Ukraine war briefing: Macron says without deterrence in Ukraine plan, ‘Russians will come back’

More than 2,000 children who have been trafficked or arrived in the UK alone seeking asylum went missing from the care of local councils last year, according to data obtained through freedom of information requests. Charities have expressed concern that these vulnerable young people are being failed by local authorities and the police, highlighting systemic issues in the care system.

A UK government taskforce has finalized plans to streamline regulations for the construction of new nuclear reactors, aiming to expedite the process and reduce costs. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seeks to dismantle outdated rules that have hindered nuclear development in the country.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged 'tremendous progress' in ongoing peace talks regarding Ukraine, emphasizing that further efforts are required to finalize a deal that will also necessitate Russia's agreement. This statement reflects a cautious optimism about the potential for diplomatic resolution in a conflict that has persisted for years.

Senator Mark Kelly criticized Republican lawmakers for their silence regarding former President Trump's violent threats against him and other Democrats, who had urged military personnel to refuse illegal orders. Kelly emphasized that he would not be intimidated by these threats, which included Trump's suggestion of severe consequences for dissenting lawmakers.

U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials convened in Geneva to discuss a contentious peace plan proposed by former President Donald Trump, which has drawn criticism for demanding significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions and military reductions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism regarding a potential peace plan for Ukraine, highlighting significant progress made in discussions with Ukrainian and European officials aimed at halting the ongoing conflict. The talks, held in Geneva, reflect a collaborative effort to address the complexities of the war.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in negotiations over a contentious peace plan in Geneva that demands significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions and military reductions. This proposal has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials, who express concerns about its alignment with Russian interests.

Yaroslav Trofimov of The Wall Street Journal highlights a concerning trend as the U.S., Russia, and China appear to be entering a new nuclear arms race, reminiscent of Cold War tensions. This escalation is marked by advancements in nuclear capabilities and strategic posturing among these global powers.