France: Macron unveils voluntary military service in face of Russia threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that a U.S.-proposed peace plan could serve as a foundation for ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while reiterating demands for international recognition of Russian territorial gains. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that Ukraine's NATO membership is unacceptable to Moscow, framing it as a threat to Russian security.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new 10-month voluntary military service for young people aged 18 to 19, aimed at strengthening national defense and fostering a closer relationship between the youth and the military. The program is set to begin with 3,000 volunteers and will expand over time, reflecting a proactive approach to potential future conflicts.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the introduction of a new voluntary military service, marking a significant shift in national defense strategy 25 years after the end of conscription. This program will target young individuals aged 18 to 19, lasting for 10 months and aimed at enhancing military readiness amid rising security concerns, particularly regarding threats from Russia.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukraine's Nobel peace prize winner, has warned that any peace agreement with Russia that includes amnesty for war crimes could embolden authoritarian leaders globally. She criticized a leaked US-Russia peace plan for neglecting the human dimension of the conflict and expressed support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to renegotiate it with the White House.

President Trump announced that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will return to Moscow to engage in new peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development comes amid leaked transcripts that raise questions about Witkoff's impartiality as a mediator, as he reportedly coached a Russian aide on how to present a peace plan to Trump.

Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., is actively involved in negotiating a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for assurances against future aggression from Moscow. This initiative comes amid heightened tensions and critical discussions surrounding the terms of peace.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new voluntary military service aimed at 18- and 19-year-olds, which will last for 10 months and provide modest pay. This initiative is designed to enhance national defense and strengthen the connection between the armed forces and citizens, focusing on domestic preparedness rather than deployment to conflict zones.

Finland's Foreign Minister discussed the potential for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump in these negotiations. The conversation comes amid ongoing tensions and the need for a resolution to the conflict that has persisted since 2014.