World - Daily Politics

Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has said Ukraine should take steps to ensure young men remain in the country rather than leaving for Western Europe, framing this as part of expectations tied to Western economic support.

Speaking alongside Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Paris following a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”, Merz said rebuilding Ukraine and providing long-term security guarantees were inseparable. He argued that only a stronger Ukrainian economy could offer credible deterrence after the conflict ends.

Merz said Ukraine’s international backers had “certain expectations” in exchange for financial assistance and reconstruction aid, including creating conditions in ...

France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a declaration of intent on the possible deployment of multinational forces on Ukrainian territory following a cessation of hostilities, according to reporting from multiple outlets.

The document was signed in Paris by Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting of countries described as a “coalition of the willing”. The declaration sets out a framework for legal and operational planning should a ceasefire be agreed.

President Macron said the United States had expressed readiness to take part in mechanisms to monitor any ceasefire. Prime Minister Starmer described the agreement as the starting ...

US political leaders have announced that Donald Trump says Venezuela will transfer 30–50 million barrels of oil to the United States. This announcement follows heightened tensions and recent US military operations that resulted in the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Trump stated that the oil will be sold on international markets, with revenues managed to benefit both the Venezuelan people and the United States. The oil in question has been held in storage due to longstanding sanctions that had restricted Venezuela’s crude exports.

The proposed transfer is a significant development given Venezuela’s status as one of the world’s largest ...

Former US president Donald Trump has again said the United States should take control of Greenland, arguing that the territory is strategically important for American national security.

Trump has suggested Greenland’s location in the Arctic makes it vital for defence and global security, and has said US control would strengthen its strategic position. His remarks revive a proposal first raised during his presidency, which previously caused diplomatic friction.

Denmark, which retains sovereignty over Greenland, has firmly rejected the idea. Danish leaders have stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that its future can only be decided by its population. Greenland’s own ...

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, Jeffrey Sachs argued that the central issue facing the council was not Venezuela’s domestic politics, but whether external powers have the right to shape another country’s political future through force, coercion, or economic pressure.

Sachs said such actions contravene Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the political independence of any state. He warned that abandoning this principle would have far-reaching consequences for international stability.

Providing historical context, Sachs stated that the United States has repeatedly pursued regime change operations since the mid-20th century through a ...

The BBC has issued internal guidance advising journalists not to describe the US detention of Nicolás Maduro as a “kidnapping,” according to reports that have sparked discussion about editorial language and neutrality.

Staff were reportedly told to use more neutral terms when referring to Maduro’s transfer to US custody, reflecting the corporation’s view that “kidnapping” implies an unproven legal judgement. The guidance emphasises the BBC’s long-standing editorial policy of avoiding language that could be seen as taking sides in contested international disputes.

The decision has drawn criticism from some commentators and politicians, who argue that the circumstances of Maduro’s detention justify the ...

Former US president Donald Trump has again said the United States should take control of Greenland, reviving a proposal that previously caused diplomatic tension between Washington and Copenhagen.

Trump described Greenland as strategically vital for US national security, pointing to its location in the Arctic and growing geopolitical competition in the region. He said American control would strengthen defence and economic interests, as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources.

Denmark responded by firmly rejecting the idea. Danish leaders said Greenland is not for sale and stressed that its future can only be decided by the people of ...

Venezuela’s opposition leadership has indicated a shift in tone toward the United States, signalling a readiness to engage with Washington even as debate continues over the likelihood of future US intervention in the country.

In comments reported by international media, the opposition’s interim leader said cooperation with the US would be pursued where it could help address Venezuela’s political and economic crisis. The remarks mark a contrast with earlier, more confrontational language and appear aimed at maintaining international support while reducing fears of foreign military involvement.

Analysis suggests that while a direct US-led intervention in Venezuela now appears less likely than in ...

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said she has not spoken to former US president Donald Trump since October, pushing back against speculation about ongoing contact as political pressure intensifies on President Nicolás Maduro.

Machado made the comments as Venezuela remains in political uncertainty following disputed elections and continued international debate over the country’s leadership. She said her focus remains on mobilising domestic and international support for democratic change, rather than maintaining personal links with US political figures.

The remarks come amid renewed attention on Washington’s stance toward Venezuela, including legal and diplomatic actions targeting Maduro and his allies. Analysts say ...

A court in Paris has found Brigitte Macron was the target of sustained online harassment, convicting 10 individuals over a series of abusive messages and posts shared on social media platforms.

Judges ruled that the defendants engaged in coordinated cyberbullying that included insults, threats and gender-based abuse directed at the French first lady. The court said the behaviour went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to unlawful harassment under French law.

The case is being seen as a landmark moment in France’s efforts to address online abuse, particularly when it targets women in public life. Prosecutors argued that the volume and tone of ...