Moscow's dismissal of Macron's nuclear deterrence proposal as "disconnected from reality" dominated morning coverage, while the EU extraordinary summit in Brussels gathered momentum. By afternoon, the 27 member states approved an €800 billion defense investment plan, marking Europe's largest military commitment since 1945.
Zelensky's presence at the summit highlighted the increasing distance from Washington, as Trump considered revoking protection for 240,000 Ukrainian refugees. Russia rejected any temporary ceasefire proposals while attacking French intentions, claiming Paris "wants the war to continue."
The emergence of a Paris-London-Berlin defense alliance signaled a strategic pivot, while the ECB announced another rate cut amid German stimulus tensions. By evening, Macron labeled Putin an "imperialist revisionist" from Brussels, as European leaders discussed financing mechanisms for the new military paradigm.