Ukraine-Russia War Update: Moscow Criticizes ‘Confrontational’ Macron Ahead of Emergency EU Summit with Zelensky

The Kremlin has condemned what it deemed a highly confrontational speech by French President Emmanuel Macron, wherein he labeled Russia as a threat to Europe and mentioned France’s willingness to potentially extend its nuclear protection to other nations.

In Wednesday’s address, Macron asserted that France was open to discussing expanding its nuclear arsenal’s protective reach to additional European nations.

“The statement is very confrontational. It cannot be viewed as a declaration from a leader seeking peace,” Peskov told reporters.

“Rather, what was articulated indicates that France is leaning towards conflict, regarding the continuation of warfare.”

Peskov noted that Macron’s comments about nuclear protection signified a “claim to nuclear leadership in Europe,” which he characterized as “extremely confrontational.”

UK Defence Secretary John Healey is expected to address the US’s pause on intelligence-sharing with Ukraine during his meeting with his US counterpart on Thursday.

Healey will engage in a bilateral conversation with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding a potential peace strategy as efforts continue to reconcile divergent approaches between the US and Europe.

This trip was arranged last week following Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement regarding an increase in the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, coinciding with the US’s cessation of intelligence-sharing and military aid to Ukraine.

Upon his arrival in the Capitol, Healey was asked about the topics he would address during his discussions.

“Those talks are scheduled for tomorrow, but this is part of an extensive two-day agenda, and we are earnestly working towards peace,” he responded.

European lawmakers have addressed an open letter to King Philippe of Belgium requesting his support for the compulsory seizure of €250 billion in frozen Russian assets to assist the Ukrainian war effort.

The letter demands the backing for confiscating Russian assets situated in Belgium with an immediate transfer of these funds to Ukraine amid this crucial time for Europe’s security, as reported by European Pravda.

“There exists both a legal rationale and an ethical responsibility to take action. International law acknowledges the right of nations to confiscate an aggressor’s assets to compensate victims and finance reconstruction. There is a precedent for this,” the letter states.

This correspondence was signed by roughly 30 parliamentarians from various EU nations and the European Parliament, including representatives from France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, and others.

The European drone firm Nordic Air Defence (NAD) has called on Ursula von der Leyen to expediently reduce red tape in the defence sector, asserting that “war doesn’t wait for bureaucracy.”

As EU leaders convene in Brussels on Thursday for a special defence council, Karl Rosander, CEO of NAD, cautioned that if Europe is genuinely committed to establishing a robust and innovative defence industry, it must foster an atmosphere where pioneering technologies are nurtured, unleashing the full potential of its exceptional talent and industry.

He pressed the European commissioner to “ensure that innovation is encouraged rather than stifled by excessive regulations,” warning: “In wartime, the opposing parties are indifferent to bureaucracy and regulations. The focus is on effective solutions.”

“This holds particularly true for drones that can be acquired and modified at low costs. With swift innovation and proliferation, our defence capabilities must keep pace with aggressive actions, or we will invariably lag behind,” he added.

Russian troops have assumed control of the village of Andriivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, as reported by Moscow’s Defence Ministry on Thursday.

In recent months, Russian forces have gradually progressed in the area as Ukraine grapples with the substantial troop strength of the military.

The battlefield update has not been independently verified.

Europe should stand ready to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, said EU chief Antonio Costa ahead of today’s discussions, following the US’s reduction of military aid to Kyiv.

EU leaders are slated to assemble in Brussels for an emergency summit focused on swiftly increasing their support for Ukraine in the wake of Washington halting military aid and intelligence assistance in recent days.

In a letter inviting EU nations to the summit, Costa stated: “For Ukraine, there is a newfound momentum that should lead to a thorough, just, and enduring peace.

“The EU and its member states are prepared to assume greater responsibility for regulating Europe’s security. We must therefore be ready to contribute to the security guarantees that will be essential for establishing lasting peace in Ukraine.”

American and British volunteers have survived a Russian missile attack in Ukraine that resulted in four fatalities, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Over 30 individuals sustained injuries from the strike in the central city of Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky noted in a Telegram post.

“Prior to the strike, volunteers from a humanitarian organization checked into the hotel — citizens from Ukraine, the US, and Britain. They survived because they managed to evacuate their rooms,” Zelensky reported.

“Many civilian structures near the hotel suffered damage due to the strike. Rescuers are actively working at the scene along with all necessary services.

“There must be no cessation in the pressure on Russia to halt this war and the terror against life,” he concluded.

Ukraine also reported downing 68 drones out of a total of 112 launched by Russia during the night, according to its air force on Tuesday morning.