The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since 2022 began in Istanbul without Putin or Zelensky present. Early reports indicated low expectations, which proved accurate as Russia demanded territorial concessions deemed "unacceptable" and "disconnected from reality" by Ukraine. The sole tangible outcome was an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side.
European leaders including Macron, Starmer, and Merz met with Zelensky in Albania during the negotiations. Macron called Russia's refusal of a ceasefire "unacceptable" and announced coordinated sanctions with the US.
The crypto-related kidnapping wave in Paris prompted Interior Minister Retailleau to meet industry leaders, promising security briefings and priority emergency line access. A victim's father compared France to Mexico, claiming the country was becoming "Mexicanized."
France also filed a complaint against Iran at the International Court of Justice over the "torture-like" detention conditions of two French citizens.