Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that another round of talks between the United States and Ukraine will take place in Saudi Arabia next week. Although Zelensky will not be attending, he emphasized that the meeting in Saudi Arabia could be a critical step toward establishing peace. Former US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Steve Pifer, stated that the US delegation aims to initiate structured discussions that could pave the way for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This announcement follows the US’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine after the White House controversy. Despite Zelensky’s message of peace, he continues to call for a permanent security arrangement following the cessation of hostilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to European allies at the EU Summit on Thursday. “We are deeply thankful that we are not alone,” he said. He also accused former US President Donald Trump of aiding Russia in dismantling the global order, adding that Trump’s stance on Ukraine has left all of Europe anxious. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe is facing an unprecedented threat and convened a special meeting of 27 EU countries in Brussels to discuss defense spending and the possibility of forming a military alliance.

Following the U.S. suspension of all military aid to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X expressing regret over a verbal altercation with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war with Russia as swiftly as possible under Trump’s "strong leadership." Although Zelensky did not directly mention the suspension of military aid, he emphasized that Ukraine is open to security and mineral agreements under any conditions.

On Sunday, France and the United Kingdom proposed a one-month partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. French President Macron announced that the ceasefire would exclude land combat but apply to attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure. Following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call, a conference of European leaders was held in London to advance Ukraine’s peace plans. Macron attended the conference, and world leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the Ukrainian leadership. Macron further stated that the second phase of the ceasefire would involve the deployment of European ground troops to Ukraine.

After U.S. President Donald Trump scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, European leaders quickly rallied behind him. Following the incident, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a summit with European leaders, including Zelensky, to discuss plans for ending the war in Ukraine. The summit resulted in a four-point agenda, focusing on military aid, maintaining pressure on Russia, and ensuring Ukraine’s presence in peace talks. The UK also pledged $200 million in military support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to US pressure, stating that removing him from office will not be easy, given the current situation and international support. He reiterated that he is willing to resign if Ukraine is granted NATO membership. Following a heated meeting with US President Donald Trump, Republicans suggested Zelensky may need to step down to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, Zelensky insists his mission will be complete only when NATO membership is secured for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated in an interview with the BBC that Ukraine is still prepared to sign an agreement with the United States concerning mineral resources. He expressed his desire for the world to hear Ukraine’s position and for international partners to remember who the aggressor is in the ongoing war. He also mentioned his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the United States. Meanwhile, EU leaders have gathered for a European summit, where Ukraine's security and support for President Zelensky have been given top priority.

Russia carried out 154 drone strikes on Ukraine overnight, with Kharkiv suffering the most damage. Two civilians were killed, and several others were injured. Ukraine’s emergency services reported fires in at least four locations in Kharkiv, including residential areas, shops, a shopping mall, and a gas station. A three-story hospital was destroyed, but rescue teams managed to pull 63 survivors—56 of them women and children—from the rubble. Kyiv claimed that its air defenses intercepted 103 drones, while 51 drones failed to hit their intended targets.

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, has stated that while Europe should develop independent defense capabilities, it cannot replace the U.S. in safeguarding Ukraine. His party secured victory in the February 23 elections.

Experts argue that France and the U.K. collectively hold more military power than Russia. However, Europe's lack of political unity has hindered its strategic effectiveness. Meanwhile, Kyiv has warned that without U.S. military assistance, continuing the war will become extremely difficult. Even with collective efforts, Europe alone cannot fully compensate for the loss of American support.

In a Telegram post, Kyiv reported that Russia launched 166 drone attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 90 of the drones. The attacks resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injured ten others. The strikes targeted areas in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian police reported that in the past 24 hours, 42 homes were destroyed in attacks on the Donetsk region. Negotiations between Russia and the United States regarding an end to the war are currently ongoing.

Before taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump had pledged to end the ongoing war. As he moved forward with this plan, Ukraine found itself in a difficult position. Trump reportedly sought a share of Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for financial aid.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially declared, “I cannot sell my country.” However, he has now reversed his stance and agreed to a mineral-sharing agreement. Russia has condemned the deal, calling it a betrayal.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump stated that American taxpayers want a refund of the $300–350 billion provided to Ukraine in aid. Later this week, Trump and Zelensky are scheduled to meet at the White House.

During a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of running a misleading campaign by blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war. Trump recently stated that Russia’s military invasion was triggered by Ukraine’s actions and that the war could have been avoided had Kyiv reached an agreement. Trump also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing his declining popularity, which he claimed is now at 4%. In response, Zelensky labeled Trump’s remarks as part of Russian propaganda. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the U.S. and Russia held discussions in Saudi Arabia on ending the Ukraine war—without Ukrainian representation. Zelensky also accused Trump of attempting to claim $500 billion worth of Ukraine’s mineral resources, equating it to selling off the country’s sovereignty.

During his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern that Vladimir Putin has become the most influential member of NATO, suggesting that NATO’s decisions may shift according to his will. Prior to this, Putin set two conditions to end the war: Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership aspirations, and Ukrainian troops must withdraw from four Ukrainian regions under Russian control. Following a phone conversation with Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at accepting these conditions. In response, Zelensky proposed the creation of a new European military alliance, stating that the U.S. will no longer support Europe as it did in the past.

Officials from the United States and Russia will soon meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters. However, Ukraine has not been invited to the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Kyiv will not engage in talks with Russia without consulting its strategic partners first. The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Walz, and White House Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff. The objective of the discussions, as per McColl, is to arrange a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky to establish peace and bring an end to the conflict.

On February 15, during the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the creation of a unified European military force. He emphasized that Europe must become self-reliant in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and the uncertainties posed by the United States. Zelensky insisted that Europe’s future should depend on Europeans themselves and that decisions affecting Europe should be made within Europe. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept any agreements made behind our backs without our involvement.” Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees and emphasized that NATO membership remains a possibility for Ukraine.