Key Takeaways:

• French President Emmanuel Macron plans to address nuclear deterrence discussions to protect Europe.
• Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are formulating an urgent Ukraine peace plan with American involvement.
• A proposal for a short truce in the Ukraine conflict is under consideration as diplomatic tensions escalate.
• Macron emphasizes Russia's increasing threat to Europe and advocates for renewed European military support for Ukraine.

In a significant development for European security, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to open discussions regarding the extension of France's nuclear deterrent to support European allies, highlighting concerns over Russia's aggressive positioning. Speaking from Paris, Macron voiced that the current geopolitical landscape requires Europe to reevaluate how it secures its borders amid growing anxiety over US foreign policy, particularly after Donald Trump's administration altered military support dynamics for Ukraine.

In a televised address on March 5, Macron stated, “Russia has become a threat to France and Europe,” and underscored that the use of France's nuclear weapons would solely be determined by the French presidency. As European leaders prepare for a special summit focusing on enhancing defense spending and support for Ukraine, discussions are gaining momentum on how to solidify Europe’s military capabilities. Le Monde reported that Macron believes participation from the US will be imperative in forming future guarantees.

In light of deteriorating relations between the US and Ukraine, France and the UK are hastily working to finalize a peace plan for Ukraine that could be presented to Washington in the coming days. This plan is expected to propose an initial ceasefire, aimed at the aerial and maritime conflict zones, leading to a broader security framework later. According to diplomatic sources speaking to Channel News Asia, there is urgency as both nations seek to reestablish a connection between the US and Ukraine after Trump's erratic policymaking has caused uncertainty regarding military aid.

In a sign of the pressing diplomatic efforts, Macron reassured European nations that military forces might be dispatched to Ukraine post-peace agreement to ensure compliance. The French government spokeswoman noted ongoing collaborations between Macron and Starmer, and emphasized that the immediate focus remains on forging a cohesive approach that counters the perceived threats from Russia.

Further discussions are set to continue, as military leaders from European nations are poised to convene next week in Paris to strategize actionable steps regarding Ukraine, with implications expected to resonate across the continent.

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