Munich Security Conference to open amid doubts over U.S. commitment to Europe
Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, on Friday (13 February), amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-...
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that military planning to safeguard a potential Ukraine ceasefire is entering the "operational phase" following a Saturday virtual meeting with world leaders. Military leaders will meet in London on Thursday "to put strong and robust plans in place."
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, and agreed that Ukraine must be able to defend itself and deter future Russian aggression.
"Robust and credible security arrangements are the best way to ensure that any deal ends in a lasting peace. We agreed military planners would convene again in the UK this week to progress practical plans for how our militaries can support Ukraine’s future security. We will build up Ukraine’s own defences and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea, and in the sky," - Starmer stated.
He said that now is the time to engage in discussions on a mechanism to manage and monitor a full ceasefire and agree to serious negotiations towards not just a pause but a lasting peace, backed by strong security arrangements through our Coalition of the Willing.
"Putin is trying to delay – saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place. Well, the world needs action.... We won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act. Instead we will keep pushing forward," - UK Prime Minister stated.
The meeting follows Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire after talks with the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he agrees with the idea, but set a number of pre-conditions for peace.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who joined Saturday's meeting, said "active pressure is needed, not just talks".
Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, on Friday (13 February), amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on defence, trade and territory fuels doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment to transatlantic security.
James Van Der Beek, who rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died aged 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of Israel Trump hosted Netanyahu for closed-door talks focused on negotiations with Tehran, Gaza and wider rBenjamin Netanyahu ended a two-and-a-half-hour meeting at The White House on Wednesday without reaching agreement on how to move forward on Iran.
Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid, who won bronze in the men’s biathlon at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday (10 February) in Italy, stunned viewers by publicly admitting he had cheated on his girlfriend and pleaded for another chance during post-race interviews.
Türkiye and Greece signalled renewed political will to ease long-standing tensions during high-level talks in Ankara on Wednesday (11 February). Maritime borders, migration and trade topped the agenda as both leaders struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, on Friday (13 February), amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on defence, trade and territory fuels doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment to transatlantic security.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 13th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Portugal's parliament approved a bill on Thursday (12 February), on its first reading, requiring explicit parental consent for children aged 13 to 16-years old to access social media, in one of the first concrete legislative moves in Europe to impose such restrictions.
A bipartisan group of 37 U.S. lawmakers have written to senior Taiwanese politicians expressing concern about parliament stalling proposed defence spending, saying that the threat posed by China has never been greater.
The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) won a decisive two-thirds majority in Friday's (13 February) general elections, a result expected to bring stability after months of tumult following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising in 2024.
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