Early morning: Europe is struggling to join the talks and help Ukraine
jacob grace
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, insisted that Ukraine could still successfully defend itself, pushing back on the narrative “promoted by Russia”, stressing that it is Moscow, not Kiev, that would face pressure to agree to peace.
their comments come like this European governments are planning how they can influence US-led peace talks to end Russia’s war on Ukraine Further crisis talks are expected early next week, with the legally thorny issue of using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine still remaining near the top of the list.
but there is also Europe’s attention to its own defense is increasing.
later today, The French President, Emmanuel Macron, will unveil proposals for a new voluntary military service to boost the country’s security without returning to regular conscription. Under the plans, France will increase the number of its reservists to 100,000 by 2030.
New volunteers will not serve in foreign missions, such as a potential peacekeeping deployment to Ukraine. Macron is expected to insist on rejecting domestic criticism of the idea.
The issue of increasing national and European military and possible involvement in a future Ukraine mission is also likely to come up during Germany’s talks. Friedrich Merz and estonia Kristen Mitchell in Berlin.
I will be bringing you all the major updates throughout the day.
Its Thursday, 27 November 2025, Its jacob grace here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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