From 27 Mar 2025 16.41 GMT Conclusions of the Paris summit on Ukraine – updated summary Key European leaders stressed that it was “ not the time” to start lifting sanctions against Russia , as they called out Moscow’s delaying tactics in responding to a US-led ceasefire proposal in Ukraine (14:07, 14:18, 14:29).

French president Emmanuel Macron outlined the structure of a future security guarantee proposed by the “coalition of the willing,” with further support for the Ukrainian army, a reassurance force stationed away from the frontline but offering support in “strategic” areas, and a broader push to rearm and coordinate better among the participating countries (14:52).

French president Emmanuel Macron said there was currently no unanimity among all participants in the Paris summit on sending a European-led reassurance force to Ukraine, although he stressed it was not required to advance plans for its deployment.

The French president said that Europe must prepare for any scenario , including one where its security initiative would not be supported by the US, but he appeared to repeatedly suggest that US president Donald Trump could change his mind once it becomes clear that Russia does not engage with his plans in good faith (15:00).

UK prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans for French, British and German army chiefs to travel to Kyiv to help with planning support for future Ukrainian army, as part of a broader push to offer reassurance to the country, and a new Ukraine defence contact group meeting “to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight” (15:09).

Starmer also repeatedly called out Russia for “playing games and … playing for time,” saying he would want to see progress in “days and weeks, not months and months” (15:17).

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia does not want peace in Ukraine and seeks to divide Europe and America, as he urged the US to take a stronger line and impose sanctions on Russia for refusing to accept an unconditional ceasefire and called for a “reaction” to Moscow’s repeated violation of limited arrangements in place (16:57, 17:03).

Zelenskyy also said the US was “constantly” shifting its approach to a minerals deal with Ukraine, but insisted that Kyiv remained willing and “sending positive signals” on the agreement (16:20). Share

27 Mar 2025 17.58 GMT Jakub Krupa And on that note, that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today. Thank you for following Europe Live and hopefully see you again tomorrow as I will bring you the latest updates on Ukraine and on JD Vance’s trip to Greenland, which looks increasingly likely to coincide with a new government being formed on the semi-autonomous island (and one that is not that keen on the US plans). Share Updated at 18.00 GMT

27 Mar 2025 17.56 GMT Starmer and Zelenskyy react to Paris summit – video 2:50 ‘Volodymyr, you have our support’: Starmer details key outcomes of Ukraine summit – video Share

27 Mar 2025 17.44 GMT US plans for controlling Greenland are ‘serious,’ Russia’s Putin says Elsewhere, Russian president Vladimir Putin said he considered US plans to annex Greenland “serious” and worried the West could use the Arctic as a springboard for future conflicts. View image in fullscreen Denmark’s Arctic Command in Nuuk

Danish, Greenlandic and US flags fly at the Danish armed forces’ Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland. Photograph: Leonhard Föger/Reuters “It is a deep mistake to think that this is some extravagant talk from the new American administration. It is nothing of the sort,” Putin told an Arctic forum in the northern city of Murmansk. “We are talking about serious plans on the American side with regard to Greenland. These plans have longstanding historical roots,” he added, as reported by AFP. He said that while Russia was not directly involved in the question of Greenland’s ownership, Moscow was concerned that “NATO countries, in general, are increasingly designating the far north as a springboard for possible conflicts”. Putin’s comments come a day before JD Vance’s highly controversial visit to Greenland (11:45). Share

27 Mar 2025 17.00 GMT Bulgaria offers to host maritime coordination centre for monitoring Black Sea Bulgaria has offered to host a multinational maritime coordination centre to ensure the safety of shipping in the western part of the Black Sea, as part of a future security architecture supporting Ukraine, the Bulgarian government said. The proposal was made at the Paris summit by the country’s prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, according to the government’s press release. It said that the Bulgarian proposal includes a mechanism for “constant maritime surveillance and early warning [alerts] on potential threats,” as well as monitoring of the critical underwater infrastructure in the Black Sea. Zhelyazkov argued that the new structure could build on the Black Sea mine action group, formed with Turkey and Romania. View image in fullscreen Prime minister of Bulgaria Rosen Zhelyazkov is greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the ‘Coalition Of The Willing’ summit in support of Ukraine at the Élysée Palace. Photograph: Tom Nicholson/Getty Images Share

27 Mar 2025 16.45 GMT ‘There is only one plan: Ukraine’s plan,’ Estonian prime minister says Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal said his main message in Paris was that “there is only one plan, Ukraine’s plan,” as he stressed that “Russia should have no say in Ukraine’s defence and security guarantees.” “Ukraine wants peace – and proves it. Russia delays and demands,” he says. He added that “Europe will do its share and remain determined to build lasting peace.” View image in fullscreen French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Estonia’s prime minister Kristen Michal as he arrives for a meeting with European leaders and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on peace and security for Ukraine, at the Élysée Palace in Paris,. Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters Share

27 Mar 2025 16.41 GMT Conclusions of the Paris summit on Ukraine – updated summary Key European leaders stressed that it was “ not the time” to start lifting sanctions against Russia , as they called out Moscow’s delaying tactics in responding to a US-led ceasefire proposal in Ukraine (14:07, 14:18, 14:29).

French president Emmanuel Macron outlined the structure of a future security guarantee proposed by the “coalition of the willing,” with further support for the Ukrainian army, a reassurance force stationed away from the frontline but offering support in “strategic” areas, and a broader push to rearm and coordinate better among the participating countries (14:52).

French president Emmanuel Macron said there was currently no unanimity among all participants in the Paris summit on sending a European-led reassurance force to Ukraine, although he stressed it was not required to advance plans for its deployment.

The French president said that Europe must prepare for any scenario , including one where its security initiative would not be supported by the US, but he appeared to repeatedly suggest that US president Donald Trump could change his mind once it becomes clear that Russia does not engage with his plans in good faith (15:00).

UK prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans for French, British and German army chiefs to travel to Kyiv to help with planning support for future Ukrainian army, as part of a broader push to offer reassurance to the country, and a new Ukraine defence contact group meeting “to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight” (15:09).

Starmer also repeatedly called out Russia for “playing games and … playing for time,” saying he would want to see progress in “days and weeks, not months and months” (15:17).

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia does not want peace in Ukraine and seeks to divide Europe and America, as he urged the US to take a stronger line and impose sanctions on Russia for refusing to accept an unconditional ceasefire and called for a “reaction” to Moscow’s repeated violation of limited arrangements in place (16:57, 17:03).

Zelenskyy also said the US was “constantly” shifting its approach to a minerals deal with Ukraine, but insisted that Kyiv remained willing and “sending positive signals” on the agreement (16:20). Share

27 Mar 2025 16.08 GMT Meloni calls for US delegation at next European summit on Ukraine Separately from Zelenskyy’s press conference, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni also offered her take on today’s talks, saying she hopes the United States will be involved in the next European meeting on Ukraine. She “stressed the importance of continuing to work with the United States to stop the conflict and achieve peace”, her office said, AFP reported. As such, she “hoped for the involvement of an American delegation at the next coordination meeting”, it said. Share

27 Mar 2025 16.05 GMT Zelenskyy also noted the Black Sea ceasefire is more beneficial for Russia, as Ukrainian export corridors were working anyway. He also says that Ukraine will put together a list of examples of Russian violations of the agreed ceasefire arrangements on energy infrastructure and the Black Sea, hoping for a reaction from the US. That concludes his press conference. Share Updated at 16.08 GMT

27 Mar 2025 16.03 GMT US should have imposed sanctions on Russia for not taking up ceasefire offer, Zelenskyy says Zelenskyy suggests that the US should have imposed sanctions on Russia when it rejected the US proposal for a full ceasefire. But, probably remembering the Oval Office spat, he quickly makes a pause there and adds: Okay, let’s just make a pause and not just tell America, advise America what to do. They have their own people who can advise. But he points out that Ukraine keeps agreeing to US proposals without changes, meanwhile Russia effectively keeps rejecting it, as it demands late adjustments or introduces new conditions. Share

27 Mar 2025 15.57 GMT Zelenskyy has been giving fascinating insight into the reality of working as a wartime leader, as he talks about the need to have open communications channels with other leaders, as “compared to the country at war, the entire world live at a very slow pace” and in “different realities.” He says some pertinent issues could be addressed quickly, as he talks about difficulties with getting the US agreement and licenses for producing Patriot missiles locally in Ukraine. He also takes a slight detour to criticise US envoy Steve Witkoff, saying that some of the things he says “for us, for Ukrainians, they look in a very abstract matter, like from another world.” He appears to suggest that his experience of being a real estate diplomat in the US has limited application to the realities of a country at war. But he pointedly stresses the importance of remaining close partners with both Europe and the US. He then repeatedly says that Russian president Vladimir Putin is the only blockage to progress in peace talks, as he says he is ready for talks in any possible format. Turning to president Trump more directly, he issues a passionate plea for him to back Ukraine against Russia and offer adequacy security guarantees if the US blocks Ukraine’s accession to Nato. He also says that the US could play a critical role in enforcing the ceasefire or peace deal, as its military power would make Russia aware there would be serious consequences of breaking whatever is agreed. Share

27 Mar 2025 15.40 GMT Zelenskyy responds to questions on the outcomes of the summit, repeatedly insisting he is happy that with every summit “the position … is clearer and stronger,” despite natural minor differences when over 30 countries meet in one place. “What unites us is that everybody is in support of, speaks in support of Ukraine, for the security guarantees for us and it’s very important, they are on our side,” he says. He stresses that Ukraine would not recognise any part of its occupied territory as Russian. Earlier he also spoke about the need for stronger air defence systems, suggesting there is scope for the US to provide it with more support in this area as requested during his recent phone call with president Trump, but says this has not been discussed in details yet. Share

27 Mar 2025 15.29 GMT Zelenskyy also says the meeting sent a very clear signal that Russia “cannot dictate the personnel strength of our armed forces,” as there was a consensus that having a strong Ukrainian army will be a key part of any future security infrastructure. He says it is “important that the same attitude is present within the United States,” adding that the meeting “sends this signal to US and others” on this. On specific reassurance force that could be deployed to Ukraine, he says “there are lot of proposals from leaders,” and “there are a lot of issues, there are fewer answers,” but he notes there are planned meetings that will take it further, like the Franco-British visit to Kyiv later. Asked directly about it, he insists he is not disappointed with outcome of the summit, listing what he sees as benefits of the meeting, with commitments on future drone production and a clear political signal on sanctions. Share

27 Mar 2025 15.20 GMT Russia wants to divide Europe and US, Zelenskyy says, as he explains progress on minerals deal with US In his first question, Zelenskyy gets asked about the role of the US, and he says it is “undoubtedly very important.” He repeats his accusation that Russian president Vladimir Putin “doesn’t want” peace and wants to divide Europe and America. “His Kremlin machinery has been working it more for more than one year, dividing weakening Europe, dividing the European Union, dividing the United States of America, dividing the united states, states from within, in terms of support for Ukraine or not supporting Ukraine,” he says. Zelenskyy then gets asked about the prospect of signing a new minerals deal between the US and Ukraine. He says that the US has “constantly” been changing its approach to the deal, which was originally meant to be signed as a framework agreement first, followed by a detailed one, but now the US wants to pursue a full agreement. He says there appears to be a reverse process to the one previously discussed, but says that lawyers at looking at proposals, ready to work through it. “But I wouldn’t like to leave the United States with the feeling that Ukraine is against in general; we have shown constantly our [will] and have been sending positive signals,” he says. Asked specifically about whether there are any prospects of him making another visit to the White House, he says there are currently no such plans. Share Updated at 15.35 GMT

27 Mar 2025 15.14 GMT Zelenskyy starts press conference after Paris summit Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens by saying that it is important that “lifting of any sanctions on Russia” will not happen until “a fair and just peace” is agreed. He also welcomes new support packages for Ukraine, and adds there is a broader “vision” in terms of how Ukraine could be supported in the future. He also thanks France for lighting up the Eiffel Tower in the Ukrainian colours last night, “demonstrating to the rest of the world what kind of support Ukraine enjoys” from partners. View image in fullscreen This photograph shows the Eiffel Tower lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag in Paris. Photograph: Christophe Delattre/AFP/Getty Images Share

18 June 2025 18:10

As NATO leaders prepare to meet in The Hague, the future of Ukraine and Georgia’s potential membership remains a contentious and unspoken issue. While previous NATO commitments under the Biden administration affirmed an “irreversible” path for both nations to join the alliance, this pledge is notably absent from the summit agenda, reflecting President Trump’s opposition.

The summit, described by diplomats as a “five-for-five” meeting, aims to secure a tenuous agreement whereby European allies pledge increased defence spending while President Donald Trump signals continued support for NATO’s mutual defence clause, Article 5—a commitment he has repeatedly questioned, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is working to ensure a smooth summit focused narrowly on defence investment, deliberately sidelining contentious issues such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, trade disputes, and democratic values. Instead of a comprehensive communique, the alliance plans to issue a brief joint statement highlighting a pledge by member states to allocate 3.5 per cent of GDP to core military expenditure by 2032, with an additional 1.5 per cent dedicated to defence-related activities like support for Ukraine, cybersecurity, and military mobility.

While smaller nations like the Nordic and Baltic states and Poland are expected to meet this target, larger countries such as the UK, France, Italy, and Spain face challenges due to fiscal constraints and domestic politics. Notably absent from the summit agenda is any reaffirmation of NATO’s previous pledge that Ukraine and Georgia will eventually become members—a stance supported by the Biden administration but opposed by Trump.

As one diplomat put it, “Preventing a transatlantic train wreck is the best they can hope for.”

European leaders seek assurances from the US that critical military capabilities, including air and missile defences, intelligence, and logistical support, will remain in place during a gradual transition of responsibility. This “burden-shifting” is expected to unfold over five to ten years, avoiding sudden withdrawals that could destabilize the region.

However, with US focus increasingly turning towards countering China, European governments face mounting pressure to strengthen their own defence capabilities within NATO’s framework—a strategy often referred to as building the “European pillar” of NATO. Until then, extending existing commitments and maintaining unity remain the alliance’s best option amid uncertain times.

By Vafa Guliyeva

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who has been critical of the way Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has stripped jobs from federal workers, said today that she’s not afraid of the possibility that he could fund a primary challenge against her.

“It may be that Elon Musk has decided he’s going to take the next billion dollars that he makes off of Starlink and put it directly against Lisa Murkowski,” she told reporters in Juneau. Murkowski, 67, is up for re-election in 2028.

“And you know what? That may happen. But I’m not giving up one minute, one opportunity to try to stand up for Alaskans,” she added.

Murkowski said many of her colleagues are “not saying a word” about their concerns about what’s happening in the Trump administration “because they’re afraid they’re going to be taken down.”

Show more

Follow every twist and turn as European leaders discuss a new defense plan.

Leaders of the EU’s 27 countries have concluded their emergency summit in Brussels to thrash out a new defense plan — at one of the most pivotal moments for the bloc’s security since World War II.

After President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine to concede to Russia and disengagement of the U.S. from Europe’s security, EU leaders broadly agree Europe must rearm, to be able to defend Kyiv — and itself.

While disunity is usually kept behind closed doors, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vetoed the leaders’ statement, meaning the final agreement to arm Ukraine was endorsed by the other 26 leaders only.

The five-point agreement, which affirms that there must be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine and commits to providing Ukraine with €30.6 billion in 2025, came after a 1.5-hour discussion with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

All 27 endorsed a proposal to dramatically boost defense spending by up to €800 billion across the bloc, using a range of new funding instruments.

Here’s how it all went down.

From 4 Apr 2025 13.05 BST ‘Markets will adjust,’ Rubio reacts to stocks falling after US tariffs In his briefing, US state secretary Marco Rubio was asked about Trump’s tariffs. He appeared to play down the impact, saying “their economies are not crashing – they’re markets are reacting to a dramatic change in the global order in terms of trade.” “What happens is pretty straightforward. If you’re a company and you make a bunch of your products in China, and all of a sudden, shareholders, or people that play the stock market realise that it’s going to cost a lot more to produce in China, your stock is going to go down. But ultimately, the markets, as long as they know what the rules are going to be moving forward, … the markets will adjust.” He explained that the US has “the largest consumer market in the world, and yet the only thing we export is services, and we need to stop that.” “We need to get back to a time where we’re a country that can make things,” he added. “The president rightly has concluded that the current status of global trade is bad for America and good for a bunch of other people. And he’s going to reset it, and he’s absolutely right to do it,” he said. Share Updated at 13.52 BST

4 Apr 2025 15.50 BST Closing summary Jakub Krupa … and on that note, it’s a wrap from me, Jakub Krupa, for today. US state secretary Marco Rubio appeared to play down the impact of US global tariffs , saying “economies are not crashing – their markets are reacting to a dramatic change in the global order in terms of trade” (14:05).

Ireland reported feeling first effects of US tariffs, with companies putting staff on reduced hours starting from this weekend, as the impact filters through to businesses (16:19) amid on-going debates about the EU’s response and whether it should target the US big tech giants, among others (12:21).

Speaking after a Nato ministerial summit in Brussels, he also signaled Washington’s growing impatience with Russia , as he said we should know within “weeks” if Moscow was serious about the prospect of peace in Ukraine, adding “president Trump is not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations” (14:16). Earlier, French and British foreign ministers also accusing Russia of dragging its feet (13:54).

Rubio also indirectly clashed with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen’s defence on Greenland (10:29), insisting the decision belongs to the Greenlanders, and the US was ready to partner with them at an opportune moment (14:09).

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte faced an awkward press conference as he repeatedly declined to answers journalists’ questions on US policies on trade, Russia and Greenland, seemingly to avoid a public disagreement with US president Donald Trump (13:41). And that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today. If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com. I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa. Share

4 Apr 2025 15.19 BST Trump’s tariffs start to bite with Irish companies looking to reduce staff hours Lisa O’Carroll The head of Ireland’s big business federation has said some companies are going to start putting staff on reduced working hours from this weekend as Donald Trump’s tariffs start to bite. View image in fullscreen Tanaiste Simon Harris during the Government Trade Forum at Government Buildings in Dublin. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA At the same time the country’s deputy prime minister has said he did not think the majority of EU countries would support France’s desire to retaliate by taxing US tech. The first tranche of the baseline 10% tariff will come into force on all imports from one minute past midnight US eastern time on Saturday with the higher “reciprocal tariffs” kicking in next Wednesday 9 April. “There is an immediacy for firms this weekend who know that their demand is likely to drop quite substantially and their workers will need to go on short time working,” said Danny McCoy, head of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation after a meeting between business leaders and the taoiseach and his deputy Simon Harris as government buildings on Friday. He is calling for immediate government supports along the lines of those put in place during Brexit and covid. “The [change] in demand will be immediate for products of firms that are selling fast moving consumer goods like our drinks industry for instance and as we stand there is no government support,” he added. EU foreign and trade ministers meet in Luxembourg on Monday and Ireland’s agriculture minister Martin Heydon was travelling to Washington for talks on the same day. The European Commission has said everything remains on the table in terms of tariff retaliation but Simon Harris, the deputy PM, said France’s plan to punish big tech was not the priority. “I don’t believe it’s the majority view of the European member states. I don’t believe it’s the pressing position of the European Commission, not by a long shot,” he said. Share Updated at 15.33 BST

4 Apr 2025 15.19 BST Automakers have already started to adapt to the 25-percent tariff imposed on car imports by US president Donald Trump, from pausing production to raising prices or halting certain models, AFP reported. Bank of America estimates that some 7.3 million vehicles, or eight percent of global auto sales, will get hit by the tariff. Ford CEO Jim Farley said in February that the tariffs will expose automakers to a “lot of cost and a lot of chaos”. Similar tariffs on car parts will also gradually come into effect, AFP said. Volkswagen has already informed its US dealers that it will add an “import fee” to cars it ships into the country from Europe and Mexico, according to trade publication Automotive News. Bank of America estimates that US vehicle prices would rise by about $10,000 if manufacturers fully pass on the cost of tariffs and maintain their profit margins, AFP noted. View image in fullscreen A drone view shows Honda vehicles parked at the company’s automotive assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/Reuters Share

4 Apr 2025 14.32 BST No appetite to reopen Windsor framework despite Trump tariffs, EU justice commissioner says Lisa O’Carroll The EU justice commissioner has said the Windsor framework agreement that governs post Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland is unlikely to be re-opened even with the prospect of a full scale trade war with the US. Although Northern Ireland is in the UK, any tariffs the EU imposes on US imports will apply in Northern Ireland in a trade development unforeseen at the time of the deal sealed in 2023. If the UK retaliates at the same level of tariffs as the EU, a move thought unlikely, then there is no issue, but if Brussels imposes tariffs at a different rate then Northern Ireland is caught in the EU trade war. But Michael McGrath, who is Ireland’s commissioner, said there was no appetite to reopen the framework. He told RTÉ: “I don’t believe there’s any desire to reopen those fundamentally important agreements that underpin peace, but also ensure that Northern Ireland has a special place, essentially, with access to the EU single market, while, of course, remaining part of the UK internal market. “There are issues that arise from what has been announced so far and what may yet come, but until we have the full picture, we cannot do a complete analysis of that. ““But I think we shouldn’t have any kneejerk reaction and seek to reopen agreements that were really hard won, and followed quite difficult negotiations, as we know, over a very prolonged period of time,” he said. Share

4 Apr 2025 14.25 BST ‘Just another nail in coffin for German car industry’ – workers react to tariffs Kate Connolly View image in fullscreen A man walks pasts the power plant of the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. Photograph: Krisztian Bocsi/Getty Images Emerging into the springtime sun from gate 17 at Volkswagen’s main factory in Wolfsburg at the end of his shift on Thursday afternoon, Carsten, 63, pulled heavily on a cigarette and shook his head when asked about Donald Trump’s US tariff policies. “It’s just another nail in the coffin for the German car industry,” the assembly line worker said. He cited managers’ plans to slash jobs and close factories earlier this year, and a decade before that the ‘dieselgate’ scandal, costly both financially and reputationally, after Germany’s largest carmaker was found to have falsified CO 2 emissions tests. Now that the US has put a punishing 25% tariff on car imports (until now it was 2.5%), “we’re swimming in shit,” he said, emitting a husky chuckle. “You have to laugh or you’d not survive,” he added. He declined to give his full name, but said he had been at the company for more than 15 years, and added he was “glad to be going into retirement” in two years’ time “so I don’t have to watch the carnage from the factory floor”. Germany’s new government, under the probable leadership of conservative former banker Friedrich Merz, which is still being painstakingly negotiated behind the scenes following a February election, suddenly faces a new and almighty challenge, on top of the already towering problem of how to steer Europe’s largest economy out of its deep economic woes. Read the full story: ‘Another nail in the coffin’: Germany’s car industry faces up to Trump’s tariffs Read more Share

4 Apr 2025 14.12 BST US policies ‘will never change,’ Trump tells investors US president Donald Trump said his policies “will never change” as he sought to reassure “many investors coming into the United States and investing massive amounts of money” by promising them “this is a great time to get rich, richer than ever before.” He made the comments in an all-caps post on Truth Social. Share

4 Apr 2025 13.30 BST US will know ‘within weeks’ if Russia is serious about peace, Rubio says Asked further on Russia, Rubio said we would see its position more clearly within “weeks” as “there’s a lot that has to happen here in the next few weeks in order for this to be real.” He appeared to signal growing impatience in the US saying: “This is about actions. If you’re interested in peace, you stop fighting and you lay out the conditions by which you’re willing to end the war, and they have to be reasonable conditions, right, not crazy stuff. If you’re interested in peace, that’s what you do. If you’re not interested in peace, then you sort of drag it out, and you come up with excuses, … we know that, and we’re not going to get pulled into that. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” He said that if Russia were to start another military campaign, as reported, “then we will know they are not interested in peace.” “If all of a sudden, we wake up tomorrow and the Russians are watching a massive offensive, then I think that’s a pretty clear sign they’re not interested in peace. That hasn’t happened yet. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen.” He ended: “We want to know whether they want to be peace or not, and if they do, then there’s a way there, and we’re willing to help. If they’re not then it’s good to know early so we can adjust our policies accordingly.” And that concludes his briefing. Share

4 Apr 2025 13.25 BST Russian invasion of Ukraine and return of Trump led to defence increases in Europe, Rubio says Rubio was also asked about the expected level of defence spending from European allies. He spoke of setting a “path” to 5% “at some point,” as “that’s what Nato allies need to be spending for Nato to face the threats that itself has identified and articulated.” He says the Russian invasion of Ukraine “has woken up a lot of people on the continent about real threats,” and pressure from president Trump added to that. “The stronger our partners in Nato are, the more capable our partners in Nato are, the stronger Nato is, and everybody should be in favour of that,” he said. Share

4 Apr 2025 13.16 BST We will ‘find out fairly soon’ if Russia is dragging feet, but Trumop ‘not going to fall into trap of endless negotiations’, Rubio says Rubio was also asked about the UK and French ministers’ comments on Russia’s position on Ukraine (13:54). “We are going to find out fairly soon,” he said when asked if Russia was dragging its feet. “We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not. I hope they are. It’ll be good for the world if that war ended. But obviously we have to test that proposition,” he said. He pointedly praised Ukraine for “showing a willingness” to talk, and then explained: “The Russians know our position in terms of wanting to end the war, and we will know from their answers very soon whether they are serious about proceeding with real peace or whether there’s a delay tactic. If it’s a delay tactic, the President’s not interested in that. If this is dragging things out, president Trump’s not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations.” Share

4 Apr 2025 13.09 BST Decision on Greenland’s future up to Greenlanders, but US would be ready to offer partnership, Rubio says Rubio was also asked about Greenland and comments by the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, which we brought you earlier (10:29). But he pushed back, saying “it’s going to be up to Greenlanders, the vice-president made that clear.” He claimed that “Greenlands do not want to be a part of Denmark,” and “that’s that they should focus on.” “We didn’t give them that idea. They’ve been talking about that for a long time. Whenever they make that decision, they’ll make that decision,” he said. “If they make that decision, then the United States would stand ready, potentially, to step in and say, OK, we can create a partnership with you. We’re not at that stage, but that’s what the vice-president made clear last week in his visit there,” he said. He added the US was “not going to … let China come in now and say, offer them a bunch of money and become … dependent on China.” Share Updated at 13.30 BST

4 Apr 2025 13.05 BST ‘Markets will adjust,’ Rubio reacts to stocks falling after US tariffs In his briefing, US state secretary Marco Rubio was asked about Trump’s tariffs. He appeared to play down the impact, saying “their economies are not crashing – they’re markets are reacting to a dramatic change in the global order in terms of trade.” “What happens is pretty straightforward. If you’re a company and you make a bunch of your products in China, and all of a sudden, shareholders, or people that play the stock market realise that it’s going to cost a lot more to produce in China, your stock is going to go down. But ultimately, the markets, as long as they know what the rules are going to be moving forward, … the markets will adjust.” He explained that the US has “the largest consumer market in the world, and yet the only thing we export is services, and we need to stop that.” “We need to get back to a time where we’re a country that can make things,” he added. “The president rightly has concluded that the current status of global trade is bad for America and good for a bunch of other people. And he’s going to reset it, and he’s absolutely right to do it,” he said. Share Updated at 13.52 BST

4 Apr 2025 12.54 BST UK and France accuse Russia of delaying Ukraine ceasefire talks Separately, the UK and France accused Russia of delaying Ukraine ceasefire efforts in an attempt to prolong the conflict, AP reported. “Our judgment is that Putin continues to obfuscate, continues to drag his feet,” British foreign secretary David Lammy told reporters at Nato headquarters, standing alongside his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot in a symbolic show of unity, AP noted. Lammy said that while Putin should be accepting a ceasefire, “he continues to bombard Ukraine. It’s civilian population. It’s energy supplies.” We see you, Vladimir Putin. We know what you are doing. AP reported that Barrot said that Ukraine had accepted ceasefire terms three weeks ago, and that Russia now “owes an answer to the United States.”

“Russia has been flip-flopping, continuing its strikes on energy infrastructure, continuing its war crimes,” he said. “It has to be ‘yes.’ It has to be ‘no.’ It has to be a quick answer.” Share

4 Apr 2025 12.41 BST Rutte’s dance around difficult questions shows his impossible position – snap analysis Jakub Krupa This press conference laid bare that Rutte is in a really difficult position as Nato’s secretary general, as he has to avoid causing any friction in his relationship with the easily irritable White House – and Trump’s policies are not making it easy. He repeatedly tried to avoid questions on Trump’s tariffs, Russia policy, or US plans to take control over Greenland. If he were to give his honest answer, it’s probably safe to assume he would have to distance himself from the US president and risk their relationship, with consequences for the alliance and Europe’s security, so he chooses to sidestep them instead. He even kind of hinted at that when he said “I don’t think I’m helping this alliance by commenting on something which is not really part of Alliance policy,” which sounded to me like “you know what you think, and you know exactly why I can’t say that.” But there is no escaping from the fact that it does not look great and could lead to some frustration between European allies, as we have seen with Denmark’s reported annoyance at him for sidestepping Trump’s comments on Greenland during his White House visit. Share

4 Apr 2025 12.30 BST And that ends his press conference. We should hear from US state secretary Marco Rubio very soon, too. Share Updated at 12.31 BST

4 Apr 2025 12.28 BST Rutte sidesteps question on Greenland Rutte also gets asked about the US interest in Greenland and whether Article 5 would apply “if an attack comes from within, and how would Nato respond.” Once again, he sidesteps a difficult question. “I think we should zoom out from Greenland, and we should look at the High North in the Arctic in general, because there is an issue in the Arctic with Chinese using the new sea lanes coming up, Russia rearming and arming parts of the Arctic. And that is why the seven Arctic countries within Nato, US and Canada, Denmark through Greenland, but also Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, are working together, all seven. And Nato is involved to make sure that we take the necessary next steps to defend this part of Nato territory.” Share

4 Apr 2025 12.26 BST ‘Clear for the whole Nato that Russia is a long term threat,’ Rutte says Rutte also gets pressed between “discrepancies” between his comments on Nato and the view of the US administration which seeks to do business with Moscow. He starts by praising Trump for “commendable” effort to bring the Russian invasion of Ukraine to an end, particularly as “the war was not developing in the right direction” when he came into office. But he adds that “it is clear for the whole of Nato [that] Russia is a long term threat, even if this war will come to an end.” He says “nobody is naive about Russia,” but again acknowledges the need to hold talks with Moscow about ending the war. He adds the process is closely watched by China’s Xi Jinping who “wants to know at the end, who comes out on top? Is it the West, or is it Russia?” “And if it is Russia, it will give him thoughts about what he could do in his region, because he also has some territorial claims, which he might want then to entertain,” he warns. Share

4 Apr 2025 12.13 BST Rutte repeatedly refuses to engage with questions on US tariffs Aaaand back to US tariffs. Rutte gets another push back on his refusal to engage on the subject, with the reporter noting that as the alliance keeps calling for ramp up in defence spending, the allies’ ability to do so will be affected by the impact of tariffs. But he once again seeks to avoid giving a meaningful answer. “Obviously, national governments have to make their decisions, and politics is making choices in scarcity,” he says. He then says: “It can always be an issue that the money you expected to be there is not there because of inflation or because of the fact that the GDP is not growing like you expected in the past, or what forecasts were, etc, but that is what national politics, politics and politicians have to navigate, and that’s what they are doing. And I don’t think I’m helping this alliance by commenting on something which is not really part of Alliance policy.” Share

4 Apr 2025 12.10 BST Rutte also gets asked about China and whether it is a threat or a challenge. He says that “when you look at the buildup of the defence industrial base in China, when you look at the fact that they have no more Navy ships sailing than the US, that they will go to 1000 nuclear warheads by 2030, it’s absolutely clear that we cannot be naive about China.” “That’s the reason why we work so intensely together with, indeed, Japan and Korea, but also Australia, New Zealand and the importance now is that we deepen that cooperation,” he says. Share