Macron's informal summit and details of US-Ukraine mineral deal: February 17 highlights
An informal summit of European leaders, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, discussed Ukraine. Journalists obtained details of a partnership agreement proposed by the United States to Ukraine. Here are the key events for February 17.
Macron's summit in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted an informal summit of European leaders in Paris.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the summit discussed the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine post-war.
The UK expressed readiness to send troops, while Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said it was premature to discuss such a move. Poland stated it would not send troops but would assist with logistics.
Czechia, Romania, and Slovenia were not invited to the summit and expressed outrage. Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar criticized the organizers for not treating all EU states equally.
Details of US-Ukraine mineral talks
According to Ukrainian Pravda and Telegraph, the U.S. proposed an agreement to Ukraine that would give the U.S. control over Ukrainian rare earth minerals, ports, infrastructure, and most resources, including oil and gas.
Ukrainian officials reportedly refused to sign the agreement before a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Munich, despite threats to cancel the meeting.
Zelenskyy on Saudi Arabia talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was not informed about upcoming talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia. Since Ukraine will not be represented, Kyiv does not recognize these talks.
U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg asserted that it will be Ukraine and Ukrainians that will decide on any peace agreement with Russia.
Kellogg will be in Ukraine on February 20
U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg will visit Ukraine on February 20. The visit is scheduled to last three days, starting on February 19.
President Zelenskyy expressed hope that Kellogg will visit the frontline and meet with commanders of Ukrainian brigades, although Kellogg is yet to confirm this.
Controversial school play in Kyiv
Students at School No. 309 in Kyiv staged a play depicting the beating of a man in military uniform with the label "TCK" (Territorial Center for Recruitment and Support).
The Darnytskyi District Education Department formed a commission to investigate the incident, while juvenile police officers interviewed the school administration and students involved.
Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi demanded an internal investigation and explanations from all participants.
Other news
- The Russians circulated a video of another execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
- The SBU security service detained a woman accused of aiding Russia in the deportation of Ukrainian children.
- Findings from an investigation into allegations against a military officer accused of making threats were presented.
- The stability of old sarcophagus structures at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant raised concerns after a Russian drone strike.
- A military recruitment center officer was injured in an attack in Lviv Oblast.