Europe should reject calls to demilitarize Ukraine, French defense minister says

The Guardian reports.

Lecornu emphasized that Europe is entering "a new period" in its history, one that stands apart from both the Cold War era and the "peace dividend" period, with several global powers competing for influence.

He made a pointed remark about the current U.S. administration, noting that the discussions would focus on how NATO and the West could secure the eastern flank "if tomorrow the contributions of certain countries – or one country in particular – were to decrease" their presence.

Regarding Ukraine, Lecornu stressed the need for additional planning to support any potential ceasefire, particularly given Russia's history of violating such agreements.

Importantly, the French Minister asserted that France would "refuse any demilitarization of the Ukrainian army," viewing it as a vital component of any future security framework.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with the media aboard his military airplane while en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.