Global Political Calendar: Ukraine crisis amid NATO summit, EU summit

In the upcoming week, the Ukraine crisis remains under the spotlight together with an extraordinary North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit and a European Council summit.

After the fourth round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations on March 15 via video link, relevant parties have been working to broker a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis.

An extraordinary NATO summit called by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to take place on Thursday. “At this critical time, North America and Europe must continue to stand together in NATO,” said Stoltenberg.

The White House confirmed that U.S. President Joe Biden will travel to Brussels to attend the summit as well as a European Council summit the same day.

European Council leaders first issued a joint statement on Ukraine on February 15, calling for the “immediate de-escalation of rhetorics and actions and the pursuit of dialogue.”

Russia and Ukraine have held three rounds of face-to-face talks so far, all in Belarus.

The first round was held on February 28, followed by the second round on March 3 and the third round on March 7.

Day by day: 

Monday: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a second annual virtual summit.

Tuesday: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the Italian parliament via video link, EU General Affairs Council meeting is held.

Wednesday: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds a news conference on the eve of a summit attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, at which alliance leaders will discuss Ukraine.

Thursday: U.S. President Joe Biden travels to Belgium to attend an extraordinary NATO summit along with participating in a European Council summit.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Quiet days in politics.