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EUROPE MOBILIZES FOR UKRAINE PEACE DEAL AS LEADERS REJECT LIFTING RUSSIA SANCTIONS

European leaders gathered in Paris for a summit of Kyiv’s allies, declaring unity and strength in support of Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Europe is mobilizing on a scale “not seen for decades” to sustain a future peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a “reassurance force” to be deployed to Ukraine once a ceasefire is secured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, dressed in military attire, urged the U.S. to take a stronger stance against Russia and respond to Moscow’s violations of agreements. He confirmed no plans to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump as Ukrainian and American teams negotiate a deal on rare earth minerals. Zelensky expressed optimism after the summit, saying he felt “motivated” by the discussions. Leaders at the summit agreed that lifting sanctions on Russia now would be a mistake. The talks also addressed tensions over a proposed maritime truce in the Black Sea, with Moscow demanding Western restrictions on its food and fertilizer trade be lifted first—a condition Zelensky rejected as unrelated to the ceasefire agreement. Starmer accused Russia of manipulating peace talks, calling it “a classic from the Putin playbook.” The summit, attended by 30 nations, emphasized European solidarity, with Starmer stressing that while European commitment is strong, U.S. support remains crucial for a lasting ceasefire.

EUROPEAN LEADERS UNITE IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE, AGREE TO DRAW UP PEACE PLAN

European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine, agreeing to draw up a peace plan to present to the United States. The move comes after a tumultuous meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who welcomed Zelenskiy to London on Saturday, said European leaders had agreed to form a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine. “We are at a crossroads in history today,” Starmer said. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.” Zelenskiy, who met with King Charles at his private residence in eastern England on Sunday, expressed gratitude for the European leaders’ support. “European unity is at an extremely high level not seen for a long time,” he wrote on Telegram. The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the need for European nations to increase defense spending to demonstrate their ability to protect themselves. “After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time,” she said. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that European leaders agreed to take on more responsibility for defense spending within NATO. “We need to keep close ties with the US,” he added. The Trump administration has continued to criticize Zelenskiy, with White House national security adviser Mike Waltz suggesting that the US needs a Ukrainian leader willing to secure a lasting peace with Russia. Despite the challenges, Starmer expressed optimism about the prospects for a peace deal. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing,” he said.

UK PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER SACKS LABOUR PARTY MINISTER OVER ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sacked Labour Party lawmaker Andrew Gwynne as a junior health minister after he made anti-Semitic remarks in a WhatsApp group. Gwynne has also been suspended from the Labour Party. Gwynne expressed regret over his comments, saying “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused” ¹. He added, “I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken.” According to the Mail on Sunday, Gwynne posted messages in a WhatsApp group with over a dozen Labour councillors, party officials, and at least one other MP, making anti-Semitic slights and joking about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck. A government spokesperson stated, “The Prime Minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead a government in the service of working people”. The spokesperson added, “He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case.” This incident marks the latest challenge for Starmer’s government, which has faced several setbacks despite its landslide election victory in July 2024. In November, Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary after revelations of a prior criminal offence.

TRUMP PRAISES STARMER, DESPITE CRITICISM FROM MUSK

President Donald Trump has expressed admiration for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, despite criticism from tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk. Trump described Starmer as a “very good person” who has done a “very good job thus far.” “I like him a lot,” Trump said. “He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far.” Trump’s comments came during a visit to the press room on board Air Force One, where he also mentioned that he and Starmer would be having a call “over the next 24 hours.” The two leaders have met on several occasions, including a visit by Starmer to Trump Tower in New York during the presidential campaign. Musk However, not everyone shares Trump’s positive view of Starmer. Elon Musk has been strongly critical of the Prime Minister, calling for his removal from office and accusing him of being “deeply complicit in the mass rapes” related to the grooming gangs scandal. Starmer Starmer has denied the allegations, accusing critics of “spreading lies and misinformation.” Despite the criticism, Trump’s praise for Starmer suggests a positive relationship between the two leaders, with Trump saying they have a “very good relationship.” Lammy Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also announced that Starmer will visit Washington for talks with Trump “within the next few weeks.”