European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, convened in Paris on Thursday for a summit focused on strengthening Ukraine’s security in anticipation of a possible ceasefire with Russia.
During the discussions, European leaders sought to formulate a unified response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to ease sanctions on Moscow as a means of encouraging an end to the conflict with Ukraine.
Ahead of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Trump over the phone on Wednesday evening, the Elysée confirmed, as reported by Le Monde.
On February 24, the European Union imposed its 16th round of sanctions on Russia, targeting aluminum imports, shadow fleet vessels, and the export of chemicals, chrome, and materials crucial for precision machine tools.
“In an increasingly complex global and geopolitical landscape, we underscore the importance of ensuring transatlantic and international solidarity with Ukraine,” stated European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa in a joint announcement regarding the sanctions.
Although Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, partly due to pressure from the United States, Russia has continued its offensive and insists that sanctions on its agricultural banks and shadow fleet be lifted. The Kremlin has also demanded the right to inspect Ukrainian vessels using the sea corridor Kyiv reopened after targeting Russia’s navy, following Moscow’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2023.













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