The situation of the war in Ukraine remains tense, with the latest statements from world leaders dominating the headlines of major newspapers. *The Daily Telegraph* published comments from U.S. President Trump, who criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky, saying that an agreement between Ukraine and Russia is "very, very far away."
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03-04, 2025The paper quoted Trump as saying that if Zelensky doesn't end the war soon, he "won't be around for much longer," and that reaching a peace deal "shouldn't be that difficult." "Your time is running out," the paper's headline read. The rift between the U.S. and Ukraine is deepening, with *The Guardian* reporting that "Europe seeks ceasefire" and publishing a response to Trump's comments about the Ukrainian president. The paper said the comments were made after France proposed a month-long localized truce between Russia and Ukraine.
*The Daily Mail* said that hopes for a peace deal on Monday night were "hanging by a thread," and described Trump's suggestion that he might withdraw aid to Ukraine as a "fresh attack." It quoted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's comments to MPs that he would not send British troops to Ukraine to keep the peace unless the US provided security guarantees. *The Times* led with the headline "Trump attacks Europe for being weak."
The report stated that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders have said they will not send peacekeeping troops into Ukraine without security guarantees from the United States. The paper also said there are growing concerns that Trump may halt aid to Ukraine after he threatened to "pull the plug." *The I Paper* declared that Britain is "hunting for new allies to contain Putin."
The report stated that with US support "uncertain," Keir Starmer is trying to develop a "workable peace plan" within weeks. The paper also mentioned the Pope's health, after he experienced two episodes of respiratory failure. *The Daily Express* led with comments from Keir Starmer. He was quoted as saying that Britain must "lead the way" in protecting Ukraine from the "threat" from Russia, and that the country's future is "vital for our national security."
*The Mirror* said that MPs from all sides supported Keir Starmer's support for Ukraine, calling it "a rare moment of unity." It quoted Conservative MP James Cleverly as saying that the Labour PM had "not put a foot wrong" in talks with European leaders about the conflict. *The Financial Times* reported that Europe's biggest powers are moving to seize more than €200 billion (£165 billion) of frozen Russian assets.
The report stated that France and Germany, who "have long resisted a full seizure" of assets held in the EU, are now in discussions with the UK and other countries about how the assets could be used. Across the Atlantic, the prospect of Donald Trump returning to power for a second term as president has fueled a surge in the number of Americans applying to become British citizens, the paper reported. It said the figure hit a record high last year, adding that tax changes in the UK had also contributed. *The Metro* reported on news that TikTok is being investigated over its use of children's data.
The report also mentioned a separate investigation in which the BBC was told that the social media platform is profiting from sexually explicit livestreams being conducted by teenagers as young as 15. TikTok told the BBC that its recommendation system operates under "strict and comprehensive measures to protect the privacy and safety of teenagers." It also told the BBC that it has "zero tolerance" for "exploitation." Elsewhere on the front pages, smiling celebrities clutched their Oscar trophies, with the paper declaring: "Grinning is winning." *The Daily Star* warned of "robot minion uprising," saying people will soon "have to get paid to do nothing" while chatbots do their jobs.
News of the US suspending military aid to Ukraine came too late to make it into the first editions of this morning's papers, but there has been plenty of reaction on their websites. *The Daily Mail* led with the headline "[Trump squeezes Zelenskyy]." It said the US President had stunned NATO allies with his decision after "losing patience" with the Ukrainian leader. *The Daily Telegraph* called the move a "devastating blow" to Ukraine's war effort. *The Times*, in its analysis, declared that freezing military aid may be a "risky gambit" by Trump, but he is not prepared to lose face and wants Zelenskyy to apologize for Friday's "outburst" in the Oval Office.
Looking at some of the US news websites, Politico said the aid suspension is designed to "show strength" and is intended to put pressure on President Zelenskyy to return to the negotiating table. *The New York Times* wrote that the "direct beneficiary" is Vladimir Putin. The paper went on to say that if the suspension is lengthy, the Russian president could "use the time to press for more territorial gains."
Back here, the papers report on Britain's ongoing diplomatic efforts. *The Daily Express* says MPs from across the political spectrum are backing Keir Starmer and his firm support for Ukraine – following a series of meetings he has had on the matter both at home and abroad recently. The paper's headline quoted the PM from yesterday – saying Britain must "lead the way" in protecting Ukraine and confronting Russia. *The I Paper* reported that Britain is looking beyond NATO for allies, such as Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, to help implement a ceasefire in Ukraine.
*The Guardian* reported that the government is preparing to "overhaul" special educational needs provision in England's schools, after councils raised the alarm about costs. Ministers are understood to be publishing more details in the spring, with one insider telling the paper it will be a "complete reset." A Department for Education spokesperson was quoted as saying that the current system has long failed children and families and they are determined to make improvements.
Comments made by the Duchess of Sussex about her upcoming new Netflix show have been picked up by some of the papers. *The Times* focused on the Duchess saying that developing her lifestyle show, *With Love, Meghan*, allowed her to show her children the reality of being a working mother. *The Daily Telegraph* reported that the Duchess insisted she is not an "influencer" but sees herself as a female entrepreneur.
Several papers looked back at the career of Scottish painter Jack Vettriano. He died yesterday aged 73. Both *The Sun* and *The Mirror* used the term "the people's painter" to describe him, suggesting that Jack Vettriano was often sneered at by the art establishment but was loved by the public. *The Times* said that while his work was "contentious," there was no doubt that every one of his paintings "conjured a story in the mind" and that he introduced art to "vast numbers of people who might not otherwise have ventured into a gallery."
