Macron tells Le Figaro that France and the UK propose a one-month truce in Ukraine.

After private discussions in London French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed to Le Figaro that France together with the UK proposed a 30-day ceasefire for Ukraine against aerial strikes and maritime actions and power grid assaults. The plan does not involve halting ground confrontations due to operational constraints involving monitoring of a 1,000-kilometer battle sector. European troops will not be entering Ukraine in the near future as Macron maintained helpers for peace should arrive at a later date.

The president emphasized European defense spending should reach between 3 and 3.5 percent of their economic value since Russia dedicates 10 percent of national funds toward its military operations. He stressed that Europe requires fast action to maintain its defensive position while noting that America now directs its attention elsewhere and Russia advances its military operations. Almost all NATO countries have not reached the funding requirements set by the organization for its two percent spending benchmark.

According to Il Foglio's interview with Macron Italy holds a crucial position in managing the Ukraine war so the nation should unite forces with France and Germany. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared that Italian peace assistance would not happen because it was a topic never presented for discussion. Financial difficulties and public opposition towards entering the conflict prevent Italy from taking part.

Despite its potential to bring temporary relief both parties must overcome substantial obstacles. Russia has rejected all former proposals for peace while both sides maintain mutual suspicion. The ongoing battles in Ukraine occur while European nations disagree about their military budget joint operations. Macron declared these circumstances to represent the permanent state of affairs as Europe works toward boosting its security capabilities. The ongoing strategy consists of negotiating as well as bolstering preparedness for extended military engagement.

The plan seeks to determine whether brief periods of peace can generate substantial agreements to end the conflict or if Europe should concentrate on fortress-building for prolonged war conditions.