live
The US is targeting “anything we can get!” (Image: GETTY)
Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to step down as president of , if it brings peace to the war-torn country.
His remarks come as the United States and hold peace talks without any Ukrainian representation.
“If it’s about peace in and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace]”, Mr Zelensky said.
“Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership]. If there is such an opportunity I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said was “right” to approach about negotiations over the war but “there can be no settlement” without involving Kyiv.
Asked whether the UK Government agreed with the US President’s decision to “pick up the phone to “, the Education Secretary told the ’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “It will require negotiation with the Russians through part of the settlement, so I do think that is the right approach.
“President Trump has brought the Russians to the table, but any lasting settlement when it comes to peace does require Ukrainian voices, President Zelensky’s voice, to be a part of that.
“There can be no settlement unless we have a negotiation involving both and .”
The comments come as , thought to be the largest of the three-year war. has changed America’s stance on since coming to office and has begun negotiations with without Europe or, most notably, .
THIS LIVE BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED.
KEY EVENTS
- 11:43
Putin’s missile strikes Zelensky’s hometown killing one and injuring five
A day before the third anniversary of ’s invasion of , launched a on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
The attack was part of the biggest ever drone attack on , with Russian troops reportedly firing 267 Shahed drones at targets across the country.
The head of the city’s Defence Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, reported the attack on Kryvyi Rih killed one civilian and left five others wounded.
Trump threatening to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink satellite system
is threatening to cut off ‘s access to the Starlink satellite internet system, as he tries to force Kyiv to agree to US demands for reparations.
President Trump Speaks At National Governors Association Reception (Image: Getty)
Ex-foreign Sec: Trump may be making a “historic mistake”
Speaking to ‘s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Lord William Hague said “it’s a good thing to try to end a war but the only way to end this war in a way that doesn’t encourage future wars is to give as much support as we possibly can to , to show Putin that a war of aggression will never succeed”.
He added: “Having meetings with the Russians without the Ukrainians even represented, is, I think, the wrong way to go about it,” refrencing the US- talks last week.
Starmer is “more determined to stand up for Ukraine” after visit
Prime Minister Sir spoke in Glasgow at the Scottish Labour Conference this morning.
He says he is “more determined to stand up for ” after visiting the frontline.
“I’ve seen first-hand the devastation Putin has caused,” he says.
He explained how he met injured soldiers in Kyiv, and spoke to children growing up in the conflict. “I’ve been to Bucha, the town where Russian soldiers handcuffed civilians and shot them in the head in cold blood. Trust me, you don’t forget a place like that.”
Education Secretary says Trump was “right” to call Putin
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said was “right” to approach about negotiations over the war but peace talks on must “involve both and and we want to support that process”.
She told the ’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “It will require negotiation with the Russians through part of the settlement, so I do think that is the right approach.”
“There can be no settlement unless we have a negotiation involving both and ,” she added.
Trump rages ‘we’ll get our money back’ as Zelensky refuses deal
has erupted again at , vowing to get America’s money back after the country spent hundreds of billions of dollars in military aid to Kyiv. The US President also claimed a deal with was nearly signed.
However, inside sources revealed to Sky News that President Zelenskyy is not ready and willing to accept the agreement that has been drafted.
“I want them to give us something for all the money we put up,” Mr Trump told the CPAC conference. “So we’re asking for rare earth and oil – anything we can get!”
The president claimed the US had given $350bn in aid, explaining that, unlike European countries, it was not a loan and that they were due compensation.
“We’re going to get our money back because it’s not fair,” President Trump continued, adding that they are “pretty close to a deal. We better be close to a deal”.
Even though the US believes the deal is nearly done, the Ukrainian source said there were “a number of problematic issues” preventing the signing. They said drafts did not “reflect a partnership in the agreement and contain only unilateral commitments by “.
Zelenskyy makes a statement: “The war continues.”
“Every day, our people stand against aerial terror. On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, launched 267 attack drones against — the largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages.
“In total, nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of various types were launched this week.
“I thank everyone who repels such attacks on a daily basis—our aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces.
“I also thank those on the ground who save lives and respond to the aftermath of shelling—the State Emergency Service, medics, and the National Police.
“The war continues.
“Everyone capable of helping with air defense must work to enhance the protection of human life. We must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to .
“This is achievable through the unity of all partners—we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace.”
Russia launches large-scale drone attack across Ukraine
Last night launched their largest drone attack of the nearly three-year-long war, according to Kyiv’s air force.
Yuriy Ignat, spokesman for ‘s Air Force Command, said a “record” 267 Russian drones were launched.
The number of deaths remains unclear, but initial figures from emergency services suggest there were at least three casualties, the reports.
Keir Starmer pledges “ironclad support” in call with Zelensky
Sir and Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke on the phone yesterday where the prime minister reiterated the UK’s “ironclad support” for and said he would discuss safeguarding Kyiv’s sovereignty with the US president on Thursday.
Sir Keir insisted Kyiv’s voice must be at the heart of any peace negotiations and said he would be “progressing these important discussions” on his visit to Washington, Downing Street said.
Kemi Badenoch warns the PM this is “no time for dither”
The Conservative leader has warned the Prime Minister this is “no time for dither” and he must announce an urgent increase in defence spending ahead talks with the US President.
In a letter to the PM, Mrs Badenoch offered Tory support for using cash from the welfare and foreign aid budgets to boost spending on Britain’s armed forces.
She says spending should increase to 2.5% of GDP as a “bare minimum”.
Read the full story .
President Trump called Nigel Farage a “great guy”
During the president’s speech at CPAC, he shouted out visitors in the audience including Reform UK leader , calling him a “great guy”.
The PM is reportedly announcing a new Ukraine support package tomorrow
The Prime Minister is expected to announce a new package of support for on Monday – the third anniversary of ’s full-scale invasion.
The reported move may increase tensions with the US as it contradicts their messaging.
Mr Trump has previously accused Sir Keir of doing “nothing” to end the conflict, and the two leaders are set to meet on Thursday for face-to-face talks.
The US claims they had given Ukraine $350 billion
President Trump claimed that the United States had given $350 billion (£277 billion), yet critics believe this figure is much lower.
President Trump targeting “anything we can get!”
Speaking at the CPAC conference yesterday, President said: “I want them to give us something for all the money we put up.
“So we’re asking for rare earth and oil – anything we can get!”
Ukraine not ready to accept the drafted deal
A Ukrainian source said an agreement was not yet close due to “a number of problematic issues,” adding how the drafts did not “reflect a partnership in the agreement and contain only unilateral commitments by “.
Good morning
Good morning and welcome to today’s live blog where we will be bringing you all the latest US- updates.