Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed PM Starmer's Ukraine force plan as "simplistic," expressing optimism about a Russia-Ukraine peace deal "everybody can live with." US officials reportedly believe a ceasefire could be achieved by Easter, despite Russian drone strikes killing three in Kyiv ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced 10,000 civil service job cuts, aiming to save £2 billion while facing criticism from unions. She admitted the "economy not growing fast enough" while denying her previous pessimism contributed to the problem.
Canadian PM Mark Carney called a snap election for April 28, with Trump trade concerns looming heavily over the campaign.
In Turkey, Istanbul's mayor was jailed on the day of his likely presidential nomination, triggering protests met with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Pope Francis made his first public appearance in almost two months after battling pneumonia.