In their first conversation since September 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed ceasefire prospects in Ukraine and the Iranian nuclear issue, highlighting enduring differences yet a willingness to resume dialogue

The development, first reported by France Info, would see the creation of drone assembly lines on Ukrainian soil, intended to bolster the armed forces of both Ukraine and France

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

While the proposal has received backing from some European nations, Macron acknowledged that it does not have universal support. However, he emphasized that unanimous approval is not necessary for the mission to proceed

The meeting, held in Paris, comes as tensions escalate over stalled truce negotiations and continued military hostilities. Macron, addressing the press alongside Zelensky, declared the talks a "decisive phase to put an end to the war of aggression" by Russia

The announcement comes amid escalating violence, including significant advances by Russian forces in the Kursk Oblast and a massive aerial assault on March 6-7, which involved 67 missiles and 194 drones targeting Ukrainian infrastructure

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

"I have not decided to send troops to Ukraine tomorrow, no," Macron said during an online interaction with French social media users. "What we are considering instead is sending forces to guarantee peace once it has been negotiated"

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

The price reduction offers relief to households facing rising energy costs. Introduced in 2021, the bouclier tarifaire was a response to the energy crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, protecting consumers from steep price hikes

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

Trump, who has now secured the presidency, has promised a swift end to the conflict, a stance that has raised both hopes and concerns in global capitals, especially in Ukraine and across Europe, where leaders question the future of U.S. assistance to Kyiv

Eric Mamer, head of the European Commission’s Spokesperson’s Office, reinforced this stance, emphasizing the shared interests between the EU and the U.S. in backing Ukraine against ongoing geopolitical threats

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has agreed to send Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine. He said, "We also support Ukraine in defending against Russia's aggression with arms. Many are concerned that the terrible war is drawing near. I promise: We make every decision with a view to the security of Germany and Europe