Romanian prosecutors allowed Andrew and Tristan Tate to fly to US but say they must return when summoned – live

Today was meant to be all about UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the US, a second attempt this week – after French president Emmanuel Macron’s trip on Monday – to put forward European arguments to US president Donald Trump in a bid to convince the new US administration of the importance of supporting Ukraine.

But, but, but.

Controversial British-American influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate have reportedly left Romania this morning on a private flight to the US, after securing a permission to leave the country, Romanian media report.

The former professional kickboxer and his brother Tristan were arrested in 2022 and indicted in mid-2023, along with two Romanian women, on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.

The brothers, who are dual UK-US citizens and have been vocal supporters of Trump, have denied wrongdoing. The UK is seeking the brothers’ extradition after Bedfordshire police were granted a warrant as part of an investigation into allegations of rape and human trafficking.

What does it have to do with Starmer’s visit to the US and European relations with the new Trump administration, I hear you ask?

In recent weeks, Financial Times (£) and other media outlets reported that the new US administration has pressed the Romanian authorities to lift travel restrictions on the pair.

The reports were denied by the Romanian government, with the country’s prime minister Marcel Ciolacu saying last week that “the US has not made any requests to Romania” on this. Romanian foreign minister Emil Hurezeanu was quoted, however, as confirming, however that the US enquired about the brothers – even if he insisted there was “no form of pressure”.

According to Antena 3 CNN, a Romanian news channel partnered with the US cable network, the brothers left on a private plane for Florida at 5:30am (3:30 GMT) this morning, after securing a permission to travel from the Romanian prosecutor’s office.

The issue could have an impact on Starmer’s visit with questions over the role the US administration played in allowing the brothers to travel.

I will bring you all the latest on this, Ukraine, and other topics around Europe.

It’s Thursday, 27 February 2025, and this is Europe live. It’s Jakub Krupa here.

Good morning.