Overview

• Russia’s foreign ministry, via spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, called Macron’s description of Vladimir Putin an “ogre” and “predator” a breach of decency and a vulgar insult against Russia and its people.
• At a Toulon press conference, Macron rejected accusations of vulgarity and said his wording reflects how Georgians, Ukrainians and others view Putin’s authoritarian and revisionist course.
• France and Germany announced additional air-defense deliveries for Ukraine in response to recent massive strikes, including an attack on Kyiv that killed at least 25 people, according to officials and AFP.
• Paris and Berlin will open a high-level strategic dialogue that includes nuclear deterrence to deepen European security coordination, with France underscoring its role as the EU’s only nuclear-armed state.
• Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to press for further measures, urging US action and warning of new primary and secondary sanctions if Putin fails to agree to a Zelensky meeting by Monday; both plan to speak with President Trump this weekend.