Today's Top Reports
France
European leaders express willingness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine
European leaders met in Paris on February 17, 2025, expressing willingness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, though contingent on U.S. participation. The EU plans to approve 5 billion euros in additional aid. While British PM Starmer suggested potential peacekeeping forces following a peace deal, German Chancellor Scholz called such discussions premature. Leaders emphasized that any peace agreement must include Ukraine's consent and warned against hasty ceasefires. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/european-leaders-express-willingness-to-provide-security-guarantees-to-ukraine/
Israel
Israel confirms four bodies and six hostages to be released this week
Israel's Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that six living hostages will be released on Saturday as part of phase one of the Hamas deal, following negotiations in Cairo. Additionally, four bodies of deceased hostages will be released on Thursday, with Hamas required to release four more bodies next week. The hostages' families have been notified, and Israeli officials are characterizing the Cairo agreement as ""an important achievement"" if successfully implemented. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/israel-confirms-four-bodies-and-six-hostages-to-be-released-this-week/
Israel to start negotiations on second phase of hostage deal
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced upcoming negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which will focus on exchanging remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian security prisoners. The talks, originally scheduled for February 3, will begin this week following a security cabinet meeting. Sa'ar emphasized Israel's demand for complete demilitarization of Gaza and rejected both Hamas and Palestinian Authority control of the region. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/israel-to-start-negotiations-on-second-phase-of-hostage-deal/
Lebanon
Lebanon considers Israel an occupying force as deadline arrives
As today's US-brokered ceasefire deadline arrives, Lebanon has declared it will consider any remaining Israeli military presence on its territory as occupation, asserting its right to use all means necessary to ensure withdrawal. While Israel agreed to the February 18 deadline, it plans to maintain forces in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon. Following a meeting between Lebanon's top leaders, officials announced the army's readiness to assume border control duties and their intention to seek UN Security Council intervention regarding Israeli violations and to compel immediate Israeli withdrawal. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/lebanon-considers-israel-an-occupying-force-as-deadline-arrives/
Saudi Arabia
US and Russian officials meet in Riyadh
Secretary of State Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov following a Trump-Putin call. The meeting, held in Saudi Arabia, resulted in three key agreements: establishing bilateral diplomatic consultations, appointing teams to work on ending the Ukraine conflict, and developing future cooperation on geopolitical and economic matters. The U.S. team included National Security Advisor Waltz and Ambassador Witkoff, while Russia was represented by Lavrov and Presidential Aide Ushakov. While marking an important step toward peace, both sides acknowledged that more engagement would be needed for lasting results. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/us-and-russian-officials-meet-in-riyadh/
Syria
SDF agrees to integrate forces with the Syrian army
The Syrian Democratic Forces announced key agreements with stakeholders in northern and eastern Syria aimed at enhancing stability. Major points include integrating SDF forces into the Syrian army, reactivating civil institutions, removing foreign fighters, increasing coordination with Damascus, maintaining Syria's unity, and facilitating refugee returns. Implementation committees were formed to execute these provisions. While SDF commander Mazloum Abdi affirmed ongoing efforts to serve Syria's interests, the Syrian government has not yet officially confirmed these agreements. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/sdf-agrees-to-integrate-forces-with-the-syrian-army/
Turkey
Zelenskyy expects security guarantees from the US, EU, and Turkey
President Zelenskyy, speaking at the opening of Ukraine's new embassy in Ankara, emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace but will not compromise on its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He called for security guarantees from the US, EU, Türkiye, and European partners. Zelenskyy firmly stated that Ukraine will never recognize Russian-occupied territories as part of Russia and prefers to reclaim these territories through diplomatic means to protect Ukrainian lives. This event took place on 02/18/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/zelenskyy-expects-security-guarantees-from-the-us-eu-and-turkey/
Read all 54 event summaries for our reports that we've mapped over the last day. Geopolitical Report Pro subscribers can view complete reports and maps at the links under each summary.
