Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Rubio discussed with Poland the need for NATO allies to boost defense spending

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he met with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Washington on Friday, where they addressed issues such as “fair and reciprocal market access” and emphasized the urgent need for NATO Allies to enhance their defense investments. Following the meeting, Rubio shared on the social media platform X that they also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterated … Continue reading Rubio discussed with Poland the need for NATO allies to boost defense spending

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

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

Leopard 2A8 tank now costs $30 million, similar to a used F-16 fighter jet

Austria is actively enhancing its armored capabilities, yet the financial implications of acquiring modern tanks are proving to be quite daunting. At present, the Austrian Army operates a single tank battalion, known as Panzerbataillon 14, which is equipped with 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks. Although these tanks remain effective in combat, they have undergone only minor upgrades, primarily in their electronic systems and turret mechanisms. To … Continue reading Leopard 2A8 tank now costs $30 million, similar to a used F-16 fighter jet

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

Soldiers walk among debris as civilians evacuate Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

Germany will not deploy troops to Ukraine without U.S. involvement, per AFP

Germany will refrain from sending peacekeepers to Ukraine unless the United States also commits its own military forces, according to a report by AFP citing a German government source. These comments follow US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s statement that American troops will not be deployed as part of any potential security guarantees for Kiev. A German official conveyed to AFP, “We will not engage in … Continue reading Germany will not deploy troops to Ukraine without U.S. involvement, per AFP

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

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump via a phone line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv.

Ukraine peace negotiations represent a pivotal moment for Europe

Since the conclusion of World War Two, Europe has relied on the United States as a protective ally against Russia. However, the current geopolitical landscape presents challenges with strong leaders in both Washington and Moscow—U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Europe’s ability to navigate this dual pressure will hinge on its financial resources, resolve, and political cohesion. The pivotal question for select … Continue reading Ukraine peace negotiations represent a pivotal moment for Europe

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

Keith Kellogg during a Senate armed services committee hearing on the conflict in Ukraine.

An official says rapid developments in Ukrainian diplomacy require European nations to intensify their efforts

The recent intensification of diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine indicates that Europe must enhance its contributions and improve its approach, according to a French presidency official prior to informal discussions among several prominent European leaders in Paris on Monday. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump surprised NATO allies and Ukraine by revealing that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin without prior consultation and intended … Continue reading An official says rapid developments in Ukrainian diplomacy require European nations to intensify their efforts