Defense

Rutte rules out Russian veto on Ukraine joining NATO
The alliance chief also warned that the threat Moscow poses to Europe will far outlast any peace deal reached with Kyiv.

5 reasons why Ukraine will keep fighting even if Trump walks

As potential Ukraine deal looms, France and Britain map out boots-on-ground role

European Parliament hammers Commission over anti-Kremlin ‘Democracy Shield’

Russia and Ukraine trade strikes as Zelenskyy eyes new Trump visit

Macron: Europeans alone ‘must decide’ on Russian frozen assets

US Army chief meets with Russians in Abu Dhabi about Ukraine peace plan
Rubio changes the tack of Trump’s Ukraine negotiations after week of chaos
The administration’s shifting messaging on Ukraine underscores Trump’s preference for non-traditional policy coordination.
Starmer promised to spend big on defense but Britain’s arms industry is still waiting
Six months after a major inquiry into how the U.K. would meet geopolitical threats, many in the industry complain they haven’t received the certainty they need about where the British government plans to invest.
Macron set to present voluntary military service plan
The move is broadly backed across France’s otherwise polarized political spectrum.
French PM blames partisanship and presidential hopefuls for budget deadlock
“Everyone wants to push their own agenda and fly their ideological flag,” Sébastien Lecornu says.
In the new scramble for Africa’s resources, Europe tries to right old wrongs
Ursula von der Leyen says African countries should benefit from resource extraction — but Brussels has yet to deliver on that promise.
Europe lays down red lines on Ukraine in rebuke to Trump plan
Allowing Russia to change borders by force or to veto Kyiv’s future membership in the EU are red lines, Brussels warns.
A Vance ally rises at the Pentagon — with Trump’s blessing
Dan Driscoll’s visit to Ukraine this week underscored his new prominence in the administration.
Read Trump’s latest Russia-Ukraine peace plan
The proposal will be difficult for Kyiv to swallow, as it includes making serious territorial concessions to Moscow.
No deal on UK access to EU’s defense spending plan
The Commission wanted to wrap talks with the U.K. on taking part in the SAFE program by the end of the week, but that deadline is slipping.
Sweden braces for election hacks ahead of 2026 vote
“Threats in the cyber domain are increasing,” says Stockholm’s civil defense minister.
Trump plan to end Ukraine war cedes Donbas to Russia
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has publicly commented on the proposal.
Russia jabs Airbus in European tactical nukes spat
Aerospace chief had called on Europe to develop an arsenal. Moscow isn’t happy.
French general sparks uproar with warning of ‘losing children’ in potential Russia conflict
Hard-liners on both ends of the French political spectrum hit back at what they framed as an alarmist take from the top officer.
Witkoff’s back-channel push on Ukraine alarms allies
A 28-point-plan, drafted with Russian input, is the White House’s latest push to end the fighting between Russia and Ukraine.
UK and EU hit impasse in defense deal talks
The EU wants London to pay between €4.5 billion and €6.5 billion to take part in SAFE, while the U.K. has offered €200 million to €300 million.
Nordic countries paying most for Ukraine ‘not sustainable,’ Swedish foreign minister says
The EU must seize Russia’s frozen assets, Maria Malmer Stenergard believes, because any other solution would be unfair to Ukraine’s biggest backers.
Russia ‘prepared to take enormous strategic risks’ to test NATO, top Swedish general warns
Europe must prepare for a “generational” war with Russia, Swedish Chief of Defense Michael Claesson told POLITICO.
Europe needs tactical nukes to counter Putin, says Airbus chief
European aerospace heavyweight warns that the continent must have a stronger deterrent against Russia’s massive arsenal.
Russian spy ship ‘directed lasers’ at UK forces, says defense secretary
John Healey said Yantar’s actions were “deeply dangerous” and military options were ready if the vessel changed course.
Britain’s defenses too reliant on Trump’s America, MPs warn
The cross-party Defence Committee says Europe will be “left vulnerable” if the U.S. backs away.
Toward a faster, smarter and more sovereign European defense
Time and speed are more critical than ever when it comes to modernizing defense. Improving these starts with building the right frameworks.
Poland, Romania deploy jets to protect their airspace as Russia pounds western Ukraine
The two NATO countries rushed to secure their territory amid the Kremlin’s latest assault on Ukraine.
Trump elevates Saudi Arabia to ‘major non-NATO ally’ status
The announcement came hours after the Saudi crown prince announced he would increase his investments in the U.S. to nearly $1 trillion.
Top US Army officials set for drone-focused visit to Ukraine
It’s the highest-level visit by the Trump administration to the war-torn country since Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv in February.