European troops deployed to Ukraine would respond to a Russian attack, French president Emmanuel Macron warned.
After a meeting in Paris between Mr Macron and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, he said European troops would fight Putin’s troops if attacked by them after any ceasefire agreement.
“If there was again a generalised aggression against Ukrainian soil, these armies would be under attack and then it’s our usual framework of engagement,” he said.
It comes after senior Zelensky aide ZIgor Zhovkva said British troops must be ready to fight Vladimir Putin’s forces to defend Ukraine.
Mr Zhovkva said European soldiers should be prepared to fight Russia and defend Ukraine if deployed to the country after any ceasefire agreement.
“It’s not the amount which matters... it is also their readiness to fight, their readiness to defend, their readiness to be equipped,” Mr Zhovkva told AFP.
Sir Keir Starmer has urged a “coalition of a willing” to organise a European peacekeeping force to monitor Ukraine’s border and enforce a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte warned Russia on Wednesday that a reaction to an attack on Europe would be “devastating.”
Key Points
- British troops must be ready to fight in Ukraine, Zelensky aide says
- EU says Russian sanctions won't be lifted until full withdrawal from Ukraine
- Russian drone attacks are proof Russia doesn't want 'real peace': Zelensky
- Kremlin says 'clear guarantees' needed over Black Sea deal
New Russian envoy to US to present credentials today, State Dept says
03:35
,
Arpan Rai
Russia's new ambassador to the United States will informally present his credentials to the Trump administration today, the US State Department said last night.
Alexander Darchiev, who was recently named as Russian ambassador to the US, will present credential at 2.15am eastern time (1815 GMT), according to the department's public schedule.
The department said Louis L Bono, the Senior Bureau official for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, will attend.
Moscow has not had an ambassador in the US since its last ambassador left his post in October.
Zelensky says he wants America to be strong in countering Putin's demands
03:18
,
Arpan Rai
Volodymyr Zelensky has said he wanted the US and Kyiv's other Western allies to remain strong in countering Russia's demands and narrative in its three-year war on his country.
Pro-Kremlin comments by Washington were weakening US pressure on Russia and bringing peace no closer in the war, Mr Zelensky said.
"They are posing conditions on sanctions to the American side. If America stands strong... we are standing on our own land and are defending ourselves," Mr Zelensky said, speaking to a panel of European journalists in Paris.
"We have shown our resilience. And now it is very important for our partners to be at least as resilient as we are, though they have more capabilities,” he said.
On being asked whether he believed the Americans would remain strong, he answered, in English: "I hope so. God bless they will."
European troops in Ukraine could respond to a Russian attack, Macron says
03:00
,
Arpan Rai
European troops deployed in Ukraine to monitor a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow could respond to a Russian attack, French president Emmanuel Macron said.
Speaking after talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Macron said European armies could respond to a “conflict situation” if one emerged.
“If there was again a generalised aggression against Ukrainian soil, these armies would be under attack and then it’s our usual framework of engagement,” Mr Macron said.
“Our soldiers, when they are engaged and deployed, are there to react and respond to the decisions of the commander in chief and, if they are in a conflict situation, to respond to it.”
Too early to lift Russia sanctions, Macron says
03:00
,
Alexander Butler
French president Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday it was "much too early" to lift sanctions against Russia.
"The question of (lifting) the sanctions will come, but in due time within the framework of a solid and lasting peace. So it is much too early," Mr Macron said alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris.
The United States reached separate deals on Tuesday with Ukraine and Russia to pause their attacks at sea and against energy targets, with Washington agreeing to push to lift some sanctions against Moscow.
British troops must be ready to fight in Ukraine, Zelensky aide says
02:00
,
Alexander Butler
British troops must be ready to fight Vladimir Putin’s forces to defend Ukraine, a senior Volodymyr Zelensky aide has said.
ZIgor Zhovkva, a top Ukrainian negotiator, said European soldiers should be prepared to fight Russia and defend Ukraine if deployed to the country after any ceasefire agreement.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer has urged a “coalition of a willing” to organise a European peacekeeping force to monitor Ukraine’s border and enforce a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv.
“It’s not the amount which matters... it’s also their readiness to fight, their readiness to defend, their readiness to be equipped,” Mr Zhovkva told AFP.
France to provide €2bn in military aid to Ukraine, Macron says
01:00
,
Alexander Butler
France will provide €2bn euros of extra military aid to Ukraine, president Emmanuel Macron said.
He also accused Russia of reinterpreting and rewriting recent limited ceasefire deals.
"I can announce today €2bn of extra military support to Ukraine," Mr Macron said alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris.
Mr Macron added that anti-tank missiles, surface-to-air missiles and drones were part of the new military equipment aid to be provided to Kyiv.
The Black Sea ceasefire is a great con: Trump has dealt an impossible hand to Zelensky
Wednesday 26 March 2025 23:00
,
Alexander Butler
‘A deal with Putin is an illusion’: Ukrainian officials warn Russia making ‘mockery’ of ceasefire talks
Wednesday 26 March 2025 22:00
,
Alexander Butler
EU citizens urged to stockpile food in case of attack
Wednesday 26 March 2025 21:56
,
Alexander Butler
Europeans have been told to stockpile food, water and essentials for three days in the event of a military attack or environmental catastrophe.
“We are saying to member states: 72 hours of self-sufficiency is what we recommend,” Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner for preparedness and crisis management, said.
Asked about what citizens should stockpile, she referred to a video on her social media, in which she presents an emergency bag.
What is the Black Sea ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine – and will Putin honour it?
Wednesday 26 March 2025 21:00
,
Alexander Butler
Russia’s ceasefire delays suit Ukraine - if it survives another year, Kyiv can win the war
Wednesday 26 March 2025 20:45
,
Alexander Butler
Russia’s time wasting and new demands over a ceasefire in Ukraine suit Kyiv just fine – the delays help build a non-American alliance and mean it can drive on with campaigns where it’s dominant in a war that it can win, The Independent’s World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley writes.
Vladimir Putin’s latest demand is that Russia’s agricultural sector be allowed to use the Swift banking system as a reward for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing it to move its grain and other farming exports.
The move is a sleight of hand to end the banking sanctions imposed by the US and Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But a ceasefire in the Black Sea is essential to Putin where his naval fleet has been crippled and now cannot operate.
Read the full article here:
European troops in Ukraine could respond to a Russian attack, Macron says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 20:21
,
Alexander Butler
European troops deployed in Ukraine to monitor a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow could respond to a Russian attack, French president Emmanuel Macron said.
Speaking after talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Macron said European armies could respond to a “conflict situation” if one emerged.
“If there was again a generalised aggression against Ukrainian soil, these armies would be under attack and then it’s our usual framework of engagement,” Mr Macron said.
“Our soldiers, when they are engaged and deployed, are there to react and respond to the decisions of the commander in chief and, if they are in a conflict situation, to respond to it.”
Rubio says US will evaluate Russian conditions on Black Sea ceasefire
Wednesday 26 March 2025 20:10
,
Alexander Butler
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday the agreements struck with Ukraine and Russia a day before was in principle and that Washington was going to evaluate the conditions that Moscow put forward and decide on a way forward.
The United States reached separate deals on Tuesday with Ukraine and Russia to pause their attacks at sea and against energy targets, with Washington agreeing to push to lift some sanctions against Moscow.
Shortly after the US announcements, the Kremlin said the Black Sea agreements would not come into effect unless links between some Russian banks and the international financial system were restored.
Too early to lift Russia sanctions, Macron says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 20:00
,
Alexander Butler
French president Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday it was "much too early" to lift sanctions against Russia.
"The question of (lifting) the sanctions will come, but in due time within the framework of a solid and lasting peace. So it is much too early," Mr Macron said alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris.
The United States reached separate deals on Tuesday with Ukraine and Russia to pause their attacks at sea and against energy targets, with Washington agreeing to push to lift some sanctions against Moscow.
British troops must be ready to fight in Ukraine, Zelensky aide says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 19:42
,
Alexander Butler
British troops must be ready to fight Vladimir Putin’s forces to defend Ukraine, a senior Volodymyr Zelensky aide has said.
ZIgor Zhovkva, a top Ukrainian negotiator, said European soldiers should be prepared to fight Russia and defend Ukraine if deployed to the country after any ceasefire agreement.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer has urged a “coalition of a willing” to organise a European peacekeeping force to monitor Ukraine’s border and enforce a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv.
“It’s not the amount which matters... it’s also their readiness to fight, their readiness to defend, their readiness to be equipped,” Mr Zhovkva told AFP.
France to provide €2bn in military aid to Ukraine, Macron says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 19:10
,
Alexander Butler
France will provide €2bn euros of extra military aid to Ukraine, president Emmanuel Macron said.
He also accused Russia of reinterpreting and rewriting recent limited ceasefire deals.
"I can announce today €2bn of extra military support to Ukraine," Mr Macron said alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris.
Mr Macron added that anti-tank missiles, surface-to-air missiles and drones were part of the new military equipment aid to be provided to Kyiv.
Pictured: Zelensky meets Macron in Paris
Wednesday 26 March 2025 19:07
,
Alexander Butler
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace.
The French president's office said Paris "will make continuing and strengthening military and financial support to Ukraine its top priority."
‘A deal with Putin is an illusion’: Ukrainian officials warn Russia making ‘mockery’ of ceasefire talks
Wednesday 26 March 2025 19:00
,
Alexander Butler
What it’s really like to be on Putin’s kill list and hunted down by his murderous thugs
Wednesday 26 March 2025 18:00
,
Alexander Butler
US offers only credible nuclear deterrence, Rutte says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 17:59
,
Alexander Butler
The US can provide the only credible nuclear deterrent against Russia and China despite French and British programmes, Nato said.
Nato chief Mark Rutte said he “highly respects” French and British nuclear deterrents but there was no way they could replace Washington’s nuclear umbrella.
It comes after suggestions France could extend its nuclear programme to protect European Nato members.
“When you look at an amount of nuclear warheads pointed at us from Russia, and increasingly, by the way, from China who will get to 1000 warheads by 2030, the only credible nuclear deterrence and ultimate guarantor of our freedom here is the United States of America,” Mr Rutte said.
“There’s no way the French and the Brits can replace this. It is not an alternative.”
Four US soldiers die near Belarus border
Wednesday 26 March 2025 17:51
,
Alexander Butler
Four US soldiers have died after vanishing near the Belarus border in Lithuania, Nato said.
The American troops were training in Pabrad, Lithuania, six miles from the border with Russian ally Belarus.
"This is still early news so we do not know the details,” Nato chief Mark Rutte said.
“This is really terrible news and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones.”
Estonia bans Russian citizens from voting in local elections
Wednesday 26 March 2025 17:18
,
Alexander Butler
Estonia is set to ban Russian residents from voting in the country’s local elections.
Lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment meaning “the right to vote in local elections would be revoked for third-country nationals residing in Estonia”.
The move would affect around 80,000 Russian citizens living in the Baltic state.
Russia hands long prison terms to Ukrainian 'Azov' fighters who defended Mariupol
Wednesday 26 March 2025 17:14
,
Alexander Butler
A Russian military court on Wednesday handed down long prison sentences to 12 members of Ukraine's Azov regiment, which led the defence of the city of Mariupol in the early months of the war and is designated as a terrorist organisation by Russia.
The defendants, charged with terrorist activity and with violently seizing or retaining power, were sentenced to between 13 and 23 years in prison, Russian state media reported.
Independent news outlet Mediazona said 11 other people whom Russia had already returned to Ukraine in prisoner exchanges were also sentenced in absentia. They included nine women who had worked as army cooks.
It said the 12 Azov members, who appeared in court with shaven heads, would appeal the verdicts and that some of them had denied wrongdoing or had said that testimony they had given had been obtained under duress, something Reuters was not able to confirm.
The Black Sea ceasefire is a great con: Trump has dealt an impossible hand to Zelensky
Wednesday 26 March 2025 17:00
,
Alexander Butler
In pictures: Ukrainian prisoners of war convicted in Russia
Wednesday 26 March 2025 16:18
,
Rachel Clun
A Russian court has convicted Ukrainian prisoners of war on terrorism charges.
Some of the Ukrainians were convicted in absentia, after they were returned in a prison swap, but 12 men remain in Russian custody and were in court for the decision, which has been labelled a “sham” trial by Ukraine.
Analysis: What do Russia's ceasefire delays mean for Ukraine?
Wednesday 26 March 2025 16:05
Russia is manipulating ceasefire terms over the Black Sea and energy, but that suits Ukraine, writes World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley:
Russia’s time wasting and new demands over a ceasefire in Ukraine suit Kyiv just fine – the delays help build a non-American alliance and mean it can drive on with campaigns where it’s dominant in a war that it can win.
Ukraine is buying time here because Kyiv knows it will take a while for Europe and other reliable allies to replace the military aid that Ukraine gets, on and off, from the US.
Ukraine has been driven out of most of the Kursk salient it captured inside Russia last year. But it is not losing significant ground elsewhere.
It is, however, enfeebling Russia which is unlikely to be able to sustain its war against Kyiv indefinitely – even if the US stopped aid to Ukraine.
Nuclear plant seized by Russia could take a year to get back online, UN says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 15:48
,
Rachel Clun
The nuclear power plant seized by Russia in the early months of its war with Ukraine would probably take more than a year to get back up to operational speed again, the head of the UN’s atomic watchdog said.
The Zaporizhzhia plant is Europe’s largest nuclear power station and provided 20 per cent of Ukraine’s energy before the war.
Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has damaged essential infrastructure connected to the plant, including power lines essential to preventing a meltdown.
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi told Reuters the plant could come back online within months of the end of fighting, but it would realistically take more than a year to get all six reactors up and running again.
"What we want is to have a moment where we will be able to confirm that there is no longer active combat in this area," Mr Grossi said.
"This will be, I would say, tangible progress because we can move to a non-war mode.”
Russia can't manage seized nuclear power plant safety, Ukraine says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 15:29
,
Rachel Clun
Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesperson has said Russia is not able to manage the safety of a nuclear power plant it seized from Ukraine.
Just months after the initial invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia power plant and later claimed it as Russian property.
Yesterday, Russia’s foreign ministry said the power plant was now a Russian facility and giving control back to Ukraine or any other country would be impossible.
But on Wednesday Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it had received reports a diesel reservoir at the plant had been damaged.
EU says Russian sanction changes are up to the bloc
Wednesday 26 March 2025 15:15
,
Rachel Clun
After lengthy talks with the US, Russia said it would agree to halt attacks in the Black Sea in a step towards a longer and broader peace with Ukraine.
But a Kremlin spokesperson said it would only start that ceasefire if the US first help up its side of the bargain - and now the EU says those agreements require the bloc’s support.
The European Union was not part of the negotiations, and diplomats told Reuters that most of the conditions listed by Russia related to EU sanctions or restrictions, including “prohibitive tariffs” on grains.
EU countries renewed the bloc’s two sanctions frameworks on Russia for another six months in January and earlier this month, and any changes require unanimous agreement between the 27 member states.
"The end of the Russian unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine would be one of the main preconditions to amend or lift sanctions," EU spokeswoman for foreign affairs and security policy, Anitta Hipper, said in a statement.
"Russia must now demonstrate genuine political will to end its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression.”
'Russia’s aggression must stop'
Wednesday 26 March 2025 15:10
,
Rachel Clun
The Dutch prime minister said Ukraine needs “unwavering support” from its allies, ahead of a security meeting tomorrow.
Dick Schoof said he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the meeting in Paris on Thursday which will be used to discuss the war in Ukraine and European security more broadly.
“We need to take responsibility and work towards robust security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe as a whole,” he wrote on X.
“Russia’s aggression must stop. And in the meantime it’s essential that we keep giving Ukraine our unwavering support.”
What will happen next in Black Sea ceasefire?
Wednesday 26 March 2025 14:56
,
Rachel Clun
The White House announced a truce on Black Sea attacks had been reached yesterday after US officials conducted lengthy and separate negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.
But so far, the Kremlin has shown no signs of implementing it, saying conditions must be met - including the lifting of some sanctions - before it will halt attacks.
So what happens from here - and whether the truce will hold at all - is the key question.
For its part, the White House said it would continue to facilitate negotiations between both sides to help find a “peaceful resolution”.
But Russia wants access to international payment systems before starting a ceasefire - a point the US said it would help with, but which Ukraine said should not come before a ceasefire.
Then the EU said Russia could not have increased access to international payment systems until it makes a full withdrawal from Ukraine.
The overarching issue is that there is little trust between Ukraine and Russia. As Volodymyr Zelensky’s said earlier today: ““How Russia behaves in the coming days will reveal a lot”.
In pictures: UN Security Council discusses Ukraine security
Wednesday 26 March 2025 14:43
,
Rachel Clun
UN Security Council members met in New York today to hear updates on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as Russia continues to bombard the country.
Watch: How Ukraine is beating Russia in the Black Sea
Wednesday 26 March 2025 14:12
,
Rachel Clun
World affairs editor Sam Kiley reports from Odesa:
Nato leader warns Putin against broader attacks
Wednesday 26 March 2025 13:57
,
Rachel Clun
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned Russia against any attacks on Nato member countries.
Speaking in the Polish capital of Warsaw akongside the country’s prime mninister Donald Tusk, he said the Russian President shouldn’t assume he could get away with expanding his war beyond Ukraine.
"If anyone were to miscalculate and think they can get away with an attack on Poland or on any other ally, they will be met with the full force of this fierce alliance. Our reaction will be devastating. This has to be very clear to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and anyone else who wants to attack us," Rutte said.
Analysis: The Black Sea ceasefire is a great con
Wednesday 26 March 2025 13:42
,
Rachel Clun
Mark Almond has picked apart the ceasefire deal, writing that so far, Volodymyr Zelensky has made all the running, while Vladimir Putin reaps all the benefits:
Many observers are dismissing the Black Sea ceasefire mediated by the Americans as an insignificant step that shows how far from peace Russia and Ukraine still are.
But from the Kremlin’s point of view, what seems technical actually has strategic advantages.
Hungary's foreign minister backs Russia's commitment
Wednesday 26 March 2025 13:31
,
Rachel Clun
Hungary’s foreign minister belives Russia is committed to peace, according to Russian state media.
Peter Szijjarto made the remarks in a recent trip to Moscow, saying Hungary also supported an end to the conflict with Ukraine.
"Today, I observed that Russia is also committed to the success of these talks, which gives us great hope for reaching a sustainable and lasting ceasefire, ultimately leading to a peace agreement," he said in remarks reported in Tass.
Hungary under far-right leader Victor Orban has long been a supporter of Russia and is widely seen to have the warmest relationship with Vladimir Putin among EU leaders.
What has happened in the Black Sea recently - mapped
Wednesday 26 March 2025 13:27
,
Rachel Clun
Russia and Ukraine agreed yesterday to halt attacks in the Black Sea.
Ukraine to get extra 270 million euros for gas supplies
Wednesday 26 March 2025 13:12
,
Rachel Clun
Ukraine’s Prime Minister said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has agreed to give the country €270 million (£226 million) for gas supplies to “help Ukraine remain resilient”.
Denys Shmyhal wrote on X: “The Board of Directors of @EBRD has agreed to provide Ukraine with 270 million euros for the purchase of gas for the next two heating seasons.
“In addition, the Government of Norway will provide 140 million euros via the EBRD. We expect to sign the relevant agreements soon.
“We are grateful to our partners for quickly developing a solution that will help Ukraine to remain resilient.”
Russia 'just playing games' with ceasefire, Ukrainian official says
Wednesday 26 March 2025 12:57
,
Rachel Clun
The Ukrainian president’s chief of staff has accused Russia of ‘just playing games’ after the Kremlin said a Black Sea ceasefire would only begin if its conditions were met.
Andriy Yermak said the recent ceasefire negotiations with the US in Saudi Arabia were “great conversations” and that the relationship with Donald Trump was “back on track” after a disastrous White House visit with Volodymyr Zelensky last month.
"We demonstrated we are very serious; the Americans understood,” he told Reuters.
While Mr Zelensky said the agreement to halt attacks on the Black Sea would take effect immediately, a Kremlin spokesperson said they would begin once conditions it agreed to with the US were met, including the lifting of some sanctions.
Mr Yermak said this was indicative of Russia's approach to peace talks.
"Russia is just playing games,” he said.
“President Trump wants to end this war, this is great. Russia does not want to end this war."
How the battle for the Black Sea pushed Putin to negotiate
Wednesday 26 March 2025 12:43
Our world affairs editor Sam Kiley has been in Odesa, and witnessed first hand Ukraine’s efforts against Russia in the Black Sea:
The crew of one of Ukraine’s few patrolling vessels, a reconditioned former US coastguard Island-class cutter, is tired. They were up all night manning the ship’s double-barrelled cannon, shooting at Russian Shahed drones that swarmed the skies over Odesa.
But, as merchant ships sailed quietly into the ports along Ukraine’s southern coast, the crew was confident. They haven’t seen a Russian vessel for months.
“Maybe we get some sea drones [from the Russian side] but not often. Every day, or at least every other day, we get air attacks though from Crimea,” says Lieutenant Commander Mykhailo.
Russian skippers are probably more anxious.
“We don’t need a fleet to destroy the Russian fleet. We have very, very smart guys who create sea drones. Sea drones and missiles,” says the skipper.
Ukrainian prisoners of war convicted by Russian court
Wednesday 26 March 2025 12:28
,
Rachel Clun
Russia has convicted 23 Ukrainians on terror charges, including former fighters as well as cooks and support personnel in a trial Kyiv denounced as a sham.
A Russian court announced the verdict for 24 Ukrainian prisoners of war from the 'Azov' battalion, who were all charged with staging a coup and organising terrorist organisation activities.
The defendants were sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony for a term of 13 to 23 years.
In-person verdicts were issued to 12 defendants, and 11 defendants were sentenced in absentia - they had been returned to Ukraine in organised prisoner swaps.
Eight of the convicted were women. The criminal case against one defendant was closed due to his death.
Ukraine says no preconditions to Black Sea ceasefire were discussed in talks
Wednesday 26 March 2025 12:13
,
Rachel Clun, with Reuters
A senior Ukrainian official says no preconditions were discussed for a Black Sea ceasefire during negotiations with the US.
Ihor Zhovkva, speaking on national television, also said Russia has attacked at least eight energy facilities since March 18 - the date on which Moscow said it halted any such strikes.