Macron Challenges Trump’s Gaza Peace Claims at UN 
Russian Envoy Dmitriev Heads to US for Ukraine Talks 
China Tightens Fentanyl Rules Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
Europe Warns Russia Is Escalating Hybrid Attacks Across NATO 
Trump Says ‘Freedom’ Is Coming to Cuba 
Taiwan Vows to Advance US Arms Sales Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting 
Zelenskiy Warns Russia Preparing Major Attack on Ukraine 
Ghana Says Western Support Growing for Slave Trade Reparations 
Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro Tied in Brazil Runoff Poll 
US Officials Split Over Response to Israeli West Bank Settlements 
Iran Vows ‘Crushing’ Response as US Talks Continue 
Russian Strikes Kill Eight Across Ukraine as Energy Sites Hit 
Scott Bessent Eyed as Trump’s New AI Czar 
Venezuela Promises Elections as Delcy Rodriguez Pledges Democratic Transition 
US Invites Putin to Miami G20, Opening Door to Trump Summit 
Trump Says U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Near After UN Talks 
Canada Unveils Bill to Fast-Track Major Resource Projects 
Add as a preferred source on Google
French President Emmanuel Macron sought to take a tougher stance in support of Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth month. In his visit to Romania, the French leader said Europe must make a strong show of support for Ukraine in this war.
Macron visited Romania Tuesday in a three-day engagement before he is expected to travel to Moldova and then to Kyiv along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday.
The visit comes as Macron is looking to strengthen his stance and as French officials are seeking to put out a stronger message in support of Ukraine.
“We are at a point when we need to send clear political signals, us Europeans, towards Ukraine and its people when it is resisting heroically,” said Macron.
“We will do everything to stop Russia’s war forces, to help the Ukrainians and their army, and continue to negotiate,” Macron told French and NATO troops at a military base in Romania.
Macron has faced backlash from Ukraine and its allies in eastern Europe for what they see as his ambiguous support of Ukraine in the war. In recent weeks, the French leader has often said it was important not to “humiliate” Russia in order to find a diplomatic solution to end the conflict and has maintained open communication channels with the Kremlin.
In his joint news conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Macron downplayed the comments but noted that Ukraine, which he hopes will win the war, will eventually have to negotiate with Russia.
Ukraine has recently renewed its pleas for long-range weapons as the West is expected to provide more arms to level the battle. Canada’s defense minister said Wednesday that the country would provide Ukraine with $6.9 million in military assistance, including 10 replacement barrels for M77 howitzer artillery guns.
“We will continue to work around the clock to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs to defend its sovereignty and security,” said defense minister Anita Anand in a statement.
Canada previously donated M77 howitzers to Ukraine, and replacement barrels are needed to maintain the distance range and accuracy.
