Eurotopics.net

Several European countries have agreed in Paris to form an alliance with Ukraine for joint missile defence, with the declared aim of deterring and neutralising threats. In addition, the Coalition of the Willing declared its readiness to guarantee Ukraine's security in the event of a ceasefire and announced multinational military exercises in Poland.

Up until now Russia has officially referred to its war of aggression in Ukraine as a "special military operation". Anyone in Russia who spoke about a "war" in public faced punishment. Now, however, the Kremlin itself is increasingly using the term. "There is a war going on, this is a real war," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, explaining this by pointing out that Kyiv was now being backed by "Berlin, Paris, The Hague, Oslo, and, unfortunately, Washington".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced another cabinet reshuffle as well as changes at the top of the law enforcement agencies. Zelensky explained that Ukraine was undergoing a strategic realignment, without giving any further details. All that is known so far is that Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is to be replaced after only one year in office. Commentators discuss what other changes are on the cards.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen want to relaunch the reunification talks between the Greek-speaking south of the island and the Republic of Northern Cyprus – recognised only by Turkey – which have been on hold since 2017. Von der Leyen has declared the resolution of the conflict a priority for the EU, of which the whole island is a member under international law. What are the chances of success?

An appeal court has upheld the conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of EU funds. However, the ban on holding public office has been reduced, which allows her to run for president in the 2027 election. Two years of her three-year prison sentence have been suspended. For the remaining year, she will be required to wear an electronic ankle tag. Le Pen intends to appeal the decision and has said she will run for president "without a tag".