Yesterday marked the sombre three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while on the other side of the globe, US President Donald Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington.
If you are just joining us, here’s what you need to know for today:
- The Kremlin seemed to offer the US a part in exploiting its rare minerals after reports that the US and Ukraine may soon be reaching their own rare mineral deal
- The EU has proposed a separate minerals deal with to Ukraine, but a source at the EU told the BBC its proposals are not in competition with the US
- Meanwhile, France’s Macron has doubled-down on his commitment to securing a ceasefire with clear security guarantees for Ukraine after his meeting with Trump
- Following his footsteps, UK PM Keir Starmer will be flying out to Washington to meet Trump on Thursday for Ukraine talks
- Overnight, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine, with more than 200 drones and seven cruise missiles launched from Russia, according to Kyiv’s military. A 44-year-old woman was injured in an attack in the Kyiv region and several structures were destroyed
And within the hour, we’re also going to be hearing from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will be giving a statement on defence and security in Parliament. Stick with us.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will deliver a statement on defence and security at 12:30 GMT, days before travelling to Washington DC to meet Donald Trump
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It comes as French President Emmanuel Macron says a truce between Ukraine and Russia could be agreed in the coming weeks, following talks with Trump at the White House
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Macron, and Starmer when he visits the White House on Thursday, are both trying to bridge a widening security gap between Europe and America, writes James Waterhouse
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Meanwhile the Kremlin says it sees potential for co-operation with the US on developing Russia’s reserves of rare earth minerals, including from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine
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Speculation has been mounting that Kyiv and Washington are close to signing a deal over US access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits
