Lecornu backs delaying rise in French retirement age until after 2027 presidential election – Europe live

PM says that law increasing age to 64 will be put on pause in bid to stave off losing a no-confidence vote that would bring down his government

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it welcomed US president Donald Trump's desire to focus on the search for a peace deal to end the fighting in Ukraine after achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and hoped he would be able to push Kyiv towards a settlement.

Addressing the Israeli Knesset a day earlier after brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas, Trump spoke of wanting to get a deal done with Iran over its nuclear programme, but said he would turn his attention to trying to end the war in Ukraine first.

We are already well acquainted with Mr Witkoff; he is effective, has proven his effectiveness now in the Middle East, and we hope that his talents will continue to contribute to the work already under way in Ukraine.

The Russian side remains open and ready for peaceful dialogue, and we hope that the influence of the United States and the diplomatic skills of President Trump's envoys will help encourage the Ukrainian side to be more active and more willing to engage in the peace process.