Trump, Putin Meet as Ukraine Seeks US Peace Deal; Bolsonaro Sentenced for Coup Attempt; Taiwan Boosts Readiness Amid China Threat; Budget 2025 Hikes Promised by Reeves
Trump Envoy to Meet Putin as Ukraine Reports ‘Understanding’ with US on Peace Plan
Ukraine reports an agreement has been reached regarding a peace plan with the United States, amid news that former President Donald Trump’s special envoy will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The development comes after both sides signaled willingness to negotiate terms for ending hostilities.
- Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached on US peace plan, as Trump envoy to meet Putin — BBC News
- Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached with US on peace plan, as Trump envoy to meet Putin — BBC News
- Ukraine is happy and Russia is making concessions, says Trump — Sky News
- Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached with US on peace plan, as Trump says his envoy will meet Putin in Moscow — BBC News
- Ukraine says ‘understanding’ reached with US on peace plan, as Trump says his envoy will meet Putin — BBC News
Budget 2025: Rachel Reeves Vows to Implement Tax Hikes and Address Cost of Living
Sky News reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a raft of tax hikes in the upcoming Budget 2025, amid rising public anger over financial pressures. The budget aims to tackle the cost of living crisis with proposed measures including higher income taxes and increased VAT.
- Reeves acknowledges voters’ anger ahead of raft of tax hikes in budget today — Sky News
- Raft of tax hikes expected in budget today – here’s what we know — Sky News
- Reeves vows to ‘take fair and necessary choices’ and ‘action on cost of living’ — Sky News
Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro Begins 27-Year Prison Sentence for Coup Attempt
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of attempting a coup against the government in January 2023, has begun serving his 27-year prison sentence.
- Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro begins 27-year prison sentence — Sky News
- Brazil’s former president Bolsonaro begins 27-year prison sentence — Sky News
- Brazil’s Bolsonaro begins 27-year prison sentence — Sky News
Trump Seeks Ukraine Peace Talks at Kremlin with Putin and Zelensky
Former US President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week to discuss a potential peace plan for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Trump’s envoy to have Ukraine peace plan talks at Kremlin next week — BBC News
- Trump hopes to meet Putin and Zelenskyy ‘soon’ – but only if peace deal struck — Sky News
Maduro Brandishes Sword, Vows to Defy US Overthrow Attempt
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has brandished a sword and vowed to resist any attempts by the United States to overthrow his government. The defiant gesture comes amid ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the US, with Maduro accusing Washington of plotting regime change.
- Maduro brandishes sword and vows to defy any US attempt to overthrow his government — Sky News
- Defiant Maduro wields sword as he sends message to US — Sky News
Taiwan Accelerates Combat Readiness as China Prepares to ‘Take the Country by Force’
Taiwan’s president announces plans to prepare for combat with China by 2027 amid Beijing’s accelerating preparations for a military takeover, highlighting rising tensions and Beijing’s aggressive moves.
- Taiwan to prepare for combat by 2027 as China ‘speeds up plans to take country by force’ — Sky News
- Taiwan’s president sets date to prepare for combat with China — Sky News
Russian Mercenaries Accused of Cold-Blooded Killings in Mali
Eyewitnesses have spoken to BBC News about alleged cold-blooded killings by Russian mercenaries in Mali. The article reports on the accusations and provides firsthand accounts from individuals who claim to have witnessed such acts.
- Russian mercenaries accused of cold-blooded killings in Mali – BBC speaks to eyewitnesses — BBC News
- Russia ‘making concessions’ and Ukraine ‘happy’ with peace deal talks, says Trump — Sky News
Sky News: Budget 2025 – Rachel Reeves Promises ‘Smorgasbord’ of Tax Hikes to Address Cost-of-Living Crisis
In today’s budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a range of tax hikes and policy measures aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis. The finance minister emphasized making ‘fair and necessary choices’ while outlining plans that include increased taxes on energy firms and other sectors.
London councils suffer cyber attack with potentially compromised data
London councils experienced a significant cyber attack that may have led to the compromise of sensitive data across multiple council systems.