**France’s Macron to Lead European Talks with Putin, Report Says**
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to become the point person for Europe in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Telegraph, France and the UK are leading a coalition of countries considering the creation of a peacekeeping force in post-ceasefire Ukraine.
Macron has been a vocal advocate for European rearmament, but results remain uncertain. A French government official was quoted as saying that it is “not yet” time for Macron to lead the coalition. The details of any peacekeeping commitment from the coalition are still unclear, with Ukraine waiting for tangible help.
**Ukraine Update**
In other news, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on April 4 that over 35,000 square kilometers of previously mined territory have been cleared since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. This is a significant step towards securing the country’s safety.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s social media platform X may face fines exceeding $1 billion for allegedly violating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev has been visiting several countries in an effort to unlock frozen Russian assets, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
**Russia’s Military Actions**
Russian forces launched 78 drones from various cities against Ukraine overnight. In a separate incident, Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, hitting a residential neighborhood and causing severe damage. A woman was killed in the attack, and at least five civilians were injured.
**Global Response**
Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen warned that Europe cannot afford a disjointed transition in defense capabilities, which could provide Russia with an opportunity to exploit security gaps. President Zelensky described Russia’s attacks as “deliberate” and called for international support.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed skepticism about the proposed changes to Ukraine’s military service law, saying that any proposal would be difficult to accept. However, he added that it might be more reasonable than the alternative of continued death and destruction.
**Other Developments**
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law on April 4 to begin Armenia’s accession process to the European Union. Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced plans to triple Norway’s military support for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that Russia is serious about peace, while warning that it will be clear soon whether this is the case.
**Key Statistics**
* 35,000 square kilometers: previously mined territory cleared since Russia’s full-scale invasion began
* $1 billion: potential fines for Elon Musk’s X platform
* 78 drones: number launched by Russian forces against Ukraine overnight
**Sources**
The Telegraph, Kyiv Independent, BBC Russia, Reuters