Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025

Ukraine Crisis: Calls for European Army and Increased Defense Spending

Ukraine Crisis: Calls for European Army and Increased Defense Spending

At the Munich Security Conference, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasizes the importance of Ukrainian NATO membership; President Zelensky advocates for the formation of European armed forces.
On 15 February 2025, during the Munich Security Conference, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized the ongoing Ukraine conflict as an "existential question" for Europe and expressed support for Ukraine's membership in NATO.

He indicated that NATO membership would be the most economical and effective means to secure peace not only in Europe but across the Atlantic.

Lammy drew attention to the relatively low current defense expenditure in Europe, suggesting that combined spending on defense for the conflict in Ukraine is approximately 0.01% of gross domestic product (GDP).

In comparison, spending was approximately 7% of GDP during the Cold War.

Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to increasing its defense budget to assist Ukraine, stating that failing to support Ukraine could result in significantly higher costs in the future.

He also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss Europe’s role in its own security.

In his remarks, Lammy noted, “If Ukraine were to fail, the costs would be considerably more,” advocating for proactive measures to meet current challenges.

He further remarked that forming closer business and trade ties with the U.S. could benefit Ukraine's future security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also attending the conference, called for the establishment of an "armed forces of Europe".

He asserted that the ongoing conflict with Russia has highlighted the necessity for Europe to bolster its military capabilities independently of American support.

Zelensky referenced the need for Europe to take substantial decisions regarding its own defense and security.

The Ukrainian leader expressed concerns over the potential for U.S. withdrawal from certain security commitments, commenting that past assumptions about U.S. support for Europe may no longer hold true.

He firmly stated that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire agreements without direct involvement in negotiations, especially in light of recent discussions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding peace talks.

Zelensky's comments also included criticism of any proposed agreements that might exclude Ukraine from negotiations, framing such actions as unacceptable.

He stressed the importance for Europe to develop a unified military voice, stating that the time has come for Europe to ensure its own security while paralleling U.S. interests.

As discussions of military support and geopolitical strategy continue, the dynamics between European nations and the United States amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain a focal point of international discourse.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Christian Horner Departs Red Bull Amid Internal Turmoil
Western Europe Records Hottest June on Record
Asian AI Boom: Goldman Sachs Repositions Asian Equity Strategy Amid AI Growth
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
First Migrants Arrive at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Facility
Trump Allies Warn Musk’s America Party Could Divide Republicans
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
Two Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush; Suspect Dies by Suicide
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
River Seine Closes to Swimmers After One Day Due to Pollution
Texas Floods Claim 43 Lives, Including 8-Year-Old Girl
Cabin Carried Off by Raging Floods in Texas
Remains of Seven Missing Workers Found After Northern California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
Texas Flooding Claims Lives and Leaves Youth Campers Missing
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
President Trump Signs 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' Amid Celebratory Military Flyover
Starbucks Faces New Competition as China’s Top Coffee Chain Enters U.S. Market
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
US Eases Chip Software Sales Restrictions to China
Trump Announces New Trade Agreement Between U.S. and Vietnam
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Mediators Edge Closer to Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
Mexico Shifts Power to Central Government in Legislative Blitz
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Chinese Astronauts Successfully Return from Tiangong Space Station
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
France Requests Airlines to Cut Flights at Paris Airports Amid Planned Air Traffic Controller Strike
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
Singapore Police Empowered to Seize Bank Accounts to Combat Scams
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
×