France has approved a major defence cooperation initiative that will allow Ukraine to manufacture advanced missiles and precision-guided munitions on its own soil, marking a significant expansion of military support for Kyiv. The announcement came as other global developments unfolded, including a criminal probe recommendation against billionaire Elon Musk over alleged election-related payments and a renewed push in the United States to restrict birthright citizenship.

France Approves Local Missile Production in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron announced at the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris that Ukraine will receive licences to manufacture advanced Western weapons domestically, aiming to strengthen the country's defence production capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Under the new licensing agreements, Ukraine will be authorised to produce Aster-30 air defence interceptors, AASM precision-guided glide bombs, and SCALP-EG cruise missiles within its territory.

Macron also said France and Italy would supply additional air defence batteries and interceptor missiles to Ukraine in the coming weeks. He added that 16 Rafale fighter aircraft are expected to be delivered to Ukraine between 2028 and 2029.

The Coalition of the Willing, led by France and the United Kingdom, focuses on providing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Russia criticised the initiative, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing it as a coalition seeking to prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova alleged that NATO members were turning Ukraine into a testing ground for Western military technologies.

Bulgaria Distances Itself from Military Coalition

Meanwhile, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev reiterated that Bulgaria is not part of the Western coalition providing continuous military assistance to Ukraine.

Speaking in Paris, Radev argued that the conflict should be resolved through diplomacy rather than increased weapons supplies, warning that further military assistance could prolong the war.

He noted that Bulgaria has already delivered 13 military aid packages to Ukraine and currently has no additional military equipment available for transfer.

According to reports, several countries—including Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic—have declined to participate in a proposed €70 billion US-backed military assistance package discussed during the recent NATO summit.

Elon Musk Faces Possible Criminal Investigation

In the United States, the Wisconsin Elections Commission has recommended a criminal investigation into billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk over allegations that he may have violated state election laws during the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

The commission voted 5-1 to refer the matter to the Brown County District Attorney, who will decide within 40 days whether criminal charges should be pursued.

The complaints allege that Musk offered $1 million cheques to encourage voter participation through social media posts.

Musk reportedly spent at least $20 million supporting Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel, who ultimately lost the election to Democratic-backed Susan Crawford. The contest became the most expensive judicial election in US history, with spending exceeding $100 million.

Musk is already facing a separate civil lawsuit alleging illegal voter incentives and violations of election laws.

Republicans Revive Birthright Citizenship Bill

Republican Senator Jim Banks has introduced legislation aimed at restricting automatic birthright citizenship in the United States.

The proposed bill seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the US to individuals residing in the country illegally, aligning with President Donald Trump's immigration agenda.

The move follows the US Supreme Court's decision earlier this year to block Trump's executive order seeking similar restrictions, ruling that the measure was unconstitutional.

Banks argued that legislative action is necessary to address what he described as misuse of the immigration system. Other Republican lawmakers have also introduced related proposals, including measures targeting so-called "birth tourism."

The renewed debate is expected to become a significant issue in upcoming discussions on US immigration policy.