Displaying items by tag: USA

Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly halted, at least partially, intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that could severely impact Kyiv’s defence against Russia. National security adviser Mike Waltz and CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed a pause is in place, suggesting it might be lifted if Ukraine takes steps toward negotiations. The intelligence freeze follows a suspension of US weapons deliveries, aimed at pressuring Ukraine into a peace deal. Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a willingness to negotiate, and renewed talks between US and Ukrainian officials are expected soon. However, critics warn that cutting intelligence and military aid ‘pretty much guarantees a Russian victory without there needing to be a peace deal’. Meanwhile, concerns remain over whether the administration or Elon Musk will continue allowing Starlink, a vital communication tool for Ukraine. Some US military and intelligence officers feel that ‘we are abandoning our allies on the battlefield’.

Donald Trump has imposed a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico and doubled tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%. He says that all three countries have failed to do enough to stem the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl. These measures could disrupt over $2.2 trillion in trade. China immediately retaliated, announcing new tariffs on US agricultural products and export restrictions on 25 American firms, including those linked to arms sales to Taiwan. Canada and Mexico also pledged countermeasures, with Canada targeting US goods such as beer, wine, and home appliances. Ontario premier Doug Ford even suggested halting nickel shipments and electricity exports to the USA. China, already facing heightened tariffs on semiconductors and electric vehicles, expressed frustration, accusing the US of violating trade agreements. With trade tensions escalating, global markets remain uncertain as major economies brace for economic fallout.

The Government’s secret demand to access Apple customers’ encrypted data has drawn sharp criticism from the US intelligence community. Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, revealed she was not informed about this move and is now investigating whether it violates US citizens’ privacy rights. The request would force Apple to break its encryption, something the company has refused to do. In response, Apple removed its highest-level security tool, Advanced Data Protection, from UK devices last week. This means UK customers' data remains encrypted but accessible to Apple if served with a legal warrant. The USA is now reviewing the UK’s actions, with concerns over whether it breaches agreements between the two nations on protecting citizens' private data. The Government has so far declined to comment on the matter.

Four US air force bombers have arrived at RAF Fairford as part of its Bomber Task Force Europe, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence posture amid rising tensions with Russia. The bombers have already participated in joint missions with Finland, France, and Sweden to enhance allied air force interoperability. Major-general Joseph Campo highlighted the mission’s strategic significance, stating that Bomber Task Force missions project US combat power, ensuring lethality and readiness in an evolving security landscape.  Another commander said that training with NATO allies strengthens operational cohesion and enhances the ability to deploy decisive capabilities whenever needed. The bombers will participate in joint exercises across Europe, showcasing agility and rapid-response capabilities. This deployment affirms US commitment to deterring Russian aggression and maintaining a robust defence presence in the region.

At high-level talks with the USA in Saudi Arabia, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has declared that Russia will not accept NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine under any peace agreement. The discussions marked the first known face-to-face meeting between Russian and American delegations since the invasion began. Both sides agreed to appoint teams to negotiate an end to the war, which US secretary of state Marco Rubio called a significant step. Ukraine was not invited, prompting Volodymyr Zelensky to express frustration over decisions being made without his country's involvement. European leaders held emergency talks in Paris but failed to reach a unified response to the negotiations. While the UK suggested a security presence in Ukraine, Germany and other European nations opposed the idea. Zelensky, visibly tired and upset, will also know that his country's chances of resisting - let alone defeating - Russian troops without American help are very slim.

Former foreign minister Radosław Sikorski has responded to US vice-president JD Vance’s critique of Europe regarding migration and free speech. Vance, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, criticised European leaders for disregarding the will of their citizens, undermining elections, and failing to protect religious freedoms. He also questioned Britain's abortion laws and Romania’s recent election, calling for a reassessment of Europe’s approach to these challenges. Sikorski remarked that while Vance’s speech leaned more towards a philosophical one than one that was security-focused, he agreed on the need for greater European defence spending. He emphasised that the global security situation is changing, with rising threats, especially due to Russia’s actions.

The Government has stated it will not immediately retaliate against the renewal of US steel and aluminium tariffs, instead opting for a measured approach. Trade minister Douglas Alexander emphasised the need for a 'cool and clear-headed' response rather than a knee-jerk reaction. The 25% tariffs, set to take effect from 12 March, are designed to reduce foreign imports and boost US steel production. While the UK only exports 10% of its steel to the US, certain specialist suppliers could face severe impacts; the tariffs could also lead to an influx of cheaper foreign steel into the UK, undercutting domestic manufacturers. In response, UK Steel and unions are urging the Government to increase domestic steel purchases and protect jobs. Other nations, including Canada and the EU, have condemned the tariffs and vowed retaliatory measures, while the UK remains committed to diplomatic engagement. Donald Trump, who imposed similar tariffs in 2018, has indicated no exemptions this time, except possibly for Australia.

Donald Trump’s reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule (GGR) has sparked widespread concern among activists and NGOs, who warn it will severely restrict healthcare access for women worldwide. The policy bars organisations receiving US funding from providing or advocating for abortion, even with their own funds. Many healthcare groups now face the impossible choice of losing critical financial support or restricting life-saving care. The impact is expected to be devastating. One NGO estimates that there will be 2.4 million unintended pregnancies and increased maternal deaths due to unsafe abortions. In Zimbabwe alone, service cutbacks will result in 460,000 unintended pregnancies and 1,400 preventable maternal deaths. The rule has also led to widespread clinic closures, reducing access to contraception, maternal care, and HIV testing. With US foreign aid frozen and USAID dismantled, the humanitarian fallout is severe.

China has retaliated against new US tariffs by imposing 15% duties on certain energy imports and 10% tariffs on crude oil, vehicles, and machinery. It also announced export controls on key minerals like tungsten and added two firms to its ‘unreliable entities’ list. Additionally, China launched an antitrust investigation into Google. On 2 February Donald Trump had imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, part of broader trade measures also targeting Mexico and Canada. He has briefly paused tariffs on those two nations following talks. China denounced the tariffs at the World Trade Organisation, warning of economic disruption. The dispute extends beyond tariffs, touching on security and fentanyl production. While Beijing aims to avoid an escalating trade war, China’s slowing economy adds pressure. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated that he might impose tariffs on other nations.

When president Gustavo Petro blocked US deportation flights in protest of the treatment of migrants, Donald Trump at once threatened severe tariffs and revoked visas for Colombian officials. Petro initially resisted but ultimately relented, allowing deportation flights to resume. This misstep weakened his administration, leading to the Liberal Party’s exit from the coalition government and raising concerns over the country’s foreign policy. Petro’s presidency has faced internal and external challenges, including strained US relations over drug policy reforms and closer ties with Venezuela and Cuba. His confrontational stance, while appealing to his base, risks economic consequences. Experts argue that Colombia must develop a more strategic foreign policy beyond depending on the USA. The fallout from this crisis may shape Petro’s influence in the 2026 elections, as he seeks to position himself as a defender of national sovereignty amid political uncertainty.