**US and Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine Conflict**
Talks between the US and Russia began in Saudi Arabia on February 18 to discuss how to end Moscow’s war in Ukraine. A Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with a US delegation, also led by State Secretary Marco Rubio.
This is the first official face-to-face contact between the two sides since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting was held at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace, but Ukraine and Europe were not invited to participate in the main discussion.
**Ukraine Expresses Concerns**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that a peace deal negotiated by the US and Russia without Ukraine’s involvement could put the country’s future security at risk. In an interview with German media, he warned against a hastily negotiated peace deal from the Trump administration.
“We cannot accept a peace deal negotiated without our involvement,” Zelensky said. “Everything that Russia and the US can agree on concerns their bilateral relations. They cannot negotiate about our people and our lives.”
**European Leaders Call for Strong Security Guarantees**
After an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine. He warned that a ceasefire without such measures could be short-lived and ineffective.
“We seek a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Macron said. “To achieve this, Russia must end its aggression, and this must be accompanied by strong and credible security guarantees for the Ukrainians.”
**Casualties Mount**
The number of casualties from Russian forces continues to rise, with 1,170 reported over the past day alone.
**Ukraine Secures Medals at Invictus Games**
Team Ukraine secured a total of 30 medals during the 2025 Invictus Games, including 12 gold, 12 silver, and six bronze medal finishes.
**Volunteer Recruitment Surges**
Ukraine’s military has received over 10,000 applications from volunteer recruits aged 18 to 24 following the introduction of lucrative “special contracts.”
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
