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EU Plans Extraordinary Summit on Defence, Ukraine on March 6

European Union leaders will meet for an extraordinary summit on March 6 to discuss additional support for Ukraine, European security guarantees and how to pay for European defence needs. The summit comes as the US President has started talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine without involving Ukraine or the EU. EU leaders aim to find a solution that complements US efforts while addressing their own defence investment needs.

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EU Leaders to Back Defence Surge, Support Zelenskiy After US Aid Freeze Δ1.86

European leaders are set to endorse significant increases in defence spending and express unwavering support for Ukraine at an upcoming summit, following concerns over U.S. military aid under Donald Trump's administration. The meeting will feature Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, although Hungary's potential veto could complicate the endorsement of a joint statement supporting Kyiv. This shift in European defence strategy is driven by heightened fears of Russian aggression and a desire for greater autonomy in security matters amid uncertainty about U.S. commitments.

Britain, France Refine Ukraine Peace Plan with New Washington Trip in Mind Δ1.84

France and Britain are aiming to finalise a peace plan for Ukraine, possibly "in days", that could be presented to the United States, while building bridges between the U.S. and Ukraine before possible talks in Washington. The two European powers have held several calls with Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy since their fractious meeting last Friday in the Oval Office led to a suspension of U.S. military aid to Kyiv. A visit by Macron, Starmer, and Zelenskiy is under consideration, although the French presidency quickly corrected this statement.

The Weekend: When Europe's Do-or-Die Moment Sent Defence Stocks Soaring Δ1.83

Europe is scrambling to boost its military firepower as any realistic hopes of being able to rely on the US to protect Ukraine from Russia fade. Donald Trump's now-infamous clash with Volodymyr Zelensky was followed by a withdrawal of US military aid for Ukraine and a growing sense of panic among European leaders. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, swiftly unveiled the ReArm Europe plan, declaring that it could "mobilise close to €800bn (£667bn)" to protect the continent.

Macron to Meet with Army Chiefs as US Pauses Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine Δ1.82

The United States has temporarily halted intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns about the future of US support following a breakdown in relations between President Trump and President Zelensky. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a meeting of European army chiefs, emphasizing the need for Europe to prepare for a future without US assistance and to increase defense spending. This development highlights the fragile dynamics of international alliances and the potential implications for Ukraine's defense capabilities in the ongoing conflict.

US, French Top Diplomats Hold Call About Ending Ukraine War, State Dept Says Δ1.82

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to discuss bringing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing President Trump's determination to achieve a just and lasting peace through negotiations. The U.S. has been pressing for a ceasefire in Ukraine, while also considering sweeping sanctions against Russia until a peace agreement is reached. This call reflects the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

US Says Ukraine 'Ready to Move Forward' On Ceasefire Demand Δ1.81

Ukraine is under US pressure to accept a quick truce to end the war with Russia, with senior US officials believing the country's leadership is "ready to move forward" with the US's demand for a ceasefire process. The Trump administration has stepped up pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept his demands for a rapid ceasefire with Moscow, despite doubts about Ukraine's willingness to negotiate. A meeting between US and Ukrainian officials is set to take place in Saudi Arabia, where the two sides are expected to discuss a framework for peace.

Ukraine Firmly Determined to Continue Cooperation with US, PM Says Δ1.80

Ukraine is "firmly determined" to continue cooperation with the United States, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Tuesday following the news that Washington paused its crucial military aid. Shmyhal said Ukrainian forces could hold the situation on the battlefield as they fight Russian troops despite the pause in U.S. supplies. President Donald Trump stunned Ukrainians by pausing the supply of U.S. military aid that has been critical for Kyiv since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Is Fully Committed to Constructive Dialogue with US Δ1.80

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the U.S. over ways to end the war with Russia, despite recent tensions and paused military aid. The Ukrainian leader expressed hope for a meeting next week in Saudi Arabia, where he will discuss peace proposals with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the U.S. team. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine's priority is finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing since Russia's invasion three years ago.

EU Proposes €150 Billion Defense Loan as Trump Pulls Back Δ1.80

The European Union is set to propose extending €150 billion in loans to boost defense spending, following US President Donald Trump's pullback of American security on the continent. The bloc aims to adjust to this shift by mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros in additional financing. This move reflects the EU's desire to maintain a strong defense posture amidst rising tensions with Russia and other global challenges.

Trump Says He Is Weighing Big Sanctions, Tariffs on Russia to End Ukraine War Δ1.80

U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on imposing sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine are seen as an attempt to pressure Kyiv to accept a deal. The move could deepen tensions between the U.S. and Russia, potentially escalating the conflict in Ukraine. However, Trump's approach has already been criticized by some experts, who argue that it could strengthen Putin's hand rather than weakening his.

TRUMP May Restore Ukraine Aid PENDING Confidence-Building Measures Δ1.80

President Donald Trump will consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks are arranged and confidence-building measures are taken, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Wednesday. Trump halted military aid to Ukraine on Monday, his latest move to reconfigure U.S. policy and adopt a more conciliatory stance toward Russia. The letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that expressed willingness to come to the negotiating table was seen as a positive first step.

Kremlin Signals Russia-US Talks on Ukraine Not Immediate. Δ1.80

The Kremlin has signaled that the next round of Russia-U.S. talks on ending the war in Ukraine is unlikely to happen before the embassies of both countries resume normal operations, amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. The delay is partly due to concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on military aid to Ukraine and his administration's willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia. Meanwhile, Kyiv remains wary of Moscow's intentions, citing past betrayals by Russian leaders.

Zelenskiy Calls Trump Clash 'Regrettable', Says 'Time to Make Things Right' Δ1.80

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has downplayed the tensions with US President Donald Trump, stating that he is ready to work under his leadership to bring lasting peace and that it's "time to make things right". The pause in military aid to Kyiv was not directly addressed by Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy emphasized Ukraine's desire for future cooperation and communication with the US.

Kremlin Says Pause of U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine Is Best Hope for Peace Δ1.80

The Kremlin has expressed support for pausing US military aid to Ukraine, suggesting it could be a significant step towards peace in the conflict-torn region. Russia's President Vladimir Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022, triggering a major confrontation with Western powers. The pause in aid, proposed by US President Donald Trump following his clash with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, could potentially reduce tensions and encourage Kyiv to engage in peace talks.

US to Press Ukraine for Truce Commitments at Saudi Meeting Δ1.79

The US and Ukrainian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the timing and scope of an initial ceasefire with Russia, with multiple points of tension still to be ironed out. The planned talks follow intense pressure by President Trump's administration on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, including the suspension of military aid and intelligence assistance. An economic agreement between Washington and Kyiv on Ukraine's natural resources has been tied to securing a truce commitment.

US Top Diplomat Rubio Tells Ukraine That Trump Wants to End War 'As Soon as Possible' Δ1.79

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha that President Donald Trump is committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict swiftly, emphasizing the need for all parties to work towards sustainable peace. This communication follows Trump's recent actions to pressure Ukraine into considering a ceasefire, alongside a call for European nations to take greater responsibility for regional security. The evolving dynamics highlight the delicate balance between U.S. diplomacy and the need for Ukrainian autonomy in decision-making.

Macron Plans European Army Chiefs Meeting in Paris Next Week Δ1.79

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to hold a meeting of all European army chiefs in Paris next week, marking a significant step towards strengthening military cooperation among European nations. The meeting will bring together top military leaders from 27 NATO member countries and 5 EU partner countries to discuss regional security issues and potential areas for collaboration. This move is seen as an effort by Macron to boost France's influence on the global stage.

Zelensky Says White House Clash Was 'Regrettable' Δ1.79

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized his recent meeting with U.S. officials as "regrettable," following a diplomatic breakdown that led to a pause in military aid from the U.S. He expressed readiness to negotiate under Donald Trump's leadership, emphasizing Ukraine's desire for constructive cooperation and outlining proposals to end the ongoing war. The fallout from the meeting has drawn mixed reactions, with European leaders supporting Zelensky while Trump’s camp criticized his approach and statements.

Trump Says He Received Letter From Zelenskiy Saying Ukraine Ready for Dialogue Δ1.79

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in which the Ukrainian leader expressed willingness to engage in negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war, with Zelenskiy stating that "nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians." This comes after talks between the two leaders at the White House broke down due to acrimonious exchanges. The letter was seen as a positive development in the conflict, but its implications remain uncertain.

Scholz, Zelenskiy Discuss Trump's Leadership to Bring Peace Δ1.79

Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the potential role of U.S. President Donald Trump in facilitating peace negotiations for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of U.S. leadership to establish a ceasefire and long-lasting stability in the region, highlighting the urgency for a comprehensive resolution rather than a temporary halt to hostilities. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's steadfast support for Ukraine during this critical period as Zelenskiy expressed readiness to collaborate under Trump's guidance for a secure future.

Russia Must Inflict Maximum Defeat on Ukraine Δ1.79

Russia's main task remains to inflict "maximum defeat" on Ukraine, former president Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday. Russia is advancing, but the enemy is resisting and has not yet been defeated. Medvedev expects the United States to resume military aid to Ukraine once Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signs a minerals agreement with Washington.

Trump's Russia Pivot Unlikely to Bring Peace to Ukraine, Says Finland's Foreign Minister Δ1.79

Finland's foreign minister Elina Valtonen said that Washington's pivot towards Russia is unlikely to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, and that President Donald Trump would likely discover this in the end. She expressed concerns about a recent U.S. order to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia during negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine war. In her view, this approach should not work and President Trump's team will eventually notice its limitations.

France Offering Intelligence to Ukraine Amid Washington Suspension Δ1.78

France is offering intelligence to Ukraine, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Thursday, a day after Washington said it was suspending intelligence sharing with Kyiv. This move reflects France's efforts to maintain pressure on Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskiy amidst the ongoing conflict. The decision also highlights the evolving nature of international relations between European powers and their respective roles in global security.

Ukraine and Trump's White House Faces Uncertain Future Δ1.78

The situation in Ukraine remains uncertain, with ongoing tensions between Russia and Western countries, including the United States. The Biden administration's decision to send advanced military equipment to Ukraine has increased the stakes, as Moscow responds with increasing aggression. As the conflict escalates, diplomatic efforts are crucial to preventing a wider war.

Defence Stocks Surge as Investors Anticipate Europe's Spending Spree Δ1.78

Defence stocks have surged as investors expect governments across Europe to ramp up spending following recent developments in geopolitical tensions. The rally in UK defence stocks on Monday helped propel the FTSE 100 to a record high close of 8,904 points, as European leaders agreed to boost defence spending and announce plans to increase their military aid to Ukraine. Investors are betting that Europe will shoulder more responsibility for its own security following the US decision to pause military aid to Ukraine.