Europe

European officials have privately discussed the creation of a continent-wide addition to NATO that could work alongside or replace U. S. security guarantees, depending on the outcome of the U.S. election.

Ukraine's Prime Minister has invited Japanese businesses to invest in Ukraine's energy, agriculture, infrastructure, automotive, mining, and IT sectors to help create a "Ukrainian economic miracle" modeled after Japan's postwar economic growth.

The German Defense Minister calls on the United States to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine to prevent a russian invasion that could harm American economic interests.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said that the EU accession process should take place in accordance with political and historical circumstances, not technical obstacles, and that politicization of every step delays Ukraine's integration.

The EU High Representative stated that every European citizen must understand that Europe is at war with Russia and must work together to defend itself.

Denmark decided to transfer all its artillery to Ukraine and called on Europe to provide Kyiv with more air defense systems and ammunition.

Ukraine and Sweden agree to cooperate in countering russian disinformation campaigns.

Ursula von der Leyen identifies four key aspects of the EU's future arms strategy: increased defense spending, joint procurement, strengthening the European defense industry, and coordination with Ukraine.

Rheinmetall plans to open a new ammunition plant in Ukraine to produce 155-mm artillery shells and metal projectiles in a joint venture with a Ukrainian partner.

President Zelenskyy thanked the U. S. senators for their bipartisan support for Ukraine and discussed defense priorities with them.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz avoided direct answers about providing Ukraine with long-range missiles and supporting Ukraine's accession to NATO.

Today, February 17, everyone can join the Day of Spontaneous Acts of Kindness. The event originated in 1995 in the United States. Its goal is to make people a little happier and spread a bit of kindness around.

Ukraine's women's freestyle wrestling team won one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at the 2024 European Wrestling Championships in Bucharest, with Iryna Kolyadenko winning gold in the 65 kg category.

President Zelenskyy met with French President Macron at the Elysee Palace to discuss cooperation between Ukraine and France and sign an important agreement.

Allowing putin to succeed in Ukraine and forcibly move borders in Europe would undermine the European peace order and set a dangerous precedent for further aggression, the German Chancellor believes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine considers anti-Ukrainian protests in Poland unacceptable and calls on the Polish authorities to take a constructive approach to resolving issues related to the transit of Ukrainian grain and trade.

Zelenskyy expects the U. S. Congress to approve further aid to Ukraine to continue its defense against Russian aggression.

Euroclear has warned that the use of frozen Russian assets as collateral for the issuance of debt to Ukraine could pose risks to European financial stability and expose Euroclear to legal action.

NATO is developing plans to deploy the Alliance's armed forces across Europe in response to Russia's intensification of its defense industry and military buildup over the past year.

European traders have sent 3 billion cubic meters of gas to Ukraine's underground storage facilities, saving them more than $300 million.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Brussels should encourage the European defense industry to consolidate and increase production.

President Zelensky emphasized in his speech that Russia's unprovoked aggression reflects the evil part of the human soul that has learned nothing from history and is fighting for domination, despising life.

Prospects for cooperation between Ukraine and Greece in the energy sector were discussed, with a focus on green energy technologies, decentralized electricity supply, connecting gas infrastructure, and building a hydrogen corridor through several countries.

President Zelenskyy instructed the Prime Minister of Ukraine to meet urgently with his Polish counterpart to discuss the incident when Ukrainian grain spilled on the border and how to prevent future dangerous conflicts.

At the Munich Security Conference, U. S. officials will reassure allies of NATO's commitment amid political instability caused by Trump.

The United States will continue to support Ukraine's energy sector and help diversify nuclear fuel supplies, said Jeffrey Payette.

Prime Minister Shmyhal and his Polish counterpart Tusk discussed finding a solution to support Ukrainian farmers at the border without harming Polish farmers.

A 22-year-old Ukrainian judo champion was killed in action while defending Ukraine from Russian invaders near the village of Novokalynove in Donetsk region.

Ukraine and Italy discussed the West's refusal to buy russian gas to ensure Europe's energy security and the transition to renewable energy sources.

European countries will remain dependent on U. S. military security assistance over the next decade, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed sources.