Ukraine, latest..

Details on Starmer's intentions on meeting Trump

"Starmer will not challenge Trump on his attack on Zelenskyy when the pair meet

UK prime minister aiming to cool escalating transatlantic row over war in Ukraine

"Starmer is hoping to defuse the row, including by avoiding direct reference to the president’s recent comments.

One British official said: “We want to focus on the future rather than relitigating any of the disputes there have been in recent days. If the president asks our view then we will give it, in line with statements we have made. But it is always better to focus on the future rather than trying to go over arguments of the past.”

Starmer’s trip comes as European leaders express alarm at having been left out of talks between the US and Russia, and at the tone of Trump’s recent remarks about Ukraine.

www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/feb/21/starmer-trump-zelenskyy-attack-ukraine

We will have to see what mood POTUS is in after meeting with President Macron on Monday, he will have had three days to ponder on Europes position regarding Ukraine.

Cossy

Rosie51

There aren't words acceptable to GN to articulate my feelings on this development. I thought aid was aid, no strings........

I agree

Initially I felt sick at heart when I read this thread last night, but a bit of googling revealed that it was not quite as cut and dried and settled as the OP seemed to say. And the ABC news article (which was very up to date) seemed to confirm this. It was on the DM front page in more or less the OP's words, though

I can't see Zelensky rolling over that easily and international negotiations are usually long and drawn out.

So it's really 'wait and see'.

The DM article repeating the O/time P rumour came out 12 hours ago and todays' DM online reflects the reality, no deal and hostile relations. No idea where the initial rumour came from, perhaps SM speculation?

I was also realised this morning that the German Elections are tomorrow and both Ukraine and tariff threats are "on the agenda".

How can someone enter negotiations when there have already been reports on what he is going to say/avoid saying? Why would reporters be told what is going to happen, even if it were all cast in stone, which it can't be as much depends on the other parties to the negotiations.

There is so much speculation around all of this that I've stopped reading. One minute it all seems terrifying, and the next thing reports are shown to be supposition. At times I think it was so much better when we heard the News once a day instead of round the clock.

Meanwhile China is building a railway across Mongolia.. taking over the world by stealth

I find your last two posts interesting pascal30

Best to wait and see what is in the deal. In my opinion.

This is a good discussion - from last night. It's the Brwscast, Americast and Ukraincast teams together.

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ksnfwm?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

And very aggressive re Taiwan pascal.

www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/21/donald-trump-russia-ukraine-foreign-policy-impact-taiwan

Very aggressive indeed, Not Spaghetti , but typical Trump, I'm quoting from the article you posted

"Support from the US, Taiwan’s biggest backer, is considered crucial for the island’s survival.
While the US officially refuses to say if it would militarily defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack, former president Joe Biden said repeatedly that under his leadership they probably would.

The US sells Taiwan billions of dollars in weapons under legal obligations to provide it with defensive means and uses its military and foreign policy to support the peaceful “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait.

But Trump is now questioning the worth of the US’s support and floated the idea of charging Taiwan for protection. He’s accused Taiwan of “stealing” the US’s semiconductor business, and railed against trading partners – including Taiwan – having surpluses against the US. He has threatened or imposed steep and sweeping tariffs

”But Trump is now questioning the worth of the US’s support and floated the idea of charging Taiwan for protection”

Trump appears to be running a global, mafia-style protection racket

Yes -that fits exactly....

LizzieDrip

^”But Trump is now questioning the worth of the US’s support and floated the idea of charging Taiwan for protection”^

Trump appears to be running a global, mafia-style protection racket

But he doesnt have to support at all?

Does he.

I for one feel I have very much taken the US "world police" role for granted.

Doodledog

How can someone enter negotiations when there have already been reports on what he is going to say/avoid saying? Why would reporters be told what is going to happen, even if it were all cast in stone, which it can't be as much depends on the other parties to the negotiations.

There is so much speculation around all of this that I've stopped reading. One minute it all seems terrifying, and the next thing reports are shown to be supposition. At times I think it was so much better when we heard the News once a day instead of round the clock.

You’re not wrong!

LizzieDrip

^”But Trump is now questioning the worth of the US’s support and floated the idea of charging Taiwan for protection”^

Trump appears to be running a global, mafia-style protection racket

Basically that’s what he is, a racketeer.

LizzieDrip

^”But Trump is now questioning the worth of the US’s support and floated the idea of charging Taiwan for protection”^

Trump appears to be running a global, mafia-style protection racket

So now he's prepared to antagonise China.. talk about risky..