Hamas Warns of Potential Hostage Crisis Amid Ceasefire Negotiations; Ukraine Refuses Peace Talks Without Its Participation

Hamas indicated on Thursday, February 13, 2025, that the group may not be able to guarantee the safety of hostages if a ceasefire agreement is not reached in Gaza. The group cited the difficulties in reaching all hostages by Saturday due to ongoing conflict and challenges in accessing various areas. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday, February 13, that his country would not accept any dual-track negotiations regarding peace without its participation. Zelensky emphasized the importance of European countries being involved in any future peace talks. He also plans to discuss the situation with European leaders at the Munich Security Conference starting Friday, February 14. Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a meeting between Ukrainian leadership and the American delegation at the conference. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Ukraine will participate in negotiations for conflict resolution, but Moscow's main focus remains on Washington. He added that a dual Russian-American track of dialogue connected with Ukraine's leadership is inevitable, regardless of Washington's stance. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, during her visit to Paris on Thursday, February 13, emphasized the need to secure the safety of all Europeans, stating that European peace cannot be achieved without their participation. She urged Europeans to recognize the responsibility they bear for regional peace and mentioned the need to address not only Ukraine but also Moldova. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the European Parliament, criticized Trump's initiative as undermining Europe, expressing concern that negotiations on the war in Ukraine without Ukrainian and European participation are undesirable.