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| Starmer speaks to European allies in diplomatic push on Ukraine | |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Sir Keir Starmer has held a call with leaders from the EU, Turkey, Norway, Iceland and Canada as part of the ongoing diplomatic push on Ukraine. | |
| During the meeting, the non-EU countries were briefed on the EU's plans to step up defence, which include freeing up €800bn (£670bn) for military spending. | |
| European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move would help Europe protect "our people, territories and assets" and help "the long-term security of our brave neighbour Ukraine". | |
| UK Defence Secretary John Healey earlier returned from Washington DC, where he met with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth to discuss ending Russia's war on Ukraine. | |
| Addressing Hegseth, he said: "You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defence spending, on European security - and I say to you that we have we are and we will further." | Addressing Hegseth, he said: "You challenged us to step up on Ukraine, on defence spending, on European security - and I say to you that we have we are and we will further." |
| Hegseth said UK leadership was "critical" adding that "European leadership of Nato, led by the UK and others is we believe the future of defence on the continent". | Hegseth said UK leadership was "critical" adding that "European leadership of Nato, led by the UK and others is we believe the future of defence on the continent". |
| The US has paused military aid to Ukraine and stop sharing intelligence as it reviews "all aspects of this relationship". | |
| In a televised speech, French President Emmanuel Macron said "I want to believe the US will stay at our side, but we must be ready if that is not the case." | In a televised speech, French President Emmanuel Macron said "I want to believe the US will stay at our side, but we must be ready if that is not the case." |
| The UK and France have said they are willing to provide peacekeeping troops to Ukraine and are urging other European countries to join what they have called a "coalition of the willing". | The UK and France have said they are willing to provide peacekeeping troops to Ukraine and are urging other European countries to join what they have called a "coalition of the willing". |
| According to UK officials about 20 countries are interested in joining the coalition, although would not necessarily offer to send troops, but instead provide other support. | According to UK officials about 20 countries are interested in joining the coalition, although would not necessarily offer to send troops, but instead provide other support. |
| But Sir Keir has said that in order to be effective their presence in Ukraine must be backed by security guarantees from the US. | But Sir Keir has said that in order to be effective their presence in Ukraine must be backed by security guarantees from the US. |
| US President Donald Trump has so far avoided committing to such support, instead arguing that the presence of American workers in Ukraine as part of a potential minerals deal, would be sufficient to deter Russia from further invading Ukraine. | US President Donald Trump has so far avoided committing to such support, instead arguing that the presence of American workers in Ukraine as part of a potential minerals deal, would be sufficient to deter Russia from further invading Ukraine. |
| Russia has flatly rejected such a move saying it would amount to "direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia". | Russia has flatly rejected such a move saying it would amount to "direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia". |
| Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at reaching an agreement will take place next week in Saudi Arabia. | Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at reaching an agreement will take place next week in Saudi Arabia. |
| Speaking in Washington, Healey said: "It's a lasting, secure peace that we all want to see. We've got a big role to play in Europe and we are determined to do that." | Speaking in Washington, Healey said: "It's a lasting, secure peace that we all want to see. We've got a big role to play in Europe and we are determined to do that." |
| Hegseth dismissed as "garbage" suggestions that under Trump's leadership the US was becoming "pro-Russia". | Hegseth dismissed as "garbage" suggestions that under Trump's leadership the US was becoming "pro-Russia". |
| He said the president was "working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can". | He said the president was "working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can". |
| Progress towards an agreement appeared to take a step back after Trump and Zelensky had a dramatic row in front of cameras in the Oval Office. | Progress towards an agreement appeared to take a step back after Trump and Zelensky had a dramatic row in front of cameras in the Oval Office. |
| However, Hegseth said the US president was "very encouraged by the signs we're seeing" from Ukraine. | However, Hegseth said the US president was "very encouraged by the signs we're seeing" from Ukraine. |
| On Thursday the UK's Ministry of Defence signed a £30m deal with an Anglo-American firm to provide Ukraine with Altius 600m and Altius 700m systems, designed to monitor an area before striking incoming targets. | On Thursday the UK's Ministry of Defence signed a £30m deal with an Anglo-American firm to provide Ukraine with Altius 600m and Altius 700m systems, designed to monitor an area before striking incoming targets. |
| Chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced a £2.26bn loan to Ukraine, funded by seized Russian assets. | Chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced a £2.26bn loan to Ukraine, funded by seized Russian assets. |