French President Emmanuel Macron has called for European countries to increase their defense spending to between 3% and 3.5% of GDP, urging the European Union to respond to the U.S.’s disengagement from security matters while addressing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to Le Figaro, Macron emphasized that over the past three years, Russia has been spending 10% of its GDP on defense. “We must prepare for what comes next,” he said regarding the war in Ukraine and European security. Furthermore, both France and the UK propose a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine, covering attacks from the air, sea, and energy infrastructure, as stated by President Macron. The advantage of such a truce is that “we know how to measure it,” given the vast front line comparable to the distance from Paris to Budapest, according to Macron. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also highlighted the need for increased defense budgets, presenting a comprehensive plan for Europe’s rearmament at an upcoming EU summit. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Kir Starmer announced a financing agreement of £1.6 billion to enable Ukraine to purchase more than 5,000 anti-aircraft missiles, reinforcing the coalition of willing allies supporting Ukraine.