Europeans urged to unite for peace

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening urged Europeans to increase defense spending to ensure their security and bolster collective European efforts for a solid and lasting peace.

On X, Macron said he had briefed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Europe's collective efforts for peace during their fourth phone conversation in a week.

The conversation was "to take stock of all the contacts I have had with European partners and allies who are keen to work toward a lasting and solid peace for Ukraine and to strengthen Europe's security," Macron noted.