**Europe Offers Security Guarantees to Ukraine**
European leaders are ready and willing to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on February 17.
Rutte’s comments came after a meeting in Paris between European powers. The meeting took place before the start of US-Russia talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
**Leaders Discuss Defense Capabilities**
At the Paris meeting, participants discussed ways to ensure reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. They also talked about plans for Ukraine’s automatic membership in NATO if Russia violates a ceasefire agreement.
European leaders are concerned that Ukraine might be forced into neutrality or have its influence divided between the US and Russia after negotiations.
**Talks Between US and Russia Begin**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov on February 18. This meeting marked the start of US-Russia talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
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