With diplomatic channels open with the three major power centres—the US, Russia, and China—Saudi Arabia continues to navigate a delicate balance between economic pragmatism and security imperatives

A sudden ditching of US support for Ukraine and a more understanding approach to Russia, has sent shudders through Europe and pricked ears in Beijing. As the war looks set to end, what next?

An economic giant, any combined North American state would be larger than Russia and richer than China, with a GDP of $31.2tn, producing almost twice as much oil as Saudi Arabia

If Trump's decision to freeze Ukraine aid was aimed at forcing Zelenskyy to enter peace talks, it had the added effect of pushing the EU to review its defence capabilities

Trump has been trying to strong-arm Ukraine for years, but it's not getting any prettier

Trump says a ceasefire will be agreed "soon" or "won't be at all" and said he respected Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian military, which "had fought very bravely"

Trump wants to end the war, seemingly in Russia's favour. Macron warns over striking a 'weak' deal, a message Starmer will likely echo during his visit. Meanwhile, EU leaders will convene next week.

Europe continues to reel from a series of shocks dealt by the 'America First' administration of Donald Trump. The fate of Ukraine and Europe's security architecture hangs in the balance.