Russia has reacted to the exchange for the first time, accusing Zelensky of "a total lack of diplomatic ability" - it also says "a fragmentation of the West has begun" (AP)US-Russia-Ukraine Highlights: After an intense week of diplomacy in the US and Europe, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy warned Russia, “If you want talks, don’t target people with ballistic missiles,” after another wave of aerial attacks. He reported that over the past week, Russia launched “more than 1,050 attack drones, almost 1,300 bombs, and more than 20 missiles” at Ukraine, including strikes on Kharkiv overnight. This comes after the Ukrainian President got in a heated exchange with Donald Trump and JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday.
One-month truce: Meanwhile, France has proposed a partial one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine to assess whether Vladimir Putin is “acting in good faith,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Monday. The plan, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, would halt attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure but not ground fighting, with potential troop deployment in a second phase. While the UK has not confirmed the plan, European leaders discussed the proposal at a London summit amid growing concerns over US support
The Trump administration has paused offensive cyber operations against Russia as diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war continue, officials say. The reason for the halt remains unclear, and the defense department has declined to comment. The move reportedly preceded Trump’s heated exchange with Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. Since returning to office, Trump has softened the US stance on Moscow, echoed Russian justifications for the war, and plans to meet Vladimir Putin, while also siding with Russia in recent UN votes. Meanwhile, he has labeled Zelenskyy a dictator and accused him of “gambling with World War Three.”
US-Russia-Ukraine LIVE Updates: US Secretary of State Rubio thanks UK for encouraging Europe to provide for its defense
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday thanked British Foreign Secretary David Lammy for the UK’s efforts in urging Europe to strengthen its own defense and advance peace in Ukraine, the US State Department said.
During their call, Rubio reaffirmed that the US is prepared to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and will continue working with the UK toward that goal, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
US-Russia-Ukraine LIVE Updates: There are clearly a number of options on the table - UK after France suggests month-long truce
Britain stated on Monday that multiple proposals for a potential Ukraine ceasefire are under discussion, following France’s suggestion of a month-long truce to facilitate peace talks.
European nations, led by Britain and France, are exploring options for a peace plan involving Ukraine after last week's Oval Office clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"There are clearly a number of options on the table," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman. "I'm just not getting into a running commentary on the options."
France, Britain, and possibly other European nations have proposed deploying troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire but stress they would seek US support for the plan, referred to as a "backstop."
US-Russia-Ukraine LIVE Updates: There are clearly a number of options on the table - UK after France floats one-month truce
Britain stated on Monday that multiple proposals for a potential Ukraine ceasefire are under discussion, following France’s suggestion of a month-long truce to facilitate peace talks.
European nations, led by Britain and France, are exploring options for a peace plan involving Ukraine after last week's Oval Office clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"There are clearly a number of options on the table," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman. "I'm just not getting into a running commentary on the options."
France, Britain, and possibly other European nations have proposed deploying troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire but stress they would seek US support for the plan, referred to as a "backstop."
US-Russia-Ukraine LIVE Updates: Future German chancellor Merz says Trump-Zelenskyy clash was 'manufactured escalation'
Germany's likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has described Friday's exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainia President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House as a "manufactured escalation."
"It was not a spontaneous reaction to interventions by Zelenskyy, but obviously a manufactured escalation in this meeting in the Oval Office," Merz said at a news conference in Hamburg, according to Reuters and AFP. He added that Europe is now under pressure to act swiftly: "We must now show that we are in a position to act independently in Europe."
US-Russia-Ukraine LIVE Updates: Welcome summary
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of news from across Ukraine, Russia and US in the wake of a crucial defence summit in London and Ukrainian President got in a heated exchange with Donald Trump and JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday.
Here are the key takeaways so far:
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy urged Russia to stop “targeting people with ballistic missiles” if it truly wants negotiations.
Overnight strikes: Russia launched more than 80 drones, with one attack in Kharkiv injuring eight people, including a seven-year-old, according to the city’s mayor.
Kremlin’s reaction: Moscow accused Zelenskyy of showing a “total lack of diplomatic ability” following his heated Oval Office exchange with Trump.
UK-France truce proposal: A UK minister said there is “no agreement” on the proposed ceasefire deal floated by France’s president yesterday.
Trump’s stance: The former US president downplayed concerns over Putin, telling his followers to “worry less” about the Russian leader.
UK Prime Minister’s address: He is set to brief the Commons after hosting a summit of Ukrainian allies on Sunday.