The prospects and fears of a devastating World War 3 are soaring after one of the most tumultuous weeks in geopolitics in decades.
US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance’s public dressing down of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday sparked widespread condemnation across Europe.
A landmark minerals deal that was set to be signed by both leaders was shelved and the Ukrainian war leader was booted from the White House after the explosive exchange.
The rupture has caused some commentators to question the US’ commitment to NATO, with senior Trump ally and adviser Elon Musk saying he would support America leaving the defence alliance.
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The row comes hot on the heels of Vance and the US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s separate statements signalling America would be stepping back from its defensive role in Europe last month.
In response, European leaders met in Paris to urgently discuss their defense posture, and they are meeting again in London today, hosted by Sir Keir Starmer.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, speaking alongside Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street, today said it was “very, very important” that the West does not split over Ukraine.
“And that’s why I think the UK and Italy can play a key role in bridge-building,” she added. The UK PM earlier told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show that his government and its French counterparts would work with Ukraine “on a plan to stop the fighting” with Russia. Then, he said, he wanted to “discuss that plan with the United States”.
But will Western leaders’ efforts to stop the outbreak of World War 3 be enough?
Piers Morgan, speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, said he believed a deal between the US and Ukraine is now “more likely”.
The TalkTV host, who has met Mr Trump on several occasions, said the US President “100%” wants a “lasting peace” in Ukraine.
He said: “I actually think the genius move in all this has been this minerals deal, because, as Trump has said… if American contractors and business people are all over Ukraine, getting these minerals out of the ground constant, rolling basis, and America’s making tons of money from it… is it going to be enough to deter Putin from attacking Ukraine again?”
