Overview

• France and Germany convened about 20 ministers in Toulon and agreed to reinforce Ukraine’s air defenses in response to renewed Russian attacks.
• Macron said Paris and Berlin will press for new primary and secondary sanctions on Moscow, including urging U.S. action, if Putin fails to engage in talks next week.
• Merz stated he no longer expects a direct Putin–Zelenski meeting, effectively acknowledging the collapse of the Trump‑led mediation push.
• Both leaders condemned the deadly barrage on Kyiv, describing the strikes on residential areas and EU‑linked sites as evidence of Russia’s escalating cruelty.
• The agenda also covered Gaza and Iran, with a call for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered aid in Gaza and a warning to Tehran tied to a 30‑day window on its nuclear program, while the stalled FCAS fighter project was left off the agenda with a decision promised by year‑end.