1049 GMT - European defense stocks including Rheinmetall, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Thales, Safran and BAE Systems contributed to much of Wednesday's gains in European markets during the morning, says Joshua Mahony, Rostro's chief market analyst. These companies stood out within an otherwise flat start for European trade, he notes. The defense stocks were fueled by Russia's intensifying assault on Ukraine and U.S. President Trump's warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "playing with fire," he says. "Clearly the risk was growing that Trump will turn his back on peace talks if Russia continues to stall while they continue to push further into Ukrainian territory," he adds. Rheinmetall gains 1.75%, Rolls-Royce is up 1.3%, Airbus advances 1.6%, Thales rise 2%, Safran edges up 1.1% and BAE Systems gains 1%. (cristina.gallardo@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 28, 2025 06:49 ET (10:49 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.