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Sky News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Michael Clarke Q&A: The 'pie in the sky' part of Trump's peace plan and why US won't arrest Putin
14:50:31 That's it for our latest Q&A - scroll down to catch up Michael Clarke has just finished answering your questions, which were put to him by presenter Jayne Secker. He covered a lot today - from what you wanted to know about Russia's latest surprise attack, to why Vladimir Putin can't just be arrested in Alaska on Friday when he meets Donald Trump. Scroll down to catch up on the best of his answers, or watch it back in the video at the top of the page. Or if you're looking for live news, we're running our usual Ukraine blog, on a big day for diplomacy, as Europe tries to influence Trump's approach to the talks with Putin. Tap below to follow the latest updates on the Ukraine war today... 14:47:10 British boots on the ground in Ukraine unlikely - but here's what could be done Keogh: Do you see a world where British foot soldiers are required on the ground to enforce new territorial boundaries - and how big a risk would that be in setting up a direct conflict between Britain and Russia? Michael Clarke says he's confident there will "definitely" not be British boots on the ground in Ukraine. "If Britain were to do something, it would be, I suspect, in the air environment and certainly not in the ground environment," Clarke says. He explains: "Say that we're an air policing force, a NATO air policing force, then the Royal Air Force could do some useful stuff there, and we've got some high-end capabilities. "But again, that would be dangerous." He outlines why British troops on the ground are unlikely: You know, our troops, if we say we don't have enough to do anything meaningful, we're in such a big country as Ukraine, with our army of 70,000. I mean, we are acting as a strategic reserve to NATO, and that depends on some of the special forces or specialist forces or air force and or Navy. I mean, we're not in the frontline of NATO anymore. The big countries in NATO in terms of troops are Germany and Poland and Finland. These are the countries [putting] a lot of troops into the field. And they're the ones that need to, as it were, take on the big war tasks with Britain acting as a strategic reserve to do useful things, maybe vital things in small areas of the front. That's the way we currently conceive of our role within NATO. 'Ringleader of anti-Russian feeling in Europe' Clarke also explains how Russia holds particular animosity for Britain. "They regard Britain as somehow the ringleader of anti-Russian feelings in Europe," he says. Clarke says "in a way" Britain is a political ringleader, but if you want anti-Russian feelings talk to "the Poles... the Finns... and talk to some of the Germans." 14:44:30 Will an independent Ukraine exist in 10 years? "I more than hope so - I think so," says Clarke. He says the feeling in Ukraine is that it will choose to keep fighting in an endless war rather hand over the country to Moscow. He says: "Everything that's happened since 2022 has reinforced the Ukrainian sense that they are fighting for life and that life under Russian occupation would be absolutely intolerable." "For that reason, I think that they will keep going another ten years. "Ultimately, the Ukrainians are doing what the British were doing in 1940s. They're hanging on." 14:41:38 Would a ceasefire help Putin? Michael Clarke agrees that a pause would be strategically useful for Russia. Clarke says Russia's air force is in "pretty good shape" and their navy is still "quite powerful" too. "What they've expended in Ukraine are the ground forces," he says. "So how long would it take to reconstitute those ground forces? "And depending on what standard you set for it opinions range from 2-3 years to 5 -6 years, but it's not 10 or 15 years." Clarke says if Putin gets a break from Ukraine - for example, until the end of the Trump administration - "the ground forces could be really quite considerable". "Russia is already a war economy. It's a functioning war economy and although it's straining the rest of the Russian economy, you can't turn a war economy off easily," he adds. "You just can't do it." He says the European view is a ceasefire in Ukraine will mean the Russian military pressure on other states will continue. "The conclusion in European states have no choice but to re-arm to deter the Russians from continuing this sense of momentum they've built up," he adds. 14:36:26 'Nothing on paper' could guarantee Ukraine's security - it will likely become 'Israel of Europe' Thekansasphil: Is there any realistic security guarantee that could stop Putin launching another ground invasion down the line? "There's nothing you could put on paper to make a difference," Clarke says. "NATO membership would make a difference, but that's not going to happen - the Russians have said they would never agree." Instead, Clarke says the thing that would most guarantee Ukraine's security is the delivery of a lot of weapons systems so they can arm themselves. Ukraine will become 'Israel of Europe' Clarke says Ukraine is facing a future where it spends the best part of the century living in an armed peace with its direct neighbour. "It will be the Israel of Europe. It'll be a heavily armed country, surrounded at least on one side by a hostile neighbour who's bigger than it," he explains. "And so therefore it will arm itself. And that's the only guarantee that would be practical." Ukraine must become a 'porcupine' Clarke says Kyiv must adopt a "porcupine strategy" of war if it wants to avoid being taken over by Russia down the line. This war strategy is based on the idea that a smaller entity can effectively defend itself by making itself a difficult and painful target, like a porcupine with its quills. "It'd be like swallowing a porcupine," he says. "That's the best that the Ukrainians can do is make themselves into a heavily armed porcupine so that the Russians think twice about whether to really try to take the rest of Ukraine." 14:33:25 'Might is right in this new imperialist age' - but losing land isn't giving up Get Real: If Russia is given the territory it holds illegally, doesn't that set a dangerous precedent for any large country to take what land it wants from its neighbours? "It's the might is right," Michael Clarke says of the prospect of the US agreeing a deal with Russia, and greenlighting Moscow to take Ukrainian land. But he points out that how any deal is agreed can be crucial. "There's a big difference between recognising for the sake of a ceasefire that you can't get a piece of territory back and giving up your legal right to it," Clarke points out. He gives multiple examples from around the world, such as Northern Cyprus and the Coral Islands. Clarke adds: "There are these territories in the world which are given up de facto, but they're not given up legally, nor should they be and remain disputed." 'A new imperialist age' Clarke highlights the worrying example that could be set if America acquiesces to Russian demands in Alaska. "I've said before that we're living in a new imperialist age and all the big powers now have an imperialist mindset," he explains. He goes on: "So, Russia is very imperialist, China is imperialist in East Asia, and the United States is imperialist under Trump, in relation to Canada and Greenland and Panama. "So, yeah, we live in a new imperialist age, and it'd be very, very difficult if land that was just conquered was somehow legally transferred." 14:29:28 'No, they won't arrest him': Why Putin won't be detained by US in Alaska James B: Why won't Putin be arrested when he sets foot on American soil? I know there is no legal obligation for America to do so but surely there is a moral one. What would the consequences be? There are 125 members signed up to the International Criminal Court, Michael Clarke says. But America, Russia, China and India are not members. "Those are the big four countries in the world," Clarke says. "They are the countries that make the political weather for everybody else." Looking at whether there is a moral duty to arrest Putin, Clarke says "it would be nice if there were". "But remember, the ICC only goes back to 2002, so it's quite recent," he adds. "It takes generations for these sorts of institutions to become really important in world politics. "The ICC is very controversial these days, but it's building a reputation for itself, and more countries would rather have it than not have it for all sorts of reasons. "So the answer is no, they won't arrest him. And yes, they should. But no, they won't." 14:25:13 'It's America but somehow not': Why Trump and Putin are meeting in Alaska M: Why are Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska and not a neutral location? Michael Clarke says an Arab nation like the UAE would have been the preference for the summit when it was originally mooted. He says a number of countries are "quite close to Russian diplomacy in that sense". The main reason for Alaska, Clarke says, is that there aren't too many countries they could go to which aren't signed up to the International Criminal Court. "That's important because Putin is an indicted war criminal. If he went to a country that is signed up to the ICC, that country would be duty-bound to arrest him." He adds: "I don't know whether it was the Russians who said 'we'll come to you,' or the Americans who said, 'how about having it here'? "Washington might have seemed a bit of a stretch in terms of giving Putin such a triumph, so maybe Alaska works - it's America, but somehow not." "He's keeping him in the cold," Jayne Secker adds. 14:22:01 Trump's idea for enforcing any land deal to end war is 'pie in the sky' Anthony B: If a new border is formed between Ukraine and Russia, has Trump ever said how it should be policed? "No," Clarke says simply. He tells presenter Jayne Secker: "That's one of the things that Zelenskyy said, he said if there is a deal that we agree to, what are the security guarantees. "What guarantees are there that this will be the end of it, at least for the next 20 or 30 years?" This is a point that Europe and Ukraine have repeatedly raised, and the US is yet to answer, Clarke explains. He points out how Vladimir Putin has repeatedly broken international agreements, raising the serious question of what guarantees there are. Zelenskyy, Clarke points out, often says NATO membership could be a guarantee - something Russia refuses. "Trump has always been vague about this, security guarantees, blah, blah, blah," Clarke says. He explains how the US leader tries to frame the minerals deal as meaning American workers will be in Ukraine - in essence acting as a security guarantee. "That is pie in the sky," Clarke says. "This mineral deal is a shadow of a security guarantee," he adds. 14:21:18 US has handed Putin a 'diplomatic triumph' by agreeing to Alaska meeting Franklin: Putin travelling to Alaska seems to be quite a turnaround from Russia - what's behind this new willingness to engage and does the US suddenly have some leverage after Trump's tariffs on Russia's trading partners? Michael Clarke points out that Donald Trump initially gave Russia 60 days to agree to a ceasefire or face strong sanctions. But that deadline came and went last Friday and Trump then gave Russia two weeks. "The Russians needed to do something, not just sit there, and had to throw the ball entirely back into the White House's court," he says. "And so what they did is they talked about it and said maybe we can have a meeting, and astonishingly, the White House agreed to it. "Instead of pressure on Putin, it's now become a diplomatic triumph for Putin to be invited to a summit on American territory. "Putin is a pariah in most of world politics, he's an indicted war criminal at the ICC, and he's being hosted with full diplomatic honours on US territory. "That's a huge win for him, and he's given nothing for it." Looking at why the Russians are prepared to do this, Clarke says Putin has "always wanted a one-to-one summit with Trump". He adds: "Putin's message to Trump is 'leave Ukraine to me and we'll get on with the bigger things'".
Sky News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Israel-Iran live: 'Explosions heard' in Qatar after 'credible threat' by Iran against US base
Watch Q&A: Our experts answer your questions Presenter Jayne Secker has been putting your questions to our experts - international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay. Hundreds of you got in touch about the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at the weekend and the conflict in the Middle East. Ramsay has been in Iraq this week reporting on the crisis, while Waghorn was in Geneva last week covering talks between European leaders and Iran's foreign minister. Watch below as they answer your questions. Six missiles fired towards US bases in Qatar - report With explosions heard over Qatar moments ago, a report in the US suggests six missiles have been launched at the country. Axios, citing an Israeli official, reports Iran has targeted US bases in Qatar. The news site, along with the Wall Street Journal, had earlier reported Iran was preparing to fire missiles at the bases. Explosions heard over Qatari capital - report Reuters news agency is reporting a series of explosions over Doha, the capital of Qatar. As we've just been reporting - see the posts below this one - a "credible Iranian threat" has been observed on the country, which hosts a huge US air base. 'Credible Iranian threat' to US base in Qatar According to a Western diplomat, cited by Reuters news agency, there has been a credible threat against the al Udeid air base in Qatar since midday today. In addition, the Wall Street Journal reports Iran has positioned missile launchers for a potential attack on US forces. As we just posted below, the closure of Qatari airspace is extremely significant, coming within hours of the UK and US warning its citizens there to take shelter. This all comes after the US carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Donald Trump visited the al Udeid air base in May. Analysis: Qatar airspace closure 'extremely significant' - and signals a threat is real By Dominic Waghorn, international affairs editor Qatar's decision to close its airspace is extremely significant, following the US and UK advising its citizens there to shelter in place earlier today. Doha International Airport is a key global hub for international air travel and a symbol of Qatar's influence and prestige across the world. This would not be a decision taken lightly, and must be down to very specific intelligence about a direct threat to the country. Qatar is home to al Udeid Air Base, the biggest US military base in the Middle East, and around 8,000 troops are based there. Britain's RAF also has a presence there. The US has been waiting for Iran's response to its strikes on its nuclear sites, and if they are targeting al Udeid, this would be one of the more extreme options they could have chosen. If Iran does target al Udeid, and inflict any American casualties, that would surely provoke a huge US response and more risk of President Trump being further drawn into a longer confrontation. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, others will follow - UK foreign secretary The UK's foreign secretary has been speaking in Parliament this afternoon, answering questions around the Israel-Iran conflict. Responding to a question on the legality of any potential UK involvement, David Lammy warned Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. "We are in agreement that Iran and the regime in Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and all of our efforts are designed to ensure that that is the case," he said. "And the whole House [Parliament] will understand that this is not just about Iran, the region and global security - it is because we have to remain steadfast in our commitment to not see nuclear proliferation. "And if Iran got a nuclear weapon, clearly, there would be others in the region that would seek to follow." For context: Israeli leaders argued Iran could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon, making it an imminent threat, while US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assessed Tehran was not actively pursuing a bomb. The IAEA had, though, declared that Iran was in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years on 12 June. Israeli arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran - report Police in Israel have reportedly arrested a man on suspicion of spying for Iran. According to Ynet, a 27-year-old from Tel Aviv is being detained until Thursday for allegedly carrying out tasks for an Iranian official. Detectives found the suspect had been in contact with the official for several months, documenting homes of elected officials and military bases, the report added. The suspect is also accused of receiving thousands of dollars in virtual currencies for his tasks. Alleged spies have also been arrested in Iran since this conflict began. Earlier today, reports suggested Iran has executed a man convicted of collaborating with Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad - see our 6.49am post. Qatar shuts airspace temporarily after US and UK warnings We've reported today that both the US and UK have warned its citizens in Qatar to shelter in place. The US has said that warning is out of an "abundance of caution", and Qatar had said the advice doesn't reflect the situation. But the Qataris have now temporarily shut down its airspace, the foreign ministry has just confirmed. It added the move has been done to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. This comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the US after strikes on its nuclear sites. Explosions heard in southwest Iran Iranian media is reporting an explosion has been heard in the southwest. According to Fars news agency, air defences have been activated in the city of Ahvaz. UK confirms RAF flight has evacuated British citizens from Israel Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed that an RAF flight evacuated British citizens from Israel to Cyprus today. Speaking to MPs in the House of Commons, he says the group will be brought home "this evening", and more flights will follow. Lammy says a booking portal opened yesterday for those British citizens in Israel who want to leave. Going forward, he says those with the "greatest need" will be prioritised. The foreign secretary again urged people in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to register their presence with the British embassy to receive the latest updates. Sky News understands that the UK's chief rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, was aboard the flight as he had been in Israel.
Sky News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Gaza live: UK halts trade talks with Israel and summons ambassador over 'cruel' Gaza blockade - as UN says no aid has reached Palestinians
'I wish it would make a difference' We've just been hearing from the head of Health Workers 4 Palestine about the conditions in Gaza as people wait for much-needed humanitarian aid. Amira Nimerawi tells presenter Jayne Secker that the Israeli army has recently bombed the last well that provides water to civilians in Deir al Balah, central Gaza. "Yesterday there were five trucks. They are expecting around 100 today," she says. "Yet we see a consistent attempt to destroy any infrastructures that are there to nurture life." Nimerawi does not believe that the UK's decision to suspend talks on a new free trade agreement will do much. "Sadly, no," she says. "I wish that it would make a difference. And I wish that these statements were emerging at the beginning of this genocide 19 months ago." "We would like to see other countries place an arms embargo and sanctions on Israel and the supply of weapons," she adds. "Israel needs to be cut off to stop the bloodshed, and to end the occupation once and for all. This is the only thing. This is the only way that Israel is going to stop killing Palestinians."
Sky News
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Sky News
Blackouts latest: 'Everything is in chaos' - power outages hit large parts of Spain and Portugal
Are you affected? We want to hear from you Are you in Spain or Portugal and affected by the power outage? We want to hear from you Get in touch via WhatsApp here or share your experiences in the comments box. By sending us your video footage, photographs or audio you agree we can publish, broadcast and edit the material. What we know has been affected A cut to power is affecting huge swathes of Spain and Portugal, with major cities including Barcelona, Lisbon, Madrid, Porto and Seville affected. Parts of France's Basque region was briefly caught by the outage. Here's what we know has been affected: Transport, including trains, metros and airports - with traffic lights also down; Internet and mobile coverage; Lighting in homes, businesses and other buildings, though backup generators are in place in many; ATMs and card payments, as well as most till systems; Lifts in buildings are stuck; Electric car chargers and fuel pumps are also down; A significant quantity of water pumps, meaning some homes have no access to drinking water. 'Utterly bizarre': Madrid resident tells of confusion as blackout hit The moment the power cut hit has been described as "utterly bizarre" by a resident of Madrid. Simon Hunter told Sky News that he first noticed the outage when he went to charge his phone, watch and headphones at midday. "Through talking to other friends it was clear that this was a general cut... I realised something was up when my colleague in Barcelona said we are all without power at the moment," he told Sky's Jayne Secker. "Obviously it wasn't just a local thing, it wasn't a citywide thing, it wasn't a regional thing, it was a nationwide thing." Speaking on the situation he finds himself in, Hunter said he's "very cut off" due to the outage, and the water in his building has also stopped. "I'm on the 13th floor of my apartment, there's no way I'm going down to the street because I would have to walk all the way back up those stairs again," he said. Watch the full interview here: Restoring power could take up to 10 hours, Spain's operator says Spain's grid operator, Red Electrica, says it could take up to 10 hours to restore power. Restoration depends on multiple factors, it says, but simulations indicate it could take between six and 10 hours. It also said it would not speculate as to the cause of the incident. EU Commission in talks with Spain and Portugal The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, has said it is in contact with national authorities in Spain, Portugal and the European Union's power grid body, ENTSO-e. Discussions are taking place between officials to understand the underlying cause behind this mass outage and its impact. Commuters pile on to crowded bus in Lisbon These latest pictures are coming to us from Lisbon, which has also been severely affected by the blackouts. People can be seen piling into a bus after the metro service stopped running. Similar to the situation we've been telling you about in Madrid, traffic lights have also stopped working. Your pictures: Shops in darkness and chaos on the roads You've been sending in images of how today's outage has been affecting you. A reminder you can get in touch via WhatsApp here or share your experiences in the comments box. By sending us your video footage, photographs or audio you agree we can publish, broadcast and edit the material. Fans leave Madrid Open in darkness As well as travel being severely affected by the power outage, tennis fans have been left disappointed after play was suspended at the Madrid Open. Issues arose when scoreboards were affected and a camera lost power directly above the court, stuck in the players' eyeline (see 12.32pm post). Take a look at the pictures below showing supporters at the Madrid Open in darkness. What's going on at the major airports Airports across Spain and Portugal have been heavily affected by today's outage. Sky News has reached out to all three airports for comment. Lisbon We've received several reports from Lisbon airport saying that power was lost - but that it appears to have come back. We've had no official update from the airport itself, however. Traveller Charlotte told us: "It's horrendous... the airport has done nothing to help anyone and has now just put an announcement out to say all passengers must leave the airport and contact their airline provider." Madrid and Barcelona Aena runs international airports across Spain. A statement from the company, which looks after Barajas Airport, the busiest in the country, says: "Due to the power outage, some incidents are occurring at the airports. Contingency generators are active. Please check with your airline, as there may be disruptions to access and ground transportation." It's a similar story in Barcelona, where people reported an outage. According to Wade, who's been speaking to us, power was off for around 40 minutes before being restored. "Power is on again now but still no gate screens on," he told us. In pictures: Metro evacuated in Madrid We brought you reports of Madrid's underground being evacuated after the power outage (see 12.12pm post). These pictures show the entrance to Legazpi metro station being sealed off and workers explaining the closure to members of the public. Drivers in Spain urged not to use their cars unless necessary Spanish citizens have been urged not to use their cars unless necessary. The warning has come from the country's traffic authority DGT. Earlier, we told you about reports of traffic jams on the road in Madrid with traffic lights not working (see 12.12pm post).
Sky News
28-04-2025
- General
- Sky News
Blackouts latest: 'Everything is in chaos' - huge power outages hit large parts of Spain and Portugal
Are you affected? We want to hear from you Are you in Spain or Portugal and affected by the power outage? We want to hear from you Get in touch via WhatsApp here or share your experiences in the comments box. By sending us your video footage, photographs or audio you agree we can publish, broadcast and edit the material. 'Utterly bizarre': Madrid resident tells of confusion as blackout hit The moment the power cut hit has been described as "utterly bizarre" by a resident of Madrid. Simon Hunter told Sky News that he first noticed the outage when he went to charge his phone, watch and headphones at midday. "Through talking to other friends it was clear that this was a general cut... I realised something was up when my colleague in Barcelona said we are all without power at the moment," he told Sky's Jayne Secker. "Obviously it wasn't just a local thing, it wasn't a citywide thing, it wasn't a regional thing, it was a nationwide thing." Speaking on the situation he finds himself in, Hunter said he's "very cut off" due to the outage, and the water in his building has also stopped. "I'm on the 13th floor of my apartment, there's no way I'm going down to the street because I would have to walk all the way back up those stairs again," he said. Watch the full interview below Restoring power could take up to 10 hours, Spain's operator says Spain's grid operator, Red Electrica, says it could take up to 10 hours to restore power. Restoration depends on multiple factors, it says, but simulations indicate it could take between six and 10 hours. It also said it would not speculate as to the cause of the incident. EU Commission in talks with Spain and Portugal The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, has said it is in contact with national authorities in Spain, Portugal and the European Union's power grid body, ENTSO-e. Discussions are taking place between officials to understand the underlying cause behind this mass outage and its impact. Commuters pile on to crowded bus in Lisbon These latest pictures are coming to us from Lisbon, which has also been severely affected by the blackouts. People can be seen piling into a bus after the metro service stopped running. Similar to the situation we've been telling you about in Madrid, traffic lights have also stopped working. Your pictures: Shops in darkness and chaos on the roads You've been sending in images of how today's outage has been affecting you. A reminder you can get in touch via WhatsApp here or share your experiences in the comments box. By sending us your video footage, photographs or audio you agree we can publish, broadcast and edit the material. Fans leave Madrid Open in darkness As well as travel being severely affected by the power outage, tennis fans have been left disappointed after play was suspended at the Madrid Open. Issues arose when scoreboards were affected and a camera lost power directly above the court, stuck in the players' eyeline (see 12.32pm post). Take a look at the pictures below showing supporters at the Madrid Open in darkness. What's going on at the major airports Airports across Spain and Portugal have been heavily affected by today's outage. Sky News has reached out to all three airports for comment. Lisbon We've received several reports from Lisbon airport saying that power was lost - but that it appears to have come back. We've had no official update from the airport itself, however. Traveller Charlotte told us: "It's horrendous... the airport has done nothing to help anyone and has now just put an announcement out to say all passengers must leave the airport and contact their airline provider." Madrid and Barcelona Aena runs international airports across Spain. A statement from the company, which looks after Barajas Airport, the busiest in the country, says: "Due to the power outage, some incidents are occurring at the airports. Contingency generators are active. Please check with your airline, as there may be disruptions to access and ground transportation." It's a similar story in Barcelona, where people reported an outage. According to Wade, who's been speaking to us, power was off for around 40 minutes before being restored. "Power is on again now but still no gate screens on," he told us. In pictures: Metro evacuated in Madrid We brought you reports of Madrid's underground being evacuated after the power outage (see 12.12pm post). These pictures show the entrance to Legazpi metro station being sealed off and workers explaining the closure to members of the public. Drivers in Spain urged not to use their cars unless necessary Spanish citizens have been urged not to use their cars unless necessary. The warning has come from the country's traffic authority DGT. Earlier, we told you about reports of traffic jams on the road in Madrid with traffic lights not working (see 12.12pm post). Parts of France briefly lost power We've mentioned Spanish media reports suggesting parts of France also appear to be affected by the power outage (see 12.25pm post). France's grid operator RTE has now issued a statement saying parts of the country briefly lost power after the outages in Spain and Portugal.
