce with rage, he leaned over and wagged his finger as he told the leader of a nation under assault from Russia: “You’re playing cards, you’re gambling with the lives of millions of people.” But when Donald Trump got furious with Volodymyr Zelensky, it wasn’t just business, it was personal.

As in all mafia tales, the relationship between the two leaders has been poisoned by business – specifically the business of Russia. But it would be dangerous to believe Trump’s support for Russia is just fuelled by his animus to Zelensky. It’s much worse than that.

Trump likes Putin, with whom he says he shared the experience of the “scam” of allegations that Russia interfered in his 2016 election as president. And Trump hates Zelensky for not helping him campaign against Joe Biden when he lost his second term run.

Read the full analysis from Sam Kiley here:

What really lies behind Trump’s fury with Zelensky – and what it means for Ukraine

Zelensky left with dwindling options with repairing US relationship

Monday 3 March 2025 20:25 , Holly Evans

Ukraine's president has few options after last week's astonishing Oval Office row with U.S. President Donald Trump, who berated the wartime leader.

Now Ukraine's future could depend on whether Volodymyr Zelenskyy can repair his relationship with the White House.

The heated conversation that played out live on television looms over all American support for Ukraine and could shape the country's war against the Russian invasion. The scene will almost certainly stick with Zelenskyy for the rest of his presidency, if not his life.

American officials have said that they want an apology from Zelenskyy, who has maintained his cool in public appearances since the episode and leaned into European support while also rebuffing calls from U.S. officials to resign. He has even expressed optimism about continued U.S. support.

As European partners rally around Zelenskyy, Western officials in Kyiv acknowledge that the durability of any peace plan will depend on U.S. military backing.

Zelenskyy has said he is still ready to sign a lucrative minerals deal with Trump that could be the first step toward a ceasefire.

Since Friday's confrontation, there has been communication between Ukraine and the administration but not between the two presidents. Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to address Congress on Tuesday with a speech that will offer him an opportunity to outline his vision for ending the war.

Trump says minerals deal will benefit both Ukraine and US

Monday 3 March 2025 20:13 , Holly Evans

Referring to the minerals deal which had been due to be signed last week, but ended in chaos due to a public spat between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky, the US president said: “It's great for them, because they get us in the country, taking the rare earth which is going to fuel this big engine, and especially the engine that we've in a very short time, created.

“And we get something, and we're in there. We have a presence there. With all of that being said, I want one thing to happen. I want all of those young people to stop being killed.”

Trump says Zelensky 'better not be right' about war continuing

Monday 3 March 2025 20:06 , Holly Evans

Asked if he was considering cancelling military aid to Ukraine, President Trump said it was a deal that “should have never happened”.

He said: “This is a deal that would have never happened, and it didn't happen for four years. It didn't happen. It was never even close to happening. If I were president, would not have happened, and October 7 would have happened, would not have happened in Israel and inflation wouldn't have happened. And Afghanistan disastrous.

He continued: “All of these things happened, and it's a shame, but it is what it is. and now we're here. I want to see it end fast. I don't want to see this go on for years and years.”

Referring to an article today in the Associated Press in which Zelensky said a deal from finishing the war was “far away”, Mr Trump said: “Now, President Zelensky, supposedly made a statement today in AP, I'm not a big fan of AP so maybe it was an incorrect statement, but he said he thinks the war's gonna go on for a long time. And he better not be right about that. That's all I'm saying.”

He also told reporters to ask him on Tuesday if the minerals deal would go through.

Trump calls for Zelensky to be 'more appreciative' to the US

Monday 3 March 2025 20:01 , Holly Evans

In a press conference at the White House, President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky should “be more appreciative” to the US, who had given more to them than Europe.

Asked what he wants from Zelensky, Mr Trump told reporters: “Well, I just think you should be more appreciative, because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin. We've given them much more than Europe, and Europe should have given more than us. Because, as you know, that's right there.

“That's the border this this country really was like the fence on the border. It was, it was very important to Europe. And I'm not knocking Europe, I'm saying that just they were a lot smarter than Joe Biden, because Joe Biden didn't have a clue.

“He just gave money hand over a fist, and they should have been able to equalize with us. In other words, if we gave $1 they should have given, well, we gave 350 billion. They probably gave 100 but on top of it all, they get their money back, because they doing it in the form of a loan, and it's a secured loan.”

Oil pipeline on fire in southern Russia after Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

Monday 3 March 2025 19:53 , Holly Evans

A fire broke out on an oil pipeline in Russia's southern Rostov region on Monday after a Ukrainian drone attack, the regional governor said.

"As a result of a mass drone attack in Chertovsky district, a fire has broken out on an oil pipeline," Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar wrote on Telegram. He said workers had been evacuated from the area, just over the border from Ukraine, and no casualties had occurred. Emergency crews had been dispatched to the scene.

King Charles ‘determined’ to play his part with unique diplomatic role, says source

Monday 3 March 2025 19:37 , Holly Evans

The King is “very conscious” of his global responsibility and unique diplomatic role and determined to put that to use, a royal source has said.

A royal source said: “It has been six days of royal diplomacy at its most delicate, deliberate and nuanced.

“His Majesty is very conscious of his responsibility globally, regionally and nationally – and passionately engaged in all the detail.”

The source added: “As a global statesman and a head of state for both the UK and Canada, the King’s role is highly significant, and His Majesty is determined to play his part, within appropriate parameters. His role by necessity and constitutional obligation is to offer symbolic gestures, rather than express comment.”

Although the King must remain politically neutral, he is able to advise and warn his ministers, including his prime ministers, when necessary.

The source described the King’s audiences with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on Monday as being “routine but highly significant, given the global context”.

Details of what is discussed at private audiences are not shared by Buckingham Palace, but it is understood the challenges Canada faces with its nearest neighbour the US were high on the agenda, as was support for Ukraine.

Zelensky reiterates call for unity in call with Baltic leaders

Monday 3 March 2025 19:31 , Holly Evans

In subsequent comments on the Telegram messaging app, Zelensky stressed unity between Ukraine and its partners, including the United States, following a telephone call with the leaders of the three Baltic states, which support Ukraine but did not attend Sunday's summit of European nations in London.

Zelenskiy said he filled them in on the outcome of the meeting and repeated that Ukraine needed security guarantees as part of any settlement of the conflict.

"Together, we must prepare an action plan to bring us closer to real security guarantees. There are concrete initiatives and we will keep working," he wrote.

"Unity with all our partners is important for us in order to end the war as quickly as possible and provide a reliable and durable peace," Zelensky added. "Ukraine, Europe and the USA - only together can we bring security back for all our people. And this is truly possible."

Read the full story: Trump turns on Starmer and allies in new Ukraine tirade

Monday 3 March 2025 19:16 , Holly Evans

Donald Trump criticised European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, deriding their weekend talks over Ukraine and launching a furious new attack on Volodymyr Zelensky for saying a peace deal is still “very, very far away.”

In what could be a major setback in ending Russia’s war on Ukraine, the US president launched a tirade just as the prime minister was on his feet in the Commons insisting America was vital, sincere and indispensable in the path to peace.

Sir Keir rejected calls from MPs for Britain to shun Trump and America after last week’s extraordinary ambush on Mr Zelensky in the White House Oval Office.

Our political editor David Maddox brings you the latest:

Trump turns on Starmer and Europe in new Ukraine tirade

US and Czech Republic discuss Ukraine and Russia peace deal

Monday 3 March 2025 19:00 , Holly Evans

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Russia's war in Ukraine with Czech foreign minister Jan Lipavsky on Monday as Washington and Europe seek to regroup following President Trump's clash with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

The two officials discussed U.S.-Czech relations "including our support of peace and stability, increasing defence spending for NATO, and buying U.S. technology to help meet Czechia’s energy needs," U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement following their call.

Rubio also "emphasized President Trump’s determination to bring a durable end to the Russia-Ukraine war," she added. Trump on Monday signaled that his patience was running out as European leaders floated a potential ceasefire.

Lipavsky, in a post on X, said separately that working with the U.S. on a just and lasting peace for Ukraine remains a priority for the Czech government.

"We discussed mutually beneficial transatlantic cooperation including Europe significantly stepping up its burden sharing," he said.

Stormont First Minister ‘incredulous’ at missile deal

Monday 3 March 2025 18:36 , Holly Evans

Northern Ireland’s First Minister has said she is “incredulous” at a large order for a Belfast plant to supply missiles for Ukraine.

The Thales plant in east Belfast is to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth up to £1.6 billion, the UK Government has announced.

However, Michelle O’Neill said she found the deal “incredulous” at the time of public service cuts, winter fuel payment cuts, national insurance hikes and inheritance tax changes for farmers.

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, she said: “I think at a time like that, rather than buying weapons of war, I would rather see the money invested in public services.”

Ms O’Neill also said she felt the focus of the international community “should always be to work towards negotiation and peace settlements”.

“Our own example here will tell us that,” she added.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Sunday that the lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) will be made at the Thales weapons plant in Belfast, creating 200 jobs.

Weapon company stocks soar after Starmer says Europe faces era-defining moment over Ukraine

Monday 3 March 2025 18:27 , Holly Evans

Share prices in European weapons manufacturers have surged after Sir Keir Starmer pledged to "develop a coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine amid a push for a peace deal.

Shares in Britain’s BAE Systems jumped by 19 per cent at one stage in Monday morning trading while Germany’s Rheinmetall gained 14 per cent, France’s Thales increased 16 per cent and Italy’s Leonardo was up 10 per cent.

Weapons manufacturers have long said they are ready to increase production should European governments start placing orders, while defence bosses have continually called for an increase in spending to reflect the heightened security threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia following his invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year.

Read the full article here:

Weapon company stocks soar after Starmer says Europe faces era-defining moment

Russia accuses Ukraine of warmongering after Trump-Zelensky row

Monday 3 March 2025 18:12 , Holly Evans

A spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come as a windfall for the Kremlin, raising Moscow's hopes for a halt in US assistance to Kyiv even as Russian troops seek to extend their gains in Ukraine.

The Oval Office meeting on Friday that exploded in acrimony when Mr Trump and US vice president JD Vance accused Mr Zelensky of refusing to negotiate peace and berated him for being ungrateful for US support so far has cast doubts over the future of US-Ukrainian relations.

The Kremlin was quick to cast the White House encounter as a proof of Mr Zelensky's reluctance to negotiate an end to the three-year conflict.

"What happened in the White House on Friday certainly showed how difficult it will be to get on the path to a Ukrainian settlement," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"The Kyiv regime and Zelensky do not want peace, they want the war to continue."

He claimed that the White House blow-up has proven President Vladimir Putin's statements about Kyiv's refusal to hold peace talks.

Zelensky says he has 'much hope for US support on the path to peace'

Monday 3 March 2025 18:06 , Holly Evans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he hopes for continued US support to end the war, and said peace is needed as soon as possible through “substantive” diplomacy.

In a post on X, he says other steps towards peace are set to "come soon" and that "Ukrainians want peace most because the war ruins our cities and towns. We lose our people".

He adds: "We need to stop the war and to guarantee security. We are working together with America and our European partners and very much hope for US support on the path to peace.

"Peace is needed as soon as possible."

Trump hits out over calls from Starmer for US guarantees on Ukraine peace

Monday 3 March 2025 17:54 , Holly Evans

Donald Trump has hit out at calls from European leaders for the US to provide security guarantees for any Ukraine peace deal.

The US president, who has led the push for a peace deal with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, said the European demand was showing weakness to the Kremlin.

His comments came as Sir Keir Starmer restated his call for “strong US backing” for any European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Mr Trump said: “It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelensky, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the US – probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia.

“What are they thinking?”

Speaking in the Commons, Sir Keir again promised British troops and jets would be available to a peacekeeping force if a deal is done to end the war, along with a “coalition of the willing” from other nations.

‘Very possible’ Scottish troops could head to Ukraine in peacekeeping force

Monday 3 March 2025 17:41 , Holly Evans

It is “very possible” Scottish troops could head to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, the Scottish Secretary has said.

Last month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would be willing to send UK forces personnel to Ukraine in a bid to enforce a deal with Russia that would end the war, something he said he did not consider “lightly”.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said forces from north of the border could be included.

“Let’s be very clear, it would be a peacekeeping role, that’s what the Prime Minister has offered, but it’s also about Europe stepping up,” he told Bauer Media.

“That’s why the Prime Minister had that European summit with all the European leaders, Nato and President Zelensky yesterday, it was to go through what a peace looks like.”

Asked about the prospect of Scottish troops heading to the country, Mr Murray said: “It’s very possible, but what we want to see is peace as quickly as possible, and that’s what the Prime Minister is doing.”

Peace, however, would have to be backed by the US, the Scottish Secretary added, to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not “come back for more” after a deal was struck.

What we know about Macron’s Ukraine ceasefire proposal – which he says the UK backs

Monday 3 March 2025 17:34 , Holly Evans

Emmanuel Macron has said that France and Britain are proposing a limited month-long ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia “in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure”.

But Kyiv has raised reservations about any end to the fighting without security guarantees for the country against any further aggression from Vladimir Putin.

Speaking more cautiously, Britain said there were several possible proposals on the table for a possible Ukraine ceasefire. European countries, led by Britain and France, are looking at options for a peace proposal including Ukraine after last week's Oval Office rupture between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Read the full article here:

What is a ‘coalition of the willing’? Takeaways from Europe’s peace talks on Ukraine

PM's Commons statement ends

Monday 3 March 2025 17:32 , Holly Evans

Sir Keir Starmer has finished taking questions from MPs following his Commons statement about Ukraine.

Starmer says security guarantees for Ukraine would have to be 'effective'

Monday 3 March 2025 17:21 , Holly Evans

Sir Keir Starmer was asked whether the security guarantees required from the US over Ukraine are similar to the mutual self-defence commitment for Nato members.

TUV leader Jim Allister (North Antrim) told the Commons: “With Europe collectively being a long way short of self-sufficiency in defence, and with (Vladimir) Putin more than likely to seek to exploit that deficiency, do the security guarantees that are required from the US effectively equate to those that would arise under Article 5 of Nato? Is that the order of what we’re talking about?”

Prime Minister Sir Keir replied: “Nato membership is a form of guarantee, Article 5 is a form of guarantee, I think there are different ways in which the guarantee could be put in place.

“But what is important is they are effective and that those in Europe leading on this do it in conjunction with the US so that Putin knows the severe risk he takes if he breaches any deal that may be arrived at.”

France's prime minister tears into Trump's attack on Zelenskyy as a staggering show of 'brutality'

Monday 3 March 2025 17:10 , Holly Evans

France's prime minister tore Monday into U.S. President Donald Trump's Oval Office thrashing of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling it a staggering show of "brutality" that aimed to humiliate Ukraine's leader.

The extraordinarily frank criticism from Prime Minister François Bayrou, speaking in a parliamentary debate on Ukraine, diverged from the more nuanced tone that French President Emmanuel Macron has adopted in the wake of the clash at the White House on Friday and dropped the diplomatic niceties that customarily mark French-US relations.

"On Friday night, in the Oval Office of the White House, a staggering scene unfurled before the lenses of the entire world, marked by brutality, a desire to humiliate, with the goal of making Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fold through threats," Bayrou said.

"President Zelenskyy did not fold and I think we can show him our appreciation," Bayrou continued. Lawmakers got to their feet in the National Assembly chamber to applaud.

Putin 'feasts on division' among nations in the West

Monday 3 March 2025 16:55 , Holly Evans

Russian President Vladimir Putin “does feast on division”, Sir Keir Starmer has told MPs.

Labour MP for Camborne and Redruth, Perran Moon, said: “Putin will feast on Western Division, and the only people smiling on Saturday were people in Moscow, Tehran and Tbilisi.”

The Prime Minister replied: “I agree with him, Putin does feast on division and when I was leader of the Opposition, amongst the reasons I supported the then government was because Putin would have been the only winner if there was division in this House.”

Green party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “Given the scenes that we saw in the Oval Office on Friday which people across the country will be aghast at, given the bullying tactics of President Trump and the fact that Trump clearly views this as a business opportunity. How will the Prime Minister ensure that the interests of Ukraine remain front and centre of the peace deals?”

Sir Keir replied: “By picking up the phone to President Trump and President Zelensky and making sure that we can focus on what matters most, which is lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Trump says US 'will not put up with it for much longer' in response to Zelensky

Monday 3 March 2025 16:54 , Holly Evans

Donald Trump has hit back at Zelensky’s recent comment that a deal to end the war between Ukraine and Russia is “very, very far away”, saying that the US will not continue to tolerate this approach.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote: “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!

“It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelensky, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S. – Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?”

Starmer vows 'line-by-line' funding analysis as he defends cutting foreign aid

Monday 3 March 2025 16:45 , Holly Evans

Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, questioned how the UK would prioritise support to Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza following the proposed move to cut aid spending to fund an increase in the defence budget.

She told the Commons: “The difficulty is that after refugee costs, admin costs, the department’s commitments to things like the World Bank and UN are taken into account, it is hard to believe that there will be enough left in the budget to provide meaningful humanitarian support in these priority areas.

“So does the Prime Minister understand the concern of so many that these cuts could, in fact, in the long-term hobble the very leadership that the Prime Minister has shown this weekend and that he has finally given the world some hope?”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the defence spending increase, adding on overseas aid: “I am committed to it. What we will now do is go through line-by-line the funding and look at our priorities.

“Of course, Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza are right up there in our priorities but I also want to work with others and across the House, if we can, at other ways of raising money and finance for development and aid overseas.”

Watch: Starmer reminds Nigel Farage to support Zelensky

Monday 3 March 2025 16:38 , Holly Evans

US Secretary of State Rubio thanks UK for encouraging Europe to provide for its defence

Monday 3 March 2025 16:34 , Holly Evans

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday thanked foreign secretary David Lammy for his country's role in encouraging Europe to provide for its own defence and push for peace in Ukraine, the U.S. State Department said.

During a call with Lammy on Monday, Rubio confirmed the United States is ready to negotiate to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and will continue working with the United Kingdom towards peace in Ukraine, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

Starmer reminds Farage to support Zelensky and not 'fawn' over Putin

Monday 3 March 2025 16:27 , Holly Evans

To much jeering, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told the Commons that "it may be great irony that a Remainer prime minister used Brexit freedoms as effectively as he did yesterday".

"Indeed, as Number 10 briefed, we are now in a unique position compared to the rest of Europe - and yes, it was a triumph,” he added.

Referring to the minerals deal that Zelensky pis due to sign with America, Mr Farage asked is that enough of a security guarantee or “does it mean that we need to send British troops?”.

Responding, Sir Keir Starmer insists that the "mineral deal is not enough on its own".

"Can I just remind him - Russia is the aggressor, Zelenskyy is a war leader whose country has been invaded and we should all be supporting him, and not fawning over Putin."

Starmer asks SNP to reconsider stance on nuclear deterrent

Monday 3 March 2025 16:20 , Holly Evans

Upon being asked about the possibility of the US withdrawing military support for Ukraine, Starmer said he does not recognise those reports and as he understands, “that is not their position”.

However, he asked Stephen Flynn, of the SNP, to reconsider their stance on abandoning the nuclear deterrent.

He said: "If ever there's a time to reaffirm support for the nuclear deterrent it is now."

James Cleverly says Starmer has not 'put a foot wrong' this weekend

Monday 3 March 2025 16:15 , Holly Evans

Tory MP James Cleverly has said he finds himself in the "strange and rather uncomfortable position of very much agreeing with the prime minister on everything he has said today.

"Whilst I often take great delight in criticism of the government, I think this weekend he has not really put a foot wrong," the former foreign secretary said.

He asked Sir Keir Starmer to increase defence spending further to over 2.5 per cent of GDP and show Ukraine and allies that "we take our defence, the defence of our values and the defence of our friends seriously".

Starmer affirms 'strong support' for Canada

Monday 3 March 2025 16:07 , Holly Evans

Sir Keir Starmer has told the House of Commons that he has spoken to Justin Trudeau to reaffirm him of his “strong support” for Canada, as relations between his country and the US sour under Trump’s leadership.

Sir Keir Starmer says he held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart during the weekend's Ukraine summit in London and "was able to assure him of our strong support for Canada, a close ally of ours, a strong supporter of Ukraine".

Canada has "led the way" in much of the training of Ukrainian troops, he says, and Trudeau was "very welcome" at yesterday's summit.

PM avoids talking about Lord Mandelson

Monday 3 March 2025 16:01 , David Maddox

Sir Keir Starmer was directly challenged about his ambassador in the US lord Mandelson “freelancing on American television” appearing to support President Trump in the Ukraine issue.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey directly asked him if Mandelson was “speaking for the government” and if he was “freelancing”. Sir Keir though simply did not answer the question at all.

There is clearly some embarrassment there.

'We must strengthen our relationship with America,' Starmer says

Monday 3 March 2025 15:42 , Alex Ross

Talking through his recent days of diplomatic activity, Sir Keir Starmer touched upon the televised row between President Trump and Ukrainian president Zelensky, which occurred just one day after his own trip to the White House.

He said: “What happened in his subsequent meeting with Zelensky is something no one in this house wants to see. I want to be crystal clear, we must strengthen our relationship with America, for our security, technology, for our trade and our investment.”

He added that they will “always be dispensable” and said: “We will never choose between either side of the Atlantic.”

'Tough choice last week' - Starmer says looking back on raising defence spending

Monday 3 March 2025 15:39 , Alex Ross

Sir Keir Starmer reflects on last week’s decision to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent, with the aim to raise it further to 3 per cent.

He said: “The tough choice last week, they are not done - we must use the process of getting to 3 per cent of GDP to rebuild British industry and create new jobs.”

He talks about a deal with Ukraine to provide £1.6bn of UK export finance to pay for 5,000 missiles manufactured in Belfast “perfectly symbolising the new era”.

Starmer now giving his statement

Monday 3 March 2025 15:35 , Alex Ross

Sir Keir Starmer starts by telling the Commons “we see clearly before us a test of our times”.

He adds: “With permission I update the House for my effort to achieve lasting peace following Russia’s invasion.”

Starmer knows Ukraine must avoid a ceasefire in any peace talks – and it will test Trump’s loyalty to his allies

Monday 3 March 2025 15:32 , Bryony Gooch

Analysis from Sam Kiley...

Starmer knows Ukraine must avoid a ceasefire - it will test Trump’s loyalty to allies

Starmer set to speak in Parliament

Monday 3 March 2025 15:28 , Joe Middleton

We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates from the House of Commons, with Sir Keir Starmer set to address fellow MPs at 3.30pm.

He'll deliver an opening statement before Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will respond for the opposition, before the floor is opened to questions.

Ukraine announces criminal investigation into deadly Russian strike on military training camp

Monday 3 March 2025 15:27 , Bryony Gooch

Ukraine has said a criminal investigation was underway following a Russian missile strike on a military training ground at the weekend had inflicted deaths and injuries.

Russia's defence ministry shared a video of what it described as an Iskander-M ballistic missile strike on a camp in Dnipropetrovsk region on Saturday, saying it inflicted heavy casualties.

It did not provide evidence and Reuters could not independently verify the incident.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's army chief, said via Telegram that Russia had struck with cluster munitions but did not disclose casualty details.

Ukraine's law enforcement agency, the State Bureau of Investigations, said it had opened a criminal investigation into possible negligence over the attack, without giving details of what wrongdoing might have taken place.

Ukraine's land forces commander Mykhailo Drapatyi said on Telegram: “We are witnessing untimely decisions and unlearned lessons.”

“No one will hide behind explanations or formal reports.”

Syrskyi said a training centre head and a commander of a military unit were suspended from duties, with checks ordered into implementation of a ban on outside meetings.

During three years of Russia's full-scale invasion, Moscow's forces have inflicted casualties various times in attacks on Ukrainian military educational institutions and various formal outdoor gatherings.

Farage accused of ‘licking Trump’s boots’ for Zelensky White House clash comments

Monday 3 March 2025 15:16 , Bryony Gooch

Nigel Farage has been accused of acting as “Donald Trump’s spokesman in Britain” for refusing to criticise his ally after the US president bullied and belittled Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last Friday.

The Reform UK leader blamed the Ukrainian president for having played the White House meeting “very badly”, as well as accusing Mr Zelensky of “bowling in and showing no respect” for his American counterpart.

And, asked whether he thinks Mr Trump and vice president JD Vance had bullied Mr Zelensky, Mr Farage deflected to accuse the Ukrainian of having been “rude” to his US counterpart “in his own house”.

Millie Cooke and Archie Mitchell report...

Farage accused of ‘licking Trump’s boots’ for calling Zelensky ‘rude’ in Trump clash

Nobel prize winning Cold War hero expresses 'horror' at Trump's argument with Zelensky

Monday 3 March 2025 15:07 , Bryony Gooch

Lech Walesa, the former Polish president and Solidarity trade union leader who played a pivotal role in the fall of Communism, has signed a letter expressing his horror at Trump’s argument with Zelensky.

“We watched your conversation with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy with horror and distaste,” the letter said.

“We consider your expectations regarding showing respect and gratitude for the material assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine in its fight with Russia to be offensive.

“Gratitude is due to the heroic Ukrainian soldiers who shed their blood in defense of the values of the free world”, said the letter signed by 39 Polish former political prisoners..

The letter signed by Walesa compared the atmosphere during the meeting between Trump, JD Vance and Zelensky to that found in “interrogations by the Security Service and... in communist courts”.

It also called on the United States to fulfill the security guarantees given to Ukraine in 1994 after the break-up of the Soviet Union.

“These guarantees are unconditional: there is not a word there about treating such aid as economic exchange.”

Ukraine ex-president slams Zelensky over US spat

Monday 3 March 2025 14:54 , Bryony Gooch

Ukraine's former president Petro Poroshenko has said that the only winner from the conflict in the Oval Office on Friday was Vladimir Putin.

He told Sky News: “This is not good for Ukraine. This is not good for the US.”

“The only thing that is absolutely necessary to do, urgently, is to renew the dialogue between these two strategic partners.

“We cannot be a victim of the emotional relationship between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”

Poroshenko added he hoped Zelensky “would be wise enough to use any opportunity to renew the dialogue” with the US.

The former president, who has long had a strained relationship with Zelensky, was sanctioned by the Ukraine leader last month on suspicion of “high treason” and assisting a terrorist organisation.

He was accused of making deals that pushed Ukraine into energy dependence on Russia.

Poroshenko called the sanction “stupid” and “unconstitutional”, adding it was “simply an attack on unity, an attack on democracy, an attack on the European Union, integration and aspiration.”

'I was a British army captain – what Starmer is offering Ukraine is a multifaceted masterstroke'

Monday 3 March 2025 14:42 , Bryony Gooch

Retired British Army officer Mike Crofts says...

Trust me, what Starmer is offering Ukraine is a masterstroke

Zelensky believes US relationship 'will continue' but peace talks with Russia 'very far away'

Monday 3 March 2025 14:35 , Bryony Gooch

President Zelensky has said that he believes Ukraine’s relationship with the US will continue” despite his fiery exchange with President Trump on Friday.

He said: “It's more than an occasional relationship.”

He continued that he believed Ukraine’s relationship with the States was “strong enough” to keep aid flowing, he said at a briefing in Ukrainian before leaving London.

He clarified that a deal to end the war between Ukraine and Russia “is still very, very far away.”

No 10 insists Mandelson speaks for the government despite breaking with official position

Monday 3 March 2025 14:27 , Bryony Gooch

Downing Street has insisted that Peter Mandelson speaks for the government, despite armed forces minister Luke Pollard earlier saying his latest comments do not reflect government policy.

It came after the US ambassador said Ukraine should be the first side to declare a ceasefire in its war with Russia as he called for Volodymyr Zelensky to back Donald Trump’s minerals deal in a clash with Downing Street’s position on the war.

Asked about his remarks, the prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “You’ve got the minister’s words on that. The prime minister’s made very clear his position on all of this and the priority here is reaching a durable peace.”

Pressed on whether, more generally, Lord Mandelson speaks for the government, the spokesperson said: “Of course, he’s our ambassador to the United States. But I’ve also been very clear that you’ve heard from the prime minister on these issues that when it comes to achieving a durable peace in Ukraine.”

But asked earlier in the day whether Lord Mandelson was speaking for the government, armed forces minister Luke Pollard said simply: “No... that’s not government policy.”

Air strikes must stop for peace talks to prevail, says Zelensky

Monday 3 March 2025 14:17 , Bryony Gooch

President Zelensky shared a video of Russia’s ‘aerial terror’ to X as he reiterated that his country is “fighting for the normal and safe life it deserves, for a just and reliable peace.”

He continued: “We want this war to end. But Russia does not, and continues its aerial terror: over the past week, more than 1,050 attack drones, nearly 1,300 aerial bombs, and more than 20 missiles have been launched at Ukraine to destroy cities and kill people.”

“Those who seek negotiations do not deliberately strike civilians with ballistic missiles. To force Russia to stop its attacks, we need greater collective strength from the world.

“Strengthening our air defense, supporting our army, and ensuring effective security guarantees that will make the return of Russian aggression impossible—this is what we must focus on.

“Justice must prevail. We believe in the power of unity, and we will certainly restore lasting peace.”

Ukraine minister calls UN nuclear plant visit via Russian-occupied territory completely unacceptable

Monday 3 March 2025 13:55 , Bryony Gooch

Ukrainian officials have condemned employees of a U.N. nuclear watchdog who visited the Russia-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine via Russian-occupied territory.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko sent a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi calling on him to ensure compliance with the law.

The letter read, per the ministry: “The rotation... cannot be carried out without the consent of the Ukrainian authorities and is in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Ukraine’s foreign ministry previously blamed “Russian blackmail and systematic attempts to impose upon international organisations illegal and contradictory mechanisms of operating on the temporarily occupied territories.”

Mandelson and No 10 clash over his call for Zelensky to give in to Trump on Ukraine ceasefire deal

Monday 3 March 2025 13:46 , Bryony Gooch

Lord Mandelson has said Ukraine should be the first side to declare a ceasefire in its war with Russia as he called for Volodymyr Zelensky to back Donald Trump’s minerals deal in a clash with Downing Street’s position on the war.

The UK ambassador to the US said president Zelensky needs to “get back on the same page” as his US counterpart after a White House meeting between the pair descended into an extraordinary shouting match.

After Mr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House early, without signing a deal giving the US access to Ukrainian minerals, Lord Mandelson said a “very radical reset” was needed.

Archie Mitchell reports...

Zelensky should give in to Trump on Ukraine ceasefire, says Mandelson

UK minister downplays France's 'one month truce' proposal

Monday 3 March 2025 13:38 , Bryony Gooch

UK armed forces minister Luke Pollard has played down French proposals for a one-month truce in Ukraine, warning that a temporary pause could give Russia time to regroup and attack again.

He said various options were on the table, as he told Times Radio: “No agreement has been made on what a truce looks like, and so I don't recognise the precise part you mentioned there.”

He appeared to signal that military deployments to Ukraine from European countries would be possible even without the prospect of a US “backstop”.

Asked whether troops could be sent to Kyiv with or without an American guarantee, he said: “Military deployments are possible. But the point is, we want a durable and lasting peace.

“And this is where it’s really important to understand the distinction between a short pause, which might be able to be achieved, but that doesn't sustain a durable peace, because there's a genuine worry by President Zelensky and the Ukrainians that a short pause will simply allow the Russian forces to reconstitute, to rearm, to regroup and then to attack again.”

Belfast to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine in 'hugely significant' moment

Monday 3 March 2025 13:29 , Bryony Gooch

DUP leader Gavin Robinson described an order for the Thales missile factory to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine as "hugely significant" for the Belfast workforce.

He continued that the Oval Office confrontation between Trump and Zelensky was “appalling”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Sunday that the lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) will be made at the Thales weapons plant in Belfast, creating 200 jobs.

He said: “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes.”

The missiles, capable of flying at 1.5 times the speed of sound and striking targets more than 3.7 miles (6km) away, can be used to attack enemy vehicles, boats and drones.

Mr Robinson said during a press conference: “Ukraine would have fallen had it not been for the contribution from Belfast in the early phases.

“While international coalitions have increased and contributions have been made from a wide range of countries and companies, the Belfast contribution has continued to grow.

“It is of vital importance. To achieve a contract of £1.6 billion with 5,000 units and the encouragement for employment of 200 new employees at Thales is hugely significant indeed.”

Donald Trump hints at no territory concessions to Putin

Monday 3 March 2025 13:17 , Bryony Gooch

President Trump took to Truth Social to say he was the only president to never give any of Ukraine’s land to “Putin’s Russia”.

In a separate post, he teased: “TOMORROW NIGHT WILL BE BIG. I WILL TELL IT LIKE IT IS!”

Trump-Zelensky clash was 'manufactured escalation', says Germany's likely next leader

Monday 3 March 2025 13:14 , Tom Watling

A clash between US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House was a “manufactured escalation”, Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz has said.

“It was not a spontaneous reaction to interventions by Zelensky, but obviously a manufactured escalation in this meeting in the Oval Office,” Merz told a news conference in Hamburg.

Merz, who is seeking to form a coalition after his conservatives won a snap election last month, said that Europe was now under pressure to act quickly.

“We must now show that we are in a position to act independently in Europe,” he said.

UK says there are a 'number of options' on the table for Ukraine peac

Monday 3 March 2025 12:57 , Tom Watling

Britain, France and other nations are looking at a number of options to end Russia's war against Ukraine, a spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, after French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a limited initial one-month truce.

Macron said on Sunday that his idea was for a one-month ceasefire in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure.

“There are clearly a number of options on the table,” Sir Keir's spokesman said on Monday when asked about that proposal. “I'm just not getting into a running commentary on the options.”