Instead, he urged that Ukraine join a “parallel European society” while waiting for a decision in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

President Macron stated that this would allow non-EU nations to participate in Europe’s security architecture in various ways.

His remarks came as heavy battle raged in the eastern Donbas area, where Russia is attempting to gain ground.

The Russian advance was described by a senior US defence official as “single-digit kilometre advancement.” Serious fights, according to a Ukrainian leader in the Luhansk area.

On Monday, there was also the following:

1  Russia’s Victory Day was honoured by President Vladimir Putin stating that Russian soldiers in Ukraine were fighting for their nation. In his speech, however, he made no big announcements.

2  US and UK officials accused Mr Putin of distorting history, saying that Russia was “repeating the errors of last century’s totalitarian regimes.”

3  US President Joe Biden signed legislation to lend or lease military equipment to allies affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as Ukraine itself, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.

4  According to local officials, several missiles impacted the southern city of Odesa.

5  While visiting a Soviet military cemetery in Warsaw, pro-Ukraine protestors doused Russia’s envoy with crimson liquid.