Overview

• Keir Starmer continues to push for a 'coalition of the willing' peacekeeping force in Ukraine, despite criticism from US envoy Steve Witkoff, who called the plan 'simplistic.'
• Starmer stressed the importance of European countries increasing defense spending and warned against trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin in ceasefire negotiations.
• US envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin and suggested potential territorial concessions in Ukraine, raising concerns about US mediation efforts.
• The UK government is working to avoid US tariffs on British goods, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressing confidence in reaching a resolution.
• Starmer highlighted the historical significance of balancing US and European alliances, drawing comparisons to Churchill and Attlee's approach during pivotal global conflicts.