Tue Feb 18 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## European Leaders Convene Amidst Trump’s Separate Ukraine Peace Talks

**Paris, France** – European leaders met in Paris yesterday to coordinate their response to the Trump administration’s independent negotiations with Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. The summit focused on a potential post-conflict security framework for Ukraine, including military spending and guarantees should a ceasefire or peace agreement be reached.

The prospect of a peace deal remains uncertain. While Russia is experiencing significant military and economic losses (estimated 1,000 casualties daily), Ukraine faces the difficult prospect of potential territorial concessions to achieve any settlement. A peace agreement could lead to a reduction in Western sanctions against Russia.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky engaged in separate talks in the UAE focused on prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children. Developments in the US include the resignation of four top aides to New York Mayor Adams following the dismissal of a corruption case, reportedly in exchange for cooperation with President Trump’s deportation policies. Concerns are rising regarding Trump’s use of his office to benefit his family’s business and a pattern of retribution against political opponents. Further, potential access to sensitive data by a member of Elon Musk’s government efficiency team and anxieties in Canada regarding Trump’s annexation threats are also emerging as key concerns.

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