The announcement was made during President Macron’s speech at Sorbonne University, where he outlined a vision for a stronger, more autonomous Europe in matters of security and defense

The proposal, spearheaded by France and involving the United Kingdom, seeks to utilize NATO’s well-established command and control structure to deploy a “reassurance force” as part of a broader European push to bolster Ukraine’s security amid growing uncertainty over continued U.S. support

The statement escalated tensions as French President Emmanuel Macron described Russia as a significant threat to France and Europe, calling for a united front against what he termed Russian aggression

Macron’s late-evening speech appeared to be a calculated move to reassure the French populace amidst growing concerns over the war in Ukraine, European security, and escalating trade tensions with the United States

“The European Union was designed to rip us off,” Trump declared at the White House, repeating his past claims that Europe has unfairly restricted U.S. exports, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors, while benefiting from an open American market

While President Donald Trump has ruled out a full withdrawal of American forces from Europe, concerns are mounting that Washington may pull troops from NATO member states that joined the alliance after 1990

Speaking to Ukraine’s "Channel 24," Grozev suggested that Moscow might agree to Ukraine’s membership if the United States withdraws military bases from Eastern Europe and eases economic sanctions on Russia

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined the country’s cautious approach to the potential operation, emphasizing that any involvement would require clear parameters and consent from all parties in the ongoing conflict

According to sources cited by Reuters, these proposals stem from three key advisers within Trump’s circle: retired Army Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and Richard Grenell, the former acting director of national intelligence

Tsahkna proposed the idea as part of broader European efforts to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty in light of the country’s aspirations to join NATO, a goal endorsed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The handover will be commemorated with an official ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where both Stoltenberg and Rutte will address representatives from the North Atlantic Council, the organization’s principal political decision-making body

Rutte, who had already garnered substantial backing from key NATO members including Germany and France, now enjoys widespread approval across the alliance. Romania’s endorsement was the final crucial element needed to secure a unanimous consensus among NATO member states

Speaking at the Eurosatory arms fair near Paris, Bardella emphasized his stance on Ukraine, advocating for the provision of necessary ammunition and equipment to the war-torn country while drawing a firm line against actions that could escalate the conflict in Eastern Europe

"Any foreign instructor, regardless of where they come from, will be a legitimate target if they are involved in training Ukrainian military personnel," Peskov stated in a press briefing, as reported by AFP