Monday morning news: March 3, 2025

Security summit in London » European leaders held a security summit on Sunday in London to shore up support for Ukraine. That followed Friday’s fiery clash at the White House between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the gathering.

STARMER: Our starting point must be to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position now so that they can negotiate from a position of strength. And we are doubling down in our support.

He also told 18 fellow leaders that every allied nation must step “up their own share of the burden.”

And with the relationship between the White House and Ukraine’s government now more strained than ever, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said …

MELONI:  I think it is, uh, very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides. And I think on this, UK and Italy can play an important role in bridge building, I'd say.

And to the point, Starmer said the UK and other nations have agreed to work with Ukraine to formulate a plan, and they will then discuss that plan with the United States.

Reaction to White House blowout with Zelenskyy » Reaction to that Oval Office argument between Trump and Zelenskky has been predictably split in Washington. Democrats accuse President Trump — and Vice President JD Vance — of mistreating Zelenskyy. Sen. Chris Van Hollen:

VAN HOLLEN:  I saw the meeting as a despicable display of bullying by the President of the United States and the Vice President of the United States against somebody whose country is at war with Putin.

But the White House said Zelenskyy was antagonistic and rude during the meeting. And House Speaker Mike Johnson added on Sunday:

JOHNSON:  I hope and pray, frankly, that President Zelensky will come to his senses, come back to President Trump, uh, express gratitude as he should, you know, apologize for his behavior there.

Hopes of still completing U.S.-Ukraine economic deal » Trump and Zelensky had been expected to sign the agreement at the White House, until the Oval Office meeting went off the rails.

But many leaders in Washington and in Europe are expressing hope that both sides will still eventually sign that agreement.

British Ambassador to the U.S., Lord Peter Mandelson told ABC’s This Week:

MANDELSON:  Quite apart from the economic gain that Ukraine will derive from that, it will also give the United States a stake in Ukraine's future.

And with the U.S. more directly invested in Ukraine’s future, many have felt that that agreement could help pave the way for lasting peace and security in Ukraine.

The deal would include, among other things, U.S. access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine.

Israel latest »  Israel says it's stopping all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip after the first phase of the ceasefire deal with Hamas ended Saturday. That drew condemnation from the UN and aid groups.

But Netanyahu said Sunday that Hamas steals the supplies, and that much of it never reaches the Palestinian people.

NETANYAHU: It uses these supplies to finance its terror machine, which is aimed directly at Israel and our civilians. And this we cannot accept.

He also said Israel has adopted a U.S. backed proposal. The plan would extend the temporary ceasefire for 50 days. Hamas thus far has rejected that proposal.

Pope health » The Vatican says Pope Francis has remained in stable condition, and has not needed any mechanical ventilation. It was a sign that his respiratory function was improving as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia and a respiratory crisis. But doctors again said his prognosis remains guarded.

Cuomo running for NYC mayor » Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback, launching a campaign for mayor New York City. He told supporters on Sunday:

CUOMO:  We are here today because we know New York is in crisis. But we know something else. We know that we can turn this city around and we know we will.

The campaign marks a return for a yearslong exile over a barrage of sexual harassment accusations. The scandal forced his resignation as governor in 2021.

He takes on a large field of primary opponents including the incumbent, Mayor Eric Adams, who for now remains under indictment on federal corruption charges.

I'm Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: robocalls and mandatory sentences on Legal Docket. Plus, the Monday Moneybeat with economist David Bahnsen.

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