Overview
- The European People's Party leader told Funke newspapers he wants soldiers serving under a European flag alongside Ukrainian forces.
- EU leaders, after talks in Berlin, floated a multinational, Europe-led force backed by the U.S. to guard airspace and maritime areas and support Ukraine's military.
- Berlin has not defined a German contribution, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice‑Chancellor Lars Klingbeil striking a cautious tone on deploying Bundeswehr troops.
- Weber said a near-term ceasefire is unlikely, accusing Vladimir Putin of deceiving the West and sacrificing tens of thousands of Russian soldiers.
- He argued the EU should craft its own security strategy and ensure the European flag is present at any future security line after a ceasefire or peace deal.