Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is not ready to sign a rare earth minerals deal with the US despite Donald Trump claiming an agreement was close, a Ukrainian source has said.
The US president has demanded preferential access to around $500bn of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as repayment for his country’s military support, which has been provided to Kyiv by his predecessor Joe Biden over the last three years.
On Friday, Trump said Washington and Kyiv were close to a deal after days of mudslinging and threats in which Trump labelled Zelensky a “dictator” after Kyiv rejected the proposal as “unserious”.
“There are no American obligations in the agreement regarding guarantees or investments, everything about them is very vague, and they want to extract $500 billion from us,” the source said on Saturday.
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Meanwhile, Zelensky demanded that Europe should be given a seat at any negotiating table with Russia after a “productive” talk with British prime minister Keir Starmer.
The US has so far only sat down with Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for talks. Trump has dismissed the idea of Kyiv joining peace talks, claiming Zelensky “held no cards” and would only be an obstacle to peace.
The US president is confident a Russia-Ukraine deal could get done “this week”, the White House’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Saturday.
Key Points
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Zelensky not ready to sign ‘problematic’ Ukraine minerals deal
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Europe must be at peace talks negotiating table, Zelensky says
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US president confident Russia-Ukraine deal could get done ‘this week’
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Donald Trump acknowledges Russia invaded Ukraine
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Second US-Russia meeting to take place, Kremlin says
One woman killed in Russia’s bombing of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine says
23:19 , Tara Cobham
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One woman was killed and three others were injured in Russia’s guided bomb attacks on the industrial city of Kostiantynivka in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukrainian officials said late on Saturday.
“The enemy once again hit a residential building in Kostiantynivka – an investigation has been launched into the death of one and the injury of three civilians,” the regional prosecutor’s office said on the Telegram messaging app.
Ukraine’s state emergency service said on its Telegram channel that rescuers have since recovered the body of the 70-year-old woman from under the rubble and that three other women were also injured.
Seven apartment buildings and 14 other buildings were damaged in the attack, the service said.
The prosecutor’s office and the emergency service posted photos showing what looked like an apartment building that was partially collapsed with all windows blown out.
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There was no immediate comment from Russia.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with its full-scale invasion three years ago. But thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.
US could cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services over minerals, say sources
23:00 , Alexander Butler
US negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system, three sources familiar with the matter said.
Ukraine’s continued access to SpaceX-owned Starlink was brought up in discussions between US and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned down an initial proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sources said.
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Mr Trump has demanded preferential access to around $500bn of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as repayment for US military support provided to Kyiv by his predecessor Joe Biden over the last three years.
However, Mr Zelensky rejected the plan as “unserious” and said it did not provide any security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
Trump confident Russia-Ukraine deal could get done ‘this week’, says White House press secretary
22:58 , Tara Cobham
US president Donald Trump is confident that a Russia-Ukraine deal could get done “this week”, Karoline Leavitt, the White House’s press secretary, has said.
Zelensky says Europe must be at negotiating table after ‘productive’ talk with Starmer
22:00 , Alexander Butler
Europe must be at the negotiating table for any peace talks with Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Mr Zelensky said “Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security” after having a “productive talk” with British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“We coordinated our military cooperation, joint steps, and engagements for the coming week, which will be very active,” Mr Zelensky said.
“The UK and its people are among Ukraine’s biggest supporters, and we deeply appreciate this.”
The US has so far only sat down with Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for talks.
US president Donald Trump has dismissed the idea of Kyiv joining peace talks, claiming Zelensky “held no cards” and would only be obstacle to peace.
Putin says boosting armed forces is Russia’s strategic course
21:37 , Tara Cobham
Meeting the needs of troops fighting in Ukraine and boosting the armed forces are Russia’s key strategic priorities, Russian president Vladimir Putin said.
“Today, in the context of rapid changes in the world, our strategic course to strengthen and develop the armed forces remains unchanged,” Putin said in a video on the Kremlin’s channel on the Telegram messaging app early on Sunday.
The message marked Russia’s annual Defender of the Fatherland Day, which celebrates the armed forces.
Full story: Starmer tells Zelensky he will press case for safeguards with Trump
21:24 , Tara Cobham
Keir Starmer has told Volodymyr Zelensky he will press the case for safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty in talks with Donald Trump next week as European leaders scramble to contain a growing transatlantic rift.
In a call with the Ukrainian president on Saturday morning, the Prime Minister said he would be “progressing important discussions” about Kyiv’s security on his visit to Washington, Downing Street said.
Sir Keir will meet Mr Trump in the coming days for what will be a critical moment in his leadership amid fragile relations between America and Europe after the US leader launched an extraordinary verbal attack on Mr Zelensky.
Read more here:
Starmer tells Zelensky he will press case for safeguards with Trump
Trudeau and Trump discuss war in Ukraine
21:23 , Tara Cobham
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and US president Donald Trump discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine when they spoke on Saturday, Trudeau’s office said in a statement.
The pair also spoke about efforts to combat the illegal fentanyl trade, it added.
Trump says US ‘pretty close’ to minerals deal with Ukraine
21:20 , Tara Cobham
Donald Trump said on Saturday the US is close to an agreement with Ukraine on sharing revenue from Ukrainian minerals as part of efforts to end Russia’s war.
“I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” Trump told a gathering of conservatives in National Harbor, Maryland, on the outskirts of Washington.
He said the US wanted to recoup the billions of dollars in military aid Washington has given to Ukraine in its fight to repel Russian invaders. He said the US is asking for rare earths, oil or “anything we can get”.
Zelensky not ready to sign ‘problematic’ Ukraine minerals deal
21:00 , Alexander Butler
Volodymyr Zelensky is not ready to sign a “problematic” rare earth minerals deal with the US, according to Sky News.
“The agreement is not yet ready to be signed, there are a number of problematic issues, and in the current form of the draft, the president is not ready to accept it,” a Ukrainian source told Sky News.
“Today, the drafts do not reflect a partnership in the agreement and contain only unilateral commitments by Ukraine.”
It comes after Mr Trump claimed an agreement between Kyiv and Washington was close.
It emerged earlier this week that Mr Trump was demanding access to around $500bn of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as repayment for Washington’s military support for Kyiv over the last three years.
Mr Zelensky rejected the bid as “not serious” and said it offered no security guarantees in the event of a peace deal with Russia.
Why The Independent will not be silent in the face of Trump’s assault on truth and democracy
20:00 , Alexander Butler
We will not be silent in the face of Trump’s assault on truth and democracy
Starmer reiterates UK ‘ready to play role’ in future security guarantees over Ukraine war
19:44 , Tara Cobham
Keir Starmer reiterated that the UK was “ready to play a role” in future security guarantees over the Ukraine war in a call with the President of Finland on Saturday, Number 10 said.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister spoke to the president of Finland Alexander Stubb this afternoon.
“The prime minister began by reiterating the need to secure enduring peace for Ukraine and bring an end to Russia’s illegal war.
“The leaders agreed the need for Europe to step up support to achieve this, and the prime minister said the UK is ready to play a role in future security guarantees.
“They agreed to stay in close contact.”
US treasury secretary says economic partnership will protect Ukrainians and US taxpayers
19:09 , Tara Cobham
An economic partnership between Ukraine and the US would benefit both countries, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.
Writing in an opinion piece for the Financial Times on Saturday, Bessent said the US has proposed that revenue received by Ukraine’s government from natural resources, infrastructure and other assets would be allocated to a fund focused on the long-term reconstruction and development of Ukraine, with the US having economic and governance rights in those future investments.
What George Orwell would say about Trump – and how to handle him
18:00 , Alexander Butler
What George Orwell would say about Trump – and how to handle him
US could cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services over minerals, say sources
17:43 , Tara Cobham
US negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system, three sources familiar with the matter have said.
Ukraine’s continued access to SpaceX-owned Starlink was brought up in discussions between US and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned down an initial proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sources told Reuters.
Starlink provides crucial internet connectivity to war-torn Ukraine and its military.
The issue was raised again on Thursday during meetings between Keith Kellogg, the US special Ukraine envoy, and Zelensky, said one of the sources, who was briefed on the talks.
During the meeting, Ukraine was told it faced imminent shutoff of the service if it did not reach a deal on critical minerals, said the source, who requested anonymity to discuss closed negotiations.
“Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star,” said the source. “Losing Starlink … would be a massive blow.”
Poland is paying for Ukraine’s Starlink subscription, its deputy PM says
17:14 , Tara Cobham
Poland has said it has been paying for Ukraine’s Starlink subscription and will continue to do so despite sources saying the US could consider cutting Ukraine’s access to the satellite internet system.
US negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Starlink provides crucial internet connectivity to the war-torn country and its military.
“We pay and will continue to pay a subscription fee for satellite internet for Ukraine,” Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said in a post on Musk-owned social media platform X today.
“I cannot imagine that someone could decide to terminate a business contract for a commercial service to which Poland is a party,” added Gawkowski, who is also Poland’s digital affairs minister.
‘Russia is not winning’: Ukraine frontline soldiers say ‘weak’ Moscow should be negotiating with its back to the wall
17:00 , Alexander Butler
‘Russia’s not winning’: Ukraine frontline soldiers outraged at talk of war being lost
Hungarians will decide whether Ukraine can join EU, Orban says
16:39 , Tara Cobham
Hungary will be the one to decide whether Ukraine is able to achieve its hopes of joining the European Union in the future, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban said today in an escalation of his adversarial posture toward Hungary’s war-ravaged neighbour.
Speaking at an annual State of the Nation address in Budapest to a closed circle of party members and supporters, Orban described Ukraine as a buffer zone between Russia and NATO countries, and predicted that, following a cessation of Moscow’s war, it would resume that role despite its ambitions to join the Western military alliance.
He added that whether Ukraine can one day join the 27-member EU “will be decided by the Hungarians”.
“Against the will of Hungary and the Hungarians, Ukraine will never be a member of the European Union,” Orban said. “Ukraine’s accession would destroy Hungarian farmers, and not only them, but the entire Hungarian national economy.”
Unanimity is required among leaders of all EU countries for accepting new members.
Orban, considered the Kremlin’s closest partner among EU leaders, has been the bloc’s primary impediment in its efforts to assist Ukraine in the country’s struggle to defend against Russia’s full-scale invasion. He has frequently criticized, and threatened to veto, EU sanctions against Russia over its aggression, but has ultimately always voted for them.
While Hungary, an EU and NATO member, has taken in Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict, it has also stood in the way of EU financial assistance to Kyiv and pushed for deeper economic and energy cooperation with Moscow despite the war.
US top diplomat tells Ukraine Trump still wants to end conflict
16:17 , Tara Cobham
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Friday that US President Donald Trump remains committed to ending the conflict in Ukraine, a spokesperson for Rubio said today.
Russian forces capture another village in eastern Ukraine, Moscow claims
16:00 , Alexander Butler
Russian forces have captured the village of Novolyubivka in Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region, the Kremlin claimed.
It comes after Putin’s troops seized the three villages of Nadiivka, Novosilka and Novoocheretuvate, according to Russia’s defence ministry.
Moscow has previously been premature in claiming the capture of Ukrainian towns and villages.
Now the UK should think twice about sharing intelligence with America
15:30 , Alexander Butler
Now the UK should think twice about sharing intelligence with America
Second US-Russia meeting to take place
15:00 , Alexander Butler
A second meeting between representatives of Russia and the United States is planned for the next two weeks, the RIA state news agency reported on Saturday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Moscow and Washington held their first talks on ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine on Tuesday, aimed at restoring relations and preparing to conclude the conflict.
The meeting will take place in a third country and the specific location is being agreed upon, Ryabkov told RIA in an interview, without naming who would attend from the Russian or American sides.
Ryabkov said there was “principled agreement” on both sides to hold consultations to work out “the entire block of so-called irritants.”
Pictured: Pro-Ukrainian demonstrators march through London
14:48 , Alexander Butler
US could cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services over minerals, say sources
14:45 , Alexander Butler
US negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system, three sources familiar with the matter said.
Ukraine’s continued access to SpaceX-owned Starlink was brought up in discussions between US and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned down an initial proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sources said.
Mr Trump has demanded preferential access to around $500bn of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as repayment for US military support provided to Kyiv by his predecessor Joe Biden over the last three years.
However, Mr Zelensky rejected the plan as “unserious” and said it did not provide any security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
Watch: Trump accuses ‘nice guy’ Keir Starmer of ‘not doing anything’ about Russia-Ukraine war
14:30 , Alexander Butler
Where are Ukraine’s rare earth mineral resources and why does Trump want them?
14:11 , Alexander Butler
Mapped: Where are Ukraine’s mineral resources and why does Trump want them?
Zelensky says Europe must be at negotiating table after ‘productive’ talk with Starmer
13:28 , Alexander Butler
Europe must be at the negotiating table for any peace talks with Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Mr Zelensky said “Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security” after having a “productive talk” with British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“We coordinated our military cooperation, joint steps, and engagements for the coming week, which will be very active,” Mr Zelensky said.
“The UK and its people are among Ukraine’s biggest supporters, and we deeply appreciate this.”
The US has so far only sat down with Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for talks.
US president Donald Trump has dismissed the idea of Kyiv joining peace talks, claiming Zelensky “held no cards” and would only be obstacle to peace.
‘Russia is not winning’: Ukraine frontline soldiers say ‘weak’ Moscow should be negotiating with its back to the wall
13:00 , Alexander Butler
Zelensky not ready to sign ‘problematic’ Ukraine minerals deal
12:30 , Alexander Butler
Volodymyr Zelensky is not ready to sign a “problematic” rare earth minerals deal with the US, according to Sky News.
“The agreement is not yet ready to be signed, there are a number of problematic issues, and in the current form of the draft, the president is not ready to accept it,” a Ukrainian source told Sky News.
“Today, the drafts do not reflect a partnership in the agreement and contain only unilateral commitments by Ukraine.”
It comes after Mr Trump claimed an agreement between Kyiv and Washington was close.
It emerged earlier this week that Mr Trump was demanding access to around $500bn of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as repayment for Washington’s military support for Kyiv over the last three years.
Mr Zelensky rejected the bid as “not serious” and said it offered no security guarantees in the event of a peace deal with Russia.
What is Russia’s strategic partnership with North Korea?
12:00 , Alexander Butler
Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” pact in Pyongyang on 19 June, 2024, including a mutual defence clause in case of aggression against either country.
Kim expressed “unconditional support” for “all of Russia’s policies”, including “a full support and firm alliance” for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin has said Russia would help North Korea build satellites.
The US and South Korea say North Korea has shipped ballistic missiles, anti-tank rockets and millions of rounds of ammunition for Russia to use in the war. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied weapons transfers.
Ukraine, South Korea and the US say Kim has sent more than 11,000 troops to fight for Russia in its western Kursk region, part of which has been held by Ukraine since August. Ukraine says many North Korean soldiers have been killed and wounded. Moscow has never confirmed or denied their presence.
Second US-Russia meeting to take place
11:42 , Alexander Butler
A second meeting between representatives of Russia and the United States is planned for the next two weeks, the RIA state news agency reported on Saturday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Moscow and Washington held their first talks on ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine on Tuesday, aimed at restoring relations and preparing to conclude the conflict.
The meeting will take place in a third country and the specific location is being agreed upon, Ryabkov told RIA in an interview, without naming who would attend from the Russian or American sides.Ryabkov said there was “principled agreement” on both sides to hold consultations to work out “the entire block of so-called irritants.”
Donald Trump acknowledges Russia invaded Ukraine
11:30 , Alexander Butler
President Donald Trump reversed course yesterday and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine after facing backlash for saying that Ukraine “should have never started” the war three years ago.
“Russia attacked, but they shouldn’t have let him attack,” Mr Trump said, adding that Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and then-US president Joe Biden should have taken steps to avert the invasion.
Vance hits back at claims of Trump ‘appeasement’ towards Putin
11:00 , Alexander Butler
Claims that the Trump administration’s stance towards Russia is “appeasement” have been rebutted by US Vice President JD Vance.
“We are negotiating to end the conflict. It is ‘appeasement’ only if you think the Ukrainians have a credible pathway to victory. They don’t, so it’s not,” he said in a post on X.
“Well, the president believes to conduct diplomacy, you actually have to speak to people. This used to be called statesmanship,” he added.
Vance also said there is a false idea that the US has “given the Russians everything they want”.
EU preparing £16.5bn military aid package for Ukraine – report
10:30 , Alexander Butler
The European Union is preparing a package of about €20bn (£16.5bn) in military support for Ukraine, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The bloc has been racing to secure assistance for Kyiv in the face of US president Donald Trump’s push to reach a quick peace settlement with Russia.
The initiative would aim to deliver artillery ammunition, air defense systems, deep-precision strike missiles, drones as well as other weapons, according to the report.
‘Russia is not winning’: Ukraine frontline soldiers say ‘weak’ Moscow should be negotiating with its back to the wall
10:15 , Alexander Butler
‘Russia’s not winning’: Ukraine frontline soldiers outraged at talk of war being lost
Chernobyl expert warns nuclear disaster in Ukraine ‘only matter of time’
10:01 , Alexander Butler
Nuclear disaster in Ukraine is only a “matter of time” as long as the international community fails to take tougher action against Russian recklessness, an expert has warned.
“We’re getting closer and closer to possible disaster as attacks now continue on Chernobyl, and the war is going on in the vicinity of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” says historian Serhii Plokhy, who tells the story of the occupation of Chernboyl in his 2024 book Chernobyl Roulette.
Chernobyl expert warns nuclear disaster in Ukraine ‘only matter of time’
Russian forces capture another village in eastern Ukraine, Moscow claims
09:56 , Alexander Butler
Russian forces have captured the village of Novolyubivka in Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region, the Kremlin claimed.
It comes after Putin’s troops seized the three villages of Nadiivka, Novosilka and Novoocheretuvate, according to Russia’s defence ministry.
Moscow has previously been premature in claiming the capture of Ukrainian towns and villages.
Mike Waltz insists Ukraine will sign mineral deal — and Trump will get a Nobel Peace Prize when war’s over
09:45 , Alexander Butler
Mike Waltz insists Ukraine will sign mineral deal ‘in the very short term’
Editorial: Why The Independent will not be silent in the face of Trump’s assault on truth and democracy
09:22 , Alexander Butler
We will not be silent in the face of Trump’s assault on truth and democracy
UK ‘massively vulnerable’ to threat of Russia after decades of military cuts, ex-Army chief warns
09:00 , Jabed Ahmed
UK ‘massively vulnerable to Russia after decades of military cuts’
Why after three years of Ukraine war the bloodiest battles may be still to come
08:55 , Alexander Butler
Why after three years of Ukraine war the bloodiest battles may be still to come
Russian and American representatives to meet again in two weeks
08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
A second meeting between representatives of Russia and the US is planned for the next two weeks, the RIA state news agency cited Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
The meeting will take place in a third country, Mr Ryabkov told RIA.
He said there was “principled agreement” on both sides to hold consultations to work out “the entire block of so-called irritants”.
“Today we are facing two parallel, but, of course, to some extent, politically interconnected tracks: one is Ukrainian affairs, the other is bilateral,” Mr Ryabkov said.
“A dialogue on strategic stability and arms control is possible when we see visible shifts for the better in American policy,” he added. He also said the US and Russia could discuss the Middle East.
Pictured | Flags fly over the graves of Russian soldiers at a cemetery in Yaroslavl
08:29 , Jabed Ahmed
Donald Trump acknowledges Russia invaded Ukraine
08:09 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump reversed course yesterday and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine after facing backlash for saying that Ukraine “should have never started” the war three years ago.
“Russia attacked, but they shouldn’t have let him attack,” Mr Trump said, adding that Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and then-US president Joe Biden should have taken steps to avert the invasion.
Later, Mr Trump predicted a minerals agreement would be reached soon.”We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time,” Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about a possible deal for Ukraine’s minerals.
Mr Zelensky said separately yesterday that Ukrainian and US teams were working on a draft agreement.
“I am hoping for … a fair result,” he said in a video address after sharp exchanges this week between the two leaders.
Mr Trump had denounced Zelensky as a “dictator” on Wednesday and warned he had to move quickly to secure peace with Russia. Mr Zelensky responded by saying, Mr Trump was trapped in a “disinformation bubble”.
Starmer urged to stand up to Trump’s ‘torrent of lies’ as he accuses UK of doing nothing to end Ukraine war
08:00 , Jabed Ahmed
Starmer urged to stand up to Trump’s ‘torrent of lies’ as outrage over Ukraine grows
EU preparing £16.5bn military aid package for Ukraine – report
07:43 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The European Union is preparing a package of about €20bn (£16.5bn) in military support for Ukraine, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The bloc has been racing to secure assistance for Kyiv in the face of US president Donald Trump’s push to reach a quick peace settlement with Russia.
The initiative would aim to deliver artillery ammunition, air defense systems, deep-precision strike missiles, drones as well as other weapons, according to the report.
Alan Rusbridger | Boris has become a Trump apologist – where is his Churchillian spirit now?
07:00 , Andy Gregory
Following Boris Johnson’s claims that Donald Trump’s earlier attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky over who was to blame for Russia’s invasion were designed to be a wake-up call rather than historically accurate, our columnist Alan Rusbridger writes:
I imagine Zelensky has better things to do at the moment than read the Daily Mail, far less fork out to read Johnson’s musings behind a paywall.
How stomach-churning it would be for him to discover that the man he once saw as a Churchillian ally is now acting as an apologist for Trump as the latter seeks to undermine, if not destroy, him.
Read his thinking in full here:
Boris has become a Trump apologist on Ukraine – where is his Churchillian spirit now?
Mike Waltz insists Ukraine will sign mineral deal — and Trump will get a Nobel Peace Prize when war’s over
06:26 , Jabed Ahmed
Mike Waltz insists Ukraine will sign mineral deal ‘in the very short term’
Russia claims control of three eastern Ukrainian villages
06:00 , Andy Gregory
Russia claims its forces have taken control of three villages in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
The defence ministry claimed that Nadiivka, Novosilka and Novoocheretuvate had been taken, however Moscow has previously been premature in such claims.
Even as it embarks on talks with the United States on ending the war, Russia continues to make slow but steady gains in Donetsk, a heavily urban and industrial region, parts of which have been controlled by Russian proxies since 2014.
Russia declared in September 2022 that it had incorporated Donetsk and three other Ukrainian regions as part of its own territory, even though its forces did not fully control them – a move condemned as illegal by most countries at the United Nations.
Felix Light reports:
Russia claims control of three east Ukrainian villages
Watch | Macron to Trump: ‘You can’t be weak in front of Putin’
05:25 , Jabed Ahmed
Duda says no other way to ‘achieve lasting peace in Ukraine’ without US support
05:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Polish president Andrzej Duda, whose country has been a vocal supporter of neighbouring Ukraine, said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky phoned him yesterday.
Mr Duda said he told Zelensky “to remain committed to the course of calm and constructive cooperation” with US president Donald Trump.
“We consistently believe there is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States,” Mr Duda said he also told Mr Zelensky.
“I trust that goodwill and honesty form the foundation of the U.S. negotiation strategy,” Mr Duda said on X. “I have no doubt that President Trump is guided by a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace.”
Mr Trump has called Mr Zelensky “a dictator without elections” and warned him that he’d “better move fast” to negotiate an end to the war or risk not having a nation to lead.
This comes as US secretary of state Marco Rubio met his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Washington and discussed “fair and reciprocal market access” and the “need for NATO Allies to increase defence investment without delay”.
“We also discussed the Russia-Ukraine war and the need for all Nato allies to increase their defence investment without delay,” Mr Rubio said on X.
CPAC sends a warning message to Ukraine: It’s not Reagan’s party anymore
04:27 , Jabed Ahmed
CPAC sends a warning message to Ukraine: It’s not Reagan’s party anymore
Vance hits back at claims of Trump ‘appeasement’ towards Putin
04:27 , Jabed Ahmed
Claims that the Trump administration’s stance towards Russia is “appeasement” have been rebutted by US Vice President JD Vance.
“We are negotiating to end the conflict. It is ‘appeasement’ only if you think the Ukrainians have a credible pathway to victory. They don’t, so it’s not,” he said in a post on X.
“Well, the president believes to conduct diplomacy, you actually have to speak to people. This used to be called statesmanship,” he added.
Vance also said there is a false idea that the US has “given the Russians everything they want”.
Donald Trump acknowledges Russia invaded Ukraine
04:26 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump reversed course yesterday and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine after facing backlash for saying that Ukraine “should have never started” the war three years ago.
“Russia attacked, but they shouldn’t have let him attack,” Mr Trump said, adding that Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and then-US president Joe Biden should have taken steps to avert the invasion.
Later, Mr Trump predicted a minerals agreement would be reached soon.
“We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time,” Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about a possible deal for Ukraine’s minerals.
Mr Zelensky said separately yesterday that Ukrainian and US teams were working on a draft agreement. “I am hoping for … a fair result,” he said in a video address after sharp exchanges this week between the two leaders.
US could cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services – report
04:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system.
Ukraine’s continued access to SpaceX-owned Starlink was brought up in discussions between US and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky turned down an initial proposal from US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, Reuters reported citing three sources.
Starlink provides crucial internet connectivity to war-torn Ukraine and its military. “Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star,” said the source. “Losing Starlink … would be a massive blow.”
Mr Zelensky has rejected demands from president Donald Trump’s administration for $500bn in mineral wealth from Ukraine to repay Washington for wartime aid, saying the US has offered no specific security guarantees.
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