The Franco-German link was forged around an implicit equilibrium: France carries the military burden, while Germany provides economic might. As the EU ’s only nuclear power, and with a strong expeditionary and strategic culture,

Ukraine talks alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the ambassadors of France, Britain and Germany held rare high-level discussions in Moscow, underscoring Europe’s growing diplomatic push for a ceasefire and a broader role in shaping any peace settlement.

Berlin pulled out of the Future Combat Air System, a project with Spain and France that had been seen as central to European efforts to face down Russia and reduce reliance on the United States.

Germany is expected to announce the end of the FCAS/SCAF program at the Berlin Air Show, after an agreement with France was not reached regarding the industrial side. France and Germany are about to announce the end of the Future Combat Air System/Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (FCAS/SCAF) program during the upcoming ILA Berlin

The leaders "supported the proposal for a direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with active US and European participation, to bring about a ceasefire and support further negotiations", they said in a joint statement with Zelenskyy.