European Stoxx 600 (STOXX) ended 1.07% higher to 542, as optimism over a potential ceasefire in Ukraine lifted investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the EU said on Wednesday that it would impose counter-tariffs on €26B worth of American goods starting in April in response to blanket U.

The resumption of U.S. military and intelligence aid for Ukraine follows a contentious White House meeting between the American and Ukrainain leaders, but Moscow is unlikely to agree to the proposed ceasefire.