French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 European allies have formally pledged to send troops to Ukraine—by land, sea, or air—once a ceasefire agreement takes hold.

Speaking after a “Coalition of the Willing” summit of 35 nations, Macron said U.S. support is expected soon, possibly in the form of air defense aid, as suggested by Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged for “maximum protection of Ukraine’s skies.”

Meanwhile, the EU declared it will end all Russian oil and gas imports by 2027, as Moscow warned that Western troop deployments in Ukraine would be unacceptable.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during his visit to Greenland, declared that the territory “is not for sale.” His remarks came as the U.S. has repeatedly suggested Greenland should be incorporated as American territory.
Barrot stressed: “In the face of growing global instability, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and competition for influence in the Arctic, France is sending a clear message: Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland is not for seizure.”
France will be the first EU country to open a consulate in Greenland in early 2026 and will also establish a partnership dialogue committee. Barrot added, “Greenland is a European territory. No nation builds its glory by subjugating neighbors. Greenland and Denmark are not alone—France and Europe stand with them today and tomorrow.”

France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner after a letter published in The Wall Street Journal accused President Emmanuel Macron of failing to curb anti-Semitism and violence in Paris. The letter also criticized France’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state. In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the allegations, reaffirming France’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism. It accused Ambassador Kushner of violating diplomatic norms by interfering in France’s internal affairs. The US State Department, however, defended him, saying he was effectively representing US interests. Notably, Charles Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, son-in-law and former adviser to ex-President Donald Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not yet seem willing to end the war in Ukraine. Macron emphasized that any peace agreement must include strong security guarantees for Kyiv. He also stressed that if negotiations fail, the U.S. and allies should increase pressure on Moscow with stricter sanctions. Macron underlined that Ukraine’s territorial decisions are solely for its people and leadership, and that the conflict’s impact extends beyond Ukraine, affecting Europe’s security and global credibility.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged tougher sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses a peace deal in Ukraine. Speaking after talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders at the White House, Macron stressed the need for a strong Ukrainian military capable of resisting aggression. He dismissed reports that Ukraine was pressured to cede territory. Macron also expressed hope that Russia and Ukraine would resume dialogue soon, with a potential trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy within weeks.

On Thursday, France’s Constitutional Council annulled the law permitting extended detention of immigrants, a move that brings relief to irregular migrants, including many Bangladeshis residing in France. Previously, the law allowed detention of serious offenders for up to 210 days instead of the earlier 90 days. The constitutional court ruled this extension unconstitutional, emphasizing the protection of personal freedom and dignity. With nearly 100,000 Bangladeshis living in France—many in irregular status—this ruling eases widespread community concerns. In 2024, around 40,000 immigrants were held in administrative detention centers. Human rights group La Cimade welcomed the ruling, though some political figures from the Interior Ministry argue it undermines public safety.

Saudi Arabia and France have jointly called for “clear, time-bound, and irreversible” steps toward implementing a lasting two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In a joint declaration, the two countries proposed forming an interim administrative committee in Gaza immediately after a ceasefire. This body would operate under the Palestinian Authority. They also suggested deploying an international stabilization mission under a UN Security Council mandate.

The statement urged Israeli leadership to publicly commit to the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. Additionally, it called for an end to settlement expansion, land annexation, and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—describing these actions as critical obstacles to peace and regional stability.

French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Macron revealed that he also addressed an upcoming France-hosted summit in New York, which aims to promote a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In his call with Erdogan, Macron stated, “Everything must be done to ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.” Speaking about his conversation with El-Sisi, he emphasized, “We cannot accept that so many people, including children, are dying of hunger.”

Previously, Macron announced France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

In a bold diplomatic move aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, France has announced its recognition of Palestine as an independent state. President Emmanuel Macron stated that the official announcement will be made during the UN General Assembly in September. He emphasized France’s strong stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, disarmament of Hamas, and the creation of a Palestinian state. Experts believe this recognition could significantly increase international diplomatic pressure.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) has announced the evacuation of its staff from Gaza following warnings of starvation risks caused by ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The agency expressed deep concern over deteriorating conditions and requested Israeli authorities to allow immediate evacuation of their employees and families. Since March, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, leading to severe malnutrition and at least 101 starvation-related deaths, including 80 children. AFP plans to extend evacuation efforts to freelance contributors amid this humanitarian crisis.

A fierce wildfire has scorched over 593 acres near Marseille, France’s second-largest city, injuring two firefighters. Around 1,000 firefighters and several helicopters have been deployed to control the blaze. Though the fire is now partly contained due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity, over 150 people were evacuated and 120 homes remain at risk. Meanwhile, in Spain’s Toledo province, wildfires have burned 3,200 hectares. Experts warn that climate change and rising summer heatwaves are increasing wildfire threats across Europe.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned Western nations against underestimating Iran, calling it a powerful, strategically deep, and technologically advanced country. In light of recent Iran-US-Israel tensions, he emphasized Iran's ability to withstand sanctions, develop missile technology, and safeguard its underground nuclear infrastructure. Lecornu stated that assassinating scientists won’t erase Iran’s technical knowledge. His remarks indicate a growing Western awareness of Iran’s resilience and the need to reassess its role as a serious geopolitical force rather than a marginal player.

Following the recent aerial clash between India and Pakistan, France has accused China of raising doubts about the effectiveness of the French-made Rafale fighter jets. According to French military and intelligence officials, Chinese embassies around the world are being used to spread disinformation aimed at undermining the aircraft’s credibility, particularly in markets like Indonesia where Rafale is competing for defense contracts. China has dismissed the allegations as baseless.

Over 1,500 flights were canceled in France on July 3 and 4 due to a strike by air traffic controllers, affecting more than 300,000 passengers. The strike, condemned by Airlines for Europe, occurred during the busy summer travel season, forcing thousands to cancel their plans. Major airports including Nice, Paris Orly, and Charles de Gaulle saw significant cancellations. The French Civil Aviation Authority reported 933 cancellations on Thursday alone, with 272 out of 1,000 controllers participating in the strike.

France has issued a red alert for extreme heat across 16 regions, including large parts of the south and east, prompting the closure of the Eiffel Tower. The heat poses serious health risks as temperatures continue to soar. Similar maximum-level heat warnings have been announced in Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Greece. In Germany, temperatures could hit 38°C this week. The Balkan region is also experiencing severe heat, though some areas have begun to see a slight drop in temperature.