Donald Trump yesterday paused all aid to Ukraine in a "catastrophic" blow - and JD Vance has lashed out again at the UK in an unprovoked dig.
The Vice President was discussing a way of securing lasting peace in Ukraine last night on Fox News. He said that by granting the US an "economic upside" in Ukraine's future, Kyiv would get a "way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years".
He was seemingly referring to the UK and France's pledge to put peacekeeping forces in Ukraine to enforce any peace deal - but since sensationally claimed he wasn't talking about either country. That is despite the UK and France being the only two countries to have pledged to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.
Vance clearly hasn't done his homework on British involvement in military campaigns as the UK has been involved in several interventions since 1980 - some of these as the main ally of the US. In Iraq and Afghanistan, hundreds of UK soldiers were killed and thousands injured helping the US its "war on terror" in the early 2000s.
It comes after a tense Oval Office bust-up between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A White House official has since said the US is "pausing and reviewing" military support to "ensure that it [Ukraine] is contributing to a solution", adding that Trump's entire focus is on reaching a peace deal - a scheme he and Vladimir Putin are belligerently pushing for.
Taking direct jabs at Zelensky yesterday, Trump slammed him for saying that a deal to end the war is "still very, very far away" and warned: "America will not put up with it for much longer."
Follow along with our live updates below...
KEY EVENT
'Offensive clown' JD Vance torn apart by furious families of fallen Brit heroes
Furious grieving relatives of British troops killed in action have angrily hit out at JD Vance over his “unbelievably offensive” outburst about the UK military’s recent past.
Mum Chris Harrison, 69, whose hero son Cpl Darren Bonner, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died in Afghanistan aged 31 in 2007, stormed: "I would have punched him in the face."
'Offensive clown' JD Vance torn apart by furious families of fallen British army heroes
Dave Burke
'Donald Trump could be Russian agent' says top Tory after Ukraine betrayal
A veteran Tory MP has suggested that Donald Trump could be a Russian agent.
Graham Stuart made the incendiary comment after the US President suspended all military aid to Ukraine in a massive boost to Vladimir Putin. It comes days after his appalling bullying of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office and amid reports he plans to tear up sanctions on Moscow.
Mr Stuart, who served as a junior minister under Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, posted on Twitter/X: "We have to consider the possibility that President Trump is a Russian asset. If so, Trump's acquisition is the crowning achievement of Putin's FSB career - and Europe is on its own."
'Donald Trump could be Russian agent' says top Tory after Ukraine betrayal
Liam Doyle
Starmer hails Zelensky decision to work with Trump on Ukraine deal
Details of the call the Prime Minister had with Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this afternoon have now been shared, with Sir Keir welcoming a pledge from Mr Zelensky to work with Mr Trump on a potential peace deal.
A spokesperson for the PM said he updated the President on a discussion he had with Mr Trump on Monday, adding it was vital "all parties worked towards" a peace deal "as soon as possible". They said: "The prime minister updated on his discussion with President Trump last night. It was vital that all parties worked towards a lasting and secure peace for Ukraine as soon as possible, the prime minister added.
"Turning to President Zelenskyy’s most recent calls for further diplomatic efforts to achieve the swiftest possible end to the war, the prime minister welcomed President Zelenskyy’s steadfast commitment to securing peace. Underscoring that any peace for Ukraine needed to be lasting and secure, the prime minister said no one wanted peace more than Ukraine.
"The leaders agreed to stay in close touch in the coming days."
Liam Doyle
Justin Trudeau slams Trump for 'appeasing Putin' in tariff speech
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has slammed Donald Trump, accusing him of "appeasing Putin" in a speech criticising the US President's decision to raise tariffs on his country.
He said: "The US started a trade war last night with their closest ally and friend. They chose to do this while appeasing Putin. Make that make sense. We will not back down from a fight." The Prime Minister added: "To the US people, your government has chosen to do this to you.
"Your government has chosen to put American jobs at risk. They've chosen to raise prices and chosen to harm American national security. They are sabotaging their own progress."
Monica Charsley
Europe 'holds all the cards' and must 'replace US as world leader' claims expert
An expert believes that Europe "holds all the cards" to become world leader as he blasted US officials over their "assault" against Ukraine.
Sławomir Sierakowski, Senior Research Fellow, made the remarks following the showdown between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky last week. A discussion between the presidents became heated at the Oval Office on February 28, with disparaging comments made and a huge fallout in the aftermath.
Sierakowski, who is based at the Center for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Technology, has stressed that "Europeans must take our future into our own hands." He branded Trump and his Vice President's actions as "shameful" and said that it is time for Europe to step up.
Europe 'holds all the cards' and must 'replace US as world leader' claims expert
Liam Doyle
Vance and Trump 'still committed' to Ukraine mineral deal
JD Vance and Donald Trump are still committed to a working mineral deal, the US Vice President said today.
When asked about whether there was a prospect of smoothing things over with Ukraine, Mr Vance said: "Yaeh, I certainly do". He added: "And I think the President is still committed to the mineral deal."
Liam Doyle
PM speaks with Zelensky
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Volodymyr Zelensky this evening, the Prime Minister's spokesperson has confirmed.
Number 10 will release a readout of the call later.
Mikey Smith
5 unhinged things Donald Trump and JD Vance did in the last 24 hours as VP disrespects Britain
Well, it was nice while it lasted.
Humanity had a good run. We made some good stuff: The wheel, The Beatles, the Bernard Matthews Cheese Hamwich. At least whoever comes next will have a good record of what went wrong and why. Which they can inevitably ignore, as we always have, and make the same mistakes all over again.
In that spirit, here's five of the most unhinged things Donald Trump, JD Vance and the rest of his gaggle of grinning stooges has unleashed on the world in the last 24 hours.
5 unhinged things Donald Trump and JD Vance did in the last 24 hours
Anders Anglesey
Zelensky breaks silence on Trump row and gives major update on mineral deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has broken his silence on the stunning White House bust up with Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Taking to X/Twitter, Mr Zelensky said: "I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace. None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts."
Zelensky breaks silence on Trump row and gives major update on mineral deal
Liam Doyle
Tory MP signals doubt over JD Vance backtrack
A former soldier MP has said he was not convinced by JD Vance's bid to walk back previous comments suggesting the UK was "some random country" in a post online.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who previously served with the British Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, asked someone questioning the Vice President's comments "who else he was referring to". He asked: "Who else was he referring to Matthew? Britain and France have both committed to providing peacekeeping troops at scale."
Mr Obese-Jecty had previously said: "The disrespect shown by the new US Vice President to the sacrifices of our service personnel is unacceptable."
Liam Doyle
Myanmar junta chief predicts Russian victory against Ukraine
Min Aung Hlaing, the Myanmar general who seized power in his country following a 2021 coup, has suggested Russia's win in Ukraine is imminent.
The military junta chief is currently in Moscow undertaking his fourth visit in the city since he became Myanmar's premier. He told Vladimir Putin his country values Russian military hardware and predicted the incoming win after sending the despot six baby elephants.
Liam Doyle
Ukrainian minehunter spotted leaving UK harbour
A Ukrainian minehunter has been spotted leaving a UK harbour this afternoon.
Photographers captured the moment the Ukrainian Navy vessel Chernihiv, formerly the HMS Grimsby, raised anchor and left Portsmouth Harbour. The Sandown-class minehunter, along with it's sister ship Cherkasy - formerly the HMS Shoreham - were transferred to the Ukrainian Navy in 2023 after being de-commissioned by the Royal Navy in 2022.
Liam Doyle
Ukrainian allies not informed in advance of US decision to pause military aid
Ukraine's European neighbours and allies were not informed in advance that Donald Trump had chosen to pause US military aid, Poland's foreign ministry has said.
Ministry spokesperson Paweł Wroński said today the announcement was "made without any information or consultation, neither with Nato allies nor with the Ramstein group which is involved in supporting Ukraine".
Chris Hughes
Trump's lies about Zelensky being peddled by Kremlin spin doctors
Kremlin chiefs are using the Zelensky - Trump Oval bust-up to peddle lies that the US is aligned with Russia’s aim to destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state.
They have even suggested the US is prepared to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Kyiv leader and replace him. In one interview, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the meeting by framing the fact that both Moscow and Washington say they want an end the war as the two being in agreement.
Instead Washington wants to end the war with a peace deal agreed by Ukraine with European support, whilst Russia has made it clear it wants a Ukraine surrender.
Trump's lies about Zelensky being peddled by Kremlin spin doctors
Liam Doyle
Finnish foreign minister condemns Trump's Putin pivot as 'appeasing Russia'
Finland's foreign minister has condemned Donald Trump's Russia pivot as "effectively appeasing Russia" after signaling concerns over the US decision to pause cyberoffensive operations against Putin.
Elina Valtonen said the decision to suspend the operations were likely part of a "grand strategy", and warned it likely wouldn't achieve the peace Mr Trump's administration is hoping to achieve. She said during a meeting at the Chatham House think tank: "This is probably part of the grand strategy that the White House has chosen to see if this course of action can lead to peace, effectively appeasing Russia and putting some pressure on Ukraine.
"In my personal view, it should be exactly the other way around, and I trust that Trump and his team will notice in due course that this probably doesn't work."
Ryan Fahey
Fuming Brits slam JD Vance over outrageous 'some random country' comment
Outraged Brits have hit back at US Vice President JD Vance for dismissing the UK as "some random country" that hasn't fought a war in decades.
JD Vance blurted out the astonishing comment while speaking to Fox News, seemingly referencing plans to send British and French troops to Ukraine as a peacekeeping force. He said: "If you want real security guarantees, if you want to actually ensure that Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine.
"That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years." However Vance has since sensationally backtracked on his words, claiming he wasn't talking about the UK or France - the only countries to have offered to send troops to Ukraine.
Fuming Brits slam JD Vance over outrageous 'some random country' comment
Ryan Fahey
Trump rolls out tariffs against Canada and Mexico
Ukraine isn't the only country in Trump's sights this week.
The president's long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States' North American allies.
Also, Trump will stand before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday to give an accounting of his turbulent first weeks in office as a divided nation struggles to keep pace, with some Americans fearing for the country's future while others are cheering him on.
Ryan Fahey
JD Vance breaks silence after Brits infuriated by 'random country' lie about war
JD Vance has sensationally claimed he wasn't talking about the UK when discussing a "random country that hasn't been to war in 30 years" while criticising proposals to send British peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
Social media, MPs and former ministers all branded the US Vice President a "clown" and accused him of forgetting about the UK fighting alongside the US in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent decades.
Keir Starmer's official spokesman declined to characterise Mr Vance's comments as disrespectful when asked. But he said: "The PM and I think the whole country is full of admiration for all British troops who have served for instance in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom have lost their lives in the process and fought obviously alongside allies including the US.”
The Vice President has now taken to X to backpedal on his comment, insisting he wasn't referring to the UK or France. He said: "This is absurdly dishonest. I don’t even mention the UK or France in the clip, both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond." He added: "But let’s be direct: there are many countries who are volunteering (privately or publicly) support who have neither the battlefield experience nor the military equipment to do anything meaningful."
JD Vance breaks silence after Brits infuriated by 'random country' lie about war
Chris Hughes
'Arrogant JD Vance's lie insults 100s of UK troops who died alongside US forces - he forgets this at his peril'
Britain's military losses of more than 600 brave troops in two Iraq wars and Afghanistan have been horribly insulted by loudmouth US Vice President JD Vance.
Fresh from sparking a row with Ukraine’s President, he disrespects their sacrifice when he brands the UK “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” Our troops died in wars that were fought alongside US troops, as he should well know - in a frontline partnership that has lasting deep roots and forged respect between partners. He fired off the insult in an attempt to belittle the possibility of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine led by UK along with France, both of whom have also served together recently.
In 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attack, I witnessed then Prime Minister Tony Blair making a stirring speech about US - UK mutual support in times of war. He talked about how the US had helped the UK in two World Wars and that now was the time for the UK to do the same for America - and it did exactly that. Aside from the arguments about justification his statement would turn out to be prophetic as we saw in the ensuing the brutal war against terror across Asia and Africa.
'Arrogant JD Vance's lie insults 100s of UK troops who died alongside US forces - he forgets this at his peril'
Ryan Fahey
What issues divide the US and UK on Ukraine?
International diplomacy has gone into overdrive as the new US administration disrupts established norms and protocols.
With the war in Ukraine now the focus of friction between the US and its traditional European allies, divisions in the West are in clear sight as Vladimir Putin looks on.
Here the PA news agency examines the differences in opinion and approach by Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump at a time when the future of the Nato alliance - as it is traditionally understood - is being questioned.
- Varying approach to Russia
Donald Trump's return to the White House has marked a significant shift in the US approach to Russia.
Gone is the hard-line criticism of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine under Joe Biden, replaced by a realignment of foreign policy which is not only sympathetic to Moscow but, many argue, supportive of the Russian leadership's position.
A clear example of this is the repeated implication by Mr Trump and other officials in the administration that it is Ukraine, not Mr Putin, who is responsible for starting the war.
Ukraine's wish to forge closer links with the West and join the Nato alliance provoked Russia to defend itself, so the argument goes, with the Trump administration careful to avoid referring to an invasion taking place.
In contrast, Sir Keir has remained steadfast in his condemnation of Russia and his support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky, a position that has broad support across the political spectrum in the UK.
The Prime Minister has insisted that Russian aggression at a time when there are serious questions over Washington's commitment to its historic alignment with European powers constitutes a "crossroads in history".
- What have Keir Starmer and Donald Trump done in response to recent events?
Donald Trump has ordered a pause on military aid to Ukraine as the administration carries out a review, in a bitter blow to Ukraine and European allies who have been trying to persuade the US administration to maintain its support.
Sir Keir will not be "blindsided or bounced" from the pursuit of peace in Ukraine, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner insisted on Tuesday, underlining the UK's commitment to collective agreement in contrast to the unilateral strategy being pursued by Washington.
Other notable developments in the US include defence secretary Pete Hegseth ordering offensive cyber and information operations against Russia to cease.
Top US officials including secretary of state Mark Rubio previously travelled to Saudi Arabia to start peace talks with Russia, but President Zelensky and European leaders were not invited.
Meanwhile Sir Keir convened a defence summit on Ukraine, where he unveiled a four-step plan including a pledge to "develop a coalition of the willing" to defend a deal in Ukraine and guarantee a peace settlement.
In contrast to the US position, the Prime Minister has maintained that Ukraine and European powers must be involved in talks on a deal.
Having previously pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product, Sir Keir said "every nation must contribute" in the best way it can and a number of "important steps" were agreed.
The move not only highlights concerns about military capacity in Europe but also acknowledges - and acts on - White House concerns.
The UK has also signed a £1.6 billion deal to supply more than 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine using export finance.
Ryan Fahey
Trump must face Congress to explain his whirlwind first weeks in office
President Donald Trump is set to stand before a joint session of Congress today.
He is expected to provide an account of his turbulent first weeks in office as the nation remains deeply divided - with some Americans terrified that Trump is causing the country's rapid decline, while others cheer him on.
It will be the latest milestone in Trump's total takeover of the nation's capital where the Republican-led House and Senate have done little to restrain the president as he and his allies work to slash the size of the federal government and remake America's place in the world. With a tight grip on his party, Trump has been emboldened to take sweeping actions after overcoming impeachments and criminal prosecutions.
The White House said Trump's theme would be the "renewal of the American dream," and he was expected to lay out his achievements since returning to the White House, as well as appeal to Congress to provide more money to finance his aggressive immigration crackdown.
"It's an opportunity for President Trump, as only he can, to lay out the last month of record-setting, record-breaking, unprecedented achievements and accomplishments," said senior adviser Stephen Miller.
Ryan Fahey
Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine last night
A spokesman for Number 10 said the prime minister spoke with his US counterpart last night over the Ukraine issue.
The spokesman said that both leaders are united in terms of securing lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. They did not mention whether there was consensus on how that peace would be achieved.
They declined to comment on whether Starmer was informed of Trump's plan to pause military aid to the war-ravaged nation.
Ryan Fahey
Ukraine's Prime Minister notes how vital US relationship is
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal spoke at a press conference about the importance of his country's positive relationship with the US.
"Regarding our cooperation with the US, I repeat, the US is our strategic, important, extremely important partner. We are grateful to the US and will do everything to ensure that our cooperation continues at the same level as it has been until now, persistently, diplomatically, calmly. We are working on this, I repeat, every day and every day there are contacts with the presidential administration, with Congress, and this work will continue. I am convinced that we will achieve peace in Ukraine together," Shmyhal said at the Kyiv event.
He noted that Ukraine today is "absolutely determined to continue cooperation with the United States of America".
"I am confident that the support from the United States, as a world leader, one of our largest partners, which has supported us for three years, will continue," he added.
Ryan Fahey
Vladimir Putin agrees to broker nuke talks between Trump and Iran
Russia has agreed to help Donald Trump communicate with Iran on issues related to Tehran's nuclear programme, according to Bloomberg.
In February, Trump relayed to Putin that he would be interested in discussing matters with Tehran. The issue was again broached between Russian and American officials in Saudi Arabia.
The requests have not been formally confirmed or denied by the White House, the Kremlin, or Tehran.
Ryan Fahey
Elon Musk takes aim at Zelensky over Ukrainian war deaths
Elon Musk fired shots at Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky amid a souring of relations between Kyiv and the Trump Administration.
The tech billionaire shared a post of his from 2023 when he wrote: "The flower of Ukrainian & Russian youth are dying in trenches, with no meaningful change in territory." He captioned the repost: "My post below was almost 2 years ago. Stop sending men to die for nothing. ENOUGH!!"
Monica Charsley
JD Vance launches vile anti-migrant attack
The Vice President of the United States says there's "nothing the US can do for Europe" in a new interview in which he blamed recent violent attacks on immigration.
JD Vance also made comments about people "driving cars" into crowds in Europe in grim new remarks that were broadcast on the same day a car rammed into a crowd in the southwestern German city of Mannheim, killing two people and injuring 11 others.
A 40-year-old landscape gardener was detained and hospitalised after the incident on Monday. Police said there is "no indication of an extremist or religious background". The suspect's immigration status is also unknown.
It follows other violent incidents in Germany in recent weeks, including deadly car rammings in Magdeburg in December and in Munich last month, as well as a stabbing in Mannheim in May 2024. Far-right political figures, such as Germany's AfD party, have sought to blame non-ethnically European immigrants for the violence.
JD Vance launches vile anti-migrant attack and says 'US can do nothing for Europe'
Chris Hughes
Was Volodymyr Zelensky's bust-up with Donald Trump a brilliant calculated risk?
Ukraine's intelligence agencies and political analysts will have prepared President Volodymyr Zelensky intensely for that now infamous Oval office meeting.
Is it possible that Kyiv has played a brilliant chess move, a plucky act of brinkmanship that risks everything but lands them with a future and survival? They've done it many times on the battlefield, surprising the world by letting the Russians storm forward and then flanking them with devastating effect. Weeks before the 2022 invasion one Ukrainian commander, speaking in a trench just a hundred yards from Russian forces shrugged when I asked what will happen when the attack comes.
He shrugged and said: "We'll let them in, flank them and then kill them." It was cold, calculating and spoken with confidence - and that's exactly what happened when the Russians came. In years to come it is possible it will emerge Zelensky and his team saw all of this coming and used it with ruthless determination. The possibility of having to chicane carefully around US President Donald Trump's ego and sensitivity will have been front of centre of their warnings to their leader.
Was Volodymyr Zelensky's bust-up with Donald Trump a brilliant calculated risk?
Ryan Fahey
PM will not be 'blindsided' on Ukraine
Sir Keir Starmer will not be "blindsided or bounced" from the pursuit of peace in Ukraine, the Deputy Prime Minister has insisted, as Europe reels from Donald Trump's decision to pause US military aid to the country.
The White House has suspended delivery of ammunition and other equipment to Kyiv after announcing overnight that it is "reviewing" its assistance to "ensure that it is contributing to a solution".
It comes after a clash in the Oval Office between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the US leader last Friday left bilateral ties between the two nations in tatters.
Speaking on Tuesday, Angela Rayner said the Prime Minister remains "laser-focused" on securing a lasting peace for Kyiv and would not be "derailed" in those efforts.
"We are absolutely focused on making sure that we get that peace and the security guarantees as part of that," she said.
"We won't be derailed or sidelined by commentary, ongoing commentary, but that we will use our relationship, our long-standing relationship, with the US and our European allies to support Ukraine and President Zelensky in getting that peace deal and making sure those securities are part of that."
Ryan Fahey
Chancellor to make it easier for Government to buy military equipment
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is to promise to cut red tape to make it easier for the Government to buy military equipment.
She will tell a manufacturing industry conference in London later on Tuesday that she wants to "fire up Britain's industrial base" to step up arms production, claiming the issue has been "ducked and dodged" by governments for too long.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of the size of the economy from April 2027, something the Chancellor believes will help create jobs and drive growth in the UK.
Ms Reeves will say: "I am proud of our manufacturing sector, and the opportunities that it creates for the future - bringing more jobs and growth to parts of the country that have been ignored.
"For too long politicians of all stripes have ducked and dodged the decisions needed to fire up Britain's industrial base and unleash its potential to keep the country safe.
"We're changing that by increasing defence spending and making defence a cornerstone of our industrial strategy to create jobs, drive growth and meet emerging global threats head on."
Ryan Fahey
Kremlin pushing for more relief
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US move to improve international relations would require Washington to lift sanctions.
Moscow believes that the sanctions placed upon it after Russia illegally invaded Ukraine in February 2022 are also illegal.
Back in January, Trump threatened Putin - saying that sanctions would be ratcheted up should the warlord refuse to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with Putin seemingly playing ball, Trump has ordered his officials to look into the most-damaging sanctions that could be lifted.
