Macron open to expanding France’s nuclear protection to European allies as U.S. debates Ukraine aid

 

    Pro-Ukraine protesters in London as Europe looks for unified response to ensure just peace for Ukraine.

European leaders are set to meet for an “extraordinary” summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss increasing military expenditure and ensuring that armaments can be produced within Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron announced.

Macron emphasized France’s “special status” as having the most “efficient and effective army in Europe” and being a nuclear power. He stated that he would instruct the French government to develop a new investment strategy that would mobilize both private and public financing without raising taxes.

“Our nuclear deterrent is an asset,” Macron said, adding that he is open to discussions on extending France’s nuclear umbrella to European allies. He also noted that Germany’s likely future chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has proposed a debate on nuclear protection for European partners. However, Macron made it clear that any decision on this matter would ultimately rest with the President of France and the heads of the military.

Meanwhile, the United States has halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine, following Donald Trump’s suspension of U.S. military aid to Kyiv on Monday. A source told The Guardian that the U.S. had “completely stopped” providing intelligence to Ukraine’s military and security agencies, warning that this would have a “very bad impact” on Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

The White House signaled that both the aid freeze and intelligence halt could be lifted if peace talks show progress. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz indicated that Trump would consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace negotiations were arranged and “confidence-building measures” were implemented. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also stated that U.S. funding for Ukraine was being “reconsidered.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there had been “positive movement” in cooperation with the U.S., with results expected next week following further discussions. On Thursday, Zelenskyy will join 27 EU leaders for emergency talks in Brussels. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, confirmed that he and Waltz had spoken about “the next steps towards a just and lasting peace.” According to Waltz, discussions were ongoing regarding a date and location for potential talks.

In a televised address on Wednesday, Macron warned that Europe must be prepared for the possibility that the U.S. may no longer stand by its side. He stated that Russia “has become and will remain a threat to France and Europe,” stressing that Paris must increase its defense spending.

Macron also suggested that European forces could be deployed to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached, ensuring that Russia does not launch another invasion. He clarified that any European troops sent would not engage in combat on the frontlines but would serve as peacekeepers.

France and Britain are reportedly working with Ukraine on a potential peace plan that could be presented to the U.S. in the coming days, according to Reuters. While details remain undisclosed, the plan is expected to propose an initial ceasefire followed by broader security guarantees.

There have also been hints that Macron, Zelenskyy, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer may visit Washington in an effort to persuade Trump of the need for security commitments for Ukraine. However, an Elysée official later stated that there were no confirmed plans for such a visit at this time.

Meanwhile, Russia launched a missile strike on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih late Wednesday, killing two people and injuring seven others. The attack targeted a hotel, triggering a fire, according to local authorities.

Elsewhere, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede pushed back against Trump’s recent remarks in a joint address to Congress, firmly stating that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen supported Egede’s position, asserting that Greenland was not for sale and that its future remains in the hands of its people.

In Germany, Friedrich Merz—expected to become the country’s next chancellor—is facing sharp criticism from opposition politicians over his proposals to relax debt rules to allow for increased defense spending and economic growth.