EU Leaders Commit to Increased Defense Spending Amidst Ukraine War Discussions

European Union leaders have committed to bolstering defense cooperation, driven by concerns over U.S. commitment to European security. The 27 leaders approved loosening budget restrictions to allow increased military spending and urged the European Commission to explore ways to facilitate defense spending across member states. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and the U.S. will hold talks in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's interest in a swift and reliable peace. Meanwhile, Russia criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of using France's nuclear deterrent to protect Europe, labeling it "nuclear blackmail." Russia stated it would factor Macron's statements into its defense planning. Russia also rejected a Franco-British peace proposal for Ukraine, viewing it as an attempt to aid the Ukrainian army.