Story perspectives

Europe Urged to Take Lead in Ukraine Peace Talks

2/17/2026

Summary

Europe Advocates Ukraine Peace

At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders urge Europe to lead Ukraine peace negotiations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Russia's war ends only when exhausted economically and militarily.
French President Emmanuel Macron warns against pressuring Ukraine to accept defeat and says any peace deal must involve Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says elections could occur after a ceasefire.
Ukrainian officials question Russia's commitment to talks, highlighting a U.S.-European approach divide.

Summary

Europe Accuses Russia

Five European countries, including UK and France, accuse Russia of poisoning opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in February 2024.
They say analysis confirmed the rare toxin epibatidine in Navalny's body.
Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's widow, asserts this evidence proves the Kremlin's involvement.
On the second anniversary of his death, mourners gathered in Moscow, with his family calling for accountability.
The Kremlin denies the allegations, saying Navalny died of natural causes.

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Europe Advocates Ukraine Peace

At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders urge Europe to lead Ukraine peace negotiations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Russia's war ends only when exhausted economically and militarily.
French President Emmanuel Macron warns against pressuring Ukraine to accept defeat and says any peace deal must involve Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says elections could occur after a ceasefire.
Ukrainian officials question Russia's commitment to talks, highlighting a U.S.-European approach divide.

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