Closing summary
We are now closing the blog. Here is a summary of events today:
Polish president Andrzej Duda could be the first European leader to meet with US president Donald Trump, after Polish media reported that he will travel to Washington on Saturday (17:14). According to the media, the pair is expected to meet early afternoon, but we are yet to have a formal confirmation of the meeting (17:43).
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who was involved in the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, claimed that Ukraine was about to sign the new mineral deal with the US “in the very short term” as he praised US president Donald Trump for starting talks about the conflict (16:25).
Austria may finally be close to getting a new government as the conservative People’s Party (OVP) and Social Democrats (SPO) confirmed they are in talks over forming a new coalition with the support of the liberal Neos party (16:48).
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella has cancelled his speech at the US Conservative Political Action Conference conference after former Trump aide Steve Bannon appeared to make a Nazi salute at the end of his speech last night, French media are reporting. (15.08)
US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has praised his talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “extensive and positive” in a social media post at the end of his visit to Kyiv. (13.37)
Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, is not in danger of death, but has not been fully cured and his condition could yet change, one of his doctors said on Friday. (17.19)
Sweden is investigating a possible breach of an undersea cable off the island of Gotland on the country’s southwestern coast in the Baltic Sea, the coastguard said on Friday, in an area where multiple seabed cables have been damaged in recent months. (09.27)
Pope Francis not yet cured, but not in danger of death, doctor treating him says
Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, is not in danger of death, but has not been fully cured and his condition could yet change, one of his doctors said on Friday.
“Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is ‘is he in danger of death’, the answer is ‘no’,” Sergio Alfieri told a press conference.
His medical team said the pope was able to get out of bed and sit in an armchair to do some work, but predicted that he would remain in hospital “at least” through the coming next week, Reuters reports.
Alfieri said that given the pope was 88, with prior health concerns, he was obviously a fragile patient.
He added that the pope did not have sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition when a body responds to an infection by harming its own tissue and organs.
However, he said there was always a risk that the infection could spread in his body.
What Ukrainians think about US-Russia talks?
“I don’t think that this ‘peace process’ is for Ukrainians’ sake. It is laughable that they pretend it is,” said Iryna, 26, a lawyer from Kyiv.
Iryna was among thousands of Ukrainians who got in touch with the Guardian to share how they felt about the Trump administration-led peace talks with Russia, which exclude Ukraine.
“It doesn’t seem like a negotiation to me, more like a cruel auction. My main concern is that we are being sold for someone else’s gain. I am afraid that the USA sees us as just an asset to sell and move on, while Europe is too concerned about itself.”
Iryna’s comments were echoed by many other respondents to a callout, with Ukrainians living in the wartorn country as well as in other countries around the globe voicing their shock and frustration, but also defiance of what they deemed absurd and unacceptable proposals emerging from talks between Washington and the Kremlin about a possible deal to end the war.
Read more:
The day so far - summary
… and on that note, it’s a wrap from me, Jakub Krupa, but stay with us as Jane Clinton takes over the blog to guide you through this evening in Europe.
Here are the three things to take away from today’s Europe Live blog so far:
Polish president Andrzej Duda could be the first European leader to meet with US president Donald Trump, after Polish media reported that he will travel to Washington on Saturday (17:14). According to the media, the pair is expected to meet early afternoon, but we are yet to have a formal confirmation of the meeting (17:43).
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who was involved in the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, claimed that Ukraine was about to sign the new mineral deal with the US “in the very short term” as he praised US president Donald Trump for starting talks about the conflict (16:25).
Austria may finally be close to getting a new government as the conservative People’s Party (OVP) and Social Democrats (SPO) confirmed they are in talks over forming a new coalition with the support of the liberal Neos party (16:48).
That’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today. See you again on Sunday, for the German federal election – from Berlin!
We are hearing more about a potential meeting between Polish president Andrzej Duda with US president Donald Trump, with Polish state news agency PAP reporting it is expected to take place tomorrow early afternoon (13:30 EST, 19:30 CET), either at the White House or at the CPAC conference, where Trump is scheduled to speak later.
There has been no formal confirmation from either administration. We will bring you further updates if and when we get them.
Poland's Andrzej Duda to meet with Donald Trump on Saturday
Polish president Andrzej Duda will fly to Washington to meet with US president Donald Trump on Saturday, multiple Polish media reported.
The state news agency, PAP, said the pair would meet in the White House on Saturday.
If confirmed, that would make Duda the first European leader welcomed by Trump in the White House, ahead of French president Emmanuel Macron expected on Monday, and UK prime minister Keir Starmer expected on Thursday.
New Austrian coalition talks under way
Austria may finally be close to getting a new government as the conservative People’s Party (OVP) and Social Democrats (SPO) confirmed they are in talks over forming a new coalition with the support of the liberal Neos – The New Austria and Liberal Forum party, the three groups said.
Multiple previous attempts at forming a government in the aftermath of the September election were ultimately failed, most recently led by the far-right Freedom party.
This is the longest it has taken Austria to form a government since the second world war, Reuters noted.
“It is clear that there will be statements from the parties on the status of the talks this evening,” the three parties said in a joint statement.
Updated
Trump 'rattles cage' for Nato allies to pay more, US Waltz says, as he insists European partners are consulted on Ukraine
US National Security Adviser Waltz also dismisses any suggestion that the US failed to consult with European partners on the US-Russia peace talks.
“President Trump has talked to Macron twice last week, he’s coming here Monday. The prime minister of Britain is coming here next Thursday. We are engaging all of our European allies,” he insists.
He says that the new US administration insists on “peace through strength,” asking allies to “step up and contribute to their own defence.”
He says it is “unacceptable” that so many Nato allies do not meet the 2% GDP target.
He says that if Trump “rattled their cage a bit,” and they “suddenly found more and coming to the table with more,” that is “fine by us, we have only been asking for over a decade.”
US-Ukraine minerals deal to be signed in 'very short term,' Waltz says
Waltz says that signing the minerals deal between Ukraine and the US was originally an idea proposed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Well, look, here’s the bottom line. President Zelensky is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term. And that is good for Ukraine. What better could you have for Ukraine than to be in an economic partnership with the United States?,” he asked.
He says that “by the end of this all, we are going to have the Nobel Peace Prize sitting next to the name of Donald J. Trump.”
Ukraine war 'will end soon,' US Waltz claims
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is speaking at the CPAC conference right now.
He is asked about the US-Russia negotiations in which he took part in earlier this week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He praises US president Donald Trump for making them happen, as he claims that “under Trump this war will end, and it will end soon.”
French far-right leader cancels US speech after ex Trump aide Bannon appeared to make 'Nazi gesture'
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella has cancelled his speech at the US Conservative Political Action Conference conference after former Trump aide Steve Bannon appeared to make a Nazi salute at the end of his speech last night, French media are reporting.
Bardella said that he made the decision in response to a “gesture alluding to Nazi ideology” by Bannon, AFP reported.
US national security adviser Mike Waltz is expected to speak at the Washington conference today, with president Donald Trump lined up for Saturday.
The development comes a month after a similar controversy with CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and senior Trump aide, Elon Musk.
Anti-migration rhetoric before German vote
Ahead of the German federal election this Sunday, which we will cover for you in a special Europe Live blog, here is another story on the atmosphere in the country before the vote.
A high-stakes electoral campaign defined by anti-migration rhetoric has stoked fear instead of discussion of pressing structural problems, Ashifa Kassam reports from Berlin.
'Extensive and positive talks' with Zelenskyy, US Ukraine envoy Kellogg says
US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has praised his talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “extensive and positive” in a social media post at the end of his visit to Kyiv.
“A long and intense day with the senior leadership of Ukraine. Extensive and positive discussions with @ZelenskyyUa, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war and his talented national security team,” he said.
Kellogg’s praise for Zelenskyy is in stark contrast to what we heard from US president Donald Trump and some other senior members of his administration, who either attacked him with misleading claims, or criticised for his public comments.
Notably, Kellogg’s post also comes a day after his joint press conference with Zelenskyy got cancelled at the last minute, reportedly at the request of the US side.
There is no alternative to working with Trump, Polish president Duda tells Ukraine's Zelenskyy
Polish president Andrzej Duda has just posted a social media update about his phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Duda, who has long been a vocal supporter of US president Donald Trump, told Zelenskyy in a “candid conversation” that “there is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.”
“For this reason, I suggested to President Zelenskyy to remain committed to the course of calm and constructive cooperation with @POTUS Donald Trump,” he said.
Duda added that he trusted that “good will and honesty form the foundation of the US negotiation strategy,” and had “no doubt” that Trump was “guided by a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace.”
The Polish president’s comments are one of the most supportive from any head of state or government in Europe after Trump’s recent criticism of Zelenskyy and Ukraine.
Poland jails man for preparing acts of diversion for Russia
A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in jail in Poland for preparing acts of diversion which the prosecutors found to be commissioned by Russia.
The man, a Ukrainian citizen, was arrested in 2024 as part of a broader investigation into several suspected acts of diversion, including arson, in western Poland.
Poland has seen a growing number of similar incidents since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Just last week a Russian citizen suspected of acts of sabotage against “Poland, the US, and other allies” was arrested and deported from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Poland.
Late last year four people were arrested as part of an alleged sabotage plot involving “camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials” in Europe.
German election trip - podcast
In the opening, I mentioned the upcoming German election, which we will obviously fully cover in our special live blog on Sunday.
But as a prep for this weekend, you can listen to our Today in Focus podcast as presenter Helen Pidd hits the road in Germany, talking to voters across the country about the rise of the far right, which is polling better than in any other period since the second world war.
Regardless of the result, it is a remarkable development for a country so haunted by its Nazi past.
Today in Focus presenter Helen Pidd takes a road trip through Germany to find out why, and finds a country increasingly unsure of itself: a voter in Magdeburg, the scene of a horrific attack on a Christmas market in December, now afraid of going to public events; a newly unemployed baker in Wolfsburg toying with the idea of voting for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD); and across the country, people fearful of what the rise of the AfD means for minorities.
Listen now:
EU's aid package meant to send 'very strong' message to Ukraine could come on Monday
European Commissioner for defence Andrius Kubilius gets asked about the EU’s plans to support Ukraine.
He says that the EU’s position is “very clear,” as the bloc is committed to “peace through strength”.
He hints that the bloc will put forward a new package of aid for Ukraine on Monday as he said “we are discussing … all the possibilities which would allow us, in a very urgent way, to send a very strong message to Ukrainians and to the world that we are standing together with Ukraine.”
“I hope that a good occasion for such a message will be … the third anniversary of the war, which comes next Monday,” he says.
He acknowledges there is “gossip” on numbers, but refuses to speculate.
Updated
Virkunnen also gets asked about the Swedish incident reported this morning.
She says:
We are informed on that and we know that investigations are going on [by] the authorities, and we will get more information later about this.
She adds that the EU wants to look into sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleets and to align them with other jurisdictions.
She also says that the EU wants to look into international maritime law and potential abuses of rules of navigation where these incidents take place.
EU cable security plan aims to prevent more incidents, Commission says
European Commissioner for tech, security and democracy Henna Virkkunen says the bloc ”will not accept” actions or other disruptions seeking to sow confusion.
“It is a great concern to see the number of incidents over recent months on our critical undersea infrastructure. These incidents have been have potential to disrupt vital services to our society, such as connectivity and electricity transmission and also carry a significant security risk,” she warns.
She says the EU’s Cable Security Action Plan, adopted today, is “not only for the Baltic Sea area, but a truly European level initiative.”
It focuses on preventing incidents with new, coordinated risk assessment framework and investment in new cables to “increase our resilience.,” as well as increased monitoring.
A new Baltic sea hub will be established to “detect incidents, ideally before they occur.”
Details of the plan have just been available here.
EU commissioner to brief press on undersea cable security plans
Fittingly, given the developments in Sweden, senior EU commissioners are about to brief the press on the bloc’s plans for undersea cable safety.
You can watch it here and I will bring you the latest here:
Pope Francis 'improving' in hospital, Vatican says
Pope Francis is showing improvement, is alert and doing some work, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff began his eighth day in hospital battling pneumonia, Reuters reported.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said in a brief update on Friday that Francis had slept well overnight and was able to eat breakfast.
A Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to speak about the pope’s condition, said that Francis was breathing on his own, without help of any machines.
The pope was able to move around his hospital room, was taking some phone calls and was continuing to do some paperwork, the official said.
Sweden investigating potential sea cable damage
Sweden is investigating a possible breach of an undersea cable off the island of Gotland on the country’s southwestern coast in the Baltic Sea, the coastguard said on Friday, in an area where multiple seabed cables have been damaged in recent months.
The Baltic Sea region is on alert and the Nato alliance has boosted its presence after a series of power cable, telecom and gas pipeline outages since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Most were caused by civilian ships dragging their anchors, Reuters noted.
Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said in a social media post that he was being kept up to date on the relevant authorities as they are investigating the reports.
“We take all reports of possible damage to infrastructure in the Baltic Sea very seriously. As I said earlier, they must be seen in the context of the serious security situation that exists,” he said.
Going briefly to a number of different false claims made by US president Donald Trump about Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine, we have looked at some of them in detail and produced this short video explainer.
Morning opening: Charm offensive
French president Emmanuel Macron and UK prime minister Keir Starmer will lead Europe’s charm offensive next week as they both travel to the US to meet with president Donald Trump in an increasingly desperate bid to change his mind on Ukraine and European security.
Macron outlined parts of his strategy on Thursday night. During a Q&A session on social media that he would tell Trump not to be “weak” on Russian president Vladimir Putin, warning about the consequences that would have in relation to other powers around the world, like China. “That’s not who you are, it’s not your trademark,” he said he would argue. Let’s see if this works.
But other leaders, like Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, are also rumoured to be looking into how to get to see Trump soon.
Landing these European arguments with the US president will not be easy, but Ukraine’s future and the continent’s security are at stake.
Several countries in central and eastern Europe signalled growing concerns about Russia potentially trying to use the peace talks to revive its plans for “spheres of influence,” and request the removal of US troops in the post-1997 Nato member states like Poland and Romania, with far-reaching consequences for their security.
Before anyone gets to Trump, Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski is expected to speak about all these issues with US state secretary Marco Rubio when the pair meets in Washington tonight.
However, looking at this list of names exploring diplomatic channels to get to the US, there is a notable absence of anyone representing Germany.
Amid the whirlwind of developments in Ukraine, it is easy to lose sight of the German federal election this Sunday, which commentators describe as potentially the most consequential in decades.
And with just two days to go, more than a quarter of German voters are yet to decide who to vote for. This could still change the result and cause an upset on Sunday night.
In a major policy speech in Berlin in 2011, at the height of the euro crisis, Poland’s Sikorski said he feared German power less than German inaction. Could this still be the case 14 years later in the new security environment?
And if so, will post-election Germany be able to deliver on that?
It’s Friday, 21 February 2025, and this is Europe live. It’s Jakub Krupa here.
Good morning.
