Trump to Convene First Board of Peace Meeting in Washington
President Donald Trump plans to hold the first meeting of his new Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., marking the rollout of his peace initiative this month.
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Peace Initiative
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Germany Boosts Support for Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent statements and actions regarding supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine have raised concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, contradicting previous positions and potentially undermining peace efforts, with significant geopolitical risks including possible Russian retaliation and broader conflict escalation.
Baerbock highlights Ukraine conflict during South Africa trip.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited South Africa to discuss efforts to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Baerbock praised President Cyril Ramaphosa's peace initiative but also wanted to discuss how South Africa can bring its weight to the table to end Russian aggression and uphold the UN Charter. South Africa maintains cordial links with Russia and has adopted a policy of neutrality in the war in Ukraine. Baerbock emphasized that the intensification of relations between Germany and South Africa is also in the geopolitical interest of both countries.
Ukraine's Counteroffensive Against Russia: Progress and Challenges.
Ukrainian forces advanced in southern sectors of their counteroffensive, while floods triggered by the destruction of the Russian-held Nova Kakhovka dam have killed 16 people and left 31 missing. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told his Moscow counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that the war in Ukraine must stop, and laid out the 10 points of the African peace initiative. Putin challenged the assumptions of the African plan and reiterated his position that Ukraine and its allies had started the conflict long before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February last year. Jens Stoltenberg is likely to be asked to remain as NATO secretary general for a further year.
Africa Becomes Key Player in Russia-Ukraine Geopolitical Rivalry.
Jean-Yves Ollivier, a French commodities trader, is leading an African peace initiative between Russia and Ukraine, with a focus on grain, fertilizer, and prisoner exchanges. The Brazzaville Foundation, founded by Ollivier, will support the initiative, which involves the heads of six African nations. The initiative aims to prevent food price inflation and shortages, as well as resolve the 15-month war. The African leaders involved have their own agendas, including rebuilding credibility and shaking off perceptions of being too pro-Western.
Zelensky's Rome Visit: Meeting with Italy's Premier and Pope Francis Amid Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome for talks with Italian officials and Pope Francis, who has launched a behind-the-scenes initiative to try to end the war launched last year by Russia. Zelenskyy met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who staunchly backs military and other aid for Ukraine. The Vatican confirmed a papal meeting shortly before the Ukrainian president’s plane touched down. Russian forces resumed their shelling of Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, killing a civilian, and launched at least 21 Iranian-made Shahed drones at Ukrainian territory.
The Fate of Ukraine: Who Holds the Key to Peace?
As peace initiatives are being pushed from various countries, few have given thought to who would enforce that peace in Ukraine. The conflict will stop only when both sides conclude that halting fighting is more advantageous than continuing. Talks of cease-fires and demilitarized zones without planning how to ensure whatever messy cease-fire or truce would forestall a Putin replay are a waste of time. The United States should provide Ukraine with the weapons it is asking for, and there should be no political restrictions on it. The US should also be prepared to put boots on the ground to ensure peace in Ukraine.