**E.U. Leaders Convene Amid Tensions Over Ukraine and Security Matters**

European leaders met in Paris to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, evaluating military spending and potential security measures as the U.S. begins its negotiations with Russia.

European leaders gathered in Paris for a crucial conference aimed at tackling the ongoing situation in Ukraine. This meeting comes as the Trump administration prepares to initiate talks with Russia to explore a potential resolution to the conflict that has escalated over the past years. Among the topics at hand were military budgets and strategies for ensuring Ukraine's security in the aftermath of a ceasefire or any peace agreement.

Presently, Ukraine has limited options to counter Russia's recent advancements, which may lead to painful territorial compromises. The situation is dire for Russia, facing approximately 1,000 casualties per day and struggling with rampant inflation exacerbated by exorbitant military expenditures. A successful diplomatic settlement could potentially lead to a reduction of the extensive sanctions imposed by the West.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was involved in discussions in the United Arab Emirates, focusing particularly on prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the conflict.

In a separate but related political landscape, U.S. politics are experiencing significant shifts. Four senior aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams are reportedly stepping down following the Justice Department's move to dismiss a corruption case against him, coinciding with his controversial support for Trump's deportation policies. As Trump attempts to reshape the administration's independent governance, the subsequent ramifications of his decisions continue to be scrutinized.

The intricacies of these geopolitical and domestic developments highlight the tension and alliances shaping the global stage and foreshadow the complex negotiations that lie ahead.