Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Rally, is poised to challenge the European Commission’s authority if elected president. She advocates capping France’s EU budget contributions at €5 billion and proposes a carbon border tax, while pledging to halt funding for Ukraine and push for sanctions relief for Russia.

Natacha Polony, a journalist and essayist, has announced her candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election, aiming to overhaul the political landscape. Advocating for economic sovereignty, she launched the movement “Nous sommes la France,” claiming 60,000 supporters concerned about France’s standing and decline.

A Russian ballistic missile hit Kyiv’s CHP-4 power plant, prompting President Zelensky to criticise Western allies for not providing advance warning. This strike occurred despite former President Trump’s assertion that an energy ceasefire was in effect.

Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv on Monday night, with no advance air-raid warning provided to residents. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the critical need for timely intelligence to save civilian lives, amid speculation regarding potential US intelligence-sharing cuts, which both Ukrainian and European officials have disputed.

Ukraine’s parliament approved a law enhancing minority rights, aimed at improving relations with Hungary and facilitating EU accession talks. The legislation, endorsed by 266 deputies, strengthens protections for minority languages, particularly benefiting the 100,000 ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. Diplomats anticipate further progress in negotiations with Hungary.

EU SANCTIONS UPDATE

The European Union has adopted new sanctions against Russia this morning.
This action underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe.