Editorial 05.03.2025
Wednesday’s newspapers continue its coverage of the ongoing fallout between the US and Ukraine and the straining relationship between the US and its allies.
JD Vance is slammed across many of the newspapers due to his comments that Britain is some ‘random country that hasn’t fought in a war in 30 or 40 years’ – despite Britain having fought alongside America in their Middle Eastern oil wars. The tabloids call the American vice president a clown.
Elsewhere, the tabloids pull apart Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show, and there’s coverage of football pundit Jermaine Jenas’s announcement that his marriage has ended, following his cheating scandal.
Most of the back pages report on Arsenal’s 7-1 win over PSV in last night’s Champions League match. Fellow English club Aston Villa also won.
JD Vance a clown over Brit soldiers comment
‘JD Vance slur on British heroes is a disgrace,’ reports the Daily Star.
The Daily Star slams US Vice President JD Vance for his recent comments about a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Vance suggested that a stake in Ukraine’s economy would provide a “better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” Both the UK and France have expressed willingness to deploy troops to the region. The paper labels Vance’s remarks as a “vile slur on British heroes,” though Vance insists that he never specifically mentioned the UK or France.
‘Military heroes brand JD Vance a clown,’ reports the Daily Express.
The Daily Express highlights the backlash, reporting that military veterans have branded Vance a “clown” for his comments. The paper notes that veterans have accused the vice president of dishonoring the 636 British soldiers who gave their lives fighting alongside the US in Iraq and Afghanistan.
‘Comments are an insult to British heroes,’ says the Daily Mirror.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror decries Vance’s comments as an insult to the “heroes of our armed forces,” pointing out the remarks came just as the UK began unveiling plans for its VE Day celebrations.
‘Former SAS soldier says Vance’s words an insult,’ says The Sun.
In The Sun, former SAS soldier and author Andy McNab joins the chorus of criticism, calling Vance’s words an “insult” to those who have died on active duty. Despite the uproar, Vance maintains that he did not specifically mention the UK in his controversial remarks.
Trump tariffs harm & Ukraine olive branch
‘Trump tariffs harm to global economy, after stock markets plunged,’ reports the FT.
The Financial Times reports that US President Donald Trump’s tariffs are raising concerns about “serious damage to the global economy.” The report highlights that markets plunged sharply after the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico were imposed, along with a 10% levy on Chinese goods.
‘Zelenskyy attempted to reconcile with Trump after PM told Zelensky to swollen his pride,’ reports the Telegraph.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made a last-minute attempt to reconcile with Trump following their heated exchange in the Oval Office last Friday. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is said to have helped Zelensky “swallow his pride” in an effort to mend ties. The Telegraph also features an image of King Charles III aboard a Royal Navy warship, marking the first visit of a British monarch to a naval vessel at sea in nearly 40 years.
‘UK scrambling to save Ukrainian peace deal,’ according to the i newspaper.
The I Paper reports that the UK is “scrambling” to save a Ukraine peace deal, with Zelensky offering an olive branch to Trump in hopes of securing a quick truce. The paper also features a lighthearted segment on the creation of a woolly mouse, calling it the “first step toward genetically engineering mammoth-like elephants.”
‘Zelenskyy says he’s ready to go to negotiating table as soon as possible,’ reports The Guardian.
The Guardian leads with Zelenskyy’s proposed peace plan to end the war in Ukraine. The paper quotes him as saying he is “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible” and willing to work under Trump’s “strong leadership.”
The Daily Mail calls it an ‘olive branch’ from Zelenskyy.
The Daily Mail covers Zelensky’s “olive branch” to Trump, reporting that the Ukrainian president called their White House clash “regrettable” and expressed his appreciation for US support.
‘Britain pressing Trump to reverse pausing arms to Ukraine,’ reports The Times.
The Times reports that Britain is pressing Trump to reverse his decision to suspend arms shipments to Ukraine. Zelensky is said to have thanked the US in a “carefully worded statement” and indicated he was open to signing a mineral rights deal with the country.
Meghan Markle Netflix show
As expected, the UK tabloids have not reacted well to Meghan Markle’s new show.
The Daily Express calls it boring, insulting and a waste of time. The Daily Telegraph mocks her by saying that being the hostess with the mostest must be exhausting. The Daily Mail calls it entry-level hosting for people who need a recipe for ice cubes. The Sun also offers up its opinion … it’s not good!
But it’s not just the tabloids – the left-leaning press were also less than impressed.
The i says they have tried some of her recipes and are great if you don’t have to worry about time. The Guardian also slams it as ‘absurd’.