Henry Foy
@henryjfoy.ft.com
Brussels Bureau Chief, Financial Times.
Past lives in Moscow, Warsaw, London, Delhi and Mumbai.
Get in touch [email protected]
https://www.ft.com/henry-foy
Past lives in Moscow, Warsaw, London, Delhi and Mumbai.
Get in touch [email protected]
https://www.ft.com/henry-foy
As I report in this morning’s Europe Express, many EU leaders made @agathedemarais.bsky.social’s point forcefully at an emergency summit yesterday… but Belgium is still refusing to lift its veto on the frozen assets loan plan
on.ft.com/3XOnviR
on.ft.com/3XOnviR
November 25, 2025 at 8:28 AM
As I report in this morning’s Europe Express, many EU leaders made @agathedemarais.bsky.social’s point forcefully at an emergency summit yesterday… but Belgium is still refusing to lift its veto on the frozen assets loan plan
on.ft.com/3XOnviR
on.ft.com/3XOnviR
FT breaking news on the Ukraine peace deal once again: @christopherjm.ft.com & US colleagues revealing secret US-Russian-Ukrainian talks in UAE that started last night and continue this morning.
No Europeans present (or informed in advance)...
No Europeans present (or informed in advance)...
News: US holds secret Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi
US army secretary Dan Driscoll is in UAE for talks with Ukraine’s military intel chief Kyrylo Budanov and a Russian delegation as Washington pushes a peace deal to end the Kremlin’s war. @financialtimes.com
on.ft.com/43Og0fj
US army secretary Dan Driscoll is in UAE for talks with Ukraine’s military intel chief Kyrylo Budanov and a Russian delegation as Washington pushes a peace deal to end the Kremlin’s war. @financialtimes.com
on.ft.com/43Og0fj
US holds secret Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Army secretary Dan Driscoll meets delegations from Kyiv and Moscow in push for deal to end Kremlin’s invasion
on.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:55 AM
FT breaking news on the Ukraine peace deal once again: @christopherjm.ft.com & US colleagues revealing secret US-Russian-Ukrainian talks in UAE that started last night and continue this morning.
No Europeans present (or informed in advance)...
No Europeans present (or informed in advance)...
When Ukraine is not just about Ukraine: Europe's leaders are rushing to ensure the US-led peace talks don't give Russia a chance to redraw the rules of the continent's security
“This is Russia changing Nato policy,” said @claudmajor.bsky.social. “Even Stalin didn’t achieve that.”
on.ft.com/44vYrkl
“This is Russia changing Nato policy,” said @claudmajor.bsky.social. “Even Stalin didn’t achieve that.”
on.ft.com/44vYrkl
Europeans scramble to protect their own security after jolt of Ukraine plan
[FREE TO READ] Elements of US peace proposal would give Russia sway over continent’s defence arrangements
on.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:47 AM
When Ukraine is not just about Ukraine: Europe's leaders are rushing to ensure the US-led peace talks don't give Russia a chance to redraw the rules of the continent's security
“This is Russia changing Nato policy,” said @claudmajor.bsky.social. “Even Stalin didn’t achieve that.”
on.ft.com/44vYrkl
“This is Russia changing Nato policy,” said @claudmajor.bsky.social. “Even Stalin didn’t achieve that.”
on.ft.com/44vYrkl
💥 US and Ukraine have drafted a new 19-point peace deal in Geneva, but left the most politically sensitive elements to be decided by the countries’ presidents, Kyiv negotiator Sergiy Kyslytsya tells @christopherjm.ft.com
"Very few things are left from the original version"
on.ft.com/48w8tnY
"Very few things are left from the original version"
on.ft.com/48w8tnY
US and Ukraine draft new 19-point peace plan but defer biggest decisions
[FREE TO READ] The most politically sensitive elements left for Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss
on.ft.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:55 PM
💥 US and Ukraine have drafted a new 19-point peace deal in Geneva, but left the most politically sensitive elements to be decided by the countries’ presidents, Kyiv negotiator Sergiy Kyslytsya tells @christopherjm.ft.com
"Very few things are left from the original version"
on.ft.com/48w8tnY
"Very few things are left from the original version"
on.ft.com/48w8tnY
💥 The Geneva negotiations on Sunday resulted in the peace plan being pared back to 19 points from its original 28, people briefed on the discussions told the Financial Times - without specifying which elements had been removed.
on.ft.com/4ilSdJJ
on.ft.com/4ilSdJJ
US and Ukraine report progress in talks on peace plan
[FREE TO READ] Proposal has been pared back from 28 points to 19
on.ft.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
💥 The Geneva negotiations on Sunday resulted in the peace plan being pared back to 19 points from its original 28, people briefed on the discussions told the Financial Times - without specifying which elements had been removed.
on.ft.com/4ilSdJJ
on.ft.com/4ilSdJJ
Donald Trump attacked Ukrainian & European leaders for resisting a US-Russia peace plan, amid talks between officials in Geneva over the proposal that has rattled the transatlantic alliance & triggered confusion over DC's stance
w @a-mackinnon.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/4oQWFT6
w @a-mackinnon.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/4oQWFT6
Donald Trump attacks Ukrainian and European leaders as peace talks start
[FREE TO READ] Meeting in Geneva comes as confusion mounts over US position on proposal to end war with Russia
on.ft.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Donald Trump attacked Ukrainian & European leaders for resisting a US-Russia peace plan, amid talks between officials in Geneva over the proposal that has rattled the transatlantic alliance & triggered confusion over DC's stance
w @a-mackinnon.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/4oQWFT6
w @a-mackinnon.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/4oQWFT6
No formal "counter-proposal" from Europeans in Geneva - whose leaders instead agreed to try to dilute or amend US-Russian draft to keep Trump onside - but a list of demands on UA territory, size of army & EU control over frozen assets & sanctions
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
US, Ukrainian and European officials convene for peace talks
Meeting in Geneva follows rearguard diplomatic move to reshape US plan
www.ft.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:38 AM
No formal "counter-proposal" from Europeans in Geneva - whose leaders instead agreed to try to dilute or amend US-Russian draft to keep Trump onside - but a list of demands on UA territory, size of army & EU control over frozen assets & sanctions
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
Two key outcomes:
1. Ukraine's European allies + Australia, Canada & Japan have major problems w/ US-Russian peace proposal, particularly its restrictions on Ukraine's sovereignity
2. But, they are very wary of criticising or upsetting Trump, so are saying it's a good start but needs more work...
1. Ukraine's European allies + Australia, Canada & Japan have major problems w/ US-Russian peace proposal, particularly its restrictions on Ukraine's sovereignity
2. But, they are very wary of criticising or upsetting Trump, so are saying it's a good start but needs more work...
Ukraine's western allies say “additional work” need on US-Russia peace plan and demand EU and Nato are given a say over its contents - as 14 leaders try to slow down rush to force Kyiv to agree
from Johannesburg with @annasophiegross.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/48trGqm
from Johannesburg with @annasophiegross.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/48trGqm
Kyiv’s allies insist more work is needed on US-Russian peace plan
[FREE TO READ] EU and Nato leaders warn they must be given a voice on the most pivotal moment in the war
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Two key outcomes:
1. Ukraine's European allies + Australia, Canada & Japan have major problems w/ US-Russian peace proposal, particularly its restrictions on Ukraine's sovereignity
2. But, they are very wary of criticising or upsetting Trump, so are saying it's a good start but needs more work...
1. Ukraine's European allies + Australia, Canada & Japan have major problems w/ US-Russian peace proposal, particularly its restrictions on Ukraine's sovereignity
2. But, they are very wary of criticising or upsetting Trump, so are saying it's a good start but needs more work...
Ukraine's western allies say “additional work” need on US-Russia peace plan and demand EU and Nato are given a say over its contents - as 14 leaders try to slow down rush to force Kyiv to agree
from Johannesburg with @annasophiegross.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/48trGqm
from Johannesburg with @annasophiegross.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/48trGqm
Kyiv’s allies insist more work is needed on US-Russian peace plan
[FREE TO READ] EU and Nato leaders warn they must be given a voice on the most pivotal moment in the war
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Ukraine's western allies say “additional work” need on US-Russia peace plan and demand EU and Nato are given a say over its contents - as 14 leaders try to slow down rush to force Kyiv to agree
from Johannesburg with @annasophiegross.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/48trGqm
from Johannesburg with @annasophiegross.bsky.social & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/48trGqm
The Kyiv ultimatum, coupled with Trump’s comments that Ukraine would “have to like” Washington’s deal, prompted late-night discussions among European leaders gathered for the G20 meeting in Johannesburg about how to intervene
“It is time for the Trump whisperers to start shouting” said one official
“It is time for the Trump whisperers to start shouting” said one official
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
Trump envoys issue ultimatum to Ukraine to sign peace deal by Thursday
Hardline message over US-Russia plan at volatile meeting in Kyiv sparks alarm among European allies
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:31 AM
The Kyiv ultimatum, coupled with Trump’s comments that Ukraine would “have to like” Washington’s deal, prompted late-night discussions among European leaders gathered for the G20 meeting in Johannesburg about how to intervene
“It is time for the Trump whisperers to start shouting” said one official
“It is time for the Trump whisperers to start shouting” said one official
Reposted by Henry Foy
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
Trump envoys issue ultimatum to Ukraine to sign peace deal by Thursday
Hardline message over US-Russia plan at volatile meeting in Kyiv sparks alarm among European allies
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Read my scoop overnight from Kyiv, where US army secretary Dan Driscoll’s brief meeting (he was running late after calls with Vance) with European ambassadors at the US ambassador’s residence in Podil left one feeling “nauseated” and others “shocked.” W/ @henryjfoy.ft.com
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
on.ft.com/43GWpxI
10 points for not burying the lede
November 21, 2025 at 5:35 PM
10 points for not burying the lede
Two European officials said that the frozen assets section of the Ukraine peace agreement was one of the most alarming since it implies authority over assets that are mostly immobilised in European institutions.
One said it was almost as if the text had been drawn up as “a deliberate provocation”.
One said it was almost as if the text had been drawn up as “a deliberate provocation”.
Trump’s grab for Russian frozen assets puts EU Ukraine loan in doubt on.ft.com/3LXpzSY
Trump’s grab for Russian frozen assets puts EU Ukraine loan in doubt
Brussels blindsided by US plan for joint investment funds with Moscow and Kyiv
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Two European officials said that the frozen assets section of the Ukraine peace agreement was one of the most alarming since it implies authority over assets that are mostly immobilised in European institutions.
One said it was almost as if the text had been drawn up as “a deliberate provocation”.
One said it was almost as if the text had been drawn up as “a deliberate provocation”.
Read the full US-Russian peace plan for Ukraine here - with all 28 points brilliantly annotated, explained and skewered by @financialtimes.com's Ben Hall
on.ft.com/49sYEbu
on.ft.com/49sYEbu
Annotated: the full text of Donald Trump’s 28-point Ukraine-Russia peace plan
[FREE TO READ] Draft agreement has shocked Europe and is unlikely to satisfy Kyiv or Moscow
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Read the full US-Russian peace plan for Ukraine here - with all 28 points brilliantly annotated, explained and skewered by @financialtimes.com's Ben Hall
on.ft.com/49sYEbu
on.ft.com/49sYEbu
Europe totally caught off-guard by US-Russia peace plan: contents, seriousness and speed White House is pushing for agreement
- crisis talks at G20 among European leaders being planned
- still no clarity about Trump's position on it
- “It basically means capitulation [to Moscow].”
on.ft.com/4abHejM
- crisis talks at G20 among European leaders being planned
- still no clarity about Trump's position on it
- “It basically means capitulation [to Moscow].”
on.ft.com/4abHejM
Europe races to respond to US-Russian Ukraine peace plan
[FREE TO READ] Proposal offering major concessions to Moscow blindsided European diplomats
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Europe totally caught off-guard by US-Russia peace plan: contents, seriousness and speed White House is pushing for agreement
- crisis talks at G20 among European leaders being planned
- still no clarity about Trump's position on it
- “It basically means capitulation [to Moscow].”
on.ft.com/4abHejM
- crisis talks at G20 among European leaders being planned
- still no clarity about Trump's position on it
- “It basically means capitulation [to Moscow].”
on.ft.com/4abHejM
Brussels to open formal investigation into Italy today, to assess whether Rome's "golden powers" to block mergers break EU law
top scoop from crack team @bmoens.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social @amykazmin.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4phhTt8
top scoop from crack team @bmoens.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social @amykazmin.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4phhTt8
Brussels to challenge Meloni over ‘golden power’ to stop foreign mergers
[FREE TO READ] European Commission believes Rome’s regulations enabling it to scrutinise foreign takeovers may breach EU law
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Brussels to open formal investigation into Italy today, to assess whether Rome's "golden powers" to block mergers break EU law
top scoop from crack team @bmoens.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social @amykazmin.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4phhTt8
top scoop from crack team @bmoens.bsky.social @paolatamma.bsky.social @amykazmin.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4phhTt8
🤖 Can Brussels balance its desire to set guardrails for AI with its need to attract investment?
Must-read deep dive on how the EU botched its attempt to regulate artificial intelligence - and now is trying to desperately fix it, by @bmoens.bsky.social @melissahei.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4o59nws
Must-read deep dive on how the EU botched its attempt to regulate artificial intelligence - and now is trying to desperately fix it, by @bmoens.bsky.social @melissahei.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4o59nws
How the EU botched its attempt to regulate AI
[FREE TO READ] Can Brussels balance its desire to set the guardrails for tech with its need to attract investment?
on.ft.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:41 AM
🤖 Can Brussels balance its desire to set guardrails for AI with its need to attract investment?
Must-read deep dive on how the EU botched its attempt to regulate artificial intelligence - and now is trying to desperately fix it, by @bmoens.bsky.social @melissahei.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4o59nws
Must-read deep dive on how the EU botched its attempt to regulate artificial intelligence - and now is trying to desperately fix it, by @bmoens.bsky.social @melissahei.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4o59nws
Donald Trump’s unprecedented move to completely boycott the G20 summit this weekend has cast a pall over the first such gathering in Africa and marks a break with Washington’s previous role in multilateral governance that could endanger the forum’s future
@financialtimes.com
on.ft.com/43E9g3y
@financialtimes.com
on.ft.com/43E9g3y
Trump’s total boycott of G20 casts shadow over its future
[FREE TO READ] ‘It’s bleak,’ says senior European diplomat involved in preparations for summit
on.ft.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Donald Trump’s unprecedented move to completely boycott the G20 summit this weekend has cast a pall over the first such gathering in Africa and marks a break with Washington’s previous role in multilateral governance that could endanger the forum’s future
@financialtimes.com
on.ft.com/43E9g3y
@financialtimes.com
on.ft.com/43E9g3y
Brussels wants 10% of EU defence spending boom to be ploughed into home-grown "disruptive" military tech such as AI & quantum computing
"We have to of course look from where we are buying [defence] products," EU tech chief @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social tells @bmoens.bsky.social & I
on.ft.com/4r6V9Ol
"We have to of course look from where we are buying [defence] products," EU tech chief @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social tells @bmoens.bsky.social & I
on.ft.com/4r6V9Ol
Europe’s defence spending spree must fund domestic AI, official says
[FREE TO READ] Henna Virkkunen says 10% of investment should be directed to artificial intelligence and quantum computing developed in EU
on.ft.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Brussels wants 10% of EU defence spending boom to be ploughed into home-grown "disruptive" military tech such as AI & quantum computing
"We have to of course look from where we are buying [defence] products," EU tech chief @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social tells @bmoens.bsky.social & I
on.ft.com/4r6V9Ol
"We have to of course look from where we are buying [defence] products," EU tech chief @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social tells @bmoens.bsky.social & I
on.ft.com/4r6V9Ol
Brussels warns EU states to agree €140bn Russian assets loan to Ukraine or be forced to ramp up national debt loads through bilateral grants to Kyiv or a new joint borrowing scheme, in @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu letter to capitals
@paolatamma.bsky.social & @lauramdubois.ft.com
on.ft.com/3LBrJHY
@paolatamma.bsky.social & @lauramdubois.ft.com
on.ft.com/3LBrJHY
EU warns of costs without deal on using Russia’s frozen assets for Ukraine
[FREE TO READ] European Commission president lays out three options for member states
on.ft.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Brussels warns EU states to agree €140bn Russian assets loan to Ukraine or be forced to ramp up national debt loads through bilateral grants to Kyiv or a new joint borrowing scheme, in @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu letter to capitals
@paolatamma.bsky.social & @lauramdubois.ft.com
on.ft.com/3LBrJHY
@paolatamma.bsky.social & @lauramdubois.ft.com
on.ft.com/3LBrJHY
US trade negotiator Jamieson Greer tells FT that the EU is being too slow in cutting tariffs and red tape - and that the relationship remains “unbalanced” - ahead of talks in Brussels this week
@aimewilliams.bsky.social & @andybounds.bsky.social with the scoop, as ever
@aimewilliams.bsky.social & @andybounds.bsky.social with the scoop, as ever
Trump trade negotiator hits out at EU delays in cutting tariffs and rules on.ft.com/4oUiQrq
Trump trade negotiator hits out at EU delays in cutting tariffs and rules
Jamieson Greer warns bloc that trade remains a ‘flashpoint’ in advance of talks next week
on.ft.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:04 PM
US trade negotiator Jamieson Greer tells FT that the EU is being too slow in cutting tariffs and red tape - and that the relationship remains “unbalanced” - ahead of talks in Brussels this week
@aimewilliams.bsky.social & @andybounds.bsky.social with the scoop, as ever
@aimewilliams.bsky.social & @andybounds.bsky.social with the scoop, as ever
💥 Brussels calls for crackdown on billions of cheap Chinese parcels flooding Europe to be fast tracked by two years to early 2026 - in demand sent to EU finance ministers and seen by me and @andybounds.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4oIupC8
on.ft.com/4oIupC8
Brussels aims to accelerate crackdown on cheap Chinese parcels
[FREE TO READ] EU wants handling fee on small packages ordered from likes of Shein and Temu to kick in two years earlier than planned
on.ft.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:34 AM
💥 Brussels calls for crackdown on billions of cheap Chinese parcels flooding Europe to be fast tracked by two years to early 2026 - in demand sent to EU finance ministers and seen by me and @andybounds.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4oIupC8
on.ft.com/4oIupC8
EU readies fresh investigation into Google over news publisher rankings; set to announce new probe into tech giant under Digital Markets Act despite Trump threats on tariffs
@bmoens.bsky.social with the news
www.ft.com/content/644e...
@bmoens.bsky.social with the news
www.ft.com/content/644e...
EU readies fresh investigation into Google over news publisher rankings
Brussels set to announce new probe under Digital Markets Act despite Trump threats on tariffs
www.ft.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM
EU readies fresh investigation into Google over news publisher rankings; set to announce new probe into tech giant under Digital Markets Act despite Trump threats on tariffs
@bmoens.bsky.social with the news
www.ft.com/content/644e...
@bmoens.bsky.social with the news
www.ft.com/content/644e...
The Kremlin just confirmed our @financialtimes.com scoop that Starmer's man Jonathan Powell has been trying to open a channel to Putin's foreign policy aide Ushakov
Officials said it came amid fears that the US dialogue w the Kremlin may not be fully reflecting European concerns
on.ft.com/4r0gSHK
Officials said it came amid fears that the US dialogue w the Kremlin may not be fully reflecting European concerns
on.ft.com/4r0gSHK
UK’s Jonathan Powell contacted Moscow in bid to build back channel to Vladimir Putin
[FREE TO READ] One-off phone call between national security adviser and Russia’s foreign policy aide said to have ‘not gone well’
on.ft.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:48 AM
The Kremlin just confirmed our @financialtimes.com scoop that Starmer's man Jonathan Powell has been trying to open a channel to Putin's foreign policy aide Ushakov
Officials said it came amid fears that the US dialogue w the Kremlin may not be fully reflecting European concerns
on.ft.com/4r0gSHK
Officials said it came amid fears that the US dialogue w the Kremlin may not be fully reflecting European concerns
on.ft.com/4r0gSHK
Brussels vs Belgium: Commission says that if Belgium won't sign off on a €140bn loan to Ukraine against Russian assets, EU countries will need to find up to €5.6bn a year to service a loan raised on the open market.
@bmoens.bsky.social & I got the document so you don't have to
on.ft.com/47LzdiM
@bmoens.bsky.social & I got the document so you don't have to
on.ft.com/47LzdiM
EU must pay up to €5.6bn a year in interest if no agreement on Russian assets, Brussels warns
[FREE TO READ] Choices for Ukraine funding set out in commission document drafted after failure to agree plan last month
on.ft.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Brussels vs Belgium: Commission says that if Belgium won't sign off on a €140bn loan to Ukraine against Russian assets, EU countries will need to find up to €5.6bn a year to service a loan raised on the open market.
@bmoens.bsky.social & I got the document so you don't have to
on.ft.com/47LzdiM
@bmoens.bsky.social & I got the document so you don't have to
on.ft.com/47LzdiM