France set to revive military conscription – but this time it's voluntary

French authorities have arrested four individuals, including members of the pro-Russia SOS Donbass group, on charges of espionage for a foreign power. The group's founder, a dual French-Russian national, was among those detained as part of an investigation into intelligence-gathering activities. This operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding foreign influence in France.

Russia's Kremlin spokesman stated that discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are serious, but emphasized that no concessions will be made. This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for an end to the war, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.

U.S. diplomatic efforts are intensifying to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with discussions involving a revised peace plan initially drafted during the Trump administration. Recent meetings have included U.S. officials and a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, following significant amendments made by Ukrainian representatives to the proposed deal.

A leaked recording has revealed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff advised a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin on how to present a peace plan regarding Ukraine to President Trump. This has reignited long-held suspicions among Ukrainians about Witkoff's loyalties and intentions.

A leaked phone call between U.S. and Russian officials has sparked widespread speculation regarding the identity of the leaker and their motives, with diplomats and analysts investigating who had the capability to intercept the conversation and who stands to gain from its disclosure.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has cautioned against the unilateral division of Ukraine during critical US-led negotiations, asserting that such actions would jeopardize European sovereignty and potentially lead to further conflicts. She emphasized that Russia remains unyielding in its approach to the ongoing war, echoing historical attitudes from the Yalta Conference era.

Negotiations for a revised peace plan between Russia and Ukraine are advancing, with a new proposal drafted by officials from Ukraine, Europe, and the US. This updated plan reportedly drops some of the Kremlin's more extreme demands, although Moscow has not yet responded officially.

France is set to announce the revival of military service, now on a voluntary basis, as part of a broader effort to enhance its military capabilities amid rising security concerns, particularly regarding Russia. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to detail this initiative, which marks a significant shift nearly 30 years after the end of conscription.