US and EU Officials Convene in Paris for High-Stakes Ukraine Talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff have arrived in Paris for critical discussions on Ukraine, joined by representatives from France, Germany, the UK, and Ukraine. The talks aim to address key issues, including achieving a “just and lasting peace,” establishing a multinational security presence in Ukraine, and developing a long-term defense architecture.
Amid these diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of supplying Russia with artillery and gunpowder, as well as aiding in weapons production. Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian forces recently encountered six Chinese fighters in eastern Ukraine, capturing two of them. Kyiv has formally requested an explanation from Beijing.
On the economic front, Zelenskyy hinted at a potential US-Ukraine minerals deal, which could be finalized during a virtual meeting on Thursday. The agreement, backed by former US President Donald Trump, would allow the US to share in Ukraine’s resource profits as compensation for prior military support.
Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and Germany have escalated following Russia’s warning that Germany could be drawn into the conflict if Ukraine uses German-supplied Taurus missiles against Russian targets. Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed support for the missile transfer, a stance that outgoing leader Olaf Scholz had previously resisted.
On the ground, Russian attacks continue to intensify. Overnight drone strikes claimed lives in Dnipro, Nikopol, and Kherson, with emergency crews working tirelessly to manage the destruction.
In other developments, Italy announced it would meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP this year through accounting adjustments. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is currently in Washington for talks with Donald Trump.
Military analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of Russian President Vladimir Putin facing justice for war crimes. Professor Michael Clarke described the chances of Putin appearing at The Hague as “very remote,” while Hamish de Bretton-Gordon suggested that economic pressure, particularly oil tariffs, could compel Putin to negotiate.