Various initiatives for peace on war take centerstage this week, among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Centerstage events of week 3
European leaders scramble to respond...
European leaders scramble to respond after being excluded from U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine, holding emergency meetings in Paris. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Riyadh, aiming to reset relations and discuss ending the war without European or Ukrainian involvement. Lavrov dismisses Europe’s role in negotiations, suggesting their intent is to prolong the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron briefly speaks with Donald Trump, but Europe remains sidelined in the unfolding diplomatic shifts.
Monday, 17 February, 2025
The United States and Russia begin talks in Saudi Arabia ...
The United States and Russia begin talks in Saudi Arabia on ending the war in Ukraine, excluding European and Ukrainian representatives. Both sides agree to initiate a formal negotiation process, establish high-level teams, and work toward restoring diplomatic and economic ties. U.S. President Donald Trump proposes a new presidential election in Ukraine as part of a peace deal, while Russia rejects any NATO peacekeeping forces being stationed in Ukraine under any agreement.
Tuesday, 18 February, 2025
Widespread civil unrest erupts in Uvira...
Widespread civil unrest erupts in Uvira, South Kivu, as M23 rebels advance from Bukavu, resulting in at least 30 deaths, looting, and the escape of 228 imprisoned Congolese soldiers. Amid escalating conflict, President Félix Tshisekedi formally requests military support from Chad after discussions with President Mahamat Déby. The United Nations Security Council convenes an emergency meeting, with U.N. special envoy Bintou Keita urging urgent action to prevent a broader regional war as M23 gains more territory.
Wednesday, 19 February, 2025
European leaders push back against U.S. President Donald...
European leaders push back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls the statement “false and dangerous,” while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasizes Zelensky’s democratic legitimacy. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirms support for Ukraine, insisting on its involvement in any peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Denmark announces a $7 billion defense boost over two years, raising military spending to its highest level in over 50 years amid rising threats from Russia.
Thursday, 20 February, 2025
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan sign a historic agreement...
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan sign a historic agreement to delimit their 970-km border, resolving a decades-old dispute that had led to ethnic clashes and over a hundred deaths. Top security officials Kamchybek Tashiev and Saimumin Yatimov finalize the deal in Bishkek, with further documents prepared for presidential approval. The agreement also includes plans for cooperation on water-energy facilities, cross-border land use, and new infrastructure projects, marking a significant step toward regional stability after negotiations that began in 2002.
Friday, 21 February, 2025
The Cook Islands signs a five-year memorandum...
The Cook Islands signs a five-year memorandum of understanding with China to collaborate on seabed mining, focusing on technology transfer, logistics support, and deep-sea ecosystem research. The agreement does not grant mining or exploration licenses but sparks controversy, straining relations with New Zealand. Prime Minister Mark Brown assures strict regulatory oversight, while protests erupt over concerns about distancing from Wellington. Additional agreements with China cover economic cooperation in maritime industries and development projects, reflecting the Cook Islands' push for international partnerships despite domestic and diplomatic tensions.
Saturday, 22 February, 2025
The United States drops its proposal demanding...
The United States drops its proposal demanding $500 billion in profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as compensation for U.S. wartime aid, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces. He previously rejected the deal, citing the lack of security guarantees and concerns about setting a precedent for repaying all international assistance. Speaking at a Kyiv forum marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy confirms negotiations are now focused on a more equitable agreement without the financial demand.
Sunday, 23 February, 2025
