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United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE [Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP]
By Joseph Stepansky
Published On 17 Feb 2025

This live page is now closed. You can continue to follow our coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war here.

17 Feb 2025 - 15:00
 (15:00 GMT)

That’s a wrap from us

Thank you for joining our live coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war and the global efforts to end it.

You can find our story on how Ukraine and European countries are responding to the Tuesday’s meeting of top Russian and US officials in Riyadh here.

17 Feb 2025 - 14:50
 (14:50 GMT)

Thanks for joining us

This live page will soon be closed. Here is a recap of today’s main events:

  • Russia and the US confirm their delegations will meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
  • European leaders meet for an emergency summit in Paris amid concerns they – and Ukraine – would be sidelined in the talks.
  • Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s Ilsky Oil Refinery in the southwestern region of Krasnodar, and Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
  • Zelenskyy is on a trip to the UAE – long seen as a possible site of future peace talks – and is to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkiye on Tuesday.
17 Feb 2025 - 14:40
 (14:40 GMT)

WATCH: Russia’s Lavrov to meet US counterpart Rubio

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to President Vladimir Putin, will participate in talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the discussions, which are intended to pave the way for a potential meeting later this month between US President Donald Trump and Putin.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will not take part in this week’s US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia regarding the war in Ukraine.

Al Jazeera’s Yulia Shapovalova reports from Moscow, while Charles Stratford provides updates from Kyiv:

17 Feb 2025 - 14:30
 (14:30 GMT)

Belgian FM favours ‘making room’ for EU defence investments

Belgian Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem says he supports the idea put forward by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to “make room” for defence investments at a moment when European leaders seem to be excluded from talks between the US and Russia on ending the war in Ukraine.

“We are in an extraordinary situation, so we also need crisis solutions for that and definitely one of the possibilities there is the opening made by Ursula von der Leyen and the commission to also … make room for defence investments within the European budgetary rules,” he told reporters ahead of the emergency EU summit.

“We are very supportive to that idea. Of course, we need to look at how we are going to do it, but next to that we also need to look at other options … like the common European finance instruments, or, for example … strengthening the position of the EIB [European Investment Bank] in that kind of investments in the European defence industry.”

17 Feb 2025 - 14:20
 (14:20 GMT)

How we got here

European countries have been scrambling to respond to a distinct shift in US policy since President Donald Trump took office. That change kicked into overdrive last week. Here’s how we got here:

  • During Trump’s first term as US president, he took a sceptical approach to the NATO alliance, repeatedly calling for members to increase defence spending. He continued that rhetoric during his 2024 campaign.
  • On February 12, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with NATO allies for the first time. In a speech from Brussels, he said Ukraine must accept it will not regain territory lost to Russia in 2014 or eventually join NATO. The statements were major shifts from the policies of the outgoing administration of former US President Joe Biden.
  • Hegseth also called on European countries to pay five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, a massive increase from their current two percent commitments.
  • Hours later, Trump announced he had held his first call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking concerns that European countries and Ukraine would be sidelined from negotiations.
  • On February 14, US Vice President JD Vance also delivered his first international speech in Munich. He used the speech to further criticise traditional European allies, accusing them of backsliding on free speech and migration policies.
17 Feb 2025 - 14:05
 (14:05 GMT)

Spain FM says lasting peace must before troop deployment

Speaking from Madrid, Jose Manuel Albares said he expects a show of European unity at the emergency meeting in Paris.

However, the Spanish foreign minister said it was too early to discuss a possible European troop deployment to Ukraine.

He said a pathway for a lasting peace must be reached first.

17 Feb 2025 - 13:55
 (13:55 GMT)

EU has no mandate to talk about troops in Ukraine, Slovak PM says

European Union officials have no mandate for talks in Paris on Europe’s role in any Ukraine ceasefire, says Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

In a government-issued statement, Fico added that the discussions did not concern the EU and the officials’ participation hurt confidence in the bloc.

He said the issue of troops in Ukraine was only for the United Nations or through bilateral deals and “is a topic with which the EU has nothing to do and should not comment”.

17 Feb 2025 - 13:45
 (13:45 GMT)

UAE, Ukraine ink trade deal during Zelenskyy visit

In a post on X, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has hailed a “new era of trade and investment collaboration” amid Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to the Gulf region.

He said the pair had signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Zelenskyy’s visit, the first since Russia’s invasion began.

“The UAE remains steadfast in our commitment to build partnerships based on cooperation and understanding to promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all,” Al Nahyan said in the post.

17 Feb 2025 - 13:35
 (13:35 GMT)

European Commission chief says security ‘at a turning point’

Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Paris ahead of what she described as “crucial talks” on Ukraine.

“Europe’s security is at a turning point,” she wrote on X. “Yes, it is about Ukraine – but it is also about us.”

“We need an urgency mindset. We need a surge in defense,” she wrote. “And we need both of them now.”

17 Feb 2025 - 13:20
 (13:20 GMT)

Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil facilities overnight, Kyiv official says

Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s Ilsky oil refinery and oil-pumping station in the southern Krasnodar region overnight, prompting the suspension of pumping operations, an official from Ukraine’s SBU security service said.

At least 20 explosions were heard in the vicinity of the refinery, the official said, asking not to be named, adding that the oil facilities were being used to supply Russia’s military in its three-year war in Ukraine.

“Not only do they work for Russia’s defence sector and provide fuel for enemy troops, but they are also important for the Russian economy, which finances the war through oil profits,” the official said.

Krasnodar’s regional governor had earlier reported a “massive” drone attack overnight.

Russia’s SHOT Telegram news channel said drone wreckage sparked a fire at the refinery, which was also attacked by Ukrainian drones last year.

17 Feb 2025 - 13:10
 (13:10 GMT)
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Zelenskyy to visit Turkiye on Tuesday

The Ukrainian leader will visit Ankara on Tuesday, says the Turkish presidency.

Zelenskyy will hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the presidency said, adding that they will discuss steps to “further strengthen cooperation between the two countries”.

Zelenskyy was in the United Arab Emirates today and is scheduled for a state visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

17 Feb 2025 - 13:00
 (13:00 GMT)

If you’re just joining us

Here is a recap of the latest developments:

  • Moscow has confirmed that Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, will take part in talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
  • Washington has also confirmed the meeting, saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff will attend.
  • Lavrov says Russia is not considering territorial concessions to be given to Ukraine at the planned negotiations to end the war.
  • Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says his planned visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday was organised in advance and has nothing to do with the US-Russian talks.
  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he wants to see a strong and sovereign Europe ahead of hastily arranged Ukraine talks among European leaders in Paris.
17 Feb 2025 - 12:50
 (12:50 GMT)

More on Zelenskyy’s remarks on Saudi visit

The Ukrainian president has told reporters his state visit to Saudi Arabia was planned in advance and had nothing to do with the US-Russia talks expected to begin on Tuesday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called for stronger US security guarantees as part of a critical minerals deal opening up Ukraine’s vast natural wealth in exchange for Washington’s support.

“The question is not just about taking the resource, the question is what you invest, so that something comes out of this resource,” the president said.

“We are not just a simple supplier for raw materials, and I think this point should be clearly reflected in the document.”

Zelenskyy also said he would invite Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg to the front line to meet with troops during a trip slated for February 20.

17 Feb 2025 - 12:40
 (12:40 GMT)

Any Ukraine deal must be ‘just and enduring’: British PM

Keir Starmer has called for any Ukraine deal to be “just and enduring” ahead of a hastily-convened European leaders’ summit on the US policy shift on the war in Ukraine.

“We need to have realistic and credible answers to how any ceasefire … will be lasting, just and enduring,” Starmer told reporters in Bristol, before heading to Paris for the talks.

“The last thing I want to see is a pause in the fighting that simply gives Putin the chance to come again,” he added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

17 Feb 2025 - 12:30
 (12:30 GMT)

American arrested in Moscow on drug charges freed ahead of Russia-US talks

A US citizen arrested earlier this month at a Moscow airport on suspicion of bringing drugs into the country has been released ahead of Tuesday’s talks in Saudi Arabia.

Russian media reported that Kalob Wayne Byers, 28, was arrested at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport after customs officers found cannabis gummy sweets in his luggage upon arrival on a flight from Istanbul.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov linked the release to upcoming talks between Moscow and Washington’s top diplomats. “As on Tuesday, the restoration of relations will be discussed, these events can be seen in that context,” Peskov told reporters.

A US official confirmed to The Associated Press that Byers was released to the embassy late on Sunday evening.

17 Feb 2025 - 12:20
 (12:20 GMT)

West will only survive if countries prioritise national interests: US House Speaker

Speaking via video link at a conference in London, Mike Johnson said the US could only maintain its “strength and leadership” if its foreign policy was centred on its national interests.

“It’s a matter of common sense for each of our countries to acknowledge that we must each take care of our own houses before we help take care of the neighbourhood,” Johnson said.

“As we seek to make America safer, stronger and more prosperous, we will encourage all our friends and allies to do the same in and for their own countries.”

The congressman claimed that “the survival of the West will depend upon that”.

17 Feb 2025 - 12:10
 (12:10 GMT)

Ukraine crisis poses ‘generational challenge’: Starmer

The British prime minister says his country is facing a “generational challenge” on its national security and says it is crucial for all of Europe to spend more on defence.

Starmer said Europe needs to spend more because the ongoing conflict with Russia affects the whole continent, not just Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer [File: Paul Grover/AFP]
17 Feb 2025 - 12:00
 (12:00 GMT)

Poland’s PM says it will not send troops to Ukraine

But Warsaw will continue to give Kyiv support as it has through the war, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk tells reporters before flying to an informal summit in Paris on Ukraine and European security.

Earlier, Britain said it is ready to send soldiers to Ukraine if it is necessary to ensure peace.

The Paris summit by European leaders is being held amid fears the US-Russia negotiations this week on ending the war in Ukraine will not include the EU.

 

17 Feb 2025 - 11:50
 (11:50 GMT)

EU team to visit Ukraine on war’s third anniversary

A team led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Ukraine next week in a show of support for Kyiv on the third anniversary of the conflict.

“Next week, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the war of aggression against Ukraine, there will be a college visit to the country,” a European Commission spokesperson said at a news conference in Brussels.

17 Feb 2025 - 11:45
 (11:45 GMT)
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Zelenskyy says Ukraine won’t join US-Russia talks

Ukraine will not participate in talks this week between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia on ending the war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says.

“Ukraine will not take part. Ukraine did not know anything about it,” the president told reporters during a video briefing from the United Arab Emirates, where he is on a state visit.

“Ukraine regards any negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine as ones that have no result, and we cannot recognise … any agreements about us without us.”

Zelenskyy added that he would visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.