British PM Keir Starmer is the first European leader to propose deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, ahead of a Paris meeting on Europe’s role in a ceasefire. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s unconsulted call with Russian President Putin about ending the conflict. Starmer emphasizes Europe’s need for collective security and cooperation with the U.S., while acknowledging the risks of direct confrontation with Russia. European leaders, including French President Macron, are set to discuss the situation, highlighting past EU struggles for a unified approach. Penelope Kingsley 17/02/2025 11:00 am
European leaders are meeting in France for an emergency summit on Ukraine after the Trump administration announced talks with Russia to end the war, excluding European involvement. This move has raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe about being sidelined in peace negotiations. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are heading to Saudi Arabia for preliminary talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky insists Ukraine won’t accept US-Russia decisions without their input. European leaders, including UK’s Kier Starmer, are attending the Paris meeting, emphasizing the need for European involvement in the peace process. Penelope Kingsley 17/02/2025 7:30 am
Russian troops have intensified attacks in eastern Ukraine, focusing on Pokrovsk, as NATO predicts increased assault intensity. Kyiv reported 261 combat engagements in one day, the highest this year. Despite Russian advances, Ukraine recaptured Pishchane. Talks between U.S. and Russian officials are expected soon. Ukraine uses drones for deep strikes, while Russia continues ground advances and missile strikes. President Zelenskiy noted a “good result” in the east, attributed to improved Ukrainian military organization. Penelope Kingsley 17/02/2025 4:00 am
Israeli PM Netanyahu threatened severe action against Hamas if hostages aren’t released, highlighting US support, particularly from Trump, who urged ending the ceasefire if hostages remain captive. Despite Hamas delaying releases, Israel maintained the ceasefire after some hostages were freed. Netanyahu plans further negotiations in Cairo and discussed future strategies with US officials. Trump proposed relocating Gazans for redevelopment, a plan opposed by Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations. US envoy Witkoff expressed hope for a ceasefire extension and eventual peace, contingent on Hamas’s removal from power. Ava Sinclair 17/02/2025 4:00 am
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reached Bukavu, Congo’s second-largest city, with little resistance from government forces. Residents cheered the rebels, who marched from Goma, captured last month. M23, supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, is among over 100 armed groups in Congo’s mineral-rich east. The conflict has displaced over 6 million people. Rebels occupied key locations in Bukavu, with no signs of Congolese forces. Residents criticized the government’s inaction. Unlike 2012, M23 now seeks political power. Many soldiers and civilians fled amid looting and panic. Penelope Kingsley 17/02/2025 4:00 am
In Villach, Austria, a 14-year-old was killed and four others injured in a knife attack by a 23-year-old Syrian man. The suspect, with legal residence in Austria, has been detained, but his motive remains unknown. Carinthia’s governor demands severe consequences, while Villach’s mayor condemns violence. The incident highlights migration issues, echoing similar attacks in Germany and raising concerns about assimilation and xenophobia in Europe. The ongoing Syrian civil war has led to significant migration, straining European social systems and fueling nationalist movements. Ava Sinclair 17/02/2025 4:00 am
Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel was released by Hamas after being held hostage in Gaza for over 480 days. His sister, Lucy Siegel, shared their family’s anxiety during his captivity but chose to remain strong. Keith and his wife Aviva were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack on Israel. Aviva was released a month later. Keith endured torture and deprivation but was freed on February 1, following a ceasefire agreement. His family reunited with him shortly after his release, with Lucy traveling to Israel to see him. Ava Sinclair 17/02/2025 4:00 am
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed readiness to deploy British peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of securing lasting peace to deter Russian aggression. In a Telegraph article, Starmer stressed that peace must not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty. His comments precede a meeting with European leaders in Paris. Starmer insists Ukraine must be involved in negotiations to prevent future conflicts. His remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent discussions with Putin about negotiating an end to the war. Penelope Kingsley 17/02/2025 4:00 am
At the end of Europe’s first encounter with the Trump administration, uncertainty loomed over Ukraine’s fate and a potential breach in the Western alliance. Despite NATO’s unity after three years of war, the U.S. plans to shift focus to Asia, Latin America, and the Arctic. European officials anticipate a significant withdrawal of American troops from Europe. Concerns grow over Trump’s negotiations with Putin, potentially ceding parts of Ukraine to Russia. At the Munich Security Conference, President Zelensky advocated for a European military force independent of U.S. influence, fearing Putin’s manipulation. Penelope Kingsley 17/02/2025 12:30 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to intensify actions against Hamas if hostages aren’t returned. They emphasized a joint strategy to dismantle Hamas’ military and political power in Gaza. Rubio assured US support for Israel in negotiations to free remaining hostages and determine Gaza’s future governance. Netanyahu backed President Trump’s plan to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza for US-led reconstruction, despite widespread Arab rejection and concerns of “ethnic cleansing.” Noah Prescott 17/02/2025 12:30 am
