French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that a proposed one-month truce in Ukraine would not initially cover ground fighting, citing concerns over verification. He also assured that European troops would not be deployed on Ukrainian soil in the coming weeks. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot believes the truce will demonstrate Vladimir Putin's good will.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/03/1-month-ukraine-truce-would-test-russias-commitment-to-end-war-france-says-a88221European nations, including France under President Emmanuel Macron, are seeking to bolster their defense capabilities amid concerns over NATO's future viability. Macron urged EU leaders to tap into cohesion funds and existing programs to fund increased military expenditures, aiming for €200 billion in initial investment. He also hinted at proposing a new defense budget for France despite lacking parliamentary support. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is expected to push for a significantly higher spending target of over 3% during the June summit at The Hague, following a review of the alliance's current 2% goal.
https://www.politico.eu/article/macron-urges-europe-to-boost-defense-spending-to-over-3-percent-of-gdp/French President Emmanuel Macron is calling for a strategic conversation with European allies about France's nuclear weapons role in Europe's security, amid concerns sparked by US President Donald Trump's more friendly approach to Russia and potential US military disengagement from the continent.
https://www.politico.eu/article/france-far-right-jordan-bardella-nuclear-deterrent-nato-us-donald-trump/France and Britain are proposing a one-month truce in Ukraine, excluding ground fighting, after crisis talks in London. French President Emmanuel Macron said this truce would not be easily enforceable due to the size of the front line. He suggested European countries increase defence spending to 3-3.5% of GDP to respond to shifting priorities and Russia's militarization. Macron also emphasized the need for a "strong" Italy to help resolve the conflict, but Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismissed contributing to any peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/france-uk-propose-one-month-ukraine-truce-macron-tells-french-newspaper/article69284028.eceFrance and the UK have proposed a one-month truce in Ukraine, covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure, following high-level crisis talks in London. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that peacekeepers could be deployed later but ruled out European troops being stationed in Ukraine in the coming weeks. He emphasized the need for European nations to boost their defence budgets, citing Russia's increasing military investments and shifting US priorities, as Russia has allocated 10 percent of its GDP to defence for three years.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1288224-macron-urges-increased-defence-spending-as-europe-rethinks-ukraine-strategyMexican officials met with their US counterparts in Washington to discuss trade and security policy. Mexican President Sheinbaum described the meetings as "cordial" and stated that coordination with the US had been good, except for Trump's threats of tariffs if Mexico and Canada don't crack down on synthetic drugs and migrant arrivals at their borders.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mexico-president-says-have-backup-plans-if-trump-imposes-tariffs-7839361Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has condemned Israel's aid cutoff to Gaza, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. The move comes as negotiations for a permanent ceasefire stall, with Hamas labeling it a "war crime and blatant attack" on the truce. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that the blockade could push Gaza's population of over two million back into crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would resume fighting if talks prove unproductive, aligning with President Donald Trump's administration.
https://africanews.com/2025/03/03/egypt-condemns-israels-aid-blockade-as-ceasefire-talks-stall/European leaders have united in support of Ukraine, while China has maintained an observer role despite its proposed 12-point plan for a ceasefire and settlement being rejected by Ukraine. The Trump-Zelensky controversy over the US-Russia settlement plan has sparked speculation about Russia-China relations, with a senior Kremlin aide visiting Beijing amid warming ties between Russia and the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also been highlighting his country's growing relationship with China.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3300903/focus-peace-not-zelensky-trump-rift?module=opinion&pgtype=sectionRomania is opening a new Honorary Consulate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region to strengthen ties with the area, promoting economic and cultural exchanges between Romania and Pakistan. The consulate will facilitate business interactions and support Romanian companies investing in Pakistan, while assisting Pakistani businesses seeking opportunities in Romania.
https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-honorary-consulate-pakistan-peshawar-2025