📰 Russia’s Gold Rush: $216 Billion Windfall Replaces Frozen Assets

Russia’s war chest just got a massive upgrade. Thanks to a historic gold rally, Moscow has gained over $216 billion since 2022—almost as much as the value of its sovereign assets frozen in Europe. Gold is now the centerpiece of Russia’s financial survival, with bullion accounting for nearly half of its international reserves.

“Gold is the new currency of power,”

said Deputy Finance Minister Aleksey Moiseev.

“The more they try to freeze us, the higher gold prices climb.”

While Western sanctions locked up $300 billion in Russian assets, gold has quietly restored most of the country’s lost financial muscle. The Bank of Russia’s gold holdings now stand at $326.5 billion, up from $216 billion in 2022. Moscow expects prices to keep rising, possibly to $5,000 an ounce.

But there’s a catch: Russia’s gold is banned from Western markets, making large-scale sales tricky. Still, with central banks worldwide stockpiling bullion and investors fleeing uncertainty, Russia’s stash remains a potent, if illiquid, weapon.

Is this a financial comeback—or just a glittering illusion? Either way, gold is now the currency of the new world order.

#Russia #Gold #Sanctions #Finance #Geopolitics #Putin

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📰 Trump’s Davos Speech Hands China the Global Crown

President Trump’s keynote at Davos wasn’t just a rant—it was a surrender. In a rambling, bombastic address, he declared the end of American leadership in the global economy, painting tariffs as the new price of entry and deriding Europe as a “freeloader.” Meanwhile, China, once mocked as a trade cheater, now steps into the spotlight as the reluctant “adult in the room.”

“Everybody took advantage of the United States,”

Trump told the global elite.

“The United States is keeping the whole world afloat.”

Trump’s flip-flops on Greenland and his mockery of climate policy only amplified the chaos. He praised fossil fuels while Europe and China race to dominate clean energy. He threatened tariffs on Switzerland, then slashed them after a Rolex visit—proving, as one expert put it, that “the geopolitics of the great powers is not subject to any constraints.”

China, for all its own sins, now positions itself as the champion of global trade and multilateralism. While Trump boasts of America’s isolation, Beijing’s factories churn out solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, exporting both hardware and ideology.

Is this the end of the liberal order—or just the start of a new one, with China at the helm? Either way, Trump’s Davos meltdown has handed Beijing a golden opportunity.

#Trump #Davos #China #GlobalEconomy #TradeWar #XiJinping #AmericaFirst

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📰 Trump Claims Iron Dome Is “US Tech” in Davos Showdown

At Davos, President Trump didn’t just flex American muscle—he rewrote the history books. In a pointed address, he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop taking credit for Iron Dome, declaring the famed missile defense system “entirely American.” The message was clear: the US built it, the US owns it.

“I told Bibi to stop taking credit for the dome,”

Trump declared.

“That’s our technology, that’s our stuff.”

Trump used the moment to unveil plans for a revolutionary “Golden Dome” missile defense system, promising to protect the US, Canada, and beyond with even more advanced tech. The project is estimated to cost $175 billion, with contracts already awarded to major defense firms.

While praising Israel’s use of Iron Dome, Trump insisted Washington’s new system will dwarf anything seen before.

“What we did for Israel is amazing, but that’s nothing compared to what we have planned,”

he said.

Behind the bravado: a not-so-subtle power play. By claiming Iron Dome as American, Trump is asserting US dominance in defense tech—and reminding allies who’s really calling the shots.

Is this innovation or ego? Either way, the dome wars just got a lot more personal.

#Trump #IronDome #GoldenDome #Davos #DefenseTech #Netanyahu

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📰 Trump Drops Greenland Threats, But Europe Remains on Guard

President Donald Trump’s sudden pivot on Greenland—dropping his tariff threats and suggesting a deal for “total access” rather than ownership—has eased tensions with European allies. But officials say the standoff is far from over, and they remain wary of future surprises.

What’s Changed?
Trump suspended his tariff threats after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Davos. European diplomats say the shift came after threats of retaliatory tariffs from the EU and bipartisan pressure in Congress. Trump now claims he can achieve his strategic goals in Greenland without owning the territory, though details remain vague .

Europe’s Skepticism
European officials expect tough negotiations on expanding U.S. troop presence, access to mineral investments, and boosting NATO’s Arctic security role. Danish leaders stress that Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation. Many warn that Trump’s earlier ultimatums have damaged trust and sparked a rethink of Europe’s reliance on the U.S.

Is the Rift Really Over?
Despite the de-escalation, European leaders caution against complacency. Emergency summits are still scheduled, and officials say the transatlantic relationship remains fragile.

“We’re not out of the woods,”

said Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch. The episode has exposed Europe’s vulnerability and raised questions about its future security and economic independence.

#Trump #Greenland #Europe #NATO #Arctic #Transatlantic #Diplomacy

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📰 Trump Sends Message to Putin: 'War Has to End' After Talks With Zelenskiy

U.S. President Donald Trump said his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin is that the war in Ukraine “has to end,” following what he described as “good” talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Davos. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, who is heading to Moscow for further negotiations, said the U.S. has made “a lot of progress” toward a deal.
​
Zelenskiy’s Demands, Trump’s Diplomacy
Zelenskiy insisted on signing agreements with Trump on U.S. security guarantees and post-war reconstruction funding, but no breakthrough was announced after their meeting. Trump and Zelenskiy have met several times since Trump returned to office, with the U.S. now pushing diplomacy with Russia rather than military escalation.
​
Putin’s Conditions, Ukraine’s Future
Russia remains skeptical of the peace push, demanding Ukraine cede parts of Donetsk. Moscow continues its attacks on Ukrainian cities, leaving thousands without power and heating. Zelenskiy’s energy crisis at home adds urgency to the talks, but there’s little sign Moscow is ready to stop fighting.
​
Who’s Really in Control?
As U.S. envoys shuttle between Kyiv, Moscow, and Abu Dhabi, the question remains: Can Trump’s diplomacy deliver peace—or is he just playing the role of dealmaker while the war grinds on?.
​
#Trump #Zelenskiy #Putin #Ukraine #PeaceTalks #Russia #Diplomacy

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Trump’s World Had Become Safer... What About Ours?

Trump has claimed the world is “richer, safer and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago” as he hosted a launch event for his “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

At a signing ceremony for the new organisation, the US president said it would be “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world”.

US and Palestinian officials also used the ceremony to lay out a blueprint for the next steps in implementing a ceasefire in Gaza, and putting the territory under the day-to-day control of a Palestinian-run technocratic administration, which has been assembled in Cairo.

The president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner outlined a plan for the next 100 days, including a significant increase in aid deliveries, the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, such as water, electricity and sewage systems, and the reconstruction of hospitals and bakeries.

Kushner also presented an aspirational map of a future Gaza in which the territory had a buffer zone around the border with Israel but was unified, rather than partitioned as it is now.

In the most dramatic moment of the ceremony, Ali Shaath, the Palestinian official chosen to run an interim administration in Gaza, appeared by video link to announce that the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt would be reopened next week for traffic in both directions for the first time since May 2024.

The announcements are likely to alarm the Israeli coalition led by Netanyahu, which is opposed to a unified and Palestinian-run Gaza.

Some ministers support the building of Israeli settlements on occupied territory, and several are opposed to the reopening of Rafah before the body of the Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, the last to be accounted for, is handed over by Hamas.

The Israeli cabinet was due to convene on Thursday to discuss Rafah and the other developments announced in Davos.

Trump himself focused on his past achievements and repeated his disputed claim to have stopped eight wars.

“We put out all those fires. Most people didn’t know, including me, that some of those wars were going on,” he said.

Trump was joined at a table on the stage to sign a document inaugurating the body by the Moroccan foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, and Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

Other leaders then approached to sign in pairs, their names read out by Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.

Some diplomats had warned that Trump might hope the organisation would supplant the United Nations, but the US president claimed the two could work together.

Trump claimed the war in Gaza had been reduced to “little fires”. He said Hamas would “have to give up their weapons” and claimed that its members were “born with rifles in their hands”.

Earlier on Thursday, the British foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, said the UK would not be signing up to the “board of peace” for the moment.

“There’s a huge amount of work to do – we won’t be one of the signatories today, because this is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues, and we do also have concerns about Zelensky being part of something which is talking about peace, when we have still seen a paucity of signs from him that there will be a commitment to peace in Ukraine,” she said.

#trump #zelensky #peace #davos #gaza #hamas #ukraine

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Abu Dhabi: Does Trump Really Intend to Wrap Up the War?


Ukraine, Russia and the US are set to hold three-way talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking the first time that the three countries have sat down together since the start of the war in 2022.

The meeting was confirmed in the early hours of Friday morning after talks at the Kremlin between Putin, Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Kremlin diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters those talks were “useful in every respect”, adding that it was “agreed that the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security issues will take place today in Abu Dhabi”.

The full details of the talks in the United Arab Emirates were not released at time of writing, and it was not clear whether Russian and Ukrainian officials would meet face to face. Zelensky said the talks would last two days.

Witkoff, Kushner and the US team are scheduled to meet a Russian delegation, headed by Gen Igor Kostyukov, director of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Zelensky said the future status of land currently occupied by Russia in the east of the country was unresolved but peace proposals were “nearly ready”.

Both sides have previously highlighted the issue of territory as crucial. In particular, Putin has demanded that Ukraine surrender the 20% it still holds of the eastern region of Donetsk.

Zelensky has refused to give up land that Ukraine has successfully defended since 2022 through grinding, costly attritional warfare.

Russia also demands that Ukraine renounce its ambition to join Nato, and rejects any presence of Nato troops on Ukrainian soil after a peace deal.

Despite Trump’s limited and scattershot support for Ukraine since taking office one year ago, Zelensky focused instead on Europe’s role in the conflict, accusing the continent’s leaders of complacency and inaction.

“Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words ‘Europe needs to know how to defend itself’,” Zelensky said. “A year has passed, and nothing has changed.”

Trump claimed that both Putin and Zelensky wanted to reach a deal and that “everyone’s making concessions” to try to end the war.

He said the sticking points in talks had remained the same over the past six or seven months, noting “boundaries” was a key issue.

“The main hold-up is the same things that’s been holding it up for the last year,” he said.

Trump also said he and Zelensky discussed how Ukrainians were surviving the cold winter without heat.

“It’s really tough for the people of Ukraine,” Trump said, noting that it was “amazing” how residents were able to persevere through the winter facing relentless Russian strikes.

#abuDhabi #war #ukraine #russia #trump #putin

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Trump to Carney : Get the Fuck Out of My Board of Peace


Trump withdrew on Thursday an invitation for Canada to join his “board of peace” initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts.

“Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post directed at the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney.

Trump launched his “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, claiming it would be “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world”.

The board, which will be chaired by Trump, was originally described as a temporary body to oversee the governance and reconstruction of Gaza.

Permanent members must help fund the board with a payment of $1bn each, according to Trump.

When he arrived in Davos, Trump made it clear that he had heard or at least heard of Carney’s viral speech.

“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump said in his own address on Wednesday. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”

“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States,” Carney responded Thursday. “Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

Neither Carney’s office nor the White House immediately responded to Reuters requests for comment on Thursday evening.

“Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do,” Trump said in Switzerland on Thursday. “And we’ll do it in conjunction with the United Nations.”

#board #peace #trump #carney

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Putin’s Ushakov Remains Upbeat About Peace Talks


Russia said it will hold security talks with the U.S. and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on Friday, but warned after a late-night meeting between Putin and three U.S. envoys that a durable peace would not be possible unless territorial issues were resolved.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters the talks, which began shortly before midnight and lasted some four hours, had been “substantive, constructive and very frank”.

He said Russian Admiral Igor Kostyukov would head Moscow's team at the three-way security talks, and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev would meet separately on economic issues with Witkoff.

But while outlining the next steps, Ushakov stopped short of hailing any major breakthrough.

"Most importantly, during these talks between our president and the Americans, it was reiterated that without resolving the territorial issue according to the formula agreed upon in Anchorage, there is no hope of achieving a long-term settlement," he said, referring to last year's Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.

Ushakov said Putin underlined that Russia was "sincerely interested" in a diplomatic solution.

He added, however: "Until this is achieved, Russia will continue to consistently pursue the objectives of the special military operation. This is especially true on the battlefield, where the Russian armed forces hold the strategic initiative."

Ukraine is enduring its harshest winter of the war as Russia mounts heavy missile and drone strikes on its energy infrastructure. With temperatures way below freezing, hundreds of thousands of people in Kyiv and other cities have suffered long power cuts and been left without heating.

Putin, Ushakov and Dmitriev took part in the talks on the Russian side.

On the U.S. side, Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who last met Putin in the Kremlin in early December, were accompanied by Josh Gruenbaum, newly appointed by Trump as a senior adviser to his Board of Peace, which will seek to tackle world conflicts.

The talks were the latest stage in a drive by Trump to bring an end to the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two, now approaching the end of its fourth year.

Witkoff was upbeat before the Moscow talks, saying many months of negotiations had come down to a single issue.

А key stumbling block is Putin's demand that Ukraine surrender the 20% it still holds of the eastern region of Donetsk.

Zelensky has refused to give up land that Ukraine has successfully defended at great cost through years of grinding, attritional warfare.

Russia also demands that Ukraine renounce its ambition to join NATO, and rejects any presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil following a peace deal.

Zelensky, after meeting Trump in Switzerland on Thursday, said the terms of security guarantees for Ukraine had been finalised, but that the issue of territory remained unsolved.

Ushakov praised the Americans for setting up Friday's security meeting with Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.

#ushakov #upbeat #peace #talks

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📰 TikTok Strikes Deal for New U.S. Entity, Ending Legal Saga

TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has struck a deal with a group of non-Chinese investors—including Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake—to create a new American TikTok, ending a six-year legal battle that threatened the app’s existence in the U.S..
​
Who Owns What?
The new U.S. TikTok will be majority-owned by American and non-Chinese investors, with Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake each holding 15 percent and ByteDance retaining just under 20 percent. The majority of the board will be American, and Adam Presser, TikTok’s former head of operations, will serve as CEO.
​
Security Concerns and Skepticism
The deal is designed to address U.S. national security concerns about Chinese control, but critics warn it may not fully sever ByteDance’s influence. ByteDance will still license its algorithm to the U.S. entity, raising doubts about whether the arrangement truly ends the “operational relationship” between the two companies.

Who Controls the Content?
Some worry that the new owners, many with ties to President Trump, could shift TikTok’s content moderation and feed algorithms to reflect U.S. government or presidential views.

“We may have traded fears of foreign propaganda for the reality of domestic propaganda,”

said Georgetown professor Anupam Chander.
​
#TikTok #ByteDance #Oracle #Trump #USChina #Tech #NationalSecurity

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#musk #robots

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📰 Conservatives Who Once Railed Against Federal Agents Now Applaud Them

For decades, right-wing populists have excoriated federal law enforcement, citing tragedies like Ruby Ridge and Waco as proof of government overreach. Now, under President Donald Trump, many of those same conservatives are cheering on federal agents as they crack down on immigration and unrest in cities like Minneapolis. The shift highlights how political allegiance shapes attitudes toward federal power—applauding crackdowns on adversaries while condemning them when they target allies.

From Enemies to Enforcers
Trump’s deployment of ICE, the Border Patrol, and the National Guard has transformed federal agents from bogeymen to heroes in the eyes of many conservatives. Critics say this reflects “motivated reasoning”—support for police action depends on who’s being targeted. When federal agents confront immigrants or minorities, conservative voices are often silent or supportive, but when they target anti-government activists, the outrage returns.

The Legacy of Ruby Ridge and Waco
Ruby Ridge and Waco became rallying cries for anti-government movements, fueling distrust of federal law enforcement. But today, with Trump in power, many right-wing activists have embraced federal agents as tools of law and order. The shift underscores how political power can reshape perceptions of authority.

Who’s the Enemy Now?
As federal agents raid homes and neighborhoods, the question is: Who decides when police action is justified? The answer seems to depend less on the law than on who’s in charge—and who’s being targeted.

#Trump #Conservatives #FederalAgents #Immigration #RubyRidge #Waco #LawAndOrder

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📰 How Russia Became a Mediator Between Iran and Israel

Russia’s role as a mediator between Iran and Israel has emerged from a decade of carefully balancing ties with both rivals. Over the past years, Moscow has positioned itself as the trusted intermediary for secret communications between Tehran and Tel Aviv, especially as both sides seek to avoid a new phase of confrontation. The key to this unique status lies in Russia’s ability to maintain positive relationships with both regional powers—even as their interests clash.
​

The Syria Crucible
Russia’s involvement in Syria since 2015 forged its role as a power broker. By saving the Assad regime, Russia became Tehran’s closest ally in the region. Yet, at the same time, Moscow preserved its ties with Israel, coordinating airstrikes in Syria to prevent direct clashes. This balancing act allowed Russia to build credibility with both sides.
​
Ukraine and Gaza: New Tests
The war in Ukraine further cemented Russia’s alliance with Iran, as Tehran supplied drones and other military support to Moscow. Meanwhile, Israel refrained from imposing sanctions or sending weapons to Ukraine, preserving its relationship with Russia. In Gaza, Russia’s invitation to Hamas and condemnation of Israeli actions drew protests from Israel, but Moscow maintained its coordination with Tel Aviv in Syria—proving its ability to walk the tightrope.
​
Russia’s Mediator Status
With no direct diplomatic relations between Iran and Israel, both sides rely on intermediaries. Russia’s policy of keeping ties with both has made it the go-to channel for signaling intentions and avoiding escalation. However, this role comes with risks: if the U.S. or Israel launch new strikes against Iran, Russia could be forced to choose sides or risk its interests in Ukraine.
​
Who’s Pulling the Strings?
Russia’s mediation grants it special status in the Middle East, but it also exposes Moscow to pressure from all sides. As the region remains volatile, the question is: can Russia keep playing both sides—or will it be dragged into a conflict it can’t afford?.

#Russia #Iran #Israel #Mediator #MiddleEast #Diplomacy #Syria

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#Peace #Trump

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📰 Putin Joins Trump’s Board of Peace, Pledges Palestinian Funds from Frozen Assets

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially accepted President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, vowing to secure Palestinian interests and pay the $1 billion membership fee using frozen Russian assets in the United States. The move signals Moscow’s bid to influence the post-war Gaza administration, even as Washington hesitates to unblock those funds.

“I will pay the $1 billion first and foremost to support the Palestinian people and direct those funds to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,”

Putin declared, according to Russia’s state media.

Putin’s commitment comes amid Trump’s broader effort to reshape the Middle East through the Board of Peace—a transitional authority meant to govern Gaza and enforce a ceasefire with Hamas. Russia’s participation, however, raises eyebrows, given its past support for Hamas and its own geopolitical ambitions.

Trump’s board includes 18 nations, but Israel has voiced concerns over the inclusion of countries like Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan, all seen as Hamas allies. Meanwhile, Russia continues to host Hamas representatives, underscoring the complex web of alliances behind the peace theater.

So who’s really calling the shots? When frozen assets become peace currency and Hamas-friendly states sit at the table, is this a new era of diplomacy—or just another power grab?

#Putin #Abbas #BoardOfPeace #Gaza #Trump #Russia #MiddleEast

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📰 Ukraine, Russia Head to UAE: No Compromise in Sight on Donbas

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are meeting in Abu Dhabi to discuss the fate of Donbas—the war’s most contentious issue. But with both sides digging in, there’s little hope for a breakthrough. Ukraine refuses to surrender territory Russia has failed to conquer, while Moscow insists on controlling all of Donbas before halting its attacks.

“The question of Donbas is key,”

said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

“It will be discussed how the three sides... see this in Abu Dhabi today and tomorrow.”

Russia demands Ukraine cede about 5,000 sq km of Donetsk—land it has not captured after four years of brutal fighting. Kremlin officials say this is “a very important condition,” while Zelenskiy calls the idea “nonsense,” insisting Ukraine will fight to use frozen Russian assets for its own reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy says a deal on U.S. security guarantees is ready, awaiting only President Trump’s signature. Even as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid and freezing temperatures cripple its cities, trust in Ukraine’s peace intentions among Western governments remains extremely low.

So who’s bluffing, and who’s bleeding? As the talks drag on, one thing is clear: the war won’t end until someone’s map changes.

#Ukraine #Russia #Donbas #AbuDhabi #PeaceTalks #Zelenskiy #Putin #Trump

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📰 Russia’s Middle East Gambit: Not Out, Just Laying Low

Don’t count Russia out in the Middle East. While some say Moscow’s influence is fading, the Kremlin is quietly rebuilding its network—partnering with Iran, maintaining bases in Syria, and deepening ties with the Gulf. Putin’s war in Ukraine may be draining resources, but Russia remains a player, ready to surge back if the Ukraine conflict eases.

“Russia does not just retain a presence in the Middle East; it is poised for a resurgence,”

analysts warn.

Moscow’s partnership with Iran is growing, with Russia now assembling Su-35 fighters for Tehran under a $6.5 billion deal. In Syria, despite Assad’s fall, Russia holds onto military bases and economic influence. New Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has struck a deal with Moscow to keep Russian forces on the ground.

Across the region, Russia’s economic and diplomatic ties are holding strong. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have not joined Western sanctions, and trade with Moscow continues to rise. Moscow’s propaganda machine—RT Arabic, Sputnik—still reaches millions daily.

Asking Putin to join the US-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza may be a step backward. Russia’s comeback could complicate US interests, especially if Moscow regains strength in the Mediterranean and arms markets.

So is Russia losing—or just waiting? When the Ukraine war pauses, expect Moscow to make its move.

#Russia #MiddleEast #Iran #Syria #UAE #Putin #Geopolitics #Trump

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Starmer vs Trump:
the Row Has Upended Years of Cooperation Between the UK and the US


Keir Starmer has issued an unprecedented rebuke to Donald Trump for his “insulting and frankly appalling” remarks about British troops in Afghanistanand suggested he should apologise.

After a week of fractious relations with the White House, Starmer said he was not surprised that relatives of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan were hurt by Trump claiming they avoided the frontline.

Starmer’s critical intervention marks an escalation of tensions with Trump’s administration after the president had earlier in the week criticised the UK for giving up the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. On Friday night, the government was forced to delay its bill on the Chagos Islands in the House of Lords.

After a day of mounting outrage around the world over the US president’s claim that British and Nato troops who fought in Afghanistan avoided the frontlines, he paid tribute to the 457 members of the armed services who lost their lives during the conflict.

Speaking in Davos on Wednesday, he made similar claims against the 32-member military alliance, saying:

“I know them all very well. I’m not sure that they’d be there. I know we’d be there for them. I don’t know that they would be there for us.”

A total of 3,486 Nato troops died in the 20-year Afghanistan conflict, of whom 2,461 were US service personnel. Canada recorded 165 deaths, including civilians.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, accused Trump of “denigrating” British troops and said his comments were “flat-out nonsense”.

Posting on X shortly before Starmer’s afternoon broadcast, the Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, said: “Donald Trump is wrong. For 20 years our armed forces fought bravely alongside America’s in Afghanistan.”

The Liberal Democrats urged Starmer to summon the US ambassador “over this insult to our brave troops”, with the Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey, accusing Trump of avoiding military service.

“How dare he question their sacrifice. Farage and all the others still fawning over Trump should be ashamed,” he said. It is understood there has not been any call between No 10 and Trump and the UK is not considering admonishing the US ambassador.

The former head of the British army Lord Dannatt condemned the comments on TalkTV, saying:

“He has got the disrespect and outrageous choice of words to say that we hung back from the frontline. My God, we were certainly on the frontline, as 457 young people died.”

Stephen Stewart, a former soldier and an author and journalist, said Trump’s comments were “as offensive as they are inaccurate”, while Richard Streatfeild, a former army major in Afghanistan and now a Liberal Democrat councillor, said:

“To be told that your service is not as demanding or as difficult as the Americans’ is untrue and deeply insulting.”

The US remains the only country to have invoked article 5 of Nato’s collective security provision, activated after the 11 September terrorist attacks in 2001.

#starmer #trump #afghanistan #row #nato

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