• Germany's Chancellor Merz and France's President Macron highlight enhanced defense collaboration.
• The leaders aim to address threats posed by Russia amid uncertainties about U.S. commitments.
• A new French-German defense and security council will be established for strategic cooperation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron launched their partnership on defense and security during Merz's inaugural trip abroad since taking office. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of ramping up security cooperation in response to ongoing threats from Russia's actions in Ukraine while expressing their commitment to European unity and transatlantic support. Merz underscored the importance of U.S. involvement in negotiations, stating, "We cannot end this war in Ukraine without a continued involvement of the United States of America; this is not something that Europeans can substitute for," according to SCMP, India Times, and Le Monde.

At a joint press conference, Macron announced plans for a new French-German defense and security council that will meet regularly to address strategic challenges collectively. The aim is to enhance Europe's defense capabilities in the context of Russia's military actions in Ukraine and the current ambiguity of U.S. security commitments under President Trump. "We will take joint measures to further enhance Europe's security and defense capabilities," Merz stated, highlighting his intention to restore Germany’s global role after a period of stagnation, as noted by SCMP, India Times, and Le Monde.

Both leaders recognized the heightened role of Europe in achieving a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, particularly given the stalled U.S.-led mediation efforts. Merz reiterated that any future agreements or ceasefire arrangements would necessitate U.S. participation, emphasizing the importance of Transatlantic ties further, as reported by SCMP, India Times, and Le Monde.

The discussions take place as European nations grow increasingly vigilant regarding Russia's intentions and their own defense strategies. Macron expressed skepticism about the sincerity of Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to a proposed truce in Ukraine and questioned whether any agreement could be relied upon, reflecting deep concerns about ongoing stability in the region. "Is the Russian president finally serious?" Macron pondered at the press conference, according to SCMP, India Times, and Le Monde.