Closing summary
… and on that note, it’s a wrap!
Nato’s most senior commander in Europe confirmed that preparations are now fully under way to delivery of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, as he warned that Russia is and will remain a threat to the alliance in Europe even if a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine is found (9:48).
Gen Alexus Grynkewich said the alliance was working closely with allies, including specifically Germany, on the transfer to Ukraine, with clear instructions “to move as quickly as possible.”
German chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed the importance of the deal agreed with US president Donald Trump, but noted that European countried needed “clarity as to how the US will replace” the weapons sent to Ukraine (17:15).
His comments come hours after Switzerland warned that the US informed its defence ministry that the expected Patriot delivery will be delayed as a result of new support for Ukraine (14:13).
UK prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed meanwhile that the proposed peacekeeping force by the so-called Coalition of the Willing will include a land element, as he repeatedly called to increase pressure on Russia’s Vladimir Putin to force him into peace talks with Ukraine (17:38).
Merz and Starmer met in London where they signed a new bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany (10:04), which includes plans to look at the feasibility of launching a new direct train connection between London and Berlin.
Elsewhere,
Farmers and nature campaigers have led the opposition to the proposed new EU budget, warning about the impact of changes proposed to the way it is structured (16:24).
Germany’s Merz also spoke critically about the European Commission’s proposal to create new taxes on European companies, saying he would oppose their introduction (17:36).
While in Ukraine, the country’s parliament confirmed the new government, led by Yulia Svyrydenko, which is meant to offer a fresh start for the wartorn country (11:02, 14:47, 14:58, 15:04).
And that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at [email protected].
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
One final thing to add on the Starmer/Merz talks in London is that they committed to looking at the feasibility of starting a direct train service between London and Berlin.
Our transport correspondent Gwyn Topham noted:
While direct trains to new European countries may be at least a decade away, the international train operator Eurostar has spoken of its ambition to open new routes to Frankfurt and Geneva. Other potential rival operators, including Virgin, are hoping to start cross-Channel services.
Opening new routes has been difficult due to commercial viability, different track and train systems, and border requirements and station capacity.
Eurostar’s longest direct route to date, London to Amsterdam, has had to overcome numerous difficulties, largely linked to border security and passport control, since its delayed inception in 2018.
The demand for direct London-Berlin trains is unclear. Passengers can travel between the UK and German capitals in about 10 hours, changing in Brussels and Cologne.
(For what it’s worth, I’d love that train connection, so yes, please!)
