**Putin Open to Meeting Trump, But Warns of Need for Careful Preparation**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to meet with US President Donald Trump. He said that the meeting must be carefully prepared and that key issues, such as the war in Ukraine, must be “worked out” in advance.
Putin made these comments on February 19, after being briefed on the outcome of U.S.-Russian talks in Riyadh. The talks were led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
**Ukraine Concerned About Exclusion from Negotiations**
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has expressed concerns that his country is being excluded from the negotiation process. He said that the US and Russia must include Ukraine in any negotiations, as the war affects all three countries.
The US-Russia meeting has raised alarms in Kyiv and Europe, where officials worry about being sidelined in the negotiation process. EU ambassadors have agreed on a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum imports and oil tankers.
**Russia Launches Drone Attack on Ukraine**
Russian forces launched 167 Shahed-type drones and decoy drones against Ukraine overnight, causing damage to civilian areas. Two Iskander-M or KN-23 ballistic missiles were also launched against Sumy Oblast. A children’s clinic, a kindergarten, high-rise buildings, and cars were damaged in the attack.
**Ukraine and Moldova Strengthen Ties with EU**
Ukraine and Moldova have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen their efforts toward European Union integration and accession.
**Key Developments**
* Putin expressed willingness to meet Trump, but stressed that key issues must be “worked out” in advance.
* Ukraine concerned about exclusion from negotiations.
* US-Russia meeting raises alarms in Kyiv and Europe.
* EU ambassadors agree on new sanctions against Russia.
* Russia launches drone attack on Ukraine.
* Ukraine and Moldova strengthen ties with EU.
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