English from the news Ventura et brel L'emmerdeur, le rapace 1967!

 On the long run (next decades) France will probably take the lead, yes. Thanks to structural reasons and oceanic EEZ untapped opportunities. Which is why we invest in the navy more than in Caesar cannons (even if more cannons could have proven useful this year). But that's far away and many things could happen in the meantime (a stronger EU integration allowing for France UNSC veto to turn into an EU one could be a good idea, for instance)
rance already is an emerging global superpower. France had just sealed deals with Indonesia, Qatar, India, Croatia, Egypt, Greece and Morocco for military equipment. France is already building a new naval base in Cyprus, is openning a new company in Greece under NavalGroup for the production of corvettes and is planning for a 6th gen fighter. The French army is one of the most experienced militaries by now, with military operations across the globe. France is also strengthening its position in Africa and seems to be in good terms with Spain, Italy and Greece for various issues.

On the other hand, Germany will be paying the mistakes of its past, and up until that moment, she will be under the shadow and control of France and the Anglo-Saxons.
Things are moving quickly this decade. It is hard to predict what will come of it. I do hope our German friends (whatever the occasional feuds, we're on the same monetary boat ahahah) manage all of this correctly. We're lucky to have many countries, many talents, many views in the EU. It will pay despite the mistakes (like hammering Greece…).

There's just one point I disagree with, and it's Africa. Both because of former mistakes and current propaganda (Russia and China sponsored, mostly) France situation in Africa is deteriorating fast these days. Nothing Fatal, but just like Germany with energy France will have to manage that turn correctly, and evolve
And for what little credit we can still give to Vladimir Putin words.

But someone has to, yes. And like Macron said (if I recall correctly) “better for the interlocutor to be us rather than Erdogan". I tend to agree with my palatial office Weasel on that one.
What could European countries that are currently donating weapons to the cause in Ukraine, potentially do in terms of covert action? Could we do anything directly that looks like it was probably Ukraine… Covert missile launches maybe?

One word. Reconnaissance.

How does Ukraine keep finding these buildings full of Russian troops? The Fuel depots? The weapons caches? The allegedly secret Russian supply lines?

Reconnaissance.
Whether it be from Western ELINT aircraft or Special Forces…who I have no knowledge of operating in Ukraine, whatsoever…operating deep behind Russian lines, knowledge is the most powerful weapon on the battlefield. Outside of weapons deliveries and weapons training, the best thing allied nations can offer Ukraine is information.