World Politics

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreWatch live as Sir Keir Starmer holds a press conference on Sunday (2 March) following Ukraine crisis talks with European leaders.Speaking at a summit in London to discuss ending Russia‘s war in Ukraine, Sir Keir said that getting a good outcome for Ukraine was “vital to the security of every nation here and many others too”.He was flanked by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and French leader Emmanuel Macron during the official photo to mark the start of talks.The Ukrainian leader was among more than a dozen leaders attending the meeting from a host of European nations, as well as Canada, Turkey and Nato. It was held at Lancaster House, a 200-year-old elegant mansion near Buckingham Palace.Mr Zelensky will also meet with King Charles later on Sunday, in what is being seen as a moment of royal solidarity with Ukraine.Sir Keir Starmer revealed earlier that he would present a peace plan to US president Donald Trump after a summit of European leaders in London today. More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreThe Norwegian government has moved to ease concerns regarding the refuelling of US Navy vessels after one company spoke out on social media, saying in the wake of Donald Trump’s showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, it would no longer supply American ships. “We have seen reports raising concerns about support for U.S. Navy vessels in Norway. This is not in line with the Norwegian government’s policy,” Norway’s Defence Minister Tore Sandvik said in a statement.”American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway,” he added. Sandvik issued his statement after privately held Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers said that it would stop supplying U.S. Navy ships in response to how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was treated at the White House on Friday.”Huge credit to the president of Ukraine restraining himself and for keeping calm even though USA put on a backstabbing TV show. It made us sick… No Fuel to Americans!,” the company said in a now deleted Facebook post.Haltbakk Bunkers CEO Gunnar Gran confirmed to Norwegian newspaper VG that the company made a decision not to supply the US military, but said the move would have a “symbolic” impact as it didn’t have a fixed contract.The Norweigian government regularly refuels US Navy vessels such as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, shown here More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read more“The free world needs a new leader”, the EU’s foreign policy chief has warned, hitting back at Donald Trump after his explosive Oval Office clash with Volodymyr Zelensky. EU leaders threw their weight behind the Ukrainian president on Friday evening after the shocking confrontation between the two leaders, which saw Mr Trump claim Mr Zelensky is not “ready for peace”, as well as accusing him of “gambling with world war three”.But Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, went one step further, suggesting that Mr Trump is no longer fit to lead the free world. Kaja Kallas said President Trump was no longer fit to lead the free world after his clash with Mr Zelensky More

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s social media site was flooded with moving messages of support from leaders around the world, including the U.S., after he was mocked and yelled at by President Donald Trump Friday in a meeting in the Oval Office.Trump, the draft dodger who got out of the Vietnam War with a reportedly faked bone spurs excuse, taunted the war president’s black sweater and pants (similar to Elon Musk’s Oval Office attire), and informed Zelensky that his country was in “big trouble” before the sit down imploded into a shouting match and was terminated.Trump said later on Truth Social that Zelensky had “disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office.”Former Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney quickly shot back on X after the shocking meeting: “Generations of American patriots, from our revolution onward, have fought for the principles Zelenskyy is risking his life to defend.”Donald Trump and JD Vance “attacked Zelenskyy and pressured him to surrender the freedom of his people to the KGB war criminal who invaded Ukraine. History will remember this day — when an American President and Vice President abandoned all we stand for,” she added.Zelensky was quickly supported in posts on X by the leaders of France, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Finland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Canada, Croatia, Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Portugal, among other nations.Zelensky responded to each: “Thank you for your support.”“Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine,” wrote Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a post to Zelensky after the meeting debacle. “For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.”Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all.Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and…— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 28, 2025 “The security of Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe. We all need to stand together to fight for our values, freedom, and peace,” wrote Acting Romania President Ilie Bolojan. “We stand united with @ZelenskyyUa and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy,” posted Estonia Prime Minister Kristen Michal. We stand united with @ZelenskyyUa and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy. 🇪🇪🇺🇦— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) February 28, 2025 “Slovenia upholds the principles and respect of international law and international relations. What we witnessed in the Oval Office today undermines these values and the foundations of diplomacy,” wrote Slovenia President Nataša Pirc Musar. “We stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. We repeat, Russia is the aggressor.” “We stand behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their historic fight to defend themselves against an unprovoked Russian aggression. Their fight is our fight. United we are strong,” posted Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever.We stand behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their historic fight to defend themselves against an unprovoked Russian aggression. Their fight is our fight. United we are strong. 🇺🇦— Bart De Wever (@Bart_DeWever) February 28, 2025 “The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever,” wrote Netherland Prime Minister Dick Schoof. “We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”Robert Metsola, president of the European Parliament, wrote: “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelensky. More

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsThe number of people forcibly displaced in the world through wars, persecution and disasters, natural and man -made, rose to a record 117.3 million last year with the situation likely to get even worse, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has said.Forced displacement has continued to rise in the first four months of this year, and the total of those affected is expected to reach 120 million in the near future, with no end to global strife in sight.”These are refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people, people being forced away by conflict, by persecution, by different and increasingly complex forms of violence,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.The Israeli offensive in Gaza has led to 80 per cent of the territory’s population, 1.7 million people, to flee, often being driven from one refuge to another as Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has expanded the operation. Those who had fled across the border into Egypt, the UNHCR report said, may find themselves stranded.”Another refugee crisis outside Gaza would be catastrophic on all levels, including because we have no guarantee that the people will be able to return to Gaza one day,” Mr Grandi said.The civil war in Sudan, which has faded from international focus, has been “one of the most catastrophic ones” unfolding with more that nine million people internally displaced and another two million have fled to neighbouring countries including Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.While existing conflicts continue, the unstable international geopolitics could lead to more rather than less violence unfolding, says the report. “Unless there is a shift in international geopolitics, unfortunately, I actually see that figure continuing to go up,” Mr Grandi said. More

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsWatch live as world leaders arrive for the 60th Munich Security Conference beginning on Friday, 16 February.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opens the conference at a critical time, as violence in Gaza escalates amid calls for ceasefires; the US presidential election campaign heats up; and calls to bolster support and aid for Ukraine increase.An estimated 50 world leaders are expected to attend the annual event that bills itself as the world’s leading forum for debating international security policy. The governments of Russia and Iran have not been invited.US Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to address the conference on its opening day. She returns after speaking at the 2022 and 2023 conferences, but now faces the task of assuring Nato allies will be protected after recent comments from Donald Trump.On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will make his first in-person appearance at the conference since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, having addressed last year’s conference virtually. More

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsWatch again as protests mark the first anniversary of Brazil’s anti-democratic uprising anniversary.On 8 January 2023, thousands of supporters of the country’s former president Jair Bolsonaro broke through a blockade and stormed the presidential palace in Brasilia.It came days after the inauguration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the October 2022 election.Scenes echoed those of the US Capitol riots in 2021.On Monday (8 January), congressional leaders, Supreme Court justices, and government officials led by Lula remembered the day the capital was stormed by protesters calling for a military coup.“All those who financed, planned, and executed the coup attempt must be exemplarily punished. There is no forgiveness for anyone who attacks democracy,” Lula said at the event held in Congress.“Forgiveness would sound like impunity. And impunity would be a free pass for more acts of terrorism.” More

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who served almost nine years in office after seizing power in a 2014 military coup, said Tuesday that he is leaving politics. His […] More