French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu recently announced that French defense companies will strengthen their presence in Ukraine through partnerships aimed at producing military equipment components locally. The initiative involves KNDS, Arquus, and Delair, focusing on drones, land equipment, and possibly ammunition, with production expected to begin by this summer. This development is part of a broader European attempt to alleviate ammunition shortages faced by Ukrainian forces amidst the conflict with Russia. Additionally, KNDS has received an order for 200 Aster missiles from MBDA, a European manufacturer, for potential use in Ukraine. Similarly, the German company Rheinmetall plans to manufacture artillery shells and tanks in Ukraine in collaboration with local defense contractors.

President Emmanuel Macron of France has been vocal about increasing international support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. While the idea of deploying Western troops to Ukraine was discussed and dismissed, the strategy now involves utilizing civilian expertise from defense companies to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities.

In a separate development, Pope Francis called for Ukraine to engage in peace talks with Russia, highlighting the courage it takes to negotiate an end to the war. During an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, the pontiff emphasized the importance of dialogue and the role of international powers in facilitating peace discussions. Despite Ukraine’s hesitance to directly negotiate with Russia, the Pope’s comments stress negotiation as a showcase of bravery, not a sign of surrender. The Vatican clarified that using the term “white flag,” as mentioned by Pope Francis, indicates the spirit of negotiations and not capitulation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed willingness to host a peace summit between Ukraine and Russia, underscoring international efforts to find a resolution to the conflict that has entered its third year.