Russia claimed it had taken control of another village in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region on Sunday. The defence ministry said Russian troops captured Myrne, using its Soviet-era name “Karl Marx.” The village is near the border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
According to the ministry, Russian forces “advanced deep into the enemy’s defences” to take control. This is one of two villages Moscow claimed on the same day. The announcement comes after weeks of intense fighting in the region.
Meanwhile, efforts by the United States to push for a ceasefire have stalled. Russia, which began its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has rejected the latest peace calls from Washington and Kyiv. Moscow still demands conditions that Ukraine refuses to accept.
Macron Plans Major Defence Shift
While Russia’s offensive continues, French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to unveil a new defence strategy. He will address the armed forces on Sunday night, just before Bastille Day.
His office said the president will announce “major” new measures to deal with growing global threats. A senior official at the Élysée Palace explained, “We must respond to the mounting threats and a disintegrating world order.” The official listed Russia’s war in Ukraine, cyberattacks, fake news campaigns, and terrorism as top concerns.
French Military Chiefs Sound the Alarm
France’s top military officer, General Thierry Burkhard, warned on Friday that Russia remains a long-term danger to Europe. He said Europe’s global role is being decided right now in Ukraine. Burkhard called Russia France’s “main adversary in Europe” and expressed worry about reduced US involvement on the continent.
Echoing this view, Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Sunday that France must act now to stay self-reliant. In an interview with La Tribune, he said, “It’s our job to provide answers,” and called for “a new effort” to face future threats.
France’s Defence Budget Keeps Growing
Since Macron took office in 2017, France has steadily increased its defence budget. It rose from €32.2 billion in 2017 to €50.5 billion in 2024. The goal is to reach €67 billion by 2030.
However, this growth raises concerns about rising debt. France already faces pressure from the European Commission to reduce public spending. This year, the cost of servicing national debt is expected to hit €62 billion. Still, Prime Minister François Bayrou said the military budget is “sacrosanct” and ruled out any cuts in the upcoming 2026 financial plan.
NATO Allies Also Raise Spending
France is not alone. Other NATO countries are also increasing military budgets. The alliance recently agreed that members should spend 5 percent of their GDP on defence.
The UK plans to raise its defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 and to 3 percent after 2029. Germany aims to spend €162 billion by 2029, which would be 3.5 percent of its GDP. Poland has already committed to 4.7 percent of GDP for defence.
Macron Stresses Urgency
Last week, Macron said, “Very clearly, we need to revise our programming and strategy today, in light of the changing nature of risks.” France now plans to boost its ground-to-air defence systems, increase ammunition stockpiles, strengthen electronic warfare tools, and expand its space-based military systems.