European leaders convened in Paris yesterday to discuss a coordinated response to Ukraine as the Trump administration prepared to start its own talks with Russia about ending the war in Ukraine. The leaders were also expected to discuss military spending and guaranteeing Ukraine’s security if a permanent cease-fire or peace deal is reached.
The US administration has taken a different approach, focusing on prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children. Meanwhile, tensions are high over the Israeli military operation in the West Bank, which has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians. The situation is exacerbating painful memories of the Nakba, a period known as the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.
In other news, Marco Rubio met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and a plane crashed at Toronto Pearson Airport during strong winds and drifting snow. China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, met with business leaders to show support for private enterprise.
The EU leaders’ meeting comes as the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russia increasing its troop presence near the border. The US administration’s approach is seen as a shift towards diplomacy, but it remains unclear what the outcome of these talks will be.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/briefing/ukraine-talks-west-bank.html