63 m. ago Ukraine believes Putin has just ‘one card left to play’ in ceasefire talks – and it gives Kyiv the upper hand

Exclusive: Ukraine and its allies believe European support and the threat of further sanctions give Kyiv the edge over Moscow – they just hope they have done enough to convince Donald Trump, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley

Politics

78 m. ago Donald Trump says Vladimir Putin faces ‘very severe consequences’ if no Ukraine truce agreed

Volodymyr Zelensky warns Russian leader ‘bluffing’ while Sir Keir Starmer insists there is a ‘viable’ chance of a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv

Politics

1 hour ago Donald Trump warns Putin there will be 'VERY severe consequences' if Russia does not stop the war in Ukraine

The US President took a tougher tone against the dictator yesterday saying he was yet to be convinced he would be able to persuade Putin to stop killing civilians.

Events

2 h. ago Boosting productivity will be main priority of my autumn budget, Reeves says

Exclusive: Chancellor says ‘investment and reform are our tools’ as she pushes back against mounting tax speculationRachel Reeves: Labour has fixed the foundations – now we must build a stronger economy for a renewed BritainRachel Reeves has promised to use her autumn budget to prioritise fixing Britain’s dismal record on productivity as she sought to downplay mounting tax speculation with a focus on economic growth.Setting out her priorities for the budget for the first time, the chancellor said tackling the efficiency of the economy through higher investment and a fresh assault on planning rules would form the backbone of her tax and spending plans. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago Boosting productivity will be main priority of autumn budget, Reeves says

Exclusive: Chancellor focuses on investment and planning rules as she dismisses talk of tax rises as ‘speculation’Rachel Reeves: Labour has fixed the foundations – now we must build a stronger economy for a renewed BritainRachel Reeves has promised to use her autumn budget to prioritise fixing Britain’s dismal record on productivity as she sought to downplay mounting tax speculation with a focus on economic growth.Setting out her priorities for the budget for the first time, the chancellor said tackling the efficiency of the economy through higher investment and a fresh assault on planning rules would form the backbone of her tax and spending plans. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago Charles Leclerc makes Ferrari demand that puts Lewis Hamilton's F1 dream at risk

Lewis Hamilton is betting on Ferrari having a 2026 car capable of fighting for Formula 1 glory as the seven-time champion eyes one more title before he retires from racing

Events

2 h. ago Trump sparks European jitters as he tells Zelensky it may be necessary to give up land to Putin

President Donald Trump rated his call Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders a '10.' The Europeans had a much more jittery reaction.

Politics

2 h. ago Trump threatens ‘very severe consequences’ if Putin refuses to end Ukraine war

US president allays European concerns with focus on ceasefire as Alaska talks near

Politics

3 h. ago Putin to face ‘very severe consequences’ if he does not agree Ukraine ceasefire, says Trump

US president also suggests he would push for second summit if his meeting with Putin goes well alongside Vlodymyr ZelesnkyyVladimir Putin will face “very severe consequences” if he does not agree a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine at his summit with Donald Trump in Alaska, the US president said on Wednesday.Speaking after a call with Vlodymyr Zelesnkyy and other European leaders, including Britain’s Keir Starmer, Trump also suggested he would push for a second summit if his meeting with Putin goes well – this time including his Ukrainian counterpart. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Putin faces ‘very severe consequences’ if no Ukraine truce agreed, Trump says

US president also says he would push for three-way summit with Volodymyr Zelenskyy if Alaska meeting goes wellVladimir Putin will face “very severe consequences” if he does not agree a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine at his summit with Donald Trump in Alaska, the US president said on Wednesday.Speaking after a call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders, including Britain’s Keir Starmer, Trump also suggested he would push for a second summit if his meeting with Putin goes well – this time including his Ukrainian counterpart. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Zelensky warns Trump Putin is ‘bluffing’ ahead of crunch Ukraine peace talks

Volodymyr Zelensky said he told Donald Trump that Vladimir Putin was “bluffing” on being open to ceasefire negotiations, ahead of high stakes “one-on-one” talks between the US and Russia on Friday (15 August).

Events

3 h. ago Zelensky tells Trump that Putin is ‘bluffing’ and does not want peace ahead of crunch Ukraine summit

It has been reported that the US and Russia have discussed the Israeli occupation of Palestine as a model for a future agreement with Ukraine

Politics

3 h. ago Kate Middleton issues emotional message in new video released during summer break

The Princess of Wales took to Instagram to share the latest installment of her Mother Nature series, which focuses on celebrating the seasons in the UK.

Politics

3 h. ago ‘Cherish bonds of love and friendship’ over summer, says Kate

Kate made the comments as part of Kensington Palace’s quarterly Mother Nature video series.

Politics

3 h. ago Germany and allies to send major military aid package to Ukraine using new NATO supply line

Germany says it will work with Ukraine's Western allies to provide military aid worth up to $500 million

Events

3 h. ago Trump defense official led thinktank that spread lies about Tren de Aragua

Under Joseph Humire, the thinktank tracked alleged crimes by the Venezuelan gang in the US. A non-profit found multiple false entriesA senior official appointed to the defense department led a thinktank that promoted fake news about the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, according to InSight Crime, a non-profit analyzing organized crime.Joseph Humire was appointed this summer to be the head of policy focusing on the western hemisphere within the office of the under secretary of defense for policy. He was previously the executive director of a conservative thinktank focused on global security. Humire’s appointment comes as the Trump administration is ramping up its aggressive strategy against organized crime in Latin America and the Venezuelan government, which it accuses of working with TdA. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Merz’s manoeuvres on world stage fail to quell doubts about his leadership

The German chancellor’s high-wire statesmanship on Ukraine has done little to alleviate his domestic woesEurope live – latest updatesFriedrich Merz hosted the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Wednesday as a weakened leader 100 days into his term, with his attempts to rally western support for Kyiv and wrangle Donald Trump failing to silence his domestic critics.The German chancellor took the initiative for Wednesday’s lightning round of telephone conferences bringing in EU leaders, Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance. Zelenskyy’s surprise arrival in Berlin to sit in on the calls underlined Merz’s starring role in the diplomatic efforts. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago A $200 million endowment focused on Black Americans is taking shape

The Black Freedom Fund plans to expand to a $200 million endowment

Economics

3 h. ago Daniel Dubois is serving suspension after brutal Oleksandr Usyk defeat

The former world champion suffered an agonising defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in front of over 90,000 fans last month and is believed to be serving a suspension

Politics

4 h. ago Kate Middleton halts summer break to release new video with emotional statement

Princess Kate has taken a break from her holiday to share a poignant message on embracing special moments and cherishing loved ones during the summer season

Politics