Iran has confirmed nuclear talks with China and Russia in Beijing on March 14, following its rejection of US President Donald Trump's offer for negotiations. While Trump remains open to a deal, he has reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.

After holding joint military drills, Tehran, Moscow & Beijing to engage in nuclear talks

Ukraine on Tuesday backed a US proposal for a 30-day general ceasefire with Russia, with the United States in turn agreeing to lift restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing. Watch this report for more details!

Ukraine ready to accept 30-day ceasefire as US prepares to lift aid restrictions

#Gravitas Ukraine unleashed what it called the largest drone assault on Moscow to date, firing more than 90 drones towards Russia’s capital. The question now is not if Russia will strike back, it’s when, where, and how severe that response will be.

Russia Prepares Devastating Revenge For Moscow Drone Attack

As uncertainty looms over US Aid to Ukraine, European leaders are ramping up military spending, shifting the financial burden of war onto their economies. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: can Europe fill the gap created in funds by US' exit?

Russian special forces walked inside a gas pipeline to strike Ukrainian units from the rear in the Kursk region, Ukraine’s military and Russian war bloggers reported, as Moscow claimed fresh gains in its push to recapture parts of the border province that Kyiv seized in a shock offensive. Watch to know more!

Russian Troops Sneak 15 Km Through Pipeline, Ambush Ukraine Forces

Russia is ramping up strikes on Ukraine, killing at least 11 people today, according to Ukrainian officials. The latest attacks come after the U.S. decided to stop sharing satellite intelligence with Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky revive negotiations with the US?

Russia says its troops have retaken three villages seized by Ukraine in its Kursk border region in a fresh setback for Kyiv, just days ahead of talks between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators to secure a truce. Even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more sanctions against Russia after overnight strikes killed over 20 people and wounded dozens more. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war: Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions on Russia ahead of US-Ukraine talks

Russia has said that its troops have retaken three villages seized by Ukraine in its Kursk border region, marking a fresh setback for Kyiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin ignores Trump's warning, continues pounding Ukraine

Russia fired cruise and ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight attack, Zelensky, as the president renewed his plea for a partial ceasefire in which the US suspended military aid

Russia Ukraine War: Russian Cluster Strikes On Ukrainian Facilities Shows Putin's Goal | WION

Russia launched a devastating attack on Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more, hours after Donald Trump defended Vladimir Putin and said the Kremlin leader was “doing what anybody would do”.

Russia Ukraine War: Russia Caries Out Strike In Donetsk , Kharkiv Regions| Trump | WION

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for nations to impose "more courageous sanctions" against Russia in a bid to try and end the war. Speaking in his evening address, Zelenskiy said the current sanctions were "not yet the ones needed to stop Russia and stop the war".

Russia Ukraine War: Putin Bombs Ukraine | US Ukraine Talks In Riyadh | WION Pulse

Russia's ruling party 'United Russia' has been facing criticism for gifting meat grinders to mothers of soldiers killed in the war with Ukraine.&nbsp;
Russian President Vladimir Putin's party in the northern Murmansk region, posted photos on social media, showing officials smiling as they visited bereaved mothers, giving them gifts including flowers and meat grinders on International Women's Day.&nbsp;
The United Russia party posted on social media, thanking the "mums" for their "strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons&rdquo;, AFP reported.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-most-male-actors-deal-with-russia-war-ukrainian-theatre-rebuilds-itself-with-all-female-cast-8834831">As most male actors deal with Russia war, Ukrainian theatre rebuilds itself with all-female cast</a>
<h2>'Shameful, inappropriate'</h2>
While many people criticised the gift, calling the gesture "shameful" and "inappropriate".&nbsp;
However, as the party faced backlash, they immediately started defending their gift. The Party's local branch in the town of Polyarniye Zori said that those criticising were callously making "provocative interpretations" of the gift, according to AFP.&nbsp;
Moreover, Mayor Maxim Chengayev, who participated in the handover of gifts, said that meat grinders were not originally intended to be included, but they were included after one woman asked.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-putin-did-what-anybody-would-do-after-russias-massive-strike-on-ukraine-8832593">Donald Trump says Putin did 'what anybody would do' after Russia's massive strike on Ukraine</a>
&ldquo;We, of course, could not say no,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
Later, giving proof of their defence, the local party posted a video, showing a soldier's mother awkwardly thanking the party for the gifts and confirming that she had asked for a meat grinder because she needed one.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I wanted to buy [the meat grinder] for myself, but you gifted me one just in time,&rdquo; the woman said on camera, according to The Moscow Times. &ldquo;I asked you for it, in principle.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shares-intelligence-with-ukraine-for-defence-not-for-attacks-on-russia-how-crucial-it-is-for-kyiv-8834121">US shares intelligence with Ukraine for defence, not for attacks on Russia. How crucial it is for Kyiv?</a>
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: The United Russia party posted on social media, thanking the "mums" for their "strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons”, AFP reported.

Russia's ruling party 'United Russia' has been facing criticism for gifting meat grinders to mothers of soldiers killed in the war with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin's party in the northern Murmansk region, posted photos on social media, showing officials smiling as they visited bereaved mothers, giving them gifts including flowers and meat grinders on International Women's Day. The United Russia party posted on social media, thanking the "mums" for their "strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons”, AFP reported. Also read: As most male actors deal with Russia war, Ukrainian theatre rebuilds itself with all-female cast 'Shameful, inappropriate' While many people criticised the gift, calling the gesture "shameful" and "inappropriate". However, as the party faced backlash, they immediately started defending their gift. The Party's local branch in the town of Polyarniye Zori said that those criticising were callously making "provocative interpretations" of the gift, according to AFP. Moreover, Mayor Maxim Chengayev, who participated in the handover of gifts, said that meat grinders were not originally intended to be included, but they were included after one woman asked. Also read: Donald Trump says Putin did 'what anybody would do' after Russia's massive strike on Ukraine “We, of course, could not say no,” he said. Later, giving proof of their defence, the local party posted a video, showing a soldier's mother awkwardly thanking the party for the gifts and confirming that she had asked for a meat grinder because she needed one. “I wanted to buy [the meat grinder] for myself, but you gifted me one just in time,” the woman said on camera, according to The Moscow Times. “I asked you for it, in principle.” Also read: US shares intelligence with Ukraine for defence, not for attacks on Russia. How crucial it is for Kyiv? (With inputs from agencies)

‘Shameful’: Putin’s party slammed for gifting ‘meat grinder’ to mothers of dead soldiers on Women’s Day

President Donald Trump has announced that he is considering sanctions, banking restrictions, and tariffs on Russia in response to its escalating offensive in Ukraine. He stated that these measures would remain until a ceasefire and a final settlement agreement are reached. The move signals growing US pressure on Moscow as the conflict intensifies.

Trump considers sanctions and tariffs on Russia amid war

France will consider extending the protection of its nuclear arsenal to its allies, French President Emmanuel Macron said, while warning that Europe needs to be ready for the United States to not "remain by our side" in the Ukraine war. Watch to know more!

Macron hits back at Russian leader, calls him an imperialist

Russia has rejected Ukraine's ceasefire proposal, calling it unacceptable and insisting on agreements for a final settlement. As Moscow keeps up its assault, Brussels is in crisis mode. Meanwhile, the UK says it's in talks with 20 nations interested in aiding Ukraine’s peace efforts.

Russia rejects ceasefire, demands final settlement as war rages on

Ukraine has scrambled to reset its ties with the United States after President Donald Trump suspended military shipments to Kyiv. This move, in effect, hindered Ukraine's missile offensive by pausing the longstanding US intelligence sharing arrangement. Watch in for more details!

Russia- Ukraine war: US halts Ukraine intel sharing, Ukraine fights blind against Moscow

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Kyiv is ready to hold peace talks with Russia, to be brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky offered terms of partial ceasefire with Russia but the about face comes a day after Trump reportedly halted military aid to Kyiv following the clash with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval office last Friday. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelensky Ready For Talks With Russia, US Minerals Deal

Ukraine is grappling with severe weapon shortages as US military aid remains uncertain. With fears that frontline defenses could collapse within weeks, international pressure is mounting. Can Ukraine sustain its fight without crucial Western support?

Ukraine Reels As Trump Pulls US Support While Russia’s War Intensifies

#Gravitas Russia has offered to mediate between US, and Iran in renewed nuclear talks.

Russia ready to facilitate US-Iran negotiations

Russia has offered to mediate between the US and Iran as tensions rise over nuclear talks. President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to help US President Donald Trump broker discussions. Meanwhile, the UN warns that Iran has accelerated uranium enrichment.

Russia steps in: Mediating US-Iran talks amid tensions

Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to work under Donald Trump's "strong leadership" to achieve a lasting peace days after their explosive Oval Office meeting. The Ukrainian president described the White House showdown as "regrettable" in a lengthy social media post in the wake of the US announcing a pause in military aid to Kyiv. Watch to know more!

Zelensky Vows To 'Make Things Right' With Trump After US Halts War Aid

Russian forces are persistently attempting to gain a foothold across the Dnipro River in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-disrespectful-uk-mps-demand-apology-from-jd-vance-accuse-him-of-erasing-history-8778389">Ukraine</a>, sending troops on high-risk missions to secure territory for potential peace talks, according to a report by The Guardian.
Oleksandr Prokudin, the Ukrainian governor of the Kherson region, said that Russian troops were attempting to cross the river at four different points. He suggested that these efforts were aimed at justifying Moscow&rsquo;s claim over the entire oblast, one of four Ukrainian regions that Russia has declared it intends to annex.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
<h2>'At any cost'</h2>
&ldquo;Every single day they are trying to cross. We heard from our intelligence that the Russian deputy commander told troops in the area that they had to force the river at any cost, though not all the soldiers are willing to do that,&rdquo; Prokudin said while visiting the UK, as reported by The Guardian.
Appointed directly by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prokudin explained that Russian troops had been instructed to take control of a village on the western bank to use it as leverage in negotiations.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/determined-to-continue-operation-with-us-ukraine-to-not-rule-out-negotiations-after-trump-halts-military-aid-8777917">&lsquo;Determined to continue cooperation with US&rsquo;: Ukraine for negotiations after Trump halts military aid</a>
&ldquo;The Russians completely understand it is a suicidal mission,&rdquo; he said. He added that documents recovered from Russian troops showed that some were fresh recruits, while others had been fighting in Ukraine for over two years.
Russia initially took control of most of the Kherson region, spanning both sides of the Dnipro, early in the war. However, in November 2022, its forces were forced to withdraw from the west bank, including the city of Kherson, as maintaining supply lines became unsustainable.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-outfit-real-americas-voice-brian-glenn-marjorie-taylor-greene-8778009">&lsquo;They will harm me&rsquo;: US reporter who questioned Zelensky&rsquo;s outfit claims getting &lsquo;thousands of death threats&rsquo;</a>
Just weeks before that retreat, Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared the annexation of the entire region, along with three others, saying that residents there were &ldquo;our citizens for ever.&rdquo;
Prokudin said he believes Russia is trying to maintain a presence on the western bank to reinforce its territorial claims. &ldquo;They are trying to tick a box to show that &lsquo;we are present on the right bank&rsquo;,&rdquo; he said, adding that the efforts have increased amid ongoing discussions about a truce.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: “Every single day they are trying to cross. We heard from our intelligence that the Russian deputy commander told troops in the area that they had to force the river at any cost,” Ukrainian Governor said.

Russian forces are persistently attempting to gain a foothold across the Dnipro River in Ukraine, sending troops on high-risk missions to secure territory for potential peace talks, according to a report by The Guardian. Oleksandr Prokudin, the Ukrainian governor of the Kherson region, said that Russian troops were attempting to cross the river at four different points. He suggested that these efforts were aimed at justifying Moscow’s claim over the entire oblast, one of four Ukrainian regions that Russia has declared it intends to annex. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war 'At any cost' “Every single day they are trying to cross. We heard from our intelligence that the Russian deputy commander told troops in the area that they had to force the river at any cost, though not all the soldiers are willing to do that,” Prokudin said while visiting the UK, as reported by The Guardian. Appointed directly by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prokudin explained that Russian troops had been instructed to take control of a village on the western bank to use it as leverage in negotiations. Also read: ‘Determined to continue cooperation with US’: Ukraine for negotiations after Trump halts military aid “The Russians completely understand it is a suicidal mission,” he said. He added that documents recovered from Russian troops showed that some were fresh recruits, while others had been fighting in Ukraine for over two years. Russia initially took control of most of the Kherson region, spanning both sides of the Dnipro, early in the war. However, in November 2022, its forces were forced to withdraw from the west bank, including the city of Kherson, as maintaining supply lines became unsustainable. Also read: ‘They will harm me’: US reporter who questioned Zelensky’s outfit claims getting ‘thousands of death threats’ Just weeks before that retreat, Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared the annexation of the entire region, along with three others, saying that residents there were “our citizens for ever.” Prokudin said he believes Russia is trying to maintain a presence on the western bank to reinforce its territorial claims. “They are trying to tick a box to show that ‘we are present on the right bank’,” he said, adding that the efforts have increased amid ongoing discussions about a truce. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin ‘trying to tick a box’: Russia sends troops on ‘suicide missions’ to seize Ukrainian land ahead of talks

Donald Trump recently stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would not remain in power for long, implying that his leadership would be short-lived. Trump’s comment underscores his critical stance on U.S. involvement in Ukraine. The remark is part of ongoing rhetoric questioning foreign policy approaches under current leadership.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Suggests Zelensky 'Won't Be Around Very Long' Without Deal

After President Trump’s rebukes, President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to repair the relationship with his counterpart while also reaching out to European allies. However, all efforts to save his sinking ship seem to be failing as US President has put a halt on key military aid. Watch this report for more details!

Days After White House Clash With Zelensky, Donald Trump Pauses All Military Aid To Ukraine

Russian forces struck a Ukrainian military training ground in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast during a formation exercise. Meanwhile, Moscow claims to have repelled a Ukrainian attack on the TurkStream pipeline and urges Turkiye to prevent future threats. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow Strikes Ukrainian Military Training Ground During Exercises

The US is reportedly engaged in secret discussions with an ally of Russian President Putin to revive the Nord Stream pipeline, with involvement from an individual connected to the Trump administration. This former spy and close associate of Putin is working to restart the pipeline with the support of American investors, indicating a surprising level of rapprochement between Trump's administration and Moscow.

US in Secret Talks With Putin Ally to Revive Nord Stream 2?

Tensions rise as Russia launches new strikes on Kharkiv, injuring eight and damaging buildings. Meanwhile, Moscow claims to have repelled a Ukrainian attack on the TurkStream pipeline and urges Türkiye to prevent future threats. In Ufa, an oil refinery fire was swiftly contained amid ongoing regional instability.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in 24 hours

Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates with Kharkiv strikes, pipeline attack claims

The Kremlin on Monday (Mar 3) accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not wanting peace, blaming him for the clash with the US President Donald Trump at the White House last week.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the tense exchange between the two leaders at the Oval Office as &ldquo;unprecedented&rdquo;.
&ldquo;He doesn't want peace. Someone should make him want peace. If the Europeans do it, all kudos to them,&rdquo; Peskov told reporters on Monday (Mar 3), calling the angry exchange &ldquo;quite an unprecedented event.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-zelensky-says-ready-to-resign-in-exchange-of-nato-membership-for-ukraine-8773251">WATCH | Zelensky says ready to resign in exchange of NATO membership for Ukraine</a>
He further blamed Zelensky, saying that he &ldquo;demonstrated a complete lack of diplomatic abilities. To put it mildly.&rdquo;
Peskov added that President Vladimir Putin was aware of what happened, proving Russia's view of the conflict correct.
He also suggested that European allies will have to soothe Trump following the spat.
&ldquo;Someone will have to make sizable efforts in dialogue with Washington in order to somehow cancel out the unpleasant residue that undoubtedly remains in the White House after talking to Zelensky,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/of-course-we-understand-importance-of-america-zelensky-demands-security-guarantee-and-peace-not-endless-war-8772338">'Of course, we understand importance of America,' says Zelensky in video message days after White House spat</a>
Peskov said that in the current situation, &ldquo;clearly the efforts of Washington alone and the readiness of Moscow will not be enough.&rdquo;
The Kremlin&rsquo;s remarks come after Ukraine's European allies held a defence summit in London on Sunday (Mar 2) as Zelensky seeks to work with Europe to set terms for a possible peace agreement.
<h2>'Complex' situation</h2>
Peskov described the situation as &ldquo;complex&rdquo;, adding that &ldquo;the collective West has begun to partially lose its collective unity&rdquo; on Ukraine.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-washingtons-wrath-to-europes-empty-embrace-8773828">From Washington&rsquo;s wrath to Europe&rsquo;s empty embrace</a>
&ldquo;Although possible peace plans are being initially sketched out, it is not possible yet to say that there is a coherent peace plan,&rdquo; he said.
Russia is continuing its &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; in Ukraine &ldquo;in order to achieve the aims that it had from the start,&rdquo; Peskov said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | “He doesn't want peace. Someone should make him want peace. If the Europeans do it, all kudos to them,” Peskov told reporters on Monday (Mar 3), calling the angry exchange “quite an unprecedented event.”

The Kremlin on Monday (Mar 3) accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not wanting peace, blaming him for the clash with the US President Donald Trump at the White House last week. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the tense exchange between the two leaders at the Oval Office as “unprecedented”. “He doesn't want peace. Someone should make him want peace. If the Europeans do it, all kudos to them,” Peskov told reporters on Monday (Mar 3), calling the angry exchange “quite an unprecedented event.” Also read | WATCH | Zelensky says ready to resign in exchange of NATO membership for Ukraine He further blamed Zelensky, saying that he “demonstrated a complete lack of diplomatic abilities. To put it mildly.” Peskov added that President Vladimir Putin was aware of what happened, proving Russia's view of the conflict correct. He also suggested that European allies will have to soothe Trump following the spat. “Someone will have to make sizable efforts in dialogue with Washington in order to somehow cancel out the unpleasant residue that undoubtedly remains in the White House after talking to Zelensky,” he said. Also read | 'Of course, we understand importance of America,' says Zelensky in video message days after White House spat Peskov said that in the current situation, “clearly the efforts of Washington alone and the readiness of Moscow will not be enough.” The Kremlin’s remarks come after Ukraine's European allies held a defence summit in London on Sunday (Mar 2) as Zelensky seeks to work with Europe to set terms for a possible peace agreement. 'Complex' situation Peskov described the situation as “complex”, adding that “the collective West has begun to partially lose its collective unity” on Ukraine. Also read | From Washington’s wrath to Europe’s empty embrace “Although possible peace plans are being initially sketched out, it is not possible yet to say that there is a coherent peace plan,” he said. Russia is continuing its “special military operation” in Ukraine “in order to achieve the aims that it had from the start,” Peskov said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin accuses Zelensky of not wanting peace, blames him for clash with Trump

Following the defence summit in London on Sunday (Mar 2), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a &pound;1.6 billion ($2 billion) package for air missiles to Ukraine. A day earlier, he announced a &pound;2.2 billion loan to Ukraine.
Starmer said that this will allow Ukraine "to buy more than 5000 air defence missiles, which will be made in Belfast, creating jobs in our brilliant defence sector."
"This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past. We cannot accept a weak deal like Minsk, which Russia can breach with ease," he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-underestimate-donald-trump-us-president-shares-warning-post-for-zelensky-8771944">&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t underestimate Donald Trump&rsquo;: US president shares warning post for Zelensky</a>
<h2>Starmer hints UK-led plan was discussed with Trump</h2>
"I spoke to President Trump last night," said Starmer. "I&rsquo;m not going to go through the details of that conversation, but I would not be taking this step down this road if I didn&rsquo;t think it was something that would yield a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that we move together&mdash;Ukraine, Europe, the UK and the US&mdash;together towards a lasting peace."
<h2>Agreement needs US backing</h2>
"We will go further develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace," said Starmer. "Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can&rsquo;t mean that we sit back."
He added that "those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others."
"Europe must do the heavy lifting," he said.
However, the agreement needs US backing, he said, adding, "Let me clear, we agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-interested-in-quick-return-of-the-war-says-zelensky-as-european-leaders-meet-in-london-8771823">&lsquo;Putin is interested in quick return of the war,&rsquo; says Zelensky as European leaders meet in London</a>
Starmer rejected a suggestion that the US is now an "unreliable ally". He said that it has been a "reliable ally for many, many decades, and continues to be".
<h2>'Guarantees needed'</h2>
The UK PM said that guarantees are needed to avoid further conflict.
"I do not want conflict in Ukraine, in Europe, and certainly not in the United Kingdom. I want stability in the United Kingdom," he said.
"The way to ensure that stability is to ensure that we are able to defend a deal in Ukraine, because the one thing our history tells us is that if there is conflict in Europe, it will wash up on our shores."
Starmer said that any final deal "will have to involve Russia" but should not dictate the guarantees that could be offered to Ukraine, hinting at Russia's history of breaches in the past.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-litre-until-trump-is-finished-norways-firm-cuts-supply-to-us-over-trump-zelenskys-white-house-spat-8771598">&lsquo;Not a litre until Trump is finished&rsquo;: Norway&rsquo;s firm cuts supply to US over Trump, Zelensky White House spat</a>
"That is precisely the situation that I think we need to avoid this time around, which is why we&rsquo;re going down this road," he said.
<h2>Multiple nations interested in joining coalition</h2>
Starmer said that "a number of countries" showed interest in joining the coalition of willing, but it is up to them to announce. He said that he accepts "the position of other countries that may not feel that they want to contribute in that way," but believes it is necessary to "move forward" and "get some momentum" for peace discussions.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-would-run-naked-in-nyc-for-getting-security-guarantees-says-denmark-defence-committees-chair-8771849">&lsquo;Zelensky would run naked in NYC for getting security guarantees,&rsquo; says Denmark defence committee&rsquo;s chair</a>
<h2>'Time to act'</h2>
"We agreed that leaders will meet again very soon to keep the pace behind these actions and to keep working towards this shared plan," said Starmer. "We are at a crossroads in history today."
"This is not a moment for more talk. It&rsquo;s time to act."
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Starmer said that this will allow Ukraine “to buy more than 5000 air defence missiles, which will be made in Belfast, creating jobs in our brilliant defence sector.”

Following the defence summit in London on Sunday (Mar 2), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) package for air missiles to Ukraine. A day earlier, he announced a £2.2 billion loan to Ukraine. Starmer said that this will allow Ukraine "to buy more than 5000 air defence missiles, which will be made in Belfast, creating jobs in our brilliant defence sector." "This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past. We cannot accept a weak deal like Minsk, which Russia can breach with ease," he said. Also read | ‘Don’t underestimate Donald Trump’: US president shares warning post for Zelensky Starmer hints UK-led plan was discussed with Trump "I spoke to President Trump last night," said Starmer. "I’m not going to go through the details of that conversation, but I would not be taking this step down this road if I didn’t think it was something that would yield a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that we move together—Ukraine, Europe, the UK and the US—together towards a lasting peace." Agreement needs US backing "We will go further develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace," said Starmer. "Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can’t mean that we sit back." He added that "those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others." "Europe must do the heavy lifting," he said. However, the agreement needs US backing, he said, adding, "Let me clear, we agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together." Also read | ‘Putin is interested in quick return of the war,’ says Zelensky as European leaders meet in London Starmer rejected a suggestion that the US is now an "unreliable ally". He said that it has been a "reliable ally for many, many decades, and continues to be". 'Guarantees needed' The UK PM said that guarantees are needed to avoid further conflict. "I do not want conflict in Ukraine, in Europe, and certainly not in the United Kingdom. I want stability in the United Kingdom," he said. "The way to ensure that stability is to ensure that we are able to defend a deal in Ukraine, because the one thing our history tells us is that if there is conflict in Europe, it will wash up on our shores." Starmer said that any final deal "will have to involve Russia" but should not dictate the guarantees that could be offered to Ukraine, hinting at Russia's history of breaches in the past. Also read | ‘Not a litre until Trump is finished’: Norway’s firm cuts supply to US over Trump, Zelensky White House spat "That is precisely the situation that I think we need to avoid this time around, which is why we’re going down this road," he said. Multiple nations interested in joining coalition Starmer said that "a number of countries" showed interest in joining the coalition of willing, but it is up to them to announce. He said that he accepts "the position of other countries that may not feel that they want to contribute in that way," but believes it is necessary to "move forward" and "get some momentum" for peace discussions. Also read | ‘Zelensky would run naked in NYC for getting security guarantees,’ says Denmark defence committee’s chair 'Time to act' "We agreed that leaders will meet again very soon to keep the pace behind these actions and to keep working towards this shared plan," said Starmer. "We are at a crossroads in history today." "This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act." (With inputs from agencies)

‘US support needed’: Starmer announces $2bn package to Ukraine for air missiles after defence summit

Activists gathered in Paris to show solidarity with Ukraine, waving flags and holding banners calling for support. Demonstrators chanted slogans against Trump and Putin as pro-Ukraine rallies took place worldwide. The movement highlights growing global concern over the ongoing war and its impact.

Pro-Ukraine activists rally in Paris, call for global solidarity

putin

Putin, News on Putin, stories on Putin, articles on Putin, Putin stories at Wion, Putin news, Putin latest news