**UK and Europe May Need to Offer Security Guarantees to Ukraine**
The UK and European countries may need to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, even if the US is not willing to do so. This was stated by Sir Nick Carter, the former head of the British armed forces, on a BBC One Question Time special.
**UK Must “Step Up” to Protect Ukraine’s Sovereignty**
Sir Nick said that it is for Ukraine to decide what a “fair settlement” means, but that the UK and European countries need to “step up to the plate” to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty. He believed this was necessary even if the US is not prepared to do so.
**Rift Deepens Between Ukrainian President and US President**
A rift has appeared between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who said that America will soon begin direct negotiations with Russia. Zelensky has accused Trump of living in a “disinformation space” created by Moscow.
**UK Prime Minister to Visit Washington Next Week**
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to visit Washington next week for talks with the US president. He plans to maintain his support for Zelensky and Ukraine’s government while seeking to gain Trump’s ear over talks with Russia.
**European Countries Must Take Responsibility for Defence**
The US has suggested that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own defence. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also spoke to Zelensky, repeating Canada’s support and stressing that Kyiv must be involved in any negotiations to end the war.
**UK Armed Forces “Remarkably Hollow”**
Sir Nick Carter warned that the UK armed forces are “remarkably hollow” after a 30-year period of neglect. He said that the UK needs to start protecting itself, as it is massively vulnerable at the moment.
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