Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019.

Four potential approaches to addressing the Ukraine conflict from a Western viewpoint

U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing full-scale conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for three years. Think tanks have suggested a range of strategies designed to create a lasting peace in the region Maximum Pressure Strategy The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) has put forward a plan titled “How to Win: A Seven-Point Plan for Sustainable Peace … Continue reading Four potential approaches to addressing the Ukraine conflict from a Western viewpoint

Servicemen of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces drive in a Leopard 1A5 tank, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Kongsberg suggests converting civilian vessels to enhance defense capabilities

The CEO of Norway‘s Kongsberg Gruppen stated that adapting civilian platforms for military applications can accelerate defense production and enhance standardization, particularly as the pressure for increased military spending in Europe intensifies under President Donald Trump. In an interview with Reuters, Geir Haoy emphasized the need for simplified processes to achieve this acceleration. He noted that the defense sector is increasingly asking how commercial products … Continue reading Kongsberg suggests converting civilian vessels to enhance defense capabilities

Members of the military honour guard march, on the day of a meeting between German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius in Berlin, Germany.

A study shows Europe can defend itself independently but needs better coordination among member states

Europe must allocate approximately 250 billion euros ($261.6 billion) each year for defense investments to ensure its security independent of U.S. assistance, according to a study released on Friday. This expenditure, representing 1.5% of the EU‘s gross domestic product, would enable Europe to deploy around 300,000 troops to defend against potential threats from Russia, as indicated by the research conducted by the Bruegel Institute and … Continue reading A study shows Europe can defend itself independently but needs better coordination among member states

Polish army general stands in front of the surface-to-air missile launcher, the Patriot (Wisla) system, newly added into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) at an army base in Sochaczew, Poland.

Poland’s finance minister has emphasized that defence spending will remain a top priority

Defence will continue to be a primary focus in Poland‘s budget, according to Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski, who emphasized the need for European Union nations to support a Polish initiative that would allow for increased military expenditure without violating the bloc’s fiscal regulations. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has driven Poland to enhance its military capabilities and increase arms acquisitions, with the country dedicating 4.7% … Continue reading Poland’s finance minister has emphasized that defence spending will remain a top priority

Pakistan and EU officials discuss Middle East and Afghanistan, focusing on global security challenges

Officials from Pakistan and the European Union (EU) convened for their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, where they addressed both regional and global challenges, including the situations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as reported by the Pakistani foreign office on Thursday. This dialogue is part of the broader Strategic Engagement Plan established in 2019 between the EU and Pakistan, aimed at strengthening collaboration on … Continue reading Pakistan and EU officials discuss Middle East and Afghanistan, focusing on global security challenges

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he arrives for a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.

EU leaders are more concerned about U.S. influence than the threat from Russia

The recent uproar regarding the transatlantic divide showcased at the Munich Security Conference is expected to resonate for an extended period. We can anticipate further remarks from Western European politicians, opinion pieces in British media advocating for Europe to assert itself against Washington, and calls for greater strategic independence. However, despite the noise and commotion, it is unlikely that any significant changes will occur in … Continue reading EU leaders are more concerned about U.S. influence than the threat from Russia

European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis attends the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council in Leuven, Belgium.

European Union is prepared to act swiftly in relaxing spending regulations for defence

The European Commission is poised to swiftly introduce proposals aimed at relaxing budgetary regulations to support increased defence expenditures by member states, according to EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Tuesday. “We must act promptly regarding member states’ spending and the need for additional flexibility. We anticipate working on the specifics in the upcoming weeks to ensure we can proceed rapidly,” Dombrovskis stated prior to a … Continue reading European Union is prepared to act swiftly in relaxing spending regulations for defence

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh.

US and Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a resolution for the Ukraine conflict

U.S. and Russian officials convened in Riyadh on Tuesday for their most significant discussions to date regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. The agenda was anticipated to include strategies for concluding the three-year war and improving American-Russian relations. These discussions may set the stage for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine, which is not participating … Continue reading US and Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a resolution for the Ukraine conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he arrives for a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.

Europe emphasizes increased defence spending amid divisions over a Ukraine peacekeeping proposal

European leaders convened in Paris for urgent discussions on Monday, advocating for increased investment to enhance the continent’s defence capabilities. However, they remained divided on the proposal to send peacekeepers to Ukraine to support any potential peace agreement. The leaders concurred that it would be perilous to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine without simultaneously securing a peace deal. They expressed readiness to offer security guarantees … Continue reading Europe emphasizes increased defence spending amid divisions over a Ukraine peacekeeping proposal

UK plans to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine ahead of talks in Paris

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emerged as the first European leader to express readiness to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine. This commitment was made prior to an emergency leaders’ meeting in Paris, aimed at addressing Europe’s involvement in a potential ceasefire. Starmer’s remarks highlight an increasing awareness among European nations of the necessity to assume a more significant role in safeguarding Ukraine’s security, particularly … Continue reading UK plans to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine ahead of talks in Paris