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Latest round of US-mediated peace negotiations come to close in Geneva with war set to enter its fifth year next weekEurope live – latest updatesThe latest round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Wednesday ended without a major breakthrough, as fighting continues in a war that will enter its fifth year next week.Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said no agreement had been reached on the thorniest questions at the negotiations in Switzerland, accusing Moscow of “trying to drag out” the process. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/18/latest-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-geneva-no-breakthrough Author : Pjotr Sauer Publish date : 2026-02-18 14:34:00

Government considering delay to equalising national minimum wage after jump in youth unemploymentUK politics live – latest updatesMinisters are considering a slower rise in the minimum wage for younger workers, amid fears over rising youth unemployment.Labour had promised in its manifesto to equalise national minimum wage rates by the time of the next election, saying it was unfair younger workers were paid less. Government sources said equalisation remained the aim but the rise could come more slowly. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/18/ministers-may-slow-youth-minimum-wage-rise-uk-unemployment-fears Author : Jessica Elgot and Tom Knowles Publish date : 2026-02-18 12:09:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs

US-brokered negotiations in Switzerland began on Tuesday but expectations for breakthroughs are lowWe have confirmation from Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security council chief and top negotiator, that the talks in Geneva have begun.“Consultations are taking place in focus groups within the political and military blocs. We are working to clarify the parameters and mechanics of the solutions discussed yesterday,” he posted on social media, without providing further details. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/feb/18/ukraine-russia-peace-talks-zelenskyy-trump-putin-denmark-greenland-europe-live Author : Taz Ali Publish date : 2026-02-18 09:44:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

January annual drop still leaves rate above Bank of England’s 2% targetBusiness live – latest updatesUK inflation tumbled to 3% in January, giving a boost to hopes of an early cut in interest rates by the Bank of England.The drop was in line with a majority of City economists’ forecasts and marks the lowest level since March 2025. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/18/uk-inflation-falls-interest-rates-bank-of-england Author : Phillip Inman Publish date : 2026-02-18 07:01:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.