Europe: Emergency Meeting.
Sir Keir is Heading to Paris.
Sir Keir Starmer is heading to Paris to meet with his European counterparts. The meeting is in response, to US Defence Secretary, Mr. Hegseth, saying "Europe needs to step up and spend more on defence". Trump has also said Europe must spend at least 5% of its GDP on defence. Trump at the end of the day, is a businessman, he runs the US like it is a company. He thinks Europe is taking advantage of the US umbrella. European nations are happy to see the US spend the most on Western defence. For Trump, this is not good enough, he rightly wants Europe to spend more on its defence.
Trump is not removing that umbrella, but it's in his mind, to do so if Europe doesn't pay more. It's about Trump putting "America First" and saving money. That's why he has Elon Musk cutting over inflated depts in the US government. However, one thing stands stark, Trump has sanctioned billions of Dollars to be earmarked, for Israel. Trump like Biden and all American presidents before him stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Why is Israel the exception and Europe not?
Sir Keir Starmer in Ukraine made a deal with the eastern European country. The UK would stand with Ukraine. Sir Keir and Zelenskyy signed a hundred-year deal. A deal whereby, the UK and Ukraine would cooperate not only in the military field but on science and a whole host of things. Trump has reversed 3 years of a policy whereby the West sent money and weapons to Ukraine.
The US as I said, wants Europe to do more for Ukraine. Trump said Ukraine is a European country so European nations must do more. As he said, the US is miles away from Ukraine and Russia. The US has an ocean protecting it, unlike Europe. In other words, Russia is closer to Europe and more dangerous to European countries. That doesn't take in the fact of ICBMs but maybe that wasn't factored in by Trump.
With Trump saying Europe must pay more for its defence, Sir Keir has said the UK will spend more. How that will work? Defence spending cuts are coming down the line. Sir Keir in his commitment to Ukraine, has even said that British troops might be on the ground in Ukraine. Echoing President Macron's words about French troops doing the same.
So with Trump rowing back somewhat on defending Europe that's the reason, European leaders are meeting in France. Leaders will discuss how the European NATO members will pay more for their defence. How in a world where the US sees Europe as less of a priority, how will Europe cope? Europe as a NATO member and outside of NATO, must adapt. It is a matter of necessity in a Trump-dominated world where Europe must step up.
Trump and Putin have spoken by phone but Zelenskyy was left out. Trump has said in any peace deal, Russia can keep the Ukrainian land, it has captured. This is backtracking on what Biden wanted. Ukraine would be allowed to sit around the table, with Russia. The US acting as an honest broker. Now that could be in doubt leaving Putin and Trump, to hammer any peace deal. Leaving Russia in control of the part of Ukraine it has captured. One proviso though, Ukraine has captured a small part of Russia, will Ukraine be able to keep that bit of land?
Understandably, Zelenskyy is not happy. In a speech, he said Europe should stop being dependent on this American umbrella. The time has come for Europe to build a united European armed forces. And the Ukrainian leader has a point. We have been dependent on the US defending us for too long.
The EU could theoretically be a world power. However, that idea has been rebuffed by EU President, Ursula von der Leyen. Nevertheless, whether the US defends us or not, the time must come, when Europe steps up.
Sir Keir stated that the front line against Russia is not just a front line for Ukraine but for all of Europe. With that in mind, Sir Keir will discuss this with the Germans, French, and others.
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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Iran’s Khamenei Lashes Out as Tehran Struggles to Quell Protests
Iran is once again gripped by widespread unrest as protests erupt across multiple cities, exposing deep fractures between the state and society. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has responded with fiery rhetoric, blaming foreign enemies, media manipulation, and “sedition” for the growing dissent. His sharp tone reflects not confidence, but pressure. As Tehran struggles to contain demonstrations fueled by economic hardship, social restrictions, and political frustration, Khamenei’s remarks underline a leadership facing one of its most serious legitimacy challenges in years. The latest wave of protests did not emerge overnight. Years of inflation, unemployment, and sanctions have eroded living standards for ordinary Iranians. The collapse of the national currency has made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable, while corruption scandals involving elites continue to circulate widely on social media. For many protesters, the issue is not a single policy failure but a system that appears unresponsive to their daily struggles. Khamenei’s reaction has followed a familiar pattern. In speeches broadcast on state television, he has accused Western governments, especially the United States and its allies, of orchestrating unrest to weaken Iran from within. He has also criticized Iranian dissidents abroad, calling them “tools of foreign intelligence agencies.” While such rhetoric resonates with hardline supporters, it has failed to calm the streets. Instead, many Iranians see these statements as an attempt to deflect responsibility rather than address real grievances. Security forces have been deployed heavily in major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Shiraz. Reports from human rights groups suggest mass arrests, internet restrictions, and the use of force to disperse crowds. Despite this, protests have continued in waves, often reigniting after nighttime lulls. 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Khamenei’s lashing out also reflects growing unease within Iran’s power structure. While the Supreme Leader remains the ultimate authority, cracks are appearing beneath the surface. Some officials have called for dialogue and limited reforms, while hardliners insist on zero tolerance. This internal tension complicates the government’s response, as mixed signals weaken its ability to present a unified front. Internationally, the protests have drawn renewed scrutiny of Iran’s human rights record. Western governments have condemned the crackdown and imposed additional sanctions on Iranian officials and security bodies. Tehran, however, has doubled down on its narrative of foreign interference, expelling diplomats and restricting foreign media coverage. This confrontation further isolates Iran at a time when it is already struggling economically and diplomatically. The economic dimension of the crisis cannot be overstated. Sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear program have cut off vital revenue streams, while mismanagement has discouraged foreign investment. Ordinary citizens feel trapped between international pressure and domestic policy failures. For many protesters, the leadership’s defiant posture offers little comfort when jobs are scarce and prices soar. Despite the unrest, the Iranian state still commands significant tools of control: loyal security forces, state media, and a network of ideological institutions. Khamenei’s authority, while challenged, remains intact for now. Yet history shows that prolonged unrest can gradually reshape political realities, even in tightly controlled systems. Each protest, each chant, chips away at the narrative of unanimous support. The critical question is whether Iran’s leadership will adapt or continue relying on repression and rhetoric. Khamenei’s harsh words may rally his base, but they do little to bridge the widening gap between rulers and ruled. 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