EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis urged the EU to assume greater autonomy in its sanctions policy against Russia, anticipating potential shifts in U.S. priorities. This call comes amidst ongoing work on a 16th sanctions package and hints from U.S. Secretary of State Rubio suggesting future EU involvement in sanctions relief discussions with Russia. The G7 previously linked further sanctions to peace negotiations. The EU’s 15th package, approved in December, targeted numerous individuals and entities involved in facilitating Russia’s war effort.
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Keir Starmer’s proposal to send British troops to Ukraine following a ceasefire necessitates clarification regarding their role and scale of deployment. While the UK demonstrated rapid troop and equipment mobilization during Exercise Steadfast Dart, Brigadier Watson emphasized the need for a multinational effort, as a UK-only operation is infeasible. The exercise, showcasing NATO’s rapid response capabilities, also highlighted limitations, with current NATO participation representing only a tenth of the troops potentially needed for a Ukraine peacekeeping mission. Therefore, any UK contribution would require significant international collaboration.
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In remarks made Tuesday, Donald Trump asserted that Ukraine bears responsibility for the ongoing conflict with Russia, suggesting a pre-invasion deal could have prevented the war. He criticized President Zelenskyy for not being included in recent US-Russia talks, claiming he could have brokered a deal preserving Ukrainian territory and preventing casualties. Trump further criticized Zelenskyy’s leadership and suggested Ukraine hold new elections as a potential peace measure. These statements follow Trump’s previous pronouncements supporting Russia and downplaying Ukraine’s defense.
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Following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia would not accept NATO peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement. The US and Russia agreed to establish negotiating teams to pursue an end to the war, marking a first step in what is expected to be a lengthy process. This meeting, the first face-to-face encounter between Russian and American delegations since the invasion, also saw agreements to restore diplomatic relations and increase cooperation. However, Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks prompted criticism and varied responses from European leaders regarding potential troop deployments.
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In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, high-level U.S. and Russian officials met to discuss improving bilateral relations and ending the war in Ukraine. The talks, led by Secretary of State Rubio and Foreign Minister Lavrov, focused on establishing a consultation mechanism and high-level teams to develop a path towards a sustainable peace in Ukraine. Although Ukraine was not initially included, U.S. officials asserted that Ukraine and its European allies would be consulted and involved in future negotiations. The discussions also included explorations of economic cooperation and investment opportunities as part of a potential resolution.
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia sought Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s inclusion in US-Russia talks held in Riyadh on February 18th. However, both the US and Russian delegations refused this, preferring a bilateral meeting. Subsequently, Zelenskyy postponed his planned Saudi Arabia visit, citing the exclusion as a surprise. Following the meeting, the US and Russia reported progress on addressing obstacles to bilateral relations and establishing high-level negotiating groups on the Ukraine conflict.
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Following a US-Russia meeting in Riyadh, Ukraine expressed strong disapproval, with President Zelenskyy rejecting any Russian ultimatums and postponing a planned visit to Saudi Arabia. The talks, occurring amidst a fresh Russian drone attack on Ukraine, prompted accusations that decisions regarding Ukraine were made without its input. Kyiv voiced concerns that the discussions were improperly prepared and amounted to a forum for further Russian demands, fearing a repeat of past agreements violated by Russia. Ukraine emphasized its commitment to regaining all occupied territories and dismissed the possibility of compromise.
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Following a Paris summit of European leaders, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared Europe’s readiness to spearhead the provision of security guarantees for Ukraine, pledging significant investment in bolstering European security. This commitment, discussed amidst ongoing U.S.-Russia talks to end the war, includes exploring options such as Ukraine’s automatic NATO membership in case of Russian ceasefire violations. European concerns center on preventing a forced Ukrainian neutrality or a U.S.-Russia power-sharing agreement. Specific details regarding the security guarantees remain to be determined.
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In a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Turkish President Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Turkey offered itself as a potential mediator for talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, emphasizing the urgent need to end the war and achieve lasting peace. Erdoğan’s statement follows a recent meeting between Russian and US delegations in Riyadh, where both sides agreed to continue dialogue towards conflict resolution. Ankara’s position highlights its proactive role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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Following a meeting between US and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern, noting the discussions mirrored Russia’s initial invasion demands: demilitarization, territorial concessions, and regime change in Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted the parallel between these negotiations and Russia’s previous ultimatums, questioning why such concessions would now be considered. He emphasized that initial international support for Ukraine only materialized after the failure of Russia’s initial offensive, highlighting the absence of Ukrainian participation in the Saudi Arabian talks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker