Ukraine war latest: Trump leaves for Alaska summit with Putin after posting two-word message | World News

People across the UK are taking part in a two-minute silence at midday to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

It comes as war once again rages in Europe, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

King Charles sent out a pointed message today, using his VJ Day speech to say the anniversary was a reminder that “war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today”.

In an audio recording to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Asia, the King says: “Those heroes of VJ Day gave us more than freedom; they left us the example of how it can and must be protected.

“Countries and communities that had never before fought together learned to coordinate their efforts across vast distances, faiths and cultural divides.

“Together they proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link.

“That remains a vital lesson for our times”.